Hello, BRForum.

Although I've fished for most of my life, I never really go "into" the equipment and serious fishing. Now that I'm a bit older (with more disposable income), I want to get more serious with this hobby that everyone here loves.

The rod that I'm looking at is a St. Croix Avid. What I like to use are top water baits (torpedos, spooks, and other Heddon products) and plastics. I don't do much river or current type fishing, just lakes or areas that are calm. This is mainly because I haven't had much experience with jigging, crankbaits, etc. and am simply sticking with what I'm comfortable with.

1) I probably am missing out on a lot of fun with other types of bass fishing (i.e. jigging, crankbaits), and am considering expanding my skillset for bass fishing. Is there a particular rod length/power that is recommended to be versatile? Or should I think about getting a different rod for a different type of style?

2) If I need a different rod for different fishing styles, what is length/power is recommended for what I like to do now - plastics and top water? I was thinking the 6'6" med-heavy fast rod.

3) I plan on getting a BassProShop ProQualifier to pair with this Avid rod. Is this a good reel and a good setup?

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it.

That MH Avid rod would be nice for worm fishing, but I don't think you would like it at all for topwater and other treble hook lures. The MF Avid would be a nice topwater rod. I'm assuming you are talking about casting rods. The MH you mentioned is rated for 3/8 - 1 oz lures. Good Luck

The MH/F St.Croix Avid is probably, IMO, without a doubt THE BEST multi-purpose do-it-all rod out there.

They do everything well, and nothing bad.

the Avids Ive messed with leaned towards the heavier end of the spectrum. My M XF is more like most peoples MH. If your looking for a good worm rod then the MH St Croix will be great. For a topwater rod, expecially with trebles, I would go with the M. Now if your using mono for the top water that will help alot and give some forgiveness.

If you can swing the cost I would go with something like an avid for worms and jigs and then get something with a softer action for topwaters and cranks

NGaHB

I have several Avids, and most of them are more powerful than comparably rated Loomis rods that I have. However, the Medium Avid casting rod has a very soft tip. I believe this is one St. Croix rod that in not overrated powerwise. I would not consider the MF or MH/F an "all around" rod, but your criteria may differ.

The MF Legend Elite I have is very close in power to the Loomis MBR783, and I would think a rod like that might better fit your needs, I don't know about your budget. A cheaper all around alternative might be the Loomis MBR783 in GL3. It fits in between the two Avid rods powerwise.

I have these rods and these are my opinions, but you should check them out for yourself before purchasing.

Thanks for the responses, folks. Ideally, I would like an "all around" rod due to budgeting, but if you all are saying that MHF is perfect for worms and jigs, I guess I can learn to fish this way. It'll be something new for me. Hopefully I can pick up a M for top water stuff later.

Thanks again. I really appreciate the help.