I am looking at a new set up for all the the things listed in the title. I have been looking at the phenix recons in 7'6" H and 7'9" H. I am 5'9" so do you think a shorter rod would be a good call or should I be fine with something in the 8' range? I am not sure what type of reel to go with except that it has to be fast gear ratio and left handed. Since I have yet to try a bait caster from shimano the chronarch 201e7 was the first reel that came to mind. I am wondering if I should put 50-70lb braid on here and what kind of flour leader I would be using. Also I am hoping this rod would be able to work for swim baits as well. Versatility is easier on my pockets. Any thoughts/suggestions? The Phenix rods are on the high end of what I want to pay for this type of rod already and I am open to different reels as well. I already have a Lews TP/Powell Endurance and an Abu Garcia Premier/Duckett Micro Magic and a few of you know I want to try different things. Thanks for reading!

Not too long ago TW had some shimano cumara rods in heavier powers and longer legnths on sale for about the same or maybe a bit less than the recon. It would be versatile but I am not sure it could do everything you mentioned really well. I have fished the recon line but not the rods you mentioned so I can't really give you much feedback there.

I know you mentioned a rod with a price of the recon but the rod that comes to mind that would best fit your criteria would be dobyns champion extreme 795. It can be had for about. $270 when the tackle retailers do their 20% off sale or may find one used for under $250. I know it is about $100 more than your target price but would be a stellar stick that could do everything you mentioned plus handle deep jig fishing.

I like the Phenix because of the 2 1/2oz rating. So I feel like I would be able to throw at least a 2oz swim bait. Nothing major.. but it might be fun. It would however be a punching and flip/pitch rod. I think it covers those bases. The dobyns are nice but even at a discount its too much for my taste.

I've heard the Powell Endurance A-Rig rod is pretty nice and versatile, but i've never held one, and seen very few posts of people who do.

You might want to take a look at the new Denali Jadewood and Rosewood Rig/Flippin Rod. They are both 7'11" XHvy rods rated for 5/16-3 oz. lures. The Jadewood is $129 and the Rosewood is $229. I have not personally used one, but I think they are the type of rods you are looking for.

I just got the Powell A rig rod the other day. It's sweet! Very versatile, I've flipped,frogged and thrown swimbaits on it. It's rated for 1/2-3oz so its plenty strong for what your looking for.

You might want to take a look at the new Denali Jadewood and Rosewood Rig/Flippin Rod. They are both 7'11" XHvy rods rated for 5/16-3 oz. lures. The Jadewood is $129 and the Rosewood is $229. I have not personally used one, but I think they are the type of rods you are looking for.

I'll take a look today, thank you.

I just got the Powell A rig rod the other day. It's sweet! Very versatile, I've flipped,frogged and thrown swimbaits on it. It's rated for 1/2-3oz so its plenty strong for what your looking for.

I'll consider this rod but I am thinking I want to step away from Powell for the time being. I want to try other highly recommended brands and decide later if I will continue buying a specific brand.