I think the whole ripping hooks out bit is nonsense. What isn't nonsense is how the bait reacts and how you react when it comes in contact or deflects. Moderate action, irrespective of material, works better.

Fishing from shore I need to make the longest casts. To me it's not which rod material it what brand of line I'm using.

My longest casts are made with Excalibur Silver Thread Copolymer line. (Not the 40). The regular silver thread.

Nobody near me can out cast me. I need to reach the pads, sunken weeds and surface weeds.

I soak my very first cast with attractant on my popper.

Med/hvy action for topwater, jigs.

Med action spinnerbaits, crankbaits, inlines, plastics.

Med/Ltd action smaller baits. Spinnerbait, spinflys.