I have MH and a M rod right now. I usually use a MH, but will a Medium power rod work for 5 inch senkos/Yum dingers? I know a medium heavy is best for cover, but is it necessary in open water?

Not with a Senko, but last year I was fishing an older Fenwick Elite Tech 7' MF Jig & Worm spinning rod, 10" ribbontail, 30# braid and throwing it into lily pads.  No problems setting hook or landing fish.  I don't know about rods that fish lighter than their rating.  I'd have to let guys fishing those type rods answer that question.  What rod are you thinking of using?

This year I'm using a MH/moderate, it casts a lot better than what I used last year, MH/Fast.

The medium fast should be fine depending on the reel and line choice also. I use a St Croix premier medium fast with a shimano casitas 12 lbs pline flouroclear for my weightless/light weight baits.

Edited March 17, 20197 yr by Arobb2012

A Med. Fast should be fine as long as it is weightless and it also depends on the rods in question.  

 

I use a Med. all the time for soft plastic.  I have never had an issue.

Unless you're using a thick wire hook or throwing massive baits, there's no need for a rod heavier than medium in open water.

You should be fine. The limits of each rod will have to be determined through trial and error. "Med" etc varies from brand to brand and sometimes line to line within brands. It's all subjective.

I used a 6’6” m/f last year for weightless senco s in a fairly weedy spot. I had no problems at all. It was a spinning rod if that matters but the casting version felt the same to me in the store.