Was given a good amount of money from Lew's warranty. I already have 2 Medium-Heavy setups. Instead of buying another, I figured I would invest in a heavier setup. I am not well versed in heavier stuff as I've always been a "as light as I can get away with" sort of fella. But, Texas can be nasty and now that I find myself lakeside more and more often, I am placed around heavy vegetation, flooded timber, and heavy rip rap. Just wanting to see what y'all use and suggest.

 

I plan to use probably 20lb Fluorocarbon. The techniques I'm hoping to cover are:

Texas Rigs (3/16oz-3/8oz, pitching only)

Carolina Rigs (1/2oz-1oz)

Swim Jigs (maybe, if i get into them) (just good ol 1/2 oz) 

Pitching Style Jigs (3/8oz pitching, 1/2 to 3/4oz casting and pitching)

Football Style JIgs (1/2-3/4oz)

Giant Spinnerbaits (5/8-3/4oz)

 

Maybe toss in a 1oz Alabama Rig, or decent sized swimbait, under 1 1/2 oz.

 

The rods I'm wanting to get are the Lew's Mach 2, Lew's TP1X, or Lew's KVD. I've picked out a few models that are between 7'2-7'4 Heavy Rods, either Fast or Extra Fast, and are, more or less, rated in line and lure for what I want to accomplish. 

 

Overall this long post is just me wondering what to look for with what I want to do. Sorry to bother you fine folk with my ramblings.

Whichever rod you pick out, pick out a super smooth reel.  I picked up a 7'4 LTB last winter and its main reel is a 6.3 Bantam (I switch to higher gears for bottom contact duties).  I forget how heavy the combo is and how much of a chore it is dealing with how stiff it is because the reel is just a dream to crank all day.  I throw Colorado blade spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and fish horny toads like a reaction/jerk bait.  

It's a personal preference thing, and everyone's personal preferences will be different.  Me, I like slower rods when you go heavier.  I find it easier to cast lighter lures, as I don't often fish much on the heavy end of my heavy rods.  And when I do, I'm usually lob casting anyway.  I also like a soft tip.  It helps to get frogs out there, which is something I use my heavy rod for often.  

 

A fast action rod should be fine.  But I'd be scared to go extra fast.  That's just me though.