From another board----

I am a little skeptical about the number of rod choices out there. Is this just clever marketing or do you actually need a different rod for each application? For instance, do I really need a drop shot rod and a shakey head rod? Can there possibly be any significant difference in these designs or is it just labeling? I realize "need" is not the word to use when acquiring fishing tackle but c'mon whats with all these rod types?

First off welcome aboard Mugs!!!!!!  If you wanna know the truth sounds like the BAIT MONKEY is on you already so just resign yourslef to the fact you going to buy all of them anyway  THAT"S BEEN MY EXPERIENCE   BAD MONKEY ;D

I can relate to you. I started fishing just 3 seasons ago and I fought and was opposed to having more than one rod and thought it was ridiculous to have so many rods, let alone "technique" specific rods to boot.

Then, as I gained experience, I realized that my first rod, a med light action (actually a darned trout rod)walmart special rod, while I used it for everything from a rooster tail to a senko, worked okay for the lighter things, but its performance suffered with heavier lures and single hook lures. Yes, I could use it, but I realized it just was not ideal.

So while technique specific rods aren't necessary, they can be useful for those who have developed a passion for particular techniques.  These rods just provide you more options.

Think of it this way... You can use a butter knife to fastened a flathead screw and it will work, but a screwdriver will get the job done better.  Ultralight rods are awesome to fish with, but it most certainly will not be my first choice to fish heavy cover. You can use it, but it will not be the best option.

-ib

I compare it to golf when I am questioned about my equipment abundance.  I could play an entire round of golf with only a putter, but I wouldn't want to.  It is much more enjoyable and I will get much better results with a full complement of clubs.

Well, I'm in the Technique Specific Club, too. However, you could do all your fishing with one rod & reel and two will cover about 95% of everything. Here are a couple of specific suggestions:

#1 6 1/2' or 7' spinning combination, Medium Power/ Fast Action. This might be all you need, but it will certainly cover all finesse applications.

#2 6 1/2' or 7' baitcasting combination, Medium Heavy or Heavy Power/ Fast Action. This can cover all power fishing and heavier lures.

If I were looking to add #3, it would be a Medium Power/ Moderate Action baitcaster for most treble hook lures, buzzbaits and spinnerbaits. This is my "all-around" rod and mine is actually Fast Action with a soft tip.

Take a look at this thread, it should help:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

I think having lots of rods and reels is ok.  Having them ready to go on your boat deck is nice.just pick a lure with the proper rod + reel and throw it depending upon real time conditions.  I think that is why most folks have a gazillion set ups.(or at least their reasoning)  Oryou can spend the minute to re-tie a lure you want to throw, which would cut down on the number of set ups, immensely.

I'm in the market for a rod right now and in general..there are a lot of very good options out there.  Can drive a man crazy thinking about it.  d**n that monkey!!

I hear ya dude.

When the "technique specific" thing started, I thought it was no more than just very clever marketing.

But I gotta tell ya, there are rod choices that are inherently better suited for one application over another.

That being said, do not think for one minute that you "need" a technique specific rod.  It's just that we tackle junkies have to buy stuff.  It's that simple.  

You'll understand when the baitmonkey visits you.  Trust me on this one.

There are basically two companies I buy rods from - GLoomis and St. Croix,  Not only do they make great rods but they have lifetime warranties and a reputation for honoring this.  As a confirmed klutz, I need this (St Croix replaced a $220.00 rod for me because I used a pair of pliers to tighten the reel seat and broke it) How stupid is that? Cost me  $20 bucks plus shipping.

Most rods will have a fast action.  It's the power rating that you, as a new guy need to be most concerned with.

Medium action rod for anything with treble hooks.

Medium heavy for worms, soft plastics etc.

These days long rods are "in".  And there are reasons for that.  But if you fish from a tree lined bank for example, you'll do much better with a shorter rod.

good luck and have fun.

avid.