Hello everyone. I have a question regarding baitcasting rods that I hope you can help me with. I have been bass fishing for quite a few years using only spinning tackle. Recently I began researching baitcasting combos in hopes of purchasing one to serve as my primary rod/reel for bass. Now I understand that each lure requires a different type of rod to work the best however I just don't have the money to afford multiple setups. My question is what if any would be the best baitcasting rod that I can use several lure types with? I know what brand of rod I want to purchase but I need help with length, power, action, etc.

Well any help you can offer me would be much appreciated.

I am no expert by any means but have seen your question posted a few times and I would say most would recomend a medium or medium heavy power and fast action for an "all around" rod. Length is a personel preference but 6'6 or 7 should fit the bill. If you have a Dicks near you see if they have any St Croix Avids as they are blowing them out at $75-99 which is a steal for a rod that is usually $160 and highly regarded. There a a few good deals on reels as well. Cabelas has the Abu Revo S for under $100 shipped and you can usually find a shimano citica fairly cheap if you look, which is another highly regarded reall for the money.

May I suggest considering a 6'6" medium heavy with fast action tip rod for around $100?

You can drive yourself silly with all of the rods designed for specific baits or techniques.

A 6'6" rod is the mainstay, in my humble opinion, of our sport.

You may want to go to a 7" rod but to start your collection (and I mean collection which will grow in time) a 6'6" medium heavy rod with a fast tip will serve you well.

As for price, a $100 rod should do well.

Some of the guys on the forum must have a specific brand (All Star; Kister, St.Croix, Shimano, Loomis, Bass Pro Shop, etc.) or nothing.

I asked Woo Daves many years ago which rod he would suggest as the primary weapon in my rod aresnal and he said a 6'6" medium heavy rod with a fast tip.  

So I have some of those and some 7 footers and a 7'6" rod and a couple of 6" rods and an ultra light 5" rod and keep looking for more! ;D

The all around rod depends on a few things.  (fish size, cover, baits used, etc.)  Most often a 6'6" or 7' (your preference) med or med-hvy,(your preference) fast action is the best general purpose.

As for rods- I'd look at All Star, and Shimano or even Berkley lightning rods if the budget is tight.

The one thing that I would have to take into consideration before trying to select a GP rod would be...

What main (confidence) baits am I going to be throwing with the system, no ONE rod will cast and work all baits, and picking the main baits i'm going to use would help me decide on the rods power and action, line ratings, lure ratings, etc.

Good Luck & Tight Lines !!!

The one thing that I would have to take into consideration before trying to select a GP rod would be...

What main (confidence) baits am I going to be throwing with the system, no ONE rod will cast and work all baits, and picking the main baits i'm going to use would help me decide on the rods power and action, line ratings, lure ratings, etc.

Good Luck & Tight Lines !!!

Well I mainly use Soft Plastics(Senkos, flukes, lizards, etc.) and jigs. However I also like to use crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Yes like I've already stated I just can't afford to buy multiple setups, although I wish I could.

Sam that sounds like a very good rod for me.

Thanks for all the help everyone, I really appreciate it.

Sam nailed that one down. A 6'6" MH is by far as GP as they come. It is the best rod to start with.

My personal preferance for most of the lures that you mentioned is a 6'8" Medium Xtra Fast.

I started with the 6'6 MH combo from BPS...still have it and use it.Thanks to sites like these i'm glad i got that first.

MidwestFisherman,

Well I mainly use Soft Plastics(Senkos, flukes, lizards, etc.) and jigs. However I also like to use crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Oh yeah a 6'6" - 7' Medium Heavy Fast tip rod will do all the baits you listed. I don't do cranks all that much anymore, I prefer to slow roll spinnerbaits in their place.

Tight Lines!!!!