I'm looking at baitcasting setups, and I've got a question here. Is a rod that's rated from 12-20 pound normal or too heavy for bass? I'm coming from using pretty much just spinning gear for many years, and that just sounds heavy to me. I was originally thinking about getting a St. Croix AVC66MF, which is 10-17, but the 12-20 pound rod is a CR724 IMX that I could potentially get a killer deal on.

So what's everyone's take on this?  

It depends on what baits you will be using with it.

Normality, heaviness or lightness depends not on what you are fishing for but where and with what you are fishing for it.

Sorry for not mentioning what I'll be using with it. I was trying to post this and get out of work at the same time and forgot about that. For the most part, I'll be using crankbaits and jigs.

Well, you REALLY need different rods for crankbaits vs. jigs. The AC66MF is a great "all around" rod for all treble hooks, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. However, it has a soft tip and is not appropriate for soft plastics or jigs.

For jigs and soft plastics you need a firm tip.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229

Well, you REALLY need different rods for crankbaits vs. jigs. The AC66MF is a great "all around" rod for all treble hooks, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. However, it has a soft tip and is not appropriate for soft plastics or jigs.

For jigs and soft plastics you need a firm tip.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1196114229

Wow, I'm tired tonight. What I meant to say was crankbaits and spinnerbaits. I'd be keeping my jigs (Cabin Creeks, etc) on one of my spinning setups.

The CR724 is an awesome rod, but it is short and stiff. I have one and use it for jigs & worms in tight places and when I am beating the bank. Not the best choice for cranks or spinnerbaits. IMHO

Ronnie

CR724: 6' Heavy power, Fast tip.

I build those style rods all the time, for short distance/tight quarters jigging, only on the Croix blanks. As stated not a good stick for spinnerbaits or cranks.

Tight Lines!!!    

Well, the Loomis is out then. I was only considering it because I may be able to get an absolutely killer deal on it. On that note, would the St. Croix AVC66MF be a better choice?

The St. Croix Avid AC66MF would be an excellent choice.

Thanks for the help. The first rod I was consdering was the St. Croix and not the Loomis. It looks like I'll be ordering an AVC66MF sometime in the next few weeks. ;D

Also consider what line you will be using, braid vs mono/flouro.  If you plan to use braid, go softer than if you plan to use mono or fluoro.  I am convinced that most guys go too stiff and don't ever experience how easy and comfortable it is to cast with a softer rod, 7 foot length, like the Loomis CB 843.  And it will handle any fish.  Period.

As someone mentioned, it is not what you are fishing for as much as what you are going to be fishing with.  And a softer rod loads nicely, is easy on the arm, and casts easily, especially with braid, and especially with cranks.

DanekM, I'd be using mono or maybe flouro, and I did mention in later posts that I'd be using the rod for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and lures similar to those.

The Loomis CB843 would be a very nice crankbait rod, and I use mine for spinnerbaits also, but most on this forum probably would recommend a little stiffer rod for spinnerbaits, especially with mono.  I use only braid.

I am not familiar with the rods others have recommended, but the people recommending them are credible.

I always recommend erring on the softer side for casting rods since the softer rods are so much easier to cast and easier on the arm when you are casting all day.  You want the casting rod to load like a fly rod, then release its energy to help the cast.  Stiff rods don't do that unless you are using quite heavy lures.  The rod must be matched to the weight of the lures to load properly.

I personally prefer longer rather than shorter rods.  The shortest casting rod I have is 6' 6", and I prefer the 7 footers I own to the 6 6's.  With two fishermen in a short boat, I would revise that recommendation.

Normality, heaviness or lightness depends not on what you are fishing for but where and with what you are fishing for it.

RIGHT ON !