I just bought my first baitcaster reel (Team Daiwa Sol) and dont really know much about the rods...What would be a good rod to team up with my reel? What kinda action should i have? thanks

Welcome aboard.

The first question that others are going to ask is how much do you want to spend? I have a Shimano Compre that is a excellent rod for $89-99, also the Shimano Claurs is a good rod for around $59, if you can find one of last years St. Croix Avids on sell, everyone on here seems to like those. I can't comment on it because I do not own one but it is a qulaity rod with a big following.

TS

Im looking to spend between 80-120...maybe a bit more if the quality is worth it

I am partial to Shimano. The Compre is a great rod for $89.99 for the 6'6' and $99.99 for the 7ft model. The next step up for around $130 is the Shimano Crucial. Both are nice rods in that price range. Some of our more senior members are sure to have better or different recomendations. This is just what I am familiar with because Wilmingotn is basically a Shimano town. We have more Saltwater stuff than freshwater and around here Shimano and Penn are the kings.

TS

If you step up to the $150 mark, you could get a Carrot Stick to match. Borrowed this pic from Redline Robert....working on getting a 2000 size Sol to go on my Carrot spinning rod....

Carrot Stix of course 8-) A good all around rod is a 6'6" to 7 foot medium, not the parabolic one though.

If you do want to get a Carrot Stix, check your local tackle shops. There is one around here that carries them for $119.99.

American Rodsmiths (americanrodsmiths.com) has some nice rods that are a great value. I own some myself and really enjoy them. They can be found at basspro.com as well.

I have Falcon Originals in several different styles and have come to like them quite a bit.

Team All Star IM10 6'8" medium heavy/fast.  

This is a "spinnerbait" rod according to All Star, but it is a great multi-purpose rod.   The tip is a little softer than the 6'6" model.  It handles spinner baits, plastics, big deep cranks and big jerkbaits very well.  As close to an "all-purpose" rod as I have ever seen.  

Ill throw my vote in here and say go for a Shimano Clarus. A 6'6 rod will run you about 60-70$ They have a good reputation of being a good value at that price range. Also there is a lifetime warranty. Its what I started with with my first baitcaster and I still use it today after some modifications.

If you want to go up in price about 100-130$ you can try St. Croix Avids.  I have read some saying carrot stick but I have never tried those so I dont want to comment on that.  I am just giving you what I have tried and what I have loved fishing with.

Vic

What are you going to use this rod for???

What are you going to use this rod for???

mostly crankbaits and jerkbaits but i would like to have a all purpose rod

Today's "BEST VALUE" is the St. Croix Avid on sale. For an "all-around" rod to use for ALL treble hook lures, I recommend the Avid AC66MF which has a soft tip. You might be able to find this rod for around $100.

8-)

does the length matter or is it just what you perfer....is there any difference between a 6'6 rod a 7 foot rod???? beside 6 inches of course lol

There are a few advantages to both lengths. For example, a longer rod casts a little further; a shorter rod is easier to use for some techniques (jerkbaits) or situations (over-hanging trees if you are fishing from the bank). However, for the most part, it's just personal preference.

  8-)

If for the most time you will be fishing crankbaits, St Croix Avid has a "crankbait series":

http://www.reedssports.com/Product/product.taf?_function=detail&_ID=4197

It has a moderate action, though. It looses some of the sensitivity, and it's not as good  as AC66MF for techniques that require a sensitive rod. If you allready have  combo for soft plastics, jigs,etc and would like one for CBs, go with AC66MM.

Just my $.02

I have the AC66MF. Although it's rated Fast Action, the tip is soft. I consider this a perfect "all-around" rod for every class of treble hook lures. I also like it for spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. This is a very versatile rod, but I do NOT recommend it for soft plastics or jigs.

8-)

im thinking about getting the G-Loomis GL3 6'6 MH....what do you guys think?

Instead of a gl3, you should seriously consider the shimano crucial. they offer a over the counter warranty plus I dont think the gl2/gl3 is worth the price tag.

dont get me wrong, I love loomis. Just their imx and up for bass.

Maybe you should look around for deals on IMX or get the crucial.

If you're going to look at the Loomis rods, I would consider getting the MBR783 IMX.  This rod could handle both small to medium cranks and just about any soft plastic.  Which ever one you pick, take your reel with you and mount to the rods your thinking of.  That way you can pick which one feels best.