So I am going saturday to get a new fishing rod.  What things do I need to think about? What factors do length,flex, have on my fishing?  what are good brands? What do i want to avoid?

thanks in advance for info.

we need a lot more info??? what baits do you throw most often? How much do you want to spend? Spinning or casting?

I would think the "best" all around would be a MH (medium heavy action) 6'6 to 7'. Very tough to recommend brands without knowing your price point...

A 6'6" Med. Fast rod, BC or spinning.

2500 series spinning reel, 6.4:1 BC reel.

The sky is the limit on price. Most rods over 100 clams will be of hgher quality; such as Shimano Compre, St. Croix Premier + Mojo ( same blank I think), and Falcon Bucoo. I have all three of these rods and all have performed great. For a little more, you can get a Powell, St. Croix Avid, or a Falcon Lowrider XG. Again I have these rods too and like them alot. If your going over 200, breakdown and  get a Loomis.

As a general rule, anything that you fish on the bottom (ie: jigs, worms, etc) you'll want a little stiffer of a rod, like a Medium Heavy, and any reaction bait (ie: jerkbaits, cranks, etc) you'll probably want a lighter action, such as Medium.

More info needed to give an intelligant answer.

When you go take a reel(Spooled), and a lure type you plan on fishing. Put it together and try to get a better feel for what you want.

When I was first getting into freshwater fishing, I bought a Berkley Bionix 7' Med rod at Wal-Mart for cheap. It would have been about this same time years ago, because the price was reduced. Tried several reels, the final was a Shimano Spirex 2000. The setup works well with Carolina, drop shot & Texas rigs, small spoons and lures. Caught many Smallies, Spots and LgMth Bass. I finally had to replace the top guide last month, but I am still fishing that combo. I fish it from the bank or on the boat, and it never lets me down.

So I am going saturday to get a new fishing rod. What things do I need to think about? What factors do length,flex, have on my fishing? what are good brands? What do i want to avoid?

thanks in advance for info.

There are some of the most knowledgeable bass fishermen you will ever talk to on this site. Most really want to answer your question. Give just a little more info and you'll get more precise answers. Are you new to fishing, what you like to use, where do you fish, how much do you want to spend?

There are also many good fishing articles on site to get you started. A little time there will answer many questions. Good luck.

These threads should be helpful for learning about power, action, technique etc.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1170467828/1#1

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