Went shopping yesterday,

for a new rod for tossing lipless cranks & shallow/med runners.  There's a US Bass shop about 30 miles from my home that has an outstanding selection and very good prices.  Went through the selection of Carrot Sticks, Shimanos, Challengers and Skeet Reese Tessara rods.  The Tessera Crankbait rod appeared to have the constitution of a wet noodle, so I passed, but did select the Tessera Spinnerbait/Worm rod.  It has good tip action and I think it will work very nicely for my intended application.....color not withstanding : .  Besides, the store price was $76 instead of the $89 in the catalogs, and it has a lifetime warranty.

Was also looking for a reel, and the shop had a deal on the Daiwa Megaforce Plus for $79.  For an 11 bearing reel that ain't bad.  It's a 7:1 ratio reel, so it went on my topwater rod.  Not a bad day....