good all around baitcasting rod

[TinmanDon]

I'm looking for a decent all around bait casting rod. I'm not much into casting as I'm more of a jigging/bottom bouncer/live bait rigging/trolling kinda guy but want to expand a little into the casting world. I'm not very good at casting a bait casting set up (always used a spinning set up) but willing to take the time to get good at it. A good all around rod probably doesn't exist but want something as a starter rod so if I like it I can get another later. I want this rod to cast crank baits, jigs, swim baits and maybe spoons. My original thought was to get a 6'-6" medium action rod but now I'm thinking a 7' medium action. So far the rods that peak my interest are the Fenwick HMG and the St.Croix Premier Series but not set on these 2. I'll be reeling this rod up with a Shimano Citica. I'm looking for tips and opinions of the knowledgeable fellas on this forum to lead me in the right direction. Thanks

Welcome to the casting world! I love the variety of rods out there and have tons of them. I would say this. Go up one step in quality like the St. Croix Avid series (great handles) and the Fenwick Elite tech or the Loomis cranbait series.

You will use the rod more over time if you really like it. I would also suggest a 7' rod or so. 6'6" is a good all around rod but casting distance will be better with a longer stick and if you have a soft enough action you can still set it in a rod holder and troll cranks with it.

Icedog

[Skillzilla]

Picked up a Quantum Energy PT series rod for about 80$ last year. MH, 7'0 - seems to me to be a good all round caster.

[Phil T]

Get A flippin' stick. Those bass guys know a versatile rod. Soft tip, strong butt, and they collapse for easier transport. I bought a couple cheap ones a few years ago, and love them. When they break (they were cheap, remember?), I'll buy better quality flippin' sticks.

[ColumbiaR]

I picked a bass pro walleye angler 7 ft bouncer rod last season and have been pleasently surprised by how much I like it for an all around rod. Not too expensive either.

[rps]

To match the Citica and throw cranks well, I suggest a Falcon BuCoo in medium power of 6'6" to 7" length. I have fished Falcons for years and they outperform more expensive rods.

Check the link.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Falco...page-FBCC.html

[REW]

Actually,
If you buy a 7 1/2 foot light action casting rod, you will enjoy using it for lindy rigging. A casting reel is really idea to use lindy rigging because of its easy ability to follow bottom contours at the push of a button or the crank of a handle.

It is often difficult to get a casting blank with the right action for a lindy rig rod. But if you make rods, or know someone who does; it is easy to have a rod built with the right action and with a casting reel seat on the rod.

REW

[rps]

Originally Posted by REW

Actually,
If you buy a 7 1/2 foot light action casting rod, you will enjoy using it for lindy rigging. A casting reel is really idea to use lindy rigging because of its easy ability to follow bottom contours at the push of a button or the crank of a handle.

It is often difficult to get a casting blank with the right action for a lindy rig rod. But if you make rods, or know someone who does; it is easy to have a rod built with the right action and with a casting reel seat on the rod.

REW

The MHX L902 blank is perfect for that application.

[Daniel Johnson]

In the same boat, just getting started with baitcasters. Had a couple of high end reels not being used to their potential. Put them on a pair of St. Croix Eyecon 7ft Med-Hev Moderate rods. If the casting part doesn't work out, it's a great set-up for lighter bouncers. Haven't got a chance to fish with them yet, but they seem to work well playing in the yard.

[TinmanDon]

got a smokin deal on a St.Croix eyecon, 7' medium heavy/moderate action and a Shimano Citica reel at our local tackle shop on the weekend, tried it out on LOTW on Sunday and love the combo......thanks for all you input fellas