>>899493Here's what I like
>light soft plastics (weightless or under 1/8oz or so) A medium (or Medium Light) spinning rod with a fast action, unless I plan on fishing with very small hooks, then I'd go for a medium action. 1500-3000 size reel depending on rod length/balance)
I like braid so I'd use a 10-15lb braid or flouro under 6lbs (at the most).
>heavier soft plastics or jigsMedium or Medium Heavy (deleting on the rod. An Abu M might be heavier than a Shimano M) with a fast action. I like using bait casters the best so I'd use one of those.
>cranks, jerks, swim baits, and spinnerbaits I prefer a longer (7ft +) rod. M to H depending on how big the lure I'm throwing is. You really want a slower action for a cranking rod. It will help keep fish from throwing treble hooks so easily. I think it also helps the action a little bit. I'd use a bait caster, but line is really personal preference. I use 8-12lb mono.
>top waterI think it's worth it buying an actual top water rod. They really do help you walk to dog. You want a heavier rod with 30# braid or so because you'll usually fish top water over some thick stuff so you want to be able to pull the fish out of it.
I prefer a faster reel for all of these. I don't think I'll buy anything less than a 7 gear ratio for a bait caster in the future. Spinning reels are fine in the 5 range.
