If it were me, I'd probably grab a Vendetta for that. I really only like the Veritas for the Winch line for cranking and heavier rods for swimbaits, topwaters, and flipping. The Veritas Winch cranking rod is a monster for throwing cranks though, especially paired with a Winch reel 5.4:1 ratio, work cranks all day.

The micro guide MH fast action Veritas will likely be stiffer than you want, they run on the heavy side like I said. My 6' 6" MH fast spinning outfit is what I use for dropshot and it's a very firm rod. I hate it for most applications. Doesn't load up well at all, but works great for drop shot in heavy cover and in vegetation for horse strong fish away form cover and to the boat in a hurry.

I stopped spending big money on reels about 2 years ago. I have several Calais' and they are great but to me I would MUCH rather spend more money on great rods, fluorocarbon line, good strong sharp hooks and tungsten weights. Any time i get a new set up then only reels I buy are the Shimano Citicas and i normally can pick up those when they close out the previous years models for about $80 each. Full retail I think is only $120. Won't ever spend more than that on a reel again.

I'd love to see an in depth write-up of the benefits of higher end reels. I think everyone knows what a higher end rod is supposed to be doing for you, but a what other than hold the line and cast, and control backlashes, does a reel intend to do? Just cover those basics while being as good a blend of lightweight and durable as possible? Obviously some things like the ultra high and ultra low gear ratio specialty reels and saltwater reels offer specific purposes, but all those midrange contenders just similar gear seats, bearings, spools, and frames. What sets them apart form one another?

Reel.

For me no question the rod.

Rod�for sure!!

Definitely the rod.

I don't like cheap rods or reels either one. Dobyns Extreme and G. Loomis rods paired with Shimano Cores is my preferred gear. To each their own.

I think rods all day long with the exception being Crankbaits and blade baits, where I'd settle for a lesser rod in favor of better reels.

Rod

This. Good rods for techniques that require sensitivity.

Um. Both. But, end the end, the rod is probably the biggest
contributor to a great day fishing. Of course that's taking
for granted that the reel isn't a complete POS. I have some
Pretty great rods and some of the best reels. The rods, for me,
make all the difference. Reels are a "convenience" thing. They
make the day less stressful when the just work without fail. Rods
make the difference in feeling the bait, structure, and fish. The
reel just reels. Oh...and casts. Haha. Tried it once. Just to prove
a point to a friend. I put my Steez100XS on a pistol grip ugly stik
and let him fish with it. Lol. He hated me. On another note, I have
a Falcon Amistad with a cheapie Lews Tourniment Pro with
braid that is a LOT OF FUN to use. Caught a few really great
bass with it last few days dragging worms.

haha that's funny because that's just how i started out....thanks for calling me out D

Bottom contact bait rod! Moving bait reel.

Most situations definitely rod. If you can't feel the bite might as well hand line it in.