I've been out of fishing for 16 or so years raising my 2 children. MY half of MY fishing equipment after my divorce was zero. It was worth it to get my kids but now that they can take care of themselves I want to fish again. Rod actions baffle me (I apologize to the pros here). I mostly fished cranks, worms, spinners and some topwater. I now have 3 new Lew's baitcasters and 2 Shimano Stradics. Now for my question. Medium or Medium heavy rods? What to use and when?

I know there are many different scenarios but for an old fisherman in a new game what advice can you give.

Grassyass for y'alls help .. BP

I try and keep it simple. Anything moving I use a 7 MH anything I have to set the hook on while the fish is on bottom gets a 7 ft Heavy action. Jigs,worms get a high speed reel 7/1/1. Big crank baits get a 5/4/1 and a 7'11 MH. Square bills and chatter baits and spinner baits get a 6/4/1. I use 17-20 Copolymer on Heavy action rods and on bottom baits. I use 15 lb copolymer on anything moving.

Hope this helps.

First, welcome back to the wonderful world of fishing. Congratulations on your dedication to raise your children. My compliments to you, I made the same choice 21 years ago. Am sure others will give you some guidance on Rods. A great starter is pay attention to line weight specified on the rod.

http://www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1465944-6-rod-and-reel-bass-fishing-system-rods

hope that helps.

I really think you just need 5 baitcasters and a spinning rod to get just about everything done, but as I'm writing this I'm waiting on rod number 12 to get here. Depends on your personal preference, but heres what I recommend to most.

7'Heavy extra fast Jig rod
7'Medium Heavy extra fast worm rod
7'Medium Heavy moderate spinner/chatter/squarebill rod
7'6"Medium Heavy moderate deep cranking rod
7'Medium moderate cranking/buzzbait/topwater rod
7'Medium extra fast spinning rod used for shaky heads/flukes/split-shot/other finesse rigs

Keep in mind I'm 6'1" if I were picking rods for someone considerably shorter or taller than me I would change the lengths of the rods. Hope this helps!

I think you need both. In my opinion, there is no one size fits all. I have bait casters from 2 to 5 power. I think 2 is considered medium/light all the way to 5, which is real heavy. You have plenty of reels, why not? Good luck!

That is the most simple, helpful, to the point answer (advice) that I have ever seen on this forum.
this even helps me. nice job there Marc Mitchell.
I need to have you take me out for a trip on Fork.

All great advice. Thanks! My rod order will go out tomorrow. I think y'all are right when you suggest another baitcaster. I used to fish Shimano's exclusively and would like to put another on a rod. Any still made in Japan?

BP...

If you're just getting started an only plan on purchasing a few combos, 7ft MH is the most versatile. You can throw almost anything on them. Once you start building up your collection you can start to purchase technique specific combos and you will have a better idea what that means when you get to that point

Just remember that rod specs have no standard so one brands m/h may feel like another brands medium so it would be good to stay with single brand and model once you decide. I would suggest getting one rod that is crankbait specific. Doesn't matter if it's glass or graphite.

Pay attention to what Marc said. Right on the money and I agree with him. ESPECIALLY the copolymer for all applications. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains