Hello. I am hoping to get some good advice on a fishing rod. I am looking to purchase a rod capable of handling 30-40 lbs cobia, bull reds, etc... I dont like the really heavy offshore stuff that feels like a broomstick but I realize that I have to use one that has a lot of backbone. I mainly crappie fish up here in North Texas so I am completely out of my element. I was thinking about an 8' heavy action bass rod. Hoping this would help me with my accuracy on the casting which I found out last year just how important that is. Not looking to break the bank on one as I will not use it that often but I'm not scared to spend some money for a good rod that will perform so I thought I would ask some folks who are more familiar than me. Thanks in advance for any info. Have a great day!

Not sure about the 8' part but a heavy action bass rod will work. The Ugly Stik Tiger is one of the most popular medium shore rods around because it's solid and doesn't break the bank and since it's popular can be found fairly easy (typically lol).

7' Ugly Stick..long handle..MH

I've caught plenty of 30# reds with my regular flipping rod. Remember you have a drag, and they can swim around more, you don't want to try to bring in a big red or especially a ling green. They can tear some stuff up in a boat.