Bass pro Randall Tharp favors using fishing rods that fish multiple techniques well — in addition to saving money, you’re more efficient with less equipment and get to know your tools better. When it comes to casting rods, Randall explains why bass fisherman need a short, medium power casting rod in their arsenal.
Although Tharp prefers a flipping stick in hand, smaller baits imparted with the right action get bit more often. A lightweight and compact casting rod combo allows you to cast accurately, further, and perhaps most importantly, gives you the ability to impart more action on baits than a heavy stick.
Randall walks us through a jerkbait scenario but uses the same rod for fishing crankbaits and topwater lures.