Which new casting rod to get?

[tashit]

I'm looking for a new casting rod that I will use mainly for bass on Minnetonka. I've basically only fished walleye and crappies my whole life with a little bass fishing here and there but I never had a rod specifically for bass fishing. Ideally, it would also work for a little muskie fishing and another backup walleye rod as well. I've never fished muskie but after having one follow up my spinner I was throwing off the dock last summer I really want to give it a try, I just don't want to shell out all of the money for a new muskie rod right away.

I've always liked shorter rods but I realize a longer rod may be better. Is 6' long enough or would I like 6'6" better? How much power do I want? Would a medium-heavy be enough for the muskies? I was also curious about the line weight. These rods give a range for line weights but does that really matter or is more of a guide to compare rods? Would I have a problem putting 30# on a rod that says it's designed for 10-20#?

I think I have a good idea what the answers to my questions are, so maybe I should sum it up with this...Would a good bass rod work for fishing muskies a few times a summer? If I really enjoy it I will just have to get another new rod next year.

I absolutely love my G.Loomis spinning rod so I was looking at those and I've also been looking at St. Croix. Will I like a lower end St. Croix as much as a comparable GL2 or will I be happier with the GL2? (For example, a CR723 vs. a PC60MHF) Are Fenwicks or the GM Guide series any good?

I appreciate the input!

[gspman]

Get a 7'-7.5' MH Fast Action casting rod. You could cast spinnerbaits, heavy lipless cranks, bass jigs, and some light musky stuff with it. Be sure to get a quality baitcasting reel with it especially if you plan to tangle with muskies.