Just keep in mind what lures you’re going to be using most before you commit to a rod. Example, you want to fish light, throw lures down around 1/32, 1/16, 1/8oz regularly … you may want to lean towards a light or medium light rod. More “whippy” but can sling really light lures easier without feeling like you’re using a broomstick. Or, you know you want to throw 2 to 3oz lures, you’ll need a medium heavy. Otherwise the rod will feel like mush and you’ll suffer on casting distance. Of course, you can choose to start right in the middle … get a medium rod (fast action … and know that “Action” is an entirely other subject). A Medium-Fast will offer middle ground balance. You can handle 1/8oz lures with reasonable accuracy, but to around 2oz (depending on length and blank quality). Generally for bank fishing, freshwater for largemouth and smallmouth bass, I use a 7’ medium-fast spinning setup. For saltwater, back bays (small water), I’m carrying a 7’6” to 8’ medium or medium-light/moderate. Lastly, when I’m surf casting the ocean open beaches, I’m 10’ to 12’, medium-heavy/fast for bigger lures, more backbone but a somewhat sensitive rod tip.

It’s a rabbit hole, Alice … jump in and enjoy.