In message , Alex
writes

What really determines a rod is how you are going to use it. The
manufactures would have you believe that you need a rod for every fish.

This is true. I (along with half the coarse angling population) have a
John Wilson avon/quiver and a 13ft match rod which cover about 95% of my
fishing. The rest of the time, I'm on the pole or spinning. I've a light
match-picker style quiver rod which I hardly ever use now.

The JW is very versatile, I've used it for chub, barbel, tench, light
carping, general feeder fishing on stillwaters and rivers, float fishing
in the sea for wrasse and pollock, anything too demanding for the match
rod.

It's too short and stiff to cast a light waggler well, and 6lb line is
about tops, so it won't stop a determined double figure carp near snags,
but it's definitely the most versatile bit of kit I've owned.

--
Steve Walker