In this technological age, high-performance specialty rods have become the norm. What you fish for will determine which rod characteristics you need to fish effectively. Many anglers prefer baitcasters for bigger fish.
Baitcasting rods are designed with the reel and guides on the top and a trigger grip on the bottom for stability when casting and fighting fish.
If you plan to use any of the superlines, choose ceramic or nickel titanium guides. They’re the most abrasion resistant. The action of a rod refers to its casting performance with different sizes and weights of lures, and how it reels in fish.
A fast-action rod has the flex in the top 1/3 of the rod and is great for quick hooksets when jigging, for example.
Medium-action rods have their flex typically through the middle section and are good for medium-sized crankbaits and long distance casts with smaller baits.
If you like to use live bait, the slow-action rod provides long, gentle casts.
These rods can do way more than I just described so, ultimately, it’s about personal preference and what feels good in your hands.