GVT
Your approach that you need a rod that is best suited to you,is a very sensible one.Abilities differ, and so do strength and skill.It is unfortunately very difficult for anybody to give you advice ,without knowing the above information first-hand ,and having seen you cast . Casting is also only one part of the job that a rod needs to perform,pulling,sliding and general allround performance such as casting big baits etc all come into play.
My advice to you would be to make the whole finding a rod ,an exercise in experimenting.If you dont need one urgently,try and cast as many as possible with your favourite/favoured sinker.This way you will be ablke to,over time,make an informed decision as to what feels right to you.(it may not be what is best for someone else,but you will find what suits you.
Having a friend/s with a different rod/s from yours ,will give you the opportunity to make a few casts with their rod/s after a fishing session,(with your reel,and fav sinker),that way you can get the feel of different rods,without having a garage full of rods(like me and other members of this forum,no names,lol)
A reputable tackle shop should also let you try one or two rods (second-hands-maybe wishful thinking) which will make your search easier.Take your time,make an informed decision,and dont just follow marketing trends ,after all it has to suit you and you alone.
p.s You can type in virtually any rod available in South-Africa into the search facility here on SEALINE,and I am sure you will get a few pointers.
Just shout if you need any more info on a particular rod,I am sure members will oblige
Lastly,being just a few centimeters taller than you,and more or less the same weight,I can tell you that a 13'' rod may suit you better than 14'' and longer(that is just general,and also not cast in stone)
Cheers
, lol,lol,lol,a chuckle a day,keeps the doc at bay,lol
