I have 2 sets of 12's and a set of 14's. They all have their place. But over all I don't see a bunch of difference in my bite or catch ratio between them. I just started this and still have some to learn but I have a set of Pinnacal limit 12's rigged with slip floats for fishing rough water. So far it seems to work pretty good. Leave just enough slack in line between tip and float that boat/rod bounce dosn't affect the baits by jerking them up and down. You will get all kinds of answers about what is best rod and most of it comes down to personal preference. I know it's not always possible but if you can fish with some different ones it would sure help. Mine are 12 Pinnacale limit,12 ft BnM PST's and 14 ft SouthernCrappie rod's. Over all if limited to one set I would take the SouthernCrappieRods.