Rod for light lures

My go-to “Panfish” (Sunfish, Crappie, Chubs, pretty much anything 12” or less) rod for the past several years has been a 7’ UL Uglystik GX2. While I love the action of this rod for fighting fish, and it does just fine with live/natural bait presentations, the one thing it struggles with is making accurate casts and getting good hook sets with artificials. So, I’m looking for a nice rod to use for those same species that specializes more in throwing small jigs/plastics (mainly 1/64 and 1/32 oz) as well as small to extra small plugs and spinners. Needs to have enough backbone for a good hook set with said lures, but still have enough flex that even a half decent Bluegill or Creek Chub could put a decent bend in it. I should also mention, I’m mainly fishing small creeks and from shore on small-medium lakes and ponds, so I’d prioritize accuracy over distance when it comes to casting (though both would be nice if possible). Any recommendations? The main rod I’m considering right now is a St. Croix Panfish series; 6’9”, UL power, fast action, 2-6#, 1/32-3/16 oz. Seems like exactly what I’m looking for with great reviews, but $120 would be about the most I’d ever want to spend on a rod for fish of this size.

I appreciate the input, BTDT.

And oh, I know. I’ve got a couple St. Croixs for different applications as well as a few Loomis rods, quality graphite is infinitely better than glass in pretty much every category other than durability. As for line, I’ll probably run my standard 6 pound Trilene XL, the only time I prefer braid is for vertical jigging and trolling on the big pond up north. And, as far as a reel goes, I’m still trying to figure out what would balance well with a rod that size. I’ll double check, but I think that model is 2.8 ounces. Pflueger Presidents are my go-to spinning reels, so maybe I’ll grab one of them in a size 30 or 35.

Might I recomend a Shimano in their UL class with quick fire feature spooled with 4lb test. Time tested, time proven. 👍

Being a Croix owner I'm sure you would agree, not only is the rod great for feeling the bite and hook sets but handles the retrieve of your catch, allowing for the use of lighter line.

As you know, (with any fishing rod) matching line weight with lure weight is very important in detecting that subtle bite as well as, casting distance.

Wanna have some real fun catching gills, specks, perch & fish bait like chubs, try 2 lb test.

Good times & tight lines.

Check out TFO rods. Word on the street is Gary Loomis designed them.

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I’ll probably head to my local shop sometime soon and see if they have anything along the lines of what I’m looking for that feels right in my hands. I’m also considering bumping up to light power now. Might be more difficult to cast 1/64th ounce jigs, but I’d also be able to use it for creek Sauger/Walleye fishing around home, and Pickerel up north.