Sounds to me like you need more than one rod! For the mid-sized baits (wake jrs, etc.) the G-Loomis 955 is perfect. For Hudd sized baits the 956 is perfect, and for the real heavy ones like the big stocker trout the 957 is perfect. IMHO, there is no way you can get one rod that will be ideal for all the baits you mentioned. These rods do have long handles so if you really need a short handle then check out the Shimano Crucials.