I just bought a Californian Calico Special, too. It's the 8' 12~30 lb heavy action rod. Monday I used that rod on a party boat and caught 9 sandies/calicos ranging from 14"~20" and 4 sharks. Teamed with Shimano Cardiff(17lb line) with livebait handle, I felt this rod overpowered those fish. Probably I've been used to small rods. That rod has a lot of back bone and can give you good hookset. I think I can handle good size yellows without much problems which is what I would also use it for. If saltwater bass is your main target, then I think "medium" action is more suitable for better fight.