Fishing rod questions

[B.O.C.]

I've bought a handful of different poles the past few years that i've been fishing and i always find myself purchasing stiff rods. I've used poles that are a lot more flexible than mine but i have never liked them much. I feel like I lose a lot of sensitivity and I lose more fish because it doesn't set the hook as well. So i'm wondering if there is a time, place, or species of fish that is ideal to have a less stiff rod? Or is it all simply personal preference?
[signature]