Spinning Rod Recommendations

[Janderson45]

I'm looking to improve my finesse fishing, and hopefully have more success in clear water fishing in this up coming season.  So naturally I'm looking to upgrade my currently horrific spinning outfit(s).  I've never owned a real quality spinning rod, although I do own numerous quality casting rods and can't stand to fish with my current spinning outfits which are cheap bass-pro shops 2 piece rods.

 

So basically what I think I'm looking for is something like a one piece medium fast, or a medium XF in something between 6'8 and 7'1.  I'm generally drawn towards St. croix rods, so naturally I've checked out the ones that fall within my price range (100-200 $) which are the Premier, Mojo, Rage and Avid.  I'm intrigued by the idea of micro guides, as I've never used them but have read good things.. so I was looking at the rage series.  What I'm not sure I like about the rage series however is that I have seen numerous reports of breakage issues (manufacturing defects) and they are made in Mexico like most of St. Croix cheaper rods and only come with the 5 year not lifetime warranty that the avid and above series carry.  Also, not sure that I love the grip, although that's not a deal breaker for me.  

 

I guess I'm looking for feedback on the Rage series, and opinions on whether you think it makes more sense to spend less money on the proven premier series, or more money on the avid?  Also open to suggestions of other rod makers/models, as long as the quality is on par or above that of the rods I'm discussing.  

 

Also- Saltwater corrosion resistant guides/materials are a definite bonus, as rod could double as an inshore striper jigging rod.  

 

Thanks!

[cbass12]

I picked up 2 Rage spinning rods last month, 6'10 ML/XF and 6'10 M/XF. I was like you in that I wasn't a big fan of the reel seat, but after putting a reel on it in the store I discovered that it actually felt great in my hand. As far as the warranty is concerned I'm not really worried about it. If the rods would happen to have something wrong with them it would hopefully be discovered before the 5 years is up, and if something happens after 5 years then I'd like to think I got my money's worth out of the rod.

[Janderson45]

I picked up 2 Rage spinning rods last month, 6'10 ML/XF and 6'10 M/XF. I was like you in that I wasn't a big fan of the reel seat, but after putting a reel on it in the store I discovered that it actually felt great in my hand. As far as the warranty is concerned I'm not really worried about it. If the rods would happen to have something wrong with them it would hopefully be discovered before the 5 years is up, and if something happens after 5 years then I'd like to think I got my money's worth out of the rod.

Thanks for the reply.  As far as breakage goes, it's not so much the warranty that bothers me as I'm sure St. Croix would take care of me, it's more just that if a rod breaks on a trip I'm without my only good spinning outfit, and there's obviously down time involved in warranty repairs/replacements and shipping and what not.  However I'm definitely going to head over to my local basspro in order to look at/hold a few of the rage models.

[DaveT63]

I've never fished a Rage rod, but I can tell you, in MY opinion, the Avid is worth every penny, and if you can find one on sale or used, it's tough to beat for the money,

 

Dave

[kschultz76]

Avid all the way. What techniques and lure weights do you intend to fish on this rod?

I love the St Croix 6'8" M/XF blanks for any kind of Senko, Shakeyhead, or other weighted soft plastic. I don't really Dropshot much right now but I'd say this rod is a little stout for really lightweight finesse techniques. For those presentations you'd likely want to look at the 6'9" ML/XF.

Whatever actions you choose the Avid is well worth the investment.

[Janderson45]

Avid all the way. What techniques and lure weights do you intend to fish on this rod?

I love the St Croix 6'8" M/XF blanks for any kind of Senko, Shakeyhead, or other weighted soft plastic. I don't really Dropshot much right now but I'd say this rod is a little stout for really lightweight finesse techniques. For those presentations you'd likely want to look at the 6'9" ML/XF.

Whatever actions you choose the Avid is well worth the investment.

Thanks for the input, I'm looking to fish about what you stated, senkos, light jigs, weightless plastics, floating rigs, shakey head, grubs, tubes.. On lines between 6-10lbs.

I wonder if I were to purchase a fast action instead of XF if I could possibly get away with some light topwaters and inline spinner baits? That may be asking too much all out of one rod though.

Like you I'm not very comfortable or familiar with drop shot fishing, I'll get there eventually and when I do I'll likely purchase a different spinning outfit.

[kschultz76]

The XF would handle the top waters and spinners fine, especially if you're going to use mono with this rig. I use a M/XF Croix LTB top water rod for my top waters and the fast accurate tip is great for popping/spitting baits without moving them far on slack line.

I have a M/F Avid spinning rod that is great as well and also versatile. I line the XF better for soft plastics but all comes down to your preference and comfort.

[Cgrinder]

I wonder if I were to purchase a fast action instead of XF if I could possibly get away with some light topwaters and inline spinner baits? That may be asking too much all out of one rod though.

 

Some people like an XF for their topwater duty.

 

If you're going St. Croix, 6'8" MXF is where I would start. Avids are probably the way to go, though the Mojo Wacky gets a lot of good press. If you're looking second-hand or interested in spending a little more, the Legend Tournament Bass rods are quite nice.

[Janderson45]

The XF would handle the top waters and spinners fine, especially if you're going to use mono with this rig. I use a M/XF Croix LTB top water rod for my top waters and the fast accurate tip is great for popping/spitting baits without moving them far on slack line.

I have a M/F Avid spinning rod that is great as well and also versatile. I line the XF better for soft plastics but all comes down to your preference and comfort.

 

Yeah, I'd say after some consideration I'm leaning heavily towards the 6'8 M/XF avid... I wouldn't be opposed to spring for a LTB, I particularly like the 6'10 M/XF model (shaky head ) however the rods maximum lure weight rating doesn't quite cut it for me, 5/16ths of an oz is awfully light for some of the rigs I'd like to be able to throw with this rod.  

[roadwarrior]

AVS68MXF

[The Fisher]

I have a Falcon 6'10" MF XG low rider shaky head that I really like. I use it for shakies but I use it for weightless senkos, mostly wacky rigged. I've had it for about 2 years and really like the weight and sensitivity. I also have a St.Croix Premier 7' ML Fast for Rooster Tails, very light cranks, and small jigs like the Bitsy Bug. I use both a lot if I am pond fishing and like npboth. If I had to choose one, flip a coin.

[kschultz76]

Yeah, I'd say after some consideration I'm leaning heavily towards the 6'8 M/XF avid... I wouldn't be opposed to spring for a LTB, I particularly like the 6'10 M/XF model (shaky head ) however the rods maximum lure weight rating doesn't quite cut it for me, 5/16ths of an oz is awfully light for some of the rigs I'd like to be able to throw with this rod.

That LTB Shakeyhead rod is seemingly very technique specific. The 6'8" will be more versatile for your needs. I have a couple LTBs from the previous model that have the full reel seat. I've not yet held a current model LTB with the new reel seat, but it doesn't look like it would be comfortable for me.

I think you'll be very pleased with the Avid, especially the 6'8" MXF.

[new2BC4bass]

I personally can't stand micro guides on a spinning rod.  I seem to be a minority of one.  Took my new Prodigy back for a regular guide model.  Unfortunately the "regular" guides on that rod are still much smaller than the guides I am use to on my other spinning rods.  Going to get rid of that rod as well.  My only reason for disliking the smaller guides is that it really hurts my casting distance.

 

I don't notice the same problem on my casting rods with micro guides.

[SirSnookalot]

I personally can't stand micro guides on a spinning rod.  I seem to be a minority of one.  Took my new Prodigy back for a regular guide model.  Unfortunately the "regular" guides on that rod are still much smaller than the guides I am use to on my other spinning rods.  Going to get rid of that rod as well.  My only reason for disliking the smaller guides is that it really hurts my casting distance.

 

I don't notice the same problem on my casting rods with micro guides.

My buddy Ray just had a rod made up by Conely, 8' mh spinning with micro guides.  I'd like to get rid of my 8' Okuma for one, it's really nice.  He has the same Cabo 40 reel with 20# braid I'm using on my 8 footer, excellent casting distance but he still gets wind knots.  I'd look into K guides for a rod like that.

[Janderson45]

Checked out both the 6'8 MXF rage and avid series today at my local bass pro.

 

Have to say I'm actually quite disappointed in the Rage.  I'm sure it fishes reasonably well as it's built on a St. Croix blank, but after comparing the two I can't really figure out why anyone wouldn't just spring for the Avid...

 

The avid uses "traditional components" while the rage uses "weight reducing components" and yet in this particular model the avid is .4 oz lighter.  A noticeable difference when holding them next to each other.  With a small plastic reel seat, micro guides, and a newer grip design you'd think it would be lighter.. It does have 1 more guide, but what's the point of using all these weight saving materials if it still comes out heavier than the avid?  

 

For 30 dollars more on the avid you get a better reel seat, a lifetime warranty, and a lighter rod that's built in the USA, and a rod that seemingly has less manufacturing defects that lead to breakage issues.  

 

I actually prefer the grip on the Rage, that's the one good point I'll give it,  I wish st. croix just offered the avid with the rage grip, as that's the only thing I can really see that would make someone want to purchase the rage over the avid.

[Tywithay]

The guides on the Rage are one of its worst attributes. They're the cheap pac bay minima guides. I would definitely go for the Avid, as it's a far superior rod, in my opinion. Otherwise, I'd consider the Premier or even an Eyecon before I looked at anything else in the St. Croix line.

 

If you want to save money and get a rod with similar, or even better, sensitivity than the Avid then take a look at the *** *** Black (or *** Green). The grips on the spinning rods are the most comfortable I've fished with and the blanks are fantastic.