Megabass Orochi Xx Vs St. Croix Ltb Drop Shot

[EmersonFish]

I'm thinking this fall I'm going to treat myself to a fairly nice spinning rod. It will primarily be used for drop shot fishing, but it will used for other finesse techniques as well. I've already combed the boards, and have seen people rave about around 300 different rods. Two rods that intrigue me are:

Megabass Orochi XX F3-611XXS

and

St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass TBC610MLXF

This would likely be the only spinning rod in my primary arsenal for a while, so versatility is nice, but I'm comfortable using casting gear for fairly light applications, so this will be all about "finesse." I know I need to get my finesse game to the next level, and I've been coming around to light spinning tackle since I bought a cheaper setup earlier this year.

So does anyone out there have actual experience with these two rods, and insight into which would be the way to go as I step my finesse game up? I know it's all opinion, but there are a lot of guys here who know equipment better than I ever will.

I am familiar with St. Croix. I use Avid casting rods now. But a part of me wants to spice it up a bit. I know the Orochi XX is their "entry level" option, but it's Megabass.

If it matters, I'll be primarily fishing the big Missouri lakes. A lot of clear, deep water; but we have a little of everything.

[iabass8]

I've never used the MB line but I've used the LTB a few years ago. I believe the model you're looking at is LTBS610mlxf. They don't make a 610mlf spinning rod in the LTB line.I don't personally like the newer LTB but some do.  I currently use last years cork legend xtreme 69mlxf. It is the most favorite spinning rod i've ever owned. I'd be looking at the MB line personally. You don't hear much negativity about their line of rods. 

[ColdSVT]

You sure cant go wrong with either...they are both awesome!

I would also add the 13 *** to your short list

[tomustang]

As mentioned, I think you mean MLXF. I was at the same place you were with it. I ultimately chose the LTB because of how sweet croix's XF tip is and their warranty since I'm fairly hard on my gear.

Glad I did since the 610MLXF is very versatile stick and use also for jerkbaits, tubes, shakeys, and senkos among the dropshot

[EmersonFish]

You guys are right. I left out the 'X.' I edited it. Thanks.

[kickerfish1]

Do not buy the Megabass Orochi XX drop shot rod if you want versatility. The Shakey head rod in their lineup is an outstanding drop shot rod. It also doubles as a very good shakey head rod obviously, as well as smaller 3/8 oz jerkbaits, lighter split shot rigs, and flickshake rigs. A smaller tube or finesse jig around 1/4 oz would also fish very well on it. I don't like it for baits closer to 3/8 oz plus. It seams to cap right around 3/8 oz so keep that in mind. The sensitivity and fit and finish is better than any $300 rod I have used.

Again the only cons are the use of slightly more filler in the cork and the warranty which is basically 3 years. I absolutely love mine for true finesse baits.

[Bluebasser86]

I have the 6' 10" ML/XF LTB and love that rod. It's great for dropshotting as well as grubs, wacky rigs, small jerkbaits, small cranks, and light shakyheads. Never fished the MB but I'm sure they're good rods too.

[Tim Kelly]

I'm really fond of St Croix blanks, but hate the way they build them. Wouldn't have a Megabass either for the same reason. For a factory rod the Dobyns DX702S is a pretty sweet stick, or build a rod on the St Croix blank, which would be my preferred option.

[WIGuide]

I haven't used the Megabass rods, but I've got the 6'10" LTB Drop Shot rod and I LOVE that rod! Perfect for drop shotting but can also be used for other finesse techniques as well. It's a great rod for light jerk baits as well as light crankbaits too. The rod is light, sensitive, comfortable, and versatile. Like I said, I don't have experience with the Megabass rods but I know you wouldn't be disappointed with a LTB. 

[fishindad]

Agree with all the above. I have not fished any MB rods either but have to believe the XX dropshot rod is the bomb since it's built Aaron Martens' specs. 

 

IMO, I have one of if not the most versatile spinning rods; an SC Extreme 7'MLF. This rod can do just about anything up to 3/8th oz. I have used 7 lb. Sniper, 10 lb 832, and 6 lb. mono and all fish beautifully on this rod. That said, I see no reason for you to go higher than the Avid model since that's what you now use. The recent builds of the LTBs and Extremes (mine's the 2012 cork split grip model) are not to my taste either. There's definitely an *** Black in my future as well so hopefully there's a local dealer near you.

 

But if it were me and I was limited to only one spinning rod for finesse fishing, I would get the Avid 7'MLF or have a custom built on the SCIV and Extreme blank, same rod.  My good friend has the 6'8" MXF, 6'9" MLXF, 7'MLF, and 7'MF (all Avid line) and my vote is the MLF for all around finesse.

[EvanT123]

But if it were me and I was limited to only one spinning rod for finesse fishing, I would get the Avid 7'MLF or have a custom built on the SCIV and Extreme blank, same rod. My good friend has the 6'8" MXF, 6'9" MLXF, 7'MLF, and 7'MF (all Avid line) and my vote is the MLF for all around finesse.

X2

[DaveT63]

I've never used the MB, but love my St Croix rods.  I would seriously consider having Mike at DVT build a rod on the SCIV (Legend Tournament) or SCV blank (Legend Elite/Xtreme blanks), or look on the numerous forums for a good used one.

 

Dave