All Purpose St Croix Spinning Rod

[illinifan4152]

Hey everyone. I have been reading many threads on spinning rods in my quest for a new one. I am a coangler and usually only take one spinning rod with me to tournaments. So I am looking for one do all spinning rod. I'm looking in the avid series but am willing to stray from that. Typically if I am using a spinning rod I am either drop shorting (up to 1/4 oz weight) or shakey head/tube, or grub (no heavier than 1/4 oz). So which rod would you choose, kinda have it narrowed down to the 6'9 MLXF or 6'8 MXF, but I am open to other suggestions.

Would like to keep it under 200 and I may be open to other options if I can find one at a good price. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[rmcguirk]

I've got the 6'9" MLXF.  Great drop shot rod.  Light and sensitive but enough backbone to reel them in (pike are an issue in my area, and I've caught some pretty big ones on that rod).  I don't love the rod for applications where I'd have to punch the hook through plastic and then through bass jaw, but perhaps that's just me.  If I was looking for one spinning rod to do everything, including wacky rig, tubes, shakey head, etc., it would not be the MLXF, I'd probably go with the medium powered model. 

 

BTW, St Croix in their bargain room has some great deals on new but discontinued rods.  Just put in an order for a Rage 7'1" spinning rod for $89 delivered.  Not expecting it to be quite as nice as my Avid, but for that price it seemed like a steal. 

[WIGuide]

I've got both the 6'8" M/XF and 6'10" ML/XF in the LTB line, but basically the same rods power and action wise. If I had to pick just one for the best all around, I'd probably go with the M over the ML. The ML is an amazing drop shot rod, but I just feel for all around, the M would give you a little better performance especially if you're throwing something like tube, and will still handle your dropshot without problem.

[fishballer06]

I'd go with a Medium, Fast. While I do own a ML spinning rod, I don't feel it's quite right for heavier tubes, and lighter crank/jerk baits. 

[illinifan4152]

I've got the 6'9" MLXF. Great drop shot rod. Light and sensitive but enough backbone to reel them in (pike are an issue in my area, and I've caught some pretty big ones on that rod). I don't love the rod for applications where I'd have to punch the hook through plastic and then through bass jaw, but perhaps that's just me. If I was looking for one spinning rod to do everything, including wacky rig, tubes, shakey head, etc., it would not be the MLXF, I'd probably go with the medium powered model.

BTW, St Croix in their bargain room has some great deals on new but discontinued rods. Just put in an order for a Rage 7'1" spinning rod for $89 delivered. Not expecting it to be quite as nice as my Avid, but for that price it seemed like a steal.

They do seem like a steal, just not a fan of the reel seat on the rage spinning rods.

[illinifan4152]

Thanks for the responses. I'll have to consider the medium more so now. Just not sure if it will be too overpowered when dropshotting, but I am sure I can adjust my drag.

[S Hovanec]

I'll put my $0.02 in based on my obeservations over the years. I have had and still have many of the Croix MLXF, MXF and MF rods. IMO, there is a power missing between their ML and M models in the freshwater line. That power can be filled with their inshore ML rods.

[J Francho]

I totally agree, Scott.  I have a 62MLXF and a 62MXF, and they are noticibly different in what each can do.  The MXF might be the more versitle of the two, but the MLXF gets more play.

[UKCATSBASSER]

I would say medium all the way. Be a little more versatile than a ML.

[illinifan4152]

Seems to me that medium is the consensus. Would there be a benefit to getting an xf over just a fast or vice versa? I am assuming fast action would be more versitile?

[The Young Gun]

I have 2 69MLXF Avids, love them both with a passion. I use them for drop shotting, walleye fishing, livebait applications, senkos. You name it. I've caught muskies on it as well as crappies on it with a 1/8oz roadrunner jig 

[Mike2841]

Seems to me that medium is the consensus. Would there be a benefit to getting an xf over just a fast or vice versa? I am assuming fast action would be more versitile?

I have the 6'8 mxf and a 6'6 mf. I use the mxf for Texas rigs and that's about it, when I only bring along one rod the mf is the one I take.

[WIGuide]

Seems to me that medium is the consensus. Would there be a benefit to getting an xf over just a fast or vice versa? I am assuming fast action would be more versitile?

A fast action would be a little more versatile as far as if you're planning on throwing small crankbaits with it, but the XF is better for finesse presentations. Also, you can still dropshot with the medium power rod. I originally used mine for that and wacky rigging, but I like to have both tied up. I ended up purchasing the dropshot rod (ML/XF) since it was going to be a dedicated setup and that's how I ended up with both.  

[J Francho]

I throw shallow cranks on my topwater rod (62 MXF) and like WIGuide said, it works.  Any heavier a power, and it might be tough, but the M power works well enough.

[Spankey]

I fish with both of those rods also. Only throw worms, tubes and grubs on them. Split shot and drop shot the majority of the time. I'm more likely to pick up and fish my Med. Lt. St. Croixs but, if I were to have or get just one first than It would be the 6'8" Avid Med. XF. I think you will find going down to 1/8 oz. will work great and going to 5/16 & 3/8 in heavier current doesn't over power the rod.

I recent purchased an Avid X 6'6" ML Fast for the bit softer tip. Wanted something a little softer to throw some lighter swim baits. I like it. Have been worm/tube fishing with it and throwing Shad Raps and swim shads. Happy with my purchase.

Buy one, than all the more reason to get the other.

[Turkey sandwich]

I have an Avid X 6'9 MLXF and its a great rod. I was actually really surprised by its versatility. I'll use it for everything from throwing drop shot/finesse plastics to light topwater for smallmouth and it fishes really well. It's light/super sensitive, and very comfortable for me to fish.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

It depends on your definition of "all around ". To me an all around Rod in a spinning configuration is different than a Rod for all around spinning apps. M/f for the former and ml/xf for the latter.

[bigfruits]

68mxf. the ml might be better for light dropshot but the med will handle stuff like senkos/fat ika, light jigs and trigs better. i prefer 3/16oz weights for drop shot anyway so its an easy choice if it were mine.

 

if you like casting weightless plastics and finesse jigs on your baitcasters, get the ML.

 

if you can find a 2016 legend elite on sale this winter, i would get that. beautiful rods. after the inital investment, you can replace it if it breaks for $95 (includes shipping) so it will last you a lifetime. same fee as a replacement avid. some people are comparing the sensitivity to the Loomis NRX line. i find it to be close.

[Capt.Bob]

I like the MXF better,,, but I prefer the 6'3" MXF I use the LE the most with tubes and small jig's and drop shots for Smally's this is my favorite rod.

[Bluebasser86]

I have owned a 6' 8" M/F Mojo for several years now and it's one of the most versatile spinning rods I've ever owned, so something similar to that would get my pick. 

[illinifan4152]

Thanks everyone! I can't thank you guys enough for all the responses!!