Reshuffling the rod lineup

[jimf]

I went poking around at BP today to look at some rods (as well as picking up a $49 PQ), the idea is that I'm probably going to take advantage of the trade-in offers.  I went in looking for a spinnerbait rod - thinking 6'6" MH/F .. something like that.  I kind of was figuring the St. Croix Avid-X, or maybe a Loomis E6X in those specs.   Long story short I think I've talked myself into a 7'1" M/F Legend Tournament, which will be my worm rod, and then make my worm rod (7' MH/F Avid) the spinner bait rod.  

 

Here are the reasons and concerns I have with this shuffle, and I would appreciate comments/opinions on whether or not they are valid.

 

I am making a focus of improving my soft plastic game this season, and I believe the LT would be a better rod for two reasons.  One, it's theoretically a more sensitive rod and two, it is a split grip vs full which again, theoretically, should improve sensitivity.  Is the Legend Tournament more sensitive?  Will it make any difference at all over my current setup?  

 

My main concern is on the spinnerbait side - I'm kind of a sniper with a spinnerbait, going from my current el cheapo 6'6" Daiwa Lexa M/XF to a longer and stiffer rod - am I going to be able to adjust.

 

The answer to that last question is going to be answered probably this weekend, I'm sitting typing this outside in 60+ degree weather in my backyard with a pond without ice about 150 feet from me.  I'm going to get throwing a spinnerbait this weekend to get a feel for that.

 

Part of this decision is being influenced by the BP tradein deal - it turns out that while the sticker price is $60 between the Avid and Legend Tourney, it's only $40 after the trade (199 - 30 = 169 vs 259 - 50 = 209).  That, and I wasn't sure if I would like the micro guides on the Avid X.

 

edit ... and I now realize I made a newbie mistake and put this in the wrong subforum.  Tackle = Terminal Tackle.   Got it.   

[bigturtle]

As far as your soft plastic rod is concerned, go with LT. It should be more sensitive, but not because of full vs split grip, those dont make any difference.

 

[jimf]

I had the 7' MH/F Avid out on the pond out back with a spinnerbait and that's going to work just fine.  A little getting used to, a little more rod, a little more butt etc... but I was able to present the bait more or less how I wanted to at sniper range, and there was the advantage that I could just rare back and let it fly a little better than I could with the other rod.  

[Fishin' Fool]

I'm not saying that you can't use it as a spinnerbait rod but I would make your MH/F Avid a back up plastics rod. I don't know about you but I have probably at least 6 different types of soft plastics tied up at any one time.

[padon]

I have both of those rods.I use the ltb as my lighter plastics rod and the avid for jigs and heavier plastics.I actually like the mtb for spinnerbaits too because it has a little more tip which allows me to underhand a spinnerbaits,although I have a 68 med Ltb as my main spinnerbait rod.

[lmbfisherman]

Sounds like a good plan.  I have two dedicated spinnerbait rods, a 7'3"' mh/f to bomb them and a 6'6" to sniper accuracy.  Just means you need to pick up another one next year. 

[Allen Der]

The St Croix Premiers make good spinnerbait rods.  I like that they have a softer tip than SCIII and SCIV rods, which I think is better for spinnerbaits.  I use a 7ft MH Premier for 1/2oz and 3/4oz spinnerbaits and bucktails for bass and pike.  it also works good as a frog rod.

[Silas]

On 2/17/2017 at 6:22 PM, jimf said:

I had the 7' MH/F Avid out on the pond out back with a spinnerbait and that's going to work just fine.  A little getting used to, a little more rod, a little more butt etc... but I was able to present the bait more or less how I wanted to at sniper range, and there was the advantage that I could just rare back and let it fly a little better than I could with the other rod.  

I like the 7' MM Avid for spinnerbaits. I have a Curado 100D on it and it SLINGS the bits effortlessly. Best all around rod I have. I had the LTB and used it for plastics and it was an excellent worm rod, it would be wasted on spinnerbait. I sold the LTB because I did not have enough purchase for my hand on the short grip. 

   What I DID find was an LTB built with a custom one piece grip:  that ones a winner!

[jimf]

I think for now I probably will multi-task with the Avid - spinnerbaits and as mentioned above a backup plastic rod.  I was out again yesterday playing around and it's growing on me, even sniper style.  But I love the idea of a dedicated sniper rod as mentioned above.  But then again I love any half way legitimate reason to buy a new rod.   Next year.  

 

I am going to look closely at the Legend 6'8" MH/F.   They actually call that a worm/jig rod, and label the 7'1" M/F a plastic rod.  I don't make long casts with my plastic worms, so I'm thinking maybe the shorter rod would be comfortable.  

[jimf]

Just talking out loud here fishing for a nugget of wisdom that might come my way.

 

I'm torn between the St Croix LTB (6'8" MH/F) and the LTB (7'1" M/F).   Again, looking for my general purpose TR worm/jig rod, generally 3/8 - 1/2 but I wouldn't mind having something that could go lighter.   I'm leaning toward the 6'8", but I'm a bit concerned if it's a little too much rod (St. Croix I think underrates).   Trying to google online about this specific rod, and I only found one thing where I guy fished it once and was out looking for a trade to the 7'1" because it was too much rod.  

 

I do have a dedicated finesse rod - 6'6" M/F Avid spinning.  I also have something stout - a 7' MH/F but I'm probably going to have a spinnerbait tied to that rod much of the time but it could double as a heavy duty worm rod if I chose to go M/F.  

 

If anyone has any experience with these two models I would most definitely appreciate any insight.  

 

 

[Allen Der]

On 2/21/2017 at 6:29 PM, jimf said:

Just talking out loud here fishing for a nugget of wisdom that might come my way.

 

I'm torn between the St Croix LTB (6'8" MH/F) and the LTB (7'1" M/F).   Again, looking for my general purpose TR worm/jig rod, generally 3/8 - 1/2 but I wouldn't mind having something that could go lighter.   I'm leaning toward the 6'8", but I'm a bit concerned if it's a little too much rod (St. Croix I think underrates).   Trying to google online about this specific rod, and I only found one thing where I guy fished it once and was out looking for a trade to the 7'1" because it was too much rod.  

 

I do have a dedicated finesse rod - 6'6" M/F Avid spinning.  I also have something stout - a 7' MH/F but I'm probably going to have a spinnerbait tied to that rod much of the time but it could double as a heavy duty worm rod if I chose to go M/F.  

 

If anyone has any experience with these two models I would most definitely appreciate any insight.  

 

 

 

not exactly the same but I do have both of those lengths/power/action in their Rage line.  the 6'8 MH is going to be more of what you are looking for, especially if you'll be in any kind of cover.   the 7'1 M is a good rod too but I use it more for light t-rigs, weightless senkos, small spinnerbaits, and grubs.

[J.Bass]

I know there's a slight difference between the Avid to the Legend Tournament. If your sold on a St. Croix, you can't go wrong with how strong of a pole they design and the sensitivity. I own a Legend Xtreme casting rod. Its so sensitive and light, I can cast it all day. I would spend the extra $40 bucks and get the Legend Tournament. You'll be thanking me later.

Another option: I had an old mojo break at a guide. One of the respresentives called me asking if I wanted to upgrade to a higher end rod (which I bought) the Avid series. Long story short, it was a nice gesture by St. Croix, and the upgrade from Mojo to Avid back then was huge. It's what made me go out and buy a Legend Extreme on clearance for $200 back three years ago. Whatever St. Croix model you chose though, will be great for what your trying to do. Both rods are built well and should give you what your looking for in a rod. The option is you can buy a rod and if down the road you want to upgrade, you can do just that.

[jimf]

I got the 68 MH LTB.  I got $50 on a trade from BP and I had a hair over $20 on my awards points or whatever, cushioned the blow to the pocket book a little bit. 

 

Thanks everyone for the advice.