ML/F vs ML/XF? 6’ vs 6’3? Creek Smallmouth rod search continues..

[Dinger0306]

I made a post last year for rod recommendations, and ended up getting a 6’6” ML/F St. Croix Premier.

 

After fishing it for a year, I’ve got to say it’s a hair too long for most of the places I fish (narrow, small creeks where the average fish is 10-to-15 inches). The biggest cons is the rod is slightly clumsy to be waist deep in water surrounded in tree limbs and handling a fish, handle length is a bit too long, and up to this point I’ve never wished I could cast any further so I’m set on a shorter rod fitting the bill better. The action and power are great, though.  So I’m pretty set on ML. 
 

I’m on the hunt for the perfect setup for this type of fishing, particularly been looking into the Avid line with their 6’ ML/F and 6’3 ML/XF spinning rods.
 

I don’t have the ability to handle either in person but if anyone has, just how different is a St. Croix XF compared to the F? Is there a noticeable difference between a 6’ and 6’3 rod? I’ve not fished a 6’3 at all, and it’s been a while since I’ve used a 6’. The handle length is the same on both which seems like it’d be perfect.

 

I would say 80% of my uses for it are going to be these small creeks so I don’t think I’ll miss my 6’6” too much.

 

Line is going to be 10lb braid but debating on going back to 6-8lb mono. I’m liking the braid/mono leader so far though. 70% of the time I’ll be using 11/15oz Ned Rigs, 4” senkos, 1/16-1/8oz T rigs. The other 30% Rebel Wee-Craws, Rapalas, whopper plopper 60s. 

[zell_pop1]

 If you only need a slightly shorter rod the MLXF does have a softer tip and is rated  for 1/16th lures so that would be the choice IMO.

[FishTank]

On 5/17/2022 at 8:37 PM, Dinger0306 said:

I made a post last year for rod recommendations, and ended up getting a 6’6” ML/F St. Croix Premier.

 

After fishing it for a year, I’ve got to say it’s a hair too long for most of the places I fish (narrow, small creeks where the average fish is 10-to-15 inches). The biggest cons is the rod is slightly clumsy to be waist deep in water surrounded in tree limbs and handling a fish, handle length is a bit too long, and up to this point I’ve never wished I could cast any further so I’m set on a shorter rod fitting the bill better. The action and power are great, though.  So I’m pretty set on ML. 
 

I’m on the hunt for the perfect setup for this type of fishing, particularly been looking into the Avid line with their 6’ ML/F and 6’3 ML/XF spinning rods.
 

I don’t have the ability to handle either in person but if anyone has, just how different is a St. Croix XF compared to the F? Is there a noticeable difference between a 6’ and 6’3 rod? I’ve not fished a 6’3 at all, and it’s been a while since I’ve used a 6’. The handle length is the same on both which seems like it’d be perfect.

 

I would say 80% of my uses for it are going to be these small creeks so I don’t think I’ll miss my 6’6” too much.

 

Line is going to be 10lb braid but debating on going back to 6-8lb mono. I’m liking the braid/mono leader so far though. 70% of the time I’ll be using 11/15oz Ned Rigs, 4” senkos, 1/16-1/8oz T rigs. The other 30% Rebel Wee-Craws, Rapalas, whopper plopper 60s. 

 

I have the Avid 6' ML Fast and it's a great rod.  I don't use it often but when I do I have use it for inline spinner baits and 4in senkos. 

 

I might be interested in selling it. It's in really good condition. Send me a PM if you are interested and I can send you pics. 

 

 

[T-Billy]

Whatever length you settle on, I'd go with a fast or even mod fast and mono. Little smallies in shallow water like to spend a lot of time in the air. The slower action and mono will help keep them pinned.