St. Croix users

[Skunked in DR]

I found a local retailer who made a little error in his pricing.  He has LTB's priced as Avids.

So for those who use them.  Which is the better rod for drop-shotting and shaky heading the LTBS68MXF or the LTBS69MLXF?

Before anyone suggests get both, the recent arrival of my second child precludes extraneous purchases.  I'm going to have a hard enough time explaining one.

Thanks

[DINK WHISPERER]

Congrats on the little one man! We just had our second(boy) as well This Sat! IMO, the LTBS68MXF is a far better choice for the technique. It is more versatile and has more moving power. You don't want to go too light with these techniques because there is the potential for big fish!

[Skunked in DR]

Congratulations to you too.  My little guy will be 12 weeks on Friday.

Thanks for the advice, that's the way I was leaning.  However, big in Fla and big in Ontario are slightly different.

[adclem]

Congrats to both of you on the edition of new children to the family.

I would agree with Dink Whisperer on this one, the LTBS68MXF is the far better choice. Wish my local dealers would make that kind of mistake.

Later,

[Iowa Matt]

I guess I will throw my thoughts in. I have used the LTBS69MLXF for more than 2 years now and would not trade it for anything. I have caught bass up to 7lbs on it and others species encountered while bass fishing (buffalo, carp, catfish) up to 25lbs on it. It has a lot of backbone despite the MLXF tip.........don't think its whimpy! The IPC technology allows the ML tip and the stiff butt to coexist very well and transition seamlessly. I like the ML better for casting than a M (which I also have) and I use it a lot as a crossover for multiple other techniques like small jerkbaits, shakey heads, small topwaters, and jigging for walleyes. Super versatile rod IMHO and you won't go wrong with either. I suppose for me it would come down to the average size of bass that I plan to catch. In my part of the country I am unlikely to catch a bass over 4lbs on any given outing so the ML makes more sense in terms of how much fun I have fighting the fish.

Matt

[J Francho]

The LTBS69MLXF and LTBS68MXF were on my final cut of about five rods when it came time to replace my (stupidly) broken drop shot rod. I handled both, mounted reels, tied weights on, and cast them in the store. I ended up getting a Kistler that was VERY similar to the LTBS69MLXF - same length, power, slightly faster taper, and on sale for about 40% less, LOL. Not as nice components.

The difference I found between the two St. Croix rods wasn't so much what each could handle after hooking, as the backbone felt about the same, but in what weights each could handle in a normal pitch cast, or lob. If you use heavier (>3/8 oz.) weights, then go with the medium, otherwise, the ML will be fine. I still sometimes use heavier weights, but a little more power would ideal. i just have no use for so many spinning rods, LOL.

My 6'9" ML/XF Kistler had no trouble pulling this 5-0 smallie off a bed:

Many, many others have been caught both in cover and open water with this rod. Either will work well, and as someone that has two LTBs, they are really well made tools. You won't be disappointed.

Congrats on the new addition