WRangler506

I posted in the equipment forum but does look like it gets much traffic... Where do you guys learn about how rods perform? Online reviews, friends, in person? My friend has a hook up on Fenwick BASS rods. How are they? The 610MLXF seems slower/stiffer than MLXF to me. Are the Walleye series rods better than the new BASS series? Im trying to search for online reviews and this smallmouth forum really seems to have a lot of equipment tips over the years. Thanks

Im not sure how much traffic this subforum gets, but I figured I would try it out. I have a good friend that has a great deal on the Fenwick BASS Elite Techs. He is looking at the 610MLXF, 69MMF(I think) and the 7MF. Ive only held one in person, the 610MLXF. The action didn't feel as fast as what I would expect for an XF rating. Not even close really. Other than that, they seem pretty nice. His price is pretty good, I just don't know much about them or which ones are best. The 610 ML also very quite stiff for an ML. I know in the old smallmouth series, the 69 MLXF was very popular. Are the ELite Tech WALLEYE rods better rods?

Great information guys. Ill have to try my LT 63 ML and M just to see how short they feel to me. It sounds like the LT610ML is going to be awesome. Im excited to get it in my hands and get the Stradic FK (3000) on it. Thanks for all the other comparisons also. Ill try out this 68MXF once the weather gets better here, but Ill be considering the 7MF also. I wondered about that 7 footer when I was picking the 68.... These rods are tough to buy like this but I plan on keeping only the ones that I fish the most. The 7footer should throw heavier plastics and medium size crankbaits right? Not sure if the 68MXF will do the crankbaits very well.

Yeah that's looking like a good option now. I was going to try a stradic FK 3000(or 2500) on it.

I just saw TW has a sale on the 610 IMX drop shot rod. How does this compare to the LTB 610 drop shot rod? They would be roughly the same price at 225, but Im not familiar w the Loomis power ratings....

Thanks for the detailed description. Maybe there is a chance I will like a few of these mediums once I start fishing with them then. Maybe they just feel too stout off the rack as you said. I think Ill pick up the 610MLXF, and report back once I get to try it out. Im from Fenton. Never fished St Clair, but fish Trav Bay a bunch, since I take my family there during summer. My dad has a place there so we go a fair amount. Actually would like to dial in Lake Fenton more, as I take my kids there a bunch. Its only 10 mins from home. I just checked that NRX out. Looks awesome and gets good reviews, no way I could swing that price though. The LTB 610 might be a close as I get to that but sounds promising.

The 610 just doesn't get mentioned as much as the 69. Ive handled them but never at the same time, maybe I haven't handled the 610 in person, nobody has one here and its hard to buy without checking it out. Would you recommend the 610 and 69 over the 68 MLF? The LTB68MLF felt great in the store a couple months back. For reference I know I love how the 66MLF feels but not so much the 7MLF. 68 seemed perfect in between. Thanks for your thoughts on this, I wish there was a loaner program from St Croix.... I already bought and used 2 LT6'3" rods. The MLXF and MXF for walleye jigging. That was only a few hours, and IMO jigging doesn't give you the full feel of the rod the mess around with. I also bought the 68MXF Avid X, but have yet to use it. Im looking for something to fill the ML slot in something longer. I just don't know which one... When I do, my guess it will be my favorite, as I prefer ML's and the 63 are darn short. I only jig a few times, but I throw drop shots all summer. Not sure what I was thinking. I think the St Croix Mediums are too heavy for my preference, or maybe I just fish heavy lures and heavy cover much. I also like the LT handle feel.

What size reel is that? Does it balance well? Do you have any experience with other St Croix rods compared to this? THanks I may need to pick one up.

MAn Im surprised by the MED recommendations. I use fairly light weight rigs and the Croix ML feel more stout than other MLs to me. Ive read several times now the 69 MLxf is a great rod, also great for dropshots. The 610 LTB is said to be awesome, but many say its VERY stiff compared to the 69mlxf Avids. I think Im more comfortable starting w a ML and if its too light sometimes Ill buy another. Still considering : LTB 68 ML F Bass Spinning LTB 610 ML XF Drop Shot Avid 69 ML XF I wish I could buy them all....

What is the heaviest weight that works well on that ML? Im assuming it only comes in a ML

I want to get a better rod for dropshots for smallmouth. I guess I narrowed it down to a couple St Croix rods I know of Avid X 69 MLXF Legend TOurnament 610 MLXF Avid or Legend 7ft ML F I wanted to ask the question here since this seems to be the right audience for this. I mostly fish Michigan lakes, rarely deeper than 30ft where im fishing, usually much less. Thanks

Thanks for all the feedback guys! The 68 MXF seems like a VERY popular choice. I bought one today in an Avid X. I ordered a 63 M/XF as well but in the legend tournament. I ordered a patriarch 1000 for that, I like the shimanos but figured Id try this one since it was on sale cheap. I appreciate the comment about the Croix ML fishing like another brands Mediums. I think that may be true, so I plan on ordered a 63MLXF also. Just not sure what model yet, Avid X vs the legend tournament. I am also going to order the Avix X 69ML/XF. Ill put a sahara, saros, or FK on it. Maybe the Stradic FK since I haven't had one yet. I think these rods will cover "most" of what I need, I also just found my Garcia Vigilante 66 ML/moderate with quantum smoke in the basement. The rod was cheap but I actually like it. As for a baitcater for HD brush and junk, Ill keep looking for a M or MH 7 ft ish rod and reel combo on sale somewhere. I don't know if ill use it much, but might be fun to have in the boat just in case. I think Ill be plenty broke after this, but should tell me what rods I REALLY need to have at all times. Any follow up info or suggestions are welcome. Thanks for all the suggestions!

Ill check each of those out. I prefer spinning setups anywhere possible at this point. Not so much practice yet with casting setups...

None. All were cheap ish, and sold with the old boat.

I know I need at least rods to cover everything, but I can buy more than 4. What size and power and action would you get and for which fishing techniques? Ive never bought the right rods so this is a chance to buy with a purpose. I like the St Croix rods, mainly Eyecons and Avids or Avid X. I fish smallmouth and walleye (90% of my fishing) . Jigging, drop shotting, casting cranks and plastics, pitching, and rigging. Please help me out and what each rod is needed for. Thanks!!!