Scuba Steve

Well let me see. This may not be an exhaustive list of my tackle box. 6’6 ML avid spinning - drifting floating flies, 1/16th grubs, trout poppers, vertical jigging walleye, tiny in line spinners. 6’6 M avid spinning - this has been my river rod. 1/8-1/4oz texas rigs, #2 and 3 mepps spinners, weightless senkos when pond hopping, 1/8-1/4 bitsy bug jigs. 6’8 MH legend tournament casting - has been my bigger river rod. Been throwing 3/8 bitsy bugs, whopper ploppers, and 1/2 spinners. 6’8 M legend tournament casting - hasnt been used yet, but the goal is to throw anything in that 3/16-1/2 that moves. Yes I know a moderate action is better for trebles and such but I do a lot of wading so I like being able to completely change presentations on the one rod I have out there with me. On this rod I plan to throw cranks, red eye shads, weighted swimbaits, buzzbaits, jerkbaits and shad raps. I decided to add the M casting because like everyone on here agrees with, st croixs are a bit stouter and the MH I have is a very strong rod.

I was thinking some sort of moderate will be my next rod, but for now i should be pretty set. Im going to put the 30 pound braid revo x on the MH and it will handle any cover i fish as my strongest rod. So now as a recap, I have: 6’6 ML spinning 6’6 M spinning 6’8 M casting 6’8 MH casting Should cover everything I do! Lets hope.

Confirmed at my store. Traded in two reels, used the coupon on two rods. Its one coupon this year. Last year they had two separate ones. Little disappointed in the sale overall and lack of inventory, but still saved a decent amount of money on the rods.

Thanks Speedy. Only reason I didn't get that exact same rod is my preference for shorter rods. My 6'8 version of the one you got is fantastic so I'm positive you'll be happy with yours. ...also saw the Curado K haha. I hate all the options. That reel was pretty slick too. I was thinking of staying 7.1.

Ok, small little update. Today I picked up the legend tournament bass in the 6'8 M fast casting. Beautiful rod. I just need a reel for it now. My thought was to keep the revo x on the medium heavy because its a really tough reel with solid drag. Should I keep the 30 lb braid on that one? It'll be for big buzz baits, ploppers, frogs and such. I was debating for the new rod, maybe another revo x, or citica or something similar, in a 6:1 ratio? 7:1? What line? 10-15lb braid? Opinions?

Now I've been thinking of adding a 6'6-7' medium fast casting rod. I know its the bread and butter and I don't have one haha.

Cool, thanks for the replies guys. I do believe my next set up will be moderate rod for bigger/treble hook baits. There's not really too much slop/lily pads where I live. I only find myself in that situation a couple times a year at best. Since I do prefer a shorter rod, would a 6'6-6'8 MH moderate casting rod be alright? Honestly I haven't even investigated if that size is an option.

Awesome, thanks for the replies! I was debating getting a medium fast casting rod, but my medium avid spinning does just fine. I actually bought the 6'6 MHF avid casting and I thought it was way too stiff for its length. I don't know, I didn't really like it. Felt more like a short heavy. Returned it after a few days. I was actually debating getting a heavy casting as suggested (thick cover, big baits, frogging). I'd go at least 7' for that though.

These are my three front line rod/reel combos. I can cover pretty much every presentation I like to fish. I'm close to two local rivers where I can find smallies, largemouth, pike, muskie, gar, catfish, drum, crappie, and so on. I also have a couple ponds and creeks. I tend to like shorter rods. I've never been one to make the casting distance argument if what I'm throwing is uncomfortable and less accurate (especially when I'm wading). I have a couple older rods and reels that will be turned in at the Bass Pro spring classic this year. I really started buying quality equipment over the last two years (tax return presents). So what I go with, is: 1. Casting - St Croix Legend Tournament Bass 6'8 Medium Heavy Fast. Paired with an Abu Garcia Revo X with 30 lb braid. 2. Spinning - St Croix Avid 6'6 Medium Fast. Paired with an Abu Garcia Revo X with 10 lb braid to a 6-8 lb flouro leader. 3. Spinning - St Croix Avid 6'6 Medium Light Fast. Paired with a Shimano Stradic 2500. Line choice TBD. What do you guys think? What should I add next? Anything missing? Now that the midwest's polar vortex is over, I can't wait to get back out. Thanks for reading!

I believe the Avid only came in a 6'8 M-XF. I wanted a MH and I don't care for XF. The LTB came in a 6'8 MH-F. It weighs only 4 oz. My Abu Revo X weighs 7.8 oz I believe, and without adding weight the balance point is an inch or two in front of the reel seat. Best feeling combo I've used so far.

This season I bought a 7' MH-F in the regular avid casting. Used it for 5 minutes and knew I didn't like it. It's wayyy tip heavy. I got a 6'8 MH-F 2018 LTB instead. The balance point with my Revo X is where the spin down cork meets the rod, just in front of the reel. It feels almost weightless in my hand. I put a furniture leg cap on the butt with a few quarters in it and the balance point was dead center of the reel. I love it.

Ok, update. Took both out today for a fair shake. the MH casted as light as a #3 mepps (with brakes almost off and thumbing the spool) about as far as id need it to go. It was a pleasant surprise. It casted 1/4oz texas rigs very well too so now I have to get some 3/8 weights and tube jig hooks and such. The medium avid did well with 0, 1, and 2 mepps. I felt the #3 was too much pull. Handled the floating rapalas and 1.0 kvd cranks to my liking. glad i got to get out and evaluate throwing all of the classic baits. And glad i can cover basically everything with these two rigs.

Ive always felt like theres way too much drag while reeling crankbaits on medium light rods. I always went medium. I mostly fish rivers too so i also have some cross current to deal with too. I dont know, just always felt under powered to me.

You throw crankbaits on a medium light? How? Am i the only one that hasnt found that comfortable? And you throw them on an extra fast too?

Yeah I do frequent a few favorite crank baits and all kinds of mepps spinners, #3 and #4. I know I can probably get away with the bigger ones on the 6'8 medium heavy before I drop money on another rod and reel. But how much better would the moderate fast be? I've never owned a medium light. Never found a use in my arsenal for it honestly.

My name is Steve. I am selling magazine subscriptions. I was once addicted to crack but now I am clean. Just kidding (Office Space reference) Just wanted to say hello and thank you to everyone who has posted the loads of valuable information I have read prior to joining. I look forward to contributing and continuing to learn.

Hey all, Long time reader, first time poster! This is the year I upgrade all of my equipment. And "all" is not that much (yet). I have some mid performance gear that has served me well over the years. I'm trying to get those "sweet three" do-all set ups upgraded. The time has come. So far I have upgraded to the following: 1. St Croix Avid 6'6 MF spinning. 2000 size spinning reel and 10 lb power pro. 2. St Croix LTB 6'8 MHF casting. 20 lb power pro super slick with 15 lb flouro leader. 3. ...would it be wise to add that 6'6-7' moderate fast for treble baits? Honestly I do a lot of wading, and have never been too fond of rods over 7'. I know, I'm one of thooose guys. I'll disclose my reels once those get upgraded haha. Focusing on rods for now. These two St Croixs are amazing so far! Thanks. Steve