Looking for spinning rod recommendations for skipping senkos and other light plastics. I like the st croix and dobyns rods so if you have recommendations on either, please fire away. Also wondering why you recommend the rod you recommend. What else have you tried and why is one better than the other?

Not interested in casting rods.

Thanks

Well it's not a dobyns but the 6'8" M xf BPS Carbonlite is awesome for skipping. It's got plenty of sensitivity and I think more powerful than the St croix models with the same power/action (6'8" M xf). Senkos and Ikas on 20lb braid can go 15'-20' under docks easily and very accurately.

I have a 6'3" rod from Rhapsody Rods which I love for skipping docks. I also own a 6' Abu Garcia.

Both are medium flex. The shorter rod rocks for this application.

Short works best for me too.  6'3" Cabela's XML or Shimano Crucial 6' MH/F

Well, I've got a 6'3" Avid MLXF spinning rod, that is now a 5'9" spinning rod thanks to two breaks, but it is great for skipping docks and under water bound bushes, etc.

 

However, I actually prefer my 5'9" Shimano Compre (cork) for that task. I just like the balance better, I guess. Plus I like the slimmer cork handle as compared to the bulkier Avid.

 

I have no experience with Dobyns rods, so can't offer an opinion there. But I can say the Avid (since it is in your St. Croix or Dobyns guideline) is a great rod for the money.

 

However, don't break the tip, LOL. I will be replacing the Croix eventually, but for now, it is in my arsenal paired with a Shimano Stradic 1000FI.

I also have the Avid 6'3" MLXF and I would NOT recommend this for dock duty.  Way too light in the power dept.  GREAT light finesse rod if you don't have to deal with any heavy cover but if there is any cover involved it's too light. It is also a pretty darn good panfish rod. It is rated for 4-8lb line and I would not use anything more than 6lb test on this one.

 

 Even the Avid 6'3" MXF is not gonna cut it for dock duty (IMO) where larger fish are a possibility, but this would be a much better choice than the AVS63MLXF.  The butt power is there but the tip is just slightly too soft for the sometimes brutal up close combat that goes with docks.  This is great all around finesse rod though.

 

 Find something in a MH power or a stout M power for docks.  You don't want your rod being the weak link trying to move good fish from under docks.  

I like any MXF spinning rod for this task.  I have used the St Croix mojo and the rage both are 6'8" MXF and they do a great job.  I know a lot of people like shorter rods for skipping but for me, they are a little to specialized for my liking and i have no problems skipping with the 6'8" length

So my wife got me the avs68mf for Christmas and I am considering taking it back for an xf. Is there that much difference in skipping ability between the fast and extra fast tips on the st croix avids?

You must have the AVS68MXF.  There is no AVS68MF.   It's a great, versatile rod, I use mine mainly for tubes and other finesse apps.

Sorry typo It's the avs66mf. Question still stands - is the xf action that much better for skipping then the fast action?

I found it to me more accurate, I have skipped with a 7' Lamiglas Excel Medium and I can skip...  but the chances of killing an innocent bystander with the lack of accuracy is pretty high.  

Sorry typo It's the avs66mf. Question still stands - is the xf action that much better for skipping then the fast action?

I don't think so, but that's just my opinion.  I have all of the AVS models with XF action and I wouldn't use any of them for skipping docks.  If I had to pick one of those for dock duty it would be the AVS63MXF.  I choose the 6'3" because I just like a shorter rod for dock duty and I'd go down to 6' before I'd go up to 6'6".

 

To me, these XF actions are finesse sticks and I would rather use something more stout around heavy cover, which I consider docks to be.  

 

Give your AVS66MF a try, it might be just what YOU like and it should prove to be pretty versatile. 

St croix rage 6"8 mx-fast that's my dedicated senko rod and not to mention its good for shaky head to

Tight lines

Andrew

I have a 7'1" *** *** m/f but feels a little more like xf. I love skipping senkos and can them to skipping pretty far with a little flick of the wrist. I am about 6'2".