I'm looking to buy a new st croix spinning rod. I want a 6'6 and a medium power fast action. I have a st croix premer medium fast action and like it a lot but I want to upgrade a little. I'll be using the rod in brackish water on the chesapeake bay, so I'm not sure if is boils get a fresh or salt rod. I'll be catching anything from striper bass to largemouth maybe some perch. I'm not looking to spend anymore than 250

Buy the best you can get for $250 as that. Just don't troll with it.

If you already have a medium power, I'd use that for bass and perch. I'd get a MH for stripers. The Avid rods are very nice, and I hear the LTB's are even nicer. 

the avid rods feel very nice in hand, but i have not fished with one.  that would likely be where i would land if i were in the market for a new avid and had about $250 to spend.... not to mention that you would have some $ left over which is always a plus

Avid is a very nice rod. Fenwick AETOS is also great, and us a bit cheaper than the Avid.

You can't beat a St. Croix Avid.  Great rod for the money.  Gander Mountain has a $30 rebate on them and 10% off.   This is the best deal I have seen on them in a long time.

For $250, I'd look at an ***. The titanium recoil guides will help if you get some salt. Far more sensitive than the Avid and a much more comfortable grip as well.

Medium heavy on the Potomac should suffice unless you are going towards the mouth where there is salt water and then you may need a heavy.

 

Sales going on now so get on the Internet and look around for good deals.

 

The BPS sale is at the end of February and you can score some great deals then.

 

If you want to find out more about what rods are best on the Potomac check out Pete Gluszeck's and Teddy Carr's Internet sites and if possible send them an email asking what they would suggest. Both are pros and guides on the Potomac.