I plan on purchasing an Okuma Inspira reel in the smallest size and putting 6lb test on it. 

 

I want to pair it with a ML spinning rod to throw plastics. I can't fit anything longer than 6'6 in the back of my vehicle. If I buy a longer rod, it'll need to be in 2 pieces. 

I've been looking at the following rods:

Fenwick HMX
Fenwick Elite Tech
St Croix Premier

Dobyns Fury

 

I'm leaning toward the St Croix, but it doesn't say on TW if it's in 2 pieces. I should also note that I'm shore-bound unless friends take me out in their boats. I'd appreciate some feedback and help. Thanks!

I would opt for the one piece!

Two years ago I bought a St. Croix premier (Medium Light, 6 foot, fast action, 2 pieces). While it was very sensitive and great for casting, it broke once every few months. Whether it be casting a 1/4 oz. buzzbait, setting the hook on a tiny fish, or some other normal action, the rod would snap in the top half of the rod.

Granted, St. Croix's warranty was great and provided me with a new rod tip for each time it broke, but it's too much of a hassle to replace. I'm still not quite sure what was causing all the breaks.

Others also seem to have this problem, but maybe it was just a bad batch. I own a St. Croix Avid X and it's the perfect rod and I've never had any problems with it.

Go with a 6'6" rod in 1 piece, it isn't too short. I use that length rod a lot, I have a few casting and spinning rods in that length and when you are looking at putting a spinning reel with a small spool on the rod, the extra casting distance the 7' rod will give you isn't worth sacrificing any kind of sensitivity.

The Premier Spinning rods in ML come in both 1 and 2 piece models regardless of length. They're offered in 6', 6'6", 7', and 7'6". From looking at the price I'd be guessing the one at TW is a one piece. You could call and order one straight from them, or else everywhere should be pretty comparable on price with them. If you want more information it can be found on their website http://stcroixrods.com/products/freshwater/premier-spinning/  

Thanks for the feedback everyone. 

 

What are your thoughts on these BPS rods? They're around the same price point as I'm looking at:

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-XPS-Extreme-Spinning-Rod-ETR68MLS/product/11092205011617/

From shore I would lean to a 6'6" depending on what obstacles branches and trees you encounter coming and going and while walking the bank. The 6'6" is a small trade off. I would also stick to one piece if I could. Then my choice hands down would be the ST Croix,,,, no matter what your budget,,, the Premier is a good rod for the money,,,, but their Avid is the best bargain on earth for what you get for the dollars spent in my opinion!!!  

 

BPS rods are durable but I find them awful heavy compared to other rods, The ugly sticks of graphite???