Trying to find a 6 foot casting rod

[The Pond King]

Hi all, I am trying to find a 6' casting rod with medium power and fast action. Trust me, I've done my research and have looked everywhere and it seems that most rods are 6' 6" at a minimum these days. The only rod I've found with these specs is a St. Croix Avid AVC60MF. I own a few St. Croix Avids and I know you can't go wrong with them. However, I'd like to see some other options from other brands as well and would like to keep the cost at $100 or less but open to hearing about any model in any price range. I just simply don't want to spend a lot of money at the moment on yet another rod, but if there are no other options, then I'm willing spend whatever the cost. 

 

From what I've heard from the old timers, 5' 6" - 6' rods were common back in the day, but it's not a popular size anymore. My height is 5' 7", and I think a shorter rod would be more comfortable especially when bank fishing. For example, making casts on a slope when you first sling the cast back to create momentum to fling the lure forward and not have to worry about the lure hitting the ground and getting snagged on some brush behind me, in tight quarters like fishing under low hanging trees, having the ability to work a jerkbait hard without having to worry about hitting the rod tip on the ground or some other obstruction, ease of using top waters especially spook style lures where you have to walk the dog, and pitch more effectively without having to hit the rod tip on something. These are some reasons where I thought a short 6' rod would be useful. I have never owned a 6 footer and would like to try one and see!

[DoctorP]

I am primarily a shore angler as well & a similar height as you. What rod have you been using that you're looking to shy away from? I'll occasionally fish a pistol grip casting rod which keeps the length down - is that something you'd consider?

[The Pond King]

3 minutes ago, DoctorP said:

I am primarily a shore angler as well & a similar height as you. What rod have you been using that you're looking to shy away from? I'll occasionally fish a pistol grip casting rod which keeps the length down - is that something you'd consider?

I'm not shying away from any rod. Most of my rods are 6' 6" - 7' and I've fished them from the beginning and will continue to keep using them.

 

I do not have any interest in a pistol grip casting rod. I want a regular grip casting rod, with preference for a full cork handle, but a split grip will do as long as the length of the rod is 6' which is the most important factor I'm looking for.

[DoctorP]

I've really liked my Mojo Bass 6'8" MH/F "Jig-N-Worm" for all of your listed uses as a bank fisherman; St. Croix has an Avid in this build for 2018. If you're set on something shorter and closer to your price point, the Premier in 6' M/F is my top pick that I've handled. I'd personally go for the G.Loomis CR 722 GL3 over the Avid if you're willing to spend the extra cash.

[The Bassman]

I use and really like G Loomis classic bass rods.  American Legacy is a good source. Several vendors on E-Bay have them too.

[CroakHunter]

1 hour ago, The Pond King said:

I'm not shying away from any rod. Most of my rods are 6' 6" - 7' and I've fished them from the beginning and will continue to keep using them.

 

I do not have any interest in a pistol grip casting rod. I want a regular grip casting rod, with preference for a full cork handle, but a split grip will do as long as the length of the rod is 6' which is the most important factor I'm looking for.

Berkley lightning rod. Not the shock. Go to ffotackle.com and you can have one for about 30 bucks

[Catt]

Academy's H2O series should fit your needs ?

[tander]

Lews makes a 5'9" rod in their custom line.

[Sam]

Bass Pro Shops' Bionic Blade 6-foot medium heavy rod with fast tip for spinning and the Bionic Blade 6-foot medium heavy baitcasting rods should be what you are seeking.

 

$79.00

 

Check out the Bionic Blade BIB60MHS and the BIB60MHT.

 

They may be on sale later this month when BPS has their winter sale.

 

Good luck.

[tholmes]

I'm also a shore angler and have the need for 6' casting rods as that's the longest rod that will fit in the cab of my truck. I carry a couple of rods to work with me so I can fish during my lunch break, and need to keep them locked in the cab while my truck is in the parking lot.

Check BPS, they offer several 6' casting rods in their house brands. 

 

Tom

 

oops, Sam beat me to it!

[fishwizzard]

3 hours ago, The Bassman said:

I use and really like G Loomis classic bass rods.  American Legacy is a good source. Several vendors on E-Bay have them too.

Yep, I have a pair of them, a 721 and a 723 IMX.  I like them both, but the 723 is the standout, it is a really versatile rod and has fished everything I have thrown with it pretty well at the worst.  The 721 I am less excited about and have not found a good use for it yet.  Even onsale they are closer to $200 then $100, but are great rods if one wants to commit to a 6' rod.  

 

 

[Big-Bass]

I have a Falcon Expert 6' Medium Fast Action that is from about 2001.  I was contemplating selling it but have had it since right before college.  It's been used to catch so many fish I couldn't even think of a number.  Yet, the cork, guides, blank, etc. are all still in excellent shape (but I baby my gear).  It used a Shikari blank (I think SHX with Fuji Alconite guides) and from what I heard, for the price they were selling for, it was becoming too expensive to produce so they were discontinued.  Outside of the Gunsmoke series (earlier model), it was the top of the line Falcon for a few years and competitive to the IMX series (some some between IMX and GLX but that's up for debate).  Let me know if you are interested in it but I am still contemplating whether to sell since I have not seen one for sale anywhere.  

[J Francho]

If you like SC, there's also the Premier line.  There are two 6' models for $130 and a 5' 6" pistol grip for $140.

[Darren.]

Was gonna suggest the Premier as well.

 

As most know, because I've said it a bunch of times,

I prefer shorter rods. Also 5'7" and the longest I will

use (as of now) is 6'6" with 5'9"-6' being the sweet

range for me.

 

It is simply a preference. I feel long rods are more

unruly when fishing from kayak, but I get why people

like them. Just isn't how I roll.

 

That said, I can see their potential in open waters, now

that I'm fishing salt for striper, etc. There are times I

want a really long cast but just can't quite get to the spot

with my 6 footers. But this hasn't pushed me to switch.

For me there's still the manageability of the rods in my

yak.

[J Francho]

@Darren., I think you'd like the 6'2" casting and 6'3" spinning rods from SC.  They are only an inch or two shorter than the 6'6" models, measuring from the reel seat, but use the shorter rear grip from the 6' models.  I have:

AVC62MXF

AVS63MLXF

AVS63MXF

[Darren.]

9 minutes ago, J Francho said:

@Darren., I think you'd like the 6'2" casting and 6'3" spinning rods from SC.  They are only an inch or two shorter than the 6'6" models, measuring from the reel seat, but use the shorter rear grip from the 6' models.  I have:

AVC62MXF

AVS63MLXF

AVS63MXF

I have a LTWS63MLXF which was really nice...until it met with

an untimely shortening of about 6 or 8 inches. I'm holding out

for the day I can warranty replace it. Was a really nice rod.

 

Actually had the AVS63MXF and did the Gold Star Upgrade to

the LTW.

 

But even then, I like the shorter a tad more. I shortened my

Premier to 5'9" on purpose, LOL. Great little rod, that.

 

If/when I warranty the LT, I'll keep it at 6'3". Great rod.

[J Francho]

The MLXF taper from SC is really something special.  Throw delicate presentations, yet enough backbone to apply some muscle.

[NYWayfarer]

It is hard to find a 6' medium casting rod. I have a 6' M Fenwick Eagle GT rod that size that gets a lot of use. I am going to miss it when it finally gives out as they don't make it anymore.

[fishwizzard]

5 hours ago, J Francho said:

 

AVC62MXF

 

I have one of these on it's way to me here any day now.  I picked it up as a possible replacement for the CR721 IMX, which did not work out as well for jerkbaits and poppers as I had hoped it would.  I am excited to get my hands on it, assuming the ice ever melts. 

[The Pond King]

First of all, I want to say thank you to everyone that replied. It's awesome to post on the BassResource forums! It's like a mastermind group of like minded individuals that are made up of fishing fanatics like me, and the coordination of knowledge and effort of many people helps you navigate through challenges using the collective intelligence of others. 

 

Even though I did research on my own, I would've never came to these conclusions by myself and wouldn't have found the answers I was looking for in order to make the best decision. 

 

Anyways, I have decided to go with the 6' MF Lightning Rod as CroakHunter suggested and bought one today! This is because right now, I am not trying to drop a lot of cash on a new rod. I want to test out this length to see if I like it without having to invest $250 or more. Moreover, I own a few Lightning Rods, and used them from pretty much the beginning of my fishing "career," and I have to say, for the money, Lightning Rods are good rods. They provide a lot of value and bang for the buck, and it's really all you need. I can say this confidently because I own high end rods now. 

 

I've also never even thought of the Classic G. Loomis series even though it was right under my nose! Several of you have suggested it, and if I end up liking the 6' length after giving it a go with the Lightning Rod - which I'm sure I will - I'm going to invest in a G. Loomis 722 IMX in due time. I think for around $255 for a 722 IMX, I'd rather pay the extra $60 some odd dollars for a classic 722 IMX over an Avid. I'm sure if there's a sale, I could get the rod for around $190-200 which is about the retail price of an Avid. 

 

This 6' length should be good for the reasons aforementioned in my original post. I'm not worried about the distance because you don't need to cast far for bass. I'd rather have comfort. Can't wait to try it out and see if what I imagined and contemplated is true by testing it out first hand!

 

Thanks again guys! Cheers and tight lines!!

[CroakHunter]

Woo hoo! I'm the winner!

[Pro Logcatcher]

I am only 5 9 and I use a 6'8 rod whenever I bank fish. I learned how to to a backhand cast, which really helps in close corners.

[fishwizzard]

6 hours ago, The Pond King said:

 

I've also never even thought of the Classic G. Loomis series even though it was right under my nose! Several of you have suggested it, and if I end up liking the 6' length after giving it a go with the Lightning Rod - which I'm sure I will - I'm going to invest in a G. Loomis 722 IMX in due time. I think for around $255 for a 722 IMX, I'd rather pay the extra $60 some odd dollars for a classic 722 IMX over an Avid. I'm sure if there's a sale, I could get the rod for around $190-200 which is about the retail price of an Avid. 

 

 

Don't pay MSRP for the Loomis Classic rods without giving American Legacy a call, they had them on sale for like $190 a few times last year. 

[the reel ess]

Check this out. Apparently, All Star and Lew's have some rods in that range.

https://www.academy.com/shop/browse/fishing/fishing-rods/casting-rods?facet=ads_f10510_ntk_cs%3A"5'6\""&facet=ads_f10510_ntk_cs%3A"5'9\""&facet=ads_f10510_ntk_cs%3A"6'"

[Drew03cmc]

On 1/10/2018 at 6:59 AM, tander said:

Lews makes a 5'9" rod in their custom line.

I love my 5'9" TP1. Don't let the MH fool you, it's more a M.