Despite my love for longer rods I’ve come to the conclusion that when fishing out of my kayak or canoe on small Ozark rivers, shorter is generally better. Looking for something to primarily throw topwaters but also do ok with cranks, Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, etc. Right now I’m looking at the St Croix Avid 6mf or 62mxf. Anybody have other suggestions before I pull the trigger? Seems like the number of shorter options has dwindled over the years. Would like to stay under $250

I have the Abu Garcia Ike Delay jerkbait rod. It's 6'4". It's really nice for jerkbaits and topwaters. 

 

 

Sierra Trading Post has the 13 Muse on sale for $80.  Normally $175.  6'3" MH.

G Loomis CR 723c IMX. They discontinued this exact model and now have it available in the IMX-Pro.

You can still find the IMX version online some places at a great price.  I would say it's the exact rod you are describing.

I've had one for years and it's great for so many different presentations. def within your price range.

 

Another cheaper option would be a St Croix Premier 6' rod. Very similar to the 723c but a little heavier and less sensitive, but a great option. The  6' Avid version you mentioned would be perfect too.

I don't know the 6'0", model, but the St. Croix Premier 6'6" Medium-fast is an excellent multi-purpose rod -- it's rated 1/4-3/4oz, and can fish all of those presentations competently.

When I fish out of a canoe, I use a 6'4" Team All Star SBR1 rod. Perfect for what you describe, if you cant find a used one that 6'2" Avid should suffice. 

If you are willing to consider 6'8" rod then Major Craft Don Iovino Splash-It rod works good for top water lures 1/4-1/2 and a very versitile rod for for finesse t-rigs and jigs 1/8-3/8 oz.

I use a G. Loomis PR845C for spoons, crankbaits to 5/8 oz and 1/4 to 3/8 oz top water poppers. The MC Splash-It has replaced the Loomis 7' rod for top water lures 1/4 to 1/2 oz.

Tom

Falcon makes the BuCoo SR in 6'6" in both a M and MH. Not a bad rod for $100.

My kayak arsenal is made up of old-model Loomis Classic Bass and MagBass rods.  All 6’ or 6’6”.  Amazing rods and still somewhat common on ebay. 

 

I also have an Avid 6’2” M/XF.  It’s the best rod I have found for popping/walking/twitching.  

I've used 6'6 from my yak on Ozarks rivers and I prefer 6'3" or so. Here is a killer stick at a good price.

 

FFO Tackle has a 6'4" M Berkley E-Motion for $37. 

21 hours ago, waymont said:

G Loomis CR 723c IMX. They discontinued this exact model and now have it available in the IMX-Pro.

You can still find the IMX version online some places at a great price.  I would say it's the exact rod you are describing.

I've had one for years and it's great for so many different presentations. def within your price range.

 

Another cheaper option would be a St Croix Premier 6' rod. Very similar to the 723c but a little heavier and less sensitive, but a great option. The  6' Avid version you mentioned would be perfect too.

Hadn’t considered any loomis options but the 723 definitely has my attention. Any thoughts on the 722 vs the 723? Despite its mh designation, is the 723 more of a medium?

Lew’s Custom Plus Speed Stick

5' 9" medium heavy fast 

 

Lew's TP-1 Speed Stick IM8 

5' 9" medium heavy fast 

 

Winn grips, if ya aint tried em ya need to!

29 minutes ago, evilcatfish said:

Hadn’t considered any loomis options but the 723 definitely has my attention. Any thoughts on the 722 vs the 723? Despite its mh designation, is the 723 more of a medium?

I think the 723c would be the best fit for you. It’s such a great rod. The most accurate casting rod I have. The 722c is cool, but much less versatile.

there is something to be said about the sensitivity of 6’ rods.

i hope you find an  IMX somewhere. It’s so light! Keep an eye out on eBay, I think that would be your best bet.

So I found a an older (brown blank/reel seat) 6’ m Legend Elite this morning and pulled the trigger. Was a bit of an impulse buy but I fell in love with the rod when I saw it. Still gonna keep an eye out for a deal on a 723 though 

5 hours ago, Catt said:

Lew’s Custom Plus Speed Stick

5' 9" medium heavy fast 

 

Lew's TP-1 Speed Stick IM8 

5' 9" medium heavy fast 

 

Winn grips, if ya aint tried em ya need to!

Those rods aren't a true MH. They feel more M to me and the handle could stand to be another 3" longer, but that's my preference.

6 hours ago, Drew03cmc said:

Those rods aren't a true MH.

 

What rod is?

 

"Looking for something to primarily throw topwaters but also do ok with cranks, Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, etc"

 

They would fit perfectly ?

1 hour ago, Catt said:

 

What rod is?

 

"Looking for something to primarily throw topwaters but also do ok with cranks, Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, flukes, etc"

 

They would fit perfectly ?

You're not wrong. I just look for something a bit beefier for MH. Granted, these rods, if the handle were longer, are great creek rods, I can't get over the short grip. That's just me again. 

7 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

You're not wrong. I just look for something a bit beefier for MH. Granted, these rods, if the handle were longer, are great creek rods, I can't get over the short grip. That's just me again. 

 

I bank fish swamps so I'm standing under trees a lot; these rods are perfect for lighter presentations.

 

Short straight handles & pistol grips were the only choices we had for years so I'm kinda use to em.

 

19 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

I bank fish swamps so I'm standing under trees a lot; these rods are perfect for lighter presentations.

 

Short straight handles & pistol grips were the only choices we had for years so I'm kinda use to em.

 

Yeah, just have a hard time casting with one hand anymore. A decent 6' rod is the same effective (reel to tip) length and has the added 3" on the handle for the other hand. 

23 hours ago, Catt said:

Lew’s Custom Plus Speed Stick

5' 9" medium heavy fast

 

Winn grips, if ya aint tried em ya need to!

Got this rod, it is a killer for dock fishing. My buddy told me that rod is too short, I told him that it is 3 inches longer than I use to throw back in the 70's/80's, thought I did OK with that length then.

I love shorter length/ handle for topwaters.Im using an older Fenwick pistol grip rod. Working good so far

The Shimano Claris is an outstanding Rod. Tackle Warehouse has them for 79.95.

i have the MH. It’s a bit on the heavier side. You may like the medium better. I use mine in tight areas with jigs or frogs. Don’t let the price fool you. The rod is excellent. 

Better than many at a much higher price.