Finally scored a St Croix Avid, 6'6" M fast at Gander Mtn for $99.97.  It was the only one of that model they had.  Hope its as good as everyone says.  Now...what reel :-/

Gotta specify whether it's an AS or AC rod and a pricing point for the reel.

Sorry, my error. Baitcasting.  I don't know what I want to spend on the reel.  Nothing for a while, so maybe I can go a little better if I wait until spring.

Look for after Christmas sales.

They should be good this year.

I like Shimano products so I am biased regarding reels.

But I would think any name brand would be fine if it is in your price range.

The guys will give you their input, too, and I suggest you strongly consider what they tell you.

Good luck.

Take a look at the Shimano Citica at around $100. If you can pop for more money, the Curado would be the next stop, then the Chronarch, Core and Calais.

I'm told other companies make baitcasters, too, but I wouldn't pay any attention to them. :

8-)

Way to keep at it dude.

Excellent price for a quality rod.

any good low profile reel 9 ounces or less should balance nicely.

Good luck and have fun.

Take a look at the Shimano Citica at around $100. If you can pop for more money, the Curado would be the next stop, then the Chronarch, Core and Calais.

I'm told other companies make baitcasters, too, but I wouldn't pay any attention to them. :

8-)

very interesting.

kb here i also have some st croix avid rods for me who has tryed a lot of brands i dont think you can go wrong with a curado. rw has a lot more experiance with shimano than i do .he likes citica better than curado i would guess i like the same reel on all my baitcasters. upgrade my premier to avids and abu garcia torono's to curado as the money will let me kb