I've been on the market for a short rod, specifically for accurately rollcasting spinnerbaits at short distances (<30 yds).

Yesterday I saw a St.Croix Tidemaster 6'0" MH-F at Gander Mtn for $60 and was considering whether to get it or not. I like MH backbone in short rods for more accuracy and stronger hooksets, but the tip of this rod didn't seem to bend much. It's hard to tell without trying it.

Has anyone used this particular rod for the application? Would you guys recommend a tidemaster series for bass fishing?

Never used one have held some they are heavy...

The TideMaster is the Inshore rod series :

   * Premium quality SCII graphite.

   * Outstanding strength, sensitivity and hook-setting power.

   * Designed specifically for inshore saltwater angling.

   * Batson Forecast® hard aluminum-oxide guides with 316

    stainless-steel frames for dramatically improved corrosion

    resistance compared to 304 stainless-steel frames.            

   * Fuji® ECS or TCS reel seat/frosted silver hood on casting models.

   * Premium-grade cork handle.

   * Two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.

   * 5-year warranty backed by unmatched St. Croix service.

   * Handcrafted in the U.S.A.

   

Tight Lines!!!!!    

Some Gander Mountains carry Castaway Rods.  Take a look at a Spinnerbait Special #3.  6'2" MH-M $100

I wouldn't want to use it. JMHO

I have a shorter 6'3" M-F spinnerbait rod, but I've come to hate it. It is just too soft on the casting and hooksetting.

Then I moved to a standard 6'6" MH-F for all my spinnerbait rollcasting. The accuracy and presentation was descent and could deal pretty well with wind and such. Then a tarpon made a slight mod to that rod by taking 5" off the tip. Since then, my accuracy and presentation has increased dramatically.

one thing about st. croix rods that I've noticed (and this isn't a slam - I use st croix rods a lot) is their shorter rods in MH power and their longer rods in H power - both in fast action - are very stiff. most people love or hate this from the start, but for me it has been a grow to love it situation.

I will say that, because of this, the st. croix rods won't fit all fishing styles for me, which is why I have others. perhaps others have had different experiences. I don't know if this helps at all, but g'luck!