St. Croix Avid

[King_Slayer]

I've decided to buy a St. Croix Avid spinning rod, 9'6" med-lit fast. Anybody used these before? It was this one or maybe the medium power in the same length. Both feel very comfortable in my hand, but leaning towards the medium light.

 

[alwayscatching]

Can't go wrong with a St.Croix anyday! lol. Sorry I don't use the spec's you are asking about, but I do own 2 Avid's now and they are amazing.

 

[Klik]

what are you fishing for? what type of water? what is your mainline and leader going to be like?

 

[King_Slayer]

Mainly just rivers for Steelhead, I like to use 20 lb braid with long light Fluro leaders before the ice is here. There were some G Loomis rods there too, not real familiar with those rods and they were a bit more in cost. Honestly I thought the Avid felt more comfortable in my hands, and it's about 100 bucks cheaper.

 

[King_Slayer]

Can't go wrong with a St.Croix anyday! lol. Sorry I don't use the spec's you are asking about, but I do own 2 Avid's now and they are amazing.

Are they by chance spinning rods?

 

[W_boughner]

I have a 9' 5wt fly rod that I rebuilt as a high frame spinning rod/ float rod .. It's about the same as a med/Lt and I love it !!! Lots of fun on small tribs and head waters but to small to float fish lower sections ( not long enough to keep the line off the water) in my opinion

 

[Klik]

i personally don't think a short fast rod is the best of choice as a steelhead rod. doesn't have much of give in either length or taper. it just depends on your style of fishing though, and the type of water you're fishing.

 

[alwayscatching]

Mainly just rivers for Steelhead, I like to use 20 lb braid with long light Fluro leaders before the ice is here. There were some G Loomis rods there too, not real familiar with those rods and they were a bit more in cost. Honestly I thought the Avid felt more comfortable in my hands, and it's about 100 bucks cheaper.

I would choose a St.Croix over G.Loomis anyday. I get the 220-280$ G.Loomis rods for 65-90 bucks and I STILL choose to spend a bit more to get St.Croix rods. Don't get me wrong G.Loomis is a great branch of shimano BUT I still think that the type specifics from St.Croix are better. As for your question if mine are spinning, negative. Both baitcasters:

Jerkbait

AVC70MHF

7'

MH

Fast

1

12 - 20

3/8 - 1

4.7

2

$ 200
Crankbait

AVC70MM

7'

M

Mod.

1

8 - 14

1/4 - 5/8

3.7

2

$ 190

I may end up returning the jerkbait one though.

 

[azppp]

to the op, i have the exact same rod, its a spinning rod. It was my first rod i used to attempt float fishing. Spooled with 6lb pline and 4lb leader (as 20lb braid is overkill and will snap your rod easy if you're not careful) i was able to land a couple of bows before purchasing my first cp set up. Just remember to set the drag LOWWWW on whatever reel u got...it aint bass fishing and if let them run you should have a blast. 9'6'' is a little short and someone mentioned the action is not the best for float but its a great pier/shore/small lures set up..i still carry it with me sometimes if i wanna throw hardware on tha banks.

hope that helped. Tight lines.

 

[King_Slayer]

Thanks for the advice guys! 9'6" was the longest Avid they had available, I could always order a longer rod online. Bass pro offers every length available. I like to cast lures, so I was aiming for a rod I could cast lures and float with. But your right a fast action rod isn't the best for that. In the past I've wasted a lot of roe and live bait bc it will fly right off the hook when I cast. Almost all my rods are fast action, so I guess it wouldn't hurt to go with something different.

 

[alwayscatching]

I hope you find the rod your looking for! Tight lines.

 

[Klik]

I am one of the rare steelheaders that uses moderate tip for centerpining. most guys use slow/moderate slow rods for steelhead, i own an im8 13' i can do everything with it, but again most people call it their salmon rod even at moderate, but it is soft enough to use really light leaders. so maybe choose moderate and then you can chuck hardware and float fish.

 

[W_boughner]

If you want to chuck lures and float I would look in the 11' range .. There's a lot of good rods out there shop around and find the one that fits you !! Small tackle shops will probably be the best place for this as you can take your reel and set it up ant get a feel for the rod !!

Hope you find your rod

 

[salmonman]

I just bought a 10'6 Avid this fall and was using it for pier fishing for salmon. Great feel, light and durable. Plus you cant beat the lifetime warranty either! I was also running 20 pound Pline on mine with a Shimano Stradic and it seemed to fit well together.

Enjoy the rod!
salmonman

 

[King_Slayer]

I just bought a 10'6 Avid this fall and was using it for pier fishing for salmon. Great feel, light and durable. Plus you cant beat the lifetime warranty either! I was also running 20 pound Pline on mine with a Shimano Stradic and it seemed to fit well together.

Enjoy the rod!
salmonman

That's good the hear salmonman. Did you get that 10'6" online? Haven't been able to find any of those in any store.

 

[fishermandan420]

My bud uses a 9'6 avid for hardware and bottom bouncing. Great stick for that

 

[Klik]

from the consensuses of people having, using or seeing the rod in this thread. i know it is not going to make a good float fishing rod. hardware sure. steelhead with 5lb leader = snap city.

 

[King_Slayer]

Thanks for the advice guys. I went ahead and got the 9'6" Avid spinning rod. It's a pain to float fish with a spinning reel anyways, so I'm happy with this purchase. In terms of fishing gear, I think the float reels are the coolest thing out there, can't wait to own one. But until then I'm going to enjoy this St. Croix Avid.

 

[salmonman]

Hey Kingslayer,

I actually got my 10'6 at Burns Tackle here in Burlington. Last time I was in there I think he had another one in stock. Awesome rod.

Salmonman

 

[King_Slayer]

I meant to go there, that's pretty close to where I live. The guy I always see there is always super nice and knowledgeable. I should have checked there but I'm in love with the 9'6" Avid I got. Only taken it out twice but starting tonight, I'm gonna be night fishing into first light everyday of the week.