St Croix Avid series

I’m looking for a new rod for kind of all around from swimbaits to lindy rig, to live bait rigging. My price point would fall into Avid series and I like anywhere from 6-8 to 7’. Was looking at 7’ medium, fast action. What are benefits between fast or extra fast? Does anyone have any recommendations of other brands around 200$

You probably don’t need extra fast action for what you are looking for…I think you have the right idea.

I’d look at Limit Creek…they have a 6’6” medium fast action rod. Lot of good rods between $100-$200.

Personally I’d opt out for 2 cheaper rods.

Not a fan of the croix rods <$100, but Shimano and fenwick makes some real nice sticks in that range IMO.

MHF for swim baits, mlf for Lindy/livebait.

Not going to get too fancy with the cheaper rods as far as actions, probably stuck with fast tapers mostly.

Check out YouTube videos on the St Croix Victory series. I was at BPS checking out the Victory rods and the sales rep I talked to thought the Fenwick HMG rods were the best value for the price.

I have a limit creek smoothie and it’s a nice rod. I just think my st croix 6’ MF is a bit more sensitive for live bait rigging, but was looking for something longer in that range, I have plenty of rods so am not looking for two

I would look at the 6’10” or 7′ in a mxf. JMO

Avids are my go-to for all around walleye tactics. No regrets here. Lately I have been pairing them with Tatulas.

Lindy/livebait is the same thing.

Swimbaits are entirely a different presentation, would be hard to be good at either one with just one rod. Both presentations will be ok.

I’d rather be good, not great, but definitely better than ok with 2 cheaper rods than 1 nice rod that doesn’t fit either presentation well.

IMHO

I bought 2 new spinning rods this spring. St. Croix Victory VTS73MXF and a VTS710MLXF. I have had a chance to use them yet…..still driving trucks on the lake.

I bought a 7′ AvidX last year and was very happy with it. I wanted a longer one but they discontinued them, so I went with the Victory.

I feel the 7′ medium Fast St. Croix could be the most versatile rod they make. I used it for throwing jigs and flukes for smallies and walleye all the time. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

I am no expert, but

Over the past two years I have added a St. Croix (way over $100), a couple of Limit Creek ($100, but they may be going up) and some middle-high Scheels house brand spinning rods ($50ish on sale). All are actually pretty comparable.