Avid Spinning Rod Model AVS69MLXF

I'm an incorrigible fisherman, I have been fishing all of my long life as I live right on the Pacific Ocean, 50 miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, and the second largest man-made lake in the world is about a twenty minute drive from my house. I live where there is a canal, way down below the Rio Grande.In this particular case, I'd like to give 5 stars to the St. Croix Avid 2pc 5' 6" rod for fishing Peacock Bass. Just about all my rods are Loomis, but this time I wanted a small travel rod to match to a Daiwa Fuego 1000A with 6lbs braided line, and a small popper (Heddon Baby Torpedo) tied to it. I admit, previously I'd never had a St. Croix rod.To make a long story short, I caught 53 (fifty three) 2 to 6 pounds Peacock Bass with the small rod. The two-piece Avid was great for placing the popper at the right place, great for hooking up the mean critters attacking the white and red lure, and if at times I thought the rod was a little overwhelmed with the larger fish it never failed.Fit and finish is great, although I like the smoother finish of the top-end Loomis a bit better; the cork is impeccable; the guides are those with what seems like some highfalutin modern ceramic-like material; and the reel seat is made of long-lasting and rust-proof composite. Above all, the rod holds its ground and performs flawlessly.It is very difficult to find a quality small two-piece rod, but St. Croix got it, and got it right. I only wish it were delivered with a case (the case is sold separately for $30, I think - I already ordered one.) And, finally, I'd love to have one just like my Avid except just a little stiffer (for the larger fish as sometimes snook mingles with the bass, as well as tarpon) and from the top-of-the-line St. Croix blanks.

I was able to get on the stream yesterday with this rod and it fishes amazing. I was concerned about fishing with an ultralight rig with windy conditions we have here in Colorado. Well the wind was blowing and they fast action makes the rod just rigid enough to handle the wind with no problems. It's well balanced and comfortable on the hand and arm even 5 hours in to a fishing day. Would highly recommend this rod to someone looking for something on the high end size. The only bad thing was the delayed shipping, it missed delivery by 3 days and that's the first time I have had that happen with Amazon, though I believe it shipped directly from St. Croix.

These are great rods. Sadly, mine (7' 2pc. Medium Fast action) showed up with the tip broken off 2 inches from the top. The tip was floating around the packaging. The plastic sleeve they come in from the factory was sealed on both ends; however, it was ripped open two-thirds of the way up it. While the shipping box was undamaged, there was no paper or bubble wrap inside to keep the rod from shifting around in the box. A 4x4 box should have something inside to keep a tiny piece of graphite from shifting around during the long shipping route.I am giving the product two stars only because St. Croix rods don't deserve a bad rating and because it shipped from the west coast to the the east coast on time.Due to the broken tip, ripped plastic sleeve, and unlined box it shipped in, I can't recommend purchasing from this listing.

You just can't beat St. Croix rods. This one is no exception. I use it for panfish, but have landed a 4 pound largemouth on it as well as a 3 foot gar. This rod is a lot of fun to fish with. It is just a tad "whippy" but it sets the hook well, is light and very sensitive. I think that the 6 foot version might have had a little better feel, but wouldn't throw the ultra light baits quite as far. I love this rod, but will probably buy the 6 foot version eventually. I love fishing with ultra light tackle and these rods are the best.

I don't know much about it but my husband loves it.

Well made rod, I even bought a medium heavy rod I liked it so much. Feather light rod. I bought the medium fast for bass but i thought the medium was a little lighter action then I imagined. The medium heavy is a better rod for that. Over all a great rod.

Can't go wrong with a St. Croix! Good balance and action. Very sensitive. My new go to!

One of the rod guides was damaged, insert broken with missing pieces and circular part of guide wire deformed. The rod arrive in a clear plastic sealed sleeve labeled St. Croix. There were no broken pieces within the sealed sleeve which would indicate this would have been damaged at the factory before packing.