I’m looking for a good 6 wt. rod for bass and the occasional Great Lakes steelhead. I’m thinking of a St. Croix Avid Series rod, but I’ve never cast one (and don’t live in an area where doing so is possible without 3 or 4 hours of driving).
I presently fish for trout with a Sage Launch Series 9’ 4 wt. (four piece) and I really like it.
What do you all think of the Avid series…Nice rod, or stay away from it?
Other suggestions are welcome, but price is a consideration (with a new home, and a new baby, I’m lucky I’m even getting a fly rod!!)
You can’t get hurt with St. Croix. After my original SA kit rod and reel I graduated to the Avid 2pc. 6wt. then got talked into the 4pc. for convenience. Then got caught up in the hype; and, well, you know the story. Wish I were still banging out the LMB with the Avid and used the thousands I’ve spent over the last 7 years on “premium” rods for a bigger boat.
The Avid is a nice moderate/fast action that loads well for short casts and has plenty of backbone for long casts if you need it. The Avid is being replaced with the “new” Avid which will be made with the IPC technology for '06, so you should be able to pick one up fairy reasonable.
I agree that St. Croix makes a very good rod. Great people making great products. Don’t overlook the Imperial series…they are a good value. But the Avid is nice, as well. And the Legend Ultra rods are just plain sweet!