Fast Action or Extra Fast Action for Jigging

[B.B.B.]

I am going to buy a St. Croix Rod and I am not sure on what power rod and action to get? An Avid or Lengend Elite? Is the Legend Elite that much better? I will pay more money, if it is worth it.

[steve(IL)]

How do you plan to use the rod? Many rods will do 1 or 2 things well and are marginal to bad for other applications. Start by identifying what properties it should have in terms of sensitivity and flex. Why pay potentially $200 plus if a $60 rod could provide all the same benefits? If the application demands a $200 plus rod, by all means spend it. I think of it this way - any money I can save by shopping hard and wisely, I'm allowed to spend on more crank baits or gear :-). My $.02.

[steve(IL)]

The second margarita last night had me slightly impaired :-) -
o.k. - fast or xtra fast. For finesse jig casting up shallow? Medium weight vertical jigging? Or heavy jig thumping/three way rigging in rivers/high current? What's best for you will depend on how and where you fish plus your own personal preference.

What kind of water do you plan to use it on?

(I personally don't know a worse feeling than to spend $200+ on a rod because I think it will enhance my fishing only to discover over time that I don't really like the rod $200+ worth. If you want to catch more fish, my advice would be to spend less on the rod and buy more books, magazines and videos. One of the best jig fishermen I've ever seen used sub-$100 Cabela's IM-7 Tourney specials.)

[Juls_WI]

LAST EDITED ON May-26-01 AT 05:02PM (CST)[p]I own both the Avid and the Elite models and really do prefer to use the Elites. I have all of mine with the Fast tips and the Medium power. I don't see the need for a stiffer rod, since the rods have excellent backbone and the Fast tip, instead of the Extra Fast tip, allow me to use them in more applications. The fast tip on the Elites has enough "umph" (lack of a better word) to get a great hook set. I have used the Elites for jigging, live bait rigging (not the preferred rod, but I didn't have my bait rods with me that day), and casting cranks. I have had success doing all of these techniques with the Elites. It's a very versatile rod and I think you will enjoy it. As to weather or not it is superior to the Avids...hhhmmmm.. Yepper!!! Worth every penny, in my book..;-) I have caught a lot of fish on these rods and I don't see a need to go to the Extra Fast tip.

If it doesn't hurt the pocket book, go for the Elite. If it is tight...the Avids are a close second.

Juls
NPAA #231