St.Croix rod ?’s

Hey all! Finally found some time to log on and post. Surprised my password still works! Here’s yet another topic on St.Croix rods. Gonna try and grab a couple new toys before the taxman comes and thought I might go for a couple St. Croix/Shimano combos. Saw there was some talk a while back on the AS59MXF for a vertical jigger. Sounded like the rod for me so I called around to find one and was told that model was discontinued. Is this true? St.Croix still has it listed on their website.

Also wondering if there is a big advantage with x-tra fast versus fast actions overall. Oh, and one more thing, with the longer rods for pitching, can a medium power rod still load up and fling smaller jigs around or might a medium light power be better? Is there a huge difference?

Thanks alot for any input!
Chris

Crankbait,

I use the 6′ 6″ medium power fast action rods and have really good luck with them. I can cast light jigs in the 1/16oz range with a big chunk of plastic on it quite well. I know of a few other guides on this site that use the ML with the extra fast tip and they seem to work really well for them. My suggestion would be to get one of each if you can afford it and see which one you like better.

Crankbait,

I also use a fast action in the 6’6″ size. I prefer the Avid Series especially for fan casting. I won’t believe the senstivity difference between the Premier Series and the Avid Series. The Model number is AS66MF. Usually I let a customer use a premier than later in the day I change them up to the Avid. They can’t believe the difference in the two rods. Like night and Day. I here that the Legends are even better. I hope that helps.

I find myself using the 6’6″ Medium Light more than anything else. I’ll use the Medium power (taper) with heavier baits and go to a longer rod if I’m distance casting or throwing bobbers. I use Fireline so all my rods have Fast or Extra Fast action tips.

I’ve been a St. Croix fan for years. When they came out with the original Legend I thought it was great. Then came the Avid which was an even better rod. I didn’t think you could top the Avid until I used the new Legend Elite. It’s incredible. Buy what you can afford. They are all great rods for the price.

Crankbait,

The 5’9″ is a current model. If you are in the metro area, let me know via private and I’ll point you the direction of one. It’s an awesome rod. Pair it up with a Stradic 1000 and your set to catch lots of fish.

How about a vote for a 6’3″ extra fast?

My personal favorite for walleyes is the 6’6″ avid model like most here. Although, I do prefer the medium light models for my applied techniques that I use. These rods serve as my smallie rods as well when throwing various plastic contraptions. I have so many applications that this rod fits well into, that it becomes a very universal rod for me and my clients over the past several years. I use fireline whenever conditions will allow me too, so I like the lighter model to help prevent me from tearing a few lips on my hook sets due to the no stretch characteristics that this line delivers.

Every year I do less and less vertical jigging on my trips, so my personal preference really dives into a pitching or casting lighter applications with these spinning rods. Whenever I do vertical jig, I do prefer the slightly shorter 6’0″ avid model with a fast tip. Like I said though, I do find the 6’6″ model to be one of the most universal rod lengths out there in my opinion for tackling most conditions.

Hope this helps.

I picked up a couple of AS68MXF this winter…I have them all ready to go to work. The soonest I’ll be able to try them is the 1st of March. They sure do feel good though..

Ahhhh Dave, couple of sweet new rods there!! I love those Avid rods in exactly the action you picked.

I’m a guy in the process of a slow evolution regarding rod length and action. I love my 6′ 8″ extra fast action croixs for casting jigs and find the 6′ 3″ Croixs that I used heavily in the past, to offer far too little backbone for setting hooks and dealing with jigs 3/16 or heavier when casting. Those 6′ 3″ rods are awesome all-around rods for everything from light lindy rigging to vertical jigging… but they don’t get used in my boat for casting anymore.

About those 6′ 6″ croixs… and I’m a HUGE croix fan here to don’t take this as a huge knock against their product line as I feel St. Croix has the best rods for the money going…. I DO NOT like that 6′ 6″ rod that many favor. I used to like it. I own 4 of them. And then I bought a couple 6′ 8″ rods… with that extra fast tip. Talk about a world of difference in sensitivity and feel. In my hands now, that 6′ 6″ rod feel like a “dead rod.” If that makes any sense. It feels heavy and far less sensitive. I get the chance to use them often as Dustin uses them, with great success I might add, but after using the 6′ 8″ x-fast croixs, I could never go back. Try one and check this out yourself. Either I’m nutz or those extra 2 inches and the faster action blank make for a much better rod.

Each time I buy a longer Croix, I end up liking the longer rod over all others in my collection. That being said, I’m waiting for St. Croix to come out with a 7 – 7.5′ St. Croix Avid Series with an X-fast action in a medium power rod. I’ve never been satisfied with a med. light action rod when casting jigs due to the need for long and powerful hooksets when fishing jigs on mono and right now Croix doesn’t make a x-fast action rod in a medium power blank in excess of 6′ 8″. When they do, you can bet I’ll be the first to snatch one up and run it through the paces pitching jigs. My intuition tells me that that rod, the rod Croix doesn’t make YET, will replace the 6′ 8″ rods I use now. Longer just seems to be better from my experience.

James,

I never knew you ever casted jigs with the 6’3 MXF! I remember you speaking of jigging applications with it on a post regarding “best jigging rods” and this model got some rave reviews from you…………..so I bought one myself and love it………….but not for casting anything. That didn’t fit into your recommendation then, just as it doesn’t now.

For jigging, my Elite 7MLF isn’t as nice but I do like that one for throwing things around. I’m not quite sure I agree on the backbone issue though. Compared to many other rod manufacturers, I’ve found their MLs soft all the way down to the blank base………..but not my Elite. She’s got a lot more “oomphf” down the blank, yet still complimented by a softer tip action, than most MLs I’ve used. I like Loomis products too but I find them to be too stiff or too soft. Not much offered from them that offers the same overall abilities you can find in a Croix. My 7’Elite…………is one of my most used rods and I do believe, especially for a ML, there’s a good plenty of backbone for what a ML is designed to do. Maybe it’s those extra inches you’re referring to James, but I love my 7!

Oh, and thanks alot! Now I’ve gotta track down a 6’8″ Avid and test drive one of those too! ………………………….(such problems! SUCH PROBLEMS!!!!)

Hey thanks for all the insight! Excellent info as always here on FTR!
Here’s an update on my jigging rod quest…..was out on an errand the other day, and as usual I found myself lured into my local Gander Mtn. which was located in the same shopping center as my intended destination. Went back to the rod section and found one AS59MXF left on the rack. Cool! The salesman said “just took it out of the shipping box with a few others”. I asked him if he had heard about the discontinued thing and he shrugged his shoulders and said, “nope”. Sounds like I got some bad info! Never did get that errand tended to.

Didn’t get a chance to get a reel for it but that Stradic sounds like a good match waterfowler. I thought I saw an updated Stradic mentioned in the “new gear” section of a fishin’ mag… sounded kinda nice. Maybe I’ll just go with the Stella…yeah right!! If anybody checks back, what reels are you guys pairing these rods up with?

I’ll definitely check out the longer rods when I get a chance. I’m not real tall so I’ll have to hold the 6′ 8″ in my hand to see how it feels. Don’t know if it’s true but I thought I read somewhere that an individuals height might be a deciding factor.

Thanks again!
Chris

The 6’8″ rod will definately get a try from me sometime in the future as I have not tried this blank out yet but intrigues me to say the least.

As far as reels go, I love the Stradic 1000’s. They are the best spinning reels I have ever owned and I have all my outfits tagged with these reels.
FYI…..Bass Pro Shops has last years models on clearance right now for $89.99 reg $114.99. For an extra $10.00 you get an extra Bass Pro XPS rod of your choice of length. The new Stradics are considerably more expensive this year, ($159.99)
Waterfowler, could you confirm this? I thought I saw this somewhere?

Good luck with your new set up!

Has anyone noticed rod length corrispondind to angler height? I’m only 5’5″ and seem to do better with a shorter rod . the 5’9″ sounds like the ticket for me. Anyone have advice on a cheaper trolling rodthat still has good qualities?

Rod length should not be matched to the angler’s height…. instead, match the length to the application. Longer rods for casting, shorter for vertical presentations. To be honest, I cannot think of one single reason why an angler’s height would influence rod selection as the longer rods are not harder to use or more clumsy to operate due to the added length. In fact, one of the reasons I like the 6′ 8″ St. Croixs so much is that this longer rod balances so well with a Fin-Nor Mega-Lite 1000 that is feels smaller and lighter than some shorter rods I have in my arsenal.

Regarding that 5′ 9″ rod… it will make a GREAT vertical jigging rod… but functional poorly at best in a casting application.

Cheap trolling rods….? If price is the primary deciding factor, look at some of the bass pro rods. Telescoping models, in the 8.5 – 9′ range. Decent trolling rods on the cheap. Like $50 if I remember right. Not the best trolling rods I’ve ever used… but I own a pair… and still use them as back-up on occassion. For some kick-butt “price isn’t much of a concern” trolling rods, the 10 ‘ 6″ wild river rods by St. Croix are tops in my book. Love ’em for pulling boards, light 3-ways and bait… and long-lining cranks. You should have to spend a pile of money on a trolling rod regardless of the direction you decide to go. Much less than a good jigging stick anyway.

As far as cheaper trolling rods go, I do have a couple Cabelas Tourney Trail rods from 6’0″-8’6″ These rods run around $59.99 and pretty good universal rods for the money. This might be a another option for you to look at as well as the Bass Pro rods. Stay clear of the Pro Guide series of the Cabelas rods, they have seen some unusual breaks from these blanks for some reason, Cabelas will still take them back with no questions, but it may be an inconvenience while on the water.

I will second James pick on the Wild River Rods for trolling boards and 3 ways. Unquestionably the best trolling rods I have ever laid my hands on. I own 8 of these babies now and love every single one the same, kind of like kids I guess!

Steve,

The stardic you saw was the new magnesium series. To be honest, I’m not sure what the big difference is? List for the current year models are $119.99, that’s five more dollars than last year. If you can find the “older” models, they are a good buy at the $90.00 price point.

As for trolling rods, I’m also partial to the St Croix Pro Glass series. I haven’t tried out the wild rivers yet, but maybe you can give me a first hand demo some day Steve?????

I purchased two 1000’s from Bass Pro at the $89 price, but did not get offered the extra $10 for a rod.
Great looking reels, come with spare aluminum spools.

James and DeeZee,

I just picked up a 10’6″ Wild River for $79 but I think the one I have is too weak for trolling. I got the ultralight for panfishing those hard to reach spots. What strength W.R. rod do you guys prefer?

I’ve also got an 8’6″ Sage, 8-15lb. medium trolling rod but haven’t had a chance to try her out yet. Have either of you ever used Sage? I know their fly rods are supposed to be world class but I know nothing of this now discontinued model. When I hang on to it, it really reminds me of the way the Pro-Glass rods feel, but a bit lighter.

Stradics are definitely hard to argue with. I’ve never had my Sedona’s fail me, which I just got another one for $35.00 new, but I won’t part with my Stradic 2000. It’s paired up with my 7′ Legend Elite.

Hey Crankbait if your height determines your Rod length I’m in trouble!!!!

Serious side. I’ll have to agree with James.

I have all my jigging rods custom made from Croix Blanks.

I have this thing for handles like em small and the reel seats set way back.. more balance for me..just one of my many quirks…

Anyway vertical rods = 5′ 8″

Pitching rods = 6′ 8″ to 7′

casting cranks = 7′ glass

My pitching rods have fast tip’s and plenty of back bone.

My vertical rods are a lot slower tip with plenty of back bone.

My casting crank rods are very fast half the rod flexes, I use hard line and DO NOT SET THE HOOK…..

Later Greg

Stillakid

I’ve used that very same model legend elite 7′ ML… and it didn’t suit my fancy as far as casting/pitching jigs. Not enough guts to drive home the hook. You are right, that rod for a ML rating does have more backbone than similarly rated models from other manufacturers, but for the way I fish, still a bit short in the power dept.

When I make a long cast with mono and get a itty-bitty tap on a ringworm I swing for the fences! Lots of stretch in the mono that needs to come out and tight RIGHT NOW to get the hook point started. I can see how a guy could fall in love with that super sensitive and unbeliveably light rod in the legend elite but I’ve gravitated towards long, x-fast actions… and a true medium power rod. In the end, the fine details come down to personal preference and familiarity with equipment.

That legend elite is dynamite fishing lindy’s though!

I can see where your applications can be more demanding than the average situation I get myself in, but thanks for that insight. I just have one more question for you though:

What do you use for Wild River rods when trolling?

I’m thinking if a 7’MLF doesn’t have enough snoose for ya, neither does a 10’6″ UL!!

Any Sage knowledge?

Wild River info here –> http://www.fishthelake.com/prod_reviews/index.asp?staffid=55&prodid=21

What do I know about sage? I prefer oregano. Other than that, nothin.

Might be just adding unnecessary variables into reel choice, but at the QC boat show this weekend I saw and played with a st croix spinning reel. The rep told me they retail for about 100 bucks, have not seen them in any stores yet but have not checked cabelas. Anyway, it is very smooth. I believe that Daiwa makes them for st croix, but they match up well in looks and balance with the avid or legend elite series. I think there are at least 2 sizes. Anyone actually fish one of these yet?

I have not fished one of these reels, but they are smooth and very nice. I got to play with this reel too at the Madison Fishing Expo, while I was working the St. Croix booth. I believe that are avaible at Gander Mountain stores.

The reel is very close to the Daiwa Capricorn. I’m such a Croix nut, that I’m biased. The bail isn’t as heavy duty as the Daiwa, but just as smooth and the same drag system. Don’t quote me on this, but I’m thinking Tica makes the reels for both companies. There are two sizes to choose from, they retail for $99.99, $15.00 cheaper than the daiwa.

I could be mistaken because it was only told to me by someone else but it’s my understanding that Daiwa and Tica are now seperate entities, where Tica used to make Daiwas but there was a partnership split.

By design, does Tica make the Gander Mountain Guide Series? I have one of each and while not stressed much at all, both are extremely smooth (10BB) and well priced for such an item. I know the guides and pros have differing opinions and are probably more accurate but my equipment doesn’t get near the workout theirs does. Even my lowly acclaimed Pinnacles seem to work just fine for my level of “punishment”.

Tica does make the Gander reel. I picked one up last year. the 10bb model. I put it on that Legend Elite. Sweet.

Hooked on Fishing Bait and Tackle in Rochester Mn. has some Okuma Spinning Reels with 7 ball bearings and Mike is selling them for only 35.00-50.00 depending on the size you want. Nate and I bought some and can’t wait to use them. They look and feel really nice. Thanks, Bill