A Pleasant Surprise From St Croix

[.ghoti.]

Earlier this year I bought a 7' M-F LTB from St Croix's clearance sale. Last year's LTB rods on sale for pretty good prices. I have an older version of the same rod, with a full rear grip, and wanted to try the split-grip version. Great rod. Good enough I decided to buy another, this being a very versatile rod.

They were sold out of that model. Bummer. I went back later thinking about a 7' MHF version.

My real question was, do I need another heavy power rod? I have two, and don't really see a need for another. The reason I say heavy power is St Croix's penchant for under-rating their rods. A St Croix MH has about the same backbone as most other manufacturer's heavy.

The clearance page doesn't list the line and lure weight ratings, and the current LTBs are different rods. I wasn't sure I could compare them. So, I found an old catalog that listed last year's version.

In last year's LTB line, they made a 7' MHF and a 7' MHXF. The XF has a lighter line and lure weight rating than the F, so I decided to go with that one.

I've used it twice now, and I am pleasantly surprised. This is not a heavy power rod; not in character for St Croix. It seems to be what everybody else would call a MH. The power seems to be just a tiny bit more than the 7' MF and it has a softer tip. I didn't catch anything over two pounds, so I can't truly comment on the backbone, but it seems to be in line with what I would call a MH rod. After fishing it I had to get out the calipers and take some measurements.

Compared to the MF, the MHXF has a slightly larger butt diameter, and a slightly smaller tip diameter. Confirmation of what I felt while fishing.

They call this a Finesse Jig rod. I tried it with a 3/16oz Evo Shaky2 head and a 5" GYCB hula grub, one of my go-to baits. I could cast it and pitch it with ease. the XF tip works nicely for lighter weight pitchin duty. I also tried an 1/8oz skipgap jighead and 3X worm, another go-to bait, and it worked just as well for that lighter bait. I then tied on a 1/2oz jig with a Lobster trailer. At this point the tip of the rod started to feel just a bit too soft for the job at hand. The sweet spot for this rod seems to be 1/4 - 3/8oz total bait weight; right in my zone.

In another thread I listed not one, but four favorite combos. I need to add this rod to that list. This may very well become my favorite rod. I'm seriously thinking of going back to the St Croix bargain room and ordering another before they sell out.

In the market for for finesse jig rod? Check these out, but not before I get a chance to order another.

[Gone_Phishin]

Awesome.

I've had my eye on that rod/blank since it was released. It sounds like exactly what I am looking for.

Thanks!

[Capt.Bob]

I have an older Avid 6'10" MHF Telescopic, and I know what you mean about under rated power. 12-25 line and 3/8-1 1/4 lures is what it says, but I love flippin heavy salad with it and timber, I think I could pull stumps with it? kiddin, but it is powerfull enough that I often put my 400B Calcutta on it and use it for Pike and Muskie with Bucktails. Works great for anything you want to put the pressure on! Enjoy that new Rod, and the best thing is it's a St. Croix, gotta love-em!