St. Croix Rod Question

[Christian M]

Last season I took a friend fishing and he left a couple rods on my boat. I've been meaning to give them back, but I just ran into his sister and found out he's on "vacation" and wont be back for a couple years. One of the rods seems really nice, It's a casting St. Croix Premier 7'Med Fast, but it feels more like a MH Fast. I was thinking about borrowing it and using it as a froggin rod. I really like the way the tip loads up, but I'm worried about the rod not having enough power to horse a big fish out of some thick cover. My second option is using it as a topwater/crankbait rod. Have any of you ever owned a St. Croix Premier and whats your opinion of them?

[Darren.]

Last season I took a friend fishing and he left a couple rods on my boat. I've been meaning to give them back, but I just ran into his sister and found out he's on "vacation" and wont be back for a couple years. One of the rods seems really nice, It's a casting St. Croix Premier 7'Med Fast, but it feels more like a MH Fast. I was thinking about borrowing it and using it as a froggin rod. I really like the way the tip loads up, but I'm worried about the rod not having enough power to horse a big fish out of some thick cover. My second option is using it as a topwater/crankbait rod. Have any of you ever owned a St. Croix Premier and whats your opinion of them?

 

I just bought a 6'6" MF Premier casting rod and yes, it definitely is stiffer than my other Medium rods. I'd place it between a M and MH.

 

That said, I would have NO problem using it in thick cover. Plenty of power and durability in these. My buddy has a 6'6" ML Premier spinning rod and has caught 7 pounders on 10lb braid+leader.

 

Personally all the "big" bass I've hauled out of thick cover have been on true M rods. Two have XF tips, one has a F tip.

[KevO]

I have the same rod, I wouldn't use it as a frog rod.  It doesn't have the backbone, IMO its barely a medium rod.  It's great for a multi-purpose rod I throw everything on it.  You might be able to get away fishing a frog in open water but If your fishing a frog in heavy cover I think you will have problems getting the fish out of it. 

[ww2farmer]

I have fished frogs on my 7' M power, fast action St croix Legend Tournament  with 20lb braid many times. unless your dragging the frog across a very thick mat or fishing around super thick cover it will work great, especially for smaller frogs like the 60 size Spro, or the spro baby popper.  But what do I know, I mean I actually have used it, and can offer some tips based on expierance........we all know you have to check that at the door here.

[drew4779]

I love St. Croix premiers and have never had a problem using them for frogs. That being said, I'm sure there's something out there better suited.

I think you try it and see how it does. I remember 20 years ago when all I would use was an ultra lite ugly stick spinning reel for everything and would still catch fish.

Side note..."vacation" makes it sound like he could be home sooner with "good behavior"...lol.

[Christian M]

I love St. Croix premiers and have never had a problem using them for frogs. That being said, I'm sure there's something out there better suited. I think you try it and see how it does. I remember 20 years ago when all I would use was an ultra lite ugly stick spinning reel for everything and would still catch fish. Side note..."vacation" makes it sound like he could be home sooner with "good behavior"...lol.

Yea good behavior will definitely benefit him. To be honest I hope the "vacation" will allow him to clear his mind and body. Hopefully he'll be back soon, it stings when a friend goes away.

[Christian M]

Thanks for the input guys. I have a rod or two for pretty much every fishing technique except froggin. I used my 7'6" MH Veritas last season for flippin/pitchin heavy cover, but I needed something with a softer tip for froggin.

[roadwarrior]

But what do I know, I mean I actually have used it, and can offer some tips based on expierance........we all know you have to check that at the door here.

 

Really? 

 

All the respondents so far own the rod. If they don't agree with your evaluation is that somehow wrong?

There is a vast array of experience on this Forum, but opinions often vary. I have several St. Croix rods,

but not this specific model. Generally, St. Croix ratings are lower than what might be considered "the norm".

Based solely on the rating, this Premier sounds like more of an "all-around" rod. That would suggest that

although it could be used for frog fishing, it might not be the "ideal' equipment.

[J Francho]

I use my SC 7' M/F for toad style plastic baits.  It works great for this.  I've also used it for hollow frogs in open water as well.  It's not bad at all, especially around docks.  The SC MH/F is a good choice for heavier weed cover with hollow bodies.

[South FLA]

Last season I took a friend fishing and he left a couple rods on my boat. I've been meaning to give them back, but I just ran into his sister and found out he's on "vacation" and wont be back for a couple years. One of the rods seems really nice, It's a casting St. Croix Premier 7'Med Fast, but it feels more like a MH Fast. I was thinking about borrowing it and using it as a froggin rod. I really like the way the tip loads up, but I'm worried about the rod not having enough power to horse a big fish out of some thick cover. My second option is using it as a topwater/crankbait rod. Have any of you ever owned a St. Croix Premier and whats your opinion of them?

 

Yes, I have owned plenty of St. Croix premiers, avids, etc. I would say the rod might suffice if you are using swimming frogs such as the horny toad and working it in and around sparse cover, but if you are using it with hollow bodied frogs such as the Spro in heavier cover, I would personally use it on a heavier acton rod.  As far a a topwater or cranking rod it should do suffice.  I think it would be an exellent jerkbait rod! If I were to pick a St. Croix Premier rod for heavier cove I would go with this model:

 

Model: PC610HMF

 

http://www.stcroixrods.com/product/premier-casting

[drew4779]

I didn't mean to come off as a jerk. I just liked the way you used "vacation". Good luck to your buddy and I know that one of the best ways to gain perspective is by putting some bass in the boat. Hopefully you guys can be doing that sooner than later.

[jerzeeD]

I am currently using a 6'6" MH/F Premier for my frog/ Jig rod. The SCII Graphite blanks are VERY durable.....That being said I would take care of fishing frogs in extreme slop with a medium power though.

[Bluebasser86]

As long as you aren't trying to drag a big fish and 10 pounds of slop in with it you should be fine with that rod. I use a 7' M/F Premier with 50lb PP with Horny Toads and hollow frogs around what little grass our lakes have and have no problem hauling fish out with it. 

[Christian M]

I didn't mean to come off as a jerk. I just liked the way you used "vacation". Good luck to your buddy and I know that one of the best ways to gain perspective is by putting some bass in the boat. Hopefully you guys can be doing that sooner than later.

You didn't come off as a jerk, and I didnt take offense to your post Whatsoever. When someone makes a bad choice, or a series of bad choices, they eventually have to pay the piper. When that happens to someone where I come from, we just say he "went away" or is on a long "vacation". In this particular case there was only one other way for my buddies life to end up, so he should consider himself lucky. I'm hoping this is a blessing is disguise and he'll come back with a clear head, clean body, and sound spirit. I'm definitely looking forward to having one of my fishing partners back. There's no need for an apology, I appreciate your sincerity though Drew. In the meantime I'm gonna keep hitting the water every chance I get, Tight Lines buddy!

[Christian M]

Thanks for all the input fellas, Im gonna give the rod a shot at froggin in moderate to sparse cover, but Im not gonna try to pull lunkers out of the slop with it. That being said, it does feel like a nice multi purpose rod.

[Bankbeater]

Don't try to lift a hawg into the boat with it.  I am always afraid of breaking a rod doing that.

[upnorthbassin]

I have a couple of SC Medium power rods. They are both fast action. I think they are a good all around power rod....almost like a MH but not quite. I feel like the Avid series has a little softer tip than the premier rods but still has a good backbone behind it for a M rod. I rarely if ever go frogging so I'm no expert but I don't know if they would be ideal for that based on what most people describe as ideal.

[ww2farmer]

I have a couple of SC Medium power rods. They are both fast action. I think they are a good all around power rod....almost like a MH but not quite. I feel like the Avid series has a little softer tip than the premier rods but still has a good backbone behind it for a M rod. I rarely if ever go frogging so I'm no expert but I don't know if they would be ideal for that based on what most people describe as ideal.

I actually find the opposite to be true......for me. I am not saying I am right and your wrong, or I am wrong or your right, because stuff like this is subjective. But the Avids I have in the same length/power/action as rods from the other series I have or have had, from the Mojo, Triumph, Premier, and LTB all seem "stiffer" and faster in action than the rest.

[J.Bass]

I have the St. Croix Avid 7'1 MH. For 186 bucks, this rod is sensitive. Its not stiff and its not the most sensitive rod they have but this rod good for finesse. If you looking for stiff rod go with the premier then. I use this rod for frogging as well on occasions.

[upnorthbassin]

I actually find the opposite to be true......for me. I am not saying I am right and your wrong, or I am wrong or your right, because stuff like this is subjective. But the Avids I have in the same length/power/action as rods from the other series I have or have had, from the Mojo, Triumph, Premier, and LTB all seem "stiffer" and faster in action than the rest.

I know it is somewhat subjective but I think the avid throws lighter weight better because of the softer tip. It's also rated down to 3/16ths versus say the triumph which is 1/4 for the 7' M. I don't think either is really much faster than the other but that's just how they feel to me.

[Goose52]

I think the OP already got the answer he wanted but I'll just make a comment about the 7'MF Avid vs. the Premier.  I own both. I think all agree that St. Croix rods fish heavier than their rating. I bought the Avid first and immediately noticed that it fished "heavier" than the other two 7'MF rods I had at the time.  Then, I bought the Premier based on my experience with the Avid. For ME - the Premier is noticably "stouter" than the Avid.  The lure rating even gives a hint of that. The Avid is rated up to 5/8 ounce baits (typical of many 7'MF rods), the Premier is rated to 3/4 ounce.  So, I think the Premier might handle frogging duties just a bit better than the Avid would.

 

One thing for sure, I now have five 7'MF rods from three different manufacturers...and none of them fish the same...

 

(Premier on top, Avid below - note the lure ratings).

 

[Christian M]

_{Any and all input helps guys, Goose52, the rod on top in the photo is the exact same premier rod I have. BTW I also own a Rage 7'1" MH F, and In comparison, the Premier 7'M F feels a bit more stout than the Rage, and the tip on the Premier is noticeably softer than the Rage. That being said, My St. Criox Rage is arguably my favorite rod.}