St Croix Ltb Dropshot Rod

[WI_Angler1989]

Alright folks, I need some experienced opinions here. I'm looking at getting a new rod, it's in the title, has anyone used this rod?

I'm wondering how well it handles a variety of applicaions. I plan to fish it with a lot of finesse baits: tubes, weightless senkos, worms, craws, etc for smallmouth.

I have experience with their LTB shakey head rod but it just doesn't quite feel right. Maybe just not quite enough whip to the x-fast tip. Could the dropshot rod handle a big river Smallie in current?

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

 

That LTB TBS610MLXF drop shot & finesse rod has been on my radar as well.

 

Very pleased with the others from this line, no reason not to expect the same.

 

A-Jay

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Don't have any experience with that model, but

I did up grade recently to a LT Walleye rod, same

as bass, but labeled for Walleye in 6'3" MLXF.

 

Blown away by the "level up" sensitivity from my

(traded in) Avid, and other rods. Like it a lot.

[WI_Angler1989]

Thanks for the welcome! I read the forums for years here but this is my first question.

I've also had great success with St Croix rods. I actually have the LTB 610mxf model and liked it a lot. The issue is I had some casting issues with lighter lures. Which doesn't help me since I fish a LOT of 1/8 tubes and worms. I thought maybe the dropshot rod would have some more snap in it while maintaining the same backbone and sensativity.

I know what you mean about the difference in sensativity! I have 2 Avids that i love too but the difference is night and day. You can feel every single pebble with the LTB rods.

[Bluebasser86]

I have that model of LTB and love it. I use it primarily for fishing a Ned rig, but it is capable of fishing the baits you listed as well. I have the 6' 10" M/XF as well and fish 3" tubes on 1/8oz jigheads all the time, but I'm fishing less than 10' deep a vast majority of the time. 

[tomustang]

The 610mlxf is a magical stick, it can handle a wide variety of techniques, mine works overtime and is always on the deck. The toughest part about using that rod is what lure are you going to fight to put on it next.

[WI_Angler1989]

Bluebasser86, I love my 610mxf too! I've come to terms with my being a tackle junkie regardless haha.

My rod performed awesomely all season and I loved how strong and sensitive it is, I just can't help wishing it was a tad lighter tipped to really load lighter lures better... maybe I'm over reacting but it didn't cast nearly as far as my 66mf avid.

Tomustang, what techniques do you use yours for??

[Bluebasser86]

The 6' 10" ML/XF will surely launch any of the baits you're planning on fishing. I can cast a Ned rig out of sight with a 1/16oz head. 

[WI_Angler1989]

Im glad to hear how well it casts light lures. I know it's a dumb question, it's a St Croix after all, but does it still have the backbone and power to pull in a big river Smallie (4#) from the current?

[iabass8]

Im glad to hear how well it casts light lures. I know it's a dumb question, it's a St Croix after all, but does it still have the backbone and power to pull in a big river Smallie (4#) from the current?

.

Mine has handled 25#+ catfish in river current on 6#braid. A smallmouth will be no issue.

[WI_Angler1989]

.

Mine has handled 25#+ catfish in river current on 6#braid. A smallmouth will be no issue.

That settles it then! Now if I only had a place around here to get my hands on the exact model...

[tomustang]

Tomustang, what techniques do you use yours for??

Tubes

Grubs

3-4" senkos

Hair jigs

2-3" jerkbaits

Shakey heads

Whatever open hook presentation..

[Bluebasser86]

Im glad to hear how well it casts light lures. I know it's a dumb question, it's a St Croix after all, but does it still have the backbone and power to pull in a big river Smallie (4#) from the current?

I've caught several large drum and catfish on mine. As for smallies, it handled this one just fine that was a couple ounces short of 5 pounds.

[WI_Angler1989]

Tubes

Grubs

3-4" senkos

Hair jigs

2-3" jerkbaits

Shakey heads

Whatever open hook presentation..

That's EXACTLY what I would use it for if I got it. Thanks a ton! Now really wanna get that or exchange my model for the dropshot. I don't know of that's even possible.

[WI_Angler1989]

I've caught several large drum and catfish on mine. As for smallies, it handled this one just fine that was a couple ounces short of 5 pounds.

That's one heck of a fish! And a "big fish" trophy to boot? If that's not a vote of confidence idk what is. Funny thing too, I saw these pics of yours in another thread today haha.

[WIGuide]

The ML/XF dropshot rod is a great stick! It sounds like it should do great with what you're wanting to throw. It has plenty of power to handle a 4 lb smallie in current. It handled a 26ish inch northern without too much of an issue, and it had the power to keep this 5 lb beast out of a channel marker buoy cable this past If you get one I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. Fishes similar to the M/XF "Wacky Style" rod, but has a softer tip and slightly less backbone.

[WI_Angler1989]

The ML/XF dropshot rod is a great stick! It sounds like it should do great with what you're wanting to throw. It has plenty of power to handle a 4 lb smallie in current. It handled a 26ish inch northern without too much of an issue, and it had the power to keep this 5 lb beast out of a channel marker buoy cable this past If you get one I highly doubt you'll be disappointed. Fishes similar to the M/XF "Wacky Style" rod, but has a softer tip and slightly less backbone.

5er.jpg

Thanks for the great reply, WIGuide. You, and others, have pretty well sold me on it now! That's a gorgeous fish you had there. Where in WI do you guide?

[WIGuide]

Thanks for the great reply, WIGuide. You, and others, have pretty well sold me on it now! That's a gorgeous fish you had there. Where in WI do you guide?

Thanks! St. Croix makes a great stick that's for sure. I guide pretty much anywhere within roughly an hour of Holcombe, so I'll go up around the Hayward area, down to Eau Claire. I can go a little further than that if need be, but I prefer to stick to that area. The one I caught in the picture however was caught on Sturgeon Bay. What part of the state are you from?

[WI_Angler1989]

Thanks! St. Croix makes a great stick that's for sure. I guide pretty much anywhere within roughly an hour of Holcombe, so I'll go up around the Hayward area, down to Eau Claire. I can go a little further than that if need be, but I prefer to stick to that area. The one I caught in the picture however was caught on Sturgeon Bay. What part of the state are you from?

Yeah, I agree, St Croix makes excellent rods. My experience is limited to Avids and LTB's but that's please type for me to love them.

Copl, thats a great area to work in, big too. I'm actually in Eau Claire.

Door County is amazing. I was up the 2 years ago for smallmouth and plan to this coming spring too. The first trip was guided and we're going to attempt to do it on our own next time. Cheaper, more nerve racking.

[WI_Angler1989]

Thanks for all the help, guys! I ended up getting super lucky and was able to exchange my LTB610MXF for the LTB610mlxf for literally 20$!

[WI_Angler1989]

On 12/14/2015 at 11:18 AM, WIGuide said:

Thanks! St. Croix makes a great stick that's for sure. I guide pretty much anywhere within roughly an hour of Holcombe, so I'll go up around the Hayward area, down to Eau Claire. I can go a little further than that if need be, but I prefer to stick to that area. The one I caught in the picture however ws caught on Sturgeon Bay. What part of the state are you from?

Question for you, WIGuide. Do you have any tips for a Door county fishing trip? I know you have experience up there. We're hoping to go mid may roughly for smallies.