St. Croix

[BassMcallister]

Alright so I’m looking to get a new rod. I really like St. Croix products, being a Wisconsin native I would like to support them more and stick with em. I was going to choose between the Mojo bass 7-7’1 Mhf . I use jugs, frogs, spinnerbaits, heavier crankbaits, etc. I have a Shimano Convergience mhf 6’8 right now and feel like I’m missing the bite especially jig fishing. If you have any other suggestions for St. Croix id be open to spend a bit more between 100-150. Thank you.

[Fishin' Fool]

Since you're from Wisconsin if you're within driving range head over to the St Croix facility and you'll be able to acquire discounted St Croix rods.

[BassMcallister]

49 minutes ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Since you're from Wisconsin if you're within driving range head over to the St Croix facility and you'll be able to acquire discounted St Croix rods.

Are they discounted just because you go to them directly or are they “refurbished” models of their rods? 

[Darren.]

Can't answer the question, but welcome aboard!

[BassMcallister]

Just now, Darren. said:

Can't answer the question, but welcome aboard!

Thank you! Figured since I’ve watched so many Bass Resource videos I’d join the community. 

[davecon]

Have several St Croix rods and my favorite, hands down, is a Premier. I have several that cost twice as much, including other St Croixs, but the action and castability of the Premier simply feels better to me.

 

Will be buying another rod within a month or two for a very specific application and it will be a Premier. Also hope to break down and buy yet another for an entirely different application and that will also be another Premier.

[Boomstick]

1 hour ago, Fishin' Fool said:

Since you're from Wisconsin if you're within driving range head over to the St Croix facility and you'll be able to acquire discounted St Croix rods.

Seems like it might be worth a day trip regardless, would be a fun way to spend a day.

 

To answer the original question, in your price range, I would be looking at the Mojo Bass. The 7'1" jig rod would probably serve you well (MJC71MHF). But if you're going to fish a crankbait with it, the spinnerbait rod (MJC70MHMF - 7' MH mod fast) would be a better bet, but it's not ideal for jigs and even less ideal for frog fishing, but as you have another MH/F rod, I would lean towards that or maybe a glass cranking rods so you have something solid for crankbaits.

 

Question - why do you feel you miss the bite with your Shimano? 

 

[Loomis13]

Just as an FYI, the mojos are not made in Wisconsin but rather made in Mexico. The premier is the cheapest rod that is made in the US. With that being said, the mojo is going to a much more sensitive rod as it has the SCIII graphite vs. the SCII.

 

Also, the rods that are discounted at the store are factory blemishes, often like a blemish in the epoxy on the guides or something very minimal. So if its do-able, Id say try to get into Croix and check everything out!

[r83srock]

4 minutes ago, Loomis13 said:

Just as an FYI, the mojos are not made in Wisconsin but rather made in Mexico. The premier is the cheapest rod that is made in the US. With that being said, the mojo is going to a much more sensitive rod as it has the SCIII graphite vs. the SCII.

 

Also, the rods that are discounted at the store are factory blemishes, often like a blemish in the epoxy on the guides or something very minimal. So if its do-able, Id say try to get into Croix and check everything out!

The factory outlet is great! B stock rods look identical to a normal store rod but half price. It’s my understanding that the blanks for the Mexico made rods are still made in park falls, or some are, that’s what I got out of the guy working in the store when I was there last weekend.

[Loomis13]

3 minutes ago, r83srock said:

The factory outlet is great! B stock rods look identical to a normal store rod but half price. It’s my understanding that the blanks for the Mexico made rods are still made in park falls, or some are, that’s what I got out of the guy working in the store when I was there last weekend.

Very possible that the blanks are made in Wisc. I just know the rods say "Mexico" on them lol

[Further North]

The trip to the factory store is worth it...and take a tour while you are there.  It's good to know how our rods are made.

[BassMcallister]

17 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Seems like it might be worth a day trip regardless, would be a fun way to spend a day.

 

To answer the original question, in your price range, I would be looking at the Mojo Bass. The 7'1" jig rod would probably serve you well (MJC71MHF). But if you're going to fish a crankbait with it, the spinnerbait rod (MJC70MHMF - 7' MH mod fast) would be a better bet, but it's not ideal for jigs and even less ideal for frog fishing, but as you have another MH/F rod, I would lean towards that or maybe a glass cranking rods so you have something solid for crankbaits.

 

Question - why do you feel you miss the bite with your Shimano? 

 

The Shimano has been great until I switched to Fluorocarbon, It seems I miss the initial bite and it isn’t until I lift the rod til and feel the weight, by that time they have spit out the jig. Maybe it’s the fact I haven’t fished fluorocarbon and need to get used to it. It may just take time and practice.. 

17 hours ago, r83srock said:

The factory outlet is great! B stock rods look identical to a normal store rod but half price. It’s my understanding that the blanks for the Mexico made rods are still made in park falls, or some are, that’s what I got out of the guy working in the store when I was there last weekend.

That’s what I was thinking. It’s about a 5 hour trip but well worth it in my opinion, I was planning on making a little vacation out of it. I’m going to end up waiting til spring, it’d be pointless imo to get a new rod and not use it on the northern Wisconsin fisheries since they will be iced over. Nothing worse than buying something new and not being able to use it!

[Boomstick]

4 hours ago, BassMcallister said:

The Shimano has been great until I switched to Fluorocarbon, It seems I miss the initial bite and it isn’t until I lift the rod til and feel the weight, by that time they have spit out the jig. Maybe it’s the fact I haven’t fished fluorocarbon and need to get used to it. It may just take time and practice.. 

That’s what I was thinking. It’s about a 5 hour trip but well worth it in my opinion, I was planning on making a little vacation out of it. I’m going to end up waiting til spring, it’d be pointless imo to get a new rod and not use it on the northern Wisconsin fisheries since they will be iced over. Nothing worse than buying something new and not being able to use it!

 

Well it sounds like a setup like mine might be the way to go. I have a MH/F rod for jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, frogs etc. with 40lb braid. My other rod is a MH glass cranking rod although you should be fine with a medium I got the MH because I might occasionally throw a spinnerbait or bladed jig on it too if I throw a frog or a jig on my other rod, and the extra backbone makes that possible.

 

Something else is since fluoro sinks, be sure you are keeping tension on the line. Not sure where you are fishing, but if it's hitting the bottom and going slack, that would be an issue.

[Fishing_FF]

On 10/15/2017 at 4:55 PM, BassMcallister said:

Alright so I’m looking to get a new rod. I really like St. Croix products, being a Wisconsin native I would like to support them more and stick with em. I was going to choose between the Mojo bass 7-7’1 Mhf . I use jugs, frogs, spinnerbaits, heavier crankbaits, etc. I have a Shimano Convergience mhf 6’8 right now and feel like I’m missing the bite especially jig fishing. If you have any other suggestions for St. Croix id be open to spend a bit more between 100-150. Thank you.

This is the same rod is use for Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, hard jerk baits, poppers, and prop baits. 

 

I know now some have a problem with straightening hooks on crankbaits with a fast action, like a friend of mine using an H2O Ethos, but this hasn’t been an issue with this rod for me. 

[BassMcallister]

19 hours ago, Boomstick said:

 

Well it sounds like a setup like mine might be the way to go. I have a MH/F rod for jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, frogs etc. with 40lb braid. My other rod is a MH glass cranking rod although you should be fine with a medium I got the MH because I might occasionally throw a spinnerbait or bladed jig on it too if I throw a frog or a jig on my other rod, and the extra backbone makes that possible.

 

Something else is since fluoro sinks, be sure you are keeping tension on the line. Not sure where you are fishing, but if it's hitting the bottom and going slack, that would be an issue.

I will have to try keeping a tight line, I may try cutting back on how far I cast as well since the fluoro stretches it may not be the best idea to make long casts. Especially with jigs.

[Boomstick]

18 minutes ago, BassMcallister said:

I will have to try keeping a tight line, I may try cutting back on how far I cast as well since the fluoro stretches it may not be the best idea to make long casts. Especially with jigs.

That may help too. I'm not sure what lb test line you are using either, but you could also try a heavier line as well which may help - fluoro for jigs is usually pretty beefy!

[BassMcallister]

49 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

That may help too. I'm not sure what lb test line you are using either, but you could also try a heavier line as well which may help - fluoro for jigs is usually pretty beefy!

I’ve been using 20lb seagaur fluoro, 

[Boomstick]

2 hours ago, BassMcallister said:

I’ve been using 20lb seagaur fluoro, 

Okay that's definitely strong enough so that's probably not the issue. Try shorter casts and make sure you reel in any slack and see if it puts you on the right track.

[gim]

St Croix's rods are nice.  I have 2 mojos and 2 premiers, my brother has an avid and a premier.  My wife got a new Bass X this past spring that she seems to like so far as well.

[LxVE Bassin]

I love St Croix. I have Triumph, Bass X, Mojo, Avid X, and LTB which covers most of their spectrum. Their customer service is great too. You won't be disappointed.

[MIbassyaker]

The mojo seems perfect for you. 

 

That's one I don't have (I have a Premier, an Avid X, and a Rage), but if I needed another rod right now, that's probably what I'd get....

 

Or, so I would say if I hadn't noticed the Legend Tournament line was being updated...which means the current LTB should will show up soon on sale at the St. Croix site at a closeout price...which would finally put them in my price range.....maybe I do need another rod.....