St Croix

[Danbasshead]

I’m looking to update my rod. I’m thinking St Croix 7’ ml rod for 20lb test PP braid for 4-0lb large mouth, smallies and fall fishing. Spinning rod. I’m a new angler, is this the right rod for what I’m doing. Jig, kvd weighted worm, Rapala, top bait fishing. Is ML the right way to go?

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, firstly!

 

What model St. Croix are you looking at?

 

ML is a nice power for Croix rods, they are actually

somewhere between other brands ML and M rods.

Sweet spot, IMO.

 

I use 10 and 15# Power Pro for all my spinning gear,

and always with a leader (that's my pref, not any sort

of rule that you need to use one).

 

20 will be fine, but you can go less. 

 

What spinning reel are you looking to pair with the rod?

[Danbasshead]

Premier spinner with a pflueger pres 35. 

Thanks for the welcome!

[Darren.]

13 hours ago, Danbasshead said:

Premier spinner with a pflueger pres 35. 

Thanks for the welcome!

Sounds good! I love my ML Premier, is a 6' rod that I actually

shortened to about 5'9"  I like the accuracy of short rods 

for tight quarters, skipping, etc.

 

Has great action. I think you'll be happy with your setup.

[Spankey]

Great choice. I like the way you think. I'm a St. Croix fan. The Premier series rods are great rods. I have a few Avids. Compare them than let your wallet talk. You will like both. 

[punch]

I'm a huge fan St Croix but I find that the Premier's run a little softer than the avid/LTB's. The ML premier is VERY soft to me. I would use a 7' ML Premier for finesse/ned/dropshot but definitely not for jigs or topwater or crankbaits.

 

If you're looking at the Premier line, i'd strongly consider the 7' Medium as a more "all around" rod. 

[Angry John]

For the baits your considering I would be looking at the medium.  Fast is the best all round speed and I like xfast for single hook baits like flukes worms and jigs.

[burrows]

Your entry level, start entry level go mojo bass good quality good rods.

[LCG]

I have a mojo bass 6'8 m-xf spinning rod that has become my favorite rod. I use it for soft plastics (ned, neko, drop shot, shakey head, Texas, small jigs)  and in line spinners with great results so far. Paired with a Pflueger president xt 30 size and 10lb braid. 

 

Just recently purchased a used avid x 6'6 Mh-f baitcasting rod as well. I will use this for jigs and hollow body Frogs. 

 

St Croix is a quality rod. I am becoming a big fan of their rods. 

 

The power really depends on the type of cover you fish and the techniques you prefer. If the baits fall within the weight range listed on the rod and the cover is light/open then a medium light would work for you. I prefer a medium personally. I like to have more control over the fish. 

[Spankey]

I have to agree 100% on the Mojo spinning rods, the Med. XF and ML Xf are two of my favorite rods. Stick baits, drop shot, split shotting and other finesse soft plastics. I also fish some premier and avids. I don't have any St. Croix rods that I don't like.

 

I crankbait fish with a couple of Premier Series Crankbait rods. More moderate at the tip. Love the rods and don't break the bank.

 

Have fun with your search, 

[MickD]

You mention the power but not the action.  Unless that rod is an extra fast action, I would go medium power.  Yes, St. Croix power ratings yield rods with slightly more power than most other brands, but for your all around rod, while ML extra fast will work OK, I think M fast will work better as an all around rod.

[richard203]

don't u guess need to consider the weight of the rod too? I was looking at st.croix rod and see that the brass x model weight lighter than the premier rod.

[EvanT123]

The St. Croix Mlf is one of my favorite rods. I use it for all the things you listed except jigs. Well jigs over 1/4oz and that have a heavier wire hook. 

[Danbasshead]

Thank you everyone for the advice, it is greatly appreciated. I’ll repost when I get the chance to use the rod in the spring. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

Dan

[MickD]

On 12/9/2017 at 10:28 PM, richard203 said:

don't u guess need to consider the weight of the rod too?

No.  'the differences are very small and the best bet is to match the action and the power with what you want it to do.