Jerkbait/Topwater Rod recommendations St Croix?

[clemsondds]

Hey everyone, I have a credit with St Croix.  The only real hole I have in my lineup is a decent Jerkbait rod.  I was trying to think what else I could use the rod for since I won't always be throwing a jerkbait.  Can anyone recommend a good jerkbait rod from St. Croix?  I'm thinking the 6'8" MXF either in the avid x or avid line.  Anyone know what else that rod would be really good for?  I know this is unorthodox but I like a shorter frog rod. I think a frog rod and a jerkbait rod are on different ends of the power/action spectrum but wanted to get your thougths.  Could I do like a MHF 6'8 for both? Thanks everyone! 

[webertime]

You're on target with the 68MXF Avid X

[clemsondds]

15 minutes ago, webertime said:

You're on target with the 68MXF Avid X

Awesome. Mind sharing why you think that? For topwater as well? I assume that wouldn’t work for frogs. Also mind sharing why avid x over regular avid? Sorry for all the questions 

[TBAG]

I own a 66MF Avid for jerkbaits and don't ever really use it as I don't throw a jerk probably as often as I should.

 

I'm sure it would make a great topwater rod too but I have a Mojo Bass I use for all my topwater lures.

[Boomstick]

I use the 6'8" M/XF Mojo Bass Topwater rod for light to[water (primarily poppers and jerkbaits. It's one of the few St Croix rods that is not heavier than it's label where the 6'8" M/XF jerkbait rod is a little heavier, so it has a good amount of bend. The M/XF Avid X is the same blank, and is absolutely perfect for these types of presentations and works well for smaller weightless soft plastics. I am 6'3" and I also find the 6'8" rod is the perfect length for these presentations to keep the tip from hitting things in front of me.

 

I like it for topwater and jerkbaits over a medium/moderate rod that many prefer for better landing ratios. The first advantage is that since the bend in the rod is fairly uniform, you have better control over the action you impart on your lures. The second advantage is that with the extra fast tip I find that when you get a bite right when you are twitching the rod, I am usually able to land the fish where I have lost a good number of fish in the same scenario on a more moderate tip, especially fishing a jerkbait where it's underwater and you don't see it right away.

 

I hope this helps you with your decision.

 

 

[clemsondds]

 

40 minutes ago, Boomstick said:

I use the 6'8" M/XF Mojo Bass Topwater rod for light to[water (primarily poppers and jerkbaits. It's one of the few St Croix rods that is not heavier than it's label where the 6'8" M/XF jerkbait rod is a little heavier, so it has a good amount of bend. The M/XF Avid X is the same blank, and is absolutely perfect for these types of presentations and works well for smaller weightless soft plastics. I am 6'3" and I also find the 6'8" rod is the perfect length for these presentations to keep the tip from hitting things in front of me.

 

I like it for topwater and jerkbaits over a medium/moderate rod that many prefer for better landing ratios. The first advantage is that since the bend in the rod is fairly uniform, you have better control over the action you impart on your lures. The second advantage is that with the extra fast tip I find that when you get a bite right when you are twitching the rod, I am usually able to land the fish where I have lost a good number of fish in the same scenario on a more moderate tip, especially fishing a jerkbait where it's underwater and you don't see it right away.

 

I hope this helps you with your decision.

 

 

 

54 minutes ago, TBAG said:

I own a 66MF Avid for jerkbaits and don't ever really use it as I don't throw a jerk probably as often as I should.

 

I'm sure it would make a great topwater rod too but I have a Mojo Bass I use for all my topwater lures.

Ok great. Sounds like I should get the 6'8 MXF. Now I just need to decide between avid and avid x.  I assume I'll be running braid to leader.  Should I just go with the regular avid so not to have issues with the knot/microguides?  Or is there a good reason to go with the avid x?  Thanks

[Vilas15]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

 

 

Ok great. Sounds like I should get the 6'8 MXF. Now I just need to decide between avid and avid x.  I assume I'll be running braid to leader.  Should I just go with the regular avid so not to have issues with the knot/microguides?  Or is there a good reason to go with the avid x?  Thanks

 

[clemsondds]

Yeh I saw that. Thanks. Wasn't real conclusive. I guess I'll just go with the avid x. Any other thoughts?

[clemsondds]

So just got off the phone with St. Croix. They recommended the 6'6" or 6'8" MF as a jerkbait...ha.  He said he doesn't recommend the xf due to it being more likely to break

Go figure 

[Fishing_FF]

46 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

So just got off the phone with St. Croix. They recommended the 6'6" or 6'8" MF as a jerkbait...ha.  He said he doesn't recommend the xf due to it being more likely to break

Go figure 

The 6’8” MF Avid X is what I use for jerkbaits and small topwater. Couldn’t find the MXF locally, so I picked up the MF instead. Been a great rod!

[FryDog62]

Personal preference but I would prefer a Fast action rod for jerk baits over an XF.  Especially if you use braid I think you keep them pinned better with Fast action.  Also, I would even opt for the 6'-8" Medium Fast in the Mojo over the Avid X... because its not only Fast action but its handle is also about an inch shorter.  Not a big difference, but when you're snapping the rod down you're less likely to rub against your forearm/side as much.  

[Scuba Steve]

I have the 6’8 MF LTB that is named “jerkbait.” It’s my favorite rod!

[clemsondds]

You guys are killing me ha. I just ordered the mxf. Well, I guess we will see how it does.  To me, it seems the xf will work better with jerkbait and topwater (spooks) allowing a more twitchy action. Guess we shall see. Thank you to everyone and their advice! 

[Scuba Steve]

1 hour ago, clemsondds said:

You guys are killing me ha. I just ordered the mxf. Well, I guess we will see how it does.  To me, it seems the xf will work better with jerkbait and topwater (spooks) allowing a more twitchy action. Guess we shall see. Thank you to everyone and their advice! 

I had an xf. Hated it. Hope you like it though. I don’t own any xf rods. 

[GReb]

My jerkbait rod is a LTB 68MXF and I have no complaints.  It allows for sharp twitches but has a soft enough backbone to keep the trebles pinned.  I also use the rod for shaky heads and senkos.

[Boomstick]

10 hours ago, clemsondds said:

 

 

Ok great. Sounds like I should get the 6'8 MXF. Now I just need to decide between avid and avid x.  I assume I'll be running braid to leader.  Should I just go with the regular avid so not to have issues with the knot/microguides?  Or is there a good reason to go with the avid x?  Thanks

If you are running braid and a leader, I would absolutely definitely without a doubt get the Avid. I run straight mono on mine (either 10 or 12lb), so technically I could have got an Avid X as well and I would be happy as well but microguides and braid and leaders do not mix well.

3 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

Personal preference but I would prefer a Fast action rod for jerk baits over an XF.  Especially if you use braid I think you keep them pinned better with Fast action.  Also, I would even opt for the 6'-8" Medium Fast in the Mojo over the Avid X... because its not only Fast action but its handle is also about an inch shorter.  Not a big difference, but when you're snapping the rod down you're less likely to rub against your forearm/side as much.  

The M/XF "topwater" rod has less backbone than the M/F "jerkbait" rod, so at the end of the day you may actually have more bend in the extra fast once you land a fish, it's just a difference of how they bend. The extra fast is a true medium where the fast is a medium plus as I would call it. But that is an interesting point about the handle, I actually had to check but yes the Avid X does have a longer handle where it's fairly short on the Mojo, and I do find the handle on the Mojo to be just about perfect even with larger hands.