Dedicated Jerkbait Rod Battle: Expride 6'10 M vs Zodias 6'10 M vs St. Croix Victory 6'8 MXF

[Boomstick]

On 12/12/2021 at 9:32 PM, larrymarketfishing said:

As the forum title says, I'm looking for a dedicated jerkbait rod (will be paired to a SLX MGL 70), and I have my sights primarily set on a St. Croix Victory 6'8 MXF. 

The Victory line tends to have slightly different action from the rest of the St Croix lineup and I'm not sure how this rod fares, but the Mojo Bass 6'8" M/XF "Topwater" rod has been my favorite jerkbait rod. What specifically makes this a perfect jerkbait rod is it has less backbone than the other St Croix mediums but a very short tip as well. So when you get hit when twitching a bait you can feel it because the short tip where with more moderate rods, you can't even feel a bite on a twitch. And because it bends throughout the rod, you'll keep them pinned.

 

The St Croix medium M/F rods aren't too bad for a jerkbait as well. I would take my chances with the Victory version, they are generally great rods for the money.

[T-Billy]

50 minutes ago, NorthernBasser said:

@T-Billy has a handful of them. Maybe he's fished the One-Eyed Jack.

I have one. I prefer a faster rod for jerks, but the Jack is great for grubs, small swimmers, and small cranks. It's an outstanding choice for a day of wading after river smallies.