"Do-it-all" heavy rod?

[JoeDeal55]

In the market for my first heavy rod. Have a giftcard for BPS. So budget around $120. Im wanting a heavy fast rod for A-rigs mostly but will also try out frogs and heavier jigs on it. Maybe big swimbaits when I decide to buy some. With my budget and selections at BPS, the best I could work with is a 7'4" heavy fast St. Croix Bass X. Is this a viable option? Not familiar with St. Croix. Any advice is welcome.

[Finessegenics]

That was the model I was gonna recommend before even clicking onto this thread. I began using the 7’4 H/F from st Croix this past season. They really are do it all. They’re marketed as frog rods, but you can punch with them and I think they make a good jig rod too. I have a Mojo and older version of the Bass X. The taper is really nice, not too stiff, it’s not a broomstick by any means. 
 

 

[Aaron_H]

I'll just throw out the SLX 7'2" (or 7'5") heavy/fast. I use it for frogs and big jigs, but it does well with A rigs also.

[Basswhippa]

My son has used a 7'4" H St. Croix Rage for years on Guntersville for jigs and frogs and such.  Very versatile heavy action rod.  The newer MOJO with the same specs should be very similar. 

[Boomstick]

You are going to have a weight limit with swimbaits. That said, you probably do want a rod on the heavier side. I normally recommend something like a Dobyns 735C in whatever line you can afford or the 7'1" Tatula Heavy rod for an all around heavy, but something a little heavier like the the 7'4" Mojo Bass or Bass X is probably a good choice here.

[HaydenS]

9 hours ago, Aaron_H said:

I'll just throw out the SLX 7'2" (or 7'5") heavy/fast. I use it for frogs and big jigs, but it does well with A rigs also.

This is my choice.  I’ve throw big flippin jigs, a-rigs, and big swimbaits on mine.  Arashi glides seem to be the max for this rod.  I have thrown a DRT Tiny Klash on it too.  

If I put braid on it, it could throw a frog.

[Columbia Craw]

Maverick MK735C at 99 bucks is a good option. 

[ErieCan]

I have a Mojo Bass 7'4" heavy. It's a good rod for the money. Has a soft enough tip to work frogs and pitch with accuracy. 

[JoeDeal55]

Thank you all for the replies. I have a medium SLX combo for jerkbaits and I love it, but unfortunately BPS doesnt carry them that I could find. 

[Aaron_H]

1 hour ago, JoeDeal55 said:

Thank you all for the replies. I have a medium SLX combo for jerkbaits and I love it, but unfortunately BPS doesnt carry them that I could find. 

 

Ahh, I forgot that BPS doesn't carry any of Shimano's freshwater rods (weirdly). Your original choice for the 7'4" H/F Bass X would be the move in this case IMO.

[MidwestBassAttack]

Falcon Lowrider Amistad

[FishTank]

I have the 7' St. Croix Premier split grip from BPS and it's a pool cue but for things 3/4oz and up, it's not bad. Between 1oz and 1.5oz is were it performs the best. It's not very sensitive but it's great for pulling fish out heavy cover.