7’M or 7’MH bait caster rod?

[ChrisFish]

Wanting to get into bass fishing, I currently have an Ugly Stick GX2 7’MH spin reel and it’s been good. Looking to get a quality bait cast setup to last me, my buddy recommended a St. Croix victory casting rod does anybody have any input on the brand? And as far as the rod would you recommend a Medium or Medium Heavy for shore fishing on lakes and rivers? Thank you! 

[Mojo Bass]

You can’t go wrong with a st croix rod the victory series are very good rods 

 

as for medium or medium heavy that depends on what baits you plan on throwing…… both powers are versatile options 

[Functional]

Do you have a budget? The victory is a very good rod but there are plenty of rods in a lower price point that will serve you quite well, especially as a "all purpose" rod.

 

The victory Marshall is a 7'3" but a very good all around MH rod. 

 

If you want to step down a level the Mojo Bass does well and the 7'1" MH Fast would serve you well.

 

For the cost I'd put my ARK Tharp rod against my Victory and not tell much of a difference. I have the Hammer but the tip is a bit too fast. The Money Maker at 7'3" MH F I believe would be a good all around fit. 

[MN Fisher]

I've got Victory and Mojo Bass rods in my arsenal. I think the Victory is a little more sensitive, and it is a bit lighter...but for around $50 less, the Mojo is definitely a worthwhile consideration.

 

The Mojo 7'1" MH/F would be a fair stand-in for The Marshall.

[Jar11591]

20 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I think the Victory is a little more sensitive, and it is a bit lighter...but for around $50 less, the Mojo is definitely a worthwhile consideration.

I agree with this assessment. The Victory is definitely the better rod, but I’m not convinced it’s $50 better. 

[msgf91]

I picked up my first St croix rods recently and been impressed so far. LTB and an Avid walleye (same blank as the victory). I'll for sure be planning to try other models. 

[ChrisFish]

I appreciate the feedback, thank you everyone! 

[Boomstick]

The Victory line is great, you won't be disappointed. As far as which power to get, it depends on what you will be throwing. You can throw a lot of lures on each.

 

If you do want to save a little money and end up going with a medium rod, the Mojo Bass is still a pretty solid rod. I use the 6'8" M/XF "Topwater" rod for topwater and jerkbaits, but the 7'1" M/F plastics rod is a great all purpose rod for lighter lures. The Victory would be more sensitive and a hair lighter, but the Mojo Bass mediums are already fairly light and balance decently.

 

If you go with a medium heavy, the Victory line is an upgrade in every way possible, from lighter weight, better balance, better action and of course better sensitivity. If you throw 1/2oz spinnerbaits , chatterbaits or jigs, The Marshall would be the one  you want, but The Grunt falls somewhere between The Marshall and the Mojo Bass Plastics rod.

On 4/12/2023 at 10:44 AM, Jar11591 said:

I agree with this assessment. The Victory is definitely the better rod, but I’m not convinced it’s $50 better. 

Do you have a medium or medium heavy? I would be content to save money with the medium rods as the Mojo Bass mediums are the best rods in the lineup. They have the right power and action and are light and well balanced. But the medium heavy Victory rods are quite a bit lighter, better balanced, more sensitive and simply a better action.

[Big Hands]

On 4/12/2023 at 7:44 AM, Jar11591 said:

I agree with this assessment. The Victory is definitely the better rod, but I’m not convinced it’s $50 better. 

 

I think a case could be make for 'yes', 'no', or 'maybe' being a correct answer to that dilemma.

 

Not, for one example, if you don't fish often, and don't have the disposable income to spend for relatively minor improvements.

 

Maybe, for one example, if you fish often, but don't have much disposable income to spend for relatively minor improvements.

 

Yes, for one example, if you fish often and you do have the disposable income to spend for relatively minor improvements. Another example would be if there is some sort of feature that is a bit of a deal killer for you on the less expensive rod that the more expensive rod doesn't have.

 

Everybody has their own somewhat unique set of factors to consider in conjunction with their own value system, and let's not forget the super-predictable input of  the ever-present BM.

[Jar11591]

9 hours ago, Boomstick said:

Do you have a medium or medium heavy?

A medium and medium light 

[Boomstick]

13 hours ago, Jar11591 said:

A medium and medium light 

The M and ML Mojo Bass rods are great!

[WRB]

On 4/11/2023 at 7:18 PM, ChrisFish said:

Wanting to get into bass fishing, I currently have an Ugly Stick GX2 7’MH spin reel and it’s been good. Looking to get a quality bait cast setup to last me, my buddy recommended a St. Croix victory casting rod does anybody have any input on the brand? And as far as the rod would you recommend a Medium or Medium Heavy for shore fishing on lakes and rivers? Thank you! 

What specific reel do you plan to use; Can’t recommend a rod without knowing the basic info!

SC Victory rods are light weight and balance better with reels in the 7+
oz weight range, lighter they feel tip heavy imo

Dobyns Sierra 7’3” MH 733 is excellent choice a little less $

Daiwa Tatula 7’3” MH is a little

$ and very choice 

Irod Quercus 7’3” MH is same price as SC Victory 7’3” MH little

softer tip, easier to cast and another good company with excellent customer service.

All the above are cork handle rods

MH 7’3” is my recommendation.

Tom

[Bdnoble84]

For the price i really like fenwick’s. I own the medium action eagle and its a great rod up to 5/8oz. But i mostly fish, jerkbaits, light spinnerbaits, paddletail swimbaits and topwater on it. Jigs never really felt great on it. So if you are mainly light reaction its a really good rod for the price. It really depends on budget to me and how frequently you fish. Think of it this way. For the price of a victory, you could have 2 fenwicks and money left over for a second rod. If money isnt an option,  go with something higher end. 
 

[Captain Phil]

Different rod manufacturers have different specs.  I own two Shimano Zodias casting rods.  One is 6' 10" MH and the other is 7' 2" MH.   You wouldn't think 4 inches would make much difference in a fishing rod.   These rods are completely different.  The 6' 10" rod is much smaller in diameter and best suited for throwing soft plastics like worms and Senkos.  The 7' 2" rod is a workhorse best suited for throwing traps, spinnerbaits and frogs.  Both are high quality sensitive rods.   You really can't tell much about a fishing rod from the numbers alone.  Holding one in your hand is the best way to make those decisions. 

[Mike L]

Agree 

That 7’ 2” is a great all around do everything rod!

 

Personally I don’t use it for frogs but I guess it would work in more open areas. 
 

 

 

 

Mike