Are St. Croix Rod's really worth it?

[LundBob]

I've been using Shakespear Ugly Sticks all my life. $30 a rod,last a long time,fits all my needs. Makes it hard to justify spending $100 or more on a rod. Can you guys honestly say it has made a difference in how many fish you catch? Enlighten me please.

Thanks

[Rondo]

$30 is $15 more than my least expensive rod, I could probably ask the same question. Somewhere, there is probably a guy with a pocket fisherman doing pretty well. :-)

I have two new St. Croix's to try out this season. I'm looking forward to it. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

[Snoogans]

If the Ugly Stik "fits all my needs"...why are you considering a St. Croix?

IMHO, the Ugly Stiks have horrible sensitivity. Therefore, they do not fit very many of my walleye application needs. And, yes, I can honestly tell you that a higher sensitivity rod (not just St. Croix) makes a world of difference in detecting bites, bottom, weeds, rocks, etc - when rigging, jigging, bouncing.

[LundBob]

I'm considering it because maybe if it makes a difference I will try one. But i just don't want to spend $100 or more to find out. I want your opinions. Thats all were here for right? I'm not saying theres anything wrong with spending that much on a rod or saying anything bad about anyone that uses one. I'm just curious.

[MK]

I think you'll find that once someone moves up to a better quality, more sensitive rod, they seldom go back.

You would probably find the difference on those days where the fish are biting lightly or you're jigging deep and trying to feel the bumps. I think they've helped me put fish in the boat, especially when it comes to the hookset.

What the heck, you only go around once. Get yourself a 6'6'', medium action, one-piece St.Croix and you've got yourself a good all around rod. Try one and if you don't like it, go back to the Ugly Sticks. On its worst day a St. Croix is still at least as good as an Ugly Stick so its not like you have to throw it away if you don't like it. I still have a couple of Sticks around for trolling and for spares but I'll always reach for the St. Croix first.

[flyman]

It depends how a rod is being used. For instance, a rod I have which is like an ugly stick (abu workhorse) works just fine for a small number of applications for me. Those applications are not demanding of sensitivity (trolling, casting spinners and crankbaits for trout) and are very hard on tackle (ie. bushwacking). There was a time when the same type of rod seemed good for everything to me. However, after I learned to appreciate the sensitivity of a high end rod (I couldn't tell the difference at first), I have found that I can't go back for 90% of my bass and walleye fishing. To put it in perspective, sensitivity difference between a high end rod and an "indestructible" $30 rod is like the difference between fireline and mono. At least to me it is. Just my $.02.

[SLIPKNOT]

Find someone that has some high quality rods like st croix or loomis and try them out, you may be flattered by how sensitive they are or you might think they aren't worth the money. You make the call. I think good senstive rods for jiggin and trypes of fishing where sensitivity is need, are worth every penny. Good luck!

[julian]

I absolutely agree with Snoogans. The Ugly Stick has little sensitivity for jigging or bottom bouncer applications.It is also heavy to handle all day long. OK for trolling/planer boards. The St Croix is a very well balnced rod with nice reel seating.I broke one on a Canadian trip and they replaced it no questions. However, I think you can pick up rods almost as good for 30-50 dollars if you look hard enough. The Berkely Lighting series and the Gander Mt. guide rods are often discounted. I'd own several of each and recommend you try one of them.

[LundBob]

Excellent info. Thx guys. Wonder if i have enough room on the credit card. I sense a trip to Gander Mountain in the near future:}

[Peanut]

Ya know, you don't have to go broke buying a St. Croix. Just this year, I picked up a 1 piece 6' St. Croix Premier for $115 Canadian (that's about $4.95 US - lol). Seriously, I think it's a little under $75 US. Premiers can be bought anywhere for around $90USD.

I know there are more expensive St. Croix models - but you sound like I did a little while back - I wanted to try a high-end rod, without spending every cent of disposable income I have.

If it turned out that I didn't think they were worth the extra money, I did not have so much invested that I would feel guilty, and the rod was good enough to give me a true feel for the "good ones". For what it's worth, I've never regretted the purchase.

Good luck,

derrek.

CANADIAN WALLEYE OPEN UP AND SAY "EH"!

[StoneyPointeTom]

I fished day 2 RCL with St. Croix rods. They were awesome. Pro Pat and I boated about 12 to 14 walleyes that day for a weight of 24 lbs. I think it was about 3rd or 4th heaviest for the day. They are sensitive and had enough back bone to set the hook with also.

The walleyes were holding really tight to the bottom in the river during the RCL event. With the St. Croix rods I was able to easily detect when my jig was hitting the rocks, mud/sand, and gravel on the bottom. I caught all my fish within 4 inches of the bottom. The St. Croix rods definetly helped me keep the jig in the strike zone.

I plan on picking up a couple with the RCL check that I am cashing this week. I own about 4 Lightning rods now. The berkly Lightning rod is a great buy for the money but the St. Croix rod is better if you are looking for that extra sensitivity, feel and balance.

That is one of the reasons the RCL format is great. You get the opportunity to fish with the Pro's and use their equipment first hand. Then you can compare the brands and models they use to your own and make a good determonation which is best for you. I can say first hand that the St. Croix rod is the best that I have ever used to date. But at $100 plus dollars they may not be the best for everyone. A Lightning rod may be better @ $30.

Tom N.

[iamwalleye1]

I had the swicth last year from loomis to st. croix and I love them. I use the gt80m for trolling and the legend elites are great for jigging. The most sensative rods I have ever used! You should try one before you make the purchase!

[rock2me]

I don't own one yet but I can honestly say that there is a difference in rods. I own primarily Gander Mountain IM8 rods and they are good. After trying a guides St. Croix rod I can say that they are better. I kid you not, I could feel everything, it was so well weighted and sensitive. His rod was $245.00 dollars, mine are about $60.00 a piece. Is it worth it for you, only you know?

I'm going to find out. Going to Cabelas this weekend, who knows what I might "find"?


Good Luck

[FJH1]

I sent you an e-mail, let me know if you received it.

Best Regards,

FJH

[Pooch]

A good fishing rod is a pleasure to use. No different than having good quality tools for woodworking. They last a lifetime and you have the pleasure of using them and not cussing them.
Pooch

[Kitch]

I went a step farther last year,not only did I move up into a St.Croix rod but I had 1 custom made by a local rod maker.I can't tell you how much I love that rod! SENSITIVE I have 2 Gander Mt.rods and they are good but no comparison to the ST.Croix. Cost for the gander rods were about$60 custom made ST.croix was $120 worth every penney to me.

[Bradnd]

If I were a "jigger" most of the time, I probably would opt for a more expensive rod just for the lightweight & sensitivity. But since I do mostly trolling, I opt for the less expensive rods. I just ordered 2 more cabelas e-glass rods, $19.99 each. I strictly use fireline & powerpro and the glass rods have worked extremely well for me. I use them at Tobin each year, and never have busted one on 12# eyes or 20# northerns.
Our local tackle store just started selling st. croix rods & will be letting customers try before they buy. I may have to try one just for lindy rigging, but I will not give up my glass rods for trolling.

Take care,

Brad

[ANXIOUS]

I KNOW THIS IS GEARED TOWARDS ST.CROIX. BUT WHAT ABOUT FENWICK? THEY MAKE A NICE VARIETY OF RODS FOR A REASONABLE PRICE. VERY NICE RODS!

[muskihntr]

i love st croix rods and have used them for years, but ive discovered the bass pro micro lites r great rods for the money also with excellent sensitivity and they run 30-40 bucks which is alot cheaper than st croix, they both r great if ya dont have the money try a microlite