Thread: New St Croix.

Your very first sentence is the issue. I would not use that handle, the torzite guides or the aronowa tip top. My handle would be a all cork split grip turned on a rod lathe to fit my large hands. The transition and running guides would be micro's and 3 transition guides would be fuji high frames. The micro running guides weigh less than the epoxy used to coat them. Their cost is about 3 bucks each.The tip top would be a fugi SIC 5mm. It costs about 6 bucks. I've purchases the SC V's blanks about 7 years ago for about 120 bucks. My supplier gave me a pretty good discount. I don't count my time because it's a hobby. I have taken many factory rods and stripped them to bare blank and rebuilt them. They are always better performing after rebuilding with components far different than the originals. As for availability I don't know. In the past St Croix has sold the blanks for every factory rod they sold.
I do have a question thou. Just how far do you feel you need to through a 1/32 jig to efficiently catch fish? I would estimate that most of the time I am within 40 feet of my target.

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Originally Posted by z520tom

Your very first sentence is the issue. I would not use that handle, the torzite guides or the aronowa tip top. My handle would be a all cork split grip turned on a rod lathe to fit my large hands. The transition and running guides would be micro's and 3 transition guides would be fuji high frames. The micro running guides weigh less than the epoxy used to coat them. Their cost is about 3 bucks each.The tip top would be a fugi SIC 5mm. It costs about 6 bucks. I've purchases the SC V's blanks about 7 years ago for about 120 bucks. My supplier gave me a pretty good discount. I don't count my time because it's a hobby. I have taken many factory rods and stripped them to bare blank and rebuilt them. They are always better performing after rebuilding with components far different than the originals. As for availability I don't know. In the past St Croix has sold the blanks for every factory rod they sold.
I do have a question thou. Just how far do you feel you need to through a 1/32 jig to efficiently catch fish? I would estimate that most of the time I am within 40 feet of my target.

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I think that, for various reasons, some anglers will want Torzite guides in titanium frames and other bells and whistles. Those may not have much of an effect on the catch rate, but they may change the fishing impressions, especially when the rest of the tackle is chosen along the same (snobby, maybe?) lines. For myself, I found that to be true, but many others that I know do not share this sentiment. As it has been said many times before, to each their own. I do find the process of rod building fascinating and envy your hobby.

It is extremely rewarding to catch your fish on a rod and a lure that one builds with his own hands. Developing the skills to do this are a worth while endeavor. I worked in the mechnical engineering field for 32 years. We used to say there is always a way to build a better mousetrap! Thanks for your comments.

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Wow what a thread. I had no idea that rods could get that intricate.

Is there a rod in the 125$ range where one could tell a difference in feel and quality?
Say a 6'6" UL to throw a 1/24-1/32 jig for countdown fishing or finesse.

Asking for a friend because I used to believe an Ugly Stick was good enough. Lol

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Originally Posted by catchNgrease

Is there a rod in the 125$ range where one could tell a difference in feel and quality?

St Croix Premier
St Croix Panfish
St Croix Trout

All are good rods.

If you want to try JDM you can get a MajorCraft Triple Cross for right around $150... sometimes Digitaka will run them on sale at 20% off... food for thought... they have a 6’8” model... for what you are using the rod for I would suggest the solid tip... if using for dock shooting I would get the tubular model... I have a 6’8” tubular that I use for float fishing but if tossing jigs would like the sensitivity of the solid tip...

I like the fun factor of UL rods it seems when moving up to 7 foot they are not a true UL rod any more the action changes with much more backbone, it`s plain fun to feel the entire rod bend right into the handle but never get this feel with anything longer. My StCroix Avids are this way just lose something going longer would there be JDM rod 7 foot or longer with this type of feel?

Originally Posted by Bricks

I like the fun factor of UL rods it seems when moving up to 7 foot they are not a true UL rod any more the action changes with much more backbone, it`s plain fun to feel the entire rod bend right into the handle but never get this feel with anything longer. My StCroix Avids are this way just lose something going longer would there be JDM rod 7 foot or longer with this type of feel?

You might could get that rod action going to a 7 foot stream trout rod. But...stream trout rods are not made for sensitivity. A 7 foot mebaru rod might give you that depending on the rod...brand....you get the sensitivity with a mebaru rod. I suggest you take a look at the sticky https://www.crappie.com/crappie/panf...ating-panfish/ There is a ton of info there and a lot of reviews on JDM UL rods. Area trout rods have the action you are looking for along with superb sensitivity. But the longest area rod I have seen is one I own....the 6' 7" Banshee. Area trout rods do not come any longer. I too am all about fun. I don't know if you have seen any of my videos but I have more fun than allowed by law with these rods....LOL. Just got in a 5' 9" XUL Banshee......can't wait to get it on the water.


Regards