St. Croix Rods

[Frankiesurf]

I have a Premier Surf. Zero problems that weren't my own fault in the three years I have been abusing it.

That said, my next rod will be a Lami GSB. Most likely the 132 1 M based on a few of my buddies use and abuse of these things with no problems.

[Mike P]

The GSBs have a well-deserved reputation for durability. But they are a 30 year old design. Nothing wrong with standing the test of time, though. But where I fish, I need something with a firmer butt to midshaft section.

The 132 1M is still the standard rod for Long Island, though. I fished there for many years with one.

[TTGG]

Hey Mike , I just finished wrapping a XRA 126 MH for fishing the canal.
Is this one of the many Arra's you own?
If so what are you thoughts on this blank....

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by TTGG

Hey Mike , I just finished wrapping a XRA 126 MH for fishing the canal.
Is this one of the many Arra's you own?
If so what are you thoughts on this blank....

I have two. Both conventionals. I tried selling one at a flea market on the Canal at the end of July--no takers. Almost all of the Canal guys now use spinning exclusively.

It's a very parabolic rod, and IMO it has less mid-shaft strength than my 10' 1205. I use the 1205 now as the only conventional that I jig with, in the few spots where I still use conventional due to the easier ability to drop line to stay in bottom contact. I'm thinking of putting my level wind Saltist on it and using it as my Sebille rod.

The probelm that I have with the 126 1MH, at least as a conventional, is that it's as "bouncy" as a glass rod, both on the cast and when a bass does a head shake. I don't like that feel when fighting a fish. I may have it re-wrapped as a spinning rod. The 1205 as a medium/fast rod is much crisper to fish with, and it can throw 5 oz as well as the 126. I never throw more than 5 oz, and rarely even throw that much. Most tides, I'm fishing 3 oz most of the tide, and only step up to 4 on the very fast moon tides.

[TTGG]

I wrapped mine spinning , a parabolic action and convention reels that dont bring in big lots of line per crank doesnt sound like a very good combination because when your cranking on a down stroke you want to keep that bend in the rod.
Rewapping them spinning may be the way to go.

[tattoobob]

I think I have a new favorite rod, paired with a ZeeBaas 27,
I had a good cast with a 2.5 oz. needle But I was told By Don (GoneFishin) it didn't look like the rod was loading fully so Don gave me one of his heavy plugs and told me to try it out. I did and I casted right down to the Mono backing I am thinking 140 yards? The reel wasn't totally full of line I would estimate 100 yards low.

[BobT]

I used my MoJo for the first time last week and love it !!!! I was hoping to see you Mike last Thurs. evening to thank you for suggesting it but we left around 6.

[fishbones]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I think I have a new favorite rod, paired with a ZeeBaas 27,
I had a good cast with a 2.5 oz. needle But I was told By Don (GoneFishin) it didn't look like the rod was loading fully so Don gave me one of his heavy plugs and told me to try it out. I did and I casted right down to the Mono backing I am thinking 140 yards? The reel wasn't totally full of line I would estimate 100 yards low.

Are you still loving the Mojo? Did you go with the 10' 2-6 oz. rated rod? I'm thinking of picking up a 10 footer to pair with my zx25. Where would say the sweet spot is with it? I mostly throw plugs, but out of desperation will occasionally toss eels.