Wanted to touch on my most recent 3 rod smallmouth and Largemouth bass spinning set ups. (Within the last couple of years or so)
The first is a st croix premier scps66mf2 paired with a quantum smoke sm25xpt.
The second is a st croix triumph tsr66mf2 paired with a daiwa fuego Lt 3000.
And the third is a fenwick eagle eglw66mfs2 paired with an Abu Garcia revo3 sx sp20. All are spooled with 10 lb braid (spider wire for all but the premier which has fire line fused 10lb) I usually use a leader of 6lb to 10lb fluorocarbon of up to 10ft depending on technique or type of lure being used. I fish a beautiful gem of a clear water reservoir with available bank fishing reaching up to depths of 50ft for absolute hawgs of both species. I do however have a few personal criticisms on each set up. First I wish I was a bit less ignorant when the bass pro shops employee told me that the st croix rods are the number 1 returned rod due to tip snaps! I’ve had to replace the premier once due to the cork butt end snapping off like there was nothing but cork and no blank. It was entirely my fault for casting like it was my ugly stik elite. Still at the current price point I found that unacceptable. However it was replaced immediately and since then I’ve caught some amazing specimens of both species with the Ned rig specifically. Once you understand that these rods are not ugly sticks and learn to lean into your hook sets you’ll find that they’re amazing rods with a super sensitivity that I can honestly say absolutely matches any 1 piece rod I’ve ever used! The second was the triumph. I wish I could say this was a positive experience at first but it certainly was NOT! First while having the rod in two pieces while setting the rod up, I touched the tip to simply move the piece aside to make room for the butt end and the tip snapped like a twig. I mean I barely applied pressure! Again I had it replaced the very next day, I didn’t even have it for 24hrs at this point. I Immediately went out once I got it replaced and proceeded to catch a 2.10lb smallie. Applying the same hook setting technique that I used with the premier. and then after releasing the fish I slipped and fell down the embankment holding the rod only to have it snapped cleanly right at the blank just above the reel seat. I purchased this rod barely 24 hours prior and I’m on my second replacement (third rod) since then I have been consciously making sure not to “high stick” or set the hook like a my good ol ugly stik. and it has become dependable power setup for me. Crazy distance in casting and a perfect backbone for pulling 3+ lb largemouth from 40-80 ft out easily. If you can get past he learning curve on these rods I believe they are a great investment.
Now for the fenwick eagle (walleye edition) it has actually worked as advertised. It is my newest rod so therefore the least amount of real world experience, but the few I have landed over the past few months (1.5-2lb largemouth) tells me that the rod has great sensitivity although not as much as the triumph and not nearly as much as the premier. But has a great moderate fast action that allows me to get a more solid hookset security with football head jigs and a good movement on my classic style poppers. No breaks yet, solid feel. Premium look and good sensitivity. The added feel of not thinking that my tip may snap on a harder hookset actually eases my mind. lol
Tell me what you think. I’m already looking to upgrade for next year!
Last thing I almost forgot to mention. If you decide to purchase these rods, a rod case/tube (I use the Plano guide series double and single tubes) is a great way to protect them and keep them clear of damage.
Posted by dontmindme77b