8 1/2ft St. Croix Premier

[2rjs]

I was looking at purchasing a 8 1/2 premier rated for 1/2-2oz. Does anyone have any experience with this rod? I plan on using it mostly for thorwing grubs and light metal but would like to be able to do some light bottom fishing with it also. I have a Tsumani 9ft that does this job well but would like to give the Croix a try. Could this rod be overloaded to handle a 3 or 4 oz weight? Any info would be appreciated.


Thanks

[Digger]

I purchased the St Criox Wild River 3/8 to1 1/4 (model WS86MHF2) and I like it a lot. But I still purchased a Gloomis SUR1023S I use both but the Gloomis is worth the extra money. Actually if ST Croix's warranty was not so slow I might have never known the difference. But to be honest both live in my truck. I like the Loomis much better.

[Digger]

P.S. where in South West Va do you live ?

[flatfish]

i have that same model and it is great . rod has good action
i use shimano stradic reel 5000 w/ 15 lb mono.

[Lars]

I own the 2-pc casting version of that rod. It's ok, but the butt length is a little too short for my taste, especially if used for casting metal or poppers a very long distance. For Bombers etc. it doesn't really matter.

The sweet spot is just over 1 oz or so, and I'd say the useable lure weight range is 0.75 oz. - 1.5 oz. Going over 1.5 oz didn't feel quite right and the rod didn't load enough with 1/2 oz jig. As usual, you have to take the manufacturer's lure weight rating witha grain of salt... I was using an Abu 6500 sppoled with 15 lb line at the time though. This year I'm probably going to pair it up with an Abu 5500 and 12 lb line. I think that'll be a more balanced match.

I took a lot of schoolie stripers as well as other fish with this rod last year and I have nothing to complain about it's fish fighting abilities.

[AL_N_VB]

Welcome back Lars!

Good to see ya back..How was your vacation?

[Lars]

Hi Al! I had a nice time there in southern Spain. I even went surf fishing a couple of times with my dad. All we (he) caught was one tiny mackerel species... Spain's a nice place, but surf fishing in the Mediterranean sucks.

I know the water is too cold, but with this nice weather I might go to the beach this weekend and make a few casts, just to get it out of my system for a while :)

See ya!

[2rjs]

Digger, I live in Lebanon.

Thanks for the feedback guys! It sounds as if that rod may not be as versatile as I had hoped.

[AL_N_VB]

Lars.....may be heading to SB this weekend...I have wild hair to head South to get some fresh bait......Still up in the air....If I wake Up late I maY BE HEADING to SandBridge in the Am with some stink bait

[BigJeff823]

Its a good rod;will handle 2-3oz lead for bottomfishing but it does its best work with 1-2oz metals.I caught a 16lb Striper on it last year in a place known for 8mph currents.It a good rod that will toss 1-2oz lures 120yds or more.;)

[2rjs]

Thanks for the feedback! I decieded to go with a 10ft st. croix rated to 4oz instead. I got a good deal on ebay.

Thanks