St.Croix Rods $$ Are they worth it?

[Dakota Iceman]

I see a nice set-up at cabelas that I am considering. The one in particular is 26" and has the little springy thingy magig on the end eyelet, just wondering if its worth the fifty bucks cabelas has it marked at? I was eyeing a cabelas brand ultra light set-up to put on this rod for panfishing. If anyone has experience with the croix products please try and convince me either way, pro's/cons? Iceman out>

[Corey Bechtold]

It's only money man! There are a lot of good choices out there so it's just your personal preference. Matt Johnson will be able to answer your question better.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[Matt Johnson]

You get what you pay for with the Legend Ice line of St. Croix ice rods and they are indeed worth the money. These are the ones with the attached spring bobber system. I've used these rods on numerous different occasions and they are exceptional at detecting light biters, as well as ultra-sensitive. They come in 5 different actions, ranging from Ultra Light to Medium Heavy, which are built from solid carbon blanks. There are also three different spring bobbers designed to be interchangeable. The spring bobbers come in light, medium and medium heavy.

One of the unique features of these rods are their abillity to really incorporate natural actions when jigging. The spring bobber is designed to absorb some of the shock when jigging, which will cause the jig to mimic more subtle and delicate movements, much like the forage that panfish and perch feed on all winter long. The spring can also be adjusted (by sliding it up or down) to change the amount of spring resistance and coil strength. So essentially you can incorporate several different actions and effects with the same spring bobber. An excellent panfish tool in my opinion.

And with the heavier action rods and spring bobbers available, you can also work that same technique with larger lures and presentations for walleye and pike as well.

Out of the entire line of St. Croix ice rods, the Legend Ice rods shine high above the rest in my opinion. You will detect more bites with the Legend Ice rod.

Thorne Bros and Legend Ice rods are what you'll see in my arsenal...

[Bob Horn]

I used these rods before St. Croix started making them. I have used them for over 4 years now. I went from having a ok day to catching a ton of fish. It has raised my confidence level 210%. You WILL catch more fish on these rods. I would buy the rod of your choice and get two different spings "wieghts", that way you can fish heavier jigs with the same rod. You will be very happy you bought one.

[BUSHWAC]

I have an assortment of St. Croix ice rods and like them all. I’m not sure if it’s just me but I think the spring bobber is a little heavy. I use the lightest available spring set to the lightest possible option and it still seems a bit stiff for micro ice jigs. I do like the convenient package of the spring bobber rig though. Wondering what you guys think about this?

[CNY Tim]

I just want to reitterate that I am also a Thorne Bros. fan and the Sweet Thing and Sweetheart rods have been a favorite of mine for years and this year I have purchased the St.Croix Legend Elite ultra light, light and med. light rods and I agree that I have been missing the boat on these babies. Spooled a couple of em up this weekend and matched em with some new Sedona 750's and the Ultra light rod will be killer for micro jig fishing. The light spring bobber design is perfect from St. Croix it gives you the flexibility to go micro and detect the lightest of bites. Been practicing in a 5 gal. bucket 2/3 full of water in anticipation of the ice season. With these 5 rods they will be with me everywhere I go!

[Kodiak]

They are all i use on the ice, i have like 8 of em. They RULE!! very sensitive and you wont miss many finicky biters with these rods...go get some!!!

[Dakota Iceman]

Thanks for the comments....Lunchtime just got a whole lot better for me today, Im gonna blow the wad and go get a new combo at dinner time. Thats the bad thing about an hour long lunch break and 2 minute drive time to cabelas!! Thansk guys!! Iceman out>

[BUSHWAC]

Tim, that’s practically a NASCAR commercial “ How bad do you got it “ So does the simulation with the bucket actually work better when sitting in your shack!!

[Rick]

There are supposed to be 5/6 differant levels of spring bobber to go with the St Croix Ice Rod system. The lightest set to handle ultra-light panfish tackle and the heaviest set to handle Pike/Laker hardware.

[CNY Tim]

Jeff - This time of year it's all fishing all the time... I didn't try it in the shack but off my cooler. Still working on my small circles, lol... You can definitely impart a more subtle action with that light spring bobber that's for sure..