I put a bend in my new pole today

Last weekend I never hooked a thing on my favorite water. I've got a new St. Croix panfish series rod that has just been itching to rip a lip on something and today on my home water I put a bend in her, a few times in fact.

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I boated around 9-10 of these nice 'gills ( about 8.5" or so), along with 3-4 nice perch, 2 small bass and 1 small crappie. This trip got rid of the skunk that's been hounding me so far this season. I took a trip to another small pond on Friday night.....nada, nothing at all. Same thing at the first water (yet another small pond) that I hit this morning before heading to what I call my home water.

Today's fish all came from shallow water, less than 5 feet. The crappie came from an errant cast that landed just short of a lump of brush hanging over a log and he was on it in an instant.

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Most of them came on the purple/firetail 2" BPS triple ripple grub. This color combination is simply awesome in this lake for taking big 'gills. I'll be darned if I can figure out what it resembles but it sure does put the 'gills in the cooler. The minnow tube is a good color for summer crappie and put a couple of bluegill in the boat today.

The rod is a 5 1/2' UL rigged with 4 pound test. I was pleased with the sensitivity of the rig on feeling the bite. Lifting those 'gills, which are around 3/4 of a pound or so, bends the rod right over in a "C". Its more limber than I would have expected but I'll get used to it.

Ken

nice gill. Ive got the 6'9" ultralight and really like it, handles the bigger fish well and the little ones fight bigger. also have had great success on the purple firetail bps grub usualy I use it on a jig spinner.

Nice. Hope you bend it a lot this summer!

Not many things more fun than 4 lb test on a short rod!

Nice fish! How do you like the St. Croix rods? Thinking about getting some but a little pricey.

My biggest complaint with it would be the distance from the reel seat to the butt of the rod. It rides against my forearm, particularly when casting. My other rods are around 2" shorter in that distance and don't have this problem. As I mentioned above, it does feel the bite very well. I use Trilene mono in 4lb. and 6lb. on all 3 of my rigs. With the 4lb. on this rod, I really feel every tick and bump, much more so than my older graphite rod from BPS. The St. Croix is about half the weight of the old rod, too.

I need a few more trips and more fish to really develop a fuller opinion of it. Right now, I'd say I'm glad I bought it (or should I say thanks to my wife and daughter for putting it under the tree in the form of a gift card!) but I'm not so sure I'd buy another. Its also made in Mexico and I thought all of the St. Croix were made in the USA. Turns out many of the models are "designed in the USA" but made in Mexico. Seems like only the most expensive ones are made in the USA.

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Originally Posted by 6poundtest

My biggest complaint with it would be the distance from the reel seat to the butt of the rod. It rides against my forearm, particularly when casting. My other rods are around 2" shorter in that distance and don't have this problem.

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That seems to be a common problem. I have a very nice Loomis, and the only negative about it is the large rod butt. It's 6'7", and I know longer rods have to have a bigger butt to balance correctly, but it seems they could have shaved an inch or so off it. The next time Loomis calls me asking for advice, I'll be sure to tell them that.:biggrin

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Originally Posted by 6poundtest

Seems like only the most expensive ones are made in the USA.

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Bingo!

Not sure if this may improve your success, but I tie directly to the lure or hook without a swivel. This will usually give the lure/bait a more natural presentation without the added weight and reduced action from the swivel.

It has worked for quite a few of us from bream to crappie to various saltwater species.

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Originally Posted by Breambuster

Not sure if this may improve your success, but I tie directly to the lure or hook without a swivel. This will usually give the lure/bait a more natural presentation without the added weight and reduced action from the swivel.

It has worked for quite a few of us from bream to crappie to various saltwater species.

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I was thinking the same thing. While I do understand the use of a swivel, or even a clip, to speed up the process of changing baits/colors ... to my way of thinking (& fishing), the added metal devices are more prone to snagging, don't really stop line twist all that much, and do add a certain unnatural look to the rig. Now, that may or may not be a biased assessment that stems from years of Bass fishing ... but, my not using them hasn't seemed to have any negative effect, far as I can tell.

Extended handles are meant to be used for "leverage" when setting the hook & fighting a fish. I don't have a problem with them, when using them standing & fishing ... but, they do pose a slight problem when sitting & fishing, by hanging into my clothing or coming into contact with my body. My 'preference' is a Tenn style handle, rather than a fixed seat style ... I find them to be more comfortable, and easier to balance with a wider range of reels (weight-wise). That's one reason I like my ESP rods ... even the ones with the extended handle (poodle tail).

... cp :kewl

Nice catch and report!!!!

x3 on tying directly to the jig. First thing I thought when I saw the pic. Your catch ratio should go way up when using a palomar or another knot. Despite what some people think, there are times when good gills will shy away from anything that doesn't seem natural. Try adding a piece of worm or crappie nibble as a trailer for an added attractant.

Just my opinion, lose the swivels and tie directly to the jig with your line. It will slow the fall and increase your catch! Just my 2 cents! Congrats on your catch!

nice fish! i have good results with hook snaps mustad makes so i don't have to tie lures on.they are smaller and lighter than snap swivels and fish don't seem to notice.i also have the smallest size for the fly rod

Nice! I got a tiny lite from bass pro. If you have a few bucks try to pick up a tiny wee crawfish from rebel. Gills lovem!