During my seminars, I am often asked: “What surf Rod should I get?” This simple question has a complex answer because selecting a surf rod is a process. The process involves a logical series of multi-option questions.
Are you casing bait, plugs or jigs? If bait, eels or chunks? If chunks, then 1 – 6 oz or 8+ oz of lead and bait? If plugs, what size range? 1 – 3 oz or 3 – 5 oz? If jigs, what weights? 1 – 2 oz or 2 – 6 oz? Where are you fishing? Rivers, back bays, jetties, or surf? Do you skish?
These questions are important become they help to determine the application of your next surf rod. The application, then determines the action, power, material, and length of the blank. The application also determines the guide style and the number and placement of the guides.
Selecting an application specific surf rod is now much easier, thanks to the St. Croix Mojo Surf rods. These rods range from 7′ to 12′ and have casting loads from 3/8 oz to 16 oz. I prefer the blanks with a moderate-fast action because they propel your presentation a great distance and bend parabolically to quickly exhaust large predatory fish. The rods are wrapped for spinning and casting reels. The two piece models have off-set ferrules, which provide one-piece performance. These rods also have a 5 year warranty! 😉
I have been fishing St. Croix rods for 15 years. I currently own 4 Mojo Surf rods. I have an 8′ Mojo Surf spinning rod (Medium Power, Moderate-Fast Action, 3/4 – 3 oz) that I use for freshwater surfcasting and schoolies in back bays. I outcast everyone at reservoirs 3 to 1, on every cast with this rod. I have a 9′ Mojo Surf spinning rod (Medium Power, Moderate-Fast Action, 1 – 4 oz) that I use for eels and 1 – 3 oz plugs/jigs in the surf. This versatile rod has a lot of power for a 9 foot rod! I have a 10’6″ Mojo Surf spinning rod (Medium-Heavy Power, Moderate-Fast Action, 2 – 6 oz) that I use for 3 – 5 oz plugs/jigs and “light” chunking in the surf, rivers, and inlets. The 11′ Mojo Surf spinning rod (Medium-Heavy Power, Moderate-Fast Action, 3 – 8 oz) is an ideal jigging for heavy current inlets like the Cape Cod Canal. I have a 12′ Mojo Surf casting rod (Heavy Power, Moderate-Fast Action, 6 – 16 oz) that I use for “heavy” chunking (eight-and-bait). This rod is a beast! Bottom line, these rods just work, cast after cast.
St. Croix has reduced the complexity of selecting a surf rod by building 14 different Mojo Surf rods for the full spectrum of applications. Check them out at the New England Saltwater Fishing Show.
