St Croix Rods are some of the most legendary bass fishing rods on the water today. St Croix has been developing truly top-of-the-line fishing gear since 1948. Dedicated to a USA first manufacturing philosophy, they are a company that is steeped in their own mythology, but that’s unsurprising when every other professional angler talks about getting their start with St. Croix.
But with literally hundreds of models to choose from, buying your first (or often next) bass fishing rod from St Croix can require a daunting amount of research and testing. That’s why I put together this guide. To help you work through the best bass fishing solutions St Croix offers.
But you don’t have to take my word for it, in addition to my personal recommendations, each family of rods contains reviews and commentaries from other anglers like you. These include the on-the-water advantages as well as limitations.
*A note on reviews* I looked far and wide to find descriptive and well-written reviews that offered useful information for other buyers. They are generally representative (meaning I found a similar sentiment in lots of other reviews), but for advantages, and especially the limitations, remember to include personal experimentation in your process. Reviews can tell us a lot about a rod and a company, but sometimes you just need to hold a rod in your hands to really understand its quality.
Decoding Model Numbers for St. Croix Rods
Model numbers in St Croix Rods uses a simple system to help you quickly identify rod properties and find new products. They follow an order of:
- Family
- Type
- Length
- Power
- Action
- Pieces
So the MJC75MHXF means it is:
- MJ {Mojo}
- C {Casting}
- 75 {7ft 5in}
- MH {Medium Heavy Power}
- XF {Extra Fast Action}
Or the PS66ULF2 reads as:
- P {Premier}
- S {Spinner}
- 66 {6ft 6in}
- UL {UltraLight Power }
- F {Fast Action}
- 2 {2 piece}
Mojo Bass Rods
Originally developed as a high-value budget offering during the great recession, the Mojo Line of fishing rods became so popular that St Croix developed special versions for Muskie and Catfishing.
In 2016, St Croix went back to the drawing board to redesign the whole family of rods to reflect their latest technologies.
The result is a high-quality rod where everything from the price points to the actions, graphics and even the color of the rods are designed with the next generation of bass anglers in mind.
These rods come manufactured in high-quality SIII graphite or S-glass (for you dedicated crankbaiters), and feature St Croix’s Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) technology to eliminate weakness at rod transition points.
| Casting | Spinning | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6’8″ to 7’11” | 6’8″ to 9’6″ |
| Power | Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy | Medium Low, Medium, Medium Heavy |
| Action | Moderately Fast, Fast, Extra Fast | Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast |
| Line Weight | 10lbs to 30lbs | 4lbs to 14lbs |
| Lure Weight | 1/4oz to 2oz | 1/16oz to 3/4oz |
| Technology | Integrated PolyCurve Technology | |
| Material | SCIII Graphite or Super premium, 100% linear S-glass | |
| Warranty | 5 Years | |
| Price | $140 to $160 USD |
Reviews: MOJO BASS CASTING RODS
Advantages
“I picked up a 7′-1” MH a couple months ago. I throw mainly spinner baits, crank baits and chatter baits with it and it handles them all just fine. It has good stiffness allowing confident hook set and stays loaded well with a fish on.”
– Steve – Indian 8/17/18
“…the MF action is awesome with enough power for a solid hookset without fear of ripping the bait out of the fish’ mouth.”
– SBob – Wisconsin
“With an extra fast medium rod, you cant lift fish out of the water or whip cast heavy lures.”
– Drew
Limitations
**Note** Critical Amazon reviews that mention damaged rods in shipping do indicate that the company was very swift to replace those damaged rods with minimum hassle.
“…rod came totally damaged. the rod was not wrapped in any insulation what so ever”
Amazon Review
“I lost a lot of fish on the hook set compared to a friend with a legend tournament 7′ H”
Kyle – Wisconsin
Reviews: MOJO BASS SPINNING RODS
Advantages
“Im a Smallmouth angler I do most of my fishing while wading or from land, these rods provide excellent accuracy and castability as well as being verry [sic] strong at the same time sensitive.”
– LMRsmallmouthjunkie
“…Bottom line, if you need/want a new dropshot rod, you won’t be sorry if you grab this MoJo series!!!”
– Shark
I have the Mojo Bass Spinning 7’1 MH Power Spin. I love this rod. I use this rod for small mouth. This rod is amazingly accurate.
Perfect for casting under bridges, near rocks and under brush near the banks-without over-casting and getting stuck due to precision.
– Ben
“…Not only is it a dream setting the hook into a 4+ with this rod, but also it makes dinks feel like hogs.”
Jack – Minnesota
Limitations
“Not a bad rod but again, sensitivity not on par with some other rods in this price range.”
Tim – Springfield
“The design of the handle and where the tread is, makes this rod uncomfortable for me.”
– novibassguy
Favorite St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod: MJC75MHXF
Setting the standard for a versatile and high quality, the 7’5″ St. Croix mojo bass fishing rod really strikes a delicate balance between performance and value. There is a good reason why some anglers prefer 3-4 Mojo rods to 1 Legend. The lightweight but remarkably strong graphite rod and smooth reel seat make for an easy grip that makes casting a breeze and setting the hook a adrenaline pumping delight.
Favorite St. Croix Mojo Bass Spinning Rod: MJS610MLXF
The mojo 6’10” Spinning rod is one of the best inshore rods on the market today. But don’t let that be your limitation. These rods work just as well trolling and with a surprisingly strong backbone, you won’t hesitate to be casting on open water.
Bass X Rods
St Croix describes this introductory rod series as “…for everyone who is big on bass, but not big on budget.” With this family of rods, St Croix is re-imagining what anglers should expect for a $100 rod.
The family includes 14 models of casting and spinner rods, covering the majority of bass fishing methods and techniques. These rods look good and fish better.
| Casting | Spinning | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6’6″ to 7’11” | 6’8″ to 7’1″ |
| Power | Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy | Medium Low, Medium, Medium Heavy |
| Action | Moderate, Moderately Fast, Fast, Extra Fast | Fast, Extra Fast |
| Line Weight | 8lbs to 30lbs | 6lbs to 14lbs |
| Lure Weight | 1/4oz to 2oz | 1/16oz to 3/4oz |
| Technology | The Bass X line does not include the more advanced St Croix Technologies | |
| Material | SCIII Graphite | |
| Warranty | 5 Years | |
| Price | $110 to $120 USD |
Reviews: BASS X CASTING RODS
Advantages
“… It is really sensitive with great tip deflection. It has a soft tip so I can throw 1/4 oz lures fairly well, but it transitions into solid backbone when you hook up.”
Patrick – California
“Wow! Love this rod! Super fast tip and only 6’8” long. Can’t believe how light it is! I liked it so much I bought another one”
Tracy – Amazon
“…I usually throw spinner baits with it and I have been very pleased with it. It has a great back bone but sensitive enough to feel every hit.”
Unknown
Limitations
“Lost the top guide within 3 weeks of buying.”
Shawnmg – Virginia
Reviews: BASS X SPINNING RODS
Advantages
“… I use the medium light extra fast with a Shimano Nasci with 8lb fluoro and use it exclusively as a Dropshot rod. Works amazing. Handles 5lb 15oz smallies just fine”
– pikenracks
“Good quality rod especially for the money, good for drop shot or snapping a tube”
Scott C.- Amazon
“I have the 6’10” and I use it for two things, drop shooting and fishing ned rigs. It excels at doing both! This is an unbelievable value for $100″
John – Pennsylvania
Limitations
“…my advice is to get a spinning rod that has a full cork handle”
– Brandon J
“…rod is too heavy and also doesn’t match the action by power/comparison to my other St Croix’s.
Favorite St. Croix Bass X Casting Rod: BXC711MHF
The 7’11” Medium Heavy is the most versatile rod in the Bass X line up. Its design is absolutely ideal for bottom-contact applications like a Jig, or Texas Rig. It also works for single-hook moving baits such as smaller swimbaits, spinnerbait, and chatterbait.
Favorite St. Croix Bass X Spinning Rod: BXS68MLXF
is my favorite for a budget spinning rod that still performs well with finesse techniques. Its solid SCII graphite design means it can handle a wider range of baits than other finesse rods, and the XF tip means you can always cast the light stuff – and feel it when needed. I also love the handle options in the premier series. The short grip makes it an ideal piece of fishing tackle for kayak fishing.
Legend X Rods
The king of kings (rods that is) and the heir apparent to the long-loved “Legend” family of rods. It uses the same blank as the Legend Elite, SCV Graphite. Adding a split grip is only the beginning as this rod contains every single technological advancement St Croix has at its disposal.
These technologies bring substantial advantages to the Legend X including increased blank strength under load (FRS, ART, IPC), greater overall sensitivity, and improved casting accuracy (TET) to deliver one of the best performing rods on the market today. It’s for the angler who wants the ultimate in technology, lightweight build, and sensitivity. It’s the ultimate on-the-water advantage.
| Casting | Spinning | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6’8″ to 8’8″ | 6’8″ to 7’1″ |
| Power | Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy | Medium Low, Medium, Medium Heavy |
| Action | Moderately Fast, Fast, Extra Fast | Fast, Extra Fast |
| Line Weight | 8lbs to 80lbs | 6lbs to 14lbs |
| Lure Weight | 3/16oz to 2oz | 1/8oz to 3/4oz |
| Technology | Integrated Poly Curve Technology, Advanced Reinforcing Technology, Fortified Resin System, Taper Enhancement Technology | |
| Material | SCV Graphite, Also available in 100% linear S-glass. | |
| Warranty | Forever Assurance 15-year Transferable Warranty | |
| Price | $420 to $450 USD |
Reviews: LEGEND X CASTING RODS
Advantages
“What’s even more impressive, besides the weight and balance, is the sensitivity. This rod is like having underwater sonar. When dragging a 3/8th oz jig I can feel every little thing that my bait encounters.”
– Brian – Minnesota
“Casts wonderfully. Have been using lighter swim jigs, underspins and finesse jigs. This particular stick would also be great for senkos and flukes. Just an all around superb rod!”
Limitations
“…unusually small or short trigger on the handle.”
Unknown
*Note*
The limitation above was the only critique I found of the Legend X Casting rod. The only other remotely negative comment was basically “It’s Pricey…” But I trust that if you choose to invest in a lifetime rod like a Legend X, then you know what you are doing.
Reviews: LEGEND X SPINNING RODS
Advantages
“Love my Legend X. Paired with Shimano Stradic CI4+, super light, ultra sensitive, caught lots Bass with it. Could pass for Heavy action.”
Unknown
“Jarrett and I were throwing a light soft plastic almost as far as we could throw, getting a bite at the very end of the cast, and in 20 feet of water you could still feel it.”
Dan Johnson
Limitations
“Wish there were more actions in this line up…”
Unknown
Favorite Legend X Casting Rod: XLC71MHXF
The 7’1″ feels like a feather in your hand at 4.3oz, but you will be shocked by the power it brings to your game. With plenty of backbone, outstanding sensitivity, and wonderful casting feel, this top-end model excels when using lighter swim jigs, underspins and finesse jigs. And the 15-year warranty is transferable if you decide to sell. That’s a powerful statement in itself.
Favorite Legend X Spinning Rod: XLS70MF
is my favorite for a budget spinning rod that still performs well with finesse techniques. Its solid SCII graphite design means it can handle a wider range of baits than other finesse rods, and the XF tip means you can always cast the light stuff – and feel it when needed. I also love the handle options in the premier series. This shorter model is also one of the best kayak fishing rods on the market.
Premier Rods
The Premier series of rods has been one of the most popular “Built in the USA” rods on the market for over 30 years. With over 30 casting models and nearly 40 spinner models, there is a Premier solution for every age, gender, experience and style of bass angler. They are light, sensitive, surprisingly strong and easy to use for all of your spinner bait, buzzbait, swimbait, and crankbait needs.
| Casting | Spinning | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6’8″ to 7’11” | 6’8″ to 9’6″ |
| Power | Medium, Medium Heavy, Heavy | Medium Low, Medium, Medium Heavy |
| Action | Moderately Fast, Fast, Extra Fast | Moderate, Fast, Extra Fast |
| Line Weight | 10lbs to 30lbs | 4lbs to 14lbs |
| Lure Weight | 1/4oz to 2oz | 1/16oz to 3/4oz |
| Technology | Integrated PolyCurve Technology | |
| Material | SCIII Graphite or Super premium, 100% linear S-glass | |
| Warranty | 5 Years | |
| Price | $140 to $160 USD |
Reviews: PREMIER CASTING RODS
Advantages
“The shorter medium action rod kept the bass from diving into the weeds and breaking off. Nice backbone on this rod. The rod and reel balances level on my finger at the face of the reel so I assume this is a well matched setup.”
MidMichMan52 – Michigan
“I like this rod better for the slow bottom work of fall bass fishing. I can feel every stone on the bottom with this and can get some great action off of drop lines and Texas rigs.”
Daniel Wolf – Amazon
“Its light, good hook sets, lots of feel, and for a reasonable price!”
Chili-
Limitations
“… rod handle broke while fighting the fish”
Larry Marfise – Amazon
“The only issue I had was with the top line guides on both rods. Both guides fractured/cracked within 6 months causing my line to fray.”
John – Tennessee
Reviews: PREMIER SPINNING RODS
Advantages
“…Light, Sensitive, and plenty of back bone for setting the hook, even when fishing soft plastics.”
larryhunter83
“It is light enough to flex and sense all the action but it is strong enough to set the hook on a shiner sunk down 50′.”
“I was very pleased with the rods ability to cast the unweighted light worm the distance I needed to.”
Koiguy48
Limitations
“The weakest point on this rod are the guides. I’ve already had to replace two inserts that have come out of their frames.“
DDKZ
“The action is too light for heavier spoons, so keep the lure weight below 1/2 oz.”
CameraBuff
Favorite St. Croix Premier Casting Rod: PC66MHF2
If you are not already a casting rod addict, this is the rod that will get you hooked. A versatile workhorse that will take the beating of everyday fishing, you can easily use it for worms, frogs, and spinnerbaits. Finally, the easy traveling two-piece design retains an extreme sensitivity that’ll make you question your one-piece casting rods. The Premier is the kind of rod you’ll fish with for years, but feel good about giving to your angling enthusiast kids or grandkids.
Favorite St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod: PS66MF
The 6’6″ pole will quickly become your Swiss-army spinner. It has my favorite combination of backbone and sensitivity. With full cork handles that fit comfortably into larger hands, this rod is one of the best rods in the price range. I was also surprised how many anglers have said that they love the Premier rods as flex rods that perform well in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Conclusion
Overall, my preference is Legend X series because I am a firm believer in investing in lifetime equipment early and often.
I hope this guide helps you find the St. Croix rod that works for you.
If you bought a St. Croix bass fishing rod after reading this, or even if you just own St Croix rods, leave your thoughts and stories in the comments. Life is always better with a good fishing story.
100% agree with bassX and Legend reviews. Maybe add in AvidX review and some statement on how each handle braid?
I am frustrated with SC, although I believe in your built quality. I feel as if you are not forthcoming about your choice to use micro guides extensively throughout most of your lines. They are great in several respects (weight reduction and added casting difference), but for the many of us (probably the majority) using braid lines, attached to a leader of mono or fluorocarbon line, many of your fishing rods create problems with our connection knots catching on the tiny guides. For me, I’m not going to purchase a rod where I can reasonably expect some instances of these problems. Sometime I wonder whether rod manufacturers assign the appropriate weight to how bass anglers fish these days and the tradeoffs they would prefer in their choice of rods.
st croix breaks 3 times to much they replace it at 50 a pop
I had truly enjoyed a BassX rod that was gifted to me a few years back. I liked it so much that I bought another and my wife bought me a 3rd. Unfortunately, I found out this spring that the “warranty” comes at a cost of$50 to have a defective rod replaced. The second rod was of the newer series where the model is in bright green; the rod blank started spinning inside the reel seat in less than a year of use. Now this 3rd BassX rod has failed in the same way and I’ll have to fork out another $50 if I want to capitalize on the warranty. I thought about fixing it myself but given these failures, I’m going to upgrade to a Legend and hope it holds up better.