Best St Croix Rod for Ice Fishing for 2023

Ice fishing rods are an indispensable tool for fishermen and ice fishing hobbyists. If you’re an angler who likes to explore different bodies of water, you must have considered using ice fishing rods at some point. There are many models on the market, and each brand has a ton of fishing rod options to choose from.

For this 2023 review, we’ll be delving into the world of the best St. Croix Ice Fishing Rods. As always, we’re out to give you the best informative experience, so you can be sure that you’ll know all that you need to know about St. Croix ice fishing rods.

Our Top 2 Best St Croix Rods for Ice Fishing and More

Here we are! Our review of the best St Croix rods for ice fishing for 2023! We’ve curated a list of the top two best St Croix rods for ice fishing that are currently available for sale. Read carefully and make the best choice for you!

#1: St. Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod

If you care about sensitivity and catching larger fish, you would enjoy using the Mojo Ice. You do not have to worry about ice freezing up in your rod guides. There are quite a number of options to choose from in the Mojo Ice series so you can find the perfect rod for you.

The Mojo Ice Fishing Rod is perfect for fishing in different styles and catching various fish from trout to walleye to bass and more. If you want a custom reel set and large rod eyes, the Mojo ice rod is what you need. It has 10 different models in medium and large sizes, all of which you can use for different conditions.

ST.CROIX Rod Mojo Split-Grip Eva Handle Lake Trout/Panfish/Pike Ice Fishing...

Product Features:

Precision

The fishing rod is precise and helps you to capture fish easily. The sturdiness of the rod blank gives it fast action, which makes the taper more precise than most rods.

Usability

The product can last longer due to its large stainless steel guides that prevent ice from freezing in them. It also has a comfortable cork handle, which keeps the hand warm. This cork handle is easy to hold and does not absorb water.

Balance

The Mojo Ice rod can tailor its reel seat to the technique you prefer. This helps it to achieve balance so that you can have the best fishing experience.

Pros:

  • Enough sensitivity to feel the hits when a fish bites
  • Large eyelets that let the ice go through easily even in freezing temperatures
  • Can catch larger species including bass, trout and more
  • Reasonable price
  • Cork handle designed for comfort
  • Strong and sturdy

Cons:

  • Does not work well with an inline reel.
  • The large sizes can be too stiff for some users.
ST.CROIX Rod Mojo Split-Grip Eva Handle Lake Trout/Panfish/Pike Ice Fishing...
  • VARIETY OF FISHING STYLES - Suited for a variety of fishing...
  • PRECISION-TAPER SOLID CARBON BLANK - Precision-taper solid...
  • SEA GUIDE STAINLESS-STEEL GUIDES - The fishing rod boasts...
  • SPLIT-GRIP EVA HANDLE - A custom reel-seat and split grip...

#2: St Croix Avid Ice Jigging Rods

If you like sturdy jigging rods with great precision, then the Avid Ice is an option you should consider. It is as precise as the Mojo Ice and also has lightweight guides. However, it is more suitable for jigging.

The St. Croix Avid Ice jigging rods are useful for jigging spoons and other types of ice baits that have a large range of motion. If you need a jigging rod tailored to your specific needs, the Avid Ice is the option you should go for. It also has lightweight guides and high sensitivity for feeling fish hits.

St. Croix Avid Ice Fishing Rod, Black, 27' - Inches (AIR27ML)

Product Features

Length

The Avid Ice Jigging rod comes in three sizes, and each of them is long enough to jig bait with a large range of motion. You can easily jig your rod into the ice and use your precision taper to capture a fish.

Versatility

The jigging rod is designed to work with different baits in specific ways. This means you can control baits and use them in the way you prefer. You can use the Avid Ice with the Rapala jigging rod, spoons, and other types of baits. It is also a fast action rod, which can help you catch fish more successfully.

Sensitivity

The carbon handle is highly sensitive and helps you to feel fish bites. This can give you a clue of the type of fish your jigging rod is about to catch. Along with its precision, it is highly recommended if you want to capture larger fish like the lake trout.

Pros:

  • Sturdy, fast action rod that gives you control when baiting fish.
  • Adjustable reel seat.
  • High sensitivity that enables you to feel hits when your ice bait gets a fish.
  • A quality structure that works for most ice baits.
  • Sturdy structure.

Cons:

  • Slightly expensive
  • May be too sensitive for some users.
St. Croix Avid Ice Fishing Rod, Black, 27" - Inches (AIR27ML)
  • BUILT FOR WALLEYE JIGS - Ideal for jigging for panfish,...
  • PRECISION-TAPER SOLID CARBON BLANK - Precision-taper solid...
  • KIGAN STRIPPER & RUNNING GUIDES - The Avid Ice Jigging...
  • SUPER-SENSITIVE CARBON HANDLE - This durable ice fishing rod...

A Quick Look at Ice Fishing Rods

Ice fishing rods are rods designed with ice fishing in mind. You can use these rods to fish through holes in frozen rivers, ponds, or lakes. Ice fishing rods vary based on different factors and are best chosen based on specific needs.

A top brand like St. Croix makes ice fishing rods which cater to all of your ice fishing preferences. This brand is desirable, largely because all rods are handmade with the best quality materials on the market. With St. Croix ice fishing rods, you can take your fishing experience to a whole new level. you can be confident you’re getting a quality product.

Why Should I Get an Ice Fishing Rod?

Although it is possible to use any fishing rod for ice fishing, some rods are more trailored to ice fishing. It’s not as easy to detect when your bait has caught when you’re using a regular rod for ice fishing. The right kind of rod can make your trip more successful.

What To Look for in an Ice Fishing Rod?

Choosing the right fishing rod depends on a number of factors. Here are a few pointers to consider before putting your money down:

Rod Power

The kind of fishing rod you choose determines the kind of fish you catch. This is where rod power comes into play. If you want to catch bigger fish, you’ll have to choose an ice fishing rod with more power than normal. Lighter powered rods catch the smaller fish (e.g., Panfish), while heavy power rods can handle a bigger catch like trout, salmon and musky efficiently. Rod power is indicated on the product, so you can check before buying.

Rod Action

Does your rod bend at the tip or closer to the handle? If it bends at the tip, that means it is a fast action rod, making it easier to catch fish. However, if it bends closer to the handle, it is a slow action rod, and the fish may be more likely to escape.

You can determine rod action by bending the fishing rod at the tip to gauge the way it flexes. For your ice fishing trips, we recommend that you go with fast action rods because of their sensitivity and strength.

Rod Size/Length

Fishing rods vary between 4 to 8 feet in size, and you can choose any within this range based on fishing conditions. For instance, if you’re out fishing in the open where you need more leverage, longer rods will work great. However, when it comes to ice fishing, shorter rods often work better due to size constraints of your shanty. Shorter rods are also more sensitive and allow for better shock absorption.

Rod Material

There are two types of rod materials, namely graphite and fiberglass. Here’s the difference:

Graphite Rods

Graphite fishing rods are light and offer more sensitivity than fiberglass. They are mostly fast action rods, and their sturdiness makes it easier to catch your fish. If you love feeling rhe strike of a bite, you should go for this option.

Fiberglass Rods

Fiberglass rods are less sensitive than graphite, and they bend more than graphite rods. They are more durable and can last longer in freezing weather. If you do not care much about sensitivity, this is the better option. It is also budget-friendly.

Rod Eyes

Rod eyes are useful guides that can help when ice fishing. It is advised that you go for large eyes so you can clean your rod easily. Large rod eyes help ice to easily pass through your rod and preserves the strength of your line.

Although it is overlooked, it is a key factor in choosing ice fishing rods. You should note that a quality fishing rod has at least five eyes.

Rod Handles

This is mostly dependent on your personal preferences. Your options include foam, plastic, and cork.

A foam handle is less sensitive than a cork handle but absorbs water easily. This can lead to quick freezing and can impede performance. Cork handles are sensitive and do not absorb water, which is why most anglers use it. It is also more comfortable to use. We advise that you choose blanks that are inserted into the handle for more sensitivity.

Conclusion – The Best St Croix Rod for Ice Fishing in 2023 is…

ST.CROIX Rod Mojo Split-Grip Eva Handle Lake Trout/Panfish/Pike Ice Fishing...

Picking the right ice fishing rod is a matter of personal preference, as everyone has different tastes. However, no matter what your preferences are, determine fishing conditions and opt for quality equipment at all times.

For us, our top pick between these St. Croix products is the Mojo Ice Fishing Rod. We believe it provides just the right balance of rod power and sensitivity that’s perfect for catching all kinds of fish. Which one works better for you?

ST.CROIX Rod Mojo Split-Grip Eva Handle Lake Trout/Panfish/Pike Ice Fishing...
  • VARIETY OF FISHING STYLES - Suited for a variety of fishing...
  • PRECISION-TAPER SOLID CARBON BLANK - Precision-taper solid...
  • SEA GUIDE STAINLESS-STEEL GUIDES - The fishing rod boasts...
  • SPLIT-GRIP EVA HANDLE - A custom reel-seat and split grip...

FAQs

Will a baitcaster fit on the St Croix ice fishing pole?

While the reel would attach, most of the Mojo models are designed for spinning reels and will not work well with a baitcasting reel on them. There are 2, 34″ models (1 Medium Heavy, and 1 Heavy) designed specifically for casting rods if you’re interested in that.

Are the tips big enough for ice fishing?

Yes, the eyes are big enough to avoid ice getting stuck.

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