While in the Keys this week I hit up a yard sale. I picked up a St. Croix casting rod that needed it's tip replaced. It's a 7 ft Triumph Extra Heavy with Fast Action with recommended line sizes of 36-80 lb test and lure sizes 3-8 oz.

Later I looked it up on line and found I got a steal of a deal on it. I also found out that it is a Musky rod. One problem: I live in South Florida, miles away from the nearest Musky. So now I have several questions about this rod for all of you.

First, has anyone ever used this rod and what is your opinion on it?

Can this rod be useful for bass fishing?

If not, do you think it would make a better salt water rod?

What reel would you pair with it (without breaking the bank)?

Also, line recommendations are welcome.

The little voice in my head keeps whispering to me that I got a deal on a rod I'll never use.

What do you guys think?

For bass fishing, very little to no practical use IMHO,It might have some use for very large swimbaits or alabama rigs,but thats about it. It's going to be way to bulky and heavy to punch mats or flip with. IDK anything about SW fishing so I'll let some one else comment on that. If all else fails, you could hand it to your wife/girlfriend/whomever and let them use it to beat some sense into you for thinking it would be a good choice for a bass rod ...LOL j/k ....

you could use it to beat off would be muggers.

in all seriousness that is a beast of a rod better for salt water.

it would be total over kill but you could use it for punching heavy mats or thick milfoil weeds. the problem being you won't have alot of sensitivity to detect a bite. the good news is if you did feel the bite you could have 80lb braid on and wench out the new FL state record.

Get a mop head and attach it to the rod. Give it to your wife and she wont know the diference.

In all seriousness an XH st. Croix is something i could not even fathom using or findng a use for. Maybe obnoxious size alabama rigs..

I'd use it in saltwater or fishing for big catfish but that's about it. Maybe reserve it for when the Strike King 10XD hits the shelves, you may need something like that to crank those beasts