I'm in the market for a new addition to the lineup (aren't we all?).  I own multiple 7' mediums, and this is my go-to choice for just about anything.. I'm looking to add a 7'4" or 7'6" medium or medium-light.. Any advice on which rod?  I own a 7' smoke already and its a perfect all-around rod.  Also own a Mojo, and feel the 7' medium is an absolute brute.  Strongest backbone I've fished with a medium power.  I've narrowed my choices down to the smoke, vendetta, escalade, mojo, and the fenwick elite tech smallmouth rod.. Will be used primarily for large and smallmouth, steelhead, cats, and walleye.  Anyone fished with any of these rods with that length and power?

I don't have any experience with any of those rods, but id still like to give you some input.  To start St. Croix rods in general seem to fish about a half a power heavier than what they are rated, thats why it seems like that medium has more backbone than the other comparable rods.  If you already have a good amount of 7' Medium rods, I would go with a 7' Medium Heavy.  Its a great all purpose rod length and rating.  It will also hold up better against those cats.  With the heavier rating you may be able to venture into some other types of fishing more effectively like flipping and pitching, frogging, and heavy jigging. 

Hope this helps,

Christian

I'll let others chime in on the rods you mention as I have no experience with any.

 

But let me welcome you the forums!

Thanks!  First post! hah.. I do already have a shimano clarus 7'2" medium-heavy that will be my pitching/flipping/big bait rod.  Just looking for a slightly longer rod for added control, and distance.  Who doesn't love getting new stuff?

I don't have any experience with any of those rods, but id still like to give you some input.  To start St. Croix rods in general seem to fish about a half a power heavier than what they are rated, thats why it seems like that medium has more backbone than the other comparable rods.  If you already have a good amount of 7' Medium rods, I would go with a 7' Medium Heavy.  Its a great all purpose rod length and rating.  It will also hold up better against those cats.  With the heavier rating you may be able to venture into some other types of fishing more effectively like flipping and pitching, frogging, and heavy jigging. 

Hope this helps,

Christian

 

about the st. Croix, I only own the mojo, so I wasn't sure if it was just that rod or their entire line that fished stronger.  Also looking into the rage as well

I only have ever had experience with the 7' med. Vendetta. It's a good all around rod, sensitivity is decent compared to what I fish (Omens/Infernos.) For some reason it feels very good in my hand with just about any reel. There is something about it that I love, I just can't explain it. Keep in mind Abu Garcia rods tend to run slightly heavier in power. Also this rod is more of a cranking rod, it is stiff. But when it comes down to fishing it, you can definitely tell the med fast bend/softness. It would probably be good for finesse jigs or when you want the fish to really take your bait as well. Sorry, that is the only rod I could comment on.

I only have ever had experience with the 7' med. Vendetta. It's a good all around rod, sensitivity is decent compared to what I fish (Omens/Infernos.) For some reason it feels very good in my hand with just about any reel. There is something about it that I love, I just can't explain it. Keep in mind Abu Garcia rods tend to run slightly heavier in power. Also this rod is more of a cranking rod, it is stiff. But when it comes down to fishing it, you can definitely tell the med fast bend/softness. It would probably be good for finesse jigs or when you want the fish to really take your bait as well. Sorry, that is the only rod I could comment on.

 

With spring around the corner, I'll be slinging cranks everywhere.  In my opinion, there's nothing better than spring crank fishing for bass and those tasty walleye!

With spring around the corner, I'll be slinging cranks everywhere.  In my opinion, there's nothing better than spring crank fishing for bass and those tasty walleye!

Well If you were actually planing on throwing a lot of cranks with it, I would recommend a different rod. Glass or Glass/composite.

Well If you were actually planing on throwing a lot of cranks with it, I would recommend a different rod. Glass or Glass/composite.

 

I will be.. but I'll also be throwing spinners and chatterbaits for steelhead.  the 7'4-7'6 seems like it would offer slightly better control of a powerful fish, while allowing the sensitivity for a good feel of the baits.

I think you would be better off in the long run if you got two separate rods, a Medium Heavy Fast or Xtra Fast, your choice in length, for spinners and chatterbaits for one rod.  For the other, depending on the weight of your cranks, I would get something like a 7'6 Medium Moderate fast.  Do you like you Clarus? I got the 7' Medium Moderate fast for throwing shallow to medium diving cranks and it seems like it is going to work really well.  If you like your Clarus than you could get another in the crankbait model.  You dont need a lot of sensitivity for reaction baits, and then you can put more money into another rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.  And by the way, Welcome! You will love it here!

 

Christian

I think you would be better off in the long run if you got two separate rods, a Medium Heavy Fast or Xtra Fast, your choice in length, for spinners and chatterbaits for one rod.  For the other, depending on the weight of your cranks, I would get something like a 7'6 Medium Moderate fast.  Do you like you Clarus? I got the 7' Medium Moderate fast for throwing shallow to medium diving cranks and it seems like it is going to work really well.  If you like your Clarus than you could get another in the crankbait model.  You dont need a lot of sensitivity for reaction baits, and then you can put more money into another rod for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.  And by the way, Welcome! You will love it here!

 

Christian

 

 

 

 

Thanks! And I haven't gotten to really work the clarus yet.. only had it for a month or so, and we've had a seriously bad winter up here. Took it to the river one time just to try it out, and it was definitely too heavy/not sensitive enough for that application.. but then again, I knew it would be.

Thanks! And I haven't gotten to really work the clarus yet.. only had it for a month or so, and we've had a seriously bad winter up here. Took it to the river one time just to try it out, and it was definitely too heavy/not sensitive enough for that application.. but then again, I knew it would be.

It would always make a solid frog rod! 

I have a 7' M Vendetta.  I feel like the veritas is a more sensitive rod with a stronger backbone.  You may like it a bit more than a vendetta

So I decided on the 7'4" smoke.. my 7' smoke is my current favorite rod, so why not?  Plus, I found a website that has them for $80 right now.. Considering my 1st one was $150 and worth every penny, I couldn't pass this up. 

Just today read a post on the 13 *** 7'6" Medium.  Guy felt it was as good as rods costing 2 to 3 times more.  He fishes it a lot because it is such a fun rod to use.

 

Of those you listed, I like my Smallmouth rods.  However, I handled one of the Escalades at Dick's and loved how light it felt.  Excellent weight range, too.  Will have to pick one up if they go on sale.  Clerk said they normally didn't as it was hard to keep them in store.....especially the Medium.