PARK FALLS, Wisc. – St. Croix’s pledge is to give anglers the upper hand in any angling situation. And within the context of crankbait fishing – indisputably one of the most popular and productive bass-fishing techniques – that means delivering an abundance of moderate-action rod choices that excel at presenting and converting strikes with all manner of cranks across a variety of lengths, powers and price points.
For anglers who prefer glass reaction-bait rods, the proven combination of super premium 100% linear S-glass blanks constructed with St. Croix’s proprietary IPC mandrel technology is employed in 14 distinct models in St. Croix’s Legend Glass and Mojo Bass Glass series. These beautifully performing moderate-action casting and spinning rods cover every reaction-bait eventuality, with retail prices ranging from $140 to $260.
But bass anglers are people, and people have preferences; some prefer purely carbon characteristics. That’s why the folks in Park Falls handcraft a trio of versatile carbon cranking models in their technology-laden Legend Tournament Bass series. These high-performance cranking rods retail between $280 and $320. Now, St. Croix is extending its offering of carbon crankbait rods into its popular Mojo Bass Series.
Enter St. Croix’s pair of NEW Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker rods. Featuring the dynamic combination of premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon and IPC mandrel technology lauded by anglers for smooth, sensitive and lightweight performance, these new Mojo Bass models are made for bass anglers who prefer to crank with carbon. The 7’1”, medium power (MJC71MM) and 7’1” medium-heavy power (MJC71MHM) casting rods bring sweet, moderate-action options to the angler-favorite Mojo Bass lineup for the first time ever … and at an equally sweet Mojo Bass retail price of just $150.
FLW angler and St. Croix pro George Kunkle was among the first to fish with the two new, moderate action Mojo Bass Carbon Crankers. “For those who prefer carbon over glass in a moderate-deflecting cranking rod, these new Mojo Bass models will meet their needs perfectly,” says Kunkle. “The primary benefit of glass is its moderate deflection, but St. Croix has used its design, manufacturing and materials capabilities to take the performance of their glass rods to additional heights. It’s hard to get some anglers away from St. Croix’s glass rods for crankbait fishing, but these new Mojo Bass Carbon Cranking rods mimic all the best characteristics of glass, while remaining lighter and incorporating the exceptional durability that Mojo series rods are known for,” Kunkle continues. “Both the medium and medium-heavy Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker rods bow on the strike – you can see it right before you feel it – just as a quality glass crankbait rod does.”
New St. Croix Mojo Bass MJC71MM Casting Rod
The all-new 7’1”, medium power, moderate action Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker casting rod (MJC71MM) is designed for accurate casting and strike conversion with small-to-medium-sized crankbaits. This versatile, right-sized rod loads easily and possesses the sensitivity necessary to deflect baits off of cover and keep them working in the strike zone. Immediately apparent on the strike, anglers will appreciate the rod’s balance of medium power and moderate action for taming hard-pulling fish while keeping them firmly buttoned up.
The new medium-power Carbon Cranker is light and feels perfect in your hand,” says Kunkle. “In the Coosa River in the wintertime, we throw a lot of Shad Raps for big spots. I was really impressed by the way I could roll cast a Shad Rap really good with this rod, which is way outside my norm, because I usually use fairly heavy equipment. I was really impressed. The 71MM was great for throwing light stuff … up to about a 2.0 squarebill. This is going to be a go-to rod for any angler who wants to make accurate casts at medium distances with a wide variety of cranks weighing between 1/4- and 5/8-ounce. And just like other rods in the Mojo Bass series, what this one does for the amount of money you pay is really remarkable.”
New St. Croix Mojo Bass MJC71MHM Casting Rod
The new 7’1”, medium-heavy power, moderate action Mojo Bass Mid-Carbon Cranker casting rod (MJC71MHM) features the same versatile length and construction, but boosts power to handle bigger baits up to an ounce.
“At 3/8-ounce, DT 6s are about the smallest crankbaits I usually throw,” says MLF angler and St. Croix pro Jesse Wiggins, who does most of his crankbait fishing with 12-pound fluorocarbon line on 6.6:1 reels. “The new medium-heavy Mid-Carbon Cranker handles and casts these and larger squarebills really well and extremely accurately, especially at close and moderate distances like you have in most conditions while fishing these baits. This rod is lighter than even St. Croix’s comparable glass rods, which is what you want when you’re making hundreds of casts a day. The grips are great, too, so you can use these rods all day and not get worn out,” he continues. “And it offers the ideal amount of deflection and cushion on the strike that anglers expect from a quality crankbait rod.”
Kunkle agrees. “The medium-heavy Mojo Bass Mid-Carbon Cranker is a fantastic squarebill rod,” he says, “up to even a 4.0, and is also perfect for DT 6-type deep-diving crankbaits. I tested everything on mono line, throwing crankbaits up to 1-ounce like Strike King’s 6XD and some others. This rod handled them all well. The combination of IPC and SCIII carbon makes this rod extremely smooth casting, while delivering the great sensitivity needed to manage contact with and deflection off cover.”
ST. CROIX MOJO BASS CARBON CRANKER ROD FEATURES
- Designed for crankbaits and other lures ideally matched to a moderate action rod
- Two models: MJC71MM and MJC71MHM
- Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel technology
- Premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon
- Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames
- Fuji ECS reel seat with black hood
- Split-grip/premium-grade cork handle
- Kigan hook-keeper
- Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
- 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
- Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico)
- Retail price: $150
St. Croix’s new Mojo Bass Carbon Cranker casting rods hit the sweet spot for anglers who value the characteristics of carbon – including lightness, durability and sensitivity – in a moderate-action cranking rod with an equally moderate price. They’re being introduced at ICAST Online 2020 and are expected to be available for purchase at St. Croix dealers worldwide this fall.
