St. Croix Tidemaster Inshore Casting Travel Rods

Great combo with Calcutta 400b....

Surprising for a St Croix product. I bought 2 rods, one for me and one a buddy for a Lake Trout fishing trip in northern Canada. I broke mine setting the hook on the first day. My buddy broke his, in two places, setting the hook on the 3rd day. If it was just one rod that broke, we might have thought it was partly us. But to break 2 identical rods the same way this is definitely a product issue. Returning the broken rods for full refund. Fortunately we had one-piece rods from the lodge as backups.

I have nine other St Croix rods that I have used for every kind of freshwater fishing. I bought this travel rod to use for Peacock Bass fishing in the upper tributaries of the Amazon. This rod easily handles the large, 1 to 1 1/2 oz. surface plugs that are prime lures - I can hardly notice any difference in casting this rod versus my 7 ft one-piece Med. Hvy rod. In fact, the longer handle on this rod is better suited for two-handed casting. This is not an inexpensive rod, but well worth the price.

After years of packing a Plano rod carrier to make the trek to Corpus Christi and Port Mansfield, TX and having the TSA break rod tips while inspecting my rods, I decided to try a travel model. This rod was almost perfect. Honestly, if it was 6' 6", it would be just about perfect. The 7' was just a hair heavier than I was hoping for, but overall, it was pretty good. I threw Rapala Skitterwalks, 4" Saltwater Assassins w/ 1/4 oz jig heads and 1/2 gold and silver spoons. It's paired with a Shimano Chronarch 2006E. Pretty close to perfect. I would recommend this rod if you need a quality travel rod for carry on.

I will say that at $220, it's pricey, but if I can avoid dealing with broken rod tips from the TSA folks, I'll pay it.

This is a well built travel casting rod that is a bargain for the quality and craftmanship. The fit and finish are first class and you will not be disappointed with this purchase. The protective case is a bonus and will protect your rod from damage as long as you don't drive over it with your car! Thank you Tackle Direct!!!