We asked the rod builders at St . Croix to send us a stick that could juggle several different power-fishing tasks , and they didn ’ t disappoint .

First Impressions

I ’ ve never handled a St . Croix rod I didn ’ t like , and the 7-foot , 1-inch PHXC71MHF I recently put to the test is no different . Here are a few key features that caught the eye :

> SCIV + carbon fiber blanks : The hybrid carbon fiber blanks are fashioned from the same blend of materials — SCIV and SCVI — used in the company ’ s Legend series tournamentgrade sticks . The special blending process is said to result in super strong blanks that are lightweight and precision tuned for techniquespecific presentations . > Handle / butt : There ’ s no cork or foam to grip . Instead , St . Croix ’ s engineers took the agglomerated cork TRIGON handle design introduced in 2023 on its Mojo Bass Series and modified it with a more rigid carbon fiber material advertised to improve comfort and control . The handle and butt feature chemical-resistant , thermoplastic polyurethane ( TPU ) grip lines .

> Rear trigger : Another nice touch is the rear trigger on the handle base , which lends itself to improved casting control and accuracy . > Molded carbon DYNAMIX reel seat : St . Croix calls it the “ next generation ” DYNAMIX because it ’ s stronger , lighter and transfers energy better than the former DYNAMIX seat made from nylon . An aluminum nut keeps your reel cinched down snug . > Premium guides : The lightweight titanium guides are fitted with silicon carbide rings suitable for all line types .

In Action

With a medium-heavy power and fast-action tip section , the PHXC71MHF is just what the doctor ordered for making precision casts tight to targets , making snap

hook sets with a Texas rig or driving single hooks home with reaction baits like vibrating jigs , swim jigs , spinnerbaits , small swimbaits and even a Senko . I can ’ t skip worth a darn , but I suspect that the PHXC71MHF would be a good choice for skipping jigs and creatures into tight places , too . You could even use it rip a ‘ Trap in grass .

I found plenty to like about the rod outside the obvious talking points of balance , sensitivity , strength and light weight . The handle / grip / butt sections are especially intriguing ; there ’ s no cork or EVA in the mix .

The rigid carbon fiber split grip utilizes St . Croix ’ s proprietary TRIGON design , which follows the natural contours of the palm to bolster comfort and limit