Whilst you don’t consider a coldwater trout fishery whenever you consider the deep south, there’s a surprisingly strong trout fishery within the northern half of Georgia. Whereas most our bodies of water round right here commonly have a water temperature within the higher 80s in the summertime. The mix of spring-fed creeks and streams flowing down from the Appalachians, chilly rivers flowing from deep reservoirs, and a wholesome trout stocking effort by the Georgia DNR, helps you to catch trout year-round in North Georgia. So for the previous yr, I’ve been fishing with a 2022 St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod to focus on these trout with each bait and lures. I fished in quite a lot of trout waters from small creeks to massive rivers focusing on principally stocked rainbow trout, with the occasional wild brown trout tossed within the combine.
Specs – St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod 7ft Mild
The precise St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod I’ve and am reviewing is the TFS70LXF2. It is a 7-foot-long 2-piece rod. It’s a mild energy clean with an additional quick motion. The road ranking for the rod is 4 to eight lbs and the lure weight ranking is 1/16 to 1/4oz. So whereas the rod is a trout rod, it nonetheless is able to a little bit of oomph and spine when wanted. The SCII carbon fiber development with SCVI reinforcements provides plenty of power to the blanks of the Trout Collection Spinning rods whereas nonetheless holding them mild and nimble.
- Mannequin: TFS70LXF2
- 7’0″
- Mild Energy
- X-Quick Motion
- 4-8lb Line Wt
- 1/16-1/4oz Lure Wt
- 2 piece.
- MSRP – $170
St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod 7ft Mild Key Options
- Constructed with newly engineered SCII carbon fiber, and SCVI reinforcements, that’s each stronger in flexural power and lighter than its earlier formulation.
- Sea Information® Atlas Efficiency guides with stainless-steel rings and frames; PVD coated tip-top.
- Constructed with Fortified Resin System (FRS) expertise.
- Sea Information® NPS reel seat with built-in rear nut.
- Break up grip deal with configurations with premium EVA deal with supplies.
- Two coats of Flex-Coat sluggish remedy end.
- 5-year guarantee backed by St. Croix Celebrity Service.
- Constructed to supply superior efficiency for trout particular anglers globally.
- Designed in Park Falls and handcrafted in Fresnillo, Mexico.
On the Water – St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod 7ft Mild
The primary spot I went to with the 7ft Trout Collection Spinning Rod was the Chattahoochee River. That is the spot I grew up fishing for trout on and doubtless has essentially the most prolific stocking trout program within the state. The Chattahoochee runs from the Blue Ridge Mountains all the best way all the way down to the Gulf of Mexico, flowing alongside virtually the entire size of the state of Georgia. Whereas the northern finish of the river has loads of trout, I truly don’t fish that stretch of water usually. As an alternative, I fish south of Lake Lanier and Buford Dam. The Hooch flows out of the dam from deep below the floor of Lanier at a brisk 45-50F yr spherical. This makes this river that runs by means of Metro Atlanta an ideal habitat for trout. Together with the stocked rainbow trout, there’s a wholesome inhabitants of brown trout that spawn on their very own within the river. These brown trout are thriving, with the biggest specimens feeding on the smaller stocked rainbow trout.
The river may be very vast for many of its size so an extended rod is right for making lengthy casts from the middle of the river in direction of the construction on both financial institution of the river. Matched with a 2500-size reel loaded with a 6lb braid, it made casting lures a breeze. After placing on our waders we stroll down the boat ramp and wade down river to some deeper shoals of rocks. Right here the sensitivity of the extra-fast motion was key so you could possibly really feel each little factor as your bait or lure went over construction. I did discover one downside fishing the rod although, it was straightforward to sling the Berkley Powerbait dough whenever you tried to get a long way. The motion together with the braided line was simply an excessive amount of to maintain it on the hook. However what was a small inconvenience for bait fishing turned out to be nice for throwing lures. The rod excelled at working small jerkbaits within the deeper pockets and channels. This beautiful little brown trout positively discovered the motion of the lure agreeable.
Remaining Ideas – St. Croix Trout Collection Spinning Rod 7ft Mild
After fishing this rod for the previous yr, I actually do like this light-weight St. Croix rod, even with being so mild and nimble it has confirmed itself to have loads of power. Whereas I primarily focused trout with the rod I did take it out to the lake to chase after largemouth bass. Simply to check its power I fished small stay shad on the rod and caught dozens of bass as much as 5 lbs on the rod in addition to a couple of bigger catfish as bycatch. Previous how the rod fished, the construct high quality on the rod may be very good. The parts are high quality and haven’t given me any points of wear and tear or corrosion over the previous yr. I do have one explicit nitpick with the rod butt although. It’s very small and if you happen to palm the rod butt when casting it doesn’t sit in your hand effectively.
One other factor I would like to notice is this isn’t actually a small water rod. I fished a couple of small creeks with this and located it unwieldy. Which is smart it’s a protracted rod, so be sure that to suit your rod to the waters you’ll fish most frequently. On the vast Chattahoochee, it is a superb selection, in a small Smokey Mountain creek not a lot. However if you happen to do fish in vast open areas like bigger rivers or lakes and ponds this can be a nice selection. Match it up with a 2500-size spinning reel and 4-6lb braid and you’re good to go. It would deal with and trout you run into and possibly much more if you happen to select to make use of it as a finesse combo for some bigger species.