Product Review: St. Croix Mojo Yak Rods

Background: Curated by St. Croix to provide the most ideal rod for anglers interested in kayak fishing, combining the framework of the angler-approved Mojo series with updated components. Constructed from premium, high-modulus SC III graphite blanks, the St. Croix Mojo Yak Casting Rods have been specifically crafted using IPC (Integrated Poly Curve) mandrel technology to provide precise, technique specific actions that meet the demands of kayak enthusiasts.

 Why I Fish It: Well, it's about time. St. Croix, one of the premier rod manufacturers, has finally come out with a rod designed for the hardcore kayak angler. Up until now, rods have been designed based upon target species, power, action, lure-selection and general rod performance. Now, though, we have a rod specifically designed to be fished out of a kayak, which places unique demands on a fishing rod.

Fishing out of a kayak is not for the faint of heart. There is very little space for casting, you're that much closer to the water, and on top of fishing, you are in charge of propulsion and balance. The St. Croix Mojo Yak has features aimed at mitigating each of these issues, though, helping to make your next kayak fishing trip much more enjoyable. 

We'll start with the guides on the Mojo Yak. Featuring Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames, these guides are built to survive the occasional collision with your heavy duty kayak. I know that I have busted a guide or two when trying to manage multiple rods in such tight, unforgiving quarters. It's nice to know that these rods can take a beating, even if they do come with St. Croix's Superstar Service warranty.

Known for their high-quality blanks, St. Croix certainly delivers with the Mojo Yak. An "Integrated Poly Curve" engineered mandrel is mated with premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite, giving these rods the guts to serve double duty for anglers who need a rod capable of fishing multiple patterns perfectly. St. Croix designers gave great consideration to overall rod balance when engineering the blanks, giving kayak anglers improved performance by reducing tip weight.

My favorite features are found in the rod's handle, which is noticeably shorter than the typical split grip rod handle. No longer will I have to worry about the butt of my rod getting hung up in my shirt on a cast. The shorter length is ideal for long days casting out of a small cockpit. St. Croix even rounded out the butt of the handle to allow it to slide across the chest without catching as much fabric. On top of its ideal, shorter length, Mojo Yak handles also feature custom Winn grips, taking advantage of their superior polymer grip technology. Have you ever gone kayak fishing and had your hands stay dry throughout the trip? We didn't think so either. The patented Winn grips provide a super tacky, shock-absorbing, and comfortable feel no matter what the conditions may be.

How I Fish It: Available in casting and spinning models, I like to paddle out with the 7' Medium(6-12lb) spinning rod. The fast action on the rod allows me to get my bait way out there from a seated position, while still maintaining pinpoint accuracy-- please excuse the humble brag. There's enough backbone to hoist fish up from water level and plenty of sensitivity for those subtle pickups. Put your favorite 2500/3000 size spinning reel on this rod for unparalleled fishability out of your kayak.

Features: - Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
- Premium, high-modulus SCIII graphite
- Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames
- Fuji® DPS reel seat with black hoods on spinning models
- Fuji® ECS reel seat with black hoods on casting models
- Custom Winn split-grip handle
- Kigan hook-keeper
- Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
- 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service

AVAILABLE FOR IN-STORE PURCHASE TODAY!!