St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rods Review
Quick Overview
FEATURES
QUALITY
PRICE
Pros
Cons
Spinning rods are the go-to choice for a lot of anglers these days. That’s because they’re versatile and relatively easy to use. Of course, some rods are more forgiving than others, which is why it’s important to look at the construction, materials, and overall design before picking a new rod.
Take a look at the St. Croix Triumph fishing rods and see if they can help you become a better angler or at least a more versatile fisherman.
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
Triumph spinning rods are almost premium-quality fishing rods. This is a fact reflected in their build quality, design, materials, and pricing. Where some fishermen may be wary of trying something slightly expensive for the first time, others have learned to trust that higher prices bring better rewards, at least most of the time.
Who is this product for?
The St. Croix Triumph spinning rods are for anglers who are looking for rods in the 5-7.6 ft. range. All varieties have the same reliability, so it’s a good place to start if you’re looking to commit to a single manufacturer.
You may also be interested in what the Triumph series offers if you’re fond of spinning rods over baitcasting rods. The differences are obviously small, but noticeable to anyone with enough experience.
Another reason to look at these fishing rods is if you are searching for strong ultralight rods that come with versatile handles. You may not be equally interested in these rods if you’re more budget-minded and looking for a rod and reel combo.
What’s included?
When you buy a St. Croix Triumph fishing rod, you’re not getting much in terms of accessories. However, what you’ll get are reliability and excellent construction.
- 1x fishing rod
- Premium cork handle
- Aluminum guides
Overview of features
St. Croix’s Triumph fishing rods are made of SCII graphite. They may not be as durable as most carbon fiber and fiberglass poles, but they win the weight and handling debate any day of the week.
There are good size and action varieties with these rods. The two smallest rods are 5ft and 5.6ft and come with medium- and fast-action line, respectively. The largest and most powerful rod is the 7.6-footer that features medium to heavy power and fast action.
It’s important to note that the majority of these rods are one-piece designs (only 6 out of 19 are two-piece designs). Regardless of your selection, each rod is equipped with a premium cork handle for both salt and freshwater applications.
In terms of acceptable line weight, the St. Croix Triumph can accommodate 2- to 17-lb. lines. That’s depending on the size, power, and action of the rod. This doesn’t give you too much to work with in terms of hauling in big fishes but it’s ample for everything else.
How to use
There’s one way to use any spincasting rod. Reel in the line and leave about six inches of it hanging. Hold the line close to the rod with your index finger. Use your non-dominant hand to open the bail. Pointing at your strike zone, bring the rod up and allow the tip to flex and then in one smooth motion swing the line forward.
Release the line with your index finger as the rod’s tip is halfway to your strike zone. Luckily, the smooth action of the Triumph is forgiving of beginners.
Alternative
There are two things that the St. Croix Triumph series doesn’t really offer – you’re not going to find budget-friendliness and extended lengths. If you’re interested in both of these things, you might want to consider an alternative, perhaps the Piscifun Sword Graphite Fly Fishing Rod.
These fishing rods start at 8’6” and go up to 9’9”. The 9’9” 9wt fly fishing rods are among the most versatile light rods for saltwater applications and can handle almost any commonly encountered fish.
You also get a protective case in the form of a transparent tube, all at a bargain price. While not as durable and smooth as the Triumph, these Piscifun graphite fly fishing rods are a good alternative if you’re to venture into fly fishing.
Relative Article: Tica UGSA Series Surf Spinning Fishing Rod Review, find out if it's a good spinning rod alternative!
Conclusion
Spinning rods are among the most popular rods around, save for anglers who prefer specialty fishing rods. And St. Croix makes some of the best rods in this category, as evidenced in the Triumph series of fishing rods. If you’re interested in beginner to advanced sizes, your choice of action release, and a handle that can take anything you throw at it, the St. Croix Triumph may be the way to go.
On the other hand, if you’re not the biggest spincasting follower, you might want to consider the Piscifun graphite fly fishing rods, which happen to be cheaper yet equally reliable in operation while possessing an interesting feel.
