So I broke my first rod today setting the hook on a rock while jig fishing. I always thought it was funny when people talked about breaking rods, but I finally appreciate the frustration of just leaning in easy hook set and the pole just snaps. Luckily, it was a St. Croix and I've heard nothing but positive experiences dealing with them and their warranty process.

Just wondering, is there really a way to avoid a potential break in the future on something like this, or is it just bound to happen if there's a weak spot in the pole? It was way down in the bank bone section.

Soon or a later you will break a rod. Weather its by accident or trying to land a fish. It's all part of fishing.


Side Note: I mainly use the Ugly Stick and have not had any of the Ugly Sticks break on me. The very few I have broke over the many years of fishing have been the less expensive rods.

Football jig fishing has cost me a few rods with stout line and a stuck jig, something has got to give.

Breaking a rod down near the base, I would think there may have been a weak point develop there at some point or over time. But I'm not a rod expert by any means. I reason this because I too broke a St Croix but it was my own fault. As part of the warranty process, I was required to go a step further and actually break the rod further down closer to the grip/handle. I guess to completely ruin it so it never gets used or sold for parts or whatever their reasoning might be. Anyways, to do this, I literally had to stick the remainder of the rod under my truck tire and pull up pretty damn hard. It wasn't an easy task.

The good thing about St. Croix is you can call up there and actually speak to someone. They will walk you through their warranty process.

For me, I was able to upgrade to the next rod and they credited me the full retail price for my broken one.

You'll want to have your serial number and info from the handle handy when you do call.

What surprised me the most is I was only using 12lb flouro for the line. I thought for sure the line would break before my pole would, but lesson learned.

any kind of impact to the rod blank will cause stress in the graphite. If its severe enough then it will fail at the impact spot. One reason i put socks on all my rods to keep them off each other in the rod locker. Oh and dont let the carolina rig weight bounce around when they are stowed for a co angler or running down the highway.

Yep. Ever used the rod to block your lure/weight from smacking your face on a strong hookset? It will break right in that spot.

I'm constantly transporting poles in the back of the truck. Is there anything that can help with minimizing stress on the poles besides socks for them?

And I appreciate the feedback from everyone.

I broke one of my rods today a prized Shimano Cumara. It broke about and in below the tip on a one pound fish. I’m sure it was in a spot I had stressed or marked in some way.