Sink Or Swim Rods

Reels Rods Hooks Cast Nets Line Planers Depth Finders Trolling Motors Sink Or Swim Home	SEND IN YOUR PRODUCT REVIEWS, HELP SOMEBODY SAVE A BUCK AND FIND OUT THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT EQUIPMENT WORKS AND WHAT YOU NEED TO AVOID. Here's how it's going to work. I will rate equipment that I have used through a RIGOROUS field testing environment. I'm giving you my honest feedback about the product/equipment's overall effectiveness. Statistics and things that don't matter will be kept to a minimum. What I am trying to do is establish the fishing equipment that is suited to take on the challenge of mine and your needs. There are two reasons I have decided to undertake the task of rating tons of fishing-related equipment: 1) As an all around guide for the fisherman who is going to spend a hard-earned dollar on fishing gear, and; 2) So many companies these days are cutting corners to lower costs that they've reduced the effectiveness, usability, and durability of their products, yet they still advertise them to be as effective as ever. NOT THE TRUTH. I'm personally sick and tired of not getting what I pay for and this is my SINK OR SWIM Product Review. Read it and weep.

The GLoomis Muskie series of rods is a beautifully crafted brown matte finish rod with some of the baddest guides ever put on a fishing rod. A relatively spongy tip coupled with a backbone of steel makes this a great all around striper rod. Offered in a dozen or more strengths and lengths, you will find the GLoomis Muskie rod for your needs.

Positives: Awesome guides and backbone. Good castability and a soft tip for those subtle live or cut bait takes. Powerful, long grip, high quality cork. The only rod I've ever owned that didn't give me any trouble out of the guides. Tough Fuji reel seat. Lifetime warranty!!!

Negatives: Don't plan on fighting the fish with the rod...I've broken two this year. Pricey. Square rod butt hurts when you jab it in your ribs.

All Star has hit a good combination of strength, length and flexibility with this model. Comparable to the GLoomis in features, it has its own set of characteristics. 10 Models to choose from will give you a good variety. Lifetime Warranty!!

Positives: Good price on a great rod. Good backbone and a good long handle for putting the torque to the fish.

Neutrals: Guides somewhat fickle, but still tougher than most. Rigid tip reduces lure castability.

Negatives: Had a reel seat strip out this year. Square rod butt will damage your hide.

Not really a striper rod, but worth the mention. The 7' Carolina Lizard dragger has been in my arsenal for years. I am so impressed with its capabilities, I am waiting a response from Falcon to try out their "big" fish rods. The particular rod that was rated in the above chart is a lightweight among brute fish. Yet, it turned some heads, BIG heads. I finally broke it this year, but it took some doing. Falcon boasts Extended and Lifetime Warranties as well.

Relatively new to the striper scene. St. Croix has a rod that we are testing and so far has done some good things. No big drawbacks so far. Fairly priced around $80-$100, they have a multiple-year warranty.

Positives: Light weight makes for an awesome lure-chucker, you can fish it all day. Enough backbone to get the jump on a big fish. Comfy rod butt won't break your skin.

Neutrals: Not as stout as the All-Star or Loomis, but a great all-around rod.

Negatives: Watch out for fickle line guides and poor guide-wrapping (one of mine is coming unraveled).

Suck. Don't buy them, boycott them. If you are looking for garbage to fish with, look no further than your kitchen wastebasket. One year warranty and a bad attitude is not what I look for in a rod manufacturer. Prices are not competitive compared to the warranties of the other rod manufacturers.

Tried and True, not much to say here. Shakespeare has made this unbreakable series for a couple of decades now and it is the standard on many striper fishermens' boats. Inexpensive, insensitive and heavy, the Ugly Stik will take as much abuse as 5 regular rods. If you're rough on gear or want a product that will get the job done without much flash, this is your rod.

* Keep in mind that equipment that I test is put through some of the most rigorous and adverse conditions that the manufacturers never dreamt of. Durability will be HUGELY AFFECTED by the amount of use you put on your own equipment.*

GLoomis MUSKIE	ALL STAR WESTERN INSHORE	FALCON


UGLY STIK	ST CROIX	BASS PRO

Strength	*Will it bend without breaking?*
Durability	*How long is it going to work right?*
Handle	*The foundation of a good striper rod...*
Guides	*Are they going to take the abuse?*
Reel Seat	*You put your Reel in There?*
Value	*Where did my money land me on this deal?*

STRIPER RODS	STR- ENG- TH	DURA- BILITY	HAN- DLE	GUI DES	REEL SEAT	PRICE RANGE $$	VALUE
LOOMIS MUSKIE	2	3	4	5	4	160-200	2
ALL STAR	3	4	4	4	2	120-130	3
ST. CROIX	3	3	5	2	4	80-100	4
FALCON	4	4	2	3	2	70-100	4