| Author | Message | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 6 Registered: 7-2003 |
I was wondering what you guys thought of the St. Criox "Ben Doer" Surf Series rods? I am looking for a rod to match to an Okuma Ar-30 spinning reel to be used for plugging mostly the backbays with some jetty/surf thrown in as well. The St.croix looks and feels like a good rod to me but I was wondering if anyone on the board owns one or has fished one. I would hate to spend $150 to find out I hate it. The one I was considering is a 9 1/2 (I think), Medium/fast action. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated. p.s.: Im not stuck on the st. croix for this reel, If there is another rod I should be looking at I would love to know what it is. | ||
| Walters_ark
New member Username: Walters_ark Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2002 |
The Ben Doer Series Surf rods were not listed in their 2003 catalog that I looked up on their web-site. I don't know if they are still made or leftover rods from 2002. | ||
| Warden
Senior Member Username: Warden Post Number: 679 Registered: 8-2000 |
I have a friend who uses a Ben Doer 8 or 8.5 footer two piece spinner. I think it's 8.5. Anyway he uses it for plugs. One day at the inlet he wanted me to try it. Casting a lure with that rod was absolutely effortless! It loaded up beautifully and sent that lure WAAAAAAAY out there! | ||
| Mullet_miller
New member Username: Mullet_miller Post Number: 1 Registered: 5-2003 |
Ben Doerr rods are discontinued. And good riddance to them! Have had nothing but trouble with the St Croix rods. Break at the tip while casting, snapping right at the joint on two piece rods. The last time the rod tip broke, they refused to fix under thier warranty. Save the trouble and pick up a nice Lamiglas, you will never be unhappy with thier product or customer service. | ||
| Warden
Senior Member Username: Warden Post Number: 680 Registered: 8-2000 |
Well, maybe It's a good thing I never got the bucks together to spring for a Doer. | ||
| Hammer
Junior Member Username: Hammer Post Number: 83 Registered: 7-2000 |
Try Tica.I have 2 9`ers and a 12.I couldn`t be happier with them.And the price is right. | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 7 Registered: 7-2003 |
Thanks for the input guys. I was pretty sure the ben doer was a leftover. liked the feel of it but ya knever know until ya heave a few ounces of lead with the thing. Wonder why most tackle shops dont let us "test cast" rods before buying them like the fly shops do? Probably just a space issue...who knows. | ||
| Raxarsr
Junior Member Username: Raxarsr Post Number: 99 Registered: 4-2003 |
i gotta agree abot the ticas..........i bought one this year,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,nicest rod i've ever fished with | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2003 |
Having a hard time finding tica rods on the net. Anyone have a good link? | ||
| Gofish
New member Username: Gofish Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2002 |
Fluk, I have both and like St Croix alot but Tica is just as good and a little less $$$ I purchased 3 of them last year they are just as good as St. Croix I got mine from a guy in jersey digitaldagger.com you can order from him but he usually has some on ebay! I would check out Bill's first he has them and they are good people to deal with! | ||
| Dombrowskid
New member Username: Dombrowskid Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2003 |
I have 4 St. Croix rods and they are the best rods I have ever used. I hooked a large skake last year off the north jetty. Finally broke the rod. Sent it back to them and they sent me a new one, no questions asked. Anytime a manufacturer can supply me with that kind of service, they have my business. Send for their catalog. I do have a Ben Doerr rod, 8 1/2ft spinning. The best rod I own is their Tidemaster Inshore Spinning rod, 8ft, model TS80HF, heavy fast action. This rod is fantastic for off the jetty casting bucktails and plugs. | ||
| Mick83
Member Username: Mick83 Post Number: 144 Registered: 9-2000 |
I have one St. Croix (8' Tidemaster). Good rod. My brother has one St. Croix (6'6" Tidemaster). Good rod, but doesn't get used much. My dad has one St. Croix (8'6" Ben Doerr). Good rod. | ||
| Hammer
Junior Member Username: Hammer Post Number: 84 Registered: 7-2000 |
Try www.jamestackle.com He has the full line and his prices are good.Compare his to d-dagger.com.I bought all 3 of mine on e-bay.There are always Ticas there.Just know what the rod sells for before you bid,and don`t forget shipping. Jim...... | ||
| Doverpower
Senior Member Username: Doverpower Post Number: 212 Registered: 10-2002 |
tica rod's are great.I have a 7,8 9 and 12 I belive they are the best bang for the buck out there I recomend bills sport shop thats where I got 3 of mine now the okuma reels are another matter I have went thru 3 of them so far 2 avengers and an epix the avenger bail springs were the first item to go the epix gears went out What do you guys think of these new reels http://www.eastcoasttackle.com/index.html?token=1833134259-33941490-1574507017&A=269&B=Axeon%20Surf I saw one down in Hatteras this year and sorry I didnt buy one,how they hold up is another question. | ||
| Dlh
New member Username: Dlh Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2002 |
I picked up my Tica rod at R&R for much less than a St. Croix. | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hmmm....Almost looks like a tie to me. I will however give tica a close look. You have to get the most for your buck ya know! So far Okuma reels have fit the bill for me, granted, I dont fish the salt but a few times a year. BUT when I do I like to have "decent" stuff. My CD-50 on a diawa sea-lineX does what I bought it to do, decently. Im sure I could have bought a combo for alot more though. The AR-30 is spooled with Power-Pro (30lb/8dia.?) and seems to be fine but it is currently on an old (one of my first rods) Uglystick. Anyway, good info and thanks! | ||
| Tarpon1
Junior Member Username: Tarpon1 Post Number: 88 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have 2 Okuma's that i use almost everyday and have held up great. You must keep clean and every once and awhile check the screws for tightness. Rick | ||
| Coolerpup
Senior Member Username: Coolerpup Post Number: 384 Registered: 10-2002 |
MOst tackle shops do not have the room it would take to cast most rods. One shop in Hatteras, Hatteras Jacks has let me cast a few rods in the field next to their shop. Hoss would let you cast when he was out at the pier. I dont know of any other shops that might have to room. I havent heard of any major problems with the Ben Doer series. As with any rod, take care of it, dont hit it against things, wash it after each use. If I like this jetty excursion, Ill be in the market for a nice jetty stick. I wont shy away from the St. Croix rods one bit. Good luck in your search. AllenC | ||
| Captbarry
New member Username: Captbarry Post Number: 1 Registered: 1-2003 |
For what it's worth I have four St Croix rods (two are the Ben Doer series) that I have fished hard for the last five years with no problems. Yes they were pricey but they also are the best casting rods I've ever used. | ||
| Walters_ark
New member Username: Walters_ark Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2002 |
If you have a St.Croix or a Tica casting rod for the surf, what type casting reel and what type and pound test line do you use? | ||
| Dick
Senior Member Username: Dick Post Number: 1852 Registered: 5-2001 |
DP, I'd be curious to see how those reels perform. Seem to have all the right parts and they definatly hold enough line. Still a little heavy, but you really can't get away from that in a surf reel. I just bought a tica rod this year and I love it. But I've never used a St. Croix, but from what I've heard and seen, they are great rods also. But it's hard to get past the fact that the Ticas are around half the price of the St. Croix. | ||
| Gofish
New member Username: Gofish Post Number: 3 Registered: 10-2002 |
Those reels look o.k. but they are still Okuma which are not worth over $100.00! Looks like they tried to make a real generic Stella. It will be interesting to see if they hold up like a Stella but of course you could by 6 of them compared to one Stella! Still probably the best bet is to buy a Van Staal! | ||
| Dick
Senior Member Username: Dick Post Number: 1854 Registered: 5-2001 |
"Still probably the best bet is to buy a Van Staal!" Yea, if you want a reel that they don't make parts for anymore..  VS is going under AGAIN from what I read. | ||
| Gofish
New member Username: Gofish Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2002 |
DICK DICK DICK DICK! you read too much! You will have one sooner or later! It is just a matter of time now! Better buy one now before they go under because once they stop making them the price goes up! | ||
| Dick
Senior Member Username: Dick Post Number: 1856 Registered: 5-2001 |
They've already stopped servicing the older models do to not haveing the parts to replace the broken ones. What do you think is going to happen if your's breaks? Can't melt it down, not real gold.. On another note. I was at a flea market and came across an old reel that looked almost identical to a VS. No bail and as simple as a reel can get. Made in Sweden I believe but don't know the name off the top of my head. One wierd thing is it is made to sit on top of the rod like a conventional. Looks very used, but still works great, even feels like a VS when you turn the handle. It was cheap so I bought it, probably not worth anything, but looks good on the wall. | ||
| Delangler
Junior Member Username: Delangler Post Number: 76 Registered: 10-2002 |
Crack ? | ||
| Basspro_de
New member Username: Basspro_de Post Number: 2 Registered: 2-2003 |
i bought a 8 foot one piece Tica rod and a Okuma EF40 reel. i have it spooled with PowerPro 12/50lb. i first put 8/30lb. on wich i think casts better. it is a really nice setup for around $140. for the price you cant go wrong with Tica and Okuma. | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 14 Registered: 7-2003 |
Well...I took the plunge so to speak. Decided to stop by the local tackle shop today, figuring it was safe because they dont carry tica stuff. Wellllllll.....to my suprise they do now! BS'ed a little with the guys behind the counter, and fondled a tica 8ft med./fast 1 piece, threw an okuma reel on it and before I knew it I was jammin' the thing into the back hatch of my explorer! My wallet is now $70 lighter but the grin is wider. Thanks for the help in making what I feel was a great decision. Anyone fishing the inlet this weekend just look for me. I will be the guy with the new tica and grinning from ear to ear. | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 209 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have a six foot six inch Premier. I love it, great backbone yet it is very light. | ||
| Raxarsr
Junior Member Username: Raxarsr Post Number: 100 Registered: 4-2003 |
i dont think you'll be dissapointed fluk.....tica/okuma seem to be made for each other..........welcome to the board.............just be wary of dick.......................but in his defense.......i do have to admit.... .he does catch a lot of fish...........every time he goes for flounder he catches at least 12...........oh yeah..............dick counts getting minnows out of the bucket as "catching fish" | ||
| Ninja
Senior Member Username: Ninja Post Number: 964 Registered: 7-2000 |
I have not found a better rod than a St.Croix. My 7' Tica rated for 3 oz is a bit stiff but A-Salt plugs, rigged eels, spoons and bucktails like it from the jetty and surf. Now I am not discounting G. Loomis, its that I do not own one, but Jay will shoot me if I do not mention them, they are also worth the cash. Now if you know how much I fish then you will believe me that the Okuma Finas and Avengers are decent. I cant seem to burn them up, believe me I have tried. Just my thoughts, but it all comes down to personal preference anyways. Good post. | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 16 Registered: 7-2003 |
I was showing the new tica rod to a friend of mine and we decided to make a few test casts. Soooo...I tie on a 2 ounce bank sinker to the line and hand him the rod. He does one of those flippin casts and the lead flies a good 180ft and lands about 30ft up a tree almost totally spooling the reel (maybe 25 feet of line left). He turns to look at me and his mouth is hanging wide open. I say "GIMMIE THAT THING!" "YOUR GONNA HURT SOMEONE!". My turn totally spools the reel again with absolutely no effort. Im amased! Well...thats the bad news...the good news is it looks like Im now in the market for a slightly larger reel than the AR30, LOL Cant wait to hit the water this weekend. | ||
| Dick
Senior Member Username: Dick Post Number: 1860 Registered: 5-2001 |
a minnow IS a fish darnit...... I count EVERYTHING. | ||
| Scotsphil
Advanced Member Username: Scotsphil Post Number: 174 Registered: 10-2002 |
I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the start of this thread and I haven't stopped laughing for 5 minutes.'Ben Doer' by St.Croix This'll only take a minute to explain......please recall the worst Scottish accent you've ever heard in a film or on TV...OK. Now imagine yourself standing in certain bits Rehoboth while shouting out loud 'Ben Doer', 'Ben Doer'......wouldn't take long until you'd made lots of new friends!!!! | ||
| Caseman
Advanced Member Username: Caseman Post Number: 211 Registered: 10-2002 |
Scotsphil, I was starting to think I was the only one laughing about that. I just did not say anything. Leave it to the Scottish! That was too funny, I could see you standing in rehoboth yealing that. LMAO Good one. Joe | ||
| Zoom
New member Username: Zoom Post Number: 4 Registered: 7-2003 |
i own 4 st croix 2 are ben doers wife shut the car door on one sent it back they fixed it no problems i dont know how you guys can even compare a st croix with a tica there nice rods ill give you that but they have no way proved themselves just weigh a 10 ft tica and then weigh a st croix THE WEIGHT ALONE PUTS THE ST CROIX AHEAD OF THE TICA and how long have you been fighting fish on your tica (not long ) i own a tica good rod SO FAR only time will tell !!ZOOM | ||
| Gofish
New member Username: Gofish Post Number: 5 Registered: 10-2002 |
I own st croix Ben Doers, tica, and star rods. All 3 are very good rods. Tica has been fished for the last two years ecspecially last and has held up as well as st. croix, cast as well as st.croix, feels as good as st.croix and cost less. I will agree that it has yet to be seen whether they will stand behind them as well as st.croix but I feel they will, I sent a tica baitrunner back that I used once and I was unhappy with because it filled up with wind blown sand, they took care of it no questions asked and sent me a better reel! I would not give up my tica or st.croix rods! | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 26 Registered: 7-2003 |
Great opinions guys...didn't mean to "start a war" ;) Im sure there are many people who are "brand loyal" out there, I think we all are to some extent. Example...I think that Gamagatsu hooks are the sharpest hooks out of the package and use them almost entirely. I fished the Tica last weekend and so far I am very happy with it. Don't think it can be beat, for the price. And...as I said...the Okuma reels have been serving my purpose so far, but time will tell. Think Im going to try my Quantum reel (which Im not too happy with, BTW) on the Tica 8ft'r and see how it does with a larger reel on it. maybe I will actually be able to throw 3-4oz without spooling the thing like I did with the AR-30. | ||
| Zoom
New member Username: Zoom Post Number: 5 Registered: 7-2003 |
YO FLUKIE no wars here just opinions and st croix is BETTER you tell me would you rather sling plugs with a 15 oz rod or a 30oz all night theres no comparison sure tica might be as good or better in a spike with bait but line the 2 up casting all night and you know who is going to give you the sore wrist first!!!elvis has left the building ,the fat lady has sung ,match point,gameover!!!ZOOM | ||
| Dick
Senior Member Username: Dick Post Number: 1894 Registered: 5-2001 |
definatly Tica... | ||
| Swace
New member Username: Swace Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2003 |
Flukinuki. I been using Ben Doerr rods for about 8 years and have not had any prodlems with them. I even had four new rods made with st. croix blanks, all 10 ft surf rods, one piece and they are great. I just bought an 11ft tica, it is all right,a little heavy,but casts great. As tica versus st, criox I will pick st. croix by far. |