Coming to ICAST! St. Croix’s all-new Eyecon for Jigging Raps

St. Croix’s new Eyecon series of rods for 2022 will be introduced to the trade at ICAST next month.

The series comprises 18 rods (not including separate trolling models), and includes the introduction of the all-new 7ft 1in medium power, moderate-fast action Jig-N-Rap and 7ft 1in medium power, fast action Rip-N-Rap models.

Rapala pro and Minnesota fishing guide Tony Roach (pictured), who played a key role in the design of the rods, says they are a great choice for fishing Jigging Rap and Rippin’ Rap style lures. “Every walleye angler knows the effectiveness of a Jigging Rap. They also know how uncomfortable it can be to fish one all day long with the wrong rod,” he says.

“The first thing anglers will notice is how light and balanced it is,” Roach says of the new Eyecon Jig-N-Rap rod. “The second is how it fits in your hand. The ergonomics on this rod and the entire reimagined Eyecon series help anglers fish longer without getting sloppy. They’re that comfortable.”

Roach has also found the technique-specific rods very forgiving when using braid. “Like a lot of walleye anglers, I like using braid because I can feel everything. The problem with braid though is you tend to lose fish if you don’t have the right rod, especially with Jigging Raps.  The heavy nature of the lure also makes it vulnerable to head shakes as you reel in a fish. This rod solves that problem. The MMF – medium power, moderate-fast action – functions very similar to a crankbait rod. It ensures proper hook setting power while absorbing those big head shakes. The length also casts far and picks up line in a hurry. My hook-up-to-landing percentage sky-rocketed with the new Eyecon Jig-N-Rap rod, and I feel little or no fatigue after a day of fishing it.”

Features of the new Eyecon series include: 
• SeaGuide Aluminum Oxide guides with black frames and Atlas Performance stainless guides;
• Sea Guide IPSA reel seat;
• Premium-grade cork modified split grip on spinning models with fore grips tailored to each technique;
• Premium-grade full EVA contoured handle and fore grip on casting model;
• Emerald green finish:
• A five-year warranty.

“Walleye anglers are going to fall in love with this Eyecon series,” says Roach. “St. Croix’s drive to make something that’s already widely viewed to be the best even better is really remarkable.”