This beast kicked my ass! Popping cork was in right place at the right time when she came through feeding on grass shrimp in the back of small pocket after LT. A long run to the left and then a long run to right (weak knees held up!). Then a final hard dive under the boat and SNAP!
I never really considered that they could snap a rod. Expensive one at that. The drag was set correctly but not for an up close hard run. Next time I’ll know to back off the drag when fighting in close quarters!
Bummer! These bait-fattened reds can fight.
What lb test braid and leader were you using?
30 lb power pro slick v…20lb seagar. FG knot for mono to braid and palomar on the glup…trout eye short shank 3/16
Warranty & Registration – St. Croix Rod Warranty & Registration – St. Croix Rod
It was a gift, right?
Sure it was, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
I didn’t read all the link I posted, but I think for three of your Andrew Jacksons they’ll send you a replacement.
Yes. This will be my third st croix rod that was replaced. Shipping is usually $50
I my opinion, now don’t take this the wrong way please, but in my way of thinking 30 pound braid and 20 pound leader just might be a little overkill for both that rod and your target species.
I get it, when the big one comes along you gotta be ready, ,but case in point, when he came you weren’t ready due to the light rod OR the heavy line.
That penn battle only has 15 lbs of drag anyway, so you got that working against that rigging too.
Again, just my humble opinion and my 2 cents, and as always advice is generally worth what you pay for it, so there’s that.
Keep the feedback coming @EF1 !!! I would be on the bank holding a spinning reel upside-down if it were not for this site! 
I hardly think that’s the case, but I was in my 50’s before somebody pointed it out to me.
I was always popping the rod eyes too, and then blaming it on cheap stuff
