The Mojo Bass Fly Rod from St. Croix represents an intriguing blend of traditional fishing and innovative fly fishing techniques. For many novice fly anglers, the standard journey usually starts with a classic nine-foot five-weight rod, typically associated with trout. When considering conventional fishing, however, the scene is markedly different. A multitude of gear and tackle options line the shelves of big box stores, with an overwhelming focus on bass fishing gear.
It is no surprise that most anglers’ inaugural fish is a bass, widely recognized as America's Sportfish. This widespread engagement raises questions about the transition from conventional fishing to fly fishing.
Reflecting on his early days in fly fishing, an avid angler recounted, "When I started fly fishing in college, I thought a fly rod was a tool only utilized to catch trout." This perception often leads many anglers to overlook the potential of fly fishing for bass. During his college years, he worked in a fly shop where he witnessed a colleague's surprising success with an 8-weight fly rod aimed at catching bass. "I told him, ‘Dude, you can’t catch a bass on a fly rod,'" he recalled, emphasizing his initial skepticism.
"I told him, ‘Dude, you can’t catch a bass on a fly rod,'"
However, a fateful kayak outing changed everything. As he watched his friend employ a streamer to catch a largemouth bass, disbelief turned to admiration. "Man, I gotta get me one of those bass fly rods!" he exclaimed, inspired by the effectiveness of the Mojo Bass rod.
Since that pivotal moment, his enthusiasm for fly fishing has expanded significantly. His garage, once filled solely with trout gear, now hosts an impressive array of fly rods capable of tackling various fishing scenarios from warmwater to saltwater fishing. The Mojo Bass rod now occupies a prime spot among these tools, providing him with unforgettable fishing experiences in local golf course ponds during warmer months.
But what exactly makes the Mojo Bass Fly Rod worthy of attention? The rod measures an unusual 7-foot-11-inches, shorter than the standard nine-foot rods typically favored for heavier weights. This design choice allows for increased precision when casting into tricky spots like overhanging tree limbs or dense lily pads. "This rod is FAST," he said. "A cast up to 40-feet can be made with a single false cast. Even in the wind, this rod can deliver a fly with precision."
Another notable aspect of the Mojo Bass rod is its striking design featuring a dark purple blank and a black anodized reel seat. "It includes my favorite detail; a double-eye hook keeper at the base of the blank for securing large flies during transit," he shared, highlighting the practicality embedded in its aesthetic. Priced at $180, the Mojo Bass Fly Rod is available in various weights — 7-weight, 8-weight, and 9-weight — making it a practical choice for many bass anglers.
"It includes my favorite detail; a double-eye hook keeper at the base of the blank for securing large flies during transit,"
The rod's performance speaks volumes, demonstrating its ability to accommodate deep bends during fights, essential for overcoming currents or hazards like submerged trees. The angler concluded with a word of advice for newcomers looking to optimize their outfitting: "I recommend over lining this rod a half size or using a shorter but larger front taper line to maximize its full potential."
The Mojo Bass Fly Rod invites anglers to experience the thrill of fly fishing for bass, transcending preconceived limitations of the technique. As interest in warmwater fly fishing grows, this innovative rod positions itself as a staple for those eager to explore new fishing adventures, proving that fly rods can indeed excel in catching a variety of species beyond the traditional trout. With increasing enthusiasm for such versatile fly rods, the outdoor community may see an even greater affinity for this captivating approach to bass fishing.
