St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod vs Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

Head-to-head spec comparison to help you pick the right gear for your needs.

St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

St. Croix

$114

vs
Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

Thomas

$6

Spec Winner

Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

Wins on 2 of 2 spec categories

Spec-by-Spec Comparison

SpecSt. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning RodThomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure
TypeSpinning RodTrolling Spoon
Length7 ft0 ft
PowerMedium-Light
ActionFast
Line Rating4–10 lb lb lb
Lure Rating1/8–3/8 oz oz1/4 oz oz
MaterialSCII GraphiteBrass/Chrome
Weight3.4 oz0.25 oz
Price$114$6
Rating4.7/104.9/10
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Pros & Cons

St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

Pros

  • SCII graphite blanks give excellent sensitivity at this price
  • Fast action handles both trolling and jigging
  • Lightweight at 3.4oz — comfortable for long days on the water
  • Fuji reel seat locks securely, no rattle
  • Paul runs 3 of these in his trolling spread

Cons

  • Not as sensitive as higher-end St. Croix lines
  • Cork grips can show wear after a season of heavy use

Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

Pros

  • Paul's #1 confidence lure — the one he throws when nothing else is working
  • Wobble action is irresistible to reservoir rainbows and browns
  • Gold/silver finishes read well in South Park's clear water
  • Floats when stationary — stays out of weeds at slow trolling speeds
  • Under $7 each — you can afford to lose one to a big fish

Cons

  • Treble hook needs replacing after a season of heavy use
  • Chrome finish can spook fish in ultra-clear water on bright days

Our Verdicts

St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

The backbone of Paul's trolling setup. At $110, it's the best rod in this price range for Colorado reservoir trout — and having 3 of the same rod makes swapping rigs fast on the water.

Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

This is the lure. Gold at Spinney, silver at Eleven Mile, 1.5–2.0mph trolling speed — Paul has caught more trophy trout on this spoon than everything else combined. Buy a handful in different finishes.

St. Croix Triumph 7ft Medium-Light Spinning Rod

$114

Buy on Amazon

Thomas Buoyant Spoon 1/4oz Trout Lure

$6

Buy on Amazon

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