Musky Fishing’s Missing Link

X marks the sweet spot for new levels of musky-optimized performance and value

PARK FALLS, WIS. (June 18, 2025) – The best musky fishing on Earth is found in Northern Wisconsin, the beating heart of freshwater fishing’s ultimate game. It’s no coincidence that the best musky rods on Earth also come from the region – St. Croix Rod in Park Falls, Wisconsin, specifically.

Musky anglers trust St. Croix to be on the cutting edge of musky-centric rod design and technology, and that’s precisely where the brand has operated for decades. The company of anglers that pioneered technique-specific musky rods has always offered one of the largest and most diverse selections available.

Today, that selection expands further with the introduction of MUSKY X, an angler-driven series of 18 technique-focused musky rods that are among the strongest and most durable ever designed and handcrafted by St. Croix. It’s also the most affordable, putting St. Croix quality and performance within reach of an even larger number of musky anglers.

“MUSKY X is a missing link,” says Ryan Teach, St. Croix Vice President of Innovation, “It adapts the successful angler-first formula established by our popular, long-standing BASS X Series, offering anglers a complete combination of species-focused lengths, powers, and actions plus an unprecedented performance-to-value proposition – offering St. Croix tech, performance, and North-American quality and craftsmanship at a competitive, angler-friendly price.”

Musky anglers have serious expectations of any rod bearing the St. Croix name, and Teach says MUSKY X checks every box. “MUSKY X delivers the features and performance that earns its right to be in our catalog and on anglers’ decks… right alongside Mojo Musky, Legend Tournament Musky, and Legend Elite Musky rods.”

MUSKY X performance starts with blanks crafted from premium SCII carbon and enhanced with St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System, an ideal foundation for lightweight sensitivity with extreme strength and durability.

Guide trains are also selected for worry-free performance. Black stainless-steel frames with aluminum-oxide rings look great, handle heavy braided lines, and continue the theme of hallmark durability. Proven, nylon palming-style reel seats with matching black stainless-steel hoods offer rock-solid reel security, while angler-preferred handle designs promote comfort and control.

A complete series, MUSKY X offers anglers 18 distinct rods suited for any musky presentation, from jerk baits and small bucktails to 24-ounce rubber. Additionally, MUSKY X addresses angler preference by offering both full-grip and split-grip handle choices. Split-grip models utilize premium EVA handle materials while full-grip models feature a hybrid design with both premium EVA and premium-grade cork. Both handle configurations deliver an ideal blend of comfort and durability. Telescopic models are also available, ensuring angler-preferred 8’6”, 9’, and 9’6” models will fit in most rod lockers and under-gunnel storage.
 
“We engineered MUSKY X for all musky anglers,” Teach continues. “All the fundamental performance anglers expect and want out of a St. Croix rod is engineered into this series, which also offers standout durability. And with a starting retail price below $200, we expect MUSKY X to have universal appeal… from casual musky hunters looking for one or two rods to cover their needs; to guides who appreciate performance, durability, and value and need a multitude of rods for any presentation that plays on a given day on the water; to full-on musky nuts who want to add specific lengths, powers, and actions to their rod lockers. MUSKY X sets a new standard in performance and value – with zero compromises – from a company that stands behind its premium products ad protects its anglers with the best service and warranty in the business.”

St. Croix MUSKY X Features

• 18 casting models (9 full-grip & 9 split grip) optimized for every high-performance musky presentation
• Premium SCII carbon fiber blanks with FRS (Fortified Resin System) for increased flexural strength with reduced weight
• Lightweight black stainless-steel guides with aluminum-oxide rings
• Split-grip models feature progressive, premium EVA handles for exceptional angler comfort and control with supreme durability
• Full-grip models feature hybrid premium EVA and premium-grade cork rear handles with extended EVA foregrips for exceptional angler comfort and control with supreme durability
• Nylon palming-style reel seat with black stainless-steel hood and stainless-steel and nylon locking nut
• 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
• Designed in Park Falls, Wisconsin, U.S.A. and handcrafted in North America (Fresnillo, Mexico) for musky anglers worldwide
• Retail price $195-$310

St. Croix MUSKY X Models

• MXFG76HF – 7’6”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $200
• MXSG76HF – 7’6”, heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $195
• MXSG80MHF – 8’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $205
• MXFG80HF – 8’0”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $210
• MXSG80HF – 8’0”, heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $210
• MXSG83HMF – 8’3”, heavy power, moderate-fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $225
• MXSG86MHF – 86”, medium-heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $215
• MXFG86HF – 8’6”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $235
• MXSG86HF – 8’6”, heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $220
• MXFG86HFT – 8’6”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting, telescopic / Retail $295
• MXFG86XHF – 8’6”, extra-heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $235
• MXSG90MHF– 9’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting / Retail $220
• MXSG90MHFT– 9’0”, medium-heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting, telescopic / Retail $300
• MXFG90HF – 9’0”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $220
• MXFG90HFT – 9’0”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting, telescopic / Retail $305
• MXFG90XHF – 9’0”, extra-heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting / Retail $245
• MXSG96MHFT – 9’6”, medium-heavy power, fast action, split-grip casting, telescopic / Retail $305
• MXFG96HFT – 9’6”, heavy power, fast action, full-grip casting, telescopic / Retail $310

All-new MUSKY X rods will be introduced at ICAST 2025 and will be available to St. Croix Dealers and anglers on or about November 1.

About St. Croix Rod
Headquartered in Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix has been proudly crafting the “Best Rods on Earth” for over 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with skilled craftsmanship, St. Croix is the only major producer to still build rods entirely from design through manufacturing. The company remains family-owned, owning and operating duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With popular trademarked series such as Legend®, Avid®, Premier®, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is revered by all types of anglers from around the world. The St. Croix Family of Brands includes St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, St. Croix Fly, and Rod Geeks.