Article by Larry Jock
At the 2007 ICAST show in Las Vegas, where all the fishing tackle manufacturers present their products, an unknown company called “e21” unveiled their new Carrot Stix fishing rods and ended up winning Best In Show honors for both their freshwater and saltwater models.
The company had been producing golf clubs, and the Carrot Stix rods were their first entry into the fishing tackle world. Well, being a tackle junkie, I was intrigued enough to purchase one of the rods at Rattle & Reel Sporting Center.
The first time I used it was back in January, when I spent three days in the ocean jigging for stripers and ended up with over 100 releases, all while using the Carrot Stix and a diamond jig. Man, was it fun! The stripers were on the small side, but that was alright since I was using their 7’ 3” CLTX-731MH rod that is only rated for 6-18 lb. test line with medium-heavy power and fast action.
The first thing I noticed about the rod was how light and well balanced it was. Generally speaking, Carrot Stix rods are around 25% lighter than comparable rods. The rod I used weighed a paltry 4 oz., which is really nice when you have been jigging for three straight days. The rod was also very sensitive, and I can see that coming in handy when I use the rod while fishing for flounder.
Although I have had anglers tell me that they broke a few of the Carrot Stix rods when striper fishing, I do wonder if it was because their rod didn’t match the line they were using, and they had their reel locked tight. I checked a few online customer reviews, and didn’t find this was a problem that anglers were having. I know that I had some strong fighters on the line, and the rod was really doubled over, but I never felt it was in jeopardy. The rod felt durable and well made.
According to the company, “Carrot Stix™ technology incorporates the first nano-Bio-fiber technology (from actual Carrots) with the lightest and strongest metal (Scandium). Nano-Bio-fibers are extracted from carrots. These strong, flexible fibers are added to our bonding matrix to create a super strong bio-polymer, which is used in the creation of our ultra high modulus graphite blanks. This results in an incredibly light yet strong and responsive blank that lends itself to diverse applications and techniques.”
“Another piece of cutting edge technology used in the creation of the “Carrot Stix” is Element 21’s stress-free design analysis program. This program allows us to create a blank that is evenly stressed from tip to butt by identifying areas that are over-stressed and allowing these to be re-designed before our mandrels are ever made.”
In addition to a full compliment of inshore casting and spinning rods, the company has expanded their offerings with their heavier Salty Inshore Signature Series, Bluewater Spinning Rods and Bluewater Trolling Rods that come with roller guides and can accommodate line weight up to 100 lbs.
The rods aren’t cheap. The Original Carrot Stix’s retail for around $150 and the new trolling rods sell for $249. Check with your local tackle shop to order.
I really like the one Carrot Stix I currently own, and I’m looking forward to adding another one to my collection.
Isn’t Father’s Day right around the corner?
