Welding sucker rod

Cat cur, the little bit I have done so far has been mostly sucker rod to sucker rod, and does not seem to be making penetration on either. The little bit that I have done on pipe to sucker, It seems to be sticking to the pipe pretty good, but pretty much just blowing off of the sucker. Like said, I use a mig everyday on HSS in a body shop, and not to brag but I feel I am the best welder in the shop. I have also built several race car chassis MIG welding mild steel tubing, or TIG'gin chrome moly tubing. Thats kind of why this project is frustrating me so much. I know I have limited experience in stick welding, but I know I understand the basics of welding. I feel its just a matter of matching my material with the proper welding rod and I would be good.