This summer’s International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) was rife with innovations in rod technology and design. St. Croix, the largest manufacturer of fishing rods in North America, was in the forefront with their reintroduced lineup of completely revised hyper-performance Legend Inshore rods. This high quality series of rods is built on high modulus, high strain SC graphite blanks with St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS), making them a third stronger than original models. FRS employs a special fortified resin system with state-of-the-art curing systems that produce blanks which are 33 percent stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods. The system also prevents blanks from buckling by keeping carbon fibers in proper alignment.
All of the rods in the series feature Kigan Master Hand Zero tangle guides with zirconia rings and titanium frames designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. The unique design of these guides helps prevent tangles with all types of lines, including braid. Light weight, sensitive Fuji SK2 split reel seats add to the rods’ sensitivity, and spinning models feature extra high grade cork handles. Casting rods are fitted with the same high grade cork in a split grip design. All rods are finished with two coats of Flex Coat slow cure finish to give added protection to guide wraps.
Inshore anglers will find many applications for the nine rods in the series which includes five spinning models and four casting models ranging from six feet, six inches to seven feet, six inches. All spinning models are fast action while the casting rods feature a moderate action.
In the spinning lineup, model #LIS70MF is an ideal rod for bucktailing fluke, school stripers and weakfish. It is rated for eight- to 17-pound-test and payloads of 3/8 to ¾ ounces. For tossing plugs to stripers and blues in back bay areas, where you may have to up your payload to an ounce or more, and the odds of tangling with bigger bass and blues is a distinct possibility, you might want to check out the next model up in the line. The LIS70MHF is rated for ten- to 20-pound lines and lures up to 1-1/4 ounces. If you are looking to go in the opposite direction, a third seven-footer is rated for six- to 12-pound-test and lures from 1/8 to ½ of an ounce.
Two 7-1/2-footers round out the spinning options. One is rated for six- to 12-pound-test and lures from 1/8 to ½ of an ounce, while the other is rated for eight- to 17-pound-test and 3/8 to ¾ ounce lures.
On the baitcasting side, three 6-1/2-foot models and one seven-footer cover a range of lines from six- to 14-pound-test, and lures from 1/32 to 3/8 of an ounce. Those who prefer casting rods for their light tackle bucktailing might want to lean towards model #LGCC66MLM which is rated for 1/8- to 3/8-ounce payloads but can easily handle jigs up to ¾ of an ounce or more. It is designed for lines from eight- to 14-pound-test.
Spinning models range in price from $320 to $340, while casting rods start at $270 and top out at $280.
