St Croix Rod Review: Legend Tournament Bass Power Finesse 7'3" Heavy X-Fast Pitch'n Perfect!
In this in-depth rod review, Joe Michels from Fish Point takes a close look at the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Power Finesse casting rod, model LBTC73HXF. This 7’3”, heavy power, extra-fast action rod is marketed as a “Power Finesse” tool—but what does that really mean on the water? Joe gives you an honest, hands-on evaluation of the rod’s strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases in real Arizona fishing conditions.
This is the first rod review in Joe’s mission to evaluate the entire St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass rod lineup, and he pulls no punches. From its casting performance and accuracy with weighted Senkos, to its sensitivity in structure fishing and power during hooksets, this review delivers practical insight you can use—especially if you’re shopping for a high-performance rod that blends finesse with backbone.
What You’ll Learn in This Review:
Full Specifications of the LBTC73HXF:
Length: 7’3”
Power: Heavy
Action: Extra Fast
Reel Seat: Fuji SK2 with anodized aluminum locking ring
Guides: Fuji K-Series Alconite (9 total)
Line Rating: 14–65 lb braid
Lure Weight: 3/8–7/8 oz
Retail Price: $320
Rod Technology Breakdown:
SC4+ hybrid carbon fiber blank (SC4 + SC6 for strength and sensitivity)
IPC (Integrated Polycurve) mandrel design for smoother tapers
ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) for durability
FRS (Fortified Resin System) for long-term strength
Backed by a 15-year transferable warranty
Casting Accuracy Demonstration:
See how this rod performs during roll casts and pitch shots with fluorocarbon and weighted Senkos. Joe shares backyard accuracy tests and poolside demonstrations with target casting up to 40 feet.
Real-World Power Test:
Watch how the rod loads under tension and hear Joe describe how it handled a 6.5-pound bass in flooded brush at Roosevelt Lake. Learn why this rod might be better labeled a “light pitching rod” than a finesse stick.
Technique Coverage:
Pitching soft plastics in shallow brush
Texas rig fishing in submerged cover
Structure fishing with heavy jigs
Secondary use for casting in light current or as a backup flipping rod
Strengths and Limitations:
Joe evaluates how the extra-fast tip improves bite detection and hooksetting power, but also explains how the rod’s stiffness can reduce casting finesse with very light lures.
DMRVP Review Method:
Learn how Joe uses his DMRVP framework (Description, Meaning, Relevance, Value, Purpose) to provide deep, meaningful reviews based on actual use—not just specs. This review method helps viewers understand how a rod truly performs and whether it fits their fishing needs.
Who Is This Rod For?
This rod is ideal for serious bass anglers who fish flooded brush, pitch into cover, or need a sensitive, powerful rod for techniques that demand control, feel, and hook-setting strength. Whether you’re targeting fish in shallow grass, brush lines, or fishing offshore structure with a Texas rig or heavier jig, the LBTC73HXF delivers performance in demanding conditions.
If you’re fishing lakes like Roosevelt, Havasu, Apache, or any structure-rich fishery where precision and power matter, this rod could become a go-to in your lineup.
Why This Review Matters:
Unlike generic factory overviews or quick rod unboxings, this video offers a real-world field test. Joe Michels, a longtime Arizona tournament angler and former Angler of the Year, shares personal experience using the rod across a range of conditions. This is an honest review backed by fish catches, technique analysis, and practical insight.
Additional Resources:
Visit the full written review and more in-depth analysis at:
Subscribe to the Fish Point YouTube channel for more detailed reviews of:
St. Croix Legend Tournament spinning and casting rods
Technique-specific rod applications
Tournament fishing breakdowns and gear insights
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