Welcome to another in-depth rod review from FishPoint with Joe Michels. In this video, I break down the St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass casting rod, model LBTC71MHF, also known as the “All In” rod. This is a 7’1” medium heavy, fast action rod designed to be one of the most versatile rods in the Legend Tournament lineup.

If you’re an angler who wants a rod that can cover a variety of techniques—spinnerbaits, jigworms, Texas rigs, and even heavy cover precision casting—this rod deserves your attention.

Rod Overview and Key Specifications

• Model Number: LBTC71MHF

• Technique: All In / Versatile

• Length: 7 feet 1 inch

• Power: Medium Heavy

• Action: Fast

• Rod Weight: 4.23 oz

• Line Rating: 12–20 lb

• Lure Rating: 3/8 – 3/4 oz

• Price: $300

• Grip Style: Split grip

• Reel Seat: Fuji SK2

• Lock Nut: Machine-cut anodized aluminum

• Guides: 9 Fuji K-Series tangle-free guides with Alconite rings

Rod Technologies Used in the LBTC71MHF

The Legend Tournament Bass series utilizes cutting-edge design and manufacturing technologies:

• SC4+ Hybrid Carbon Fiber – Combines SC4 and SC6 high-modulus carbon fibers for improved sensitivity, balance, and reduced weight.

• IPC (Integrated Polycurve) – Polynomial taper design eliminates transitional weak spots, delivering stronger and smoother rod actions.

• ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) – Carbon fiber wraps in key areas improve hoop strength by up to 10% without increasing blank diameter.

• FRS (Fortified Resin System) – Controlled curing process increases strength and durability while maintaining low weight.

• 15-Year Transferable Warranty – Backed by St. Croix’s industry-leading support for long-term rod ownership.

Casting, Fish Handling, and On-the-Water Experience

I’ve tested the LBTC71MHF in a range of real-world conditions—from flooded brush to bluff walls—and I’ve found it to be highly effective for:

• Slow-rolling spinnerbaits with a 5.2:1 reel for controlled, deliberate presentations

• Jigworms and Texas rigs using lighter soft plastics

• Precision casting into tight cover, shallow pockets, and bluff edges

• Accurate short-range roll casts and open-water launches

The 7’1” length offers excellent casting control, especially when paired with a well-balanced reel. For spinnerbaits, I typically run a 5.2:1 gear ratio to slow-roll around brush or along cover. When needed, I swap reels to higher speeds for finesse plastics or bottom-contact baits.

This rod doesn’t just cover water—it manages fish well, with a forgiving action and enough power to turn a hooked bass away from cover without pulling hooks or overpowering lighter baits.

Real-World Load Test and Action Demo

In this review, I take the rod into my courtyard and put it under a load to demonstrate its action. You’ll see how the fast action loads into the top third of the blank, offering enough flex for casting and fish fighting, while still maintaining the crisp power needed for hooksets.

For heavier lures like 3/4 oz spinnerbaits, the rod performs beautifully with accurate placement and solid control. It also works well for half-ounce spinnerbaits, which are ideal for pinpoint casting in close quarters.

Purpose and Practical Use Cases

The St. Croix LBTC71MHF is designed as an all-purpose casting rod, but that doesn’t mean it lacks precision. If you’re looking to own fewer rods with broader capabilities, this model checks all the boxes for:

• Spinnerbait fishing

• Texas rig soft plastics

• Jigworm techniques

• Heavier paddle tail swimbaits

• Close-quarter target casting in flooded brush or shallow water

In short, this rod is built to do a little of everything well, making it a smart addition to your arsenal if you’re building out a core set of technique-specific rods—or simplifying with a few high-performance all-arounders.

Meaning, Relevance, and Value

Using my DMRVP evaluation—Description, Meaning, Relevance, Value, Purpose—this rod lands strongly in the value zone:

• Meaning: For me, rod weight and fatigue matter. This rod is light enough to fish all day, even when making repeated casts to cover.

• Relevance: Here in Arizona, flooded brush and rocky bluff banks are common. The LBTC71MHF handles both with ease, especially when fishing spinnerbaits or plastics in tight windows.

• Value: At $300, this rod sits in the mid-premium range but delivers premium-level performance, comfort, and versatility.

• Purpose: Designed by St. Croix as a multipurpose rod—it delivers. Whether you’re flipping a worm or running a blade, this rod adapts.

I personally rate this rod 4.5 stars. It loses a half star only because I reserve 5-star ratings for hyper-specialized rods that nail a single technique with surgical precision. But if you’re looking for one rod to do multiple jobs, this may be your 5-star tool.

Warranty and Build Quality

As with all Legend Tournament rods, this model is:

• Made in the USA (Park Falls, Wisconsin)

• Covered by a 15-year transferable warranty

• Built to last and backed by an easy-to-use replacement program

Simply submit a photo of the break, model, and serial number on the St. Croix website, pay a $60 shipping fee, and a replacement is on its way.

Final Thoughts – Is the LBTC71MHF Right for You?

If you’re looking for:

• A versatile rod that handles multiple techniques

• High-quality components and American-made craftsmanship

• A rod light enough for all-day use

• A tool that performs equally well for spinnerbaits, jigs, Texas rigs, and plastics

• Casting accuracy and backbone for handling fish near cover

Then the Legend Tournament All In rod is a strong contender. It’s a perfect choice for the angler who wants versatility without sacrificing quality, performance, or comfort.

Watch the Full Review for:

• Specs and technology breakdown

• Live casting and pressure testing

• Real-world spinnerbait applications

• Comparison of use cases and rating philosophy

Please subscribe to the channel for more St. Croix rod reviews, gear breakdowns, and tournament fishing tips. Hit the like button if this helped you and drop a comment with your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear your experiences with this rod or others in the Legend Tournament line.

Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you on the water.