The St. Croix Legend Tournament Bass Power Finesse spinning rod, model LBS73MXF, is a true specialty tool built for anglers who need a little more power in their finesse arsenal. Rated at 7’3” in length with a medium power and extra fast tip, this rod punches well above its weight class — offering finesse control with surprising backbone for heavier baits and bigger bass.

After testing this rod extensively on Arizona’s canyon lakes and deep vertical walls, I’m convinced this is one of the most versatile, technique-specific spinning rods in the entire Legend Tournament lineup. Let me explain why.

Medium Power… or Medium-Plus?

On paper, the LBS73MXF is rated for 3/16–1/2 oz lures and 6–20 lb line, but in practice, it handles baits well over 3/4 ozwith no signs of being overpowered. I’ve routinely used it to fish large 8-inch worms, jigs with full trailers, and even free rigs approaching a full ounce in weight — and the rod responds beautifully.

This is why I call it a “medium-plus” rod. While it fits in the medium power category, the actual performance feels just a touch stronger — making it ideal for heavier finesse presentations, particularly in summer when targeting big fish in vertical structure.

Perfect for Vertical Presentations

If you fish deep canyon lakes like I do, you’ll love what this rod can do when casting to sheer rock walls. With a spinning setup, I can precisely pitch a heavy worm or jig right up against the face of the rock — not six inches away, but exactly to the edge — and let it drop vertically through crevices, ledges, and ambush points.

This level of precision and control is hard to match with a baitcaster, especially when you’re fishing finesse-style with slack line, open bail drops, or needing to feed more line for a vertical fall. The extra fast tip also gives me immediate feedback when that bait hits something it shouldn’t — or when it stops just a little too soon (often the sign of a bite).

Free Rigs, Jigs, and Big Worms — No Problem

This rod excels when fishing heavier free rigs — that’s where the extra fast tip and deeper backbone really shine. You can feel the bait separate from the weight on the drop, and once it hits bottom, every subtle drag and tick is transmitted clearly.

With bigger baits and heavier weights (like a 3/8 oz head plus a full-size worm, totaling close to an ounce), the LBS73MXF still loads comfortably. And it doesn’t fold under pressure when setting the hook or fighting big bass — even on light fluorocarbon leaders.

Real-World Action and Load Testing

I always like to show how a rod bends under load, and the LBS73MXF displays a true extra fast action. Under light pressure, it bends mostly in the upper third — exactly where it should for feel and quick responsiveness. But as you apply more force — like on a sweep hookset or a big fish run — the backbone kicks in quickly and transfers load down the blank without folding over.

I’ve fought solid fish on this rod using 8 lb test, and I’m confident in its balance between control and forgiveness. The hook penetration and fish control this rod offers is exactly what you want when using finesse baits to target big bass.

Rod Specifications – LBS73MXF

• Model: LBS73MXF (Power Finesse)

• Length: 7’3”

• Power: Medium (feels like Medium+)

• Action: Extra Fast

• Line Rating: 6–20 lb

• Lure Rating: 3/16–1/2 oz (handles up to 1 oz comfortably)

• Weight: 4.09 oz

• Guides: 9 Fuji K-Series with Alconite rings

• Reel Seat: Fuji VSS with anodized aluminum lock ring

• Handle: Split grip with ergonomic foregrip

• Price: ~$300

• Made in: Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA 🇺🇸

Construction & Materials

This rod is built with St. Croix’s SCIV+ hybrid carbon, combining SCIV high-modulus fiber with SCVI super high-modulus fiber. The result is a blank that is lighter, more sensitive, and incredibly well-balanced. Supporting technologies include:

• IPC® – Integrated Poly Curve: Eliminates transitional points in the blank for smoother action and greater strength.

• ART™ – Advanced Reinforcing Technology: Enhances hoop strength without adding weight.

• FRS – Fortified Resin System: Improves durability by keeping fibers perfectly aligned.

• TET – Taper Enhancement Technology: Refines the rod’s action and feel.

• iACT – Linear S-Glass with SCIV+: Adds casting accuracy and control in specific models.

These technologies result in a rod that casts better, weighs less, responds faster, and handles pressure like a much heavier blank — all while remaining finesse-friendly.

My Preferred Setup

I pair this rod with a 7.4:1 Abu Garcia Revo Rocket spinning reel, spooled with 15 lb braid to 12 lb fluoro leader. The high-speed retrieve is perfect for vertical cliff fishing, where big fish swim straight toward deep water — and you need to catch up fast.

If you’re a foregrip-style angler, this rod’s handle ergonomics are excellent. The balance point sits just ahead of the reel, reducing fatigue when fishing long stretches of vertical structure or dragging bottom all day.

Looking for a More Affordable Version?

If the ~$300 price tag is a bit steep, you’ll be happy to know St. Croix offers the same 7’3” medium extra fast action in more affordable lines:

• Victory Series: ~ $200

• Bass X Series (now BASSX): ~ $160

While you’ll sacrifice some of the advanced materials and sensitivity, the core action and power are still very similar — and just as effective for this style of fishing.

Final Thoughts

The St. Croix LBS73MXF Power Finesse is not your average spinning rod — it’s a specialized weapon for anglers who want to finesse with power. If you like to throw heavy worms, deep jigs, or big free rigs — and you want spinning rod control with casting rod strength — this rod belongs in your lineup.

It’s perfect for vertical structure, deep water, and pressure bites, where the extra fast tip gives you the edge to detect, connect, and control fish with confidence.

Highly recommended for serious finesse anglers who push their spinning rods to the limit.