Legends Of The Fall

Five new Legend Elite Panfish rods direct premium technology to the pursuit of panfish

"The all-new St. Croix Legend Elite Panfish Series features five spinning rods – each designed for extreme sensitivity to detect the subtlest of strikes – combining the lengths and actions needed to deliver lighter baits and lures with the strength and durability required to manage autumn's trophy-sized specimens."

Park Falls, WI - Panfish species unite anglers throughout the country and beyond through the passionate pursuit of some of the most popular fish that swim. Renowned for the sport they provide on light tackle and prized for their delicacy on the table, crappies, perch, and sunfish serve as the entry point for those exploring fishing for the first time, while also remaining dedicated targets for panfish purists who never abandon the search.

Techniques for targeting panfish have come a long way since the days of the red-and-white bobber suspending a chunk of worm. Indeed, contemporary panfish hunters now employ dynamic, mobile presentations – applying insights learned from tournament circuits and from the bass and walleye crowd – to target the oversized specimens that other anglers overlook. At the heart of many of these techniques are highly specialized rods designed for extreme sensitivity to detect even the subtlest of strikes. Lengths and actions are varied, as required to present compact baits and lures, while delivering the power necessary to subdue the largest individuals in the school – and even the bigger predator fish who are hunting them as well.

Just in time for the fat fish of fall, the artisan rod crafters at St. Croix remind panfish hunters of their new Legend Elite Panfish Series – five new spinning rods that master panfish-specific presentations using St. Croix's entire library of proprietary technologies. Each model is designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin to help crappie, bluegill and perch hunters catch more fish and have more fun, every time they hit the water.

Legend Elite Panfish includes two ultra-light power, fast action rods that are perfect for approaching shallow, spooky fish with slip bobbers: the 5'6" LEP56ULF and a longer 6' LEP60ULF.

Two light power, extra-fast action Legend Elite Panfish rods are outstanding choices when casting, drifting or trolling light jigs dressed with soft plastics: the 6'4" LEP64LXF, and the longer 7' LEP70LXF. The sensitivity and extra fast tip of these rods render them uniquely capable of detecting the lightest of bites.

Casting and trolling very small crankbaits for trophy-caliber crappies has skyrocketed in popularity, as more anglers have witnessed the power and efficiency of this mobile presentation. The Legend Elite Panfish Series includes a 6'9" light power, fast action model – the LEP69LF – that suits this technique perfectly, as its length and fast action tip help to prevent small crankbait hooks from pulling free from paper-thin crappie mouths.

LEGEND ELITE PANFISH MODELS

5'6" Ultra-Light Power, Fast Action (LEP56ULF)
6' Ultra-Light Power, Fast Action (LEP60ULF)
6'4" Light Power, Extra-Fast Action (LEP64LXF)
6'9"" Light Power, Fast Action (LEP69LF)
7'" Light Power, Extra-Fast Action (LEP70LXF)

Extreme panfish fan and St. Croix Rod pro, Brian "Bro" Brosdahl, is enthralled by his early experiences with Legend Elite Panfish rods. "Some of my favorite trips every year are the ones I can dedicate to chasing bull gills, slab crappies and jumbo perch," he says. "These fish are the oldest, smartest, and most wary fish in their lakes, and are under the most pressure from anglers. To catch them consistently, I need rods that are not only extremely light and sensitive to cast tiny baits and detect super-subtle bites, but also strong and durable enough to manage the big pike and bass that always seem to be cruising near the biggest panfish in the lake. And that's exactly what I get from the Legend Elite Panfish Series: the Best Rods on Earth® for catching BIG panfish!"

And while Bro's enthusiasm is compelling, anglers owe it to themselves to experience the panfish powers of these magic wands – each uniquely designed and engineered to exceed the expectations of the most demanding panfish anglers. MSRPs range from $360-$380. Key features include:

LEGEND ELITE PANFISH FEATURES

Integrated Poly Curve® (IPC®) mandrel technology
Advanced Reinforcing Technology™ (ART™)
Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) blank design provides curved patterns for improved action with increased sensitivity
Super high-modulus SCVI graphite with FRS in lower section for maxlmum power and strength with reduced weight
High-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite with FRS and carbon-matte scrim for unparalleled strength, durability and sensitivity
Fuji® Arowana Top™ features a titanium frame and flanged Torzite® ring for maximum line protection
Modified guide train featuring Fuji® AT series guides with Torzite® rings and titanium frames provide the ultimate guide training for UL-L power spinning rods
Fuji® SK2™ split reel seat for the ultimate in lightweight performance and sensitivity
Anodized, machined-aluminum wind check and trim pieces
Split-grip/super-grade cork handle
Kigan titanium hook-keeper
Two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish
15-year transferable warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A.