St Croix legend x 7 foot mh fast

[Pogues2300]

Wondering what people think of this rod and where it excels. 

[newapti5]

I have that exact model, so what you'd like to know? Its power is quite true to the rating IMO, handles 3/8oz and up jigs quite well - accurate and far, but not so much with 1/4oz and below. Action wise, it's a standard fast action as well. Sensitivity wise, I'd say it's on bar with my GLX MBR. I heard it's balanced better than Legend Elites, but still a tad tip heavy to me. 

 

I mostly use it for jigs and worms, but I think it'll also be an excellent choice for spinnerbaits of sorts. 

[Pogues2300]

 well punchfishing does a video review of a legend x which seems like what I want but he's calling it a7'1" fast. When I look up models I'm seeing extra fast at that length and fast at 7 foot. I like the softer tip in the model he's showing and just want to pick the correct one if I go that route. Thanks for the response. 

[Deephaven]

I haven't used the X, but have the same SC5 blank kicked out to 7'10" and it might be my favorite rod.  I primarily use it for fishing jigs and spinner baits, but it is a killer all around rod.  

[LeoSolo]

On 5/2/2021 at 7:04 PM, newapti5 said:

I have that exact model, so what you'd like to know? Its power is quite true to the rating IMO, handles 3/8oz and up jigs quite well - accurate and far, but not so much with 1/4oz and below. Action wise, it's a standard fast action as well. Sensitivity wise, I'd say it's on bar with my GLX MBR. I heard it's balanced better than Legend Elites, but still a tad tip heavy to me. 

 

I mostly use it for jigs and worms, but I think it'll also be an excellent choice for spinnerbaits of sorts. 

Hi! I have this in the older model...I am having a hard time putting it to use because 3/8 feels like it is too heavy for finesse texas rigging. I was considering using it for my 1/2 oz spinnerbaits...What line do you through it with? I have a Curado K with 10lb test line...I tend to fish more finesse and am new to casting...

[TNBankFishing]

16 hours ago, LeoSolo said:

Hi! I have this in the older model...I am having a hard time putting it to use because 3/8 feels like it is too heavy for finesse texas rigging. I was considering using it for my 1/2 oz spinnerbaits...What line do you through it with? I have a Curado K with 10lb test line...I tend to fish more finesse and am new to casting...

I own the same rod, and 3/8ths isn’t too much for a T rig depending on water depth and cover. I love the softer tip section for pitching and roll casts. Depending on the trailer you can drop to a 1/4, but I usually step down the the 7’M for that weight. 
 

I usually roll with 15lb flouro or 50lb braid to leader. If you want to try braid to leader make sure you connection knot game is up to snuff. The Legend has small guides. 
 

A 1/2oz spinner bait is totally within the sticks wheelhouse. I use mine as a literal do it all. Buzz baits, jigs, t-rigs, big topwaters, 5 inch paddle tails, and the list goes on.
 

 

When I’m setting up for a tournament my Legends 7’M, 7’MH, 7’4H are my Swiss Army knives. 

[newapti5]

On 2/10/2022 at 12:37 AM, LeoSolo said:

Hi! I have this in the older model...I am having a hard time putting it to use because 3/8 feels like it is too heavy for finesse texas rigging. I was considering using it for my 1/2 oz spinnerbaits...What line do you through it with? I have a Curado K with 10lb test line...I tend to fish more finesse and am new to casting...

 

Yes, I wouldn't use this rod for anything under 3/8oz total weight. I personally use it for finesse jigs, which has a total weight ~1/2oz. Curado K is fine, but I would use minimum 12lb test line for this rod. 

[LeoSolo]

On 2/10/2022 at 1:56 PM, TNBankFishing said:

I own the same rod, and 3/8ths isn’t too much for a T rig depending on water depth and cover. I love the softer tip section for pitching and roll casts. Depending on the trailer you can drop to a 1/4, but I usually step down the the 7’M for that weight. 
 

I usually roll with 15lb flouro or 50lb braid to leader. If you want to try braid to leader make sure you connection knot game is up to snuff. The Legend has small guides. 
 

A 1/2oz spinner bait is totally within the sticks wheelhouse. I use mine as a literal do it all. Buzz baits, jigs, t-rigs, big topwaters, 5 inch paddle tails, and the list goes on.
 

 

When I’m setting up for a tournament my Legends 7’M, 7’MH, 7’4H are my Swiss Army knives. 

Hey man, thanks for the awesome advice! 

 

So to clarify, my fishing conditions are clear, rocky bottomed or eel-grass covered, saltwater bays, jetties, and banks in SoCal. I am fish finesse since our fish are pressured/finicky. Max depth is 20 feet (ballpark) but most often somewhere from 5 - 15ft. All saltwater bass here are at the bottom of the water column.

 

I'd like my own Swiss Army knife setup like yours, to cover all my baitcasting techniques.

I have two older version Legend Xtremes: 7'MHF and 6'8 MF...But, only have one baitcasting reel: 7.4:1 Shimano Curado K. The 7'MHF is rated for 12-20lb line (3/8-1oz) and the 6'8 is 10-17, (1/4-5/8oz). 

 

What should my technique split look like? 10lb or 12lb line? I currently have 10lb spooled.

 

7'MHF: spinners...chatters...heavier t-rig...

6'8 MF: light T-rig..

1 hour ago, newapti5 said:

 

Yes, I wouldn't use this rod for anything under 3/8oz total weight. I personally use it for finesse jigs, which has a total weight ~1/2oz. Curado K is fine, but I would use minimum 12lb test line for this rod. 

Just curious, what will happen if the line rating is slightly lower? More prone to break?

Also my Curado is birdsnesting like crazy...Is this common with this reel?

[newapti5]

5 hours ago, LeoSolo said:

Just curious, what will happen if the line rating is slightly lower? More prone to break?

Also my Curado is birdsnesting like crazy...Is this common with this reel?

 

That specific model of rod is quite stiff, a weaker line might break if you hookset too hard and the drag is locked down. Also, given the weight of the lures I used with this rod, 12+ lb line would be much safer IMO. You could still use 10lb line of course, but the lures you fish with 10lb line might not be within the weight sweet spot of that rod.  

 

About backlash with Curado K, there're so many reasons to cause backlash. If you're new to baitcasting reels, I would suggest the safest route: hold your rod horizontally; tighten the spool tension knob until the lure barely falling down; release all four brakes shoes inside and put the outside dials at 3 at least.  Once you get familiar with it and start using your thumb, gradually lower the brakes and spool tension.

 

Braided line also helps, less prone to backlash. If you're fishing finesse lures mostly, Curado K might not be the best choice. This might be another cause for the backlash.  It has a large capacity 200 size heavy spool, designed for heavy lures. Curado 150 or 70 would be better suited for finesse stuff. 

[LeoSolo]

1 hour ago, newapti5 said:

 

That specific model of rod is quite stiff, a weaker line might break if you hookset too hard and the drag is locked down. Also, given the weight of the lures I used with this rod, 12+ lb line would be much safer IMO. You could still use 10lb line of course, but the lures you fish with 10lb line might not be within the weight sweet spot of that rod.  

 

About backlash with Curado K, there're so many reasons to cause backlash. If you're new to baitcasting reels, I would suggest the safest route: hold your rod horizontally; tighten the spool tension knob until the lure barely falling down; release all four brakes shoes inside and put the outside dials at 3 at least.  Once you get familiar with it and start using your thumb, gradually lower the brakes and spool tension.

 

Braided line also helps, less prone to backlash. If you're fishing finesse lures mostly, Curado K might not be the best choice. This might be another cause for the backlash.  It has a large capacity 200 size heavy spool, designed for heavy lures. Curado 150 or 70 would be better suited for finesse stuff. 

Noted, I'll switch to 12lb line, assuming I still use the Curado 200.

 

Those are great tips! I will use them when I try to learn how to use the baitcaster...

 

I think I will stick with fluoro just because it simplifies things (other than backlashes)...braid to fluoro leader is annoying, I have it on three other spinning setups, I need some variation. I wish I could switch it out but I might be stuck with it. Been trying to resell this Curado for a while but only cheapskates seem to be interested. Do you think its really problematic and I should look into switching out the reel? I do think I will be floating on 1/2 and maxing out at 3/4 oz with some heavier spinnerbaits...This would be the reel I use for both the MHF 7' and MF 6'8

[inferiorfisherman]

I have owned this rod for about 1/2 season.  It is a very nice all around rod.  Here are my thoughts

• light overall but tip heavy
• great action for pitching 5/16-3/8th oz jigs and pitching in general
• I don't find it to be a good long caster or particularly accurate at longer distances
• the foregrip is terrible.  exposed threads and a dumb cork fixed foregrip thing.  
• I don't use it much because I don't pitch jigs very often and I have other rods that are better for other techniques

I wouldn't buy it again if I didn't own it, it is not a bad rod at all.  It just isn't the best for me and the way I like to fish.  I love the steez ags power pitch so much that everytime i want find myself fishing a technique the Legend x is good at I instead reach for the steez.  

[newapti5]

8 hours ago, LeoSolo said:

Noted, I'll switch to 12lb line, assuming I still use the Curado 200.

 

Those are great tips! I will use them when I try to learn how to use the baitcaster...

 

I think I will stick with fluoro just because it simplifies things (other than backlashes)...braid to fluoro leader is annoying, I have it on three other spinning setups, I need some variation. I wish I could switch it out but I might be stuck with it. Been trying to resell this Curado for a while but only cheapskates seem to be interested. Do you think its really problematic and I should look into switching out the reel? I do think I will be floating on 1/2 and maxing out at 3/4 oz with some heavier spinnerbaits...This would be the reel I use for both the MHF 7' and MF 6'8

 

How much impediment the 200 size spool will be, depends on how light the lures you'll be fishing. IMO 1/2 ~3/4 oz is totally fine, but anything under 1/4oz total weight will be a little tough to cast on that spool, especially for new baitcaster users. 

 

If you don't plan on getting a new reel, you can do what I did: Get a Scorpion 150 MGL spool from hedgehog website here, https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/4540 . It's interchangeable with Curado K spool, and better suited for lighter lures. Also, it's cheaper than getting a new reel. 

 

[LeoSolo]

5 hours ago, newapti5 said:

 

How much impediment the 200 size spool will be, depends on how light the lures you'll be fishing. IMO 1/2 ~3/4 oz is totally fine, but anything under 1/4oz total weight will be a little tough to cast on that spool, especially for new baitcaster users. 

 

If you don't plan on getting a new reel, you can do what I did: Get a Scorpion 150 MGL spool from hedgehog website here, https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/4540 . It's interchangeable with Curado K spool, and better suited for lighter lures. Also, it's cheaper than getting a new reel. 

 

I see! I think there may also be the issue that I put the line on myself and may not have tightened the line as optimally as a machine would have...I suspect that may have some part to play.

 

And wow! Now that's a great pro tip. But shucks, $70 just for the spool  at that price its better to just get another reel...I'll have to figure this out or just keep practicing. Thanks for the advice man! 

[Derek1]

It also might be the type of flouro your using. I don’t use it so I have no real experience with it, but I have read enough posts on here to gather that much anyway. Get some kvd line conditioners. That should help a bit and make sure you don’t have to much line on it. That also makes things a little more difficult. If you’re brand new to casting reels I would put 3 brakes on inside and put the outside dial somewhere in the middle. Tie on a 3/8’s weight and just go outside and practice. A couple of half hour sessions and you’ll be plenty good enough to have fun fishing. Also if the spool has fluffed up on you a few times already it might be a good idea to go somewhere and tie off the line to something and walk out a bunch of line and reel it back up tight. 

[LeoSolo]

On 2/12/2022 at 6:39 PM, Derek1 said:

It also might be the type of flouro your using. I don’t use it so I have no real experience with it, but I have read enough posts on here to gather that much anyway. Get some kvd line conditioners. That should help a bit and make sure you don’t have to much line on it. That also makes things a little more difficult. If you’re brand new to casting reels I would put 3 brakes on inside and put the outside dial somewhere in the middle. Tie on a 3/8’s weight and just go outside and practice. A couple of half hour sessions and you’ll be plenty good enough to have fun fishing. Also if the spool has fluffed up on you a few times already it might be a good idea to go somewhere and tie off the line to something and walk out a bunch of line and reel it back up tight. 

It is Seaguar Tatsu, which I have heard is a bit "light" but we shall see. I think it's just me, and maybe some practice will do me some good. I just got some 3/8's bullet weights, so looking forward to tossing them around and seeing how it goes. Thanks for the added advice and tips with the brakes and line conditioner! 

[LeoSolo]

On 2/12/2022 at 10:59 AM, newapti5 said:

 

How much impediment the 200 size spool will be, depends on how light the lures you'll be fishing. IMO 1/2 ~3/4 oz is totally fine, but anything under 1/4oz total weight will be a little tough to cast on that spool, especially for new baitcaster users. 

 

If you don't plan on getting a new reel, you can do what I did: Get a Scorpion 150 MGL spool from hedgehog website here, https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/product/4540 . It's interchangeable with Curado K spool, and better suited for lighter lures. Also, it's cheaper than getting a new reel. 

 

Just wanted to let you know, I took my baitcaster setup out and absolutely loved it! I could chuck my spinner bait 2/3's the distance of where I was fishing, and got 4 nice bites (short bites, no hookset) and a nice chunk! Now I am all into baitcasting! So fun!! However, I do think my gear ratio is too high, at 7.4. So I think I am going to convert this 7 MHF into a swimbait (paddletail), spinnerbait, chatterbait rod...I think a 5~ gear ratio will due. Thanks for the advice, I feel like I just upgraded to a new level as an angler! 

[newapti5]

7 is the new 6; the gear ratio is getting higher and higher everyday. Personally I still like the 6 gear ratio best - good for almost everything, but a 5 gear ratio is really fun and powerful. Congras on your upgrade!

[LeoSolo]

13 hours ago, newapti5 said:

7 is the new 6; the gear ratio is getting higher and higher everyday. Personally I still like the 6 gear ratio best - good for almost everything, but a 5 gear ratio is really fun and powerful. Congras on your upgrade!

Yeah I know my gear ratios are too high for these fish, that's for sure! It would be nice to grab a 6...but I do think I will use this setup for all moving baits, so perhaps the 5.4~ would do the trick. Do you have any recommendation for reels for that ~5 gear ratio, and even the 6? I will say, the Curado K I use may not be the biggest reel, but my hand was stiff and hurting after that day of fishing. It's also quite heavy...I want to downsize the weight if I can... Do you have some recommendations for this setup for the spinnerbait, chatterbait, cranks, and paddle-tails?

[TNBankFishing]

I use a Abu RevoX in the W model which is a 5 speed. It’s not light, but for $99 I’ve been absolutely floored by its fishing ability. I use it paired with a Daiwa BLX for deep cranking and heavy chatterbaits. 
 

 

[Deephaven]

I'm of a different school of thought.  My moving bait reels are all 6's.  Reason being I don't have to think when I pick them up.  For a non moving bait lure I use 7/8 or faster reels.  ie, jig fishing so I can get it back to the boat fast, frog fishing to pick up line quickly, etc.