St. Croix Legend Elite ES86MF2 – spinning rod for pike, zander and salmon 8 ft 6 in 1/4–3/4 oz Fast

St. Croix Legend Elite ES86MF2 is a salmon rod from the Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead series. This 8 ft 6 in two-piece model is designed for salmon, steelhead and sea trout fishing in rivers with 1/4–3/4 oz lures. Compared with the ES96MF2, it is shorter and more manoeuvrable, making it convenient from a boat, when wading or where a longer rod is harder to handle. Its sensitive and fast blank also suits zander, pike and other predators from a boat or the bank.
Blank and technologies. The main blank uses high-modulus SCV carbon, while the lower section is reinforced with super-high-modulus SCVI carbon. During manufacture, FRS applies uniform pressure to the carbon structure, helping the blank remain light while improving its resistance to load. IPC reduces unnecessary transition points in the blank taper, TET refines its profile and bending curve, and ART reinforces high-stress areas without unnecessary weight. Slim-profile ferrules preserve smooth two-piece blank performance.
Action and application. Medium power and Fast action provide precise control of hard lures, spoons, spinners and jig presentations. The responsive upper section transmits lure action, bottom contact and subtle bites, while the middle and lower sections engage progressively as the load increases. The blank responds quickly to sudden surges and cushions them; its bending curve works together with the reel drag to keep steady tension on the fish. At 8 ft 6 in, it provides useful casting reach while remaining convenient for active lure control from a boat, when wading or in restricted space.
Why choose it:
• designed for salmon, steelhead and sea trout fishing with 1/4–3/4 oz hard lures, spoons and spinners;
• the sensitive, fast blank also suits zander, pike and other predators;
• the 8 ft 6 in length is convenient from a boat, when wading and where a longer rod is difficult to handle;
• Medium power and Fast action combine precise lure control, sensitivity and useful reserve power;
• Fuji Torzite guides in titanium frames, a Fuji TVS reel seat and a 15-year warranty.
Specifications. Model – ES86MF2; series – Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead; length – 8 ft 6 in / 260 cm (officially 259 cm); pieces – 2; power – Medium; action – Fast; lure rating – 1/4–3/4 oz, sold as 7–21 g; line rating – 8–12 lb; weight – approximately 5.0 oz / 142 g; handle – Super Grade cork.
Components and finish. Fuji Torzite guides in titanium frames are wrapped onto the blank. The rod has a blank-touch Fuji TVS reel seat, an anodised machined-aluminium wind check, a Super Grade cork handle and a Kigan titanium hook keeper. The blank receives two coats of slow-cure Flex Coat finish, and a protective rod sack is included. Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, USA, the rod carries a 15-year warranty.
Other Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead models. All 8 ft 6 in, 9 ft and 9 ft 6 in rods of this generation are two-piece, Fast-action models fitted with Fuji Torzite guides in titanium frames. 8 ft 6 in: ES86MF2 1/4–3/4 oz, ES86MHF2 3/8–1 oz and ES86HF2 1/2–2 oz. 9 ft: ES90MLF2 1/8–5/8 oz, ES90MF2 1/4–3/4 oz, ES90MHF2 3/8–1 oz and ES90HF2 1/2–2 oz. 9 ft 6 in: ES96MLF2 1/8–5/8 oz, ES96MF2 1/4–3/4 oz, ES96MHF2 3/8–1 oz and ES96HF2 1/2–2 oz.