St. Croix Legend Elite ES86MHF2 – zander and pike spinning rod 8 ft 6 in 3/8–1 oz Fast

St. Croix Legend Elite ES86MHF2 belongs to the Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead series, but its 8 ft 6 in two-piece format is also highly practical for zander and pike. The rod is used mainly for zander jigging from a boat, yet it is long enough to work comfortably from the bank. Medium Heavy power, a Fast action and a 3/8–1 oz lure rating also suit pike fishing with soft plastics, hard lures and spoons within the rod’s rating. Russian anglers describe the ES86MHF2 as a versatile model.
Blank and technologies. The main blank uses high-modulus SCV carbon, while the lower section is reinforced with super-high-modulus SCVI carbon. FRS strengthens the structure while keeping blank weight low. IPC and TET help the blank bend more smoothly and transmit lure feedback more clearly, while ART reinforces high-load areas. The two-piece blank uses slim-profile ferrules.
Action and application. The responsive upper blank clearly transmits jig contact with the bottom and subtle bites, while the Fast action supports a quick hook-set. From a boat, the 8 ft 6 in length provides comfortable lure and fish control. From the bank, it supports good casting distance, line control and lure-path correction. For pike fishing, the stronger middle and lower sections control soft plastics, hard lures and spoons within the 3/8–1 oz range. As the load increases, the blank responds quickly to the fish’s surges and cushions them, while the reel drag releases line during stronger runs.
Why choose it:
• particularly well suited to zander jigging from a boat or the bank and to pike fishing;
• Medium Heavy power, Fast action and a 3/8–1 oz lure rating;
• the responsive upper blank transmits bottom contact and subtle bites;
• stronger middle and lower sections provide hook-setting and fish-control power;
• Fuji Torzite guides in titanium frames, a Fuji TVS reel seat and a 15-year warranty.
Specifications. Model – ES86MHF2; series – Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead; length – 8 ft 6 in / about 260 cm; pieces – 2; power – Medium Heavy; action – Fast; lure rating – 3/8–1 oz, sold as 10–28 g; line rating – 8–17 lb; rod weight – 5.3 oz / about 150 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. Two coats of slow-cure Flex Coat protect the finish, and a rod sack is included. Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, USA; covered by 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, ES86HF2 1/2–2 oz. 9 ft: ES90MLF2 1/8–5/8 oz, ES90MF2 1/4–3/4 oz, ES90MHF2 3/8–1 oz, 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, ES96HF2 1/2–2 oz.