St. Croix Legend Elite ES96MF2 – salmon and steelhead spinning rod 9 ft 6 in 1/4–3/4 oz Fast

St. Croix Legend Elite ES96MF2 is a renowned salmon rod from the Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead series. This 9 ft 6 in two-piece model is designed for salmon, steelhead and sea trout fishing with 1/4–3/4 oz lures. Medium power and a Fast action provide precise control of hard lures, spoons and spinners in current, even far from the bank. Its sensitivity and length also make it useful for shore fishing for zander and other predators in rivers and lakes.
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 lure action, bottom contact and subtle bites, while the middle and lower sections engage progressively as the load increases. The 9 ft 6 in length helps cast lighter lures farther, keep part of the line above the water, correct the lure’s path in current and control fish near the bank. Although rated for 1/4–3/4 oz lures, the powerful lower section can reliably control salmon weighing 10 kg or more. The blank responds quickly to the fish’s surges and cushions them. During the fight, load is distributed through the blank, helping lift the fish while the reel drag releases line during stronger runs.
Why choose it:
• designed for salmon, steelhead and sea trout fishing with 1/4–3/4 oz hard lures, spoons and spinners;
• also suitable for shore fishing for zander and other predators where casting distance and sensitivity matter;
• 9 ft 6 in length, Medium power, Fast action and a 1/4–3/4 oz lure rating;
• the powerful lower section controls salmon weighing 10 kg or more and works together with the reel drag;
• Fuji Torzite guides in titanium frames, a Fuji TVS reel seat and a 15-year warranty.
Specifications. Model – ES96MF2; series – Legend Elite Salmon & Steelhead; length – 9 ft 6 in / 288 cm; pieces – 2; power – Medium; action – Fast; lure rating – 1/4–3/4 oz, sold as 7–21 g; line rating – 8–12 lb; rod weight – 5.4 oz / about 153 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.