Hi, I'm planning to build a 12 wt. tarpon rod, and have my eye on the St. Croix Legend Ultra SCIV 4-pc. I would appreciate hearing any opinions on this particular rod, especially if you have had a chance to cast it. I have another SCIV that is my absolute favorite flyrod, but it's a 7'6" 3 wt., and I'm not so sure that's the best basis of comparison for a 12 wt.!

Funnily, it seems impossible to find a shop here in Houston carrying the St. Croix line. Two of the fly shops I frequent most often have dropped them for the TFO and ECHO lines, which I find regrettable. I'd like to be able to cast the St. Croix 12 myself, but so far have struck out.

As reference, I've cast the Sage Xi2, the Scott S3, the T&T (perhaps the Vector?), and the Loomis CrossCurrent. Of these, I liked the Loomis and the Sage the best.

I appreciate any thoughts you might share.

Regards,

John Boatwright
Houston, Texas

This is very subjective, but I can't see you not enjoying the SCIV. That one and the All Star Austin in the same length and line weight are both great rods. Pretty tough all things considered, and yet not overly heavy. Solid medium to fast actions. John Tebbets could tell you more about the Austins - I know he's a huge fan.


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Thank you, Tom. I appreciate your thougths.

JBB