The Imperial is the quiet overachiever in our rack. While everyone argues about $1,000 rods, St. Croix keeps hand-crafting these in Park Falls, Wisconsin with tech borrowed from their flagship blanks — and the rod just plain fishes. Smooth, accurate, forgiving enough for developing casters, crisp enough that you won't outgrow it.

Why we like it

• High-modulus SCIV/SCII carbon blend with IPC mandrel tooling — smooth energy transfer, fast recovery
• Fortified Resin System: 33% stronger blank than standard construction
• Premium cork (cigar, half wells, or full wells by line weight), machined aluminum reel seat with wood insert on trout weights
• 15-year transferable warranty
• Designed and crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA

Great first "serious" rod or do-everything backup. Order online with free in-store pickup and we'll line it, leader it, and point you at the evening hatch.