In the market for a higher end casting rod to throw soft plastics/ light artificials inshore. Been looking locally (mt p) but the shop guys I’ve spoken with don’t really have any first hand info for recommendations… I’d trust the info on this forum (for the most part) before any online reviews so any info about models/ action would be appreciated… Thanks
What length/action? I’m guessing 6’6" to 7’, probably medium to MH action for what you’re describing.
Unless you want to shell out Loomis money, you can find Shimano, Duckett, and St Croix rods locally. I’ve heard good things about other rods, like Daiwa Tatulas, but I haven’t personally held one. I hate buying rods sight unseen, I like to put a reel on them, check the balance and action. One companies MH may feel like someone else’s H. You’re probably going to want something with pretty good tip action for soft plastics/light artificials.
I just picked up a Star Plasma(7’ 4-10lb) and am highly pleased with it. I have it mated with a Penn Conflict 1000 with 10 lb Power Pro. I only have three trips on it but it has much better action than my Clarus or Duckett rods for artificials. Very light and sensative with very good backbone and with the small reel it will cast a 1/8oz jig head a tremendous distance. As far as I know Star Rods(Stellar Lite and above models) are the only rods that have an across the counter warranty anymore. I just broke my Clarus and you now have to send them back to Shimano for warranty evaluation. I have not been very happy with the Clarus. I do have some Shimano Teramar rods in heavier actions that I have been very pleased with but due to Shimano’s new warranty revisions I opted to go a different route. All new Shimano rods only have a one year warranty and must be sent in. Haddrells carries the Star Rods. I know the Star Seagis rods are very nice as well and I have heard alot of positive ■■■■■■■■ on them however I have not fished them. IMO the Plasma is better than any St Croix rod I have owned and at least equal to the entry level GLoomis rods. The Seagis is $150 and the Plasma is $200.
Haven’t used a Star before I’ll check them out. The problem I’m having is that the casting rods I have in Med (7’) don’t have a soft enough tip… They seem to be a little heavier action than I’m use to with Spinning gear. I have fished spinning tackle inshore for 25 years but fairly recently started messing around with a baitcaster and I can’t put it down. Was thinking St Croix but I’ll check to see what Star Rods offer in a casting… Thanks guys for your input
Check out the TFO Casting rods. I have a pair of the 7’ medium signature series rods and really like them a lot. And they’re only $100 to boot. Never had a chance to compare to their $150 technical series rods though.
If you want local (Aiken, SC) and American made, check out ALX rods. They make true custom rods and they have several production lines of rods too. I have a few ALX customs that I used when I fished bass tournaments. I’ve since picked up a couple of their inshore specific rods (Boku and Zolo series) and have been as happy with them as I am with their custom rods. Many different lengths and actions. Plus, like I said, they’ll build you a custom rod too.
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
wwkvdd
quote:
Originally posted by P-Kwwkvdd
Whatever he wants! 
Earn it everyday
If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace.
Never shoot a large caliber man with a small caliber bullet.
quote:
Originally posted by archerIf you want local (Aiken, SC) and American made, check out ALX rods. They make true custom rods and they have several production lines of rods too. I have a few ALX customs that I used when I fished bass tournaments. I’ve since picked up a couple of their inshore specific rods (Boku and Zolo series) and have been as happy with them as I am with their custom rods. Many different lengths and actions. Plus, like I said, they’ll build you a custom rod too.
Thanks archer, you mentioned alx rods in a post a few weeks ago and PSA has some in stock… Emailed Alx rods for more info on the Boku series a month ago because they don’t have their offerings listed on the site but I never got a reply from them… Would prefer to buy local anytime I can… Good looking products either way, hopefully they get back to me
Check out the falcon rods I use them and I am very pleased . Very light great rod
Go getcha one of them Ralph Phillips rods. I have an old banged up one and its my go-to for trout & reds daily.
There’s no I in Barbeque Team.
I don’t know much about what makes a good rod. I’d like to replace a few that have under-performed for me. I have a Cabelas rod that the tip has broken a few times - never when I thought it was really stressed. I have a couple of ugly sticks and the porcelain rings fall out of the eyes. I’d like to take a close look at the Falcon rods. They’re more reasonably priced (I think in the $70 - $100 range). I see where the ALX rods are $200+.
What do y’all recommend out of Haddrells, Charleston Angler or PSA that would be closer to the Falcon price?
mtodd - what do you like about the Falcons?
[quote]Originally posted by Al Grain
Go getcha one of them Ralph Phillips rods. I have an old banged up one and its my go-to for trout & reds daily.
No doubt that’s the rod I want but wasn’t looking to pay for a custom…
Star crowder or allstar