Best Size Rod & Reel For Inshore Flats Fishing (For Small Trout To Big Redfish)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on December 17, 2019
What’s the best size rod and reel combo for inshore fishing?
That’s a question we get asked all the time and it’s a valid question!
You might think that if you go too small, you can’t handle big fish, but if you go too big, it’s going to be tough to cast all day, and smaller fish won’t really be fun to fight.
In this video, I’ll address all of these concerns and give you the exact setup I use for nearly all of my inshore fishing trips, including my favorite type of rod, favorite size reel, and the mainline and braid I normally use.
And since we don’t accept sponsorships from any equipment manufacturers, this is completely unbiased advice based on the equipment I actually fish with.
Enjoy!
Best Size Rod & Reel For Inshore Fishing [VIDEO]
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When I’m inshore fishing, I actually go pretty light.
Here are a few reasons why:
- I’m not fishing heavy structure, so I don’t worry about getting broken off
- I’m usually casting artificials all day, and heavier tackle makes that a lot harder to do
- The gear these days is very well-made, and you’d be surprised at how well light tackle handles big fish (I’ve caught redfish from 5 to 35 pounds with the setup below)
Here’s my typical setup:
- Rod: 7′ 6″ medium to medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip
- Spinning reel: 3000 size reel
- Mainline: 10 lb braid
- Leader: 20-30 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon
Conclusion
If you’re fishing for inshore fish on the flats, you don’t need to go super heavy (even if there are big snook or bull redfish around).
A 3000 series reel on a 7′ 6″ medium to medium-heavy rod with a fast action tip and 10 lb braid with a 20 lb leader can handle everything from a 15″ trout to a 45″ redfish.
I didn’t mention any brands in this video, but you can check out reviews of some of the rods, reels, and fishing line we’ve used below:
Have any questions about the best size rod and reel combo?
Let me know in the comments below!
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So I’m trying to decide what rod size to get (settled on a size 3000 reel), I’ll be kayak fishing and doing a combination of docks and mangroves / flats and have been told by a few people to go medium or even medium light, but all my online research is saying medium / medium heavy (esp for docks). I’d also heard that 7′ might be better from a kayak than 7’6″, but I think I’ll be standing most of the time so might be leaning towards 7’6″ but would be curious to get your thoughts on power and length!
Hey Hugo!
I prefer a 7’6 Medium Or Medium Heavy power rod. The extra length helps on a kayak especially when fighting a fish and they happen to swim around or under the kayak. I stay away from rods that are medium light. A bit too “noodley” for me and have missed a lot of hook sets due to the amount of flex. On a kayak you also have to factor in that the kayak will move with the fish.This makes having a stiffer rod more beneficial for hook sets.
Hey! I am looking at the MH but can’t decide between the 7’ and 7’6. Any pros/cons to each?
I would go with a 7’6. The extra length helps with casting distance and accuracy.
Would a 4000 reel work on a 7.6ft medium heavy moderate fast spinning rod?
For sure! I wouldn’t go any bigger than that though. Also depending on the brand/model of reel, some 4000 size reels will be bigger and heavier than others of the same 4000 class. I personally would stay in the 2500 to 3000 size if fishing inshore for reds and trout.
After spending 10 days in the Keys this past May I would definitely agree with your choice for best rod and reel size for inshore fishing. A friend and I did 5 inshore guided trips while we were there with 4 different outfits. We are very experienced anglers but figured we would rely on the tackle provided by our guides. Most of them used 7’ Star spinning rods withe Penn Pursuit 3 reels spooled with 15 pound braid and a flourocarbon or mono leader. Fairly inexpensive set ups but they are almost bullet proof. That’s why the guides use them. No need to spend a fortune to catch fish and have fun doing it. Those set ups were just right for casting jigs and shrimp along the edge of the mangroves for snook and redfish.
Definitely gets the job done! (and doesn’t hurt as much if one goes overboard)
Hello, For inshore fishing and off the beach , would you go with a full cork handle or a shorter split handle. Looking at the fenwick hmg inshore with split handle A. Thanks Scott
It’s really personal preference when it comes to the grip. I personally prefer split grips as opposed to full grips.
I’m looking for a recommendation from you for a casting reel for flats fishing. I don’t like spinning outfits to fish crank baits, I.e. top water, shallow running baits, etc. You only have one in the tackle shop, should it be adequate? Thanks.
Hey Kenneth!
Yes I would recommend what we have in our shop (everything in our shop is what we have personally used)
What fishing rod and reel would be a good all-around combination for docs and structure?
I would go with a 7′ Medium Heavy Power Fast Action rod paired with a 3000 size reel. If fishing structure you want to go heavier on the line so no less than 20lb braid. You want to be able to pull those fish out and away from the structure effectively.
I have a 7’6” Med hmg inshore that’s 8-20lb 1/8-1oz would you recommend going up a power to the Med-hvy 7ft 12-25lb line 1/2-1.5oz or is that generally to heavy for inshore work?
Hey Steve!
The 7’6 med would be the better option overall.
Thanks Tony!
So I’m a year late to this discussion, but thanks for the video and explanation. It really helps to get a good visual on best rod set up. I did have a quick question, how light of a braid can you put on a medium heavy rod? For my popping cork setup, I have a 7ft MH rod with a 2500 Battle II. Before, I had that 2500 reel on a Medium rod, but I wanted something a little stiffer. Will 10lb or 15b braid have any negative effect on a MH rod?
Hey Reid!
Theres no problem using 10lb braid with a MH rod. The majority of my rods are MH power and I use 10lb braid. The only thing you may want to consider is using a slightly looser drag since the rod doesn’t give as much as a medium power would.
Thanks Tony, I appreciate the quick feedback. Tight lines
My last comment was accidentally anonymous…
I’m currently using a G Loomis Greenwater 6’6 medium-heavy to fish soft plastics close to mangroves from my kayak. I’ve found myself standing up on the yak more recently however, particularly to get a better vantage point and extend my casting distance. I’m looking for a 7’6 med to med-heavy fast action setup that will allow me to fish greater distances on the flats and something that works well for topwater. I’ve been eyeing the G Loomis E6X inshore, the St. Croix Avid and some G-loomis progreens to name a few. Any suggestions for long casting/topwater options from a kayak? Short rod butt is a plus! Thanks.
Hey Mike!
I haven’t used the G Loomis rods, but the St. Croix Avid is a great choice with a medium power and fast action in the 7’0 to 7’6 range. If you want the butt end to be a bit shorter I would go with the 7′