Temple Fork Outfitter Spinning Rod Independent Review [Video]
- By: Luke Simonds
- on August 18, 2016
- Found In: Fishing Rod Reviews, Fishing Tips, Product Reviews
Many have asked which fishing rod I like best for inshore fishing.
So I made the video below to highlight the rod that I’ve been using for the past year that I have been very impressed with
The reason why selecting the right rod for your fishing needs is that it is one of the most important tools you have when fishing with artificial lures.
In fact, I personally believe that the fishing rod is the most important of all pieces of equipment because it controls so many essential tasks:
- Casting distance/control
- Working the lure on the retrieve
- Feeling bites
- Setting the hook
- Helping pull in the fish
And one rod I’ve found that I really like is from a company based in Dallas, TX called Temple Fork Outfitters (TFO).
TFO Rod Video Review
In this short video, you’ll learn about the findings I’ve had while using this spinning rod over the past year for inshore fishing.
TFO Spinning Rod Specs
Here are the listed Specifications listed on their Professional series spinning rod that I like best:
- Length: 7’6″
- Power: Medium
- Line Weight: 6 – 12 lbs
- Lure Weight: 1/4th to 3/4th oz
- Model Number: TFG PSS 764-1 (used to be TFG SSS 764-1)
The downside of this rod is that it is difficult to find in retail stores, so we made sure to have it added to our growing online store to make sure members could easily get one:
https://fishstrong.com/collections/saltwater-rods/products/tfo-tfg-professional-rod
Want To See This Rod In Action?
If you’d like to see this rod in action, here’s a video showing some finesse fishing in a skinny creek for snook.
You’ll see all 5 essential tasks listed above in action:
- Long cast into a narrow creek channel up ahead
- Easy retrieve with its lightweight yet sturdy blank
- Quick feel of strike
- Good hook set
- Enough backbone to keep it from the structure
Click here to see this rod help catch a snook from a 3rd-floor balcony
Conclusion
Having a quality rod is essential for inshore anglers who want to maximize their results while fishing with artificial lures since it’s in charge of so many important tasks.
After testing many different rods, I’ve found best results with the ones that are lightweight while also having a firm tip which provides excellent feel and an effective blank for successfully presenting a lure to a fish.
So far, I’ve found that this rod made by Temple Fork Outfitters to be a fantastic fit for my inshore fishing needs.
Click here for a direct link to these rods in our online store where members can save 20%.
P.S. – Be sure to share this with any of your fishing friends who is in need of a new spinning rod for inshore fishing.
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Hey Luke. I have a few 1 oz lures laying around and wondering if you think they would be safe to throw on this rod
That’s over the rating of most of this series, so it’s not recommended for normal use. That being said, I’ll often cast things heavier than the ratings, but I just cast with less power to make sure to not overextend the rod.
Hi Luke, I hope all is well. I’m travelling to Asia soon and ordered a DAIWA Legalis Telescopic Rod. The marking only included the CW 30g-90g. I am wondering what is the Line Weight is ideal for this rod? My reel is a DAIWA BG 3000. Thank you.
Good morning Luke. I just purchased this rod from SS along with a Diawa Fuego FGLT2500D-XH. I value your expertise,and I know this is a great combo for casting artificials,but would this combo also be effective for popping cork and Carolina rig use?
Thanks,Garo
Thanks for the kind words Garo! That rod/reel combo is an excellent all-purpose setup for most inshore fishing needs. I have used it with popping corks for using both live bait and lures. And I’ve used it for carolina rigs over the years too. This TFO Pro Medium power rod still has my vote for being the best rod in the $100 to $150 price point range for being able to perform great for most inshore fishing needs.
Hey Luke,
I’ve read that the new Pro model is a moderate-fast action, whereas the PSS model in this review is a fast action.
Have you noticed the tip on the new Pro models to be too soft for single-hook lures? I almost exclusively fish single hooks, use soft jerkbaits more than anything else, and primarily target speckled trout.
The action on the new Pro rods feels the same to me… if there is a difference, it is very slight.
I noticed that the inshore says it’s a fast action and the pro is a moderate fast. I fish inshore in NC as well as the occasional largemouth bass. Is there a huge difference between the 2? I like the reviews and price if pro but don’t want too spongy of a tip. Also how do the guides hold up to braid on the Pro? The guides on the inshore are designed for braid but see nothing about it on the pro.
Hey Luke,
I have a question regarding rod power vs lure weight. I know for TFO, you prefer the Medium power rod which has a minimum lure weight of 1/4 oz. I’m looking for a new inshore rod and weighed most of my lures and weighted hooks and the 1/4 – 3/4 oz lure range seems ideal. The trouble is that I can’t find any Medium Heavy rods (in other brands like St. Croix) that are optimized for that light of a lure, I would have to go down to Medium. If this Medium TFO was not an option (sold out at this time), would you sacrifice power or lure sensitivity?
For the St Croix Triumph:
Medium Heavy – 3/8 – 3/4 oz
Medium – 1/4 – 5/8 oz
Majority of my hook/lure combos – 1/4 – 1/2 oz
Fishing flats, marshes, oyster bars, creek mouths
That’s a tough one to answer because the power, action, and lure size ratings are often very different from one rod to another so none of it can be trusted too much when comparing one rod to another.
But from what I’ve seen, the rating that I trust the most is the lure weight recommendation so I recommend relying on that as the top priority. I have both of the Triumph rods you listed, and the MH is definitely a bit too heavy for throwing light lures so the Medium is the one to go with if you’re going with a Triumph rod. I just highly prefer the TFO in comparison because it has a stronger tip section making for better hooksets if you’re throwing weedless soft plastics. And it casts farther since it has a shorter butt and longer casting section.
Based off the videos I’ve watched and your recommendations, I’d rather go with the TFO but St. Croix is what is available now. Thank your for your quick response! It really says a lot that you respond to such an old video within a day.
Here to help:)
Greetings Luke,
Do you find other TFO Pro lengths and actions similarly proportionately heavy for their power rating? I can’t fit a one-piece rod in my car (CR-V) and MIGHT be able to fit a 7′ rod, but not an 7′ 6″ rod. Have always liked TFO rods and own five TFO fly rods.
I would expect to use a Daiwa Fluego 2500 as a good lightweight reel on that rod, unless you think otherwise.
Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hey Bill, I do find these TFO professional rods to be stronger relative to other brands of the same ratings (their Medium power feels like Medium Heavy from most other brands).
The 7′ version is a very close second so I’d go with that if it fits in your car.
Thank you. I’ll wait until you get them in stock, then pull the trigger. Might get the 7′ 6″ M version for a friend in JAX. The price is certainly right.
Hello Luke,I wanted to try a good reel under $100. I took advantage of the recent offer and purchased the Fuego LT 3000. I paired it with a 6’3” G-loomis Lt. rod. I tried it this week and I absolutely love it for a light tackle offering. I am very happy that have joined the insider group and able to see your reviews on products before making my purchases.Can’t wait to try the TFO 7’6” when they come available. Keep up the great work and please keep the special offers coming.
Hey Luke, what’s the timeline on you guys getting the sky blue looking TFO rods on the site in? And do you think the 7’6” M (8-17) would be a good pair up with the Stradic FL C3000 for strictly inshore chasing Reds, Specks, big Sheeps & Flounder with soft plastics and the occasional live shrimp or the 7’6” MH? I signed up for notice by email to get notified as soon as it and the Stradic FL get in. I’d prefer to spend my money on both in-house with you all..
We’ll be getting the Professional line in very soon (hopefully next week). Yes, that rod would pair very nice with a 3000 Stradic.
I recommend their Medium power rods… their MH is more like Heavy from most other brands.
Great video Luke! Thanks for the review. I had a quick question or two. Would this rod also be ideal for using a popping cork with a gulp? In other words, is it stiff enough to create a solid pop without you expending too much effort like a moderate rod blank might do?
Thanks Reid! Yes, this rod has a good blend of action and power that would suit using a popping cork.