What’s the Best Inshore Rod for You?
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
Choosing the right inshore fishing rod can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. That’s why we’ve broken down three of the most popular rods in the Salt Strong community: the TFO Pro, Slam Stick, and Slot Machine.
Each of these rods offers something unique, but which one is the perfect fit for you?
In our latest video, we cover:
- The key differences between these three rods.
- Why a 7’6” medium power, fast action rod is so versatile.
- Which rod excels for beginners and which one delivers pro-level performance.
But there’s more to the story than just these quick highlights!
If you want to know why these rods stand out, what makes each one special, and which one is truly the best for you, you’ve got to watch the full video below.
Ready to grab one of these rods for your next fishing trip? Check them out below:
Tight lines, and we’ll see you on the water!
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I use a 8-ft rod it’s medium light fast action
This would have been a great chance to do a casting comparison between the 3 inshore rods highly promoted by SS. Pat did that for the Slam Stick but comparing against rods you guys don’t carry. As Pat said, “If you want to find the best, you have to test”. When mentioning “superior performance”, presumably you mean farthest casting distance. I don’t recall seeing an unbiased casting distance comparison showing how each compared to the others. While there were a few feet difference between the three Pat tested, it made me wonder if the cost difference justifies the slight improvement especially since fishing around structure often isn’t about throwing the bait as far as possible, but about accuracy.
The biggest difference between these rods is in feeling strikes… the higher modulus rods (Slot Machine & Slam Stick) allow for a much better feel of what’s going on which is a huge advantage for those of us who use lures.
When doing the casting tests during the prototype phases, the Slot Machine and Slam Stick both were casting farther than the TFO, but it was close as the TFO has a shorter butt (which gives it a longer casting arm since they all are 7’6″).
I’ll make sure to do an official test with specifics next change I get. But the main reason I haven’t been using my TFOs since the Slot Machine came out is due to how much more comfortable they are to fish with… both have ergonomic real seats and nicer material on the handles.
Great reply, Luke! When you find time to do the comparison, might address a 3rd factor which is accuracy. That’s been stated too. Distance and accuracy are fairly easy to confirm in a test. “Feel” is a harder one, and likely involves an individual’s preference to some degree.
I don’t know in your design and prototype testing of the SM, but I wonder if added casting distance is more related to the high modulus blank or guide placement/reel pairing. When you do your future comparison, perhaps clarify if that’s possible. Thanks!
Thanks for the breakdown! It seems intuitive that the more expensive, the better the quality. But actually understanding what those differences are helps immensely to make a decision. I now know what rod I’m getting!
Thanks for making time to post the comment Mark! Glad to see that you enjoyed this post.
I have a TFO pro and many other brands of rods. I have to say despite it being the cheapest rod I have, I really love the feel and almost always tend to grab it first. I haul my rods in an SUV and the 7-6 rods are too long and don’t fit well so I only buy 7 footers.
Love the equipment options thru SS.
Dave R
Thanks for making time to post the helpful comment David!
I love the Slot Machine. Great casting rod. I also have a couple of TFO Pros and those are great rods too. Will be looking at the Slam Stick when I next need a new rod.
Glad to see that you are enjoying the rods you’ve tried so far. I’m sure that you’ll enjoy the Slam Stick too.
I love 7’6”! My big issue regardless of length is we have to drive about an hour from home to the water. Rods are laid out as best as possible in the back of my truck but that’s sketchy at best. Have started using rod socks but thinking of building up a two layer bed to separate them.
Rod socks help tremendously… I’ve bene very impressed with how well they protect rods (just have to tie them down to make sure the wind doesn’t pull them out while on the interstate).
Enjoy the slot machine. Terrific rod. Own multiple slots. Would love to see in in 7′. At my height and I fish under docks and mangroves almost exclusively I find that 7′ handles skip casting to most proficiently. I seems most rods made for skipping are 6’10” to a max of 7’2″
Glad to see that you’re enjoying the Slot Machine. I used to go with 7′ rods for skipping under docks, but now I use 7’6″ exclusively because the accuracy difference is negligible while the added length allows for easier tip speed generation which results in better/longer skips, and the added length is a very big help for getting leverage of fish once hooked.
That being said, we do have plans to get a 7′ version of the Slot Machine in 2025.
7 ‘ rods work best for me because they fit better in my rod locker. Once I started using bulls bay nothing else comes close. Not knocking the other brands but it’s just like fishing. Don’t leave catching fish to find fish. Enough said.
Actually for me none of the above mentioned i fell in love with st croix rods about 10 years ago and ONLY use and buy them because being an old fashioned in his 60s baby boomer I always stick to what works for me and really don’t pay attention to what others like or say because like anything in life what works for some doesn’t usually work for all but thats me enough said
might want to come off that ole man stuff and try the slam stick, ya never know, u might learn something new
Really well I have over 50 years experience in fishing and 22 in the inshore saltwater realm how much experience do you have? Besides I stick with what has worked for me for years you may change everytime someone says something is better but I don’t I stick with what has worked for years like other people that do things just because there peers or others do it certainly doesn’t mean that I will kinda like letting Google or social media sites depict how you should live your life well while I do use a smartphone I don’t use it to run my life like everyone else but maybe thats why I have never had my identity stolen or been scammed before bottom line what works for some is not always the best option for all you do what works for you and I’ll do the same enough said🤔