New spinning, conventional and fly fishing rods geared to saltwater anglers were introduced at the 2017 ICAST international tackle trade show in Orlando. (Keep in mind that not all tackle companies introduce new saltwater fishing rods each year.) Below, nine different options from top rod manufacturers. Some are available already; others will be available later this year or early next.
The ICAST Floor
For four days each July, the Orange County Convention Center is packed with media members, exhibiters and fishing personalities. The U.S. trade show is the place to be to display the newest fishing tackle or to learn about it.
Fenwick Elite Tech Inshore
Key Features
- High modulus blank
- Kigan tangle free stainless steel guides with Zirconium inserts
- AAA Cork full grip handle with heavy duty TAC fighting butt
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
MSRP: $149.95 – $199.95
Fenwick HMG
Key Features
- Premium grade full cork grips
- Sea-Guide soft touch reel seat with positive lock design provides a secure platform for all types of reels
- Carbon Bound blanks are spiral wrapped with carbon thread
- Fuji Guides with stainless steel deep pressed Alconite inserts
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
MSRP: $99.95 – $119.95
G. Loomis Conquest
Key Features
- Eight casting rods with fast-action tapers, four fast-action spinning rods
- Shimano Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank manufacturing
- Spinning rods utilize Shimano’s proprietary CI4 reel seats
- Ten-percent lighter than G. Loomis NRX rods
MSRP: $650-$675
L.L.Bean Streamlight Ultra II Fly Rod
Key Features
- M3 resins combined with 30t carbon fiber allow lightweight and stronger blank
- All models are 4-pieces
- Flor grade cork handles, full wells for saltwater
- Available 4 to 9 weights
MSRP: $149 – $199
Okuma Cortez Sabiki Rod
Key Features
- Spinning and casting models, both 7 feet, 3 inches
- Rated 15- to 30-pound, medium-action
- Two pieces
MSRP: $59.99
Okuma PCH Custom Series Rods
Key Features
- Unidirectional Fiber Reinforcement technology
- Fuji K-guides with Alconite inserts on the Medium, Medium Heavy, and Heavy models
- ALPS HXH guides with Zirconium inserts on the Extra Heavy models
- All models feature ALPS CAH reel seats
- The 7-foot and 7-foot 6-inch models feature tapered TPE fore and rear grips; 8-foot models feature tapered shrink tube
MSRP: $199.99
PENN International VI
Key Features
- Ideal pairing with the new PENN International VI reel
- Lightweight fiberglass blanks with updated actions
- Updated Fuji turbo guides and Aftco roller guides (pictured)
- All rods have Aftco Wind-on Roller guides with exception of 20- to 30-pound rods (pictured)
- Machined Stuart butts and real seats
- Cosmetics that match both Gold and Silver reels
- Made in USA with imported and domestic components
- 13 models – 5 bent butts and 8 stand up straight butts
MSRP: $279.95 – $799.95
Shimano OCEA Plugger
Key Features
- Offered in three lengths and strengths – 8’2″ medium heavy power, and 8’3″ and 8’8″ heavy power models
- Incorporate Shimano’s Spiral X and Hi-Power X blank construction technology
- Use with Shimano’s Orca pencil baits and poppers to pelagics
- All two-piece models, the rods feature Fuji tangle free SiC K guides
MSRP: $599.99
Wright & McGill Flat Blue Saltwater Inshore
Key Features
- Patented double trigger reel seat
- S-Curve technology for a sensitive build
- Oversized fighting butt
- New cork handles
- Also available in a Flats Pink color
Price: $99.99 (from Tackle Direct)
