10 New Saltwater Rods from ICAST 2023

From inshore and big-game applications, to slow-pitch or speed-jigging, ICAST 2023 introduced a new rod for every type of saltwater fishermen out there. These ten rods highlight the newest features to keep you catching bigger while helping you further develop as an angler.

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G.Loomis NRX+ Inshore spinning rods

G. Loomis NRX+ Inshore Rods

These American-made blanks feature Spiral X graphite construction to boost sensitivity while improving casting distance and decreasing the rod’s weight. Titanium Fuji guides assist anglers in making long, precise casts, and the CI4+ reel seat allows the reel to sit flush against the blank, which heightens the transmission of each strike while providing a natural, comfortable grip. 

$625

 

Daiwa SOL AGS 

The weight of this inshore rod is drastically decreased due to Daiwa’s Air Guide System, which features carbon-fiber guide frames that weigh 40% less than titanium guides of equal size. Their Braiding X  technology is a flexible low resin, high-strength carbon weave that reinforces the blank to provide anglers with a sensitive and featherweight rod. 

$350; daiwa.us

 

St. Croix Avid Inshore

Built around a carbon-fiber blank, these lightweight American-made rods are sensitive and responsive when fishing artificials—without sacrificing the backbone to overpower large inshore gamefish. Available in spinning and casting models. 

starting at $260; stcroixrods.com

 

 

Shimano Ocea Plugger Big Game

Developed for casting stickbaits and poppers to big bluefin tuna, these rods feature Shimano’s Spiral X Core technology and Spiral X carbon-tape construction to boost torsion and compression resistance. They also include additional Hi-Power X wrapping, which reinforces the flexible blank.  The Ocea Plugger BG equips anglers with a strong, balanced, lightweight rod capable of making precise long-distance casts. Comes in three sizes: XH for 50 to 70-inchers, XXH for 70- to 90-inchers, and XXXH for those 90-plus inchers!

$730

 

SPRO Musketeer SPJ

Constructed from premium Toray Graphite blanks and decked out with Fuji components from the spiral guides to the reel seat, these new rods were designed to make slow pitch jigging easier than ever. The spiral guides on these responsive and sensitive blanks prevent your line from catching on the rod tip to allow for seamless, uninterrupted jigging action.

$249

 

Fenwick World Class Inshore 

With new, exceptionally lightweight blanks that are reinforced by a proprietary resin, these balanced rods were constructed to provide heightened sensitivity in inshore environments. Durable titanium guides provide accuracy and distance in casting while an ergonomic grip on the carbon-reinforced reel seat provides all-day comfort.

$475

 

Game On! Carbon Black Inshore Rods

These fast-action rods were designed to be ultra-sensitive and lightweight without sacrificing the brawn needed to overpower gator bluefish or over-slot stripers. With Fuji K-Series Alconite guides to eliminate excess weight, and a Fuji reel seat providing a natural grip, these rods are equally equipped for jigging metals as they are for hucking topwaters plugs.

$170

 

Okuma Tesoro Jigging Rods

Covering both slow-pitch and speed-jigging categories, these ultra-strong carbon rod blanks were constructed to boost sensitivity, lifting strength and memory, to guarantee their ability to withstand rigorous jigging action and extensive battles from the hefty catch on the other end.

$170

 

 

Dark Matter John Skinner Snap Jigging Series

For the snap-jigging bottom fisherman, these incredibly lightweight inshore rods are backed by the prowess of fishing guru John Skinner. Whether targeting fluke, sea bass or stripers, you can comfortably and confidently bounce jigs with this rod for hours.

$180

 

Star Rods Sequence Slow-Pitch Jigging Rods

Built with an extra layer of graphite for reinforced sensitivity, the spiral guides and soft tip on these slow-pitch jigging rods work in congruence to provide anglers with a smooth and strong jigging rod that can effectively work a jig anywhere in the water column.

$170

3 on “10 New Saltwater Rods from ICAST 2023

  1. Greg Menegio

    How does the St Croix Avid get on this list of new rods? Was it redesigned?

    1. Matt Haeffner

      Greg,

      Yes, the Avid Inshore series was re-engineered for 2024 with lighter hybrid carbon blanks, ergonomic cork-grips and multiple new rod lengths, actions and powers in both spinning and casting models.

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