Question For The Saltwater Guys 2025
fishindad reply :
I'm looking for help with finding a spinning rod for big water use. Ideally 7 1/2 foot, since I have a 7 footer but it doesn't cast quite as far as I'd like. Am planning to pair the rod with a 2500 Daiwa reel and 10 lb. Sufix 832. The rod I am considering is the Falcon Lowrider LSS-76L, which is rated in the ballpark of the lures I will throw for smallies. My question is for those who have used Falcon salt rods, do they compare, generally, to their freshwater tapers/builds? I have a few Lowrider spin rods and like their more parabolic actions (3-166 and 4-166). The description says light action, moderate flex but I am hoping the taper is somewhat fast until loaded with a fish. Can anyone of you saltwater anglers help me out? No saltwater for miles here in Michigan...
Thanks!
LMB ANGLER reply :
i dont like falcon rods , i had bad experience with them but the idea falcon rod for would be the LSS76M that is the perfect fit for you
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't really believe a saltwater rod will cast any further than it's freshwater counterpart with the same specs. Of my 7'-7'6 and 8' saltwater rods the difference in distance is not as significant as one may think, I mainly pick my rod length that I'm using for the day based on wind. The stronger the wind the shorter the rod I use, it's easier to handle, 7' being my shortest.
No real reason to buy a saltwater rod to fish in freshwater, most of the inshore rods are pretty much what one could classify as all purpose.
Catt reply :
What you will find is the word "Salt" is the only difference!
ColdSVT reply :
On 10/15/2013 at 5:43 PM, Catt said:What you will find is the word "Salt" is the only difference!
Indeed...my salt setup was a stradic 4000 on a 7ft croix premier M. And my tarpon rig was a spheros 6000 on a c7, 6 croix tidemaster.
bigbill reply :
The difference between the saltwater and freshwater is the stainless eyes and possibly the reel seats. I find my saltwater rods much thicker diameter wise over my inshore rods. If you go to "fish and save" you can compare the different specs on some of them just to see the difference between them.
I purchased a 7' saltwater for throwing my 9" castriac trout lure.
fishindad reply :
Thanks guys. I understand that the blanks might be exactly the same, meaning Falcon's (or St. Croix, etc) Lowrider bass rods vs. saltwater rods but, after reading a bit about them being 'designed' with input from CA Richardson, a salt guy, I assume they are designed for the purpose stated. Long casts to extra wary fish on the flats in water much clearer than even Great Lakes zeeb-infested waters. I know there are other 7'6" rods that Falcon and other manufacturers make but I just wanted to know if you saltwater fishermen who fish flats for bonefish, permit, etc. have ever used this particular rod and can compare it to say your freshwater bass-designed rods of similar length and action?
I will probably contact Mr. Richardson via email and ask his advice before pulling the trigger. Just wanted to see if any of you fresh/saltwater fishermen can state if their is indeed a difference in rods/blanks designed for saltwater. It was a post in the smallmouth forum that got me thinking regarding using inshore rods for smallies on the GL... If you've ever fished the Great Lakes (Erie and St Clair) you would know that covering water/long casts is/are a huge asset.
BTW, the other reason is there really aren't many other rods over 7 foot that aren't fast or XF action - besides salmon or steelhead drift rods. I have tied a friends Avid 8 ft MLM and it's too wimpy, to me. Will let you know how the Falcon rod performs.
dam0007 reply :
No Falcon exp here.... I picked up a 7' Mojo Inshore MH this summer. Been using it to throw Sluggos and Hogies. I put a 4000 reel on it. Casts pretty good no complaints. I typically do surf/jetty fishing and use 8 - 10' rods. Started throwing these things and theyre too light for my other combos so grabbed it. Worth the $100.
martintheduck reply :
You should contact a company and ask them. The only differences I've ever noticed are the components used... like eyes specific for the corrosive saltwater.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 10/16/2013 at 3:26 AM, bigbill said:The difference between the saltwater and freshwater is the stainless eyes and possibly the reel seats. I find my saltwater rods much thicker diameter wise over my inshore rods.
This is going to differ among the different brands, many of the thicker blanks are boat rods and designed more for drifting and trolling, but are castable. I do have inshore rods and boat rods from the same manufacturer where the blanks appear to be identical, the fore and rear grips are different. I do not notice a difference from salt and fresh regarding the seats and guides.
As well intended as both freshwater and saltwater members are in their respective forums, most of us are a bit more technically inclined than many of the other anglers. The equipment used literally runs the gamut, wide variances in prices as well as brands, lengths, grips, styles, etc.
Back on point, I have no experience with Falcon rods so no comment there. Growing up on Lake St Clair before becoming a saltwater fisherman, I would not want to use an 8-10' rod from a boat up there, IMO too awkward and heavy for smallmouth fishing, I wouldn't use it for the flats down here either. A 7' or 7'6 med inshore rod would work fine up there, that said there is no advantage using the salt version over the freshwater one.
Hattrick7 reply :
I think it depends on what saltwater species your wanting to target. I use my freshwater bass setup fishing for calicos and it handles them no problem. That's really the only species (and yellowtails) I actually need to cast for since I'm casting into a kelp lane or just up to the edge of the bed.
Other species like rockfish, halibut, sand bass, etc that are more relating to the bottom I can just pitch it out a little ways from the boat since I'm wanting the bait to hit bottom anyways.
What are you looking to target? Are you fishing from a boat, shore/jetty?
Also, make sure you hose your equipment down with fresh water after each use. Saltwater is crazy corrosive.
SirSnookalot reply :
Hattrick7 is right about the target species in saltwater, the gear can be totally different for various species as well as techniques. Bottom fishing in depth is not unreasonable to use 2-4-6-8 oz of weight depending on the current and depth, an inshore rod would not be the thing to use.
The poster is not looking to fish in the salt, a freshwater rod will be function no different than it's saltwater counterpart.
LMB ANGLER reply :
freshwater rods are better quality and have more technology and sensitivity than saltwater rods, saltwater rods are more heavier and stronger. so you will be just fine with a freshwater rod.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 10/19/2013 at 3:17 PM, LMB ANGLER said:freshwater rods are better quality and have more technology and sensitivity than saltwater rods, saltwater rods are more heavier and stronger. so you will be just fine with a freshwater rod.
That just isn't true, both Loomis and St Croix make inshore rods that compare to some of their freshwater models. I'm not sure offhand but may be more expensive for the same specs. They are many other saltwater rod companies that offer "sensitive" rods too.
LMB ANGLER reply :
On 10/19/2013 at 3:36 PM, SirSnookalot said:That just isn't true, both Loomis and St Croix make inshore rods that compare to some of their freshwater models. I'm not sure offhand but may be more expensive for the same specs. They are many other saltwater rod companies that offer "sensitive" rods too.
your correct, g.loomis and st. croix make saltwater rods but they are primarily a freshwater company so they stared making freshwater rods and for business, they started making saltwater rods
fishindad reply :
Thanks for all the replies. I am not trying to start any 'war' salt vs. freshwater, in fact, just the opposite. I had never thought about using a saltwater-designed/application rod for freshwater (in this case bass) but am aware an angler can cross over both ways, lol.
I have Falcon, Loomis, St. Croix, etc. bass rods and yes, they are great quality. But to say their technology is superior to saltwater rods is elitist and a blanket statement. The real technology in bass rods came from Gary Loomis and his fly rods. Now it's Japanese rod companies with their bling. Ever see some of the saltwater rods from Japan?
All that said, all I wanted was to see if any one had used the Falcon Lowrider salt rods for freshwater applications. I am going to try both the L and M action rods for big water smallies. Will post my experiences soon - though maybe quite a while before I get serious time on the water here in Michigan,,,
SirSnookalot reply :
On 10/19/2013 at 3:17 PM, LMB ANGLER said:freshwater rods are better quality and have more technology and sensitivity than saltwater rods, saltwater rods are more heavier and stronger. so you will be just fine with a freshwater rod.
On 10/19/2013 at 11:23 PM, LMB ANGLER said:your correct, g.loomis and st. croix make saltwater rods but they are primarily a freshwater company so they stared making freshwater rods and for business, they started making saltwater rods
I mentioned loomis and st croix because they are well known on this site. A company like Star rods and there are many others produce rods made for saltwater and offer ul and up, from the Ariel budget series thru the steller lite line, seagis series and the plasma line. Many are available in spinning casting and split grip.
http://www.seastriker.com/starrods/
WRB reply :
I use a salt water popping rod for both small and medium size crankbaits and structure spoons, Loomis PR845C, they make spinning rods PR844S would work if you want an excellent long distance casting rod.
This blank is different from fresh water blanks, more parabolic to achieve longer casts, yet very strong mid section for good hook sets at a distance.
Specific salt water rods have metal hardware that doesn't corrode, unlike fresh water rods using anodized aluminum hardware to reduce weight. Most salt water rods are made for larger, stronger fish. You don't need a salt water rod for fresh water, unless the blank suites your needs, like the one mentioned.
I am not familiar with the Falcon in question.
Out west we use Seeker, Shimano and Daiwa salt water series and Okuma rods for most of the salt water fishing.
Tom
PS; Classic Pooping Rods-Loomis
dave reply :
On 10/20/2013 at 2:40 AM, WRB said:I use a salt water popping rod for both small and medium size crankbaits and structure spoons, Loomis PR845C, they make spinning rods PR844S would work if you want an excellent long distance casting rod.
This blank is different from fresh water blanks, more parabolic to achieve longer casts, yet very strong mid section for good hook sets at a distance.
Specific salt water rods have metal hardware that doesn't corrode, unlike fresh water rods using anodized aluminum hardware to reduce weight. Most salt water rods are made for larger, stronger fish. You don't need a salt water rod for fresh water, unless the blank suites your needs, like the one mentioned.
I am not familiar with the Falcon in question.
Out west we use Seeker, Shimano and Daiwa salt water series and Okuma rods for most of the salt water fishing.
Tom
PS; Classic Pooping Rods-Loomis
Color chosen on purpose...LOL
BassWhole! reply :
On 10/20/2013 at 5:47 AM, dave said:Color chosen on purpose...LOL
They've been poop since Shitmano acquired them...
bigbill reply :
I use a saltwater rod and quantum spinning reel for my heavy pike n bass lures. The brand of my rod is a hurricane. I'm not sure who manufactures it. These are very affordable.
I did a search for a hurricane fishing saltwater rods.
Amazon.com had them.
The master reels and rods are manufactured by PENN.
SirSnookalot reply :
I have 7 Hurricane redbones, 2 boat rods, 4 inshore and 1 light 6'6 that I use in freshwater, they are my favorite rods, never had breakage and some of mine are nearly 10 years old. At one time they were a Florida company I believe, they have been acquired by South Bend. Redbone has been as much about charity as it is selling rods, that charity being Cystic Fibrosis. Redbone has in the past sponsored many tournaments for Cystic Fibrosis, not sure if they are still doing it.
http://www.redbone.org/rods_info.html
fishindad reply :
Thanks for the links, Snook. Very nice rods. And I have considered the Loomis PR series, which have the right action but as noted, I feel their rods took a turn and have never recovered after they switched their MBR and SJR rods over from the Weibe reel seats (yes, I'm that old). Those GLX and IMX rods were the bomb, for bass fishing at least.
I'm slowly realizing the trend towards XF action rods is not the best at least for smallmouths, which go airborne. I've switched to Sufix 832 for all my moving baits (except cranks) and I still lose a few fish (usually the bigger ones) because they don't always stay buttoned up with my F and XF rods, which are 7 foot and under. And fishing Lake St Clair and Erie where longer casts are often needed, I think a longer rod, within reason, will help put more fish in the boat for me. My Falcons do seem to be much better at 'fighting' fish. So it was when I happened to watch a saltwater TV show that I got the idea to try one of these rods, specifically the 7'6" rod with a more parabolic action. I am betting/hoping it will work beautifully for the smallies.
PS, I lived in Miami back in the 80's and loved fishing saltwater. I miss it! Lived and fished out West but that was a whole different style, of course. Makes freshwater bass fishing seem 'wimpy' but it's all relative given the tackle. I've avoided muskie fishing for fear I'll get addicted and end up broke, lol.
pbizzle reply :
On 10/20/2013 at 1:50 AM, SirSnookalot said:I mentioned loomis and st croix because they are well known on this site. A company like Star rods and there are many others produce rods made for saltwater and offer ul and up, from the Ariel budget series thru the steller lite line, seagis series and the plasma line. Many are available in spinning casting and split grip.
http://www.seastriker.com/starrods/
I've been using a Shimano Baitrunner 6500 on a 7' boat Star Rod (forget the model) for Kings of a pier, but I've started throwing the bubble rig on it for Spanish and Blues. I know that a 6500 is a little over powered, but getting spooled by a big jack sucks. I'm strongly thinking about getting either a 7' medium Aerial inshore or a 7' medium Falcon HD for my Shimano Symetre 4000 FH to use for specs and reds.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 10/22/2013 at 11:33 AM, pbizzle said:I've been using a Shimano Baitrunner 6500 on a 7' boat Star Rod (forget the model) for Kings of a pier, but I've started throwing the bubble rig on it for Spanish and Blues. I know that a 6500 is a little over powered, but getting spooled by a big jack sucks. I'm strongly thinking about getting either a 7' medium Aerial inshore or a 7' medium Falcon HD for my Shimano Symetre 4000 FH to use for specs and reds.
Yeh that bubble rig is real popular this time of year, great for spanish mackerel. The only place I use a rod and reel that size is offshore, but many do use them off piers and jetties. This is just the way I do it, I use nothing but med or mh rods, the difference is how much lure weight the rod can handle. I prefer a mh that can handle 2 oz as opposed to one that handles only an ounce for my jettie fishing, I do believe there isn't much difference in the actually backbone. This time of the year I'm pretty much on the beach, mostly using 7'6 or 8' med rod with a 3000 reel that has good line capacity or 4000. Since the drag setting is going to be about the same for either, it just becomes a personal choice on what to use. IMO, you never want to crank that drag down, that can mean a breakoff, drag is meant to slow and tire a fish, not stop it dead in it's tracks. No question of the possibilty getting spooled, out there you can hit by 2# bluefish or an 80# tarpon. The tarpon gonna win about 95% of the time.
pbizzle reply :
On 10/22/2013 at 3:05 PM, SirSnookalot said:Yeh that bubble rig is real popular this time of year, great for spanish mackerel. The only place I use a rod and reel that size is offshore, but many do use them off piers and jetties. This is just the way I do it, I use nothing but med or mh rods, the difference is how much lure weight the rod can handle. I prefer a mh that can handle 2 oz as opposed to one that handles only an ounce for my jettie fishing, I do believe there isn't much difference in the actually backbone. This time of the year I'm pretty much on the beach, mostly using 7'6 or 8' med rod with a 3000 reel that has good line capacity or 4000. Since the drag setting is going to be about the same for either, it just becomes a personal choice on what to use. IMO, you never want to crank that drag down, that can mean a breakoff, drag is meant to slow and tire a fish, not stop it dead in it's tracks. No question of the possibilty getting spooled, out there you can hit by 2# bluefish or an 80# tarpon. The tarpon gonna win about 95% of the time.
It's not actually my rod. Its my uncle's bait/smaller pelagic fish (mahi,king,wahoo) rod for his deep sea boat but he lets me borrow it while I'm down there. I get nervous throwing something as heavy as a bubble rig (which for those of you that don't know what it is, think about a 2 1/2 dia. bubble filled with water and sliding up and down your main line like a Carolina rig, and then fishing it as fast as possible on topwater) on my normal inshore rig.
Dwight Hottle reply :
Take a look at St Croix tidemaster inshore spinning rods. TIS76MM. 7' 6" long medium power moderate action. 8-17 line wt 1/4-5/8 lure weight. Weigh 4.6 oz & retails for $140. I use st croix legend extremes in medium moderate & medium heavy moderate casting rods for smallies on lake erie with braid & mono leader. You are right the parabolic action of the moderate action rods works very well with braid & big smallies.
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