chatterbait + inshore rod suggestions

[HeavyTwenty]

I just went on my first inshore trip and I'm hooked. I still prefer freshwater because dealing with tides, current, and wind is a pain on a yak, but I'll definitely be doing inshore in the future.

 

My inshore needs are kind of light. I want to be able to cast a 1/4 oz jighead with a plastic, so I'm guessing total lure weight 3/8 oz. Targeted species for inshore is trout and reds. Rod needs to be 7'4" or less to fit inside my vehicle. A longer 2-3 piece could work. For freshwater, I'd use it mostly for chatterbait/spinnerbait 1/4oz-1/2oz + trailer, so more like 3/8oz to 3/4oz. I would prefer larger guides to pass a leader knot. I'm not sure if that comes standard on inshore rods. Budget isn't really set or firm, but considering I don't need much sensitivity, I'd prefer to keep it under $150. I fish off a kayak if that makes a difference.

 

The *** *** Green 2 7'2" MH seems to fit my needs, but I heard they have durability issues. The St. Croix Tidemaster 7' MF seems to fit as well, but I haven't found that many reviews on it. There aren't any Mojo Inshores with my lure rating requirements. I've heard the Redbone rods are well regarded for inshore, but I don't know how they compare to freshwater options. 

[Chris at Tech]

I've got both the Tidemaster MF one piece spinning rod and three-piece travel casting version.  Spinning version is one piece of my SE+Gulfcoast inshore spinning arsenal and the travel casting rod was purchased specifically for my bass trip to Baccarac a few years back.

 

Net net -- I think the Tidemaster MF will suit your needs nicely.  Just be forewarned that even though St Croix rates it as fast action, I'd say it is more moderate than what a bass fisherman would expect out of a rod labelled as fast.  But it's still serves my purposes just fine.

[fishnkamp]

Please explain to me why it needs to be an "inshore" rod. I fish tidal Chesapeake Bay rivers for bass, stripers, big cats etc all the time.  I use my standard tackle.  perhaps you would need to just hose it off after use.  I do se many guys go with the Penn Battle series equipment around here though.  It has a good reputation with the Salt water guys.

Perhaps a Penn Battle Ii 7 foot medium rod and a 4000 reel * that is their combo) for around $120. Check out West Marine for ths.  i still believe a rod like an Abu Garcia Veritas 2,0 7 foot medium would cover you well for about $80. 

[HeavyTwenty]

12 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

Please explain to me why it needs to be an "inshore" rod.

 

Mostly because of the leader knots. I used my freshwater rods on my first trip and was very annoyed by how the braid to leader (20lb fluoro) knot kept catching the guides. A few times the knot literally got stuck on the tip of the rod and wouldn't reel in. And it definitely effected the cast distance. I guess I could just use a shorter leader and not reel through the guides, but I've heard people recommend having them a little bit longer. I've read the larger guides on inshore baitcasting rods eliminate this problem.

 

I started off with a FG knot which unraveled (first time using, I practiced it for days at home), then switched to a double uni. For some reason, I couldn't tie an alberto knot with the 20lb fluoro. I do it fine with 12lb fluoro. 15 mph wind probably didn't help.

[fishnkamp]

If you tie the uni knot correctly and clip it tight you should have no problem, I use it very successfully with 30 pound braid and a 10 pound leader and that is even with micro guides.  Regardless of what works for me, it is not working for you.  SO check out the guides on an Abu Garcia Veritas 2 rods as well as the Penn Battle IIs.Be aware the Veritas will throw what is says and quite a bit more, they are stiffer than what they advertise, like a medium is a cross between a typical medium but closer to a MH.  That 7 foot medium is a nice rod.

[Poolshark]

 

The perfect rod that meets all your specs would be the g loomis Mbr 843. The e6x inshore model. I own one. 

It will do everything you need listed. It's rated 1/4 to 3/4, 7 ft long and designed to throw light jigs.     

It also makes a good spinnerbait chatter bait rod. They make an e6x inshore model with a black matte blank, full cork handle and light blue trim. The guides are normal sized and salt rated.

It's a fast action rod but not so fast that it will tear the hooks out of the trouts/redfish mouths (with care) and it has enough backbone to turn a snook from running for the mangroves/pilings

 

ive had some other inshore setups but this is my favorite