This video will explain the pros and cons of the two rod, reel, and line combos that are offered in our online tackle store.

So if you have a goal of catching more fish with lures this year, you’ll want to listen to this comparison video because both of these rods are excellent options for catching inshore slams with lures.

Slot Machine VS. TFO Pro S Combo [VIDEO]

Links To These Combos:

• Slot Machine Combo
• TFO Pro S Combo

Fuego Upgrade

As mentioned in this video, the new Fuego is extremely impressive given that they did a big upgrade to it without moving its price up.

So if you need a new reel for medium power inshore fishing, then I highly recommend getting one of these new Fuego reels.

Click here to see the new Fuego LT reels

Conclusion

For those of us who strive to catch as many inshore slams as possible with lures, rod and reel selection is crucial.

The rod is by far the most important of all since it’s the primary factor in casting, feeling strikes, and setting the hook… all of which are critical to get right.

These two combos are both great options, so it just comes down to budget as well as how rough we are on our gear knowing that the higher modulus rods require more care.

Please use the comments section below if you have any questions.

Tight Lines!

The post The Slot Machine vs. TFO Pro S Combo [Pros & Cons] appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

As inshore anglers, we never really know what we’ll run into while out on the water.

We also travel a lot and move from spot to spot covering ground and experimenting in new areas.

If you’ve got one of THESE at the ready, you’re set up for ultimate success.

Take a closer look here!!

Must-Have Fishing Rod EVERYONE Needs [VIDEO]

Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money

Featured Gear:

• Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod
• TFO Traveler Spinning Rod
• Daiwa Fuego Spinning Reel
• Daiwa Legalis Spinning Reel

I think every inshore angler should own a 3-piece travel fishing rod for a few reasons.

The first is providing instant ability to fish wherever and whenever.

In my previous job, I traveled all around the state of Florida and had the Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod tucked behind my driver’s seat.

This enabled me to stop and fish wherever I was.

Instead of wasting time watching TV stuck in a hotel room, I was out trying to get tight lines wherever I was.

Another reason for having a 3-piece travel rod is they make fantastic backup options.

If you happen to break your main fishing rod then these travel setups are high-quality choices to use instead.

You’ve probably been told that 3-piece fishing rods are not the way to go.

This is not all that true.

If you do go out and spend less money on a 3-piece set up in a big box store, then that probably won’t hold up very long.

But rod manufacturers like Daiwa, St. Croix, and TFO among a bunch of others are designing and selling excellent travel rod options for inshore anglers.

These rods are WAY better than you would anticipate.

The Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod fishes just the same as a one-piece rod and you likely wouldn’t be able to tell the difference if I stuck it in your hands and didn’t tell you it was 3 pieces.

Don’t immediately write off 3-piece travel rods.

These are great options in case your main option goes down or you have other people coming to fish with you that don’t have rods of their own.

Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod Details

The Daiwa Ardito is a carbon-fiber graphite fishing rod just like any other high-quality inshore rod out there now.

The particular model I have is the 7’6 Medium-Light.

These rods feature a V-Flex Ferrule which is the part where the pieces come together.

In cheaper options, the ferrules will combine as closely as they can which doesn’t allow the rod to bend consistently when under a load.

There is a small gap between those two flared ends so the graphite blank has a consistent bend all the way through.

You don’t have to sit there and fight to attach the pieces together as a result.

The pieces combine easily and without much effort to assemble.

Moreover, the reel seat, grips, and guides are all consistent with high-quality inshore gear.

It has aluminum-oxide guides on it which are very braid-friendly.

The reel seat is attached directly to the reel giving you more feel just as you would expect from a top-shelf rod.

The Daiwa Ardito comes in a nylon carrying case.

It is rigid enough to give you the protection you need but it has just enough flex so you can pack it into tight areas.

Reel Pairing Options

As far as the reels to pair with the Daiwa Ardito or any travel rod, you should use the reel that the situation calls for.

I do a lot of inshore fishing so I typically use a 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel.

I mostly lean toward using a 3000-size Daiwa Fuego with the Ardito rod.

The color schemes also line up and match with the Fuego and Ardito.

If color is of no concern to you, then the Daiwa Legalis is also an excellent option for this rod.

Final Thoughts

The Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod is an excellent setup if you’re looking for a travel rod.

We do also carry the TFO Traveler Spinning Rod in the Fish Strong shop.

If you’re familiar with the TFO Tactical, this is basically the same rod just now in 3-pieces.

This is an excellent setup and is as good as any daily use rods you regularly use.

I’d like to hear from YOU – what is your go-to travel rod?

Have you fished with the Daiwa Ardito Travel Rod before?

TFO? St. Croix? Toadfish?

Please let me hear your opinions and feedback down in the comments!!

Drop your stories down below!

Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post The Must-Have Fishing Rod EVERYONE Needs In Their Arsenal appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

If you’ve seen my videos in the past, I always have my EIGHT rods with me in the back of the kayak.

I frequently rotate these rods in and out but this Fitzgerald Aqua Dream rod is here to stay!

Here’s why!!!

Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Rod One-Year Review [VIDEO]

Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 Seconds or Less!!!

Get a Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Series Fishing Rod

The different rods I take out on my kayak often depend on what I’m going to throw along with the conditions.

I prefer to pair my presentations according to the rod/reel outfit.

Each setup behind me has its own intended use.

The Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Series is a high-quality blank specialized for inshore saltwater fishing.

You may have heard of Fitzgerald Fishing in the freshwater realm.

But they now have saltwater rods tailored to fulfill the needs of an inshore angler.

Aqua Dream Series

The Aqua Dream Series is specifically designed to withstand the elements of saltwater fishing.

The butt section of this rod includes a foam handle attached to the exposed blank.

That exposed blank section provides an additional feel.

On the reel seat where your hand rests is a cork handle.

Moreover, the hook keeper for this rod is actually facing out toward the side of the rod.

This is a small detail but when you’re changing rods or you’re done for the day, it makes it easier to attach your lure to the hook keeper.

Additionally, the Aqua Dream Series Rods incorporate a MicroWave Guide System including Dura-Lite guide inserts.

That greatly reduces friction on the braid when you’re casting.

Not only does that protect your line, but it also increases castability.

That is not to say it will increase your casting distance, but it will help you cast with better accuracy.

The blank of the rod itself is a lightweight, composite blank.

Also, the action in this rod has more of a parabolic deflection which is fancy for Moderate-Fast Action.

The bend in this fishing rod is a bit lower than that of a Fast-Action.

That means it is easier to reel in a heavier load on light lures.

Furthermore, the Aqua Dream Series is incredibly balanced.

I paired mine up with a Daiwa Ballistic MQ 3000.

All of this attention to detail amounts to a high-quality product at an ideal price point (under $200!)

What Sets This Rod Apart?

The high-quality components in conjunction with the moderately-fast action blank set this rod apart from the rest.

When this rod is under a load, the bend will be a bit further down than in other blanks.

This allows you to have better, more accurate casts when fishing with super light lures.

You’re able to feel all the action and sub-surface lure behavior.

Some stiffer fishing rods make it difficult to have a sustained connection to your lure in the water.

So how does this help you catch more fish?

If you mostly throw lightweight presentations, then this is a great fit for you.

These rods absolutely shine when it comes to throwing suspended twitchbaits and lightweight subsurface plugs.

All in all, this rod series would fit right into your inshore saltwater fishing arsenal and are built to last.

Oh, and if you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them down below!

Get a Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Series Fishing Rod

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post One-Year Review Of The Fitzgerald Aqua Dream Fishing Rod Series appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

This is a high-end travel rod from TFO that comes at the request of lots of Insider Members looking for quality on-the-go equipment.

Take a look!

TFO Traveler Spinning Rod Review [VIDEO]

Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 Seconds or Less!!!

Get the TFO Traveler Spinning Rod

To start, the rod comes in an awesome, protective carrying case.

The rod blank itself is from TFO’s Tactical Inshore Series.

It is lightweight and is split into 3 pieces.

The pieces are easy to assemble and TFO took things into account that other travel rods ignore.

How can you ensure the pieces are perfectly aligned every single time?

There are small dots on these rods that help guide you to the exact right position.

All the guides on the rod will be perfect and face the same direction.

If you plan on traveling and doing typical inshore saltwater fishing, this is the ideal choice.

This is a Medium Power rod that is 7 feet long.

It’s compact enough for travel and capable to power in BIG fish if called upon.

As far as the line goes, this is in the 6-12 lb range, and in most cases, we are fishing with 10 lb braid.

At first glance, I am very impressed with the packaging and after I hit the water with it a few times, I’ll release a review on how it performed out on the water.

TFO certainly did not cut any corners when designing this rod.

Overall, the blank is high quality and if you are in the market for a vacation or travel rod, I recommend you check this one out!

Have you fished with this travel rod before??

If so, please leave a comment down below to get the conversation started!!

Get the TFO Traveler Spinning Rod

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Travel Light, Catch BIG Fish: TFO Traveler Spinning Rod Introduction appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

As an angler, your fishing rod is the #1 most important piece of your tackle and gear.

The last thing you need is for that to become compromised and you end up losing fish and money.

Here’s how to avoid making the worst fishing rod mistakes!

Fishing Rod Mistakes To Avoid [VIDEO]

Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 Seconds or Less!!!

Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod

Fishing rods are our most valuable tool for catching fish.

They are responsible for casting your baits out, feeling strikes, hooksets, and reeling fish back in.

There are THREE major mistakes anglers commonly make that put their rods in peril.

Stick around to the end for the MOST important of the three that most anglers don’t think twice about.

#1. High-Sticking

The first and most common way to break fishing rods is called high-sticking.

This is when the angler puts the rod in a position where the point of the rod is bent so much that it is now facing toward the butt of the rod.

This is the ultimate rod killer.

I have only ever broken ONE fishing rod in my entire life and this was exactly how I did it.

I lifted a small jack out of the water and my fishing rod was vertical in the air so all the pressure from the fish was on the tip section.

Once the fish started to thrash and shake its head, the rod became compromised and it broke.

Surprisingly, the higher-end rods tend to break more often than less expensive ones.

We call these “wet noodle rods” and they likely won’t ever break the same way as those with a higher price tag.

The problem with these rods, however, is they have no feel to them at all.

Expensive rods are made of a high-modulus material that gives you an enhanced feeling and touch.

When you have that type of feel in a fishing rod, you won’t have the power to withstand a heavy load on the tip section.

Many anglers buy a high-end rod thinking it is the most durable out there which is not the case.

Feeling in a fishing rod can mean the difference between losing fish or getting quality hook sets.

High-end rods are well worth the investment IF you practice the proper techniques and avoid high-sticking.

If a big redfish gets close to the boat and dives down and you keep your fishing rod in a vertical position, odds are it will break.

All you have to do in this situation is drop the rod tip down, even into the water in some cases is okay.

If you get snagged on a tree or a rock, don’t lift the rod up to shake your hook loose.

Instead point the rod directly at the snag, tighten down the drag, and walk the spool back.

2. Rod Transportation

The top section of your fishing rod is likely the most vulnerable when in transport.

The faster the action on the rod, the further up the compromised spot is in the blank.

If you bend the end of the rod down, you can see where the rod bends and take note of the compromised area.

In the case of the Slot Machine, that is in between the 3rd and 4th guide from the tip.

You just want to be extra mindful of protecting this section as it is most vulnerable and can be compromised.

If you put your rods in the bed of a pickup truck, try not to have that section of the rod touch the truck.

We don’t recommend transporting your rods there in the first place, but if necessary do what you can to protect that area.

You can use a rod sleeve as well if you want to be extra careful.

Also, if you were just fishing with weights or plan to, make sure the weight cannot hit the blank during transport.

This is a great way to create microfractures that weaken the fishing rod and lead to breaks.

It is best to have all your lures and weights down near the butt section where it is more sturdy.

3. Lure/Hook Keeper

When securing your lure or hook to the fishing rod, make sure to have enough line out.

In some cases, people have had their lure be short of the keeper a few inches or so and they force the hook onto the keeper.

If that happens, you should just open up the bail, attach the hook to the keeper, and reel up the slack.

If you try and pull the lure down to match up with the hook keeper, it puts even more stress than high-sticking on the rod tip.

Never pull down on the rod tip to secure your lure to the hook keeper.

That puts the rod in the most compromised position.

Moreover, when you go to store your rod, make sure to loosen the drag in case an animal (if you have pets!) or someone else bumps into the line, line will come off the drag before compromising the rod tip.

If not, the weakest link is going to break.

Say you had the drag locked down super tight and bumped into the line then, odds are it will break under that tension.

Final Thoughts

As I mentioned earlier, rods are our most important tool when fishing for redfish, seatrout, snook, flounder, etc.

Especially if you are fishing with artificial lures, the majority of your money should be in the rod.

I personally spend nearly 2x on the rod than on the reels I fish with.

Since doing so, I have significantly increased my catch rate and have not broken any rods!!

Get yourself a quality inshore saltwater fishing rod AND PROTECT IT!!!

If you avoid these mistakes, you will be able to effectively reel in big fish for many years.

If you’re going after redfish, seatrout, snook, or flounder and you want to take your game to the next level, then the Slot Machine Custom Rod is the perfect match for you.

Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod

Oh, and if you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them down below!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Top 3 Fishing Rod Mistakes To Avoid (How To Protect Your Gear) appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

This is a custom rod that we’ve been working on for quite some time now.

Without question, it quickly became the BEST inshore saltwater fishing rod I have ever used.

Check it out!!

Salt Strong Slot Machine Custom Rod IS HERE [VIDEO]

Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 seconds or less!!!

Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod

Mentioned Daiwa Spinning Reels:

• BG MQ 2500
• Legalis 2500
• Fuego 2500

The Rod Blank

We found the highest quality blank that we could which is most important.

These rod blanks are made right here in the U.S.A.

This particular blank has a high modulus tip so you can feel everything even those tiny pinfish tapping your lures.

That helps you detect bigger fish and have better hooksets.

This rod has the best ability to feel strikes and deliver lures accurately.

We worked closely with Mudhole to dial in on the rod action so it is perfect.

The action of a rod is where the bend is in the rod.

And power is the backbone of the fishing rod.

The thing that has impressed me most about this rod is I can go from throwing the smallest crab lure for sheepshead and then throw a 5-inch paddletail for snook with no problem.

Guide Spacing

Additionally, the guide spacing is something else to take note of on this rod.

I personally think this is often overlooked throughout the industry.

Not many anglers know it but the spacing plays a significant role.

Our #1 goal is castability and to cover as much ground as possible with our casts.

To optimize casting performance, the few guides closest to the reel seat of the rod are the reduction guides.

Their purpose is to reduce the coils of line off the reel and into a straight line.

If those guides are too close to the reel, you have a higher chance of causing wind knots.

Along with less distance on your casting as well.

And if you go too far up on the rod, you run the risk of what’s called a line slap where the line is slapping against the rod on every cast.

We spent a lot of time testing out different reels and observing the guide spacing and how the line feeds through to have the perfect system.

All 2500 and most 3000 reels will have ZERO issues pairing up to this rod.

A small test you can do at home to see if you’re own rods and reels are the right match is to grab the reel and hold your finger on the line right on the end of the reel.

Then put some pressure on the rod and then you can see where the line is naturally going out through the guides.

In the case of the Slot Machine, the line is in the center of the guides not touching the guides themselves.

In fact, it doesn’t touch a guide until the third one.

Most rods fail that test right off the bat.

In most production rods I’ve seen, the guides are too far down and the line is hitting the first guide immediately.

That increases the risk of wind knots and decreases your castability.

I have tested the Slot Machine with our top-selling 2500-size Daiwa reels as well as some reels from Shimano.

Most 3000 reels match this rod as well.

Rod Action & Guides

The guides up at the rod tip are all about protecting the rod itself.

A lot of companies go with a number like 7 guides on the top half sometimes even less.

The truth is the fewer guides you have on the top half of the rod will increase the chances of the rod breaking under a load.

We have TEN guides on the Slot Machine up on the top half of the rod.

That seems excessive but because this is a high-quality blank, you want to be sure it is protected.

The last thing you want is the rod to snap on you when reeling in a bull redfish or big snook.

The Butt Section

We put A LOT of time into designing the butt section looking at past rods we’ve used and popular options out on the market.

First off, this rod has an amazing feel.

The ergonomic grip fits nicely in your hand and is comfortable to use all day long.

You can feel the blank through the midsection of the grip.

I personally place my index finger on the rod blank itself above the grip for more feel and contact with the line.

I’ve never fished with a rod that has the touch and feel of the Slot Machine.

Also, we went with a locking reel seat design.

Sometimes the vibration of the boat cruising out to your spots or the car ride to the spot unwinds the reel seat and eventually, your reel falls off.

I’ve heard multiple stories from multiple people where their reels have fallen off during transport.

The locking reel seat will ensure that you NEVER lose a reel in this way.

Lure Keeper

For me personally, this is a HUGE deal.

The lure keeper enables you to store your lures weedless without having to take the hook out of the plastic.

This style hook keeper lets you easily place the shank of the hook on the clasp.

Instead of having to make your lures weedless again and waste time, you can grab the rod and cast it out immediately.

The unique triangular shape is something I’ve never seen on a rod before and it is just perfect for weedless lure storage.

Optimal Reel Pairings

Again, as I mentioned before, every 2500 reel we tested was perfectly matched as far as castability goes with this rod.

My personal favorite has been the Daiwa BG MQ 2500.

This combo has outperformed any other rod/reel pairing I’ve ever used.

And if you’re an Insider Club Member you can get this ENTIRE combo (Rod, Reel, and Line spooled for you) for under $500.

In most cases, people spend that on just the rod blank alone.

If your budget is around $300 for everything, I recommend the Daiwa Legalis 2500.

This reel is awesome, lightweight, and packs a punch when called upon.

Final Thoughts

This is hands down the best inshore saltwater fishing rod I have ever used.

And on top of that, we’re proud to offer these rods at a reasonable price.

A custom rod of this caliber can run upwards of $400-$500.

Everything on this rod is put together in the U.S.A. and we’re now in production mode!

Taking everything into account, we are offering this rod at $347!!

Insider Club Members keep in mind you get $100 OFF!!!

If you’re going after redfish, seatrout, snook, or flounder and you want to take your game to the next level, then this is the rod for you.

Rods are the #1 most important part of your tool kit as an angler.

Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod

Oh, and if you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them down below!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post The Salt Strong Slot Machine Custom Rod IS HERE!!! appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

The TFO is our bestseller and has brought in some memorable catches for me over the years.

Cashion is incredibly unique and the Element is the most affordable rod completely made out of American-made components right here in the United States.

So how do these two fishing rods compare in price and performance???

Cashion Element Inshore VS. TFO Pro S Spinning Rod [VIDEO]

Featured Rods

Get the Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod

Get the TFO Pro S Professional Spinning Rod

See These Rods In Action

Cashion: Grand Slam On First Trip

TFO: Balcony Snook Catch

Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod

So far, the Cashion Element has been very impressive and I’ve been surprised by how lightweight it is.

For a 7-foot 6-inch Medium-Power rod, it has the feel of a lightweight 7-footer.

However, the negative to that is it does not have as much power as the TFO.

Based on the specs alone, I was expecting both of these rods to perform similarly.

But right off the bat I could tell the tip section was lighter and needed less force to bend.

Also, the bend occurs much further down in the rod than in the TFO.

That’s good and bad.

When it comes to effective hooksets with weedless soft plastic lures, the lightweight rod increases your chances of missing fish.

But I did go out and catch a grand slam with this rod on my first trip out using strictly artificial lures.

That being said, I have noticed a very slight decrease in hooksets overall but only with weedless hooks.

Open-faced jigheads and hooks will not have the same issue.

TFO Pro S Spinning Rod

When you align the butts of each rod and put them side by side, the butt on the TFO is much shorter than on the Cashion.

That is a huge factor when it comes to comfortably fishing from a kayak.

It’s also a bonus for casting distance because more of the rod is used to whip your lure out there as opposed to it being stuck in your hands.

The differences may look small but overtime that can have a big impact.

Price & Final Thoughts

The TFO Pro S comes in at $119 and the Cashion is only $10 more at $129 retail.

As previously mentioned, the Cashion Element Inshore is the most affordable inshore rod completely manufactured from materials right here in the United States.

Usually, products that are produced and manufactured in the United States are well over the $200 mark.

If you are in the market for a lightweight rod and you mostly fish with exposed hooks, then the Cashion is a very good match for you.

But if you go weedless most of the time and fish tight to structure like rocks, oysters, and similar structures, then you may want to go for that extra power and casting distance in the TFO.

Long story short, both rods are EXCELLENT options for inshore saltwater fishing.

It will come down to how you like to fish and what types of lures you enjoy using the most.

As far as some reel pairing options or suggestions, I recommend the Daiwa Legalis or the Daiwa Fuego.

These reels are affordable and are an ideal match for either fishing rod.

Have you fished with either of these rods before?

What would you add to this review?

Please go ahead and let me know what you think down in the comments!!

Get the Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod

Get the TFO Pro S Professional Spinning Rod

Reel Recommendations

These rods are best for medium to light tackle fishing where 10 to 15 lb braid is used as a mainline. Here are my two favorite reels for these rods:

1. Fuego LT 2500-XH
2. Legalis LT 2500-XH

Both of these reels have proven to be excellent choices at their price pionts ($109 & $79 respectively). They are very light, smooth, and have more than enough drag power for handling redfish, snook, trout, flounder and many other inshore species up to 40 inches in length.

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Cashion Element Inshore VS. TFO Pro S Spinning Rod (What’s The Difference?) appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

Cashion Rods builds some of the highest-quality inshore fishing rods right here in the U.S.A.

Learn more in the review below!!

Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod Review [VIDEO]

Get the Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod (7-Foot Medium-Light)

Cashion Rods is based in Sanford, North Carolina, and is owned by Dr. Matthew Cashion – who is an active Salt Strong Insider Member!

Cashion Rods uses an innovative, proprietary epoxy resin to fill the gaps and bond the graphite together.

This resin has a direct relationship between strength and weight.

The Cashion Element Inshore Series is the most affordable inshore-focused spinning rod that is also a product of the U.S.A.

Overview Of The Features

There is a 10-inch cork butt section on the bottom of these rods, but the cork is very thin in an effort to reduce overall weight.

Moving along, Cashion makes use of an EVA Foregrip to prevent all the slime and contaminants that get on your hands from shortening the life of your gear.

Also, there is a weedless hook keeper just above the foregrip making it effortless to hold your weedless offerings in place during transport.

The Pros

Overall, this rod has a great strength-to-weight ratio.

The rod has a strong backbone but a soft enough rod tip to achieve balance.

Some fishing rods feel too stiff and others feel like a pool noodle.

The Element Inshore has a soft tip to elevate your lure’s performance while not compromising strength on hook sets.

Not only that, but it also reduces the total weight of the rod.

The Cashion Element Inshore weighs about 4 ounces and comes in at $129.

Lightweight, affordable, and U.S.A.-made are all incredibly important pros to consider with this rod.

The Cons

The Cashion Element Inshore Series does not necessarily come equipped with premium components.

The cork, reel seat, and guides just as examples are not from recognizable, reputable brands that are on other rods in this same price point.

However, the blank on this rod outperforms other rod blanks in this price range.

At the end of the day, rod blank performance is what’s most important to inshore fishing.

The other con about this rod is simply its current availability.

With it being a new product, it can be hard to find in your local tackle shops.

Cashion Element Inshore Rod Series Models

There are FOUR different models for the Cashion Element Inshore Series.

There is the 7-foot Medium-Light, a 7-foot Medium, a 7-foot Medium-Heavy, and a 7-foot 6-inch Medium.

Generally speaking, the 7-foot Medium-Light rod is going to be best suited for fishing with light-soft plastics exposed on jigheads.

Even Mirrolures and Corkys will work well with the Medium-Light option.

The 7-foot Medium-Heavy is best for fishing with popping corks or larger soft plastics around structure like docks or overhanging mangroves.

Cashion considers the 7-foot and 7-foot 6-inch rods to be their All-Purpose with a blend of power and finesse to be used in a variety of situations.

Conclusion

Overall, my first impression of the Cashion Element Inshore Rod Series is positive and this is a great rod for inshore anglers.

I think this is a perfect budget rod that performs higher than its price range while beating out those below it.

Did you find the Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod review helpful?

Have you been able to get your hands on a Cashion Element Inshore Rod and fish with it yet?

Let us know in the comments section!!

Get the Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod (7-Foot Medium-Light)

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Cashion Element Inshore Spinning Rod Review (Pros & Cons) appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

Today’s video is all about the SLOT MACHINE.

The blanks are coming to Mudhole for Quality Control Assurance to then go out to production to be built out right here in the U.S.A.

Dive into this process with us below!!

Slot Machine Blank Analysis [VIDEO]

Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod

Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE

The Slot Machine project has been in motion for about 18 months now.

Luke and I have been working with the rod designers at Mudhole to craft what we believe to be the perfect inshore fishing rod.

So much goes into building and crafting the perfect rod blank.

I have tested at least a dozen prototypes of this rod within the last year, even hooking into my personal best redfish on it.

We thought of everything we could to design a rod blank that has the action we want, desired weight, and the durability we need for inshore fishing.

We’re happy to say the Slot Machine is intrinsic to Salt Strong and we can’t wait for you to hit the water with it.

Assessing Rod Blanks

The first thing Mudhole looks at when they receive new rod blanks are the dimensions of the blank itself.

They make sure the rod is cut cleanly and is precise to their order.

Then, Mudhole uses a gauge to measure the width of the rod tip and butt sections to be precise there as well.

Thereafter, they lay the blank out in front of them to confirm it is indeed straight.

Also, they twist the rod to check all sides and see that it is evenly smooth.

These are custom rods built from the ground up with human involvement in their construction.

Mudhole doesn’t just toss them on a machine to let equipment figure it out.

Before components are put onto the blank, Mudhole hand inspects each blank.

Moreover, Mudhole weighs each blank and in the case of the Slot Machine, it is roughly 2 ounces.

If there are any blanks that are a bit more or a bit less than 2 ounces, then that may indicate slight inconsistencies in the blank.

They’ll then inspect the rod top to bottom for any soft spots or weak points.

A soft spot usually indicates over-sanding in a particular area.

Most graphite rods are sanded down.

When the blanks first come in, they have a sand-paper or cat’s tongue feel to them.

But we as anglers are used to a smooth feel when out on the water.

So there could be a case of over-sanding, scratches, or marks on the blank when it gets to Mudhole.

Checking Rod Blank Action

The rod builders at Mudhole are constantly testing rod blanks and know exactly what the blank should feel like when you give it a deflection.

Mudhole bends out the rod on the floor to confirm the desired action and feel.

They even have a deflection graph that you can use and place weights on the blank to see where the rod bends.

The goal with the Slot Machine was to create a true Fast-Action blank.

We feel that we’ve hit the sweet spot of Fast-Action Inshore Rod Blanks.

Conclusion

This is what we believe to be the BEST Inshore Fishing Rod ever made.

These rods should easily retail for over $300 off the rack.

Be sure to head over to the shop and click the “Notify Me When Available” button because these will be in high demand!

If you know someone who wants to learn more about the Slot Machine Blank Analysis, please TAG or SHARE this with them!

Oh, and if you Join the Insider Club TODAY,  Smart Fishing Spots is absolutely FREE! Click here to join us in the Insider Club!

Related Articles:

• THE BEST INSHORE SALTWATER FISHING ROD EVER???
• THIS LURE HELPED ME CATCH MY BIGGEST REDFISH EVER [RIGGING, TECHNIQUES, & MORE]
• TESTING NEW BOMBER PADDLETAIL LURES [WHEN TO USE EACH]

The post How To Check Quality Control On A Rod Blank (Slot Machine Blank Analysis) appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

Salt Strong teamed up with Mudhole Custom Fishing Rods to bring you a new, state-of-the-art inshore fishing rod.

This custom rod is called the “Slot Machine” and we’re aiming to have it available for Insider members by the end of the year.

We tailored this rod to every inshore saltwater angler’s needs.

Find out more in the episode below!!

You can watch the video version of this podcast below (which I highly recommend), listen to the audio version by clicking the play button underneath it, or listen to it on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.

P.S. Don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify and leave us a review!

Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE

The Best Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod Ever??? [PODCAST]

Note: Don’t forget to subscribe to the Salt Strong podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify and leave us a review!

Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE

Notify me when this rod is in stock!!

Related Podcasts:

• ICAST 2022: HERE’S WHAT YOU MISSED…
• THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO INSHORE SALTWATER FISHING

Here is a timestamped version of this episode to follow along:

• 1:30 – Ultimate Inshore Fishing Performance Custom Rod
• 3:00 – This is NOT for everybody
• 5:19 – Learning & Understanding MORE about Fishing Rods
• 7:08 – Pairing Reels with the right Rods
• 8:51 – Top to Bottom Overview
• 11:30 – Hook Keepers
• 13:21 – Truth behind a Split-Grip
• 16:04 – Adding or Taking away Weight
• 19:06 – Class & Ratings
• 20:32 – ANOTHER Rod is on its way!
• 22:00 – Material & Construction
• 26:15 – Line Resistance & Guides
• 27:52 – Mud Hole Rod Building
• 30:58 – Our Goal
• 32:15 – The Salt Strong Custom Rod is COMING SOON!
• 34:20 – Get On The Early Notification List!!!
• 36:05 – Mud Hole Custom Rods

The Best Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod Ever??? [VIDEO]

Join the Insider Club and get the Smart Fishing Spots App for FREE

Notify me when this rod is in stock!!

Conclusion

We’re so excited about this rod we can’t wait to get it into your hands so you can CRUSH inshore fish!!

Remember that this rod may not be the best for beginners or inexperienced anglers.

It is nice having expensive gear but you always want to use the RIGHT gear for your skillset.

Notify me when this rod is in stock!!

Do you have any additional questions about the best inshore saltwater fishing rod??

Let us know what you think of the rod down in the comments!!

And if you know someone who wants to learn more about the best inshore saltwater fishing rod, please TAG or SHARE this with them!

Oh, and if you Join the Insider Club TODAY, Smart Fishing Spots is absolutely FREE! Click here to join us in the Insider Club!

Related Articles:

• THE BEST INTRODUCTORY ROD, REEL, & LINE FOR USING SALTWATER LURES
• TFO PROFESSIONAL SERIES VS. TACTICAL INSHORE [SPINNING ROD COMPARISON]
• HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ROD FOR USING WEEDLESS SOFT PLASTIC LURES

The post The Best Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rod Ever??? appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.