Best New Saltwater Fishing Rods from ICAST

The right (or wrong) fishing rod can make all the difference in luring, hooking and battling a big fish. That’s especially true in saltwater, where your gear needs to be tough, reliable and built to handle a myriad of conditions.

Whether you’re targeting inshore species like redfish, trout and flounder, or heading offshore after marlin and tuna, there’s a rod to get the job done. And ICAST, the annual fishing trade show in Orlando, is a great place to put your hands on the best new sticks.

Here’s a roundup of the top new saltwater fishing rods featured at ICAST.

Fitzgerald Flats Class Series

Winner of the Best Saltwater Rod award at ICAST, Fitzgerald Fishing's new Flats Class Series of inshore rods is a collaboration of pro saltwater angler, Capt. C.A. Richardson and award-winning rod builder Trevor Fitzgerald. The result is a collection of inshore rods that offer strength, sensitivity and lightweight performance, and are tailored for the most sought-after inshore species from trophy speckled trout to tarpon. Optimized for precision casting, lure control and effective fish-fighting in shallow water. MSRP: $229.99-$239.99 | Learn More

Bull Bay Sniper-Elite

Designed and assembled in Lakeland, Fla., Bull Bay’s Sniper-Elite rods (spinning and baitcast) feature high-mod carbon blanks with engineered layering that reduces weigh by 20 percent. It’s a rod that combines performance, innovation and local craftsmanship into a series perfect for Florida angling. Bull Bay’s Air-K carbon reel-seat construction enhances sensitivity, and Ti-Forged tangle-free guides have upgraded inserts to boost casting distance and accuracy. MSRP: $299.99 | Learn More

Quantum Zeal

It’s difficult to find an affordable salt rod that can handle inshore, nearshore and surf fishing. Quantum’s new Zeal line of rods can handle them all. Designed using an HSX24 carbon-fiber blank, the rods are made to detect even the faintest bites and still have the backbone to fight the hardest-pulling gamefish. Other features: Proprietary Quantum graphite reel seat with double-locking nut; stainless steel guides with zirconia inserts; lightweight corrosion-resistant durability in a braid-friendly design; premium cork grips. MSRP: $139.99 | Learn More

Shimano Ocea Plugger Limited

The Ocea Plugger Limited is the newest addition to Shimano’s flagship saltwater rod lineup. Designed for serious offshore anglers, the series includes four spinning models engineered for better casting performance, durability and overall angler confidence on the water. Offering offshore precision, the new Ocea is remarkably light, tough and purpose-built. MSRP: $899.99 | Learn More

Temple Fork Outfitters Moment Saltwater Fly

Temple Fork’s Moment Series is built for those experienced fly anglers who need to make a quick accurate shot. The extra-fast action stands out, allowing high line speed, tight loops and pinpoint control. It's perfect for long leaders, heavy lines or windy conditions. TFO’s patented Kevlar weave prevents ovaling and keeps the blank tracking true, with graphene reinforcement for faster recovery and dampening. Available in 6–12 weights; every model is fitted with premium full-wells grips, fighting butts and corrosion-resistant hardware built for the salt. MSRP: $649.95 | Learn More

Cashion Element z2 Inshore Series

If you’re looking to chase a particular inshore fish species, Cashion’s Element z2 Inshore Series gives you some options at an affordable price. The line includes different rods for seatrout, redfish/flounder, heavy duty and multi purpose. Built to handle tough saltwater species and the harsh marine environment. The rod features Cashion’s new CRzm blank for sensitivity and durability. MSRP: $129.95 | Learn More

Daiwa Outrage XV Light Jigging

Daiwa’s new Outrage XV jigging rods have been globally tested—from jigging monster trevally and grouper out of the reefs in Australia, slow jigging deep water snapper in the gulf, and popping for tuna around the world. Light and durable, the blank is reinforced using Daiwa’s exclusive Braiding X graphite weave technology which adds strength and prevents twisting. There are seven general application jigging rods mainly focused on speed or standard jigging, a 7-foot-9 popping specific model, four light jigging rods for shallow species, and four master-crafted slow-pitch rods to search the depths. MSRP: $239.99 | Learn More

Fitzgerald Stunner X SPJ Offshore

Fitzgerald's Stunner X SPJ rods are crafted for precision, power and durability. The rods feature multi-directional carbon layering for an ultra-lightweight blank with exceptional pulling power, pinpoint-accurate actions, and superior strength. The spiral-wrapped 316 stainless-steel American Tackle Ti-forged snag-less guides ensure flawless line management. MSRP: $349.99 | Learn More

Okuma Catalina Saltwater Boat Rods

The Okuma Catalina Boat Rod Series is for anglers who want performance at a great price. Whether fly-lining live bait, dropping deep, or battling big game from the rail, the Catalina offers power, control and durability to get the job done. A responsive 24-ton carbon blank hits that balance between sensitivity and brute strength. Okuma’s exclusive UFR tip technology adds the lifting power needed when heavy fish dig deep. Models feature Fuji graphite reel seats and EVA grips. MSRP: $109.99-$249.99 | Learn More

Tsunami Carbon Shield III

Tsunami had a simple goal in its new surf-rod series: Give customers more for their money. The all-new Carbon Shield surf series has titanium guides, custom carbon fiber and aluminum reel seat and Tsunami’s own D16 NanoTech lightweight blank construction. MSRP: $129.99 | Learn More

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