Hi all, 

 

I am looking for an A-Rig casting rod to use in a saltwater fishery for Striped Bass. I believe anything from a 7’5” to 7’10” med/hvy to Hvy... with a moderate, mod/fast, or a fast action with some tip should do. I have been out of the saltwater game for a few years, and I’m not sure which brands of saltwater rods are the best. I currently use Dobyns, IRod, and St. Croix for all of my freshwater bass gear. Does anyone have an A-rig casting rod for saltwater fishing that they really like?

I am also open to using a spinning rod, but I believe casting gear is suited better for A-rig applications. 
Also, what baitcast/spinning reels do you like for this application in saltwater? I have a ton of Shimano Curado K’s. However, I don’t believe they’re great for saltwater... I’ve heard the Shimano Tranx (baitcast), and the Shimano Stradic (spinning) work well in saltwater. Does anyone have experience with how well those reels hold up? 

I appreciate any recommendations!

 

Thanks,

Bruce H. 

My favorite all-around inshore rod is Crowder E-series Lite, offered in spinning and casting.  

TackleDirect is a good vendor for these.  

 

 

My best distance-casting baitcaster - even down to 1/8-oz jighead - is Lew's Super Duty G - Lew's has stock and sale pricing.  Best mag brake of any reel I've ever fished - perfect for casting  distance in wind.  (I gave away a Lew's Custom Inshore)  Centrifugal brakes cost distance.  

 

If you want to spend a lot more, Daiwa Steez A is salt-rated.  But the reel above is on its 5th year in the salt, and I just bought another.  

 

Best choice spinning reel is Shimano Stradic.  The big step-up is Twin Power, to get the forged aluminum rotor.  

this one's a bit pimped with Yumeya braid spool and Livre handle.  

It also has MTCW line roller upgrade, a big step for the salt.  

 

The only place you really need seals in the salt is surf fishing.  Otherwise, seals let saltwater in, and don't let the salt back out.  

 

It is illegal to cast umbrellas in the salt (at least it should be).

 

As long as you follow your hook count laws for your state you should be fine. You can run teasers on the other wires with a twist-lock centering pin... I just like to catch fish, and you can get some pretty d**n good action throwing it. It feels like you’re cheating but the purpose of fishing is to catch fish. You should try it sometime! 

16 hours ago, bulldog1935 said:

My favorite all-around inshore rod is Crowder E-series Lite, offered in spinning and casting.  

TackleDirect is a good vendor for these.  

 

 

My best distance-casting baitcaster - even down to 1/8-oz jighead - is Lew's Super Duty G - Lew's has stock and sale pricing.  Best mag brake of any reel I've ever fished - perfect for casting  distance in wind.  (I gave away a Lew's Custom Inshore)  Centrifugal brakes cost distance.  

 

If you want to spend a lot more, Daiwa Steez A is salt-rated.  But the reel above is on its 5th year in the salt, and I just bought another.  

 

Best choice spinning reel is Shimano Stradic.  The big step-up is Twin Power, to get the forged aluminum rotor.  

this one's a bit pimped with Yumeya braid spool and Livre handle.  

It also has MTCW line roller upgrade, a big step for the salt.  

 

The only place you really need seals in the salt is surf fishing.  Otherwise, seals let saltwater in, and don't let the salt back out.  

 

Thanks for the tips and advice, I’ll check into it!