Q&A: Best Rods for Back Bay and River Fishing Soft Plastics

Question:

Good afternoon,

Do you have any recommendations for rods that would be suitable casting your Hogy soft plastics to stripers? Generally this rod would be for early spring fishing in back bays, and rivers. I intend too use this rod for soft plastics casting from shore and a kayak. I will most likely match this rod up with a 4000 size Shimano Stradic or a Penn Battle II. I have used the St. Croix Tidemaster series rods for this application in the past. Any help is much appreciated.

Thank You,
Kevin L

Answer

Kevin,

Thank you for reaching out to us. We appreciate your business very much.

I think you’d be fine sticking with a St. Croix blank for your new back bay/river rod. I’d look for a rod around 6’8 – 7’2 in a MH weight with a fast or extra fast tip.

Spool up the reel with 20lb braid, like power pro and attach a 30lb fluorocarbon leader and you’re in business. The fast action will help increase casting distance while remaining sensitive enough to detect subtle strikes.

I’m not sure what your budget is, St. Croix offers a wide variety of models and prices. Use those specs as a starting point.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, I’m very happy to help.

Capt. Ross Gallagher