What Is an Inshore Casting Rod?

Perhaps you hear the saltwater calling and you want to try inshore fishing, fishing in depths of two to 20 feet, using your canoe, kayak, or small boat.

You need the right fishing rod because, as you probably know, the rod is more important than the reel.

You need an affordable, high-end performance inshore casting rod.

Contents

What is an Inshore Casting Rod?

You can use any rod with an appropriate length of about 6.5 to 7 feet with medium action and power in inshore fishing situations.

These inshore fishing rods perform well in shallow saltwater between two to 20 feet in depth on a multitude of fish.

Use an inshore casting rod in a light boat.

Designed for inshore saltwater fishing, you would not use these rods in backcountry fishing situations nor would you use them in offshore fishing situations.

You will find paired-down inshore saltwater fishing gear because these smaller fish require less equipment to haul into the fishing vessel.

It is still bait fishing, which can use crickets or worms.

What Type of Rod Is Best for Inshore Fishing?

You use a medium-weight fishing rod measuring between 6.5 and 7 feet in length for inshore fishing.

The casting rod needs an even blend of performance, sensitivity, and strength.

This lets you target everything from pompano to flounder, redfish to spotted seatrout.

While you do need a casting rod that provides the strength to pull a redfish away from a rocky coastline, you also need it to weigh little enough that it pulls away from lighter fish.

A medium-weight rod of this length lets you cast directly into the strike zone, mixing your bait into the baitfish your prey likes to nibble on for meals. If you can find a coated rod that resists corrosion, snap it up.

The constant exposure to water in this type of fishing causes the rods and reels to corrode more quickly. You have a bevy of choices to try among the proper rods for this type of fishing.

The 7 feet Okuma Nomad Xpress uses a graphite blank with a Spigot Ferrule connection that makes it easier to handle.

It travels well since it breaks down into three pieces and stows in a waterproof carrying case.

Double-grip EVA handles make them more comfortable to hold for a long time.

The high-grade reel seats help you land your catch.

You’ll get smooth performance and a durable design.

You will find this rod very lightweight as opposed to medium weight, so you won’t use it on all inshore fish.

Other top choices for reliable performance include the Daiwa Aird inshore rod and St. Croix Mojo inshore rod.

The one-piece performance Daiwa measures 6’8’’ with cork handles.

Its titanium oxide guides received a rating to handle line weights of 8 to 17 pounds.

You get a strong, sensitive casting rod that is lightweight and ergonomic, so you can fish longer without wearing out your arms.

The St. Croix Mojo, a 7’ spinning rod, boasts a fast action on a lightweight rod.

This medium-heavy power SCII graphite rod provides dual-grip cork handles that make it easy to fish for hours.

Its design features include Fuji reel seats and a Kigan hook-keeper.

Expect durable, sensitive performance you can use to catch numerous types of fish.

Can I Use an Inshore Rod for Bass Fishing?

It depends. Up to a seven feet rod and light in weight, you can use an inshore rod for bass fishing, too.

You could use a light surf rod for inshore, but not as a bass rod.

You could only use a heavyweight bass rod as a boat rod.

You can try different rods as long as you do not mind a catchless fishing day potentially.

You could use the St. Croix Mojo, discussed above, as both a saltwater and freshwater casting rod for maximum performance.

What Rod Action Is Best for Inshore Casting?

Go for a medium-action rod for inshore casting.

Besides those discussed above, you might try the KastKing Royale Legend Rod for legendary performance, Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod, Daiwa ISLA Inshore Casting Rod 7′, St. Croix Mojo Inshore Spinning Rod, Avid X Casting Rods, Daiwa Aird Coastal Inshore Casting Rods, or the superior performance of the Penn Battalion Inshore Spinning Rod.

These casting rods feature enough bend in the rod to make it comfortable casting from the boat.

If it seems the list includes a plethora of Daiwa casting rods to include, they design numerous inshore rods that work effectively.

What Are the Different Inshore Rod Powers Good For?

Using a medium-light or medium power rod ensures you have the ideal bend for shallow saltwater fish.

A medium-light works well with lures weighing 1/8-ounce to 1/2-ounce.

You can use them in both saltwater and fresh applications.

The weight rod stiffens more quickly.

You get quicker hooksets out of it when using jigs as well as soft plastics.

A medium power rod works well with lures weighing 1/4-ounce to 3/4 ounce.

These perform well for the beginner or occasional angler.

You can use them with spinnerbaits or popping corks, so these work well in freshwater or saltwater, too.

Use these next-level performance rod powers to ensure proper hook sets.

How Much Drag Do You Need for Inshore Fishing?

You need between 25 to 30 pounds of drag for inshore fishing.

Your goal is to wear out the fish, so it becomes so exhausted it just gives up and lets you reel it in for a tasty meal.

With respect to this, you need to choose reels that won’t require you to buy a custom reel seat.

Look for rods with reel seats like the Okuma Nomad Xpress provides – large, low-profile baitcasting reels.

This means a 3000-4000 or 30-40 size reel, preferably a spinning reel.

Top-notch designs include the Phenix Reel Seat, PTS blank-touch reel seat, TVS blank-touch reel, and the ACS-style reel seat.

Conclusion

You can use a medium-weight rod of 6.5 to 7 feet in inshore fishing situations.

Some of these rods can double as bass fishing rods.

Stick with a medium-light to medium casting rod for the best results.