Best Saltwater Fly Rods (Tested & Compared)

This is our list of the saltwater fly rods.
For more information on each rod, check out our blog post:
intoflyfishing.com/best-saltw...
Order These Rods:
1. Thomas & Thomas Zone: amzn.to/33oWEyE
2. G. Loomis NRX+ Salt: amzn.to/2E4waYL
3. Scott Sector: alnk.to/2jDY5em
4. Sage Maverick: amzn.to/2XWJaqC
5. Temple Fork Outfitters Axiom II-X: amzn.to/30TB3NC
BONUS: Echo Boost Salt: amzn.to/2DPWl5J
Affiliate Disclaimer:
The above links, as well as many links on our blog, are affiliate links. This means that we may receive a commission if you choose to purchase through them. It'll never cost you extra and we do appreciate your support.
Chapters:
0:00 Saltwater Fly Rods Intro
1:46 Thomas & Thomas Zone
2:33 G. Loomis NRX+ Salt
3:09 Scott Sector
3:49 Sage Maverick
4:42 TFO Axiom II-X
5:17 Echo Boost Salt
5:52 Saltwater Fly Rods Outro
Perhaps one of the most important decisions you will ever make as a saltwater fly fisherman is deciding on the best saltwater fly rod for your fishing needs.
Whether you are planning to target bonefish in the Bahamas, giant trevally in Seychelles or roosterfish off the beach in Baja, Mexico, this argument stays true.
What makes saltwater specific fly rods so different from most freshwater rods? The answer lies in the species of fish that we pursue as saltwater fly anglers and the nature of their habitat.
In this video, we’re going to share with you our pick for the best saltwater fly rods that 2022 has to offer.
We’ll also go over the most important features to look out for when shopping for a saltwater fly fishing rod.
1. Thomas & Thomas Zone
This is one rod that we have tested a lot and it’s definitely one of the best saltwater rods on the market this year.
We recently got our hands on the 10-weight and did a hands-on review. I’ve linked to the video review of the Thomas and Thomas Zone.
T&T Zone Review:
intoflyfishing.com/thomas-tho...
If you are looking for a great value, high-quality saltwater fly rod that casts accurately at pretty much any distance and does great in the wind, definitely check out the Thomas and Thomas Zone.
2. G. Loomis NRX+ Salt
G. Loomis has a cult-like following in Seychelles and their new NRX+ Salt is without a doubt their best saltwater fly rod in 2022. Their GLX Salt and previous NRX models were very durable and remained the first choice for many top guides and anglers, but the NRX+ is simply the next level.
3. Scott Sector
The Scott Sector is the new premium saltwater offering from Scott. It replaces the popular Meridian that was a joy to fish with, especially in the 8 and 9 weight variants. The Sector remains a fast action rod but with an improved blank recovery rate.
An exciting rod lineup ensures that there’s a rod fit for every application. From a 6 weight 9 foot four-piece for small reef species to an 8 foot 4 inch 15 weight for tuna and marlin.
4. Sage Maverick
No introduction needs to be made for Sage. Their track record of great rods is nearly endless. As there have been many mention and write-ups on their exceptional premium rods (The X, Salt HD, and Ignitor), I want to introduce you to their mid-ranged saltwater specific rod - The Sage Maverick.
5. Temple Fork Outfitters Axiom II-X
Replacing the TiCrX, TFO designed this fast-action saltwater specific rod incorporating their Axiom technology (basically including Kevlar in the blank). It’s a rod designed for medium to long-range casts and will give the intermediate to experienced angler the ability to do this with ease and precision.
The Axiom II-X a perfect rod for the saltwater angler that needs a great primary weapon that doesn’t break the bank.
BONUS: Echo Boost Salt
This low-price offering from Echo is a perfect saltwater fly rod for the novice. It will also fair well as a low-cost backup rod. In our opinion, this is the best budget fly rod on the market today.
Featuring a fast action and titanium guides, it’s a workhorse that will serve you well for years.
The Eco Boost Salt is for sure the best budget saltwater fly rod in their lineup and it is one of the best saltwater fly rods for the money.
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If you're looking to purchase the best fly fishing gear, check out our Fly Fishing Gear Post below:
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Until next time...
Tight lines!

[@antoniagarciapinero9135]

*Wow. **enjoyable.fishing** recommend I must say this rod has exceeded my expectations. Nice quality, budget friendly rod. May have to buy another one in the near future!*

[@markcox2870]

T&T Zone is a great rod. Winston Air Salt is superb. Hardy Zane Pro is the best I have ever cast. Good luck!

[@dolphinately561]

I saw a Lamson Cobalt show up early in the video, was hoping you were going to mention it…any thoughts on that rod?

[@charlesbradshaw8673]

The best flyrod is the one you can afford. Bass Pro, Cabelas, some type of package deal. Just get it and go fishing. That's the best flyrod.

[@CarolinaCowboyinLA64]

Anywhere you would recommend to get a good used get started in Saltwater, Like an older version of the brans in this video?

[@intoflyfishing]

Depending on where you live I’d try Facebook marketplace. I’ve sold some rods there and saw some for sale.

[@spentlife]

Could you recommend a good travel (multi section) saltwater fly rod ? There seems to be a big gap in this market despite the amount of people fly to fish ..

[@HayDog322]

Wdym most rods are 4 piece and can be carried with your carryon. TFO mangrove coast is a good rod and is 4 piece

[@DaveHyde]

For affordable rods - St. Croix Imperial Salt

[@intoflyfishing]

Great rec. Thanks!

[@rudyruiz9521]

Heard from a lot fo people that was a good one, I might need to try it out. Maybe after I break something I can't replace.

[@LVAIV]

Redington Predator very good also

[@intoflyfishing]

Agreed. We list it on some other lists!

[@Keepsakeguy]

I’m very surprised an Orvis H3 is not on the list

[@mikus247]

I think this is just new models from the last year or so. Someone was drinking the icast koolaid. Also, that cast ....

[@intoflyfishing]

Orvis H3 easily is one my favourite rods I've used and has made other lists. We also have a hands on review of it in 2 weights.

[@Enochthegreat71]

Too expensive?

[@diabetichoneybee8796]

Best 'glass rods for saltwater?

[@intoflyfishing]

Great idea. I’ll look into making this soon

[@jacekmyslinski9629]

What about ORVIS , LOOP , VISION , WINSTON , HARDY ....?

[@intoflyfishing]

I agree with Winston on that and they’ll likely have a rod on the next list.

[@donotrobme9295]

Can I buy a saltwater reel and use on freshwater? Can I use my freshwater reel and use on salt? Would love to know the answer and also why

[@intoflyfishing]

Saltwater reels have sealed drags and corrosion resistant components to help prevent salt from damaging the reel. You can use saltwater reels on freshwater but using freshwater reels on saltwater can harm them. At the very least you should be diligent in rinsing off all of your reels after using in and around saltwater.

[@scottmonroe68]

In addition to the corrosion resistant advantage of saltwater specific reels, size range is also a factor. Most salt specific models begin at 7/8 weight, a bit large for a typical trout rod. That said, other than a budget limitation, I would never by a non-salt rated reel for a heavyweight freshwater rod, why limit future use.

[@Rnh240]

Amazon? Come on man. Find the rod you want at a fly shop. They're always the same price everywhere.

[@intoflyfishing]

Not always an option Bob! I’ve lived in places where the nearest fly shop is 4000 miles away and luckily online shops like Trident Fly Fishing or Amazon are the only way for me to get gear.

[@OnPointFly]

The list doesn’t make sense in reflection of the title. Mid-range rods are “bang for buck” options, they’re not the best.

[@intoflyfishing]

Those bang for buck rods are the best rods for those people who are looking for value. We try to make fly fishing inclusive. Not everyone has $1000 for a rod.

[@OnPointFly]

@@intoflyfishing agreed but it’s not reflected in the title. You could have a $100 rod in the mix and that’s the best rod for someone that has a $100 budget….

[@intoflyfishing]

A title like "The Best $100 For People Who Have $100 Budget And The Best Fly Rods For People Who Have $1000 Budget" Just doesn't have the same ring 😉

[@OnPointFly]

@@intoflyfishing click bait title

[@intoflyfishing]

@@OnPointFly That's not what we try to do here. We put a painstaking amount of time and energy into creating the best content possible on our channel. Sorry you don't see it that way.

[@thatonebeone]

returned my tomas because the nut reels has ugly burs on it..looked at others and its same.. ugly nut burs looks cheap.. not worth 1k+ for a reel nut to be sloppy burs..i see 150$ reels with better quality nuts