We are combing the floor at ICAST 2025 for the best new gear in fresh and saltwater fishing. As far as rods go, the theme is new lightweight, inshore rods for saltwater anglers. But there are still plenty of new options—spinning and casting—for the freshwater crowd. There are even a couple of great new fly rods available, including one 8-weight that really impressed us leading up to the show. We had the opportunity to test many of these rods over the last couple of months, and for the ones we didn't, we got to cast them at the show. Below is a first look at some of the best new spinning, casting, and fly rods to keep an eye out for in 2025.
New Freshwater Rods
Trika 10X
I had my first experience with Trika last year, testing their 6X spinning and casting rods, and I was thoroughly impressed. Their new 10X is supposed to be even better. According to the Trika website, this rod is supposed to be 133 percent more sensitive than its competitors. While I can't speak to that, I can say this rod is very light and sensitive. Picking the rod up at the show, it felt familiar and fantastic. The biggest differences between the Trika rods and others are their EkkoChamber handle and woven graphite blank construction created through their axial-weave process. The 10X features both of these and several other top components and technologies. Anglers can pick one up for $450. —Shaye Baker
Jigging World Revel Series
Jigging World exploded onto the scene at this year’s show. The company launched both spinning and casting rods in the $100, $150, and $300 price ranges. The Revel lineup, priced right at $150, impressed me the most, though. These rods feel light, strong, and sensitive. Both the spinning and casting rods feature a unique textured material that displays the company’s logo on the grips, which are comfortable in hand. —S.B.
Daiwa Tatula Bass
For $180, the Tatula Bass is a quality rod at a fair price. With 10 spinning options and 13 casting options, there is a rod for everything you can think of in the bass fishing space. I like the clean cork handles, which several companies are starting to bring back. The other aesthetic aspects of this rod, such as the blank design and rod butt, give it a unique and attractive look. And, as usual, this Daiwa rod felt great when I picked it up—light, sensitive, strong, and comfortable. —S.B.
Cashion Element Z2
The Cashion Element caught my eye for two reasons: The price point and the fact that it's made in America. Due to tariffs, many companies weren't able to even offer an MSRP on products. The American-made Cashion Element, however, has a firm price of $130. There are eight spinning and eight casting options in the Element Z2 line. The K-Frame Casting Guides, American-sourced composites, and a 3-year warranty are among the features that set these rods apart. —S.B.
New Saltwater Rods
G. Loomis IMX-Pro Green
This is my favorite saltwater rod from ICAST 2025. I had the opportunity to cast the IMX-Pro Green on the water yesterday and was very impressed. It is lightweight, sensitive, and well-balanced. My casts were surprisingly accurate, and I was happy with the distance I could get when casting a small soft plastic shrimp. The carbon fiber reel seat and Fuji guides should increase durability, while the lightweight blank and comfortable handle should make for easy all-day fishing. This rod is perfect for targeting schoolie striped bass, redfish, snook, bonefish, and other inshore species. Plus, the light green color blank has a saltwater look to it. The IMX-Pro Green retails for $380. —Ryan Chelius
Temple Fork Outfitters Intracoastal
Inshore anglers have another option for lightweight rods in the new TFO Intracoastal. These blanks are designed with soft, fast-action tips and progressive tapers. This means the new Intracoastal is sensitive, allowing you to feel subtle bites when fishing the flats. The lineup includes fourteen models with eleven spinning options and three casting rods. It feels great in hand, and I don't mind the sky blue blank. This rod should crush for back bay fishing, whether beating the banks with artificals or jigging deeper channels with cutbait. Plus, it's more affordable than some of the other inshore rods. Anglers can pick one up for $180. —R.C.
Jigging World FNS Rods
Targeted towards shore anglers, the new FNS series from Jigging World is built on a durable blank. Picking one up, you'll notice it has a little more beef to it than other inshore rods, which makes sense if you're going to cast from the beach for bigger inshore species. I wouldn't go as far as to call this a surfcasting rod, but it has more than enough power to fight stripers, redfish, and snook from shore. It can also double as an all-around inshore rod, whether on the flats or fishing shallow marshes. The FNS rod series will retail for $220. —R.C.
Fitzgerald First Class Inshore Rods
The First Class from Fitzgerald Fishing is another new rod for flats and bay fishermen. The blank is light and sensitive, and it clearly has some backbone to fight bigger fish. Fitzgerald also added stainless steel guides and EVA foregrips to boost durability. I like the split grip, which should increase sensitivity towards the back of the blank for subtle takes. Captain C.A. Richardson helped design this rod, and if you know anything about C.A., then you know how in tune he is with inshore fishing. The new First Class should crush at throwing light baits in shallow marshes and bays for redfish, snook, tarpon, and striped bass. —R.C.
Best New Fly Rods
TFO Moment
The TFO Moment is the best new fly rod to be released at ICAST 2025. I had the chance to fish this rod for tailing redfish and sea trout right before the show, and it absolutely crushed. It is well-balanced and lightweight, yet still has enough power to cast through stiff winds and fight big fish. How do I know? I landed five redfish on this rod and a bonus 30-pound black drum. It is easy to make accurate casts and get flies right along the bank where fish are sitting. Although it isn't cheap ($650), this rod is still a step below the premium price, yet it offers near-premium performance. —R.C.
St. Croix Legend Elite
In 2026, the new and improved Legend Elite fly rods from St. Croix will be available. The company claims that these rods are made with upgraded materials and ergonomic features, as well as St. Croix's top technologies. While I can't speak to that, I do love how this rod feels and looks. I held the 5-weight model with a medium-fast action and was impressed. The aesthetics are also classic, with a brown and bronze finish. The line will offer 12 models, and I am sure it will be a competitor in next year's F&S fly rod shootout. This rod will be available in 2026 for $595. —R.C.
Cortland Guide Series Saltwater Fly Rod
The new Cortland Guides Series Saltwater fly rod is perfect for beginners who want to chase striped bass, redfish, snook, bonefish, and other inshore species. It is a four-piece, fast-action rod with an aluminum reel seat and fighting butt. This stick falls into the budget category at $150, but it is the perfect option for those who want a saltwater setup without breaking the bank. Plus, Cortland offers a two-year warranty. —R.C.
