The Salt Strong Slot Machine Custom Rod IS HERE!!!
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
The Salt Strong Slot Machine Custom Rod IS FINALLY HERE!!
This is a custom rod that we’ve been working on for quite some time now.
Without question, it quickly became the BEST inshore saltwater fishing rod I have ever used.
Check it out!!
Salt Strong Slot Machine Custom Rod IS HERE [VIDEO]
Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 seconds or less!!!
Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod
Mentioned Daiwa Spinning Reels:
The Rod Blank
We found the highest quality blank that we could which is most important.
These rod blanks are made right here in the U.S.A.
This particular blank has a high modulus tip so you can feel everything even those tiny pinfish tapping your lures.
That helps you detect bigger fish and have better hooksets.
This rod has the best ability to feel strikes and deliver lures accurately.
We worked closely with Mudhole to dial in on the rod action so it is perfect.
The action of a rod is where the bend is in the rod.
And power is the backbone of the fishing rod.
The thing that has impressed me most about this rod is I can go from throwing the smallest crab lure for sheepshead and then throw a 5-inch paddletail for snook with no problem.
Guide Spacing
Additionally, the guide spacing is something else to take note of on this rod.
I personally think this is often overlooked throughout the industry.
Not many anglers know it but the spacing plays a significant role.
Our #1 goal is castability and to cover as much ground as possible with our casts.
To optimize casting performance, the few guides closest to the reel seat of the rod are the reduction guides.
Their purpose is to reduce the coils of line off the reel and into a straight line.
If those guides are too close to the reel, you have a higher chance of causing wind knots.
Along with less distance on your casting as well.
And if you go too far up on the rod, you run the risk of what’s called a line slap where the line is slapping against the rod on every cast.
We spent a lot of time testing out different reels and observing the guide spacing and how the line feeds through to have the perfect system.
All 2500 and most 3000 reels will have ZERO issues pairing up to this rod.
A small test you can do at home to see if you’re own rods and reels are the right match is to grab the reel and hold your finger on the line right on the end of the reel.
Then put some pressure on the rod and then you can see where the line is naturally going out through the guides.
In the case of the Slot Machine, the line is in the center of the guides not touching the guides themselves.
In fact, it doesn’t touch a guide until the third one.
Most rods fail that test right off the bat.
In most production rods I’ve seen, the guides are too far down and the line is hitting the first guide immediately.
That increases the risk of wind knots and decreases your castability.
I have tested the Slot Machine with our top-selling 2500-size Daiwa reels as well as some reels from Shimano.
Most 3000 reels match this rod as well.
Rod Action & Guides
The guides up at the rod tip are all about protecting the rod itself.
A lot of companies go with a number like 7 guides on the top half sometimes even less.
The truth is the fewer guides you have on the top half of the rod will increase the chances of the rod breaking under a load.
We have TEN guides on the Slot Machine up on the top half of the rod.
That seems excessive but because this is a high-quality blank, you want to be sure it is protected.
The last thing you want is the rod to snap on you when reeling in a bull redfish or big snook.
The Butt Section
We put A LOT of time into designing the butt section looking at past rods we’ve used and popular options out on the market.
First off, this rod has an amazing feel.
The ergonomic grip fits nicely in your hand and is comfortable to use all day long.
You can feel the blank through the midsection of the grip.
I personally place my index finger on the rod blank itself above the grip for more feel and contact with the line.
I’ve never fished with a rod that has the touch and feel of the Slot Machine.
Also, we went with a locking reel seat design.
Sometimes the vibration of the boat cruising out to your spots or the car ride to the spot unwinds the reel seat and eventually, your reel falls off.
I’ve heard multiple stories from multiple people where their reels have fallen off during transport.
The locking reel seat will ensure that you NEVER lose a reel in this way.
Lure Keeper
For me personally, this is a HUGE deal.
The lure keeper enables you to store your lures weedless without having to take the hook out of the plastic.
This style hook keeper lets you easily place the shank of the hook on the clasp.
Instead of having to make your lures weedless again and waste time, you can grab the rod and cast it out immediately.
The unique triangular shape is something I’ve never seen on a rod before and it is just perfect for weedless lure storage.
Optimal Reel Pairings
Again, as I mentioned before, every 2500 reel we tested was perfectly matched as far as castability goes with this rod.
My personal favorite has been the Daiwa BG MQ 2500.
This combo has outperformed any other rod/reel pairing I’ve ever used.
And if you’re an Insider Club Member you can get this ENTIRE combo (Rod, Reel, and Line spooled for you) for under $500.
In most cases, people spend that on just the rod blank alone.
If your budget is around $300 for everything, I recommend the Daiwa Legalis 2500.
This reel is awesome, lightweight, and packs a punch when called upon.
Final Thoughts
This is hands down the best inshore saltwater fishing rod I have ever used.
And on top of that, we’re proud to offer these rods at a reasonable price.
A custom rod of this caliber can run upwards of $400-$500.
Everything on this rod is put together in the U.S.A. and we’re now in production mode!
Taking everything into account, we are offering this rod at $347!!
Insider Club Members keep in mind you get $100 OFF!!!
If you’re going after redfish, seatrout, snook, or flounder and you want to take your game to the next level, then this is the rod for you.
Rods are the #1 most important part of your tool kit as an angler.
Get the Slot Machine Custom Rod
Oh, and if you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!
All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!
If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them down below!
Finding The Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
I have a ss slot machine mf rod which I like better than my tfo tactical inshore 7.0. I can’t find any info and specs for the new slot machine mh. Can you post them?
The spec details are on the description section of the Slot Machine page in fishstrong.com. Here’s a direct link: https://www.saltstrong.com/articles/precise-presentation-for-skittish-fish/
Has this rod been paired with a 3000 size Daiwa BG MQ?
Thanks
Yes, that reel fits well too… the 2500 is the best fit of all though since the rod was designed for it.
I would love to get a slot machine rod but I need a two or three piece rod. I must travel to the fishing and it is not practical with a one piece rod. Do you think the Slot Machine people or Mud Hole people will put together a travel rod?
Travel rods are much more complex, so it’ll be a while before we have custom travel setup. Here’s the travel rod that has impressed me most of all so far in my testing: https://fishstrong.com/products/tfo-traveler-spinning-rod?variant=44000482754734
Will you be introducing, Different weight classes and actions. Im looking at swaping over to the slot machine series.
Yes, we are working on a MH version of this rod now… still a ways to go before ready (ETA is later this year).
Where is my order? I’ve never had to wait this long before.
Your order is en route. So sorry for the delay in getting it out! We just moved our shipping facility and we had an unexpected surge in orders at the same time which caused us to have a backlog of orders for about 5 days which is much longer than our normal shipping which is within 24 hours.
All is now in place in the new facility, so our normal fast shipping turnaround should be the experience for future orders.
This rod is currently out of stock. Do you have a target date when this rod will be available on your website?
We expect more to arrive before the end of this week. Be sure to sign up for the Notification list so that you get notified as soon as they arrive since these rods tend to sell out quickly.
My wife and I are new to florida [ from nj] and are also new to fishing. There is not a lot of $ left after paying for the damages from IAN.
Can one put together enough “stuff” to go fishing , inshore for $150 each?
Rod ,reel, sinkers, floats, hooks, tools etc [ don
t need lures, already bought them on sale from you guyss just inshore for nowCan you tell me what equipment is needed to get started?
we have access to boats from the Freedom Boat Club, but are not qualified to go offshore, so it
Thanks…
Ron Morante
Here’s a link to see a listing of the best assortment of equipment and lures for the $$$ that I’ve found so far for inshore saltwater fishing: https://saltstrongdev.wpengine.com/fishing-tip/fishing-equipment-cheat-sheet/
Yes, I have one and the Daiwa Legalis 2500 and it is the absolute best rod an reel I’ve ever had. Light, flexible, strong, its perfection in my book. I’ll be buying another. Thank you!
I currently use a st Croix legend tournament inshore 7’6 Medium fast. Would this rod fish about the same or more like a ML version of the St. Croix?
I haven’t used that particular rod, but based on the specs along with how the other St. Croix rods feel per their rating, the Slot Machine should feel more similar to the Medium power LT series vs. the ML.
Got the slot machine the other day. Easily outcast any other rod I own. From my dock up and down the creek it’s easily 15’ longer. A really really nice rod.
Thanks for sharing your results!