Some years, the slate of saltwater offerings pales in comparison to the vast array of new freshwater bass products featured at ICAST. Fortunately, 2025 was not one of those years. Attendees at the recent convention in Orlando beheld a wide range of new saltwater rods and reels, many of which have applications in the Northeast from surf stripers, to giant tuna, to backwater fluke. Here’s some of our favorites from ICAST 2025.
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Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel
The new and improved Cabo touts an IPX8 rating to protect against saltwater and sand intrusion, which makes it a great choice for Northeast surf. Plus, Quantum’s machined gearing technology generates smoother, stronger cranking power while extending gear life, and slow oscillation design (in the 2500 to 5000 sizes) improves line lay and casting distance.
Available in 2500- to 8000-size models.
Okuma Tesoro LDJ
Designed for vertical and slow-pitch jigging, this lever-drag reel has a rigid, one-piece aluminum frame and forged side plates for durability under heavy drag. It features a cold-forged, anodized spool and a Carbonite Dual Force Drag system capable of delivering up to 46 pounds of smooth resistance. A Triple Anti-Reverse system, stainless-steel gearing, and Flite Drive combine to provide solid hooksets and efficient cranking, while a Spool Lock aids in breaking off snags without internal damage.
Quantum Merit Saltwater Spinning Combo
This spinning combo delivers premium performance at a budget-friendly value. The reel is sealed to IPX6 standards with Quantum’s Sealoq™ technology for superior protection against saltwater and sand to keep the carbon fiber drag system running smoothly. The high-strength graphite reel body, aluminum sideplate, graphite composite rod, and one-piece stainless steel guides make for a lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant combo that can tame any inshore gamefish in the Northeast.
Available in 2500- to 8000-size models.
Winner: Best of Rod & Reel Combos at the New Product Showcase
Daiwa 25 Saltiga Spinning Reel
The beefed-up 25 Saltiga uses MAGSEAL technology to create an oil-based water- and sediment-resistant barrier over gears and ball bearings to maintain rotational performance through saltwater abuse. Additional highlights include a fully Monocoque body to boost space for a larger drive gear, and a redesigned spool and bail that minimize friction for smoother, longer casts with heavy line.
Available in 8000- to 25000-size models.
Jigging World Black Widow 2.0
Built on an ultra-strong carbon blank, this series now includes models for every technique, including inshore, high-pitch for speed jigging, popping, and a “long-fall” perfect for slow-pitch jigging on headboats.
Shimano Talica 40 II
Talica 40IIA fills the gap between the 25IIA and the 50IIA for chunking tuna, trolling plugs or targeting giants with jigs. INFINITY DRIVE creates unparalleled winding power by leveraging a new drag design to increase drag force and reduce side-load pressure to produce up to 40% lighter rotation during tough battles. With a retrieval rate of 46 inches per turn, the TAC40IIA is also an ideal reel for pitch-baiting. The Cross Carbon Drag delivers up to 66 pounds to stop fish in their tracks.
Jigging World FNS (Finesse)
Designed with the wading fisherman in mind, this lightweight inshore rod delivers light jigs to finicky shallow-water targets, like fluke, weakfish, sea trout, and redfish, while having plenty of backbone to steer a 20-pound striper away from structure and toward the shore.
G. Loomis IMX Pro Green
The IMX-PRO GREEN incorporates advanced componentry and construction to elevate inshore performance. TaperTec varies the taper rate throughout the blank, dialing in precise actions without adding extra material— resulting in a lighter, more responsive rod. A CI4+ reel seat enhances durability and sensitivity, while Fuji Guides with Alconite inserts boost castability. The premium cork handle offers lasting comfort through demanding inshore sessions with artificial lures.
Quantum Zeal
The Quantum Zeal rods feature HSX24 ton carbon fiber blanks that deliver an ideal balance of strength and sensitivity for detecting subtle bites while fighting hard-pulling fish. A proprietary Quantum graphite reel seat with a double locking nut keeps the reel secure all day, and stainless steel guides with zirconia inserts offer smooth, braid-friendly casting and corrosion-resistant performance. Models available for inshore and surf fishing.
Tsunami Carbon Shield III Surf Rod
With titanium guides, custom carbon fiber and aluminum reel seat, and D16 Nanotech blank construction, these lightweight, high performing surf rods have an accessible price of less than $200.
Temple Fork Outfitters Purple Haze Surf Rods
Engineered and constructed in the USA, these surf rods feature Toray high-modulus carbon fiber, flocked rubber shrink grips, and five models from a 9-footer capable of throwing lures as light as 1/2-ounce to an 11-footer rated to 8 ounces.
St. Croix Rogue V
Consisting of 39 high-performing boat, jig, and slow-pitch conventional and spinning rods, this new series from St. Croix takes aim at tuna with the rods’ Matrix Composite material that promises supreme durability while remaining lightweight and thin diameter.
Seviin GW Series Saltwater Reel
Fully sealed corrosion-resistant rigid aluminum bodies combine with a shielded 5+1 stainless-steel bearing system & silky multi-stack carbon-fiber drag to yield smooth operation & loads of stopping power. Other features include forged & hard-anodized aluminum braid-ready spools & corrosion-resistant internals. Five sizes available from 2500 to 6000.
