I had the fortune of running into Nick Brunetti, the founder and craftsman behind Poseidon Rods, not long ago. He was excited about the new series of inshore tournament rods he'd developed and wanted to get my opinion. Not one to turn down an opportunity to experience new things, I ordered a rod suited for the fishing I most often do: a 7 footer in the 10- to 17-pound class.

Right out of the shipping tube I could see it was special-possibly the finest rod in my arsenal. Nick has been crafting custom rods for over 12 years, everything from fly rods to swordfish rods, and his painstaking attention to detail was not lost on the one in my hand. I attached a favorite spinning reel to the oversized reel seat in the cork handle, and set out to put a bend in it during my visit to Crystal River.

What stood out most with Poseidon's Inshore Tournament Series rod was the balance. It felt fantastic and alive. This seems largely due to the lightweight AmTak Microwave Guide System and titanium top with silicone carbide ring. This made it a pleasure to cast all day and the unique guides really do calm your line as it zips through while casting. Granted, wind and the lure's weight and shape factor into casting distance, but I distinctly felt I was landing my lures a good 10 to 15 feet farther out than usual. No doubt the rod's action also played a part, but it adds up to a huge advantage in situations where fish spook easily. We got into some scrappy fish, but nothing that challenged this rod. With the casting advantage I now have, however, I expect that will soon change.

Give yourself an advantage, too, by letting Nick customize your new favorite rod.

Introductory price is $230 until 3/1/13.

MSRP $260

www.poseidonrods.com

561-704-1392                                     

Matt Draper, Editor-in-Chief, GAFF Magazine