Proven saltwater-grade gear to consider for your next boating, wading or bank fishing adventure 

Saltwater Gear Guide

Proven saltwater-grade gear to consider for your next boating, wading or bank fishing adventure 

Corpus Christi, TX (May 23, 2022) – Multiuse is a benefit to any fishing product. Use it for this. Use it for that. Economical, right? But try passing anything not stamped with “saltwater-grade” to a serious salt-head, and they’ll politely hand it back to you.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a ledger of serious and high-performance saltwater grade products that are time-tested in the brine.

HOBIE Mirage Pro Angler 14

Gas prices got you down? A power bar and maybe an energy drink is all you need to fuel a pedal-driven kayak. The original Pro Angler fishing kayak packs extreme fishing utility, with six horizontal rod lockers, enough tackle compartments to empty a store, Guardian Transducer shield for optimal fishfinder performance and the revolutionary, forward and reversing MirageDrive 180 with Kick-Up Turbo Fins. Experience long days on the water with Hobie’s ultra-comfortable, elevated and adjustable Vantage Seating system. Features a non-skid deck for standing—a huge advantage for sight kayak fishing—and veritable acres of H-Rail for mounting rod holders and electronics. All this on a spacious 14-foot platform, with no need for a gas tank. MSRP $4,499

HOBIE El Matador

Tailormade for saltwater fishing, the astonishingly affordable Hobie El Matador is underscored by its integrated sliding side shields that provide maximum sun protection while eliminating glare from the sides. Hydro 360° polycarbonate lenses repel water, sweat and sunscreen. All 8 base polycarbonate lens options offer 100% UV A, B, C protection. Frames feature durable integrated hinges and co-molded megol rubber temples prevent slippage. All this for only $99.99

GARMIN quatix® 7

With the quatix 7 multisport GPS smartwatch, you’ll get all the features you need on your boat and wading. Go up to 18 days without needing to plug in. Touch or tap, it’s up to you. Use traditional buttons or the new touchscreen interface. No matter where you go, know where you are with coastal charts and inland maps. Kayak or kickbox, SUP or ski, quatix 7 has built-in activity profiles and is made for what you like to do. Off the grid or at your local spot, text messages and smart notifications will be able to find you. MSRP $699.99

St. Croix Mojo Inshore Series Rods

Featuring 19 spinning models and eight casting models, St. Croix’s totally reimagined Mojo Inshore Series was recognized as “Best New Saltwater Rod” in the 2020 ICAST New Product Showcase Awards. The diverse assortment ranges in length from 6’6” to 7’11” and features light to extra-heavy powers with moderate, moderate-fast and fast actions to cover the gamut of inshore saltwater presentations – from finessing speckled sea trout to launching giant swim shads and live-lining big baitfish for stripers, snook and tarpon. With new, lightweight, IPC®-tooled SCIII blanks that make casting more accurate, smooth and enjoyable, plus unique new handle designs for comfort, durability and extra leverage, Mojo Inshore rods are backed by a 5-year warranty and retail at angler-friendly prices between $160 and $210. stcroixrods.com

St. Croix Imperial Salt Fly Rods

Voted “Best New Fly Rod” in the 2019 ICAST New Product Showcase Awards, St. Croix’s Imperial Salt rods help all levels of fly anglers cast to their potential. Available in six 9’ 7- through 12-weight models, Imperial Salt 4-piece fly rods combine SCIII carbon with IPC® mandrel technology to create lightweight, and fast actions with the strength to conquer the toughest marine fishing environments and combatants. Seaworthy components and a clean, stealthy look punctuate these powerful and accurate rods. Made in the USA, Imperial Salt models retail from $340 to $380 with a 15-year warranty. stcroixrods.com

St. Croix Seage Surf Series Rods

Handcrafted for maximum strength and durability, St. Croix’s line of SEAGE surf rods combines advanced materials, technologies, and angler-friendly ergonomics for crisp, lightweight and powerful performance in support diverse surf presentations on any coast. Seage rods are slim, light and comfortable in the hand so you can fish an entire tide. ART^TM delivers superior strength while new Veil Technology provides extreme durability and protection from rod drops, lure knocks and other impacts. 12 tech-forward high-performance Seage spinning rod models are available between 7’ and 12’ in medium-light to heavy powers. Retail prices are $210 to $380 with a 15-year warranty. stcroixrods.com

DAIWA Coastal SV TW 150

A new-sized baitcaster designed for light tackle inshore saltwater enthusiasts. Ideal for redfish, speckled trout, snook and flounder, where plastics, hard jerkbaits and popping cork set-ups are popular. Small, compact and palm-able with a deeper 150-size spool in a 100-size reel body. The T-Wing System allows the line to pass freely, without friction, through the level wind’s eye on long casts. Stout and built around an aluminum frame with aluminum side plates. The innovative Zaion Star Drag 20 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter than traditional nylon and aluminum. A 100mm Swept Handle makes hard cranking comfortable and natural. MSRP $249.99

DAIWA Ballistic MQ 3000

The popular Ballistic has been redesigned and upgraded. Still featuring the LT Concept for the ultimate in light and tough performance is now complete with Daiwa’s compact Monocoque Body (MQ) for even more power. The MQ frame design allows for larger gears, adding power and longevity. The new ZAION-V frame material, which is a more machinable compound than standard Zaion, allows for a wider range of reels. Zaion-V is extremely durable, corrosion resistant and rigid. Magsealed main shaft to prevent water and debris intrusion. Long-casting and extremely smooth employing an 8 Bearing System.

DAIWA Reel Greaser

Saltwater kills, plain and simple. Daiwa’s proven Reel Greaser inhibits rust and saltwater corrosion. Improves water repellency. Keeps gears running smooth and quietly. Extends the life of your reel. Handy accordion design for easy squeezing and accuracy. Inexpensive insurance policy at $5.99.

DAIWA J-BRAID x8 Grand (Island Blue)

Popular premium braid that matches many saltwater environments and looks freakin’ cool spooled. Strong and resistant to abrasion yet well-bodied enough to lay smoothly on the spool. High quality 8 carrier braid made of the finest materials from Japan. J-BRAID x8 GRAND is spun with Izanas, a state-of-the-art new material. The 8 carriers are supple, yet with Izanas, are 4 times as abrasion resistant as a typically 4 carrier. Available in 6- to 150-lbs. with amazingly narrow line diameters. Choose from filler or bulk spools. MSRP’s from $19.99.

DAIWA J-FLUORO Leader

The ideal spool-mate to your Daiwa J-Braid x8 Grand. Make matters disappear underwater with this 100% fluorocarbon leader manufactured using the finest raw materials available. Made in Japan by the most precise line extruders in the world. Nearly invisible in the water, sensitive, yet abrasion-resistant and tough. A convenient spool band makes the leader material easy to dispense. Strengths range from 2- to 150-lbs and are freakishly narrow in diameter. Available in 50- to 100-yard spools depending on line strength. Retail pricing starts around $16.

Bagley Weedless Spoons

The benchmark in weedless spoons. Available in several sizes in a choice of hammered or mirrored finishes. Genuinely forged in the USA with tapered edge and aerodynamic design that allows schoo long casts and a variable flutter in water. The genuine gold and silver plating allows for high flash and great durability. Equipped with a strong, high quality, super sharp hook. Fish alamode or with a soft plastic trailer in and around grass for seismic strikes. MSRP $6.99

MirrOLure Original Paul Brown Suspending Corky

Cosmetically old school but continues ruffling the fins of epic trout and redfish. Once held the Texas state record speckled trout at over 13-lbs. Features a soft-bodied mullet profile and is scientifically weighted with an internal wire harness and added “fish calling” rattle. Its suspending action is the key catalyst. With a twitching retrieve, it darts erratically from side-to-side and drives the audience crazy. MSRP $9.49

Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Circle Sea Hook

The defacto American-made saltwater favorite, the Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp Circle Sea Hook finds the perfect balance between performance and value. Pointy for quick penetration, this popular circle hook nails the corner of a fish’s mouth with a steady reel or slow sweep of the rod. Circle hooks save fish lives. This specimen saves bucks, too. Sizes range from 1- to 8/0 and in wide range of hook counts.

DAIWA Salt Pro Minnow

The fairly-priced Salt Pro Minnow is a coast-to-coast favorite for a broad range of species. The versatile, long casting bait is designed for a fast, ripping style retrieve that produces an erratic side-to-side swimming action to draw a predator’s attention. SP Minnow Floating Technology allows the lure to hover subsurface. Physical features include a weight transfer system for easier, longer casts, realistic scale patterns and 3-D eyes, and heavy-duty saltwater hooks. MSRP $10.99

Bomber Saltwater Grade Paradise Popper X-Treme

Even elite-level saltwater partisans hit the field with poppers. Bomber’s Paradise Popper X-Treme is “Titanium-Tough” and weighted for longer, more-accurate casts. Features like brass grommets at both ends, brass beads on top and two different beads on bottom create accurate and tempting shrimp “clicks”. Its titanium-tough wire extends through the high-visibility foam float. Available in oval and cupped popping shapes and three blazingly bright colors. Around $7 each.

St. Croix Tailing Tee

Featuring the stylized image of an unmistakable redfish tail, St. Croix’s Tailing Tee sums up everything people need to know about your passion for inshore fishing while giving a nod to America’s most iconic fishing rod brand. Crafted from a 60% ringspun cotton/40% polyester jersey blend, the comfortable, great-fitting Tailing Tee gives a happy vibe. It comes in six sizes and retails for $24.99 to $28.99. stcroixrods.com

Whitewater Lightweight Tech Hoodie

Whitewater’s new Lightweight Tech Hoodie delivers a triple dose of technology to keeps anglers dry, protected from solar radiation, and smelling fresh. The breathable 100% polyester interlock fabric delivers supreme, next-to-skin comfort while wicking perspiration. UPF 30 provides both UVA and UVB skin protection that effectively blocks over 96% of ultraviolet radiation. Finally, an antimicrobial treatment controls and prevents odors, including the permastink that can infiltrate untreated polyester garments. Available in two salty colors and six sizes, the Whitewater Lightweight Tech Hoodie retails for $39.99. whitewaterfish.com

Whitewater Packable Rain Gear

Gear designed to keep anglers dry serves no purpose if they soak themselves with sweat because it doesn’t breathe. The remarkable performance of the new Whitewater Packable Rain Jacket and Pant begins with a 100% polyester interlock fabric with a laminated interior lining and DWR treatment for an optimal balance of 10K water resistance and 10K breathability. Fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, and adjustable Velcro cuff closures at the wrists and ankles further defy the elements. The result is comfortable, lightweight rainwear that wicks moisture from the inside as well as it protects on the outside. Both highly packable garments stow conveniently inside included, labeled stuff bags for easy storage, identification, and access. Available in two colors and six sizes, the Whitewater Packable Rain Jacket and Pant retail for $79.99 and $69.99, respectively. whitewaterfish.com

DAIWA D-VEC Hooded Sweatshirt with Facemask

Sporting premium polyester fabric on the outside and a soft fleece inner liner, Daiwa’s Hooded Sweatshirt with Facemask is stain and water resistant, incorporating water-wicking technology to keep you dry and comfortable in fog, mist or when accidently brushing against a wet console. Additionally, the hoodie features a lightweight pull-up style facemask that will not hinder breathing while keeping the sun off your face and locks out the wind as you buzz across the water. MSRP $69.99

Canvas Cutter Summit Bedroll

The best surfcasters know giants hunt at night. Bivy on the beach between bites or tides for a comfortable night’s sleep (or just a few winks) with a premium-quality Canvas Cutter bedroll. Measuring 84 inches long and weighing just 2.3 pounds, the Summit is built on a solid foundation of durable 210D ripstop nylon with 40D ripstop nylon sidewalls and top. All seams are taped, and the entire nylon shell is coated in a TPU film – a highly breathable monolithic liquid barrier – providing comfortable protection and dry sleeping conditions during stormy weather. The Summit includes a built-in mesh screen to lock out pesky insects while providing increased ventilation and airflow. Retail prices start at $334.97. canvascutter.com

Minelab VANQUISH 540 Treasure Detector

When it gets too hot to fish, cool off on the flats or the sandbar while searching for lost jewelry, money, lures, sunglasses and other valuable treasures with a Minelab VANQUISH 540 all-metal detector. Featuring a lightweight, collapsible design that stows easily in the boat, VANQUISH’s waterproof coil allows detecting in up to three feet of water and its Multi-IQ^TM technology finds all metals. You may not find Spanish gold from the 1715 Fleet, but it’s nice to know you could. MSRP $379.99

Dark Energy Poseidon Pro

Power your saltwater adventure with confidence. The Dark Energy Poseidon Pro provides up to 30+ hours of battery life for your smartphone. Now with advanced improvements, this is the last charger you will ever need. Cutting-edge engineering gives the enhanced Poseidon Pro battery enduring life. Can be completely submerged for 45+ minutes. A steel-like polymer thwarts falls from 75+ ft onto rock, a blast from a shotgun, an explosion from one pound of Tannerite. Certified ip68, the highest water and dustproof rating available. $119.99

ScentLok OZ NFuse Ozone Sprayer

Boating and fishing time is precious and your investments are substantial. Maximize the enjoyment your lifestyle affords while protecting your investments with the OZ NFuse Ozone Sprayer by ScentLok. It attacks and kills up to 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria on contact, as well as mold, mildew, fungus and viruses using ordinary water. It’s the ideal, all-natural and renewable solution for cleaning and refreshing the surfaces on and around your boats and fishing gear without harmful chemicals or residues that can be toxic to live bait or the marine environment. Retail price is $129.99. scentlok.com

ScentLok OZ Radial Portable Ozone Generators

Put an end to the funkier parts of fishing and boating with the OZ Radial portable ozone generators by ScentLok – the ideal, safe, and all-natural solution for destroying the odors, bacteria, mold, mildew and other contaminants in boat cabins and compartments, coolers, livewells and baitwells. Perfect for home and vehicle use, too, versatile and rechargeable OZ Radial portable ozone generators are available in two sizes and four colors/patterns starting at $71.99. scentlok.com

Engel 25 High Performance Hard Cooler and Ice Box

Conveniently, Engel’s 25-quarter nests nicely behind the seat of a Hobie Mirage Pro Angler. A full 2-inches of closed-cell foam insulation in the lid, on the sides, and the bottom, helps retain cold and ice for up to 8 days. All silicone gaskets create a near airtight seal that is durable and will never lose its shape. Rotationally molded for durability and longevity and backed by 10-year warranty. Sizes up to 320-quart. Available in six sharp colors, the Engel 25 retails for $219.99

DAIWA D-VEC Dry Bag

Daiwa puts the dry in dry bag. The cleverly constructed waterproof dry bag doubles as a svelte backpack. Crafted from tarpaulin/nylon with PVC coated material, it features a rollover waterproof closure keeping all your belongings safe and dry. Also sports an exterior waterproof zippered compartment and comfortable shoulder straps with strong construction. Best of class… MSRP $79.99