The New Flats Class Series, a groundbreaking collection of inshore rods crafted in collaboration with renowned professional saltwater angler Capt. C.A. Richardson and award-winning rod builder Trevor Fitzgerald. This innovative series is designed specifically for anglers targeting the most sought-after inshore species, including trophy speckled trout and tarpon. With over 30 years of experience, Capt. C.A. Richardson has helped optimize these rods for precision casting, exceptional lure control, and effective fish-fighting in shallow waters.
The Flats Class Series offers a range of models, each designed for specific applications. Here are some examples of what you might find:
Casting Rods:
- FC70MH (7’0″ Medium Heavy Casting): Often described as the “go-to rod for topwater lures” (poppers, walking baits, choppo-style). Its length and action make it suitable for tight spaces like mangrove creeks.
- FC73M (7’3″ Medium Casting): A versatile rod, sometimes called the “teacher’s pet” due to its ability to handle a wide range of lures including Mirrodine XLs, Paul Browns, Top Dog Jr.’s, Whopper Ploppers, spoons, paddle tails, and some Texas-rigs. It’s considered a “tweener” that bridges different power levels.
- FC73MH (7’3″ Medium Heavy Casting): The preferred choice for speckled trout, optimized for Mirrodine-style twitch baits, crankbaits, light wire jigs, and some spinner baits. It has a forgiving action to minimize fish shake-off.
- FC76HC (7’6″ Heavy Casting): Built for heavy-duty applications, such as casting heavy jigs around bridges, large swimbaits, or glide baits in canals. It pairs well with 250-300 size casting reels and has the power to land trophy-sized fish.
Spinning Rods:
- FC70MS (7’0″ Medium Spinning): A finesse spinning rod ideal for NED rigs, undersized hard baits, or hair jigs. Offers exceptional sensitivity and accuracy for delicate presentations.
- FC72MS (7’2″ Medium Spinning): Preferred for working Mirrodines, small to medium suspenders, and topwater lures. Also suited for light wire paddle tail jigs and redfish spoons, providing versatility for shallow-water sight fishing or blind casting.
- FC76MHS (7’6″ Medium Heavy Spinning): The most adaptable spinning rod, capable of handling medium to large topwaters, Mirrodine XLs, Paul Brown Lures, Texas-rigged soft baits, medium-sized swimbaits, and chatterbaits. Excels in power fishing techniques around cover.
- FC76HS (7’6″ Heavy Spinning): Designed for larger swimbaits (5″-7″), glide baits, and 3/4oz to 2oz bucktail jigs around bridges and jetties. Pairs well with a 5000-size reel for a “Beast Mode” setup.
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