A good inshore rod has to adapt to the ever-changing conditions and multitude of variables an angler will face. Nothing is designed to adapt better than Manley Rods’ Platinum Series of Kayak Rods.
Known for their MRF System, which allows the rod butt to extend up to 6 inches in length, Manley Rods have taken the kayak fishing industry by storm. Keep the rod butt short and have a nimble rod that you can work while sitting down, or extend the rod for standup fishing and bombing casts.
While the MRF System, or Adjust-A-Butt system changes the rod’s length for how you far you want to cast, I was also able to use it for different fishing conditions. When the fishing got tough and I had to switch to finesse tactics like trick worms and drop shot. I was able to feel bites better with the rod extended, because of a thinner handle that gave me more feel.
While the extending rod handle is what makes this rod really stand out, the individual components and detail that goes into each rod make these more than just a gimmick. The proprietary blend, high modulus rod blank is the perfect mixture of sensitive and powerful, so you can feel those soft bites and still have power to turn a big fish.
Another feature that was designed specifically for kayak fishing is an added fore-grip that allows anglers to use a net and still maintain control of the fish. For me, this extra grip allowed me to reposition my kayak with one hand, while still fighting the fish with the other and never letting up any tension on my rod and losing the fish.
Something that more and more anglers are looking for when they’re buying a better rod is better line guides. The Microwave Guide System features guides smaller than average, allowing anglers to cast 30% farther, with the reduced friction. When I was working topwater plugs that routinely foul, I noticed the Microwave Guide System reduced the fouling by half, or more, due to less line twist. Less fouling means less time fixing your lure and more time fishing, which means more fish.
Even though there are many different types of handles for rods out there, there’s nothing better than cork. Manley Rods uses the highest quality cork in their split grips, which reduces weight and improves rod balance. Working a big lure while standing up in a kayak, usually in a choppy wind, means balance is always on my mind. Being able to work a lure and cast without worry because my rod is perfectly balanced is a beautiful thing. Many new rod companies come and go, some have good ideas, but many don’t offer a complete package. Before you toss Manley Rods’ Platinum Series of Kayak Rods aside as a gimmick, try fishing with a rod first. Once you see how many times a day you adjust the rod butt, how sensitive and strong the blank is and how much farther you can cast with the Microwave Rod Guides, you won’t want to put it down.
This article first appeared in the December 2015 issue of Paddling Magazine. To read the entire issue, click here. To receive Paddling Magazine in your inbox, subscribe to one of our newsletters here.
