Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy Review

Here’s What You’ll Love (or Not) About the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve handled my fair share of fishing rods, from ultralight trout rods to heavy-duty offshore behemoths. Today, I’m diving deep into the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy, a rod designed for saltwater anglers targeting larger species. Favorite Fishing aims to deliver a potent blend of strength, durability, and affordability with this offering.

I was looking for a versatile rod capable of handling both inshore species like snook and redfish, and the occasional nearshore trip targeting larger fish like small grouper or jacks. I needed something that could handle heavier lures and live bait, yet wouldn’t break the bank.

Upon unboxing, the Ol’ Salty presents a clean, functional aesthetic. The cork handle feels comfortable in hand, and the aluminum reel seat appears robust enough to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing. My initial impression was positive; the rod felt balanced and capable, hinting at its intended purpose.

Compared to my Shimano Teramar and St. Croix Mojo Salt, the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy certainly holds its own in terms of features and pricing. The Shimano and St. Croix are well-regarded brands, known for their quality. However, the Ol’ Salty undercuts them in price, making it an attractive option for anglers on a budget.

I was cautiously optimistic. I was excited to get it out on the water and see if it could deliver on its promise of power and durability.

Real-World Testing: Putting Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy in the backwaters of Tampa Bay, Florida, targeting snook and redfish around mangrove shorelines. I paired it with a 4000-size spinning reel spooled with 30-pound braided line. I used a variety of lures, including jigs, topwater plugs, and swimbaits.

The rod performed admirably in these conditions, even with some unexpected afternoon showers rolling through. The Extra Heavy power allowed me to rip lures free from the mangroves easily, and the fast action provided excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes. I landed several snook and redfish ranging from 24 to 30 inches, and the rod handled them with ease.

The fast action allowed for quick hooksets, and the rod had enough backbone to keep the fish out of the mangroves. There were no immediate issues, although I noticed the cork handle became a bit slippery when wet.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy has held up surprisingly well. There are no signs of any significant wear and tear.

The guides are still securely attached, and the blank shows no signs of cracking or delamination. The aluminum reel seat is also still functioning flawlessly.

Maintenance is straightforward. A simple rinse with freshwater after each use keeps it clean and corrosion-free. Compared to my other saltwater rods, the Ol’ Salty has proven to be a reliable and capable performer, especially considering its price point.

Breaking Down the Features of Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy

Specifications

• The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy boasts a 7-foot 10-inch length. This provides excellent casting distance and leverage when fighting larger fish.
• Its fast action allows for quick hooksets and precise lure presentation. The Extra Heavy power is ideal for handling larger lures and fighting powerful fish in heavy cover.
• The rod is constructed from IM24T carbon blanks. This provides a good balance of sensitivity and strength.
• The aluminum reel seat is durable and corrosion-resistant, crucial for saltwater environments. It ensures a secure connection between the reel and the rod.
• The cork handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet. The saltwater designation ensures it is designed for the harsh marine environment.

These specifications contribute to a rod that is powerful, sensitive, and durable. It’s ideal for targeting larger saltwater species in demanding conditions.

Performance & Functionality

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy performs exceptionally well in its intended role. It is able to cast heavy lures and handle powerful fish with ease.

Its sensitivity allows for detecting subtle strikes, and its backbone provides ample power for setting hooks and controlling fish. The rod’s strength is its ability to handle larger fish and heavier lures. The only weakness is the cork handle can become slippery when wet.

It definitely meets expectations. It provides a high level of performance at an affordable price.

Design & Ergonomics

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy features a functional and comfortable design. The IM24T carbon blanks create a light and balanced feel in hand.

The cork handle is comfortable to grip, even for extended periods of time. While functional, the design is not overly flashy, but this keeps the cost down.

Durability & Maintenance

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy is built to last. The IM24T carbon blanks and aluminum reel seat provide excellent durability and corrosion resistance.

With proper care, the rod should provide many years of reliable service. Maintenance is simple; a rinse with freshwater after each use is all that is required.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide range of spinning reels and fishing line.

The aluminum reel seat accepts most standard-sized spinning reels. There are no specific customization options available for the rod itself, such as different grips or guide configurations.

Pros and Cons of Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy

Who Should Buy Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy?

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy is perfect for saltwater anglers targeting larger species like snook, redfish, small grouper, jacks, and other inshore or nearshore gamefish. It’s especially well-suited for anglers who need a rod that can handle heavier lures and live bait.

Anglers who prefer ultralight tackle or primarily target smaller species should skip this product. Those who require a rod with high-end components and customization options might also want to look elsewhere.

A quality spinning reel in the 4000-5000 size range and braided fishing line are must-have accessories. A rod tube can help protect the rod during transportation and storage.

Conclusion on Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy

The Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy is a solid performer that offers excellent value for the money. It provides a potent combination of power, sensitivity, and durability at an affordable price.

The price is definitely justified. You are getting a lot of rod for your money.

I would definitely recommend it to anglers looking for a reliable and capable saltwater spinning rod without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a durable and affordable rod for saltwater fishing, then look no further. Give the Favorite Ol’ Salty Spinning Rod, Extra Heavy a try!