: Fitzgerald Fishing Matrix Shad Rod - The Perfect Inshore Fishing Rod

The Fitzgerald Fishing Matrix Shad Rod is specifically designed for throwing soft plastic lures and achieving a natural presentation to catch more and bigger inshore fish. With its strategic length, action, and premium components, this rod aims to help anglers maximize their time on the water.

Overview

• Brand: Fitzgerald Fishing
• Model Name: Matrix Shad
• Style: 6’4” Medium Fast Casting
• Material: Carbon fiber construction
• Components: American Tackle Vortex Air guides and SS316 inserts
• Price: $159.99

Features and Benefits

• Achieves long, smooth casts: The fast action and carbon fiber blank allow for increased casting distance and accuracy.
• American Tackle guides: The lightweight aluminum oxide Vortex Air guides reduce friction.
• Strategic length and power: At 6‘4” with medium fast action, this rod loads and casts light lures optimally.
• Durable construction: The blank is built from high-modulus carbon fiber for strength.
• Lifetime warranty: Fitzgerald Fishing provides a limited lifetime warranty for defects and workmanship.

Design and Appearance

This rod sports a professional, high-quality look. The blank has a silver finish with blue thread wraps complementing the blue Fitzgerald logo. The cork handle is comfortable to grip for all-day fishing. The guides stand out with their aluminum oxide silver finish.

Performance and Quality

Field testing shows this rod can consistently cast 3/8oz lures 90+ feet with accuracy. The rod blank flexes fluidly through the cast and has enough backbone to handle larger fish. The sensitivity and vibration transmission is excellent for detecting light bites.

Application and Use

This rod was designed for Texas rigging soft plastics like the Matrix Shad. It performs excellently for all finesse techniques - working jerk baits, flutter spoons, and suspending lures. It’s a versatile inshore rod suited for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.

Price and Value

While $159.99 is not an inexpensive price, this American-made rod is very reasonably priced for the quality. With smooth performance and sensitivity rivaling rods costing much more, it’s an excellent value for the components and lifetime warranty.

Conclusion

If you fish inshore waters throwing soft plastics, the Fitzgerald Fishing Matrix Shad Rod belongs in your arsenal. This thoughtfully crafted rod will help any angler achieve fluid, accurate casts and battle fish with confidence. It receives my full recommendation.

Specs

• Length: 6‘4”
• Power: Medium Fast
• Pieces: 1 piece
• Line Weight: 8-15lb
• Lure Weight: 1/8 - 3/8oz
• Guides: 7 + Tip

What’s Included

• Rod blank
• Reel seat
• Cork handle
• Rod sock

Pros

• Lightweight and sensitive
• Allows for longer, smoother casts
• Quality components
• Perfect rod for finesse techniques
• Great value for the price

Cons

• Only available in one power
• No other length options