First Impressions of Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts
The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special isn’t just another rod; it’s a specialized tool designed for the demanding environment of saltwater inshore fishing. Lew’s promises a blend of sensitivity and power, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. The Hm40 graphite blank, stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts, and Winn Dri-Tac split grip handles all pointed to a serious piece of equipment.
My quest for the perfect inshore rod stemmed from countless frustrating experiences with gear that couldn’t handle the aggressive strikes and powerful runs of redfish and speckled trout. I needed something that could detect subtle bites, yet possess the backbone to wrestle a trophy fish from heavy cover. I was tired of losing fish due to insufficient sensitivity or a lack of power.
Unboxing the rod, I was immediately struck by its sleek, understated design. The Winn Dri-Tac grips felt fantastic in hand, providing a confident hold. The rod felt surprisingly light for its medium-heavy power rating. It seemed well-balanced.
Compared to my existing Shimano and St. Croix rods, the Lew’s offering felt more specialized. My Shimano, while versatile, lacked the outright power I needed for inshore bruisers. My St. Croix, renowned for its sensitivity, sometimes felt underpowered when dealing with larger fish. The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick seemed to strike a promising balance between the two.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited to put the Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special to the test and see if it could truly deliver on its promises of sensitivity and power.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special was on a brackish backwater marsh known for its redfish population. The weather was typical for the Gulf Coast – humid with a chance of afternoon thunderstorms. I paired the rod with a Lew’s casting reel spooled with 30lb braided line.
The rod’s sensitivity was immediately apparent. I could feel every subtle change in bottom structure and every tentative nibble from smaller fish. Casting was effortless, and the rod loaded up beautifully, launching my 3/8 oz jighead a considerable distance. Even in a slight headwind, I was able to maintain excellent accuracy.
The first solid strike came from a feisty, slot-sized redfish. The rod’s backbone was impressive, allowing me to quickly turn the fish away from a nearby oyster bed. After a short but spirited fight, I landed the redfish with ease. There were no unforeseen issues with the rod’s performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special has proven to be a reliable and capable inshore rod. It has handled everything from small speckled trout to hard-pulling jack crevalle with aplomb. The finish has held up well to the harsh saltwater environment, showing no signs of fading or corrosion.
The rod has survived accidental bumps against docks and even a few drops on the boat deck without any noticeable damage. Cleaning is a breeze – a simple rinse with freshwater after each use is all it takes to keep it in top condition. The Winn Dri-Tac grips still provide a comfortable and secure hold, even when wet.
Compared to my previous inshore rods, the Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick offers a noticeable improvement in both sensitivity and power. I am landing more fish and enjoying the fights more than ever before. It has exceeded my initial expectations.
Breaking Down the Features of Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Lew’s
- Rod Type: Casting
- Length: 7ft
- Rod Action: Fast
- Power: Medium Heavy
- Number of Sections: 1 Piece
- Line Weight: 10 – 20 lbs
- Lure Weight: 3/16 – 5/8 oz
- Water Type: Saltwater
- Guides: 8 + TIP
The 7ft length provides excellent casting distance and leverage. The fast action ensures quick hooksets. The medium-heavy power offers the backbone needed to handle larger inshore species.
The Hm40 graphite blank is the heart of the rod, providing a sensitive yet powerful platform. The stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts are crucial for durability in saltwater environments. They minimize friction and allow for smooth line flow.
Performance & Functionality
The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special performs exceptionally well in a variety of inshore fishing scenarios. The rod’s sensitivity allows anglers to detect even the most subtle strikes. Its powerful backbone provides the leverage needed to control hard-fighting fish.
The rod excels at casting a variety of lures, from lightweight jigs to heavier topwater baits. The fast action ensures quick and solid hooksets. There are no significant weaknesses in the rod’s performance; it consistently delivers a positive fishing experience.
The rod has met and exceeded my expectations for an inshore casting rod. It offers a winning combination of sensitivity, power, and durability.
Design & Ergonomics
The rod’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Hm40 graphite blank is lightweight and well-balanced. The Winn Dri-Tac split grip handles provide a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
The rod feels comfortable in hand, even after hours of casting. The CT-1 ComfortTouch reel seat provides a secure and comfortable platform for the reel. There is no significant learning curve associated with using the rod.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special is built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing. The stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts are corrosion-resistant. The Hm40 graphite blank is durable and resilient.
The rod should last for many years with proper care. Maintenance is simple: rinse with freshwater after each use.
Accessories and Customization Options
The rod does not come with any accessories. However, it is compatible with a wide variety of casting reels and fishing lines. Anglers can customize the rod to their personal preferences by selecting their preferred reel and line.
The rod is not designed for extensive customization. It is a specialized tool designed for a specific purpose.
Pros and Cons of Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts
Pros
- Exceptional sensitivity: Detects even the most subtle strikes.
- Powerful backbone: Provides the leverage needed to control hard-fighting fish.
- Durable construction: Built to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.
- Comfortable grips: Winn Dri-Tac split grip handles provide a secure and comfortable hold, even when wet.
- Excellent casting distance and accuracy: Loads up beautifully for effortless casting.
Cons
- The one-piece design can make it difficult to transport in smaller vehicles.
- May be slightly too powerful for very light lure presentations.
Who Should Buy Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts?
The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special is perfect for inshore anglers targeting species such as redfish, speckled trout, snook, and other hard-fighting fish. It is well-suited for anglers who prefer casting lures and need a rod that offers both sensitivity and power. It is also an excellent choice for anglers who fish in areas with heavy cover.
Anglers who primarily fish with live bait or prefer ultra-light presentations may want to consider a different rod. This rod’s strength might be overkill for smaller species in open water.
A quality casting reel spooled with braided line is a must-have accessory for this rod.
Conclusion on Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special, Medium-Heavy Casting Rod, Hm40 Graphite Blank, SS Guides W Alum. Oxide Inserts
The Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special is an exceptional inshore casting rod that offers a winning combination of sensitivity, power, and durability. At $139.99, the price is justified given its performance and features. It provides a substantial upgrade over more generic rods.
I would personally recommend the Lew’s Inshore Speed Stick 1 Inshore Special to any inshore angler looking for a high-performance casting rod. Its balance of sensitivity and power truly sets it apart from the competition. Don’t just take my word for it – experience the difference for yourself and feel the bite like never before! Go get yours and start landing those trophy fish!