When it comes to inshore fishing, versatility matters. On any given day, I might be stalking bonefish on the flats, skipping baits under mangroves for snook, throwing soft plastics for redfish, or hooking into something much bigger than expected. Over the years, the one rod lineup that has consistently earned a permanent place on my skiff is the TFO Professional Series spinning rods.
These rods have become my go-to for light tackle saltwater fishing because they simply do everything well. No matter the species, location, or presentation, they continue to meet my needs and often exceed my expectations.
A backcountry snook caught on the TFO Professional Series 7’0″ Medium Light spinning rod. A versatile light tackle setup built for inshore species from the flats to the mangroves. // Photo: Jorge Mirabal
Why I Rely on the TFO Professional Series
Most of my fishing is done with two models from the Professional Series: the 7’6″ medium light (PS 763-1) and the 7′ medium light (PS 703-1). I rotate between them depending on where I am fishing and how much space I have to work with.
When I am on the flats sight fishing spooky fish like bonefish, permit, or redfish, the 7’6″ medium light really shines. Those extra inches make a noticeable difference. I can make longer casts, stay farther away from the fish, and avoid giving away my presence. When you are dealing with clear water and pressured fish, that extra distance can be the difference between getting a bite and watching a fish swim off.
When I am fishing tighter areas like mangrove shorelines, backcountry creeks, or structure heavy water, the 7′ medium light becomes my primary rod. The shorter length makes it easier to cast accurately, work baits in confined spaces, and fight fish around cover. It is also more manageable when space is limited.
One of the biggest reasons I gravitated toward the Professional Series over other inshore rods is the moderate fast action. That action is a game changer when you spend most of your time throwing finesse baits. Compared to extra fast or stiff tipped rods, the Professional Series loads better, casts lighter baits more efficiently, and has more forgiveness when fighting fish on light line.
A True Inshore Light Tackle Workhorse
These rods have been with me for everything from small bonefish on open flats to over slot snook deep in the backcountry. They have handled redfish, trout, snapper, snook, tarpon, and even surprise hookups like barracuda without hesitation.
What makes the Professional Series such a good fit across so many species is its balance between the tip and the backbone. The softer tip allows me to cast extremely light lures and present baits naturally, while the mid section and lower portion of the blank still provide plenty of power when a bigger fish eats. It is a rare combination and one that becomes more valuable the more variety you fish.
When I am on the flats sight fishing spooky fish like bonefish, permit, or redfish, the 7’6″ medium light really shines. Those extra inches make a noticeable difference. I can make longer casts, stay farther away from the fish, and avoid giving away my presence. // // Photo: Jorge Mirabal
My Inshore Light Tackle Setups
There are two setups I never leave the dock without.
My flats setup is a 7’6″ Medium Light Professional Series paired with a 2500 size reel. I spool it with 12 pound braid and usually fish a 15 pound leader. This is my go to combo for bonefish, mutton snapper, redfish, trout, and black drum when I am fishing open water with very little structure. I like to go as light as possible in these situations because there is less risk of break offs, and I get better presentations.
If I am targeting snook or tarpon on the flats, I will bump my leader up to 20 pound just for a little extra abrasion resistance.
My backcountry setup is a 7′ Medium Light Professional Series paired with a 3000 size reel. This rod is spooled with 15 pound braid, and I fish a 20 pound leader most of the time. If I am fishing heavy cover or rougher structure, I will occasionally step up to 25 pound leader. This setup gives me more control around mangroves, docks, and shoreline cover while still staying light enough to cast finesse baits comfortably all day.
One of the reasons I can fish such small reels confidently is because of how these rods perform under load. They protect light lines, control powerful fish, and still give me the backbone I need when something big eats.
One of the biggest reasons I gravitated toward the Professional Series over other inshore rods is the moderate fast action. That action is a game changer when you spend most of your time throwing finesse baits. // Photo: Oliver Sutro
Lures, Presentations, and Why Action Matters
Most of my inshore fishing is done with soft plastics. Paddle tails, flukes, and shrimp imitations make up the majority of what I throw. Outside of that, I often fish topwater spooks and hair jigs that imitate shrimp or small crabs.
Almost everything I fish is under 1/8 ounce, excluding topwaters. Because of that, having a rod with a softer, more responsive tip is critical. The Professional Series loads properly with these lighter baits, which allows me to cast farther, present more naturally, and fish with less fatigue.
This is where the moderate fast action really separates itself. It gives me the casting performance of a finesse rod without sacrificing fish fighting ability.
Performance Where It Counts
After years of hard use in harsh saltwater environments, these 7’0″ and 7’6″ medium light Professional spinning rods have proven themselves in every category that matters to me.
They cast extremely well, particularly with light lures. The sensitivity is outstanding, allowing you to detect subtle bites, light pickups, and contact with the bottom. When a fish is hooked, the rods offer a strong backbone but still have a forgiving bend that keeps the fish secured and protects lighter leaders.
Durability has also been outstanding. These rods have been beaten up, splashed, baked in the sun, and fished hard, yet they continue to perform. Corrosion, guide issues, and structural failures have not been a concern. They are built to handle saltwater and heavy use.
The Professional Series excels with lighter baits, enabling longer casts, more natural presentations, and reduced fatigue. Its moderate fast action combines finesse rod performance with strong fish fighting capability. // Photo: Jorge Mirabal
Why I Chose the Professional Series
I had known about TFO for years, but I always associated them primarily with fly fishing. When I started looking to change my spinning rods because what I was using was not meeting my needs, I decided to give the Professional Series a try.
Switching to TFO has been one of the best decisions I have made and a pivotal point in my fishing journey. The combination of performance, build quality, and consistency across the lineup quickly earned my trust.
Who This Rod Is For
From a price standpoint, the Professional Series is a great rod for anglers who want to take the leap and get more serious about fishing. But do not let the price fool you. I would recommend this rod just as strongly to a seasoned veteran as I would to someone getting started.
TFO knows how to build a rod, and this series has become my go to across their entire spinning lineup. It is a versatile inshore light tackle rod you can count on for many different applications and one that will not let you down, whether you are chasing bonefish on the flats or pulling snook out of the mangroves.
Blog written by TFO Pro Staffer Jorge Mirabal of Miami Gardens, Florida. Give him a follow on Instagram (@grovejunkie).
