Why I Chose the TFO Professional Series Rods for Fishing Coastal NC
The Best All-Around Rod Series for a Full-Time Guide
When I first picked up a TFO rod roughly seven years ago, I immediately noticed a distinct difference in quality. Over the years, I have used a variety of rods but never committed to a single brand due to concerns about durability and performance. The saltwater environment—whether in the open ocean or marsh—puts immense stress on fishing equipment. As a guide, durability is my top priority, especially when my rods are used for approximately 280+ days per year. The last thing I want is to repair or replace gear constantly.
With that in mind, TFO rods have proven to be exceptionally durable. However, should a rod need replacing—often due to an unfortunate misstep by a client on my skiff (the number one cause of breakage)—the cost is reasonable. When selecting rods for my business, I focused on three key factors: quality, durability, and affordability.
The TFO Professional Series checks all these boxes, making it the obvious choice for my charter operation.
My Setup: Models, Target Species, and Fishing Techniques
My primary setup consists of the TFO Professional Series rods, complemented by a few Tactical Inshore rods. Each rod is selected based on the target species and fishing techniques.
- TFO Professional L 7’0” Rods // PS 702-1 (4 total)
- Ideal for casting artificial lures at speckled trout and occasionally shad.
- The softer tip enhances the fishing experience, making smaller speckled trout feel like quality catches.
- The softer action helps keep speckled trout hooked, preventing losses due to head shakes at the surface.
- TFO Professional ML 7’0” Rods // PS 703-1 (4 total)
- My go-to rods for sight fishing redfish (Red Drum) in the marsh.
- Also used for nearshore fishing for false albacore (Albies).
- Medium-light power allows for excellent casting with light jig heads and long-distance casts with metal jigs for albies.
- These rods have withstood battles with 35+ lb bull reds, proving their impressive strength.
- TFO Professional M 7’0” Rods // PS-704-1 (4 total)
- Used primarily for inshore bait-fishing for redfish, flounder, and sheepshead.
- Also great for nearshore bait fishing.
- Strong enough for long-distance casting with Carolina rigs while providing the backbone to pull sheepshead and black drum away from dock pilings.
My Preferred Rigging: Reels, Line, and Braid Size
After extensive testing, I’ve found the following combinations work best:
- Professional L 7’0” Rods // PS 702-1
- Paired with Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 2500 reels.
- Spooled with 10 lb Cortland Masterbraid (high-vis yellow).
- The 2500-size reel may seem slightly oversized, but it provides the line capacity needed for the occasional redfish hookup.
- The 10 lb braid enhances casting distance, particularly for light shrimp lures.
- Professional ML 7’0” Rods // PS 703-1
- Paired with Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000 reels.
- Spooled with 10 lb Cortland Masterbraid (blue).
- Balanced setup for targeting redfish, albies, and even larger fish.
- The 10 lb braid ensures excellent casting performance with light artificials.
- Professional M 7’0” Rods // PS-704-1
- Paired with Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE 3000 reels.
- Spooled with 20 lb Cortland Masterbraid (high-vis yellow).
- Primarily used for bait fishing around structures, where abrasion resistance against oyster beds and dock pilings is crucial.
From Novice to Seasoned Anglers
These rods are incredibly well-balanced and feel great in the hands of both novice and seasoned anglers. However, proper pairing with the right reel and line is essential to maximize their potential. For example, a Professional L 7’0” rod would not perform well with a 4000-size reel and 30 lb braid. These rods truly shine when matched correctly with a smaller reel and thin-diameter line. The high-quality components—such as the guides and handles—are consistently praised by clients, who frequently comment on how much they enjoy fishing with them.
A Series For All Seasons
I rely on a consistent setup of four L, four ML, and four M Professional Series rods, all 7’0 ” long for most of the year. Keeping the rod lengths uniform helps maintain consistency for clients who use multiple setups throughout the day. I have a selection of larger rods for targeting tarpon, sharks, cobia, amberjacks, and bull reds. These fall under the Tactical Inshore Mag H category and are generally in the 8’0” range. They are paired with Florida Fishing Products Resolute 6000 reels spooled with 40 lb Cortland Masterbraid.
Final Thoughts: Why TFO Professional Series?
Overall, the TFO Professional Series has been an outstanding choice for my guide service, providing a perfect balance of quality, durability, and affordability. Whether guiding first-time or seasoned anglers, these rods perform exceptionally well across a wide range of fishing scenarios. For any guide or angler looking for a reliable, high-performance rod that won’t break the bank, the TFO Professional Series is my top recommendation.
Blog and select photos provided by TFO Pro Staffer Capt. Cameron Pappas of BlackBird Guide Services in Wilmington, North Carolina.
