The new Flats Class Series of inshore rods is a collaboration between professional saltwater angler, Capt. C.A. Richardson and award-winning rod builder Trevor Fitzgerald. They have together engineered an amazing collection of inshore rods that offer a blend of strength, sensitivity and lightweight performance. These new offerings from Fitzgerald Fishing are tailored for the most sought-after inshore species from trophy speckled trout to tarpon! Leveraging Capt. C.A. Richardson's 30 plus years of experience as a tournament angler and professional guide, these rods have been optimized for precision casting, lure control and effective fish-fighting in shallow water. If you are a serious artificial lure enthusiast, this is the inshore rod series you have been waiting for to complete your arsenal!
The Flats Class Rod Series (Casting) is designed for inshore and flats fishing, offering specialized casting rods tailored for various techniques and environments. Below is a detailed breakdown of each model in the series.
| FC70MHC (7’ Medium-Heavy) | DESCRIPTION: The go-to rod for topwater lures such as poppers, walking baits, and choppo-style lures. Its 7’ length and ideal action make it perfect for tight spaces like mangrove creeks or back marshes. KEY FEATURES: Versatile and compact, often referred to as the "pocketknife" of the series due to its adaptability in confined fishing environments. |
| FC73MC (7’3” Medium) | DESCRIPTION: The preferred choice for speckled trout fishing, featuring a moderate-fast action optimized for Mirrodine-style twitch baits, crankbaits, light wire jigs, and some spinner baits. KEY FEATURES: Also suitable for smaller topwater lures and larger NED baits. Its forgiving action minimizes fish shake-off during casts, making it a fun and reliable rod. |
| FC73MHC (7’3” Medium-Heavy) | DESCRIPTION: A power fishing rod with a solid backbone and fast tip, ideal for Texas-rigs, swim baits (e.g., Mulletron LT), robust jigs, and chatter baits. KEY FEATURES: Excels at skipping baits into cover and has the strength to pull large fish from challenging spots. |
| FC74MHC (7’4” Medium-Heavy) | DESCRIPTION: The most versatile rod in the series, often called the “teacher’s pet” for its frequent use. It handles a wide range of lures, including Mirrodine XLs, Paul Browns, Double D’s, Top Dog Jr’s, Whopper Ploppers, spoons, paddle tails, and some Texas-rigs. KEY FEATURES: A “tweener” rod that bridges the 7M and 73MH models, earning a “one and done” reputation for its all-purpose utility. |
| FC76HC (7’6” Heavy) | DESCRIPTION: Built for heavy-duty applications, this rod is designed for casting heavy jigs around bridges, large swim baits, or glide baits in canals. KEY FEATURES: Pairs well with 250-300 size casting reels and has the power to land trophy-sized gamefish, making it the choice for big fish and tough conditions. |
| FC70MS (7’ Medium Spinning) | DESCRIPTION: A finesse spinning rod ideal for NED rigs, undersized hard baits, or hair jigs. Its balanced design ensures precise control and long-distance casting with lightweight lures. KEY FEATURES: Perfect for targeting finicky fish, offering exceptional sensitivity and accuracy for delicate presentations. |
| FC72MS (7’2” Medium Spinning) | DESCRIPTION: The preferred spinning rod for working Mirrodines, small to medium suspenders, and topwater lures. Its length and action are also suited for light wire paddle tail jigs and redfish spoons. KEY FEATURES: Tailored for anglers who enjoy sight fishing or blind casting on shallow flats, providing versatility and precision in shallow-water scenarios. |
| FC72MHS (7’2” Medium-Heavy Spinning) | DESCRIPTION: The most adaptable spinning rod in the series, capable of handling medium to large topwaters, Mirrodine XL suspenders, Paul Brown Lures, Texas-rigged soft baits, medium-sized swim baits, and chatterbaits. KEY FEATURES: Excels in power fishing techniques, including skipping docks, mangrove shorelines, or working lures around heavy cover or structure. |
| FC76MHS (7’6” Medium-Heavy Spinning) | DESCRIPTION: Built for larger swim baits (5”-7”), glide baits, and 3/4oz to 2oz bucktail jigs around bridges and jetties. When paired with a 5000-size reel, this rod is in “Beast Mode.” KEY FEATURES: Designed to handle heavy lures and demanding conditions, offering power and control for big fish in challenging environments. |
| FC76HS (7’6” Heavy Spinning) | DESCRIPTION: Developed with Trevor Fitzgerald with a focus on catching big fish, this robust spinning rod is ideal for targeting big pass snook, beach tarpon, inshore grouper, or cobia on wrecks. KEY FEATURES: Perfect for big live bait fishing, providing the strength and durability needed for trophy-sized inshore gamefish. |
