As water temperatures cool and baitfish begin to move, fall marks one of the best times of year for inshore anglers. Choosing the right blank is key to building a rod that can handle everything from finesse presentations to heavy structure work. The NSB Inshore series offers versatile options designed to match the changing conditions of the season.
Why the NSB Inshore Series?
Rod Forge designed the NSB Inshore series as a step-up from the standard NSB lineup. These blanks are built on mid-modulus carbon fiber, giving them a balance of sensitivity and strength that’s perfect for inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and snook. Each model is tuned to provide half a power more backbone than the original NSB series, which means they have the guts to handle saltwater conditions without losing that crisp, responsive feel.
1. NSB-I-66MLF – Light and Responsive
- Specs: 6′6″ • Medium Light • Fast Action • Line: 6–14 lb • Lure: 1⁄8–3⁄8 oz
- Why It Works in Fall: This blank shines when the bite gets finicky. Cooler water often slows fish down, and the 66MLF gives you the finesse to present smaller baits naturally without overpowering them.
- Best Applications: Soft plastic shrimp, small jerkbaits, finesse jigs, or subtle topwaters around mangroves and shallow flats.
2. NSB-I-70MHF – The All-Around Workhorse
- Specs: 7′0″ • Medium Heavy • Fast Action • Line: 12–20 lb • Lure: ½–1¼ oz
- Why It Works in Fall: This is the “do-everything” blank for inshore fishing. It’s long enough for casting distance, strong enough to handle slot reds or bigger trout, and still light enough to throw a range of lures. The 70MHF is perfect for when fish push into channels, oyster bars, or windblown flats.
- Best Applications: Larger plugs, swimbaits, spoons, and heavier jigs where extra power and hook-setting strength are needed.
3. NSB-I-76MHF – Distance and Power
- Specs: 7′6″ • Medium Heavy • Fast Action • Line: 12–25 lb • Lure: ¾–2 oz
- Why It Works in Fall: When fish are staging farther off structure or when bait is packed up tight, the 76MHF gives you the leverage and distance to reach them. The extra length provides casting range and line control, while the added backbone is ideal for battling fish near heavy cover.
- Best Applications: Big topwaters, heavy jigs, swimbaits, and plugs when targeting redfish, snook, or bull trout holding on deeper edges.
Final Thoughts
Fall fishing calls for versatility, and the NSB Inshore series delivers. Whether you need finesse for subtle presentations, a workhorse for day-to-day fishing, or a heavy hitter for big baits and long casts, these blanks give rod builders the tools to meet the season head-on. With the right build on the right blank, you’ll be ready for everything fall inshore fishing throws your way.
