Tailwalk Hi-Tide SSD 86ML

This one is probably our best-selling rod of the last few years. Sub-9ft rods are becoming more popular lately and this one, at a sensible price, is proving to be one of the most reliable available.

The 35g rating is a little bit optimistic, but that's actually a good thing really. I'm quite happy casting a 30g metal jig on one, but more than that and they do start to struggle. A lot of the fishing we do with these shorter rods is more within the estuaries, so a 35g rating isn't necessarily necessary, and the fact that it's more like a 30g rod gives you the lightness that you need. It's still plenty powerful enough for the heaviest lures we'd want in the estuary, and it'll cast a slightly lighter lure as well if you ever need it to.

It's an interesting rod because compared to the 90ML, which has the same ratings, this one is slightly lighter and slightly softer. That makes it a nice complementary rod rather than just a shorter version of the same thing.

The tip isn't too soft or anything like that. It's just a really nice regular fast action that'll work with pretty much any lure under about that 30g maximum. That said, 30g is more for a metal jig than a surface lure. Something like a Patchinko 140 would be a bit big for this one, but the 125 is well within the range of lures it's comfortable with. Anything like a weightless soft plastic and it's a lovely rod for that sort of thing, lighter diving plugs as well. In reality it genuinely is just an all-rounder.

UK delivery

Free standard UK delivery on orders over £50. Orders under £50 are charged at checkout. Most orders are dispatched within 1–2 working days.

Returns

Unused tackle can be returned within 30 days of delivery, in its original condition. Get in touch before sending anything back and we’ll talk you through it.