Question for the trout/redfish inshore guys. Headed to South Padre later this year and am looking for a new spinning rod to use chasing trout/redfish/snook etc. I want a 7-7 1/2 foot rod. Want to be able to throw soft plastics on a light jig head as well as hard plastic lures and metal spoons. What cork handle rods do y’all recommend?

I'm a big fan of Waterloo rods. I don't spend top dollar on my tackle I'm too hard on it. I typically go for a middle of the road product. Something like their Salinity is under $200. I like a moderate/fast action rod especially for throwing soft plastics. I am usually fishing for reds in shallow water so I'm throwing a soft plastic on a 1/8 or even 1/16 oz jig head.

+2 on waterloo. You can spend more, but you won't get more.
2500-3000 series reel is more than ample. We use 20# power pro on all the spin rigs, it's the best balance of casting and lowest amount of line snots.

Now not wanting to confuse, but we use L or ML actions on jig heads with plastics, it helps to prevent a big trout from tearing the hook out on a hard run. Not a good action for topwaters, it's pretty mushy. I use baitcasters for topwaters/spoons, hard baits, because it's easier to manage.

Pat, we will take bait casters for sure.