Looking to add a Waterloo to my collection. Made in Victoria, fished a buddies last fall really liked it. Forgot to check the model number and I can't get him to send it to me.

Use will be inshore wade fishing and occasionally fishing from the boat. I run a spinning reel most of the time. We fish artificial and live bait. Looking at the 6'9" or 7' models, any thoughts on those two and rod action? Thanks, I'll hang up and listen.

https://www.waterloorods.com/collections/high-performance-rods/products/salinity

I like the HP lite the most but the Phantoms are great for the price. I didn't love the Salinity.

HP Lite is a little light IMO for bait and larger plugs. Great for soft plastics and small plugs.

Slam mag may be the best do it all rod on the their high end models. I've never used the ultra mag. Appears to be slightly less backbone than slam. May be a good option as well.

Surprised about Salinity comment above. I think that would actually be the best option.

Make sure to match the reel to the rod. If I was getting one of the super light rods (hp lite or slam mag) I'd get a super light reel. size 2500 or 3000 and probably Mg.

Never tried their Baitrunner.

Phantom blank is great for the price, but I've had issues with the guides on it. Maybe they updated since I got mine several years ago.

It's such a personal preference you would be best driving to Victoria and get them in your hands.

Ive got an hp lite, slam mag, ultra mag, baitrunner, and salinity. For what you're describing I'd just get the Salinity. I have one on a spinning reel that has thrown everything from artificial to shrimp with a popping cork.

If dedicated artificial I'd suggest ultra mag.

HP Lite or Ultra Mag. Ultra Mag is great, but the HP Lite sure works those lighter artificials.

I have a Salinity that I absolutely love. I also have a HP Lite. Unfortunately, it has sat in a corner the entire 3 months I have owned it. Keep trying to get out, but either work or weather keep me on land. The HP Lite is not just a clever name. That dude is light. Can't wait to try it out.

Laguna Lt Wader II.

I bought a Phantom for spare spinning rig. I actually prefer it to my Salinity. 7' always for Spinning

I've got an Ultra Mag, HP Lite, and Salinity with my baitcasters. The Ultra Mag is easily my favorite for plastic, HP for Corkys and Tops, and Salinity for Croaker and Popping

My Waterloos are all old so I cannot speak to the new models. Slams and Slam Mags. Once I got 3 or 4 of those and put them through their paces, and then 3 or 4 Sarge rods, I am not sure I will need another rod for a long time. I still look on occasion just in case!! But they just keep on rockin!

Jimmy at Waterloo is a fun fella to talk to and drink a beer. Sarge is also, and one helluva topwater man.

The Waterloo Phantom and Salinity lines are not made in the US, but the others are all hand made here.

I fish Shimano light (2000 or 2500 series Stradics) spinning reels exclusively for regular bay/flats fishing. Have liked my Salinity spinning rods in 7' for this purpose.

However, I have a 7'6" T-Allen Trout Special (not made anymore to my knowledge) I like to use for the light lures like the 1/8 oz weedless spoons, especially on shallow flats. Gets them out there and the added length helps depth control.

Thanks fellas. If I can get away from work early enough Monday I'm going to try and stop by their store in Victoria on my way down to POC.