Bull Bay Rods - Feel the Difference - Feel the Bite
When you're casting lines in the Lowcountry or anywhere fish like to play rough, you need gear that can hold its own. That’s where Bull Bay Rods comes in. Built for serious anglers who demand high performance without compromise, Bull Bay’s lineup offers a rod for just about every scenario but two standouts in my arsenal are the Bolt and the Reel Animals rods.
The Bolt - Lightweight Speed with Surprising Backbone
Let’s start with the Bolt, Bull Bay’s lightweight spinning rod designed for speed, sensitivity, and all-day casting. Don’t let its sleek build fool you — this rod is a workhorse. I’ve pulled in sheepshead, speckled trout, and even bruiser redfish using the Bolt, and each time I was impressed by how it handled the fight.
The Bolt’s fast action tip and solid backbone give it the versatility to detect the subtle nibble of a sheepshead and still muscle a red out of the marsh or under docks. The comfortable grip and lightweight feel also mean less fatigue, whether I’m standing on a skiff or casting from a pier for hours on end. The full cork grip offers extreme comfort and allows it to fit snug into any rod holder. I was able to just let this rod sit while I use the Reel animals rod to cast into tighter areas. I have a larger reel on this one, a Toadfish inshore series 4000.
You can purchase the Bolt by Bull Bay Rods at either of the Haddrells locations in Charleston or online here:
Reel Animals - Built with Experience
Then there’s the Reel Animals rod, a collaboration between Bull Bay Rods and Captain Michael Anderson of the Reel Animals Fishing Show. This rod feels like it was custom-made for the inshore angler who demands performance and durability in one package.
I’ve used the Reel Animals rod in tight marsh creeks, open flats, and just off the jetties. It delivers excellent sensitivity for soft plastics and live bait, with enough power to handle drag-screaming redfish and stubborn sheepshead trying to dive into structure. The balance and feel are top-tier, and it’s become my go-to rod when I need to trust my gear in any condition.
The split cork grip offers maximum power when reeling in larger fish but also the versatility of being able to cast into tight locations under docks and piers. I was able to cast far off the boat between pillars under a bridge, about 100 yards away. As soon as the bait hit the bottom you could feel the bite. I highly suggest purchasing this rod if you are an avid angler and enjoy fishing off a boat or under structure.
Plus lets be "reel" it's the best looking rod on the market with the ice blue color, silver accents and cork grip. I like to pair this rod with a Shimano Stradic 3000.
You can purchase the Reel Animals rod by Bull Bay Rods at either of the Haddrells locations in Charleston or online here:
Rick Hess: A Charleston Local Behind the Brand
One of the most exciting things about Bull Bay’s growing presence in the Lowcountry is the involvement of Rick Hess, a name many local anglers already know well. Rick founded The Charleston Angler back in 1997, opening the original location in the Citadel Mall. For years, he helped shape Charleston’s fishing community offering not just tackle and gear, but advice, education, and true hospitality to anglers of all skill levels.
Now, Rick brings that same passion and experience to Bull Bay Rods, helping the brand grow and connect with the very community he helped build. His stamp of approval on these rods means something — if Rick's on board, you know it’s the real deal.
Final Cast
No matter which rod I’m using — the Bolt or the Reel Animals both rods consistently deliver. The quality is obvious from the moment you pick one up. The finishes are clean, the components are premium, and the performance speaks for itself.
Catching sheepshead, trout, and reds on both rods reminded me why I trust Bull Bay Rods on the water. Whether I’m finesse fishing oyster edges or power casting into a wind chop, these rods don’t just get the job done — they make the experience even better.
If you’re looking to upgrade your inshore setup, you owe it to yourself to check out Bull Bay’s Bolt and Reel Animals rods. With expert design, local roots, and proven performance, they’re more than just rods they’re part of a tradition. And thanks to anglers like Rick Hess, that tradition is stronger than ever.
