Tested in the waters of Charleston, SC – Presented by Nick Levine & Pure Fishing

If you fish the Lowcountry you know Charleston’s inshore scene can be both rewarding and demanding. Your gear needs to be sensitive, durable, and salt-ready to take on the oyster ridden creeks. We took a spin with the Fenwick® Elite Inshore Spinning Rod and paired it with the PENN® Battle IV 3000. Designed with inshore anglers in mind these two pieces of gear are built to meet the unique challenges of fishing the South Carolina coast.

We took them out on a series of trips in local hotspots. Shem Creek, the Wando River, and creeks off James Island to see how they stand up to real conditions in Charleston's backwaters. Here's our full breakdown.

Fenwick® Elite Inshore Spinning Rod

Model Tested: 7’ Medium Fast Action
Paired Line: 25 lb braid with 15 lb fluorocarbon leader
Target Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder

From the moment you pick up the Fenwick Elite Inshore rod, it’s clear this isn’t your average stick. It’s incredibly lightweight which is perfect for long hours on the water but still manages to feel solid and well made. The build quality is impressive with a 40-ton graphite blank that gives the rod excellent sensitivity without sacrificing backbone. You can tell this rod was engineered with finesse and strength in mind.

The Fuji® soft-touch reel seat is a welcome feature providing a comfortable grip that helps prevent fatigue when you're constantly casting or working artificial baits. Titanium guides with zirconia inserts complete the package and they’re not just for show these guides handle braided line like a dream and stand up to the salt without issue.

During a sunrise outing off Folly Beach we put the rod to the test with a range of setups: popping corks, weedless jerkbaits, and jigheads tipped with soft plastics. The casting accuracy was immediately noticeable especially when we needed to place a bait tight to a dock piling or underneath overhanging branches. The medium-fast action gave just enough whip to launch lightweight lures while still offering control when setting the hook.

The rod really came alive when a 26” redfish slammed a Z-Man shrimp imitation in the flats. The tip responded quickly and the backbone gave us full control of the fight no need to horse it. We were able to steer the fish away from nearby oysters and land it quickly with minimal stress. That’s the kind of performance you want when you’re dealing with structure heavy spots or tight channels.

Pros:

• Ultra-sensitive and lightweight for detecting light bites

• Excellent casting accuracy

• Built to withstand inshore saltwater abuse

• Comfortable grip for long sessions

PENN® Battle IV 3000 Spinning Reel

Tested with: Fenwick Elite Inshore, 25 lb braid
Drag Used: 8–10 lbs average
Conditions: Tidal creeks, light wind, brackish water

The PENN Battle IV 3000 is built like a tank but it doesn’t feel overly bulky. The full metal body and side plate make it feel sturdy in your hand and you can tell right away this reel is designed to last. The matte black and gold finish is classic PENN styling giving it that saltwater ready look, and it pairs beautifully with the Fenwick rod.

Straight out of the box the reel was buttery smooth. The handle is comfortable and well machined and the CNC Gear Technology delivers an even, fluid retrieve that never felt sloppy even when retrieving slow jigs or twitch baits.

We spooled the reel with 25 lb braid and got to work casting around grass lines in the Wando River. The drag performance stood out almost immediately. We hooked into a mid-slot red that tried to run under the boat and the HT-100™ drag system engaged perfectly strong, yet smooth. There was no sticking, no hesitation, just clean pressure that let the rod do its job.

Another high point: the sealed ball bearings. Even after getting splashed by saltwater spray (and one accidental dunk near the landing), the reel kept performing with zero grind or resistance. After a rinse and dry it was as good as new.

This is the kind of reel you can confidently take into the creeks, marshes, and even light surf without worrying about babying it. 

Pros:

• Strong and smooth drag, ideal for inshore battles

• Sealed ball bearings for salt protection

• Perfect size for redfish, trout, and flounder

• Built to last, even in harsh saltwater conditions

Final Cast

Together the Fenwick Elite Inshore rod and PENN Battle IV 3000 reel make a rock solid setup for anglers fishing the waters around Charleston. They’re versatile enough to handle everything from subtle trout bites to the aggressive runs of a hard charging red and they offer a blend of refinement, durability, and power that’s hard to beat.

This combo is a fantastic choice for local anglers looking to upgrade their gear or visitors who want a top tier setup that can handle Charleston’s inshore playground.

Ideal For:

• Weekend warriors upgrading from entry level gear

• Local anglers who demand high sensitivity for finesse bites

• Visiting anglers who want a travel friendly combo for serious inshore fishing

Ready to Elevate Your Inshore Game?

Charleston’s inshore fishery is world class. Make sure your gear matches the challenge.

Explore the full lineup from Pure Fishing at purefishing.com and gear up with confidence.