Sst A Cork Grip Rods

Okuma's SST (Salmon, Steelhead, Trout) A-generation series in the cork-grip configuration. Blanks use IM-8 graphite. Components include stainless steel guide frames with zirconium inserts rated for braid, a stainless hook keeper, and a one-year limited warranty. The cork-grip variants carry premium fore and rear cork with a compressed cork butt cap and a non-skid surface, and most spinning models use a custom IM-8 graphite-pipe reel seat.

The lineup runs 6'6" through 10'6" in 23 casting and spinning models, with power from L through H and actions concentrated in moderate and moderate-fast. The shorter spinning sticks suit jig fishing for trout and bobber-dogging for steelhead, mid-range 8' to 9' models cover float fishing, side drifting and drift fishing, and the 9'6" to 10'6" pieces handle long float rod work, plug pulling and Chinook duty.

Positioned in the value-to-mid segment of the steelhead and salmon market. User reports note light overall weight in hand; older runs of the SST family had a reputation for cork loss and tip breakage, with later generations reported as improved. Stainless guide frames with zirconium inserts target compatibility with both monofilament and braided mainlines.