Sst A Float Rods
13'4" IM-8 float rods for steelhead and salmon drift fishing, split by handle style
The SST "a" Float Rod series is Okuma's mid-tier platform for drift fishing and float fishing made for steelhead and salmon in larger river systems. The series is made for anglers using slip floats, bobber-and-jig setups, or side-drifting techniques where a long, soft-tipped rod is necessary to manage line off the water and achieve a drag-free drift. Blanks are IM-8 graphite, sensitive enough to detect subtle takes through a float but with enough flex in the tip to avoid pulling hooks on light-mouthed steelhead.
The three-piece construction accommodates the 13'4" length for transport. Stainless steel guide frames carry zirconium inserts for low friction with mono and fluorocarbon. Premium cork grips and a compressed cork butt cap round out the build. The "a" designation indicates a refresh of the prior SST generation. Both rods in the lineup are identical in length (13'4"), power (M), and line rating (6–12 lb), the distinction is handle configuration.
The SST-S-1343FFa uses a forward grip foregrip layout, while the SST-S-1343FRa uses a longer reel seat with split rings. This two-SKU structure allows anglers to choose the grip style that suits their float fishing technique instead of selecting by power or technique type.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 2 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 2 float
- Length
- 13'4" 4.10 m
- Power
- ML
- Inferred
- Action
- M
- Line
- 6–12 lb
- List price
- $160.99
- Released
- 2022
Rods in this series
2 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SST-S-1343FFa | 13'4" | MLI | Buy from Okuma | |
| SST-S-1343FRa | 13'4" | MLI | Buy from Okuma |
I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.
Model notes
All 2 modelsThe FFa suffix denotes a forward grip configuration with a 7.5" foregrip, preferred by anglers who like to choke up on the rod for feel and precise float control. The shorter foregrip keeps hand placement close to the guide train.
The FRa suffix uses a longer reel seat with split rings, offering a different hand position and grip geometry. This configuration tends to suit anglers who prefer a more extended rear handle position for two-handed mending on big rivers.