Black Diamond East Coast

East Coast inshore/nearshore saltwater rod in casting and spinning, ML to H power

Models: 12
Length: 6.5'–7.5'
Type: Casting / Spinning

The Phenix Black Diamond East Coast series is an inshore and nearshore saltwater rod line built for the species mix and fishing styles common on the US Atlantic and Gulf coasts, striped bass, redfish, snook, flounder, and pelagic species within range of light conventional tackle. The East Coast version is a distinct variant from Phenix's West Coast Black Diamond, retooled with a slightly softer tip and lighter components to handle lighter presentations and the specific demands of East Coast inshore structure fishing. Blanks are constructed from Toray T-40 NanoTube carbon fiber laminated with Phenix proprietary Nanolite Resins in a unique multi-layer process.

This approach produces a thin-diameter, high-sensitivity blank claimed to be among the lightest in its class. Guides are Essex T-Ring Premium Carbide, seated on an Essex reel seat. The handle system pairs custom Phenix EVA foam with a carbon fiber grip section. Both casting and spinning variants across the lineup carry fast action throughout, suited to feel-heavy inshore presentations. The 12-model lineup gives anglers full casting/spinning parallel coverage: six spinning models (ESW-S prefix) mirror six casting models (ESW-C prefix) at identical lengths and power ratings.

Lengths run 6'6", 7', and 7'6". Powers step through ML (12–30lb), MH (20–50lb), H (30–80lb), and M (15–40lb) within each length grouping. The 7'6" M-power model stands apart as the single medium-weight long rod suited to distance work with light lures; the H and XH models at 7' address heavier nearshore and light offshore applications.

Deeper Dive

A closer look at notable models.

ESW-C666ML Casting · 6'6" · H · F action

Short casting model for close-quarters inshore work: docks, jetties, shallow structure. 12–30lb line range handles light jigs, paddle tails, and small topwater plugs made for redfish and snook in confined areas.

ESW-C709H Casting · 7' · XXH · F action

Heaviest 7' casting model; 30–80lb line range pushes into light offshore territory. Handles heavy jigs and large topwater lures for large stripers, cobia, or nearshore pelagics where significant line diameter and hook-setting power are required.

ESW-S767M Spinning · 7'6" · H · F action

Longest model in the series; medium power on a 7'6" blank for distance spinning work, surf-adjacent inshore casting, long flats presentations, or bridge fishing. 15–40lb range accommodates braided running line for extended reach.

Rods in this series

Model	Type	Length	Power	Action	Line	Lure	Price
ESW-C666ML	Casting	6'6"	H^I	F	12–30 lb	—	—
ESW-C668MH	Casting	6'6"	XH^I	F	20–50 lb	—	—
ESW-S666ML	Spinning	6'6"	H^I	F	12–30 lb	—	—
ESW-S668MH	Spinning	6'6"	XH^I	F	20–50 lb	—	—
ESW-C708MH	Casting	7'	XH^I	F	20–50 lb	—	—
ESW-C706ML	Casting	7'	H^I	F	12–30 lb	—	—
ESW-C709H	Casting	7'	XXH^I	F	30–80 lb	—	—
ESW-S709H	Spinning	7'	XXH^I	F	30–80 lb	—	—
ESW-S706ML	Spinning	7'	H^I	F	12–30 lb	—	—
ESW-S708MH	Spinning	7'	XH^I	F	20–50 lb	—	—
ESW-C767M	Casting	7'6"	H^I	F	15–40 lb	—	—
ESW-S767M	Spinning	7'6"	H^I	F	15–40 lb	—	—

^I Power rating inferred from the lure / line-weight recommendation — not specified by the manufacturer.