Bassterra XT+ A LRF

Bassterra XT+ A LRF is the light rock fishing branch of Shimano Europe's XT+ A saltwater generation. Light rock fishing works small soft plastics and micro jigs around harbour walls, rock marks and structure for whatever is holding there, so the rods are rated far lighter than most saltwater tackle and are closer in feel to a freshwater finesse rod.

Five two-piece models run from 6'1" to 8'4". The short end is for tight quarters and vertical work against a wall; the 8ft models are for covering water and casting light lures further than a short rod can. Shimano's own designations include SUL and LP alongside the usual UL, L and ML, so the power values recorded here are read from the model codes and flagged as inferred rather than taken from a published power column.

The blanks are High Modulus Full Carbon using Diaflash construction, with Fuji Fazlite guides. Fazlite rings are the practical choice at this weight: harder than aluminium oxide and lighter than SiC, which matters on a rod where total tip weight changes how a 2g jig is felt. Released September 2026.