Company: Blackfin Rods · Address: 12972 SE Suzanne Dr., Hobe Sound, FL 33455 · Phone: 772-287-4723 · Category: Slow pitch jigging rods
Most slow pitch rods sold in Florida come from Japan. Blackfin Rods is the exception: a Treasure Coast rod builder, “handcrafted in Florida since 1997,” with its own slow pitch rod, the Deep Stix. It’s rated for 120–300 g jigs on PE 3–5, built on a solid Toray carbon blank with a slow, parabolic bend, and priced at $209.99 direct from Blackfin.
This review covers the Deep Stix in detail, how it compares with Japanese slow pitch rods, the Accurate combo TackleDirect sells, Blackfin’s recent change of ownership, and where to buy.
Company overview
Blackfin Rods builds saltwater rods in Hobe Sound, just north of Jupiter. Before the Blackfin brand was widely known, it built rods for major retailers, including the Ocean Master series for Bass Pro Shops. Blackfin says its rods are now sold in more than 50 West Marine locations nationwide.
New owner (July 2026): Nexus Outdoors acquired Blackfin Rods, announced on July 29, 2026. Nexus named Jim Schiefelbein Brand President and said it plans to expand manufacturing capacity and US production at the Hobe Sound facility, with no disruption for existing retail and wholesale partners. Nexus also owns ScentLok, Blocker Outdoors and Whitewater Fishing.
We cover Blackfin’s deep drop rods in a separate review: Blackfin Deep Drop Rods.
At a glance
| Location | Hobe Sound, FL (Martin County) |
| Founded | 1997 (“handcrafted in Florida since 1997”) |
| Slow pitch rod | Deep Stix (6′ conventional, 6’3″ spinning, 6′ combo) |
| Rating | PE 3–5 · 50–100 lb line · 120–300 g jigs |
| Blank | 100% solid Toray carbon |
| Price | $209.99 (Blackfin) · $299.99 (TackleDirect) |
| Warranty | 1 year |
| Owner | Nexus Outdoors (since July 2026) |
The Deep Stix slow pitch rod
Blackfin describes the Deep Stix as a “hyper-responsive blank that effortlessly rips heavy jigs through the water column,” with “the essential parabolic bend required to fight the fish with the rod, rather than your lower back.”
Versions
| Version | Length | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Stix Conventional | 6′ | Rod only, casting/conventional |
| Deep Stix Spinning | 6’3″ | Rod only, spinning |
| Deep Stix Combo | 6′ | Rod and reel combo (reel not named on Blackfin’s page) |
Specifications (all versions)
– Action: slow, parabolic
– PE rating: PE 3–5
– Line: 50–100 lb braid
– Jig weight: 120–300 g
– Blank: 100% solid Toray carbon
– Grip: split EVA
– Target species (per Blackfin): grouper, jacks, snapper and tilefish
Images: Blackfin Rods
Not published: guide brand, reel seat, rod weight and number of pieces. Ask the dealer if these matter to you.
Availability note: All Deep Stix versions were sold out or on pre-order at blackfinrods.com in September 2026. TackleDirect had the rod in stock at $299.99 (SKU BLR-0151). The $90 difference may reflect a different configuration or old pricing, so confirm what you’re getting before you order.
What the specs mean
Solid carbon blank. Most slow pitch rods use tubular carbon. A solid blank is denser and more durable, and it bends in a smooth, deep curve under load. It’s a good fit for heavy jigs and for anglers who want a forgiving rod that’s hard to break.
PE 3–5 and 50–100 lb. That’s a heavier line rating than most Japanese slow pitch rods, which often top out at PE 2–3. It suits Florida anglers who fish heavy braid around structure, big amberjack and grouper, and who want to pull fish out of the rocks.
120–300 g. This covers the typical Florida ledge range. At the light end, 120–150 g jigs work shallow reefs. At the top, 250–300 g jigs cover 200–300 ft ledges in moderate current.
Parabolic action. The rod bends deep into the blank, which does two things in slow pitch. It loads and recoils to throw the jig into its flutter, and it cushions the fight, so the rod absorbs lunges rather than your back.
The Accurate + Blackfin combo
TackleDirect sells an Accurate BV-500N-SPJ Boss Valiant + Blackfin Deep Stix slow pitch combo at $759.99 (in stock, September 2026). TackleDirect calls it “the ultimate American-made setup for slow pitch jigging at any depth.” The Accurate Valiant SPJ is one of the best-known lever drag slow pitch reels; see our Accurate slow pitch reels review.
Is the combo worth it? Buying the rod and reel separately may cost about the same, but the combo guarantees a matched setup and, at the time of writing, was in stock when the rod alone was sold out at Blackfin.
Buying the reel on its own? Check that the Amazon listing is the SPJ version (BV-500N-SPJ).
Affiliate disclosure: buttons marked “Check price on Amazon” are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
How to fish the Deep Stix
- Pick a jig in the middle of the range. 180–250 g gives the best recoil on the Deep Stix.
- Drop and engage. Free-spool to the bottom and take up slack.
- Short lift, measured turn. Raise the rod a short distance while turning the handle a quarter to half turn.
- Let the rod spring back. The parabolic blank recoils and throws the jig up; stop winding and let it flutter down.
- Watch for the bite on the fall. If the line goes slack early or stops, wind down and lift.
Line setup: PE 3 main line is plenty for most Florida ledges, with 10–16 ft of 60–80 lb fluorocarbon leader. Go to PE 4–5 around wrecks and big amberjack.
Deep Stix vs. Japanese slow pitch rods
The Deep Stix is heavier-lined and more durable than most Japanese slow pitch rods. It gives up some lightness and sensitivity in exchange. Here’s the trade-off:
| Blackfin Deep Stix | Typical Japanese slow pitch rod | |
|---|---|---|
| Blank | Solid Toray carbon | Tubular high-modulus carbon |
| Line rating | PE 3–5 | PE 1.5–3 |
| Feel | Durable, forgiving | Lighter, more sensitive |
| Price | $209.99–$299.99 | $300–$600+ |
| Service | Florida builder | Importer |
Other Blackfin rods for bottom fishing
If you’re outfitting a boat, Blackfin also builds:
– Fin Legacy Deep Drop: Fin #153 (6’10”, 50–80 lb) and #154L (7’5″, 60–100 lb), from $722.99
– Fin Legacy Deep Drop Big Game (Fin #174L): 6’1″, 80–130 lb, for daytime swordfish with big electrics
– Grouper Bottom Rod: 7′, 30–50 lb, $239.99
– Snapper Bottom Rod: 7′, 20–30 lb, $229.99
Full details are in our Blackfin Deep Drop Rods review.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built in Florida by a rod maker with nearly 30 years of history
- Heavy PE 3–5 rating suits Florida structure and big fish
- Solid Toray carbon blank, durable and forgiving
- Conventional and spinning versions
- Good value at $209.99 direct
- Available as a matched combo with the Accurate Valiant SPJ
- New owner plans to expand US production
Cons
- Only one slow pitch model, in a single power
- Guides, reel seat and rod weight aren’t published
- Sold out at Blackfin in September 2026
- Price varies widely between Blackfin ($209.99) and TackleDirect ($299.99)
- Heavier and less sensitive than premium Japanese rods
- 1-year warranty, shorter than some rivals
Blackfin vs. other slow pitch rods
| Rod | Price | Jig range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blackfin Deep Stix | $209.99–$299.99 | 120–300 g | Florida-built, PE 3–5 |
| Okuma Tesoro slow pitch | from $195.49 | not published | 6’8″ ML/M, casting and spinning |
| Temple Reef Elevate 3.0 | $249 | 100–400 g | Fuji KTAG guides |
| Daiwa Harrier Slow Pitch | $199.99 | to 500 g | Fuji FazLite K guides |
Where to buy Blackfin Deep Stix
Direct
– Blackfin Rods, 12972 SE Suzanne Dr., Hobe Sound, FL 33455 · 772-287-4723 · [email protected] · blackfinrods.com
Retailers
– TackleDirect: Deep Stix rod and Accurate Valiant combo · 888-354-7335 · tackledirect.com
– Salt H2O Custom Tackle, 1515 SE 17th St, Suite 113, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 · (954) 765-6889: Blackfin dealer
– West Marine: Blackfin rods in 50+ stores nationwide
Verdict
The Blackfin Deep Stix is a tough, Florida-built slow pitch rod with a heavier line rating than most Japanese rods. That makes it a practical choice for grouper, amberjack and snapper on structure. At $209.99 direct, it’s good value, and the Accurate Valiant combo gives you a strong American-made setup. It’s not as light or refined as premium Japanese rods, and there’s only one power, so pair it with a lighter rod if you fish shallow reefs with small jigs.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Durability 5/5 · Value 4.5/5 · Sensitivity 3.5/5 · Range 3/5 · Florida availability 4/5
FAQ
Does Blackfin make a slow pitch rod?
Yes. The Deep Stix, in 6′ conventional, 6’3″ spinning and a 6′ combo, rated PE 3–5 and 120–300 g.
How much is the Blackfin Deep Stix?
$209.99 at blackfinrods.com and $299.99 at TackleDirect (September 2026).
Where is Blackfin Rods made?
Hobe Sound, Florida. The company says its rods have been handcrafted in Florida since 1997.
Who owns Blackfin Rods?
Nexus Outdoors acquired Blackfin Rods in July 2026.
Details were checked against blackfinrods.com, TackleDirect and Angling International (July 29, 2026) on September 26, 2026.