Lake Fork Lure Co. has been putting out quality soft plastics since the late ’90s. With iconic and trend-setting baits like the Live Magic Shad in their portfolio, it’s no wonder Lake Fork has been a world-renowned bait manufacturer for decades.
More recently, though, Lake Fork has entered the world of rod manufacturing. Through its Lake Fork Rod Co., it introduced the Gold Series and Silver Series casting and spinning rods earlier this year. I tested out and reviewed the Gold Series earlier this year; now it’s time to tackle the Silver Series. Let’s get into it.
First Impressions
When I first pulled the Silver Series from its rod tube, I couldn’t tell you a dime’s worth of difference between the quality and construction of this rod and the Gold Series, though the Silver retails for $100 less at $149.99. In my Gold Series review, I noted that $249.99 was a reasonable price. Lake Fork’s lack of compromise in bringing a more affordable rod to market immediately impressed me.
For the test, I went with a 7’ medium heavy/extra-fast Silver Series casting rod and paired it with the new Lew’s HyperMag ITB 150. The seven-footer is a spinnerbait/buzzbait rod, so I spooled up 40-pound braid on it and set out with those two baits in tow.
The rod tip on this one was soft enough for accurate roll casts but also strong enough to load up on buzzbait bites. Too stiff of a rod leads to a lot of near misses with a buzzbait, as well as a spinnerbait for that matter. Having a soft tip is critical and allows the bass to get the bait well before you can feel them and snatch it away from them. The Sliver Series 7’ mhvy/xfast is a perfectly built buzzbait/spinnerbait rod in this regard.
After catching a chunk on a frog, I believe this model in particular would make for a great all-around rod, able to effectively fish everything from a toad to a shaky head to even a squarebill, in a pinch.
Components
So what makes the Silver Series not only a quality rod but also one on par with significantly more expensive rods? Lake Fork sourced some great components for this one. From stainless steel guides to AA-grade cork split grips to a premium reel seat, they didn’t really cut any corners on the build — a build that happens here in the USA at their Texas facilities.
The split-grip cork handles were probably my favorite feature. I get the idea of removing as much weight as possible from a rod, so split grips make sense in that regard, and I typically like them better than a full-cork handle anyway. But some companies have reduced the size of the grips to the point where it’s hard to hold onto the rod when casting and fighting in fish. Lake Fork hit a sweet spot with its split grips, using an extended section of cork for the butt grip and a more traditionally sized chunk of cork just below the reel seat. This design reduced a little weight while maintaining a comfortable and sure grip.
In the layout of the rod, you’ll also find a premium reel seat with an exposed section of the rod blank on the back for increased sensitivity. A composite collar binds the reel to the rod flush and secure. And then there’s my favorite bait-keeper style on the back of the rod just above the reel: one where you can hang open-hook and weedless-rigged baits on it.
Final Thoughts
Using ultra-premium components might have shaved a fraction of an ounce off the Silver Series and added an infinitesimally small amount of sensitivity to the rod. But, by and large, this is a workhorse built for the everyday angler at a price point that’s realistic and attainable for the working man.
Available in five models (from the 7’ medium heavy/extra-fast I tested to a 7’ 4” medium heavy/extra-fast), there’s something in this lineup to cover 80% of what an angler would want to do with a baitcaster. If you’re looking for a premium rod without a premium price tag, I think you’ll be pleased with Lake Fork’s Silver Series.
