Westin W2 Rockshore Apex Predator 9’6 M 20-80g 2sec

Westin W2 Rockshore Apex Predator 96 M (2080g) The Finesse Rockshore Specialist

When you need to reach the distant white water but require a rod that can still work a 30g stickbait with precision, the Westin W2 Rockshore Apex Predator 96 M is the tool for the job. At Gerrys Fishing, we recommend this Medium (M) action model for anglers who want the legendary Rockshore backbone but in a lighter, more technical package for targeting species like Bass, Pollack, and Bluefish.

The blank is a high-performance blend of 80% 30T and 20% 24T carbon, providing an incredibly crisp recovery. This means that despite its lighter 2080g rating, the rod doesnt flop or feel sluggish; it snaps back instantly, allowing you to punch lures through a coastal breeze with surgical accuracy. The 96 length offers the perfect leverage for long-distance casting from rocky ledges while remaining light enough to maneuver in tight gullies and narrow rock marks.

Technical Specifications

Where & How to Use the Rockshore Apex Predator 96 M

• Technical Shore Jigging: The 2080g range is the sweet spot for using 40g60g metal jigs. The Medium action blank provides a more sensitive flick than the heavier models, making it ideal for the twitch and flutter technique where subtle lure movement is key.

• Hardbait & Surface Plugging: This rod excels at launching 12cm15cm stickbaits and poppers. The responsive 30T carbon tip allows you to walk the dog or work a diving lure with absolute control and feedback.

• Deep-Water Soft Lure Fishing: If youre targeting Bass or Pollack with 57 shads, the sensitivity of this blank is a game-changer. Youll feel the tiny vibration of the paddle tail and the instant a fish inhales the lure on the drop.

Gerrys Pro Tip

The Whip-Snap Cast: Because this rod is a Medium action, it loads very easily. Instead of a massive, heavy-handed thump cast, use a shorter, faster whip motion. This engages the high-modulus carbons recovery speed, launching 40g jigs significantly further with far less physical effort. Its all about the tip-speed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rod suitable for heavy Atlantic swells? Yes. While it is a Medium action, it is part of the Apex Predator series. It has a significantly stronger butt section than a standard freshwater lure rod, giving you the power to steer a big fish through heavy surf and over submerged rocks.

What size reel matches this rod best? To balance the 96 length and maintain the rods technical finesse feel, we recommend a high-quality saltwater spinning reel in the 4000 to 5000 size range.

Can it handle braided lines? The Seaguide TUXQHL Gunsmoke guides are engineered specifically for modern, thin-diameter braids. They are tangle-free and incredibly hard-wearing, ensuring your PE 1.5 or 2.0 line stays smooth and protected even after hundreds of high-velocity casts