If you want just one rod to cover uptide casting from the boat, butalso double as an inshore boat rod for use with 20lb class reels andline, then the Leeda Uptide/Inshore rod is ideal. 
The rod is based on an uptider and measures 9ft 6ins in two sections.The tip section is 6ft 6ins and the butt section 3ft.
First thing to look for on any uptide rod is where the reel seat ispositioned. Uptiders are casting rods and need at least 23ins betweenthe lower hand position and the reel to maximise the casters castingpotential and make the rod work correctly. The middle of the reel seaton the Riptide is dead on 25ins, the optimum distance for performanceuptide casting.
The butt sports a quality rubber butt cap, two 6in tapered PVA grips,one either side of the reel seat, and the real seat itself is a size24 screw lock type. The tip to butt spigot has been well ground in andgives no hint of ‘knock’, which is a giveaway for a badly fittingspigot and signs of a short working life. Also noticed was thesensibly long protective section of whipping thread around the base ofthe female tip section to fully protect it from flexing when castingwith heavy leads and big baits.
The tip section carries 6 medium high-bridge intermediate rings, whichare correctly positioned to keep the line away from the blank when theblank is under full working compression. The blank is black with blackwhippings, the whippings carrying a good protective finish over themto keep salt at bay. The graphics are placed on the lower tip sectionin white over purple and really adding to the overall looks of therod. The top 12ins of the rod tip has been painted to aid bitedetection with a bright red paint and also enhances the cosmetics ofthe rod. 
Fishing wise, the rod casts very well with leads between 3ozs and 6ozsmaking it ideal for mixing summer tope and ray fishing with the morerough and tumble winter cod fishing. It’s rated to cast up to 10ozs,but as with most uptide rods this is maybe a couple of ounces tooambitious for powerful casting. The rod takes on a nice clean fightingcurve and has good power available in the butt for when you need tofight fish against a fast tide run. The tip is also responsive andsits well in to the pull of the lead when fishing.
The rod doubles up for inshore bottom fishing for the usual dabs,whiting, gurnards and plaice making it an ideal choice for both theoccasional angler, and for the keener fisherman. You can also use itfor fishing artificial eels for pollack and coalfish over wrecks.
Retailing for £ 49.99 or less with discount offers, the rod offersexcellent value for money, good performance and versatility. Availablefrom all Leeda Stockists.
