Thomas & Thomas Exocett 88 Fly Rod Series: Model-By-Model Review

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The Exocett 88 is the latest evolution in Thomas & Thomas’s saltwater lineup, replacing the outgoing Exocett SS with a more refined series designed for anglers who want maximum power and accuracy without sacrificing feel. Built around the idea of versatility, these shorter (8'8") rods cover everything from Bonefish and Redfish to Tarpon, GTs, and even freshwater predators. One detail we especially appreciate is that T&T labels each model not only by line weight but also by its ideal grain weight. With modern fly lines varying so widely in actual weight, this added guidance makes a real difference. For instance, an 8wt SA Bonefish line weighs 210 grains in the first 30 feet, while a Rio Outbound Short of the same rating comes in at 330 grains. Most rods will not cast both of those lines well, so providing a grain reference helps anglers find the sweet spot for their specific applications. Keep reading to learn more about this impressive and thoughtfully engineered series from our friends at Thomas & Thomas.

160gr (6wt)

The 160-grain Exocett 88 is a lively, accurate 6-weight that feels lighter in hand than most rods in its class. It loads deeply and evenly with a smooth, parabolic bend that rewards a crisp double haul. With an SA MPX (175 gr) or Rio Gold XP (173 gr), the rod hits its stride, loading intuitively, tracking straight, and delivering tight, accurate loops even at short range. It is true to its grain window, and while it seems to like a slightly heavier line, overlining it with something like the Rio Gold Max (185 gr) slows it down and dulls its lively recovery. This is a rod that thrives on timing and tempo more than brute force. On the water, it feels purpose-built for Smallies on medium to large rivers, where accuracy with streamers and boogle bugs is the game. It is equally capable as a big Trout workhorse for streamers, mice, or dry-dropper rigs, especially in windy conditions or when precise placement under overhanging willows is needed. The 6wt Exocett 88 also transitions nicely to light saltwater use, making it ideal for smaller Bonefish or schoolie Stripers. For anglers who split time between fresh and saltwater and appreciate a responsive, versatile fast rod that still has feel, this model is a standout in the series.

Lines: SA Bonefish 6wt, Rio Gold XP 6wt, SA MPX 6wt

Best Uses: Smallmouth Bass, Big Trout, Streamers, Poppers, Dry-droppers, Terrestrials, Light saltwater

200gr (7wt)

The 7wt Exocett 88 feels like a true crossover tool for anglers who spend time in both warm freshwater and saltwater environments. It is light and responsive, with a crisp, fast action that maintains excellent feel in close. The Scientific Anglers Redfish (200 gr) is the standout pairing here, loading the rod smoothly and producing tight, accurate loops with a lighter overall swing weight than bulkier heads. The SA Bonefish (185 gr) works nicely for open flats and longer presentations, though it benefits from a strong double haul to fully engage the blank. The SA Titan 6wt (210 gr) is another excellent choice, delivering easy loading at short range and impressive power at distance. The heavier Titan 7wt (240 gr) starts to push the limits, but still performs well for quick, aggressive shots at close targets. On the water, this rod will excel as a Bass and Redfish stick, handling large poppers, streamers, and weighted flies with ease. It also has enough backbone for Peacock Bass, Pike, and Baby Tarpon, making it a great all-around warmwater option. Accurate, powerful, and fun to cast, the 7-weight Exocett 88 stands out as one of the most versatile models in the series.

Lines: SA Redfish 7wt, Rio Premier Redfish 7wt, SA Mastery Titan 6wt

Best Uses: Bass, Pike, Redfish, Baby Tarpon

250gr (8wt)

The 8-weight Exocett 88 feels fast, compact, and highly accurate, making it an excellent choice for anglers targeting big, aggressive fish in both fresh and saltwater. With a Rio Flats Pro (240 gr), it feels light and crisp, delivering tight, controlled loops at mid-range distances. It suits a quicker, more aggressive casting stroke and easily picks up long lengths of line for quick follow-up shots. The SA Mastery Titan 7wt (240 gr) is the ideal pairing, loading the blank deeply and producing effortless one-false-cast deliveries with large flies. The heavier Titan 8wt (280 gr) can be used for short-range work but starts to feel sluggish at distance, softening the rod’s crisp recovery. On the water, this is a powerful and responsive 8wt that performs best with moderately aggressive lines. It shines for Peacock Bass, Golden Dorado, Pike, Striped Bass, and big-river Smallmouth, and it also transitions smoothly to the flats for Redfish or other saltwater species. The rod’s swing weight measures 85.6 gm², which is slightly heavier than the Scott Sector 8'4" 8wt at 74 gm² and just above the Sage R8 Salt 908 at 83.9 gm². While not the lightest in its class, the Exocett 88 8wt feels balanced and controlled in hand, with plenty of punch for large flies and windy conditions. For anglers who like short, fast rods that deliver power and accuracy without wasted effort, this one hits the mark.

Lines: SA Mastery Titan 7wt, Rio Flats Pro 8wt, Rio Elite Smallmouth Bass 8wt

Best Uses: Peacock Bass, Golden Dorado, Northern Pike, Striped Bass, Smallmouth, All-around saltwater Flats, Redfish

300gr (9wt)

The 9-weight Exocett 88 is a powerhouse that feels purpose-built for saltwater applications where speed, accuracy, and power all matter. With an SA Grand Slam 9wt (270 gr) it comes alive at typical flats distances, loading easily at 40 feet and feeling incredibly crisp and connected around 60. The blank keeps up with faster strokes without wobble, delivering that “sports car” sensation where everything feels tuned and responsive. It will reach 80 feet when needed, though accuracy starts to taper if too much line is carried beyond the head. The Rio Striper 9wt (330 gr) provides a deeper, more automatic load, ideal for quick shots at blitzing fish or throwing Clousers when there is no time for false casting. Despite its heavier feel, it remains accurate out to 60 and 70 feet, shooting long with minimal effort. The Rio Flats Pro 9wt (280 gr) also pairs beautifully, offering pinpoint control at 60 feet and a bit more line speed for pushing into wind or delivering larger flies. This rod thrives in the 50- to 70-foot window, making it a perfect Permit and Striper tool for most saltwater anglers. It also adapts well to freshwater use for Golden Dorado and large Pike when paired with a 9wt SA Titan. While capable of crossover duty, the 9wt Exocett 88 feels most at home on the flats or the coast, where its combination of power, feel, and precision really stands out.

Lines: Rio Flats Pro 9wt, Rio Striper Premier 9wt, SA Grand Slam 9wt, SA Amplitude Jungle Titan 9wt

Best Uses: Permit, Striped Bass, Golden Dorado, Pike

350gr (10wt)

The 10wt Exocett 88 feels like a capable big-game tool, but its performance depends heavily on choosing the right line. The SA Tarpon (285 gr) is easily the standout pairing, bringing this rod to life with a lighter, more responsive feel that restores balance and precision. At 40 feet, it feels controlled and predictable, while 60 to 70 feet is the true sweet spot where the rod feels quick, powerful, and highly accurate. At 80 feet, it still performs well, maintaining good stability and line speed for long shots at cruising Tarpon. I’d reach for this rig for Caribbean Tarpon up to about 50 pounds, bull Redfish, and Permit. Heavier heads, such as the Rio Flats Pro (330 gr), Rio Striper (380 gr), or SA Titan (380 gr), overload the blank, making it feel spongy and less authoritative, particularly at distance. Those lines still work for quick "huck and duck" scenarios such as throwing big baitfish into blitzes or short-range target work, but they sacrifice the crispness that defines the Exocett series. If you need that short, punchy head, definitely go down a full line size. Overall, the SA Tarpon taper gets the best out of this rod, offering a lively feel and impressive control. The 10wt Exocett 88 is a solid choice for resident Tarpon in Belize and Mexico, Striped Bass along the New England coast, or for freshwater predators like Pike and big Golden Dorado. Despite the 350-grain designation, we found it to perform best with heads in the 285 to 300-grain range, and anglers who respect that window will find it to be an accurate and enjoyable casting tool.

Lines: SA Amplitude Tarpon 10wt, Rio Striper Premier 9wt, SA Amplitude Jungle Titan 9wt

Best Uses: Resident Tarpon, Striped Bass, Northern Pike, Golden Dorado

400gr (11wt)

The 11wt Exocett 88 is a light and powerful rod that feels surprisingly nimble for its size. With the SA Tarpon (340 gr), it loads quickly and delivers fast, accurate casts at typical Tarpon distances. At 40 feet, it feels lively and responsive, at 60 feet, it is perfectly balanced and accurate, and at 80 feet, it still maintains good stability and line speed. The Rio Flats Pro (380 gr) is another excellent pairing, offering a slightly deeper load and a smoother, more relaxed rhythm that makes it ideal for anglers with a mellower stroke. It also shoots effortlessly at longer range, keeping tight, stable loops even in the wind. For big baitfish flies and windy conditions, the SA Titan 10wt (380 gr) provides plenty of punch, loading easily at short range and driving powerful casts out to 60 feet. Beyond that, it loses a bit of accuracy but remains a practical option for hucking large patterns into blitzing fish or reef edges.

Overall, this rod feels like a scaled-up version of the 10wt: powerful and accurate when matched with the right line, but sensitive to overlining. It handles both long-head flats-style tapers and short, aggressive shooting heads with ease, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of conditions. The shorter length contributes to a lighter swing weight, which makes it a great choice for anglers who spend long hours blind casting for rolling Tarpon or throwing weighted Clousers along reef drop-offs for Trevally, Snapper, or other reef species. It feels particularly accurate around 60 feet, where its speed and stability come together beautifully. Beyond that, accuracy fades slightly, especially with heavier heads, but the rod still carries a powerful loop. The 11wt Exocett 88 is an excellent choice for Tarpon, Trevally, Striped Bass, Mahi, Musky, and large Golden Dorado.

Lines: SA Amplitude Tarpon 11wt, Rio Flats Pro 11wt, SA Mastery Titan 10wt

Best Uses: Tarpon, GTs, Reef Species, Striped Bass, Mahi, Musky

Favorite Rod:

Of all the rods in the Exocett 88 series, the 9wt stands out as the most complete and confidence-inspiring performer. It handles a wide range of lines, from the Rio Flats Pro and SA Grand Slam to the Rio Striper and SA Titan, all with equal poise and precision. The rod feels perfectly tuned in that crucial 50- to 70-foot window, where it delivers tight, stable loops with minimal effort and exceptional accuracy. It has enough power to handle heavy flies and strong wind, yet it remains light and responsive in hand, making it one of the best-casting 9wts I have cast in years. This is a true multi-purpose tool that transitions seamlessly between salt and fresh applications. If I were setting up a dedicated Permit rod today, this would be the one I’d pack without hesitation.

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