A brand new rod from Hardy that’s already won the “Best of Category” title at the 2023 ICAST show, their Marksman Z series of rods gives a performance-driven construction that’s responsive and light enough for long shifts spent casting at tough fish. Taking design inspiration from a team of topnotch guides as well as tarpon icon, Andy Mill, the Marksman Z was built to make light work out of pursuing anything from 150+lb tarpon to the most skittish permit on the flats. Starting with Hardy’s Sintrix technology, the Marksman Z provides a fast action, quick recovery, and smooth touch while casting, and it does all of this while maintaining a lightweight feel that’s about as durable as it gets–throw in Titanium Recoil guides, a custom reel seat–equipped with fast line weight identification–and an elegant blue color, and you’ll quickly see why this rod has gained such positive reviews. Hardy makes the Marksman Z in line weights 6 through 12 with 9’ and 8’10” options, providing everything that you need whether you’re casting out of a boat at speedy pelagics or working a flat from shore at dead low tide.
Blank
Sintrix - The Marksman Z series begins with Hardy’s Sintrix blank and a fast action that gives the angler smooth casting, quick recovery, and just the right line speed. Hardy’s Sintrix technology combines a high-modulus carbon fibre with a rapid taper and an updated mandrel design to give you an ultra-fast rod that can throw a tight loop into the wind, yet still maintain solid feel when casting up close. And with the Sintrix tech, you also get outstanding durability as a result of microscopic silica spheres that encompass each carbon fibre filament.
Hardy’s Marksman Z is made in a frost blue color with black accenting wraps, and while we all know that chasing saltwater species is a game of performance, accuracy, and fortitude, this rod brings an aesthetic appeal that’s sure to keep your mind on the water even whenever you’re stuck in the cubicle.
Guides
Ceramic Lined Titanium Framed Stripper Guides - Combining a ceramic lining with a titanium construction, these stripper guides give excellent line slickness as well as a super-tough design that can handle anything from bumpy boat rides to 12-hour shifts in the salt.
Titanium Recoil Intermediate Snake Guides - Designed to be lightweight with serious durability, these titanium Recoil Snake Guides stand up to it all. Their Recoil construction allows them to take a beating and immediately spring back into action, while their lightweight construction prevents your rod from feeling bogged down.
Reel Seat
Custom-Designed Lightweight Reel Seat - The Marksman Z series is made with a Hardy custom design that focuses on keeping things lightweight while also increasing durability, and with a dual up-locking configuration, your reel will stay locked in no matter what.
Rod Tube
Whether you’re headed to the Bahamas for a week of bonefishing or Cape Cod to chase striped bass and blues, you’ll be able to rest easily knowing that your rod is safe and sound inside of a lightweight Hardy aluminum rod tube.
Warranty
As of August 2023, Hardy’s Marksman Z Fly Rods are covered by their Worldwide Extended Warranty. This warranty is pretty straightforward, and for $75, it covers the repair or replacement of your rod.
More Info
Rod Action: Fast action
Best for: Streamers, Poppers, and Crustaceans
Grip: Full Wells w/ Fighting Butt
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Lines
We get questions about specific rod models all the time. "How does the Hardy Marksman Z 9wt compare to the 10wt?" "When should I use this rod?" and "What line works best on this rod?". This article is designed to pass that info along to you. We started a model-by-model blog series to provide better information so you can make a more informed buying decision.
Hardy is no stranger to making excellent saltwater fly rods, but their last flagship saltwater series, the Zane Pro, didn’t galvanize the fly fishing community quite like their past rods. The Zane Pro wasn’t a bad rod, but perhaps a little dare-we-say ordinary. We’re here to tell you the all-new Marksman Z is anything but typical and one of the most exciting saltwater fly rods we’ve cast in a long time. If you are looking for a new high-performance eight-weight for your next salt destination trip, you will not want...
| Length | Line Weight | Color | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9ft | 6wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 7wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 8wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 9wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 10wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 11wt | Blue | $1,050.00 | |
| 9ft | 12wt | Blue | $1,050.00 |
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 7 reviews.
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"Very happy with this rod. I have the 9 and 10 wt. Rods cast effortlessly with the Angling Company Balance Taper line. Fit and finish is lovely. Planning to get the 7 wt to round out my quiver."
"This is one bad rod! An absolute bonefish killa! I feel like a Jedi with it in my hands. Whenever I'm fishing it, all I can say is, "What wind, mon?!!" And the craftsmanship. . . . come on. . . this is the new standard!"
"Just spend the money. This rod is superior for saltwater fly fishing. Freshwater fishing you can get away with cheaper stuff but I don't recommend skimping for the salt."
"I own 3: 9'#7, 9"#8 and 9"#11. I have been playing the saltwater game for many years and buy far the finest rods I ever cast and I love to cast! True line weight, incredible feel and these rods speak my language."
"Excellent rod that is well worth the price."
"I matched it with an Angling Company (Key West) Balance Taper Fly Line. The line makes a difference casting into the wind. At this point, I’m impressed with the outfit."
"Nice rod , very light in hand , and power full when work , great"
