Description
Meet the Coaster — a premium 8wt fly rod purpose-built for chasing Salmon and Steelhead. Available in 9′ and 10′ lengths, this fast-action, lightweight rod delivers lightning-quick line speed and pinpoint responsiveness. Whether you’re stripping streamers, dead-drifting indicators, or shooting running line, the Coaster is your go-to for versatile, high-performance fishing.
Crafted through a unique 2024 collaboration between J.A. Henry and Trout Unlimited, the Coaster isn’t just a rod — it’s a mission. Every purchase supports TU’s Coaster Brook Trout Initiative, helping restore one of the Great Lakes’ most iconic and threatened native fish. Thanks to anglers like you, we’ve already raised critical funds to drive hands-on restoration efforts along Michigan’s shoreline.
Fish with purpose. Cast with confidence. Join the movement.
The Coaster features a new grip design with a slightly larger diameter, designed for better performance while wearing gloves and/or fishing in colder conditions. It also features a new braided aluminum reel seat with a burl maple underlay. The new reel seat design and our unique metallic sage finish gives the rod a look almost as unique and beautiful as its namesake.
As with all J.A.Henry Fly Rods, there is a 30-day money back guarantee and Lifetime Warranty
“I’ve been very blessed to work with some awesome companies throughout my career. It’s extra cool to be now working with a fly rod company dedicated to Lake Superior brook trout. J..A. Henry Rod & Reel Co. has released the Coaster Migratory 8wt, a beautiful fly rod that deserves a look from any serious trout angler. “ Gord Ellis
FAQ: You describe the Coaster fly rod as being “Fast Action.” What does that mean exactly?
- Nano Carbon Fiber
- 4 piece (9′ and 10′ Lengths)
- Fast Action / light weight
- Metallic Sage Finish
- Braided Aluminum Reel Seat Over Burl Maple
- Over-sized Cork Handle
- Coaster Brook Trout Cotton Sleeve
- Carbon Fiber Rod Tube w/ Coaster Logo
- 30-Day Money Back Guarantee
- Lifetime Warranty
Jake Fischer –
I took my 10′ 8wt Coaster to Labrador streamer fishing for Atlantics. The Coaster is light weight, fast action and I love the mid-flex. Its one of a kind – highly recommended!!!
David Alder –
I fish the Skamania run out of St Joe with the Coaster. I LOVE this fly rod. And it’s a work of art. J.A.Henry has a lifelong customer.
Jason Deloure –
I bought the Coaster 10′ 8wt a few weeks ago before my trip to Nipigon. I broke the tip of the rod in my car door 4 days before we left. The customer service at JA Henry was awesome!!!! They paid for the overnight to get the rod repaired in time for my trip.
(If there was a place to post a picture here I would – we had an epic trip and the rod was amazing)!
Steve Simkins –
The Coaster fly rod is absolutely gorgeous. It’s got a semi gloss sage/green finish. I was a little suspect of the oversized cork grip at first but after using it – I love it! I think all grips on on large fly rods will be this large before too long. I bought the 10′ version of this rod and it’s amazing. Get one!
David Prine –
I pre-purchased the Coaster fly rod from J.A.Henry when they first announced the release of the new 8wt in February of 2024. It was actually 2 weeks later than they advertised but I was very impressed with their communication. They personally reached out to me and kept me informed of their manufacturing schedule and updated shipping date. So glad I took a chance on this company – this is an amazing fly rod!! I will be back for more.
Eric Salberts –
I took The Coaster 8wt to the Madison River this year, targeting big browns during the salmonfly hatch. This rod handled the wind with ease. I was casting cast large flies into tight pockets along the bank. Its fast action provided the power needed. It’s now my go-to rod! Recommended!
Matt Horlings –
Yes!!!! The Coaster is my go-to!
Bill Lampeer –
Highly, highly recommended!
Adam Slater –
Andy is a great person to work with and this company does so much to raise money for TU. I highly recommend their fly rods.
Wesley Smith –
The Coaster is a success!!!
Dylan Morris –
I gave this company a chance when I read they were donating the proceeds of this fly rod to TU for Coaster Brook Trout restoration. I am NOT disappointed, The Coaster Fly Rod is my #1 fly rod in my arsenal.
Cory Bacon –
Wow! Love the new grip. Love the action!
Bill Jansma –
A work of art.
Jeremy Andres –
I brought this to Alaska fishing Silvers in Bristol Bay Area. It’s my new goto fly rod!!!
jesse G –
Beautiful fly rod! Well done!
David Carter –
Absolutely love this rod! The action is smooth, and it casts like a dream. Perfect for chasing winter steelhead.
C. Miller –
The craftsmanship is top-notch. This rod feels durable and well-made. I originally felt like the cork handle was too large but I’ve grown to love it, especially in the cold weather with gloves.
Blake O. –
I am a serious angler and this rod is definitely worth the investment!
Adam S –
Really good balance and control. It performs well in windy conditions, which is a big plus for me. Overall, a great addition to my gear!
Steve Saber –
Amazing rod for the price! I was a bit skeptical about the limited edition claim, but its a premium rod in hand.
Adam R –
The warranty claim is the real deal! I broke this rod before I got it into the water !!! Customer service was available, well spoken and quick to replace. I think JA is a really good company.
Erin H –
I had to post even though I sent the fly rod back. The customer service at JA Henry is exceptional. I bought this fly rod for my husband who already has a similar fly rod. This company took it back with a full refund, no questions asked. It’s a great company based in Michigan.
Steve S –
I bought the 9 footer and it’s my goto Salmon rod! Highly recommended.
Zach S –
This is a beautiful fly rod. My only criticism is that the Handle may be a bit too large in diameter.
Rick Delveau –
Yes to The Coaster! Im heading back for their 5wt.
Eric A –
For the price, best rod I own.
Jason Smith –
This is my second time posting on this Coaster fly rod. I love it. Its light weight, it has a great feel and it’s a work-horse. I just broke this rod being careless on a walk through the woods. JA Henry customer support was excellent. They answered my email immediately and got me set up with a new rod within a week.
Nate B –
Customer service gets an A+. Great rod. Recommended for any serious fisherman.
Dale W –
I took this rod to the Pere Marquette in early Oct and it was awesome! Dozens and dozens of Kings. Highly recomended.
S.C.V. –
Great rod for a great cause. Well done JA Henry!
Levi –
It would be great to have the Coaster Brook Trout cruising the Michigan shoreline again. Great cause and a fantastic fly rod!
Doug N –
My new favorite 8wt! I have the 10′ version and fish streamers mostly. So light and perfect;y balanced. 5 stars!
Doug Bacon –
I’ve now owned the Coaster rod for over a year. Beautiful rod, fast action, great line control even with large flies. Generally use it for Smallmouth Bass and its a gem to cast. Can’t say enough great things about the rod and how easily it casts. Highly recommend!
J. Gallagher, Hazel Park, MI –
I bought the Coaster Migratory 10′ 8wt from you a couple years ago and feel I’ve used it enough to give a review.
My fly casting skill level is way below my fishing skill level so I can’t give nuanced casting notes. I mostly use it with an Airflo “Sniper” intermediate sink line stripping streamers. This is a heavy front-loaded shore casting line and when I (rarely) manage a perfect cast, it shoots this line with astounding authority. It gives me much more feel for my back-cast loading and has raised my percentage of good casts markedly over the 9′ 9wt I was using before. Also on a limited basis I have used it high sticking for steelhead/salmon. The handful of large anadromous fish I have managed to land with this rod were handled and tamed with aplomb. Protected 8lb leaders and lifted big heads when the moment presented!
When I use this rod all day I have less hand/arm/low back fatigue than I used to. The green color is gorgeous, the soft, heavy gauge handle feels perfect (I wish all my rods had this handle!). the white carbon fiber rod tube is super light and easy to spot in my gear clutter. I tried, but simply cannot find a negative. This is a 5 star review.
At less than half the price of “the other green rods” this is the ultimate premium, lighter, faster, stronger… Value!