Purpose-built salmon and steelhead rod collaboration designed for performance on the water
ONTARIO, Calif. -Okuma Fishing USA and STLHD Gear have teamed up to launch the new Okuma x STLHD Rod Series, a purpose-built lineup designed for salmon and steelhead anglers who demand performance, durability, and reliability every time they hit the water.
Rooted in the Pacific Northwest, STLHD has built a loyal following within the fishing and outdoor community. Founded by brothers Alex and Cobb Hudjohn, the brand started in a garage with a simple goal: create gear that reflects a life spent chasing fish and exploring the outdoors. What began as a grassroots apparel project has grown into a respected name in fishing culture, by blending clean style with rugged durability and a deep connection to the water.
That same mindset is what makes this collaboration with Okuma a natural fit. Both brands are driven by their communities and committed to building accessible, purpose-driven gear that performs when it matters most. Okuma has long focused on delivering high-quality rods and reels that balance innovation, durability, and value, making it easier for anglers of all levels to get out and fish more often.
“For years, we’ve admired the brand and community Alex and the STLHD team have built,” said John Bretza, VP of Product at Okuma Fishing USA. “They’re deeply connected to the culture of anglers who live for this. Working together to create rods for some of our favorite fisheries has been incredibly rewarding.”
The new STLHD Rod Series combines proven Okuma rod-building technology with technique-specific designs tailored to the real-world conditions salmon and steelhead anglers face. At the core is a responsive and durable 30-ton carbon blank, delivering the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while maintaining the backbone required to handle aggressive fish in demanding river and coastal environments.
Select trolling models feature moderate-tapered 24-ton carbon blanks, offering a more forgiving action that keeps consistent pressure on fish—ideal for long days on the troll.
Each rod is equipped with Sea Guide deep-press guides with Zirconium inserts for smooth line flow and long-term durability. A double-locking Sea Guide Alien reel seat ensures a secure connection, while spinning models feature premium Fuji TVS reel seats for enhanced comfort and control. Finished with 3K woven carbon fiber fore and rear grips, the rods deliver a lightweight, responsive feel with a clean, modern look that matches the STLHD aesthetic.
“Okuma has built some of the best products for anglers chasing salmon and steelhead,” said Alex Hudjohn, founder of STLHD. “They truly listen to the community and build gear around what anglers need. That’s exactly how we approach our brand, so this partnership made perfect sense.”
The Okuma x STLHD Rod Series includes six two-piece spinning and casting models, ranging from 7’6” to 10’6” in light through heavy actions—covering a wide range of techniques across both river and coastal fisheries.
Backed by a one-year limited warranty, the STLHD Series is built for anglers who live-for-the chase and trust their gear to show up when it counts. For more information, visit www.okumafishingusa.com.
