Gear Review: Airlite Cargo 9-Foot 7-Weight Fly Rod

The Airlite Cargo 9-foot 7-weight offers budget-friendly features for anglers looking for a new streamer or big-game rod. Photo: Rick Mikesell

The Airlite name may be new to U.S. anglers, but in the U.K. it is well known as the rod-making arm of Airflo. Now, under the Mayfly Outdoors umbrella—which includes Ross Reels, Abel, Renzetti, Dyna-King, and Airflo—Airlite has officially landed stateside with six distinct and new models, tailored to a range of uses from entry-level trout rods to heavy-duty saltwater and warmwater tools.

Each Airlite rod is immediately recognizable by its bold color choices. The company leans into aesthetics with earthy matte finishes, colored butt sections, and what they describe as “rugged tones” inspired by nature. The Cargo series stands out not just in looks, but in purpose—it’s billed as a rod designed to deliver power, cast large flies, and handle hard-pulling fish. Think streamers, carp, bass, pike, or even light saltwater duty.

Airlite is not yet well known in the U.S., but it’s part of a suite of brands owned by Mayfly Outdoors.

First Impressions & Build Quality

At $379, the Cargo comes in well below the price of premium rods, but it doesn’t look or feel like a “budget” choice. The fit and finish are clean, the wraps are tidy, and the alignment indicators—small arrows rather than the usual dots—are a nice design touch that feels intentional rather than tacked on. The rod’s dark charcoal blank is paired with mustard-yellow accents, giving it a rugged, industrial vibe that fits its name and mission.

The components are functional and in line with its price point. The reel seat is basic but solid. Single-foot guides and two ceramic insert stripping guides are nothing flashy but get the job done. The cork is serviceable, though the filler becomes visible quickly with use. The fighting butt—made from two-tone EVA foam—may not scream high-end, but it’s effective and comfortable when braced against your gut mid-battle. The included Cordura case and simple rod sock are standard-issue.

On-the-Water Performance

I’ve fished the Cargo extensively this spring, both personally and with clients, targeting carp and smallmouth bass in a mix of moving and still water. Airlite describes this rod as “fast action,” but I’d call it moderate-fast. It flexes deeper into the blank than most true fast-action rods and loads best with a bit of line outside the tip-top.

The author put his Cargo through its paces on the carp waters around Denver. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Paired with both the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Infinity WF7F and a Sonar Titan Full Intermediate WF7I, it took a moment to dial-in. I had to slow my casting stroke slightly, but once I adjusted, the rod showed off its power. It carries heavy lines well and chucks oversize flies as billed. The more moderate action opens up casting loops a bit, which is especially helpful for managing wind-resistant flies and avoiding self-inflicted fouls.

The Cargo is a touch heavier in both static and swing weight compared to more high-end rods, and that added mass imparts some torsional wobble on the delivery. It’s not a pinpoint tool, and anglers looking to drop a shrimp pattern on a bonefish’s nose at 60 feet might want something more refined. But for plopping streamers against a far bank, bombing casts across open water, or working topwater bugs through a bass jungle, the Cargo does the job relatively well.

Fighting Fish

This is where the rod really shines. It has the backbone to lean into big fish and enough give in the tip to absorb surges and head shakes. That forgiving bend also helps newer anglers, especially those unfamiliar with using low rod angles to fight big fish. I watched several clients land strong fish they might’ve lost with a stiffer, less responsive rod.

Where this rod really shines is in its fighting prowess. Photo: Rick Mikesell

Durability & Warranty

Urban angling is hard on gear, but so far, this rod has taken concrete banks, overhanging branches, and other manmade hazards in stride. No breaks. No blown ferrules. And should something go wrong, Airlite backs it with an original-owner warranty—defects are covered, and replacement sections are available at a reasonable cost.

Final Verdict

The Cargo 9-foot 7-weight doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not, and it plays its role well and with confidence. It’s a workhorse streamer rod with power, personality, and just enough finesse to be fun. If you’re getting into streamer fishing, need a dedicated carp or bass rod, or want a backup to your high-end quiver, the Cargo should be a strong contender. It won’t outgun top-tier rods in accuracy or weight savings, but it’ll put flies where they need to go—and it’ll get fish to hand with authority.

At this price, it’s an easy recommendation for clients—and one I certainly enjoy fishing myself.

Explore the Airlite Cargo Series Fly Rods Here