So after googling info on small reels decided on the Shimano Stradic Di4 1000f. On its maiden voyage, I stepped back to land a mates Mac Tuna, and stood on my rod (fcuk).
Off to Freddies Fishing World for me.
Well, the rod I got was an Ecooda Crankshaft (8-12lb). These have an extended butt. Well to say I hated it, would be an understatement. It just didn’t suit my style of working a lure.
So I rang Jack @ Freddies to see if I could swap it. He said not a prob
& to come in. Looking around, a lot of the manufactures have gone to these long butt designs (for 2 handed casting).He showed me a Daiwa “Professional Versatile 3 – 5lb” rod. $40 more, but it had a shorter butt.
You never know how a rod truly feels, until you take it fishing.
Well what a difference. The 2 rods are miles apart. This daiwa rod matched to my Stradic reel, was an absolute joy to use. Lighter, more responsive, I just love it.
So it was an added pleasure to blood it on its first outing.
I set out at a Gentleman’s hour (8.30) to fish the last of the run-out, at the top end of Kincumber Broadwater.
2nd cast a little 27cm model. Not a bad start. Casting to weed edges drifting along, I pulled another 3. Biggest went 50cm, the other 2 low to mid 40’s. It was all over when the tide changed at 9.30ish.
All 4 fish were hungry, and fought way above their pay grade. Being solo, the 3 larger models were fun to net as they made plenty of runs, when they saw my smiling face.
All I can say is what a great morning.
