Tackle Tactics Surfcasting Message Board

Tackle Tactics Surfcasting Message Board
[ Tackle Tactics Surfcasting Message Board ]

Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 1/10/2012, 7:36 pm

Hey guys just after some info. Are these rods good for distance? and are they easy to control cheers guys.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 1/10/2012, 7:50 pm, in reply to "Predator! "

Quite soft compared to its mate the Solaris. Nice and easy to cast, but more suited to a beginner, a slight person or good as a ladies rod. Just my opinion. Best bet is try one. It might be good for you.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 1/10/2012, 7:54 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Im 6 ft 4 tall and looking for something that ccan take a good thump.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 1/10/2012, 7:55 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Cheers Jase. what do you use?

Re: Predator!

Posted by Neil on 1/10/2012, 7:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Whats your budget?

Re: Predator!

Posted by Panser on 1/10/2012, 8:00 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Sonik sk4

Born to fish. Forced to work.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Chad on 1/10/2012, 8:21 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Na mate, I have a predator, I use it for light line and gurnard fishing. 15 foot and very soft, not built to take a thump.

Your more than welcome to have a thrash on my rods one weekend before you decide on a rod.

Chur

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 1/10/2012, 8:24 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Cheers guys id like a light rod and a rod more suited to long casting.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 1/10/2012, 8:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Then get a Veritas. I bought one recently and have not regretted it. If your budget isn't quite that good then I used a pair of Solaris rods for years and quite enjoyed them. Not too soft. At your height look in the 13'6" to 14'6" range.

What are you currently using?

Re: Predator!

Posted by Chad on 1/10/2012, 8:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

You wont get distance out of casting. If you want a light action rod that will deliver distance as well as soft tip, then SK3. In my opinion the SK4 is purely for freespools, both can be used but at the end of the day it has to many guides for a fixed spool.

If you want a really solid rod, then look more into the 222.

But like I say, have a look and play before you deside

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 1/10/2012, 8:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

I quite like the look of the Sonik rods. Really, as Neil said your budget could determine this. If I were you I'd take Chad up on his offer and try some out. After all he has blown up a few rods.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Neil on 1/10/2012, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Sonik continental as well but it depends on what you want to spend.

The daiwa crossfires and good rods for the $$ as a re the abu surflines.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 1/10/2012, 8:36 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Thanks guys ATM I use a 13 ft 6 kilwel from rebel sport and a shimano 12ft but has a very short butt. I've had good success though and ATM I have a tica with a tall spool and a shimano 4500 terrible for distance I no but great with a fish on.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 1/10/2012, 8:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

The 4500 is way too small for any decent surfcasting. Your other reel sounds better. Use your 12ft rod and the 4500 loaded with 6kg for some rivermouth fun for kahawai and trevally, or light line beach fishing on a calm beach.

I'm willing to bet your 13'6" has a tip almost as thick as the butt section on some of the better rods. Best advice.....find something you like that suits you within your range. If you can't afford it, try and save for it. A good rod will change your fishing experience and if you look after it (store it in its bag and wipe it down regularly) it'll last many years.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Naki-Fisher on 1/10/2012, 8:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Agree just got an SK3 and its a very nice bit of kit.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Hardy on 1/10/2012, 9:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

I have a predator and have caught some decent size fish on it, from rays to large school sharks. It handled them well. Well suited to a four ounce sinker and a kinda slow easy OTG cast. Still seems to get out there with my Kilwell or Solaris, maybe a few metres short. But whats a few metres to a fish.

Cheers Hardy

Time to go fishing again

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 2/10/2012, 4:36 pm, in reply to "Predator! "

iv wanted this for a long time now finally i got it today. A abu vertas rod with a daiwa crosscast6000 spooled with 6.8 kilo line im now off to the paddock to practise

Re: Predator!

Posted by Phill on 2/10/2012, 4:40 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "
Tackle Tactics

Good choice , enjoy.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 2/10/2012, 5:47 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

You'll enjoy the rod mate. I love mine.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 2/10/2012, 6:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Cheers guys! does anyone know of any good casting videos that i can help myself improve? i.e technique

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 2/10/2012, 6:53 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Videos won't really help. You need someone to watch you and then advise you. Go along to a casting event and chat to some of the local guys.

Best start is to find a stance where you feel balanced. I find a long drop about half to 2/3 the length of my rod prior to casting helps to load the tip. Release point is always important too. The casting guys can help much more, but I find if you are releasing at about 40-45 degrees (that is where your rod tip ends up) then its there abouts.

The trick with learning to cast well is concentrate on the basics first. Balance, load the rod and get the feel of it before you start to attempt some power. For example, if you blast out with a ton of power but you are off balance and your release is early or late then your cast will suffer. Try just flicking the bait out using the tip, over and over, adding a little power each time. If you have ever tried fly fishing you'll know about the thumb on top of the rod. Try casting like that and you'll see it locks your wrist and forces you to load the tip.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 2/10/2012, 7:05 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Thanks jase.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jock on 2/10/2012, 7:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Casting dates,Gisborne polo grounds sat 6 oct,Pania 7 oct Hastings polo grounds,Papamoa 14 oct,Feilding manfield park 28 oct.Hope you or any one else that wants to come will get to one or more events

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jase on 2/10/2012, 7:27 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

I'd recommend it Tookey. Even if casting isn't your thing, the tips and tuition you'll get from guys who do this for kicks is invaluable.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Chad on 2/10/2012, 7:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Top man Jock, good of you to donate your time, I hope people in those areas take you up on that offer.

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 2/10/2012, 7:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Cheers Guys this is great! what time does this start as im going away mid day sat.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Jock on 2/10/2012, 8:23 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

I think 9 to 9.30 am.

Re: Predator!

Posted by Aaron HB on 2/10/2012, 8:31 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Yeh casting is @ 9:30am bushmere rd finishes about 12 from memory

A hard days fishing beats a good day at work

Re: Predator!

Posted by karla on 2/10/2012, 8:33 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Yip, 9.30am start on Saturday at the Poverty Bay Polo Club, Bushmere Road. You are most welcome Tookey and as is anyone else that wants to come for a throw. We have Jock joining us as we test out our plans for the Nationals next year and run through with the surveyor with the theodylite.
Looking forward to it, I've been trialling a 222. Its taking a bit to get use to after casting with a Solaris for the past few years. The rod is so much lighter but I don't seem to be getting as much distance as I was with the Solaris, any tips?

Re: Predator!

Posted by Tookey126 on 2/10/2012, 9:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Cheers guys will see you there

Re: Predator!

Posted by chris on 2/10/2012, 9:46 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Do what everybody says to me, give it more #$%&$# shit. Im pretty sure your gona surprise yourself when you get the hang of it!

Im gona b workn, good luck! Just dont try and copy the drunken soldier lol

Re: Predator!

Posted by Chad on 3/10/2012, 8:26 am, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

They tell you that Chris cause you hold that rod like a women brother, treat a rod like a women and it will walk all over you.................

Wairoa
Hawkesbay

Take Nothing For Granted

Re: Predator!

Posted by Phill on 3/10/2012, 5:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "
Tackle Tactics

If you want distance forget about trying to smash it , it just doesn't work . Best bet is to not try and get big distances keep it smooth. Most casters believe that casting heavy leads will give them more distance which is incorrect , try a 100gm lead and .25mm line with .65mm leader you will be surprised.
Just because you by an expensive rod it will not automatically give you better distance. A matched setup matched to you is the key, I spend a lot of time with customers putting together combos that suit their stature and ability .

Re: Predator!

Posted by karla on 3/10/2012, 7:12 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Thanks for the advice, will trial this weekend with a lighter lead than Ive used. I'm hearing about the expensive rod, luckily I am using a mates spare one to see if it suits me, will take some time obviously to get used to it.

Re: Predator!

Posted by PhilipDannevirke on 3/10/2012, 8:26 pm, in reply to "Re: Predator! "

Physics kicks in here. Mass retains velocity longer, but you have to impart sufficient velocity to the mass in the first place.
I use solaris and Abu rods, both fixed and free spool. I get best results from balancing the weight with the way the power is applied to the outfit. Just work on it gradually and it will all fall into place.
I just dont have the patience for that and just sling it mostly!! Just get variab le results is all.
Tight lines, Philip

Tight Lines, Philip Takapau

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