Bream Reaper Soft Plastics rod

[Matt Fraser]

I got a chance to check out a new Black Diamond Bream Reaper recently and was very impressed! It's a seven foot rod, IMX quality and very nice for casting light jigheads. I've had the 6'6" Bream Reaper for a while now and its sensational for hardbodies and 1/8 Oz jigheads, but the seven footer is much lighter and more sensitive. Very similar to a Loomis S842 in IMX but at least a hundred bucks cheaper.
Dont know if Bear or any of you other Black Diamond fans have them over there yet, but it's a rod thats well worth checking out for soft plastic Breamin'.

Matt

[Bear]

Matt,
Lighter than the 6'6". That's a spin out. I've had the BR 6'6" for a little while and it's the lightest I've used yet. Cindy is sending a 7' rod over for me, can't wait to check it out now.

Thanks,

[Richo]

Sounds mighty good Matt, Im nearly convinced I need one without even looking at it. I already have the bluestone, but with the added butt power this sounds awesome.

cheers

[Geoff R]

I would like to see some pics next to the Reaper if you can get any, that way we could compare.
Geoff

[Bear]

As soon as I get one Geoff I'll make it available.

[Matt Fraser]

Bear, You wont be dissapointed with the 7 foot Bream Reaper. It has a lighter tip and more moderate action than the 6'6". It casts light jigheads a mile and is super sensitive, perfectly suited to Bream softplastics fishing.

Richo, the Bluestone is a nice bream rod, but not in the same league as any of the Technus Pro series of Black Diamonds(eg Bream Reapers) which are all IMX quality with alconites. Very special rods!

Just to wet your appetite even more Steve & Cindy have recently built up a couple of Tournament Elite Bream rods. These are GLX quality, which are super smooth, fast and sensitive. They will also be pretty expensive. They have been absolutely raving about them though. I havent got my hands on one yet, but Billfish from Sydney has been putting one to good use in the Parramatta river on some big Bream - check out his post on Sportsfish - forums - live fish chat (it might be on the second page by now, he's got some nice pics there too). I've got one coming and cant wait to give it a run.

Matt

[Billfish]

I'm glad you put up this thread Matt now I'll have my 2 bobs worth:D .

I've been fishing with a Bluestone which is terrific for shore based fishing but lacks a little grunt for dragging big bream from around heavy structure. After trying Matt's rod at the Clyde ABT, I've traded up to the 7' Bream Reaper and pick it up tomorrow and can't wait to get it on the water.

I've also got my hands on a 6' Bass Predator Spin rod which is perfect for throwing hard bodies. It's a fairly stiff rod but can throw the light lures without too much effort and has plenty of torque to drag those big nasty bream from their hidey holes.

As Matt pointed out I've also been fortunate to get my hands on the Rolls Royce, the mighty TOURNAMENT ELITE. This is one awesome stick, light, can throw a 1/32oz jig with ease,very sensitive but with plenty of grunt down low.

During the course of last couple of weeks that I've been using the TOURNAMENT ELITE I've been lucky enough to score some hefty bream to 42cms and the rod has extracted them from their nasty little homes without too much fuss.


BLACK DIAMOND TAILORED RODS ........awesome!!!!!!!!!

[troutsmith]

BREAM REAPERS ROCK.
I have the bream reaper in the 2-4kg for hardbodies and must say it rocks can't wait to use it on the rack dewelling bream of foster. I too have oreded a 7ft reaper and cant wait to get it, I have a breambuster as well but prefer the reaper. Cindy and Steve are building my new 8wt flyrod and for those of the fur and feather bent I can highly recomend there fly rods, crisp,responsive and a joy to cast would be how I would describe them. Do yourselves a favour and check out there range you wont be sorry:D

Hi Guys,
just thought I'd throw my two bobs worth in on the subject of Black Diamond rods, Iam not a bream fisho but I specialise in Barra fishing in NQ, for the last 9 yrs I have used Loomis custom built rods but this year made the change to Black Diamond and I must say I could not be happier.
The Black Diamond Barra hunter range is equal if not better than anything available in this country, just a little some thing to keep in mind if you ever decide to move up to real fish (JUST JOKING).

Cheers Samurai:D

[Bassifier]

Matt, are you in any way affiliated with Black Diamond?
or are you just a big fan? Just interested...
Richard.

[blackwater]

Samurai
just a little some thing to keep in mind if you ever decide to move up to real fish.

Better watch yourself fella, thems fighting words around these parts
;) :D :D

Brian

Hi Brian,
sorry about that remark, could not help myself lol, it might suprise you to know that quite a few of us barra guy up north like to chase bream on plastics every now and then.
There are a lot of Guys from NQ that would like to see a round of the bream circuit held in NQ, imagine throwing a soft plastic at a bream and a bloody big barra grabbing it lol, that would sort the men from the boys:p. Would be a interesting concept though.

Cheers Warren

[blackwater]

Samurai,
You would be hard up to beat the feeling this guy would have had after the bream round in mallacoota. I reckon this fish would have sorted the men from the boys.

Hi Blackwater,
your right, that's a good fish on any gear:)

[march fish]

Matt,

What would your set-up be with this blank.

[mike_mad_fisho]

gday
:eek: thats a nice fish and was it caught on bream gear.
MB

[Bassifier]

Boy, thats the oldest, sickest looking Jewie Ive seen for a while, and I've caught a fair few oldies!!:eek: :eek:

[Matt Fraser]

G'day Bassifier,
Yes, I am sponsored by Black Diamond. I'm very fortunate to get a free test run with their rods. The models I really like that suit my applicatons, I buy for myself. Such as the Bream Reaper 6'6" and 7'. Other rods I am soon adding to my arsenal are the Bass Predator Cast for bass spinnerbaiting, and the Wildsea Fly 7 weight for deep fly Bassin.

I have had the opportunity to test several other top class rods from the Black Diamond stable that haven't quite suited my fishing style. But the ones I like, I try and pass this info on to other anglers. Black Diamond are a small Australian company trying to make a go of it in a tough market at the moment. I fully support Cindy & Steve and their efforts to build top class specialist Australian rods.

Cant wait to check out the Tournament Elite bream rod and a new 6'6" spinnerbait rod.

To march fish, I have been running Diawa regals and an Ondine on my bream rods, they do the job ok, but arent anything special - one of my Regals is totally flogged out now. I recently won a Shimano Sedona and Picked up a ABU Cardinal 501 at a good price. So I'm going to give them a go.

In regards to line & leader, I've been using Platypus 4lb superbraid, which is very nice line. I usually run 8lb vanish leader when sofplasticing, and 17lb Stren Magnathin when hardbodying the racks.

hope that helps
Matt

[Bassifier]

Thanks Matt, I had a feeling you were a Black Diamond sponsored angler.
It just peaked my interest that some sponsored guys display their "Proudly associated” bit and some don’t.
I have tried Black Diamond rods and checked out the tournament elite as Bill is a good fishing Buddy therefore he always has one for me to check out!:)
And I must say, it’s a nice blank....
Maybe what I am trying to say is, If an angler is sponsored he or she should state the fact if referring to that particular brand in any given post.
I don’t want to get up any noses; I just think it’s only fair.
Now I understand you are a fan of the rods also, and that’s cool, as they are nice rods
:)
I realize this is a contentious issue, but as a consumer I would like to partly trust in the opinions of others, after all that’s what these sites are kind of for right?
We can gather a consensus of opinions on a particular product and those opinions may sway our decision to purchase or not to purchase.
I guess it’s a tough one......
I think I would just prefer to know a sponsored anglers affiliations, it kind of clears things up for me and I'm sure many others.
Kind regards,
Richard.

[Tambo]

I agree with you Richard.
Any angler sponsored by a company should clearly state it. We don't need any "tackle for comments" scandals.

[Matt Fraser]

Point taken Richard, I agree! My fault for not updating my profile earlier. Hopefully the updated signature works.

Matt

Hi Guys,
just like to clear up a little point that was mentioned by Tambo I think it was, about tackle for comment, I have mentioned on this forum how good I think Black Diamond Rods are but not just because they sponsor me but because I think they are that good.
For the last six years there about I have had my Rods custom built for me as part of a sponsorship deal with a Loomis Rod dealer and Loomis, I gave up that deal to go with Black Diamond simply because in my opion they are a better rod. I can't speak for other sponsored guys but I for one use Black Diamond and my other sponsors products because they suit my style of fishing and I like the product and would be using them anyway.
Ok we all know there are guys and girls out there that would use the worst crap in the world if it was offered to them for free, well not this little black duck, I don't need to push rubbish just to get a free ride. So I will continue to recommend all my sponsors products because I believe in them.

Cheers Warren

[Bassifier]

:) Matt, thanks for taking it so well, I was unsure of the response I would get!!!:) :)

Samurai:
I am, and I am sure everyone else is fine with the post above!
I dont want you to not believe in your sponsorship product.
I personally would never accept a sponsorship deal (if it ever happens for me in Aus) if it was for a product that i did not believe was of quality.
And secondly should'nt "sponsorship" mean product for free in return for promotional/feedback from the angler?
I dont get this idea of companies giving so called sposorships out when the sponsored fisherman still has to pay for the product:confused: :( :eek:
Is it just a Aussie thing?
I have guided for Salmon & halibut charters in Alaska, and also charters throughout Asia that have sposorship deals.
In return for promotional work, testing and most of all usage, the product was given for free....

any thoughts?

Richard,
I can't speak for other sponsored fisherperson, Black Diamond or other wise as I don't know what their sponsorship deals involve, as for my sponsorship with all my sponsors I do not pay anything, money wise to use their products but in return I represent them at several barra comps throughout Northern QLD
and at boat & tackle show, tackle store promos, fishing clubs and by allowing my clients to use their products when Im guiding.
Long gone are the days of just sticking a sticker on your boat in return for a freebie, sponsorship these days is a full time thing, you may be at a tackle show or just chatting at a boat ramp to some stranger who wants to know why you have all those stickers on your boat or just out on a sunday fish with the wife and kids you are still representing your sponsors and that's what it's all about give and take, nothing is free.
You can be the best fisherman in the world but it counts for nothing if you can't show your sponsors products in the right light,
and I believe personally that if you don't believe in your sponsors product then you should not be reprsenting them, but then again that's just my opion.
This industry has far to many bludgers who will stick their name on any crap for a dollar or a free ride.

Cheers Warren

[Geoff R]

How do you guys go with such long rods around structure like boat pens and like Adam Royter wrote in his Loomis article on the Loomis site, The Dock Lands?.
I myself realise you need a good long rod for on flats and Rack fishing where you need to command a fish, but around tight structure where you need to cast flat how do you go? Do you just get used to the length and fish it like a 6' or 5'6in rod?.
Maybe we are a bit behind here in W.A. but i can see area's around Perth where I fish that require short robust rods.
This is not a slog at you but a general thirst for info
Geoff Paulic

Hi Geoff,
as you probably notice Im not right into bream, barra is my thing, but on longer rods, up until last year all my barra rods were around 5/6 most of my fishing is done in mangrove lined creeks in NQ where if your not accurate with your lure placement you just are not going to catch fish.
With our style of lure fishing up north, most of the time you are only casting around 5 or 6 metres in to mangrove roots, fallen trees and under hanging mangrove trees, myself and a lot of other regular barra fishermen have found that longer rods are more accurate over this distance and allow us to cast lot lighter lures and handle barra, jacks and such during the fight, oops by the way I now use all 6/6 rods.
Do not believe all you hear about longer rods not being accurate over a short distance, it can all come down to the type of rod, reel, line and most important the user.
Hope this Helps.

Cheers Warren
ps Geez this is the most typing Iv ever done and I hate typing lol:D

[Bassifier]

Interesting.
Thanks Warren.:) :)

[Cindy]

I would also like to join in, if I may, and yes I am owner of Black Diamond Tailored Rods. This has been a very interesting thread (and not because it has been about our product) and I agree with the posting of product sponsorship with angler's name. Good point Bassifier! We are very happy with our anglers and I certainly mention them in association with our product whenever I can and know they do the same. If there ever has been any hesitation on their part to mention their association, it is most
likely for the reason that some people might say they only speak good things about the rods because they are sponsored. I have to say without exception, every person we sponsor has wanted to try our product first, to see if our product is really what they
want before joining our team. Honesty is at the top of my list and I would not take on an angler who did not truly like our product, no matter how famous he/she is, just to push a product. (Unlike some people who have not had the opportunities I've had, I am not wowed by fame. I have been in the famous position myself and know that realm very well.) My criteria for sponsorships is based on a lot of things; some of which many people would not consider important.

And I would like to add, every sponsored angler we have, may have his/her favourites of the ranges. Not every rod may suit his/her style of fishing (as noted by Matt). That is quite alright! That's why we make alot of different kinds of rods to cover as many possibilities as we can. And I must say, we also value and use our anglers suggestions or recommendations (to give them and you what is needed in the marketplace). It is important feedback.

As for sponsorships, they are certainly not all freebies (and as Warren has stated: the sponsored person must do much in return). There are different types and levels of sponsorships. I personally have been on the receiving end of various kinds where sometimes I have gotten discounts and other times have gotten free product or sometimes free product to use for a time period set out by the company. It depends on what the company decides based on various criteria (and every company has its own). The cost of the product itself can even be part of that equation. As for what deal each company makes with his prospective sponsored person, that is between the two
parties. It is true, the higher the profile and the more you can offer, the more elaborate the deal may be. This may seem great on the surface but to those who have been on the receiving and giving end know these deals involve work (yes, it is even a lot of hard work often with no pay for the designer/manufacturer in Australia to put together a top quality product).

Some of you may say: not everyone has the opportunity to get a spot on tv, do videos, write for mags, win the tournaments, ect. True! Maybe there are individuals out there highly respected amongst their anglers who spread the word on water or on websites. Thus the need for various kinds of sponsorships.

In closing, I would like to add, this whole sponsorship arrangement reminds me of a bible verse that states: “to them that is given much, much is required.”
Cheers,
Cindy

[Cindy]

One more thing: we have gotten letters from other anglers not associated with us who have bought the rods. MAybe they would care to join in and give their opinion? I have gotten PMs from them so maybe they will share their thoughts.
Thanks,
Cindy

[Geoff R]

I have to admit Warren that I was in Townsville for a few years and have caught Barra and Jacks in rivers like the Haughton, Black, Crystal, the list is long and distinguished. I too was using Loomis's of around the 6' range, and fishing within 5-6 m of the snags. I had to leave the Army up there and return to Perth (a sad Day), as there would be no more hunting Godzilla the Barra in the Swamp's.
I started Bream'in because "the urge to fish lures is strong in this one" and at first I thought Bream would not compare to the awsome experiences I had in the "Ville". It is practically the same sort of fishing only I believe the little bugger's are harder to catch, if only I could have another go at the Barra!!!! knowing what I know know.
I have seen Bear wield his Reaper around in close proximity to snags and was amazed at his accuracy, I put it down to his casting skills (dare I say It:o ) being B#$$&r than mine.
I have not been sold as of yet, and I am in the market for some new rods I may just get Bear to get me out with his stick for a session to try and Confirm.
This has been a great thread and I will give the rods a go
Regards
Geoff

[Shauno]

Hey guys,
All this talk of black diamond rods in particular the 7 foota, sounds all good, I work in a large tackle store in adelaide, who is the distributor of these rods and where can I get them , rough RRP are the blanks available to customise!!!!
Any help would be greatly appreciatyed. Also any stats would be great, eg, kg rating, taper, modulus, off the rack build quality, guides etc. :) :) :) :) :p :p :D :D :confused:

This post is to Bassifier & Tambo, you guys say that sponsored fishermen should list their sponsors, ok I agree, but here is one reason some don't, I just recieved a pm from Sportsfish Australia telling that they have remove my sponsors list from my signature because it clashes with their sponsors.
To me this smacks of censorship and I have told them so, you see we can't bloody win, oh yeah list your sponsors by all means as long as they are the same as ours lol.

Cheers Warren

[Bear]

Guys,
I would hate to think that having associations with companies means we have lost our impartiality. I would like to think that we are still considered honest men, no matter what the circumstances.

I for one became involved with Black Diamond out of choice. I believe in pusing Aussie companies with Aussie workers.

I consider myself lucky that I have had a chance to make my passion a part of my work as I have recently taken over as State rep for Black Diamond.

I believe that input from guys like myself and Matt can make the product better for all of us.

JMO.

[troutsmith]

Good discussion guys, its nice to see that it has not sunk into the mire as so many do:) . I totaly agree with Bear and would like to think that I can give credit where it is due and like Bear I too went looking for BD rods and use em because they suit my style of fishing, they are good value for my hard earned cash and they are Aussie.

[Mick]

Originally posted by Samurai
This post is to Bassifier & Tambo, you guys say that sponsored fishermen should list their sponsors, ok I agree, but here is one reason some don't, I just recieved a pm from Sportsfish Australia telling that they have remove my sponsors list from my signature because it clashes with their sponsors.
To me this smacks of censorship and I have told them so, you see we can't bloody win, oh yeah list your sponsors by all means as long as they are the same as ours lol.

Cheers Warren



In defence of Sportsfish (Yes I am a moderator over there) it was decided by Neil and the moderators to restrict any free advertising in the form of sponsors names and logos in signatures. Advertisers pay substancial amounts of money to advertise with S/Fish and you have other companies getting a free run on the backs of sigs. This was not a form of censorship but good business sense and one which I fully support even though I have association with ecogear and a brand of jigheads which I can not directly promote over there.

I have ECO in my sig for this and another site because the product is stocked and sold by both sites, but I also have my own brand of jig heads and don't include it in my sig out of courtesy to this site as the product is not stocked.

I'm sure if this site was not an online retail outlet but survived on advertisers dollars then the same restrictions would apply here, that exist over at S/Fish.

Mick

[Bear]

Mick,
Just curious, are all brand associations to be drop from sigs by SF or only those that clash with your site?? I would have thought that it would be good to make it fair and have all removed.

JMO.

[Mick]

Bear,
All brands and products are prohibited in sigs but of course advertisers who post still have their logo's in their sigs, which I think is fair as some are paying 1000's of dollars for the privilege. I think it would be unfair to them for example if I had ******* jigheads in my sig when I pay 0 $.

Hi Mick,
that's a very interesting question, is it one out all out or just the ones that suit the owners:D. Geoff asked a question about where he could find out about a certain rod:D, does it now mean that if I was to tell him who or where he could find them my posts would be deleted, personally I find the whole situation pathetic, but that's just my opion.

Cheers Warren

[Bear]

Thanks for that Mick. Appreciate the response.

[Mick]

Warren, I think you misunderstood what I said. My comments only relate to sigs, If you want to say I purchased a "Bream Reaper", "Bream Buster", Strudwick, Loomis, Remington or any other product from Joes tackle shop down the road and it is the best rod I have ever used and I caught 100 bream on it then that's fine. The forums contain countless posts on products and shops that have no affiliation with S/fish.

Regards
Mick

Mick,
this whole thing started because a couple of your members ,users or what ever you call them had a whinge about sponsored fishermen not listing who their sponsors, and could possibly be making comments for tackle, now the site owners are getting their little panties in a knot because we did what they wanted and listed them:rolleyes: . can't have their cake and eat it to.
It does not bother me one way or the other if I list them in a forum or not, I think the main problem with some guys who are on these forums (and I say some not all) is that they hate to think that some one might be getting a little more than them or is it the good old Aussie tall poppy syndrome:D .

Cheers Warren

[chris_lemess]

Geez fishin' can get political at times... :rolleyes: I guess wherever there's money involved there's alot at stake and I can see that... it's just a pity that something supposedly as innovative as the internet can create so much rabble over what would otherwise be a few guys loving the tackle they fish with.

[Richo]

G`Day all

This post has been a most enjoyble read, but has now gone a tad off tangent - Im sure you would agree, I think some of these issues if there are any should be sorted in private and not in public,

Thanks

[Bear]

Spot on Richo.

SF problems should remain on SF.

Thanks guys.

[kevinnugent59]

This thread has made me think.... so I changed my sig too.

:)

Kevin

Aaaaaahhhh Kevin, I love it:)

[Bassifier]

Samurai:

I'm not fond of the fact that you said I had a whinge.
Please reread the post.
No whinging.
This post should'nt have gone in that direction but I guess someone had to spoil it.

Well Bassifier, I won't be losing any sleep over what you are or are not fond of:p

Samurai

[Bassifier]

well done.

[Tambo]

Samurai:
Mate, get a hold of yourself. No one was whingeing.
All Bassifier was saying was that if you are sponsored by a company and you are posting about that company then you should declare it.
That was all.
No one was saying you could not post your opinion. Indeed those opinions are welcome here.

Even Cindy, owner of Black Diamond Rods, agreed with Bassifier.

Now as for sponsorship, I have not read one negative comment on this forum regarding it. Everyone here is supportive of anglers who are sponsored. I can't speak for other sites and nor am I responsible for their policies.

I've seen and picked up Black Diamond rods myself, they're very good and I'm sure they're worth the money. Good luck to the people they sponsor.

[Bassifier]

Originally posted by Samurai

It does not bother me one way or the other if I list them in a forum or not, I think the main problem with some guys who are on these forums (and I say some not all) is that they hate to think that some one might be getting a little more than them or is it the good old Aussie tall poppy syndrome:D .

Cheers Warren

Sounds like you think you are a tall poppy:rolleyes:

I have no such concerns that you or anyone else is getting a little more than me.
My only concern is as stated in my original post.
I shall include it so that you may peruse it once more......:rolleyes:

"Thanks Matt, I had a feeling you were a Black Diamond sponsored angler.
It just peaked my interest that some sponsored guys display their "Proudly associated” bit and some don’t.
I have tried Black Diamond rods and checked out the tournament elite as Bill is a good fishing Buddy therefore he always has one for me to check out!
And I must say, it’s a nice blank....
Maybe what I am trying to say is, If an angler is sponsored he or she should state the fact if referring to that particular brand in any given post.
I don’t want to get up any noses; I just think it’s only fair.
Now I understand you are a fan of the rods also, and that’s cool, as they are nice rods

I realize this is a contentious issue, but as a consumer I would like to partly trust in the opinions of others, after all that’s what these sites are kind of for right?
We can gather a consensus of opinions on a particular product and those opinions may sway our decision to purchase or not to purchase.
I guess it’s a tough one......
I think I would just prefer to know a sponsored anglers affiliations, it kind of clears things up for me and I'm sure many others.
Kind regards,
Richard."

Hi not knowing the ins and outs of how this site works, could some one please explain some thing to me, bassifier made a post aimed at me but when I went to reply that post was gone it was the post before I became a tall poppy lol. can anyone explain where it went.

Thanks Warren

[Bear]

We understand the concerns some guys have.

How about we leave it at that b4 it gets out of hand.