Bream Rod

SimonT · #1 10-07-2003, 02:45 AM

I am currently in the market for a new bream rod to use with plastics and the like. The market seems to range from $100 - $500, and quite frankly I'm not sure what represents good value for money. I'm not adverse to paying for good quality however.

I'm keen to try a longer rod of around 7 foot, as I currently have a 6 foot one. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

SimonT

jimi · #2 10-07-2003, 03:02 AM

Simon, I've used the 7' Bream Reaper from Black Diamond and found it to be an excellent plastics rod. Expect to pay around $430 for one of them.

I've also heard that strudwick has some very nice 7' TPS models that would be ideal for plastics work as well. Expect to pay around the same for them.

At the other end of the scale, the squidgy spin is not bad for the price. It will only set you back about $110.

There are also plenty of good loomis's getting about. You will be looking at around $500 for them.

It seems that most of the rods that have quality components and blanks and are well desgined and built are going to set you back at least $300. The squidgy rod has a fairly decent blank, but the components can't match the quality of what is on the other rods.

The best thing to do is to try some rods in the field if you can. At the very least take your reel into the shops and see how it feels on the rods. Also some shops will let you have a cast of the rod with a plastic on if they happen to be near some open space.

Cheers
James

#3 10-07-2003, 03:05 AM

Simon what state r u in?

#4 10-07-2003, 03:08 AM

Hi Simon, mate chase up Bear he's over your way, he may be able to arrange for you to try a Black Diamond. and check out their web site www.blackdiamondrods.com

Cheers Samurai

DAGGA · #5 10-07-2003, 03:47 AM

Where can i get me a squidgy spin ?????????
I live in Victoria

Aquaholic · #6 10-07-2003, 05:24 PM

G'day Simon,

Have you thought of getting one custom built. That way you will be getting a rod that is built to your exact specifications. While there are a great many rods that can be picked up off the shelf which will all serve the same purpose, I have found that with custom builts, small things like having the rod built on the actual backbone and having the rod come in 1 piece or 2 all play a part to how the rod performs at the end of the day. I have been a huge fan of building my own rods for about the last 15 years, a past time which over the years has led to a collection of rods that serve my every purpose.

Ask your local tackle shop. Their rod builder should be able to come up with a few suggestions to fit both your requirements and your budget, or if your even keener than that, try building one yourself. I know Ian Miller used to have a magazine out which showed the entire process from start to finish - it's not that hard. I still get a huge buzz catching fish on one of my own creations.

Anyway - my suggestion - Samurai S006 - 7 foot rod suited to 2-4kg line. Shouldn't cost more than $220 to get knocked up,

Cheers,
Aqua H.

pw-bream · #7 10-07-2003, 05:24 PM

Dagga,

Any tackle shop that stocks Shimano products should be able to order one for you if they don't have any in stock. I think there are normal stock levels in the country now. Surely there must be a good tackle shop in Ballarat, there is a lot of good fishing water around that area.

SimonT · #8 10-07-2003, 06:12 PM

I live in Brisbane - QLD.

SimonT

bubba · #9 10-07-2003, 08:11 PM

Hi Simon,
As a relative newbie to the BREAM fishing tournaments I have seen a change in preference regarding my own tackle.
When I first started chasing bream on lures seriously I purchased an ABU Morrum series 2-4kg rod. Its a nice little rod that is specifically designed for braid and a nice price at 99.00
After a while I needed another rod that was more suited for plastics. I bought a Stella and found it was also quite good for what I wanted as an all purpose rod. So now I had a specific HB rod and an all purpose.
This didnt quite cut it so I purchased a black diamond tideline pro 7ft @ 160.00. I was hoping this was going to be a good plastics rod but it has turned out a little stiff so I think it will end up being a HB flats rod.
So now I need a true plastics rod. Ive looked at the Heartlands, Loomis and Black Diamond and really cant decide what way to go. What im trying to say is whats good for one person my not be good for you. The Stella is in my eyes the best value for money alround rod.
Im sure a few of the other guys will argue the point but there really isnt a "best rod" for all the styles of bream fishing you want to do.
Its a shame Ian Sewell doesnt post here cause he will throw a complete spanner in the works with his 6ft Strudwicks

#10 10-07-2003, 11:25 PM

Gday guys.
Personally I'd have to say that the Strudwick TPS rod in 6ft is prolly the best rod I've ever touched! Have a good look at the Loomis, Black Diamond and Struddies as they are prolly the best rods on the market at the moment!

Dave

PS: Breammaster sells both Loomis and Black Diamond!

Geoff R · #11 10-07-2003, 11:35 PM

You can get a Squidgy Spin Stick from us for $119- all inclusive deliverd to your door. If your interested just PM me or send an Email to Geoff@Breammaster.com