Smith AMJ-S56M - what's similar?

[Damien Phillip]

Looking at options similar to the Smith for a first time, PE 4-5 (65lb Tuf Line XP on a Stella 8000SWPG) jigging rod for both demersal and pelagic species. A rod under 6' is preferable with a jig weight of between 100 and 300g. Budget around the cost of the Smith which is $600. Also, feedback on the Smith AMJ-S56M would be great!

Thanks.

[Sam Colvin]

I would be looking at a S54H if your running a stella 8000 and 65lb tufline.

I have had the S54H matched with a Z4500 with PE4 and was a nice combo, i know other mates with the same rod having a Stella 8000FA on it and its perfect.

Also depends on what you want to jig, the H max jig is 280g, but ~200-400g is capable. But if using smaller jigs for demersals etc the the S56M would be good running PE3-4 but with a smaller reel maybe a Stella 6k or SW5k.

As for action, i am a big fan of the AMJ series as they can be used for both mechanical and darting jigs and loads up all the way through the grips!

[Damien Phillip]

Thanks Sam, that's got me thinking. I am still however leaning towards the lighter S56M as it will be pushed to its limits (rather than having power in reserve with the S54H if this makes sense?) and mainly used on snapper, emperor etc to 10kgs using jigs around the 200g mark. What are the chances of something in between the two? Also, the reason I was going for the 8000SWPG was so that I could also swap the reel over on to a PE4-5 popping rod until I can afford the 10000SW. Any other suggestions?

[Duncan O'Connell]

Hi Damien,

The AMJ S54H is a really light weight rod, so there is no real difference in the hand between hanging on to a S56M as opposed to the S54H. There is a fair bit more stopping power though which will work well with the 65lb braid you intend to fish with. The AMJ series are all fairly light in the tips so you can work a variety of jigs from quite light through to the max rated weight of 280g.
The new Saltiga S-Extreme 56HFS certainly fits into that range too for 65lb braid, but it is a little more powerful again and weighs a few more grams too.

Cheers

Duncan

[Damien Phillip]

Thanks Duncan. So you're saying a 8000 size Stella would better suit the S54H? Also what would you say the min. jig weight for both of these rods would be? I'm sure either would be fine but I'd rather a well balanced outfit for ease of use (as would anybody). I'd love to have a feel of both but that's more than 1000kms away - living in the Gascoyne eh!

Thanks again,
Damo

[Duncan O'Connell]

Hi Damien,

Duncan is out on the water teaching a class today.  When he gets back in I will ask him to reply.

Cheers,

Janelle

[Les Maunder]

Damien

Sam is spot on. I have the H matched to a Z4500 and it will very effectively jig lures down to 80 gm. The rod bends all the way through the grips which can be a bit disconcerting when it first happens. I don't think this rod will be overgunned for you as even my outfit will struggle to keep 10kg+ trevally out of nearby reef.

Good luck


Les

[Damien Phillip]

Thanks Janelle and thanks Lez. Lez, what are you running on your Z4500? Leaning towards the S54H at the moment over the S56M. Any more info anybody or does anyone have any pics of these rods loaded up?

Cheers,
Damo

[Andy Rowe]

Thanks Janelle and thanks Lez. Lez, what are you running on your Z4500? Leaning towards the S54H at the moment over the S56M. Any more info anybody or does anyone have any pics of these rods loaded up?

Cheers,
Damo

Damien, check this thread out; http://www.gtpopping.com/forum/index.php?topic=1079.0

[Les Maunder]

Damien

Varivas PE4 Tuna. You can pretty much redline the rod with this line.



Les

[Damien Phillip]

Cheers guys. Andy, Jay's pic of the S54H has me well and truly sold! Thanks for the link. I'll be jigging 100g min. and just over 200g absolute max. which seems ideal for the rod, me and a Stella 8000SW-PG with PE4-5. Now, just a case of where to buy

Cheers all,
Damien

[Greg Burt]

http://www.fishhead.com.au/

[Damien Phillip]

http://www.fishhead.com.au/

Yeah Greg, best price I've found anywhere in Oz for the Smith rods.

[Sam Colvin]

You won't be dissapointed Damien! Such a nice rod..

Pitty i jig with o/head huh!

[Greg Burt]

You'll be accepted if you change over to the dark side, Sam