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Kim Jones

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Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 15, 2010, 07:50:03 AM
Hi Guy's
I've just discovered your forum and have been impressed by the quality of the information. We are planning a trip to the top end of Fraser Island about October and one of the targets is to play with some GT's (can anybody confirm the GT's are in this area?).

One of the first steps is to put together an outfit and was looking for suggestions. I'm a bit older than most of you guy's, late 50's but reasonably fit and of average build. Have done quite a bit of fishing. I don't think I will get the opportunity to do lots of GT fishing but would like an outfit that is up to the job.

There is plenty of good information on this site about buying new rods and I've been looking at the Smith Keyolu GTK-77bg does anybody have any experience with this rod?

I've spoken with a rod builder friend here on the Gold Coast (Brad Job) who suggested a 7'6" United composites blank that is apparently popular for Popper fishing with the charter boats up Cairns way. Has anybody had any experience with united composite blanks? This option is a fair bit cheaper.

Thirdly I have a rod I've been using for jigging for a few years which works well but at 7' long I'm not sure it will be able to cast well enough. The rod has no information on the blank except the name Kamaja Infini Valley Hill Co LTD. I would be interested if anybody knows anything about this rod and it's specifications.

Any suggestions on these options would be appreciated.

Kim

 

Brandon Khoo

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 15, 2010, 08:27:22 AM
Kim, the area at the end of the Breaksea Spit is an almost fabled location but it only fires at very specific times. It's a hell of a journey out there and not for the uninitiated as it can get really nasty out there.

The reason why you see very little discussion on blanks is very simple - there are bugger all blanks out there that are suitable and what is available is not of the same quality as what you will find off the shelf from the top manufacturers. Over the years, we've seen guys using a variety of blanks for popping. Calstar have a couple of blanks that are ok but the guys nearly all end up moving to specialised popping rods in the end if they continue in the sport.

the Keyolhu is a decent rod but if you have decided that you want to buy a GT rod, do your research on what suits you. I have written up a rough guide on the issues for you to think about. http://www.gtpopping.com/forum/index.php?topic=1374.0

if you get a decent blank, proper MNSG or ICMNSG guides and get a rod-maker to build it up, you are probably better off IMHO if you buy a second hand stick. PLease note you may not be comparing apples with apples - the rod that is being made up for you may be significantly cheaper because it isn't being constructed with SiC guides like the MNSG. It is not recommended that you compromise on the guides for GT fishing. I have also seen a number of custom built popping rods where the rod-makers just don't understand the sport. We see runner and tip sizes like 12 where you need 16.

You don't have to spend $1000 on a rod off the rack. There are cheaper options available like the Shimano GT special which can be had if you shop around for probably $350-$400. I personally think you're better off with one of these than a custom built off a blank that isn't specifically made for GT popping.

On your final question, the Kamaja range from Valley Hill is an old range of jigging and popping rods from that company. Valley Hill is not a company we see or hear much of outside of Japan although the range of jig rods they released a few years ago (the Exploder range) have proven to be popular. I have a vague recollection of a the 7 foot jig rod although I have never seen it in the flesh. I don't think this will be suitable for casting poppers. Ideally, you want a rod that is at least 7'6"
If it swims; I want to catch it!

Kim Jones

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 15, 2010, 09:47:39 AM
Thanks Brandon,

Yes I had read your article which I thought made a lot of sense and will check out purpose built rods more carefully. Got a few months left yet. My main concern is not getting a rod that is too powerful for me to be able to handle.

On the Breaksea is it a case of on one trip, off the next or is it more seasonal?

Yes, it is a remote area. We have a decent 36' diesel powered cat. The plan is to hang in at Rooney's till the weather suits and then run around the outside. Any thoughts on the best time of year for stable weather?

Cheers,

Kim

Jon Li

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 15, 2010, 12:06:08 PM
Hi Kim ,

If you are only buying one rod , I recommend you take a look at Carpenter CV79/40RF SHP as an all purpose popper / stickbait n pencil rod and you are still young enough !  8)

Jon .
It's not what you don't know that gets you into trouble , it's what you know for sure that ain't so . Mark Twain .

Duncan O'Connell

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 15, 2010, 04:34:43 PM
Hi Kim,

If you are in SEQ you are more than welcome to organise a time with Duncan (at Fish Head) and he can take you down to the jetty to cast a wide range of GT rods (Shimano, Daiwa, Smith, Zenaq, Seven Seas, Hots, Patriot Designs).  No GT's off the jetty but at least you will get a feel for the rods and it can help work out a bit more what you think will suit you.  We can go casting most days but if you are free on a Sunday that is always a good one for us as the store is closed to the general public so you can spend more time playing.  It also gives you a chance to see how different poppers work in the water.

Duncan can be contacted on 07 3207 9965

PS Are you located on the Gold Coast?  If so you might be surprised how many GT options you have close to home. 

Regards,

Janelle
Fish Head - Specialist Fishing Tackle

Kim Jones

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 16, 2010, 04:24:10 PM
Thanks all for your input. Janelle I will duck up and talk to Duncan.

Cheers

Kim

Ken Best

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 16, 2010, 05:51:49 PM
Hats off to the Gal and Guys at Fish head.
Not too many other places go out of their way, and have the stock, for the significant purchase Kim is contemplating.
Its the best Toy shop I've been in...  ;D

Let us know how you go Kim.
Last Edit: June 16, 2010, 05:53:57 PM by Ken Best
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Kim Jones

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 17, 2010, 06:45:08 PM
Your right Ken. I travel up from the Gold Coast because you get genuine advise. I also enjoy some of the specialised seminars. I'll keep you posted.

Kim

Dave Chan

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Re: Buy, Build or Make Do - Rod
June 19, 2010, 11:21:41 AM
hi jon, apologies to my silly question as i'm new to this forum. are you a Capenter reseller in australia?