Smith Rods - Which One?

[Ben Rivers]

Hi Guys,

Which of the following would be better? Looking for a 'General Purpose' for 150g-250g Poppers and Stick Baits:

- Smith Komodo Dragon
- Smith Tokara 60

Thanks Ben

[Mark Harris]

Ben, 250 gram poppers is not all purpose!  Any popper that big will require a specialist rod.

If you mean genuine all purpose popper work, then it if it has be out of these two rods, then it would be Komodo Dragon all the way for me.

This is just my opinion, and I am sure there are fans somewhere out there,  but the Tokara is a beast of rod, and I don't mean that in a nice way. It is extremely unforgiving and stiff, and it is one of the very few rods I have ever bought and then sold.

[Ben Rivers]

Ben, 250 gram poppers is not all purpose!  Any popper that big will require a specialist rod.

Sorry Mark - To Clarify, All poppers are under 200g with Hooks etc, there are some Stickbaits I have, with hooks, weighing in at 200-250g.

[Mark Harris]

I would say do yourself (and especially your back) a favour and pick the Komodo Dragon.  It's a good all round rod, albeit one which requires significant casting ability to get distance.

Presumably there is a reason why the choice is limited to those 2?

[Ben Rivers]

I would say do yourself (and especially your back) a favour and pick the Komodo Dragon.  It's a good all round rod, albeit one which requires significant casting ability to get distance.

Presumably there is a reason why the choice is limited to those 2?

Happy for other suggestions Mark - trying to keep things below $800. Any other ideas?
Will be using PE12, Stella 18000 and as stated, Poppers and Stickbaits are approx 180g-225g - Ready to throw!.

[Steve Li]

Smith HIIB Rocket. Its rated PE12 and lure weight of 300gm. Amongst the Smith heavy popping range, the Rocket is the latest and lightest model. 

[Mark Harris]

(I have heard mixed reports on the Smith HIIB Rocket).

PE12!!! As Brandon would say, "are you water-skiing"?

I can't think of one instance when GT fishing, when I actually thought "PE12 would be nice right now".

But, if you really want to fish PE12 with that size lure, then a Smith Rocket might be worth a look. Certainly more so than a Tokara.  Also well within your $800 budget would be a Kaiser El Toro 180 (see sponsor Gara Pro Shop).

To be frank, I am sure there are others here who are more qualified to advise on fishing with PE12 rope than I am...... I hate it!

[Warwick Joyce]

Ben, as Mark mentioned have a look at the Kaiser El Toro 180. Casts the range you stated and definitely in the price range.

http://www.kaiserproshop.com.sg/product-detailed.asp?id=528

There is also the Saltywater Racepoint 250, however is falls just short in your lure weight.

http://www.saltywatertackle.com/product.php?id_product=29

Both of which I think Gara stocks

happy shopping

[Ben Rivers]

Thanks guys,

Im using 130lb, is that PE12?

[Brandon Khoo]

No, that is PE10

[Ben Rivers]

No, that is PE10

Whoops, I guess that might change the rod options guys???

[Mark Gwynne]

What type of braid Ben?

[Mark Harris]

Varivas GT Max 130 lbs (for example) is PE10.

So you are looking for a nice rod rated to PE10 that will cast those weights 

You could look out for a 2nd hand option in your price range. There was recently Carpenter Monster Hunter 80H for sale here but that has gone.

Otherwise, the Smith rods or the exceptionally good value Kaiser El Toro 180.

[Ben Rivers]

What type of braid Ben?

Jerry Brown - Hollow

[Ben Rivers]

Varivas GT Max 130 lbs (for example) is PE10.

So you are looking for a nice rod rated to PE10 that will cast those weights 

You could look out for a 2nd hand option in your price range. There was recently Carpenter Monster Hunter 80H for sale here but that has gone.

Otherwise, the Smith rods or the exceptionally good value Kaiser El Toro 180.

Thanks Mark - I'm heading to the Coral Sea in Feb. if something comes up soon in the classifieds I'll grab it, otherwise I'll need to grab something retail.