The New Ripple Fisher mid-joint GTX rod

[Mark Harris]

I have just been told these will be available in early April. Not sure of the Australian situation (ie, Nomad I guess).  As far as I know this is the first true top quality mid-joint GT rod and for those worried about airline charges for large rod cases, this could be the answer.

Spec and prices below. Should note these are my local prices simply converted to AUD. The true price situation in each country may differ.

- GTX 81/6  PE 4-6 lure max 140 grm approx $855
- GTX 81/8  PE 6-8 lure max 160 grm approx $930
- GTX 81/10 PE 8-10 lure max 180 grm approx $1,020

Richard Foong's video explains all the features:

GTX (English)

[Graham Blackmore]

Hi Mark

Not sure of your definition of true top quality but don't FCL Labo already make an equal length rod?

[Mark Harris]

They may well Graham and I know very little about FCL Labo rods. FCL Labo are a lure maker above all else so I would guess the rods are made for them and badged as FCL Labo?

[Rick Smith]

Rods look good. Thanks for posting. I like the spigot joint.

I remember awhile back that Lamiglas introduced a 8'6" mid joint tropic pro popping rod.  I haven't heard very much feedback at all on those rods. I realize that the must not have been very popular, but has anyone heard anything on them?

[Luke Wyrsta]

Looks great, but i'm pretty sure the likes of Fisherman and several others have had mid-joint "travel" and multi-piece rods for quite some time.

Thanks for posting Mark.

[Mark Harris]

Hi Luke

Would be very interested to know about the Fisherman option if you have details please.

Until now I have only known about the Shimano Carynx Kaibutsu options and the Lamiglas that Rick mentioned.  Neither of those would fit the bill for me.

[Mark Harris]

Found the FCL Labo option at Fishhead: "finally a true two piece GT Rod":

http://www.fishhead.com.au/store/products/FCL-Labo-UCB%252d80-Extreme.html

[Geoff Volter]

Does anybody make a 3 piece version that will fit in a suitcase?

[Mark Harris]

Geoff, no great options that I know of, but others may.

Shimano Caranx Kaibutsu have three piece (at least.. up to five pieces it seems) options but they are not particularly good rods IMO (http://fish.shimano.com.sg/publish/content/global_fish/en/sg/index/products/rods/saltwater/Caranx_Kaibutsu_S_T_C___Shimano_Travel_Concept__.html).

I understand that the Carpenter BLC83/35R P-Max Super Cobra is going to be offered in a 3 pc  at some stage, but that's not really a GT rod.

[Zac Chilvers]

I saw this on the Plat website for a 3 piece Fisherman rod,
http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/product_info/language/en/products_id/14931/cPath/21_38_47_597/saltwater-fishing/monster-cc75-gt-t-traveler-with-rod-case.html
 

[Mark Harris]

Excellent find Zac. A 3 pc Fisherman PE7 rod that packs to 86 cm.... that would fit in a suitcase.  The Plat site says this was in production from December 2011.  Possibly more of a Tuna rod but perhaps Fisherman afficionados can confirm that?

It's funny that when questions about travel rods have been asked before here, little came up!

[Jonas Holmsgard]

Hi guys,

Anyone seen and tried the three piece Smith GTK Amami?

/Jonas

[Aaron Concord]

That Fisherman pack is awesome!

This would be great even as a day pack for smaller boats, where space is a premium.

It amazes me where we are technology wise too.

Go back less than a decade ago and even butt join rods were hard to find and still somewhat looked at with scepticism over their strength claims.

Now mid-join and 3 piece???  WOW!