Shimano Tiralejo

[Chris Ohta]

Aloha Guys,

I just joined up with GTP.  I am very new to this style of fishing.
I am trying to find a new rod to use plugs from shore or rock jetties here on Oahu.  I will be fishing for Ulua/Papio, but mostly between 5-20lb range, hoping to one day land one in the 40-50lb. range.  I have a Stradic5000 with 40lb. Power Pro. that I would like the rod to match.

I have been looking at the Shimano Tiralejo(8 or 9ft), but was wondering if I will have to change out the guides to be able to cast knots?  I am trying to learn the midknot so I can attach a bigger mono leader. Would I ruin the pole by changing guides?  I looked into some custom rods, but they are a little out of my budget right now.  i currently throw 1-1.5 oz. poppers, but may want to try something a little bigger to hopefully attract the big boys out there. Do you suggest I save to get a custom rod?  Any Suggestions on other models or Shore casting lure weights?  Some mentioned a Okuma evx rod.

Any comments or suggestions, much appreciated.
Mahalo,
Chris

[Brandon Khoo]

Welcome to the site, Chris

I would expect that if you got a Tiralejo in a spinning model that the guides should be of an adequate size. I'm also not sure if your Tiralejo is the same as what we get in Australia. I think the models we have here start at something like 10 feet and go up to about 13 feet in length. Casting will not be a problem if you learn to tie the right knots. You could consider a midknot, PR knot or FG knot. You'll find details of all of these knots on the internet. Another option you could think of is a twisted leader where instructions are available on this site.

I'm not familiar enough with the Tiralejo to be able to comment on its suitability as a shore-based popping rod. There are specialist shore-based GT rods made by a number of specialist GT rod makers but we're talking big dollars here.

[Pat Victorino]

   Hi Chris,

     I'm on the island of kauai not so far from u.Many have been bitten by the popping bug.Plugging is at the top of most expensive hobbies and many of us have to lie to our wives or GF'S on how much we spend on gear to avoid major domestics.I've been doing this for years and still get new stuff every week.It's a sport which will continuously hurt your pocketbook.Not to familiar on the Shimano Tiralejo so can't comment on it but casting a midknot system will require larger rings uptowards & including the tip.My recommendation would be to save up for an outcast custom rod(10ft).You should be familiar with it but if not u can get it in local shops in oahu.My good friend Ken is the distributer who builds beautiful rods.Their reasonably priced and you'll save a lot on shipping by purchasing within the state.It will throw lures up to 4oz no problem but make sure u get the stiff model because there's a few different ones.

    Pat