GTPopping.com - Giant Trevally, GTPopping, Topwater & GT Fly-Fishing Resource
Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Trevor Skinner on January 10, 2013, 06:10:19 PM
-
Hi Guys (and girls)
One for the Carpenter aficionados.
I am considering adding a medium weight outfit to my arsenal handling 80-90 lb (PE6) line and capable of working lures that would typically be 120-140g, mainly stickbaits but also the odd popper at the bottom of the range. Target fish would be predominately mid-range GTs with the possibility of the odd large fish (if my luck holds out!).
I've been focusing on both the Blue Lagoon and Endless Passion ranges. Although on average the EPs tend to be longer rods they share similar strength ratings with the TBL range and some portions of each almost overlap, even in terms of length (TBL 83/32 and EP 82/38 for instance). Is there a distinct difference with the way each range performs or is it fundamentally an issue of personal preference? For context, I use a Monster Hunter 80H for heavier work which fits me like a glove.
Regards,
Trevor
-
I suspect Brandon will be the man to explain the differences between the respective EP and TBL blank actions.
I have 3 different Endless Passions and one new TBL on order. In my personal opinion all 3 of my EPs are more PE8 rods than they are PE6. That's certainly the case with EP 82/38 and, although I do often use EP 88/35 with PE6, it still feels better to me with PE8.
I have used TBL 83/32 once and it is softer than any EP I have used, and felt more suited to PE6 work.
Just my own opinions and there is no way I would claim to be a Carpenter aficionado.
-
:o. I reckon you might have more of them than I have!
Looking at what you're wanting from the rod, my inclination would be to point you in the direction of the EP85. The casting weights and the fact that you want some popper use from the rod in my view makes the EP preferable to the TBL. The TBL83/32 makes for a beautiful PE6 rod and is at its best in my view throwing 120g Gammas but it is not really ideal for poppers. To me, the EP82 is one weight class above and is a PE8 rod.
To me, TBLs are stickbait rods. All of that said, there are no absolutes here. So much of this comes back to personal taste.
-
Thanks for the input guys.
I guess there's no substitute for actually using the rod, very difficult if you're sold on a Carpenter.
It would make sense to stay with the heavier option due to where I fish and the fish that could hit the lure. My priority really is to be able to fish significantly smaller lures than the 'sweet spot' of the Monster Hunter rather than the weight of the outfit per se and it would be difficult to preclude smaller poppers from my tackle bag altogether although I seem to be going that way.
Now to get Nick to try and find me an EP..........
Regards,
Trevor
-
Trevor, on that basis, and especially if it is smaller lures rather than lighter line that is your main consideration, I reckon EP82/38 (as a PE8 rod) and EP85/36 (as PE6-8, still leaning more to PE8 in my view) might suit you.
I tend to use the EPs mostly as stickbait rods but EP82/38 especially is very capable of working chuggers well, up to about 140 grams.
You could also look at Coral Viper 79/40 in the same light I think.
Brandon, nobody has as many as you ;D ;D ;D .
-
Hi Trev!
I think both rods are good but the EP82/38 is a heavier rod and quiet a few of the Japanese clients have used them to good effect over the last season but mainly with PE8. I have used the EP85/36 a lot and have found this to be one of my favourite rods and have caught a good few decent fish on it with PE6. It casts like a dream with 120-130 range lure, has plenty of fighting power but very easy on the body. One of our clients caught a 60kg+ GT last season on a EP85/36 although with PE8, so can handle a lot of pressure but feels like a light rod. Works stickbaits very well and poppers if you fish the rod out of the harness, fishing it with poppers sideways tends to be a bit difficult loading the rod and lure. The TBL83/32 is a similar rod, I have not tested it against any of our big fish but feels in the same range and will be using one next month in Southern Oman.
I have the TBL83/32 and TBL80/40 shipping at the moment so you can check them out and see what you think against the EP85/36 in a couple of weeks. To many fine choices!
Cheers,
Nick
-
Thanks Mark and Nick,
So many great choices....think I'll take one of each!
Regards,
Trevor
-
I hope you make the right choice Trevor. As Brandon said, these things are very personal.
That being said, I think you should really rule out TBL 83/32 unless the brief is for 120 gram and lighter stickbaits only, no chugger work.
I would still advise throwing CV79/40 into the mix now I really understand what you are looking for. Otherwise EP82/38 or EP85/36.
Good luck.
-
Thanks Mark.
I've sourced an EP85/36 which I've ordered. I'll have a look at the 82/38 when Nick gets them into the shop.
How many Carpenters do you have to own before you need therapy?
Regards,
Trevor
-
I'd suggest it is driven by the desire to possess them rather than how many you actually have. Following that criteria, I think you reached that point ;D
-
Wowzers Trevor!
Where did you source that from?!?!?!?
I was certainly taken with Nick's EP 88/36!
-
EP 88/35 is a lot of fun. Bit long for using on a boat, but throwing lures that far is always fun :).
-
I'd suggest it is driven by the desire to possess them rather than how many you actually have. Following that criteria, I think you reached that point ;D
LOL. Very profound ;) .
-
How many Carpenters do you have to own before you need therapy?
I know the answer...1.
-
Alex,
It's a very special one and if you're really good I'll let you take a picture of it in October.
Regards,
Trevor
-
Lol - look forward to it Trev ... Nick is being deported back to the UK on Monday ... made up the spare room in case they don't let him leave! will have a chat to him then :D
-
EP 88/35 is a lot of fun. Bit long for using on a boat, but throwing lures that far is always fun :).
Really nice rod for throwing lures a mile. I can't wait for my custom EP810-42 RP ICBM. Throwing from the boat with the EP88/35 has been ok. Just have to look behind you before loading up. :-D
-
I saw's Guy's post which reminded me that I should follow this one up.
Went fishing in Musandam yesterday and tried out the new EP 85/36. Worked 140g gammas beautifully and flattered my casting ability no end, so all in all a success. Got a nice GT but on the Monster Hunter.
It is also very impressive in the power stakes, despite being a long relatively lightly built rod. Hooked a grey reef shark of about 6 foot on a floating stickbait. (Mods:Do we need to set up a topwater shark forum?)
The shark kicked my arse but the rod handled it like it was built for it.
Thanks for the advice guys, priceless.
Regards,
Trevor
-
Yea Trevor, I was caught between choosing EP85 or EP88. Got the latter instead. Hope the 3 inches more will help much with the distance. =P
-
It will help with distance for sure Josh - EP 88/35 casts miles. But you will pay for it if you get into a big angry fish with a rod that long! And I find the length really unwieldy when on a boat. Apart from anything else I keep hitting the water with the tip when working the lure >:( .
-
Hi everyone,
For the EP85/36, Swimbaits can use up to 140g.
How much weight can it goes for poppers?
Anyone can comment on the new rod for EP82/42 R-P1?
Regards
-
EP 85/36 will handle stickbaits larger than 140 grams.
-
Hi ,
KLL EP82/42R P-1 wont be available until the first quarter of 2014 .
Jon .
Hi everyone,
Anyone can comment on the new rod for EP82/42 R-P1?
Regards
-
This thread is old but gold. It really helped in my decision to get the EP 85/36.
I plan to use the same setup as Trevor but was undecided between the EP 82/38 or EP 85/36.
gonna be heading down to Komodo next month. hopefully i'll get to hook up a good one and really put this rod to the test.
Thanks everyone for sharing!
-
This thread is old but gold. It really helped in my decision to get the EP 85/36.
I plan to use the same setup as Trevor but was undecided between the EP 82/38 or EP 85/36.
gonna be heading down to Komodo next month. hopefully i'll get to hook up a good one and really put this rod to the test.
Thanks everyone for sharing!
Cool! Now I know why you bought it!
-
This thread is old but gold. It really helped in my decision to get the EP 85/36.
I plan to use the same setup as Trevor but was undecided between the EP 82/38 or EP 85/36.
gonna be heading down to Komodo next month. hopefully i'll get to hook up a good one and really put this rod to the test.
Thanks everyone for sharing!
Cool! Now I know why you bought it!
Alex, guess i'm not the only one that reads this forum while at work. haha.
-
Hi Taufik
Good to know u are headed for Komodo. May u have the chanchance to put ur 8536 through the wringer. I have both the 8238 and 8536. I feel the 8536 is a better swimbait rod over the 8328. It is less versatile than 8238 in my opinion as the 8238 may be just good for a c cup. The TBL on the other end of spectrum are purely swimbait rod.
Cheers
-
just to ride on this topic,
say i had to choose one rod to bring for shallow terrain, choices being kll ep and the tbl 80/40, which would you choose? my impression of the rods is that the TBL has more stick down low than the EP. Reason im bringing this up is on the last trip, we basically got killed in the shallow game, and therefore we need to find a rod that enables me to be able to hang on and the boat back the fish out of the reef. I am not a heavy guy, just under 70kgs and therefore something like a broomstick mh79 would be too much rod for me to handle.
-
just to ride on this topic,
say i had to choose one rod to bring for shallow terrain, choices being kll ep and the tbl 80/40, which would you choose? my impression of the rods is that the TBL has more stick down low than the EP. Reason im bringing this up is on the last trip, we basically got killed in the shallow game, and therefore we need to find a rod that enables me to be able to hang on and the boat back the fish out of the reef. I am not a heavy guy, just under 70kgs and therefore something like a broomstick mh79 would be too much rod for me to handle.
Hi Bryan,
My feedback is both KLL EP82/42 or TBL80/40 can be used for shallow terrain with PE8-PE10 lines. Both rods can handle 160g swimbait or 120g-135g popper easily. When on very shallow terrain (2-5m water depth), I have been advised to hold straight parallel and let the high drag works when the boat back the fish out of the reef (if there is time).
I found that EP82/42 rods is a good rod for my back during fighting a fish. TBL80/40 has more lifting power but kinda hurt my back a bit when the fish dives under the boat. I have no feedback on KLL TBL 80/43R-P1 (Australian model).
cheers
izhan