PE 4-6 popping rod

[Chris Young]

Hi Damien...I have the Smith GTK 70JP witch is vertually the same rod as the GTK74PG but a bit shorter. I love this rod but it will struggle with the upper lure weights you mentioned. The 74PG has a slightly softer tip than the 70JP that I have and I would say 120-130g the be the absolute upper limmit of my rod. Can only use Sml poppers (cup size under 30mm). I use it for medium pencils and stickbaits up to 120g.
Hope this helps a bit.

[Duncan O'Connell]

I agree with Chris in regards to the cast weights on either the GTK74PG or Zenaq FC76-4. While they both fish PE4-6, their ideal cast weights are in the 60-120g range. In the Zenaq range, the FC83-5 could be the ideal choice as it is designed to cast weights in the 90-130g range comfortably and fish PE5-7. It is light in weight and utilizes the very fast recovery graphite which is typical of most Zenaq rods, making for a very responsive lightweight GT Stick.
In the Smith range there is a bit of a gap between the GTK74 and the next rod up, the WRC80P. While the 80P is rated as a PE6 rod, I have known many anglers to fish PE8 over it (with care). I feel it fits more into the mold of a heavier class rod in terms of its feel and balance, when compared to the Zenaq FC83-5.

Regards

Duncan

[Damien Phillip]

Cheers all. Duncan, I've been meaning to get to you, thanks for your post. Now I'm stuck more than ever!   Leaning towards either the Zenaq FC76-4 or the FC83-5 Can't seem to notice much difference.

Thanks again,
Damo

[Duncan O'Connell]

Hi Damien,

There is definitely a difference at the casting end of things.  The FC83-5 is stiffer for casting bigger weights and working bigger poppers.  Being longer also helps with casting distance too.  I am out on the water tonight and all day tomorrow but will send you a PM with more info when I get back.

Cheers,

Duncan

[Damien Phillip]

At the casting end of things - 80-100g stickbaits like ulua's and dogtooth's and 80-125g poppers like cubera's and dumbell's. If I can get something that will cast these all day with PE 6 I'll be one happy camper 

[Jon Li]

At the casting end of things - 80-100g stickbaits like ulua's and dogtooth's and 80-125g poppers like cubera's and dumbell's. If I can get something that will cast these all day with PE 6 I'll be one happy camper 

Get an LR88 , you won't regret it .

Jon .

[Peter Childs]

At the casting end of things - 80-100g stickbaits like ulua's and dogtooth's and 80-125g poppers like cubera's and dumbell's. If I can get something that will cast these all day with PE 6 I'll be one happy camper 

Get an LR88 , you won't regret it .

Jon .

Damien, I agree with Jon!  I have an LR88 its great on the weights mentioned.  Casts into the next postcode with PE6 (stella sw10000 or 4500H) yet is comfortable to work all day.  125g stickbaits are a breeze, but a 125g chugger (full cup face) is about its limit - you will need a stiffer rod beyond that. 100g chuggers are ideal (cuberas, haymakers, dumbells etc.) I also have one of the earlier mentioned Saltiga TN80, beautiful rod, but a much lighter class (max 100g stickbaits and 80g chugger) This is more of a 4-6 rod whilst LR88 is genuine 6-8.  I'm happier to hook a GT on the LR88! the salty is a little out of its depth in tiger country!