I have been so busy myself i did not have time to put too many words with the report. Just thought I'd mention something on the newer carpenters for anyone interested as i recall some questions previously regarding the new SP80M. For me the SP80M was a standout, I matched it with an SW10K reel spooled with Varivas PE7. The set-up is nice and light and it casts almost as far as Gus with his LR88
. I was working mainly 120gm skipjacks on it and this weight felt great for the rod. I was amazed at the strong fast action with ample power lower down. We subdued a large (approx 80kg) very lively Silky(?) shark after 30 minutes and also decent GT's in the 25kg range in short order.
This was also the first time i had landed a good sized GT on the CV79/40 It does not cast as far as the SP80M though the slower action and thick lower section of the rod make it a dream to play larger fish with. A slightly longer handle on this rod would make it even better!!
If i was only allowed to take 1 rod on a popping trip it may just be the SP80M cause it is so much fun to use!!
