Shimano Caranx Kaibutsu

[Fraser Simpson]

Guys,

I am looking for a popping specific rod to handle 10 -25kg fish, plus the occasional beast. I mainly fish the GBR in the far north of Qld. My budget rules out the top end sticks from Carpenter/Smith etc.

Does anyone have experience with the Shimano Caranx Kaibutsu surface/deep monster? If so, what are the differences between the two?

Also, I have seen that Bluewater & MO Tackle stock the Gary Howard GT Cannon. Does anyone have any experience with this stick? I see that it is unusual in that splits in the middle of the blank, rather than the more usual butt joint. Hal, can you help?

Cheers,
Fraser

[David Sharples]

I've got the Deep Monster and it's nice although there's a few things I'm not keen on. The grips are a bit too thin for me and not quite long enough, I'm 6'3.. Also it feels a bit tip heavy when I'm using a stickbait, maybe could be better balanced. Other than that it does what it says, has a nice slow action to really dredge fish up.

[Sachin Chaudhry]

Hi Fraser. Get either. The Surface Monster is a shorter rod at 7ft 8 ionches while the DM is 8ft. The SM may provide a bit more grunt if the blank is the same and only tipped to get the shorter length. I personally like the long butt design and the componentry is good. I have been running a DM for a while now and no complaints.

[Andy Rowe]

Hi Fraser,

I have a Surface monster and also the 8 ft pencil instrument (P4-6) among my growing Jap-Rod collection.

I used the SM on a trip to Komodo last year and had no trouble at all landing GT up to 30 kg and a 50 kg shark. The rod has loads of power and is in the upper stiff range so ideal for big cups.

The SM is rated for 8-12 PE and poppers up to 300 gm which I think gives you an idea of what this rod is designed for, big fish using heavy tackle. You will want to be throwing at least 150 gm sticks or poppers to get this rod loaded up, 170 - 220 gm perfect to get casting satisfaction.

In summary the well hooked 10 to 25 kg "specific" you are targeting is more than covered, the odd 'monster' will work the stick right. Sorry can't give you anything on the DM.

Have Fun with it
Andy

[Sachin Chaudhry]

Hi Andy.
Thanks for the feedback on the SM.I am thinking of getting one as I have the DM and it is a great rod. I run mine with 80lb Power Pro and it gets the job done beautifully. It is in my opinion a purpose built heavy popping rod and the butt design with the long grip length shows this quite clearly.

[Andy Rowe]

Hi Sachin,

Agreed, for better or worse it is the stiffest GT rod I own.

Watch the gimbal cap it slips off very easily, I lost mine into the drink on the first retrieve.

Regards
Andy