Thread: JDM rods relating to Panfish

Got my Matagi catalog in the mail on Saturday. WOW!!! A REEL eye opener. Was hoping they had a bigger selection of UL blanks.... Can not believe the guide selection - the tip selection is mind boggling. Lots of components that aren't offered in the US. They even list St. Croix blanks.

Congratulations V4max VA dude. I hope you smoke some of those Smith Mtn Lake Panfish with the new weapons, and share pics here of the catch. I am slowly headed down that (JDM) road also, and it seems to be a slippery slope headed in only one direction.


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I think I warned of this several times in my videos....LOL.

Regards


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Guys, I have moved a couple of posts relating to reels to Alphahawk's reel thread and made that thread a sticky. I just thought it might be easier if we had separate JDM rod and reel threads.

https://www.crappie.com/crappie/panf...ating-panfish/

Great idea. Thanks. There were some reel posts I had missed.

Preliminary feedback on Graphiteleader Corto Prototype GNCPS-612L-T.

As the code indicates, L power, tubular tip. Designed for fishing aji jigs on FC or Ester.

My initial response to Randy's request about early impressions was 'words fail me...' After a few hours using mostly 1/24th heads, 3lb FC, Shimano JDM C2000 and getting some spots and a smallie of 16" (adverse bluegill conditions), my initial impressions are:

1. balance is perfect, weight and it's distribution seem to combine to make the rod seem weightless
2. very sensitive, surprisingly stiff/ fast response but bends nicely on even small fish. At a guess, Randy might prefer the lighter model for bluegill - hollow tip on this model gives a little more usable sensitivity I think...
4. Since I'll be using mine for real aji & bass, its L rating is perfect for fishing 3lb FC hard. I was striking and pulling fish within the limits of the rod but not babying anything.
5. Build quality, guide spacing , components (Fuji TIC) etc all faultless.
6. Blank has similar construction (butt to mid top section) to Evergreen Inspirare, a helical wrap which adds stiffness and nearly no extra weight. Also Nanoalloy / resin is used, making for a stronger blank.
7. For a $350 dollar rod it's amazing value. The only rods I can compare it with are top end Evergreens - it may make many of the other JDM rods seem quite pedestrian by comparison. Many rods from the Evergreen / Olympic stable have a certain feel (or you could say design DNA) which is distinct in my experience, the Corto Prototype is no exception.

1/16th hasing

Originally Posted by Allsorts

Preliminary feedback on Graphiteleader Corto Prototype GNCPS-612L-T.

As the code indicates, L power, tubular tip. Designed for fishing aji jigs on FC or Ester.

My initial response to Randy's request about early impressions was 'words fail me...' After a few hours using mostly 1/24th heads, 3lb FC, Shimano JDM C2000 and getting some spots and a smallie of 16" (adverse bluegill conditions), my initial impressions are:

1. balance is perfect, weight and it's distribution seem to combine to make the rod seem weightless
2. very sensitive, surprisingly stiff/ fast response but bends nicely on even small fish. At a guess, Randy might prefer the lighter model for bluegill - hollow tip on this model gives a little more usable sensitivity I think...
4. Since I'll be using mine for real aji & bass, its L rating is perfect for fishing 3lb FC hard. I was striking and pulling fish within the limits of the rod but not babying anything.
5. Build quality, guide spacing , components (Fuji TIC) etc all faultless.
6. Blank has similar construction (butt to mid top section) to Evergreen Inspirare, a helical wrap which adds stiffness and nearly no extra weight. Also Nanoalloy / resin is used, making for a stronger blank.
7. For a $350 dollar rod it's amazing value. The only rods I can compare it with are top end Evergreens - it may make many of the other JDM rods seem quite pedestrian by comparison. Many rods from the Evergreen / Olympic stable have a certain feel (or you could say design DNA) which is distinct in my experience, the Corto Prototype is no exception.

1/16th hasing

Good review. I pulled the trigger on an 2018 Corto 6’ 10” from Rakuten to ship on 5 December. It is not as sophisticated as the Corto Prototype but I find it to be an intriguing rod for only around 220 bucks delivered to my door. Will be very interesting to see how it compares to other much higher priced Ajing rods I own. Just seems to me for a rod that weighs only 56 grams....has titanium framed guides with Sic-S inserts....made in Japan......it was a no brainer. This will probably be my last Ajing rod for a while.....I just have too many. Will be getting more Mebaru and Area trout rods.....still wanting an Evergreen.....but man they are high. Did you happen to see that Tict came out with a 10th anniversary Ice Cube? Full boron right at 700 bucks....I think I will pass on that one.....LOL.

Regards


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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Will be getting more Mebaru and Area trout rods.....

Two questions:

1) The area trout rods I have seen are usually shorter (5-5.5') than other JDM rods. Why is that?

2) Why is the writing on JDM rods in English instead of Japanese? (I'm glad they are in English. Just wondered why.)