A couple weeks ago Digitaka ran a 30% off Time Sale on some of the Majorcraft Rods they have in stock. I was lucky to score the Majorcraft Finetail FAX-632UL for about 125 bucks shipped to my door. Couldn’t resist, my first Area Trout rod on its way. It arrived safe and sound, and finally got a turn out of the stable today. Pouring rain and bored from working at home, I lit out mid morning to christen the handle with fish slime. I started out with the Diawa Presso and the 2.3lb Red Ester, a good pairing I thought, but the overcast skies and muddy waters proved the line to be pretty much invisible to see from the bank. I rode over to Douglas, not my usual bank fishing choice, and visited a pretty little creek flowing right by a historical church that sits on the waters edge.
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A 30yd walk down to the creek with the rain jacket and the Finetail, my first fish on the new rod was a danged old Drum.
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Good bite detection, the line helps, and a great bend in the rod brought him to the bank. Initial thoughts, flimsy yes, but a solid hook set was achieved. With a stable full of Ajing Rods and one Mebaru stick, the Area Trout rod is definitely different. I see, even more so, how the Japanese design and use specific rods for specific applications. The rod loads up well with the 1/48 and 1/32oz jig heads I pitched today and casting distance was more than adequate. The rain ran me back home for lunch, a couple emails and a reel/line change. I harnessed up the Ballistic FW with the Sunline for the next stop at a more local Cherokee Lake creek, and the braided 3lb line was much more visible against the muddy waters. Casting distance was a little better with the braid, to be expected, and soon my targeted species was found.
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Large or small, it’s like the rod was made for Panfish. Cannot wait to stick a a Crappie with it. A little whippy but solid in the fight and finish. Knowing the time of year and the past couple weeks experience in the flowing waters, I knew I was bound to tangle with a Green Fish, and sure enough they did not disappoint.
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A small one first then a second nice drag pulling specimen tested the rod and its limits. Solid bend and fun, the confidence in the rod is rising. A good piece of Graphite it is, and more seat time is hopefully coming. I guess I am starting to eat my words about shorter than 7ft rods. That’s ok, Crow tastes fine to me.
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