Doc, I got my hands on the 7.7 " 3-23 gm model with the idea of using it mainly for light SP's and the occasional Feed Shallow etc. It is light compared to my Supermix but is a beautiful little rod - very sensitive for Xlayers etc. i wouldnt like to try and cast a heavy lure into a strong wind but I didnt get it for that. It seems to be able to cast a fair distance despite ist relatively short length. The finish on the rod, reel seat and guides all seem to be of a high quality. All in all, I think it is an excellent rod.
great post.
I love the ESGII, its very high quality and I've taken good bass and rockfish on it.
Not overstated by any stretch and quite simply, a great fishing rod.
I'm of the opinion that some rods are destined to be great at some things and terrible at others.
I own a SM270, great rod for 20g + paddle into really raging current or point jude eels bounced around deep points.
The ESGII would suck at that.
You need to have a rod that gives feel to get anywhere at all with HRF proper. I don't think there is much need for more than 10g + lure under 95% of all circumstances I've fished. 5 - 7g + lure is far more common and the ESGII, Shimano Dropshot etc is more than capable of stopping any fish in our waters.
People are too obsessed with getting lures 'out there' and 'back again'.
Yes, that matters but it's only a small part of what a rod should be about imho.
And, you don't need to spend near £400 on a rod that won't 'allow' you to learn.
btw, I cast most 125-145mm plugs on my ESGII or MB Silver Shadow without issue. Just alter your casting style and drop to suit the rod.
And the Savage-gear rods, for the money, are pretty damn good. I really love my bushwhacker 7ft which, to be honest, is better than the SM of any length for bite transmission.
Just my opinion, don't shoot me but, I have used ALL of these rods extensively.
