[Vidar Thomassen]

Following on for the thread about the Megabass Silver Shadow SSZ-75M rod and fact that as stunning as it is, it is less than suitable for plugs that needs working (top-water and jerkbaits) I have consequently decided to go for a rod around the same length (and casting weight range) but with a stiffer tip.

As I couldn’t find an off-the-peg rod that satisfied my requirements I have opted for a custom-build using the St. Croix 4SW76MHF blank (the blank has a stunning deep ocean blue colour) that will be cut and ferruled to a 2-piece version. The rod will be fitted with Matagi EVA split grips, Fuji VSS reel seat, the brand new K-Series Fuji no tangle titanium framed SiC guides (TKLSG, TKTST), single color thread wraps with single color metallic thread accents, Matagi accessories (HTWCB's, HTWCL, KDPS, K16-LR), hook keeper and a personalized inscription at the rear split grip. I’m currently waiting for the blank to arrive with my American builder, but as soon as it has he will start work on it.

Now to real the reason for my post - I’m a great believer in that every rod I own should have a dedicated reel to balance it perfectly, and filled with the appropriate line for the techniques it is intend to be used for. So far I have been unable to make my mind up to which reels I should go for, though the Daiwa Luvias 3000 is my current favorite.

So guys, bearing in mind the length of the rod, the techniques it is planned used for and that the cosmetics on this rod will be dominated by blue and chrome/silver, which reel should I go for?

……and yes, before anybody mentions it I know I’m a lost cause and a hopeless tackle tart :twisted: :twisted:

 

[Tim Griffin]

Vidar, I'd love to offer an opinion but I got lost so early in that thread it would be hopeless! Hope your rod turns out as you have specified it though - it sounds stunning - and that you find the right reel to partner it.

 

[Ben Field]

I'd go for the Luvias Vidar! If I can afford one when i get around to it, I'd be getting one too on a light setup.

 

[Andy Mason]

Don't start me off Vidar as I need a new reel to go with my Silver Shadow anyway !!!

 

[Mark Sleep]

That sounds a lovely rod. What do you envisage using the rod for mainly, just out of interest? Could you give us an idea of specific types of lures for example? Purely to satisfy my tackle tartish voyeuristic tendencies...

Oh and reel, chosen purely on the basis it has blue on it: http://www.japanprofishing.com/reel/dai ... ustom.html

 

[Andy Mason]

What do you envisage using the rod for mainly, just out of interest?

Out fishing me no doubt

 

[Ben Field]

What do you envisage using the rod for mainly, just out of interest?

Out fishing me no doubt

I dunno.... knowing vidar, he sounds just as likely to want a new fishing rod that will help him with the household chores as he is for anything else!! :lol:

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

That sounds a lovely rod. What do you envisage using the rod for mainly, just out of interest? Could you give us an idea of specific types of lures for example? Purely to satisfy my tackle tartish voyeuristic tendencies...

Oh and reel, chosen purely on the basis it has blue on it: http://www.japanprofishing.com/reel/dai ... ustom.html

The rod will more or less exclusively be used for top-water plugs and crank/jerkbaits (in the 10 to 30 grams weight range) that need working.

I agree, the Certate Custom-R is indeed a great alternative but I think I prefer a 3000 sized reel

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

I dunno.... knowing vidar, he sounds just as likely to want a new fishing rod that will help him with the household chores as he is for anything else!! :lol:

The darn thing is that you are probably right :lol: :lol:

 

[Andrew Wilson]

Whoosh.... I dont know what your on about Vidar but it sounds great
I'm sure you will pick a great reel to go with the rod, like the colour too.

Had a flick from the Luvias link you posted and found this funny looking reel, it isnt cheep, do you have one of these in your vast collection http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/prod ... pus-1.html

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

Whoosh.... I dont know what your on about Vidar but it sounds great
I'm sure you will pick a great reel to go with the rod, like the colour too.

Had a flick from the Luvias link you posted and found this funny looking reel, it isnt cheep, do you have one of these in your vast collection http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/prod ... pus-1.html

:lol: :lol:

No, I don’t have the Evergreen Opus-1, but I really fancy buying one and pair it with my Megabass Aron Martens Limited spinning rod. I won’t be buying one the next 6-12 months though as I currently have far to many other bits that I fancy more.

It is a stunning reel though and the design reminds me very much of a Leica camera

 

[Andrew Wilson]

No, I don’t have the Evergreen Opus-1, but I really fancy buying one and pair it with my Megabass Aron Martens Limited spinning rod. I won’t be buying one the next 6-12 months though as I currently have far to many other bits that I fancy more.

It is a stunning reel though and the design reminds me very much of a Leica camera

:lol: :lol: Off he goes again, Whoosh... straight over my head, sounds great. :lol:

Regards Tackle Tart wannabe

 

[Andy Mason]

It is a stunning reel though and the design reminds me very much of a Leica camera

That's it, no more sexy talk from you my friend, you'll be moving on to Hasselblad next and I just HAVE to stop you there.

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

That's it, no more sexy talk from you my friend, you'll be moving on to Hasselblad next and I just HAVE to stop you there.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

But the Opus-1 does remind me of a Leica camera, with their functional timeless design and use of quality materials in the build

 

[Mike Kennard]

I think I would speak to your rod builder and find somewhere to put on some (very) subtle gold accents along with the silver then have one of the following:
Daiwa Exist 3012
Daiwa Exist Hyper Custom 2508 (spool might be too small)
Daiwa Certate Hyper Custom 3000 or 3012H

Maybe you should have worked on the reel first, then based the rod on the reel cosmetics? Sounds like an excellent rod, whatever you choose to pair it with. That was the type of blank I was looking at for a baitcaster build before I bought the Days rod from PLAT in their sale.

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

I think I would speak to your rod builder and find somewhere to put on some (very) subtle gold accents along with the silver then have one of the following:
Daiwa Exist 3012
Daiwa Exist Hyper Custom 2508 (spool might be too small)
Daiwa Certate Hyper Custom 3000 or 3012H

Maybe you should have worked on the reel first, then based the rod on the reel cosmetics? Sounds like an excellent rod, whatever you choose to pair it with. That was the type of blank I was looking at for a baitcaster build before I bought the Days rod from PLAT in their sale.

Yes, the Certate Hyper Custom, which is more or less identical to the Brazino in its construction, could well be an alternative

I’m a little bit sceptical about the Exist due to the extensive use of magnesium. I know Daiwa says they are saltwater safe, but still magnesium and salt isn’t a good combination.

 

[Harold]

I know the answer for your custom rod.
Such a marvelous blank neet a Exist 3012

 

[Andy Mason]

Ohh now that would pair very nicely with my Silver Shadow too.

 

[Nick Phillips]

I think I would speak to your rod builder and find somewhere to put on some (very) subtle gold accents along with the silver then have one of the following:
Daiwa Exist 3012
Daiwa Exist Hyper Custom 2508 (spool might be too small)
Daiwa Certate Hyper Custom 3000 or 3012H

Maybe you should have worked on the reel first, then based the rod on the reel cosmetics? Sounds like an excellent rod, whatever you choose to pair it with. That was the type of blank I was looking at for a baitcaster build before I bought the Days rod from PLAT in their sale.

Yes, the Certate Hyper Custom, which is more or less identical to the Brazino in its construction, could well be an alternative

I’m a little bit sceptical about the Exist due to the extensive use of magnesium. I know Daiwa says they are saltwater safe, but still magnesium and salt isn’t a good combination.

Vidar I'm thinking of investing in the Certate Hyper Custom 3000 ,have looked at it on Japan Pro Fishing (working now) and its £360.
Approx how much would you think I would pay at the door on delivery etc :?:
Super cool looking reel and a bit cheaper than the Branzino now,was looking at the Branzino but the price has now gone up.

 

[Vidar Thomassen]

Vidar I'm thinking of investing in the Certate Hyper Custom 3000 ,have looked at it on Japan Pro Fishing (working now) and its £360.
Approx how much would you think I would pay at the door on delivery etc :?:
Super cool looking reel and a bit cheaper than the Branzino now,was looking at the Branzino but the price has now gone up.

EMS shipping cost for a reel from Japan is normally around the 2500 to 3000 JPY (£18 - £22) mark, and in addition of course comes UK VAT and a £12 administration charge from Royal Mail.