First time in about 7 months.. Got out on Sunday Shark Fishing - rained, waves, no sharks or Tope but did catch mackerel and had a chance to test my last rod and reel purchased back in Jan!
I heard that the mate that decided to go out on yesterday too - Thresher 3 hour battle, 3 times to the boat then lost, boated a small Porgie. Saw the photos. Gits lol.
I have to say I was impressed with the little Daiwa Saltist Braid 12/20 I got 1/2 price and Penn Fathom 15LD2. A bit like a racing suspension that reacts so fast the wheels keep on the road over bumps, the 12/20 was ultra sensitive compared to my other rods. Both my ug stick 20lb and my 20-50g spinning rod seem to be a lot slower with rattles of mackerel.
I have a feeling that the 12/20, like a race car, wouldn't put up with a tope brawling away without a severe bend to the point of snapping compared to the ug stick that would lock up and just take it (allowing for a little bullying with the Talica on reel duties). I think it's a rod that you need to have some experience to get the most out of it but not endanger it by high sticking etc.
I didn't manage to get to try my 120g light jigging rod, given the number of lines and the tide speed I think it will have to wait until some solent action.