![]() ![]() The builder knows exactly which blank he built for me. If it’s a custom, I’ll give the builder’s name and phone number. If they like it, they take a picture of the make and model so they have the exact rod. I often offer fishermen to try a rod if they show interest. If you spot a rod that looks right for you on your next trip, ask its owner if you can give it a try. If you have a very exact rod that you are after, a custom build from a modern blank will spoil you rotten. Of course, you really must fish a rod (or a few) to be sure of what you want. Joe Zagorski puts the boots to a big tautog with help from a Saltiga reel paired to a United Composites rod. United Composite and Rod Geeks make blanks that will make it hard for you to choose just one. ODM Rods feature a futuristic concept in design and quality that is uncommon in today’s profit driven world. ODM will release game changers in both the spinning and conventional categories in the very near future. For the jigger, the Black Hole Challenger 701L is a great choice, as is the Tsunami Slim Wave. Both Maxel and Tsunami’s Slow Pitch rods are worth a good look too. Their Classic Series and Bottom Fish Rods represent a great value. Tsunami makes several rods that are an excellent rod at a terrific value with many innovative designs. Rods from Black Hole and Jigging World have a strong following. Not all crazy high priced, many of these rods are on the rack at your tackle shop now, while others are still in the developmental stages and will be available soon. If you like a slim and very stiff rod with a soft tip, they are here. If you prefer a parabolic bend with excellent sensitivity, it can be done. Due to new blank technology, such as solid tip construction and composite overlays, these rods have become super light and tough. Modern rod construction has blended the qualities and made them super durable and scary light. ![]() High modulus graphite rods do not respond well when doubled over while frozen. A sensitive rod is preferred by many, but sensitive and durable do not go together very often. Rods in the 7- to 8-foot range are perfect the longer the rod, the more leverage and lifting power I have on the initial hookset. Whether fishing a jig or a rig, a blackfish rod is a special tool. So here are a few of the things I’ve seen changing at the rails of some of the best blackfish boats around. Modern technology has made rods, reels and lines so superior to the best that we had even just 10 short years ago and if it gives me an advantage, I’ll take it! And if you can stay comfortable while at the rail all day long, your chances of hooking your new personal best (PB) tautog are greatly improved. Having a very mechanical mind – and a bad habit of fishing a lot – it has me sharing some new concepts with some who build and design the tools that we use. It’s important to keep in mind that trophy blackfish season in the Northeast carries through to some of the coldest months of the year, which can put even greater stresses on our gear and our constitution. This month begins the search for big ol’ whitechinners tackle busting brutes that live in the stickiest of spots that will test your tackle and your moxy down to your very foundation. ![]() Linen line has faded, then came Dacron and mono now it’s all about braid, which allows us time to take a hard look at what else is different in today’s gear in terms of rods and reels. I had never seen such a thing before, and he out fished the boat and it wasn’t even close-a true legend. I remember Stan on the bow with his wooden side cast reel. My first head boat trip was on the Big Mohawk III with Capt. Jersey’s five fish tautog limit returns November 16 – are you geared up? The author with a November tautog taken on conventional tackle (Note the red sinker many sharpies use flat red paint to kill the reflective finish on shiny, new sinkers.) ![]()
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