JDM rods relating to Panfish

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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

That is sweet!!! I looked it up. It’s made by L.L. Bean. $189. Now that I know where to look you can see the logo in middle of bag.

Rod and Reel Cases | Outdoor Equipment at L.L.Bean.

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just to be clear, that isn’t my truck and I don’t have that exact setup. I have a similar set up made of smaller pieces that covers everything from a place to store tie downs for my kayak, to recovery gear in case I get stuck or run across someone else who’s stuck. Also houses a n emergency kit, and my fishing tackle.

if anyone else has a Tacoma access cab, these Dewalt tool boxes are a perfect fit and combined with the factory storage compartment make a nearly perfect platform behind the seat.

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Originally Posted by warhawk

just to be clear, that isn’t my truck and I don’t have that exact setup. I have a similar set up made of smaller pieces that covers everything from a place to store tie downs for my kayak, to recovery gear in case I get stuck or run across someone else who’s stuck. Also houses a n emergency kit, and my fishing tackle.

if anyone else has a Tacoma access cab, these Dewalt tool boxes are a perfect fit and combined with the factory storage compartment make a nearly perfect platform behind the seat.

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Yep, I have the same setup for my Access Cab:

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Originally Posted by MtnFisher

Yep, I have the same setup for my Access Cab

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PM sent.

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Originally Posted by FishSolidATL

I am going to pair it with my soare CI14+ 500S reel spooled with 2.3 lb ester with a 2 lb fluoro leader.

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I'd also be curious to hear how you like your Soare 500S. I have C2000SSPG and I was thinking about 500S for Rockin' Finesse with a 1 lb ester. Torn between the Soare and the Luvias...

Alphahawk,

Did you ever consider high end models from the two biggest manufacturers, Daiwa and Shimano? Gekkabijin EX AGS and Soare Xtune seem to get rave reviews and specs appear to be up to par.

The main reason I am asking is my current dilemma: I am a bit torn between high end rods from the Shimano and Yamaga seabass line-ups. Exsence Infinity and Ballistick TZ Nano are probably the highest end series from the two manufacturers, but the information available on the web is extremely limited. Quite a risk at those price points. I like the fact that I can find those two from at least one vendor; I had to rule out GL Super Argento for that reason. The Shimanos are made of T1100G, but I sure also like Yamaga's reputation in that department. I know those are not panfish rods at all, but would appreciate any advice when it comes to comparing high end models from the "big two" and the japanese domestic-only manufacturers.

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Originally Posted by FishSolidATL

Ok first impression is that the soare combo reel plus rod is extremely light. My scale indicates 6.7 oz. Also very stiff rod. I’ll take it on a small stream tomorrow morning to experience the action. Randy I know that 4’8 is very short but some of these north Georgia stream are so tiny and overgrown that it feels like a perfect length especially with some of the hiking involved at times.


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The Shimano Soare CI4+ S408UL-S Ajing is stiff only until you get a fish on the line. I think you are going to love it. I used to import them but they didn't sell well so I dropped them. It seems most guys who want Ajing rods want long ones for lakes, and most guys who fish small streams want a stream trout rod. However, you will find that it is still extremely sensitive and is the best rod anywhere close to that length for casting light lures. It will cast a .4g spoon better than Area trout rods rated for .4g spoons! I paired mine with the Soare CI4+ 500S and really like that combination.

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Originally Posted by s_v

Alphahawk,

Did you ever consider high end models from the two biggest manufacturers, Daiwa and Shimano? Gekkabijin EX AGS and Soare Xtune seem to get rave reviews and specs appear to be up to par.

The main reason I am asking is my current dilemma: I am a bit torn between high end rods from the Shimano and Yamaga seabass line-ups. Exsence Infinity and Ballistick TZ Nano are probably the highest end series from the two manufacturers, but the information available on the web is extremely limited. Quite a risk at those price points. I like the fact that I can find those two from at least one vendor; I had to rule out GL Super Argento for that reason. The Shimanos are made of T1100G, but I sure also like Yamaga's reputation in that department. I know those are not panfish rods at all, but would appreciate any advice when it comes to comparing high end models from the "big two" and the japanese domestic-only manufacturers.

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I have read about the Daiwa and Shimano UL rods for quite a few years. I did own a Daiwa Gekkabijin MX Ajing back in 2013. It was best I remember a 7' 1" rod or 7 footer. At that time it was the shortest rod they offered in that line up. It was the most rigid rod I have ever owned and I was wondering just how well it would fish. It had the Mega Top and was a putrid green color...LOL. The rod was extremely sensitive. The first time I fished it was below Pickwick Dam in what we called the "Pig Pen". First cast with the rod was a 21 inch Smallie. I just knew the rod was going to break. But it bent into a big curve and the fish was landed. The next cast a 26 inch carp hit it. I was using Trout Magnet SOS 2# test and had the drag set much tighter than I have a drag set nowadays. The rod was great for larger fish but bluegill and crappie were not a lot of fun to catch with that rod. I only fished it for a year and gave it away to a fishing buddy. Looking back on it the rod was really superb. I never bought another Daiwa rod after that. I would not hesitate to buy another Daiwa at all. I have never owned a JDM Shimano but have read many glowing reviews of them. They have a lot of models I am interested in but there are so many rods I have my eye on I get lost in it all...LOL. What I have found with the high end JDM rods you will not go wrong with whatever choice you make. I know that may not be much help but I have found that to be the case over the past 8 years.


Regards

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Originally Posted by Chris Stewart

The Shimano Soare CI4+ S408UL-S Ajing is stiff only until you get a fish on the line. I think you are going to love it. I used to import them but they didn't sell well so I dropped them. It seems most guys who want Ajing rods want long ones for lakes, and most guys who fish small streams want a stream trout rod. However, you will find that it is still extremely sensitive and is the best rod anywhere close to that length for casting light lures. It will cast a .4g spoon better than Area trout rods rated for .4g spoons! I paired mine with the Soare CI4+ 500S and really like that combination.

Attachment 379213

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Chris, you’re right. This combo was a blast and a lot of fun casting .5g jig heads and a few spoons down to even .3g on a small mountain stream. I also have a stream trout rod for plugs so I’m going to use the shimano combo for everything under 1g. Sensitivity and bite detection was off the chart especially paired with 2.3 lb ester line. I was able to catch about 6 rainbows and oh boy did they put up a nice fight! The only issue I encountered was that I was overcasting many times. Not sure if it’s because of the light weight of the combo or if the rod tip is more rigid than my other rods but I was constantly over a few feet to where I wanted to position my lure. For instance, a a side cast left to right I ended up too far to the right and vice an versa until I got used to letting the line go earlier. Anyway here are a few photos. No great angles but the stream was very overgrown and full of slippery rocks so this is the best I could do without dropping my phone in the water.

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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

I have read about the Daiwa and Shimano UL rods for quite a few years. I did own a Daiwa Gekkabijin MX Ajing back in 2013. It was best I remember a 7' 1" rod or 7 footer. At that time it was the shortest rod they offered in that line up. It was the most rigid rod I have ever owned and I was wondering just how well it would fish. It had the Mega Top and was a putrid green color...LOL. The rod was extremely sensitive. The first time I fished it was below Pickwick Dam in what we called the "Pig Pen". First cast with the rod was a 21 inch Smallie. I just knew the rod was going to break. But it bent into a big curve and the fish was landed. The next cast a 26 inch carp hit it. I was using Trout Magnet SOS 2# test and had the drag set much tighter than I have a drag set nowadays. The rod was great for larger fish but bluegill and crappie were not a lot of fun to catch with that rod. I only fished it for a year and gave it away to a fishing buddy. Looking back on it the rod was really superb. I never bought another Daiwa rod after that. I would not hesitate to buy another Daiwa at all. I have never owned a JDM Shimano but have read many glowing reviews of them. They have a lot of models I am interested in but there are so many rods I have my eye on I get lost in it all...LOL. What I have found with the high end JDM rods you will not go wrong with whatever choice you make. I know that may not be much help but I have found that to be the case over the past 8 years.


Regards

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Thanks for your thoughts on the subject, Alphahawk. A somewhat related question: why is it that Shimano and Daiwa rods can be often find on eBay for less than MSRP? The situation is often opposite with smaller (no offense meant) brands, such as Graphiteleader, Ever Green, Yamaga, Tict. Smaller production scale?

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Originally Posted by s_v

Thanks for your thoughts on the subject, Alphahawk. A somewhat related question: why is it that Shimano and Daiwa rods can be often find on eBay for less than MSRP? The situation is often opposite with smaller (no offense meant) brands, such as Graphiteleader, Ever Green, Yamaga, Tict. Smaller production scale?

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Not really sure. In the past couple of years you can actually get some rods off of eBay for a decent price. I used to scour eBay years ago before buying a particular rod and the rods had such a high premium on them I gave up searching eBay for rods...or reels.....until about 2 years back.

Regards