Got the 18 Corto out today, full fishing report on TN board but my thoughts on just the rod here. Light as a feather this thing is , literally. I was slinging the 7.6 MajorCraft X-Ride all morning with a 1/32 lite wire jig head and Bobby Garland Baby Shad, so the Trout Magnet on the 6.10 Corto felt twice as light. I stuck a couple Gills, the bite was a nice sharp tick felt through the rod blank, and the fight was a very rigid battle, the rod did not get into a major bend on the small cricket crunchers.
Name: IMG_3773.jpg Views: 479 Size: 66.8 KB
I searched many pre spawn areas but no luck on the Size-able Sunnies. On one secondary shallow point I did tie into some nice Crappie on the Corto, and it definitely got the bend test. A big girl was first, what a way to baptize the rod.
Name: IMG_3776.jpg Views: 470 Size: 67.3 KB
The rod, drag and line brought her the net and I was so shocked to have stumbled upon a Crappie I did not pay attention to the rod bend. Three more were present in this little area and I focused more on the rod and the feel of the Crappie fight. Definitely a difference, the Corto held the lunging Crappie, but the strong little tail bursts of the Gills are felt better through the rigid rod. I will definitely keep the TM on the 1/48oz jig on this rod, the 7.3 Triple Cross may get the back up Bluegill spot. I need more seat time on the Corto, and did have a 16in Smallmouth crush the TM, make a Tarpon-like tail walk and return the jig back to the sender. All on me, not the rod. So far, money well spent, I am happy with my new weapons and now plan to spend more time getting used to the lines and drag settings to maximize the fun factor these rods bring.