May Allah shower his blessings and grant us forgiveness in this holy Ramadan.
Monday, April 12, 2021
Thursday, January 21, 2021
Carpenter Bluefish
Carpenter Bluefish (BF) was born during 2004/05 testing season, and i think just right after the GT-y development and testing. It was seen during Mr Kenji Konishi's trip to Komodo Is, Indonesia in late 2004. As you may aware, Komodo Island is know for fast and strong tide areas. And due to it's rocky/hilly bottom, waves are generated due to the strong tidal action. From my understanding, BF was to cater "triangular" tidal wave action due to "undersea" structure and obstacles such as boulders, outcrop and hills which GT-y does not gives the best action. So "biggerhead" Bluefish (BF) model was born. From my observation, BF gives more rolling action compares with GT-y that rolls and dives action. So in my understanding, use GT-y during calmer sea condition and BF during "choppy" and rough sea condition. (Please correct me if I am wrong).
Prototype testing of BF lures especially BF90, BF105, BF120 and BF140 were mainly done in 2010 and 2011 for both GT (New Caledonia) and Amberjack/Kingfish/Hiramasa/Buri (Genkai Sea, New Zealand).
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| prototype BF100 100g and 130g...nice color!! |
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| BF120prototype Genkai Sea Dec 2010 |
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| BF90, BF105, BF120 prototype colors of horse mackerel Jan 2011 |
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| BF140g KLL experiment lure New Caledonia Jan 2012 |
Since then BF has been repeatedly modified, evolved and perfected with current 8 models ranging from 30g up to 160g. Even for the new models there were labels/mark "Fish" to differentiate action even though the weight is the same. This Fish mark logo means that the lure is slightly "active" action compared with non-logo lure i.e. the logo lure will give more erratic action. So the most reliable way to use them is to actually throw both of them and see the reaction to the fish. Here for official site of Bluefish.
P/S
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| 8 different Bluefish models |
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| "Fish" label at belly of BF160 Pilotfish |
As for BF's action video, acknowledgement to Mr Ken Miyamoto for his Youtube . Also I made from his video the comparison action between GT-y and BF.
Frankly, the frequency usage of my BFs are far most the less compared to other stickbaits such as GT-y, Hayabusa, Maihime and Ge-Nei. Probably, I am not adventure enough to GT popping during choppy sea condition. Maybe I should concentrate more on BF to get the feel and kick from it.
As for models, the ones that I never tested are BF30 and BF45. You can refer BF120 here and BF160 here.
Sharing info for BF140-225 below.
BF140-225 has approximate length and weight of 255mm and 137g, respectively. Compatible hook weight per piece ~ 11g e.g. Decoy Saltwater 6/0 and compatible splitring is Carpenter 350lb. Recommended Carpenter's GT rod includes TBL80/30, TBL80/35, TBL83/32, TBL80/40, EP85/36, EP82/38, EP86/40, CV79/35, CV79/40, F3711/40 and MH80H. BF140 has two main actions i.e. just reel in walk-the-dog and γ jerk where jerk speed, length, pitch, stop time, etc. can be adapted to the nature and circumstances of the target fish. Please refer here for official Carpenter BF140 site.
Below is color produced for BF140 in Feb 2015 and Aug 2016.
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| BF140 Blackback Hologram Feb 2015 |
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| BF140 Pilotfish Feb 2015 |
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| BF140 Diablo Black back |
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| BF140 Diablo Blueback (kinda green to me) |
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| BF140 Black back Orange belly Aug 2017 |
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| BF140 Diablo White Aug 2017 |
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| BF140 Flying fish Aug 2017 |
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| BF140_Green fusilier Australia |
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Very very rare and unusual printing mistakes of BF140 |
will try for BF100, BF75, BF60 in future post.
Disclaimer
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Friday, November 6, 2020
2020: GT Popping 101.25 (Part 2)
continue from Part 1
Lets discuss on setup. Well, I can classified or categorized GT popping based on setup i.e. Light, Medium, and Heavy.
Light Setup
How light is light? Will you bring light setup to your trip?
Myself, if I can predict GT between 1-10kg, I will bring "light-setup".
I am maybe wrong but for me light setup is when I intend to cast 60-100g chugger with PE3-5 as main line and leader ~ 100lb. Somebody will ask why not PE1-3 as light? Nahhh, I wont cast popper or stickbait using PE1-3 for GT, too risky...hehehe. I reserve PE1-3 for swimmers such as Jackson Pintail 40g.
As for reels, ideally any reels that can hold PE3-5 for 300m will do nicely. For example, Shimano Stella or Twinpower or Spheros 6000HG and 8000HG. I wonder why they didn't produce 10000XG anymore. As for Daiwa, 2015 Saltiga or Catalina 3500H, 4000H, 4500H and 5000H or 2020 Saltiga 8000H and 10000H will do nicely. The said reels are just examples, please select to your liking, judgement and discretion (also budget hehehe). For example, if I got PE4/300m, I will match with Stella/Twinpower 8000HG or Saltiga 4500H or 8000H (2020 version). Question will raise why 300m? You can go to 200m or 400m but I think 300m is just ideal. Brand of mainline? Any brand that you trusted and proven will do.
As for rods, there so many choices of rods rating PE3-5. For example, CB One VS83/9, Carpenter BC80MRF, BC75MHS, BC78HS, TBL80/20, TBL84/22, Hots Fake Lez series, Hots Gipang Tide Lez series, Mc Works Dazzler and Explosion series, Tenryu Spike series, Yamaga Blank Blue Sniper and Blue Reef series, Zenaq Tobizo series, Ripple Fisher Aquila series etc etc. As I said so many choices and ALL are equivalent.
Coming to lures. Well "Light" mean light i.e. 60 to 100 grams with max hooks size <7grams ~ 1/0-3/0. So many brands of lures in the world. All will catch GTs.
Medium Class
My favorite coz expecting GT size between 10-25kg. Average mainline PE6-8. Lure weight between 100-150g either chugger, stickbait, divebait or swimbait. Leader ranging from 100lb to 170lb.
200-300m of PE6 to PE8 will filled into Stella/Twinpower/Spheros/Saragosa 10000XG (with SOM16000 spool) or 14000XG and Daiwa Saltiga/Catalina/Blast 5000H, 6500H, 10000H and 14000XH.
As for rods, also so many choices from hundred of brands. Regarding this class, I think manufactures made a lot of models and combination. Same goes for the lures. General GT anglers will feel effortless when casting 100-150g lures and play with them all day long.
Heavy Class
I think this class when expecting GT more than 25kg. Mainline PE10-12 (100lb-150lb). I think PE8 mainline also can be included in this class. Lure weight >150g with leader 170lb and above. With Stella 18000HG or 20000PG and Saltiga 6500H, 8000HDF, 18000H and 20000H.
Not many manufactures produce PE10-12 "Badboys" rod. Probably "hard" and expensive to make PE10-12 rods. Very niche class. Based on what I've seen in internet, hardcore garua chaser will use either Smith WRC77 Rocket, Smith Tokara 60, Ripple Fisher Final Spirit GT79 and GT80, Hots Gipang TideLez GT77XXXH, Fisherman Monster CC series, Truth OceanSprinter 8110, Hammer Head Faube 77M+ and Faube 77H and Carpenter WV80XH, LGM SP78EXH and SP78UHL. I maybe missed some manufactures. Please forgive me.
Please refer to your local store, favorite stores, friends, experts, forums and/or internet for their suggestion of your setup.
Please refer to your local store, favorite stores, friends, experts, forums and/or internet for their suggestion of your setup.
Well, that's the end of part 2.
Please email me for any suggestion and feedback.
Disclaimer
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
I do not claim to be an authority in the field of the rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site are at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All of the above writing is just my passions, feedback and opinion and acts as information for the public. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanations and descriptions. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, I provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT ASSOCIATED with any brands and/or promoting and /or advertising any brands.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference levels. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of the product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Friday, September 4, 2020
Studio Ocean Mark Spool Compatibility for Stella
Year 2019-20 we saw the new launching of Shimano Stella SW series ranging from series 6000 to 30000. With that Studio Ocean Mark a.k.a. SOM release new compatibility table for their spool.
Myself still using Stella 08 and 2013 version.
So basically, we have Stella 2008, 2013 and 2019-20 with popping reel size of 8000 (not 2019 version), 10000, 14000, 18000, 20000 and 30000. With that SOM's version of spare spool is No Limits 08SW, No Limits13SW version 1 and No Limits 13SW version 2 (introduced in 2018). From I understand from SOM's website, No Limits 13SW v2 is compatible with Stella 2019.
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| Shimano Spinning spool → Compatible SOM custom parts |
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| SOM custom parts → Compatible spinning spool |
Below is some explanation on what is BM, HP and RC of NL13SW version 1 models for Stella SW16000 and 18000.
As for details of the new 2018 No Limit 13SW version 2, please refer below
So basically, my 2008 Stella SW10000XG which previously paired with No Limits 08SW16000, can also be paired with No Limits13SW16000 v1 and No Limits 13SW16000 v2. And my 2013 Stella is also compatible with No Limits13SW16000 and No Limits 13SW16000 v2. Well done SOM!!!
But notice SOM's claim on the drag power.
Version 2 spool has lower drag power than the "version 1" 13NLSW spool.
I did make some comparison between V1 and V2. Here.
1-2kg drag power difference...doesn't bother me at all.....
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| copied from Alan Hawk's |
p/s
will do for Daiwa next, but I've been told that 2018 No Limits 15ST v2 for Saltiga is NOT COMPATIBLE with the new 2020 Saltiga.
Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler. I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
I am just a normal recreational angler. I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Carpenter: Sea Leopard 80/33 - Update
On Sept 11, 2017, Carpenter announced the debut of its new popping rod namely Sea Leopard SLP 80/33. It is a GT rod. I was fortunate to get the Custom Build Model with gold thread color.
Summary below is based on Carpenter's Official site: SLP80/33
Length: 8 feet (2450mm)
Line No.: PE6 (probably can go up to PE8)
Lure wt.: 100 to 160 g (GT sinking lure can be up to 350 g)
Max drag: 10 kg
Rod wt.: 380g (mine is 385g)
Grip Lgth.: FG = 250mm RG = 430mm
Real Seat: DPS SD22
It is stated in the site that SLP80/33 is kinda "Magical Rod". The rod's nature is " a fishing rod of the magical nature" which supple flexibly till the butt section of the rod while the anglers do not feel much load during fight, but actually the lifting power comes out through out the blank. Sea Leopard 80/33 is basically recommended for people with low body power. Based on that statement, my opinion is SLP is big brother to EP series. Mr Konishi said he also recommends this rod for beginner of GT popping. WIth 33lb class and rod weight of 380-385gram, it is one of the lightest of it class.
Recommended lure weight is between 100g to 160g, which i translated, i can chug Seafrog TH120 or HustlePop 130 and i can play BF100, BF120, Maihime 120, GenEi 120, Gamma 105, 120, 140 and probably max 160. Also diving stickbait up to 120g.
Tested this rod on few popping trips and I love it!!!Matched it with Stella SW14000XG filled with Powerpro 80lb.
Casting with this rod is very easy. Fighting GTs and Queenies is very forgiving due to it's tip action and butt power. It didn't hurt my back at all!!
Easy to chug SF TH120 and Damsel 90 and 120.
As for stickbait, really good match with 120g stickbait eg. Gamma, Maihime, Ge-Nei, Hayabusa and BF120.
For diving popper, really nice feeling on Amegari Urpekari 190, NativeWork Napalm 200 and 220.
Really an all-rounder rod for me, especially with 120g class stickbaits and popper.
A little slack line skills needed to play Gamma 90L and Super-L.
Top 3 rods for me currently SLP80/33, PJ80/36 and TBL80/35.
Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler. I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
Summary below is based on Carpenter's Official site: SLP80/33
Length: 8 feet (2450mm)
Line No.: PE6 (probably can go up to PE8)
Lure wt.: 100 to 160 g (GT sinking lure can be up to 350 g)
Max drag: 10 kg
Rod wt.: 380g (mine is 385g)
Grip Lgth.: FG = 250mm RG = 430mm
Real Seat: DPS SD22
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| Pic form Carpnter site showing Carpenter's Owner Mr Kenji Konshi tested SL80/33 with PE8 |
Recommended lure weight is between 100g to 160g, which i translated, i can chug Seafrog TH120 or HustlePop 130 and i can play BF100, BF120, Maihime 120, GenEi 120, Gamma 105, 120, 140 and probably max 160. Also diving stickbait up to 120g.
Tested this rod on few popping trips and I love it!!!Matched it with Stella SW14000XG filled with Powerpro 80lb.
Casting with this rod is very easy. Fighting GTs and Queenies is very forgiving due to it's tip action and butt power. It didn't hurt my back at all!!
Easy to chug SF TH120 and Damsel 90 and 120.
As for stickbait, really good match with 120g stickbait eg. Gamma, Maihime, Ge-Nei, Hayabusa and BF120.
For diving popper, really nice feeling on Amegari Urpekari 190, NativeWork Napalm 200 and 220.
Really an all-rounder rod for me, especially with 120g class stickbaits and popper.
A little slack line skills needed to play Gamma 90L and Super-L.
Top 3 rods for me currently SLP80/33, PJ80/36 and TBL80/35.
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| Gold thread |
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| Custom Build Model |
Disclaimer
I am just a normal recreational angler. I am NOT claim to be an authority in the field of rod, lure and equipment testing and the use of any information on this site is at the user’s and buyer's own risk. All above writing is just MY FEEDBACK and OPINION. Please browse official sites for more accurate explanation and description. While I make every effort to provide accurate and complete information, i provide no warranty, expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any information on this site. I welcome suggestions on how to improve this site’s content and correct errors. I am also NOT related to any rod maker and/o/ lure maker. Just a normal fans.
Lure MAX and line MAX and notation of drag value are reference level. Please consider casting methods and fighting methods etc. as it changes with the person who uses it.
Those who are expert the basics of loading method properly can use bigger lures and even use thicker lines.
Rod weight is a numerical value when measuring the prototype rod. Please acknowledge that there are some errors at the time of product.
Rod Specifications Parts are subject to change without prior notice for improvement. Please note that.
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