Crankbait Action Rods.

Cindy · #1 04-05-2003, 07:17 AM

Hi All,
Cindy and I were very interested in the discussion about the differing rod actions under the "Has anybody got or used-heartland-Z" thread.
To start, I quote 'pw-bream': "I believe that when fishing hard lures for fish that are "inhalers" such as Bass, Barra, and EP that there is a school of thought that says a soft, slow taper rod is best. I believe Loomis make a series of rods based on this theory.
The theory (By Ann Elk)
When using low/non-stretch line like braids and fused GSP a fish like this is prevented from hooking up when it sucks in the lure if there isn't sufficient "give" in the rod to allow the lure to be inhaled with the gulp of water that these type of fish use to catch their prey."
To add my reseach into the discussion: crankbait action rods were designed specifically for cast and retrieve style fishing where the 'crankbait' or hard bodied lure is continuosly retrieved back to the angler.
As the lure goes past the fish, the fish inhales, stops the lure and turns for cover, however the angler momentarily continues to retrieve the line, thus loading the rod. The drawback of graphite's fast recovery speed means that the rod very quickly loads up the lure and will pull the lure from the fish before the angler can slacken the line thus resulting in what would feel like a classic 'short strike'.
A crankbait rod tip is made from a lower modulus material to allow the tip to bend easily when the lure is grabbed, thus putting a 'time delay' into the strike. BTW, I'm only talking fractions of a second here but it is noticeable, somewhat similar to using conventional nylon monofilament line.
The rods' butt is made from graphite, so when you do load up during the strike and fight, the line is loaded with all the recovery of a high modulus material, making it easy to keep in contact with the fish; the tip just 'folds away' and doesn't provide any resistance to the fish during this period. The 'trick' with designing the rod blank is to get the transition point between the glass and graphite correct for the applicable line class.
To sum up, you have some give in the rod-line-lure connection combined with the advantage of using modern non-stretch 'superline'.
We (Black Diamond TR) have released our version of this classic rod under the "SwitchBack LureCast" series. Available in spin or cast configuration, they feature a gloss black one piece blank fitted with gold ring guides in Ti carbide finished frames, with a matching reel seat and complementary gold and black bindings and logo.
These are easy casting rods and will work well on a variety of species.
FYI, Warren at Breammaster can supply these rods if you are interested.
Cheers,
Steve Ross
BDTR.

chris_lemess · #2 04-05-2003, 08:07 AM

I gather they're not Fuji componentry?

Cindy · #3 04-05-2003, 10:22 PM

Hi Chris,

We have gone with something different on this series. They are top quality "Forecast" guides made by our blank manufacturer Rainshadow/Batson Enterprises in USA.

Cheers,
Cindy

Bear · #4 04-05-2003, 10:33 PM

Chris,
These guys have a pretty good web site. Factory tours and a few other things.

http://www.batsonenterprises.com/index2.php

Worth a look.

jimi · #5 04-05-2003, 10:41 PM

Bear, that is an interesting site. I only had a vague idea of how rod blanks are made, but the virtual tour certainly cleared a few things up. Well worth a look.

Cheers

Bear · #6 04-05-2003, 11:12 PM

It's not a bad idea.

I wish more firms did this sort of thing. Really well done.

Cindy · #7 05-05-2003, 06:16 AM

We will be sending Bear over a sample Switchback Lurecast (cast) so those interested could have a look.

Bear: which would you prefer: the 3-5kg or 4-6kg? It will be on its way soon. Just trying to finish up one of your fly rods.

Glad you guys enjoyed the Batson Website. The tour is a great idea and helps alot in understanding the making of blanks.

Cheers,
Cindy

#8 05-05-2003, 06:24 AM

Hey Bear
check out Pacific Bay International
they have a great range of rod blanks and components
their guides are great alternatives to the Fuji's.
They can send U free catalogues of their products.

http://www.fishpacbay.com

_________

Hon-Su

Bear · #9 05-05-2003, 07:33 AM

3-5 thanks Cindy.

Cindy · #10 05-05-2003, 09:04 PM

Hi All,
Just to clarify one important point: the G. Loomis Crankbait rods are made from 100% carbon fibre sheet. They are the first and only manufacturer (to my knowledge) to achieve a crankbait action using 100% carbon fibre in their rod blanks.
Having said that, their actions are different (NOT better or worse!) to our Black Diamonds, which gives everyone the choice of rod actions they prefer. Check them out and see!
Regards,
Steve Ross
BDTR.