|
By Greg Seeto
As I’ve alluded to a couple of weeks ago, in my article on my website www.lureandfly.com, Fishing rods are my weekness! (Part 3), I’ve been fortunate enough to have access to one of the new Daiwa Infeet Gekkabijin RF68-T rods, which are due for release in late April. They are an ultra light, finesse rod designed specifically for fishing small hard body lures on finesse fluorocarbon lines.
For about 2 months, and at just about every opportunity presented to me, I’ve been using it combined with a new Gekkabijin MX 2004 reel spooled with 3 lb fluorocarbon.
So my impressions?
First, the cosmetics? I like it! The white blank that is. It’s a little retro, but it certainly stands out. This seems to be an emerging trend with Daiwa rods at present. They did it with the bright orange on the TMX-I Interline rods, and I think it works with the Infeet as well. If you’re into aesthetics, then you’ll definitely want to match it with the MX 2004 reel.
The rod feels nice in the hand, and balances nicely with the MX 2004. I personally like a slightly longer handle, and cork, but the new Daiwa EVA ergonomic reels seats are very comfortable, and feel good in the hand.
The blank, as with everything about the rod, is light. Designed specifically for use with Fluorocarbon lines, it is effortless to cast, and when fully loaded, the regular action allows for a full parabolic arc in the blank. When combined with the 9 (yes 9) ultra smooth silicone carbide “micro” guides, this helps to exert even line pressure through the rod, thereby utilising the full action of the blank. The end result? Reduced line friction, with less pulled hooks and line breakage, even with ultra light lines.
Even running fluorocarbon lines “straight through”, the tip of this rod is ultra sensitive. I like to run small crankbaits with a slow roll adjacent to and parallel to structure. Often the takes from the fish are very subtle as they chase down the lure and “mouth” it on the retrieve. I’ve had no issue feeling the bites, and I simply keep winding and gently turn my body away from the fish, using the action of the rod to load into it.
So, what about the reel? The Mx 2004 is smooth and robust. With all the standard features you’d expect from Daiwa (Digigear II, ABS-R finesse spool, Cross wrap, Air bail etc), the reel also has a smooth sealed drag, and slow crank speed, perfect for fishing small crankbaits.
Matched with a Gekkabijin MX2004 reel, the Infeet Gekkabijin RF68-T is a light weight and sensitive, finesse rod that really suits my fishing style to a T.
Greg, the eldest of the three Seeto brothers and father of three, owns his own printing business with his wife and has fished the tournament trail for the last four years both as an individual and in a team and achieved many top ten finishes in that time.
He loves fishing with his kids, and has fished several tournaments with his 10 year old Daughter.
The three brothers now have their own website covering all aspects of their fishing experiences. Click here for more information |
