Bought my new rod and reel today - happy now

[NormC]

I've been chooking around for a while wondering what to buy. Wanted something with a bit of power, but also suitable for casting (mainly live bait).

Scenario 1 -anchored 15m off a good snag and want to get the bait right on the spot).

Scenario 2 - camped on the side of a river up North (barra country) and toss a livie in during the evening while having a beer / dinner.

I got a Diawa Saltist 30 H and a Rapala Braid Concept BC 662OMH rod. Rod is 6 ft 6 inches and claims to be rated at 10 - 20 KG. Very tippy rod for this rating. The 20 KG rating is a bit of a stretch IMO, but not a problem as I was shopping for 10 to 15 KG in any case.

This is my first Diawa (other than cheapies). All my other 'good' reels are Shimano (other than one Abu). I've read some good reports on the Saltist, so thought I'd give Diawa a go.

I'll put either 30 lb braid or 40 lb mono on it (as I have a fair supply of each). I tend to use braid on my lure casting and trolling reels, but till now have preferred mono on my live bait reels. No good reason, just what I do.

It won't get a serious work out till early next year when we head for NT for a few months, but I'll give it a go in Coomera /Broadwater in the meantime.

Norm C

[Tetsuo]

Sounds good. You will love the Daiwa. Go the braid

[revs57]

G'day Norm,

You'll be happy with the Rapala...don't be trcked by the "tippy" feel, the Rapala is a very tough rod, typically Parabolic in shape when it loads up, you can whack a heap of hurt through it, don't be afraid of it! you wont break it...It'll pull you over the side first. Matched with the saltiga, look out fish! Mate get into it! Well done

cheers

Rhys

[NormC]

Thanks guys. I've read a couple of reports on the Rapala rods and liked the look of them. But I've never seen one in use or known anyone with one. I just thought, what the hell. Buying my forst good Diawa, might as well try a rod I've never had before as well.

Looking forward to tackling a big Barra or Threadfin on it.

[revs57]

Yeah norm, I've got a Rapala braid concept 8-10kg, matched to a 560 penn plammer and run up to 24kg braid over it - Use it for SP's off shore, I've monstered some big fish off it over time - I know it will perform for you. Like I said, very parabolic in shape under load, loads up right through the butt and so it can be a little concerning until you get used to it, but don't be fooled by its "soft" feel, you can really get stuck into a good fish! Cheers rhys