First impressions on my new rod and reel.

[Nooo Fish]

I decided to treat my self to a new rod and reel yesterday seeing as the rod I have been using is about 17 years old, it's a Diawa strike force X. My Grandad got it out of the focus points ya used to collect in the regal fags!! The varnish is flaking off and the reel seat is knackered as well. I snapped my Shakespeare salt reel getting it off the rod last week.

So I went to fishing republic yesterday and I was going to get a sonik SKS rod and penn surfblaster 8000 reel but the lad in the shop showed me a rod and reel combo deal they had so I went for that. I got the surfblaster 8000, and a penn rampage 13ft rod. It also came with a rampage travel case to match and a spool of line as well.

After getting some bait from reelsport in Hebburn I went down roker pier with a few mates and got it set up. I noticed straight away how much lighter it was than my old rod and reel and after a few casts I was getting much more distance with a 5oz weight. The new reel lays the line back on very nicely and it's very smooth. By the end of the day I was casting as far as my mate who was using a multiplyer, then laughing at him getting birds nests. So I'm very happy with my purchase and can't wait to get back out and use it again. I never caught owt but still a nice day to be out.

The only thing that spoilt the day was some ignorant git decided to anchor his boat right where I was casting off the pier. I couldn't believe it when he came belting down the side of the pier. He's got all that open sea and decides to fish casting distance off the pier. I was tempted to take my hooks off and show him how far I could cast but he wasn't there for long.

And I'd like to say thanks to fishing republic. The lad was very helpful. Great service so ill be going back for my tackle and bait.

Andy

 

[OuTkast76]

Nice one mate, Hear mixed reviews of sonik rods both good and bad, But hear nothing but good things about the surfblasters, As long as your happy with your set up is all that matters...I forgot all about them focus points...that must have been a while back

 

[Nooo Fish]

Nice one mate, Hear mixed reviews of sonik rods both good and bad, But hear nothing but good things about the surfblasters, As long as your happy with your set up is all that matters...I forgot all about them focus points...that must have been a while back

Not many people remember the focus points mate. I'm over the moon with the set up mate. The lad in the shop said the rampage is a much better rod and it was only an extra 20 quid more. The surfblaster is certainly looks the part. Just needs to stand the test of time now.

And see what it feels like with a fish on. Ha ha.

 

[OuTkast76]

Sorry i didnt read properly i thought you got the sonik, Not really clued up on penn rods but if they are anything near the quality of the reels then should be spot on, best of luck on the fish...there will be plenty about soon

 

[ambleangler]

The Penn Rampage rod got a good write up in one of the sea mags recently.I have a Sonik SK3 and its been really great for me but the deal that you got from the shop seems spot on mate.

cheers.

aa.:thumbup:

 

[09gmarsh2009]

I used to have the 13 ft sk3 and got rid as it felt a bit flimsy,ave been using century's and have now settled for a kompressor ss as my main rod but just done a swap for my old greys for a sk3 14 ft and must say I'm impressed with it too!!! It can cast a 6oz weight no problem and handles just as we'll as my ss!! I was also on the pier same time as you, we were fishing just up from yas,lad wearing red England top, also seen yas in republic...... We caught nowt either other than a nice tan top up?!!!!

 

[Nooo Fish]

I used to have the 13 ft sk3 and got rid as it felt a bit flimsy,ave been using century's and have now settled for a kompressor ss as my main rod but just done a swap for my old greys for a sk3 14 ft and must say I'm impressed with it too!!! It can cast a 6oz weight no problem and handles just as we'll as my ss!! I was also on the pier same time as you, we were fishing just up from yas,lad wearing red England top, also seen yas in republic...... We caught nowt either other than a nice tan top up?!!!!

The sonic rod looked and felt very nice in the shop I liked the penn one better straight away cos it was a smaller diameter so I can get a better grip on the bottom when I'm casting. I'm gonna try with a 6oz weight this weekend to see if I can get much further. I think I saw you on the pier. I didn't really notice anyone in republic apart from the lad after bait? I was like a kid in the sweetshop once I started looking around. Say hello next time ya see me. I caught an ear infection as well. Woke up in agony Monday night.