Twinpower - rod to match?

[Perrotst]

Hi everyone

I recently picked up a shimano twinpower SW 8000. Now looking for a rod to match. Basically this will be my outfit for fishing the heads and outside. I want to be able to chase a variety of fish especially decent kings.

Can anyone suggest a rod where I can throw poppers, livebait, troll bottom bash ( general allrounder)? I would like to stick to a t-curve but there are heaps to chose from. Also I am told 30lb braid will do the job?

Keen to hear your opinions.

Cheers

HookedOn

[gretsch]

Hi mate.

That Twinpower SW8000 is a cracking reel and can be fished pretty hard.

Line-wise, and there will be guys who reckon this is too heavy, I would load it with 50lb because, if you hook that metre plus king, you'll need all of that to get him in especially of you are near structure which, 90% of the time, you will be. I would use a 60-80lb leader depending on territory.

Rod-wise, the T Curves are using ordinary components (Pac Bay) these days and the blanks are really chunky. Just when the factory rolled rod world are slimming down and getting great performance out of slender blanks with good (Fuji SIC) components, Shimano have gone in a different direction. This is a huge disappointment. I would look at the Daiwa range and in particular, the Saltiga Coastal or S-Extreme. Alternatively, there are some great rods from Nitro Innovator. For me, the perfect King rod is 6'6" to 7 feet long, has K series Titanium guides and a short butt set up (preferably not a split type arrangement but this is hard to avoid these days)to enable you to get it out of the rod holder quickly and easily.

I use 6000, 8000, 10000 and 20000 reels on Harbour and Inshore Kings with regular success. Fish that drag hard. Screw it all the way up!!

Edited September 21, 2011 by Cephalopod

[joshot15]

Ive got a Lox Blue Water stick that i have matched to my stella 10000 sw an 8000 twinny would be fine.. its rated 10-15kg and is just over 7 feet long. i have cast poppers and stick baits upto 120grms with ease. its rated for lures to 200grms (im assuming this means Jigs)

They use Fuji gear and comes with a hard case.

As for the Twin Power you could always purchase another spool and have one with 30lb and one with 50lb.

[SZ1]

Hey dude congrats on an awsome reel, to help everyone help you what budget have you got? I don't own one but the daiwa demon loads looks the goods and can be had at a great price.

[Converted 2]

Hi Fellas,

There has been a mistake in the Tcurve rod description. The following Tcurve rod series's Tcurve Bluewater, T series , Deep & Lucanus and Game. Still use top quality components as Sic guides and Aftco components in the Game rods.The mistake is Shimano brought in a new series's of Tcurve rods that yes use Pac Bay Components and the series are as follows. Tcurve Revolution Travel, Inshore and Offshore. They are selling these rods at a lower price. So yes the Top quality Tcurve rods are still a viable option for yourself. I am not saying to buy one as there is some many great rods to choose from. If possible go to your local Tackleshop and try to put a similar reel on the rod you are thinking of purchasing on the rod check out the feeling , balance, etc. If they let you, see how the rod loads up . They will usually let you try this if they are able to supervise you in my experience. Especially if you are purchasing a high end priced Rod. The end result will usually be your budget that will determine your purchase. As the line class of 30lb is Perfect. And the advice that you have been given for the spare spool line is great advice that will cover the use that you have mentioned. Also if you require you can upgrade the spare spool drag. Hope this will help you with your purchase of the new Rod.

[gretsch]

Troy,

You speak the truth regarding those particular models however, the guides used are the old frame design (MN) no thte new KT design. There is only one model with the good guides and that is the Terez. Also, the blanks are heavy and some of the actions questionable. Don't get me wrong, I love Shimano gear and own lots of it but, they need to sort out their rods.

HookedOn,

Try 30lb and you will land a few Kings but, that trophy, she'll be goooone...... please take a photo of your face when the 30lb pops on a good fish!

[Hooked-Up]

how much do you want to spend?

its a nice reel id put it on something nice,

look for a rod that can handle 24kg line,

spool the reel up with 50lb braid,

set the drag at 6-8kg,

and hang on,

this setup will be great on kings upto about 8-9kg in shallow water less than 20 metres,

i always have a larger live bait on a 6500 and 36kg rod out there too that i can run crazy drag on when need be,

sounds overkill but beleive me you need it to stop them from bricking you,

i use 30lb on my stickbait / popper / rod as theyre on the surface you have a bit more chance at stopping them on 30lb,

good luck with the purchase mate,

[Converted 2]

Cephalopod, you are correct in the components that are being used. But MN guides are still good guides, KT guides are obviously the best at the present time this will change at some stage. As fuji will upgrade to something as they always do. I have not used enough Tcurve Rods to make any comment about the actions. As i only own 2 tcurve bluewater rods 5-10kg and 10-15kg. They are definately not the best fishing rods i have used or owned. They dont compete against GLOOMIS , IAN MILLER , or any of my CUSTOM RODS i use, and also some other brands. Obviously i was only correcting your statement of the compoonents in regard to Pac bay components on some of the Tcurve series's.As discussed. Unfortunately alot of people cant use top high end fishing gear for numerous reasons.

[Perrotst]

Hi Guys,

Thansk very much for your replies, very informative and made a lot of sense. First time on and trying to work out individual replies.

I ventured out yesterday and picked up a Nitro Godzilla Spin 10-15kg for a pretty good price at $265. Yes, I will be running 50lb braid and will also order another spool (top Idea).

We'll break in next week (if weather is good on water)

Thanks again and happy fishing.

Hooked On.

[Blueachilles]

my advice is shimano t curve gt special