TESTING BOOTH
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Continuing the journey with the Fate V3 13 Fishing rods As anglers it is an amazing time to be purchasing anything fishing related, especially fishing rods. There are so many options and that has translated into what I have been testing for the magazine. In the November 2022 issue, I tested the 13 Fishing DEFY Black range, which is the entry level model of the five new models Rapala Australia released (13 Fishing’s Australian distributer) in August last year. They are a great option for those of you looking to transition from a composite to a graphite rod. In this testing booth I jump up a couple of rungs from the DEFY Black range and test the 13 Fishing FATE V3 range of rods. WHAT’S DIFFERENT? The first thing that truly stands out is the cosmetics of the rods. It is all white including the foregrip, which certainly makes it stand out. This may not be to everybody’s liking, however it is something that I have taken to, I really like the visual it offers me. The other notable changes from the DEFY range is the upgrade from a 24-ton blank to a 36-ton blank and the upgrading of the Fuji guides to their Tangle Free option. Both these upgrades provide increased feel through the rod while fishing, one of the biggest reasons to jump from a composite rod to a graphite rod, as mentioned in DEFY rod testing booth. I WAS GIVEN TWO TO TRY There are only 6 models (all spin) in the FATE V3 range. Although only a small range they do cover light to heavy
The 13 Fishing FATE V3 rods are very distinctive in their appearance. They are built on a white 36 ton blank and use quality FUJI and Evolve components.
Logan River. I managed to get a number of quality flathead casting plastic rigged 1/81/4oz jigheads up onto the shallow flats of the river. These fish go hard in shallow water, so this is when you appreciate the stopping power/hook setting ability and shock absorption the FATE V3 rods offer. As mentioned I had distinct plans for the shorter, lighter FATE V3 rod. I spend plenty of time paddling my Aquayak Scout kayak around my local impoundments casting lures for bass (Lake Kurwongbah, Lake Manchester, Enoggera Reservoir and Ewen Maddock dam). When I say local, they are urban waterways with varying levels of access, that provide great fishing options for all levels of angler. Up until this season I have done the majority of this fishing using a baitcast outfit, using larger lures. However likely due to the constant in and outflows (flooding) we have had in recent years, my local bass have changed their habits and smaller profile lures have really come to the fore, in particular for me the 5cm Rapala V-Blade. Although a heavier lure (10g), I prefer to cast it on spin tackle, and being 6’6” the light FATE V3
fishing options and are all two piece. You can go to www.rapala.com.au for more information. I opted to try the FV366L2 and FV370M2 models, with some kayak bass fishing in mind for the 6’6” light model and to focus on some estuary bread and butter lure fishing with the 7’ medium version.
A quality Lake Kurwongbah bass caught using the 13 Fishing FATE V3 6’6” light model. ON THE WATER I will be the first to admit that I wish that I had some more time on my local estuaries while testing the FATE V3 rods. I had few opportunities and when I did, I didn’t always find the fish. I few things I took away from a few fishless trips while using the 7’ medium option was that it offers options in what casting weights you are throwing. The fast taper of the rod allows you to cast weights as small as 1/16oz comfortably, but will also deal with lures up to 1/2oz. Some of this flexibility comes down to reel and line choice (I found a 2000 size reel with 6lb Suffix 832 braid offered the balance I needed). Going too big or heavy (reel and line) will minimise your ability to cast smaller offerings. I also found it was a great rod to throw small hardbody lures with. No power required from the angler, the rod did all the work for you. Not all the fishing sessions were a bust, there was one memorable morning at the A morning on the Logan River casting light plastics onto shallow sand flats produced some quality flathead using the FV370M2 FATE V3 model rod. 46 MARCH 2023
model is a great option to do this from the kayak. I matched the rod with a 1000 sized reel, the same 6lb Suffix 832 braid as the heavier outfit and generally run a 10-15lb leader depending on the waterway and the size of fish in it. This combination in conjunction with using the 5cm V-Blade has been deadly across all waterways. If you haven’t checked out the Rapala 5cm V-blade range out, I think you are missing out. If you do, I suggest replacing the front twin hook with either an inline single or a treble hook, attached via a split ring. It will improve your catch rate out of sight. You will see via the images within this review, just how successful this outfit has proven to be. CONCLUSION First and foremost, the FATE V3 13 Fishing rods are a distinct step up from the
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