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13 Fishing rods relaunched just in time for Xmas For those of you that follow the Fishing Monthly YouTube channel or kept up with social media during this year’s AFTA Tackle Trade show, Rapala Australia relaunched new ranges of the very popular 13 Fishing rods. There will be a QR code somewhere within this Testing Booth for the launch video from our channel where Mick Horn and Matthew Osley take Steve Morgan through this latest iteration of the 13 Fishing rods. I must admit I was one of the people that tuned in when this launch was livestreamed and, after watching it, I was keen to see them for myself. After seeing them in person, it confirmed that this latest offering from 13 Fishing (with an Aussie twist) will be popular with Australian anglers. What was also exciting, was that I got to try out a few models! THE NEW RANGES There are five new ranges of 13 Fishing rods for anglers to choose from (plus a travel and surf rod range). You can check them out on Rapala Australia’s new website www.rapala.com.au. Starting with the entry level DEFY Black range (SRRP $129.00), then the FATE Black (SRRP $169.00), the FATE V3 (SRRP $199.00), the OMEN Black (SRRP $289.00) and then the top of the range MUSE Black (SRRP $349.00). They all have spin model options, and the FATE, OMEN and MUSE ranges also offer baitcast models. THE AUSSIE TWIST I was curious about why Rapala had relaunched the range, as previous releases of 13 Fishing rods have been very popular amongst Australian anglers. Their answer was that they wanted the range to be Australian focussed. As they are the new distributer of 13 Fishing, Rapala’s priority was to sift through the models available in each range and see what suited our target species and types of fishing in Australia. They also wanted to ensure that the components are what Australian anglers wanted to use on their
fishing rods – Fuji guides in their various styles (depending on the price point of the rod). Fuji guides are components we all trust and all of the ranges mentioned have Fuji guides on them. Before the relaunch, they also took the time to give anglers, like Mick Horn and other pros from the Rapala team, the opportunity to try out the rods. After 18 months to two years of testing, the team ensured tapers, blank construction and small things like hook keepers were in place. So whether you purchased an entry level model or a top of the range rod, you will be happy with your purchase and come back for more. Initial feedback since the launch of the ranges shows that this time taken was well spent, as anglers are voting with their wallets, and sales of the rods since their release have been excellent. GRAPHITE VS COMPOSITE RODS In this Testing Booth I wanted to look at the DEFY Black range and how this entry level graphite rod could be a great option for anglers looking to transition into fishing with lures or even to move from a composite rod to a graphite rod for their bait fishing.
One of the three DEFY Black outfits the author tested. The ultra light set up proved itself time and time again.
The combination of the UL outfit with a slightly heavier leader was the undoing of this solid 62cm flathead. The DEFY Black range has seven models in it (all spin), with all except one being 7’ (definitely a rod length we Aussies have taken to). They vary from ultra light to heavy models (2-6lb to 14-25lb) and are all two piece. As far as components go, each rod has split high density EVA grips, feature Evolve Seamless reel seats and have Fuji Concept O guides. The rods I tested are the DEFBS70UL2 (7’ Ultra light, 2-6lb, 1-3kg), the DEFBS70L2 (7’ Light, 3-8lb, 2-4kg) and the DEFBS70ML2 (7’ Medium light,
The light outfit was great for casting 5cm lipless crankbaits, like the Rapala V Blade. Although the 6’ model in the range would be better suited to the kayak fishing. Rain, hail or shine, the testing process must continue. 56
NOVEMBER 2022
8-14lb, 4-7kg) models. These rods cover many of your estuary, river, impoundment, lake and light inshore fishing applications. Before I delve into how I have used these rods, I wanted to quickly touch on why graphite rods can improve your fishing and why lure anglers use them. Much of it relates back to how you set your outfit up, with the ultimate result being that the angler will feel everything that is going on at the end of their line. It is the combination of a graphite rod, braided fishing line, fluorocarbon leaders and the use of quality components on the rod (guides, reel seat and grips) that offers the sensitivity, or what you can feel through the outfit, while fishing. You can feel everything that is happening at the end of your fishing line. It is a far cry from the monofilament line, composite rod outfits I used as a kid. You could hardly
The result of casting a 1/8oz jighead and plastic along a mangrove-lined bank of the Logan River a 55cm flathead.
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