OK, so following on from my previous thread i am now looking at the Fox Explorer 8ft/10ft .... What i would like to know is whether the rod works at both lengths or is it a gimmick?? .... To briefly explain my reasons for wanting them ... I will be fishing from a moored boat, outside cockpit space is compact (rods will be fished from the boat) and the mooring platform is pretty narrow (this is where i would probably look to land the fish).
So, can i use these rods at 8ft whilst fishing from the boat and extend to 10ft whilst playing a fish .... Once fish is landed can i retract the rod back to 8ft whilst i deal with unhoooking etc?
Is the handle longer or shorter than standard rods? (shorter would be preferable)
How are the 3lb and 3.25lb in terms of action ... Its a small tidal river, carp size unknown (to me) and i really looking for an allrounder (i dont use big PVA bags) and I dont want a broomstick
Ive read the previous threads and some of the early ones had problems with the retracting mechanism being loose ... has this been resolved or still an issue?
Any general feedback is welcome
So, can i use these rods at 8ft whilst fishing from the boat and extend to 10ft whilst playing a fish .... Once fish is landed can i retract the rod back to 8ft whilst i deal with unhoooking etc?
Is the handle longer or shorter than standard rods? (shorter would be preferable)
How are the 3lb and 3.25lb in terms of action ... Its a small tidal river, carp size unknown (to me) and i really looking for an allrounder (i dont use big PVA bags) and I dont want a broomstick
Ive read the previous threads and some of the early ones had problems with the retracting mechanism being loose ... has this been resolved or still an issue?
Any general feedback is welcome
In reply to Post #1
Hi mate,
I have been using the explorers for a couple of years now, and I can say I have enjoyed using them, they play fish very nicely, and cast very accurately, it doesn't take long to get to terms with it, and I have actually once or twice used it at 8ft to punch under low hanging trees etc!
The TC I use are 3lb and they're decent, cast surprisingly well, although it you really whack em they tend to turn in the but, so your rod eyes will be on the side of the rod!, but really only if you really give it some, and it doesn't always happen either!
I've love using them, they gave me that extra dimension to my fishing, gave me that grab n go etc that I was missing. But, the 8/10ft thing eventually just wasn't necessary and I've swapped em in for some Sonik Insurgents,I think they're better suited to me, we'll see!
Hi mate,
I have been using the explorers for a couple of years now, and I can say I have enjoyed using them, they play fish very nicely, and cast very accurately, it doesn't take long to get to terms with it, and I have actually once or twice used it at 8ft to punch under low hanging trees etc!
The TC I use are 3lb and they're decent, cast surprisingly well, although it you really whack em they tend to turn in the but, so your rod eyes will be on the side of the rod!, but really only if you really give it some, and it doesn't always happen either!
I've love using them, they gave me that extra dimension to my fishing, gave me that grab n go etc that I was missing. But, the 8/10ft thing eventually just wasn't necessary and I've swapped em in for some Sonik Insurgents,I think they're better suited to me, we'll see!
In reply to Post #2
Thanks for the honest review. Having been thinking about it last 24hrs I think I'm going to swerve them and go for non retractable 9ft ESP Stalkers. The Explorer seem a great idea on paper but can't help feeling the ESP will be a nicer rod in use and the shorter handle will benefit me.
Thanks for the honest review. Having been thinking about it last 24hrs I think I'm going to swerve them and go for non retractable 9ft ESP Stalkers. The Explorer seem a great idea on paper but can't help feeling the ESP will be a nicer rod in use and the shorter handle will benefit me.
In reply to Post #3
not sure if you've seen future fishing power mesh rods made for them by daiwa, they're lovely rods and a good price too...I have the 9ft 2.75 and they are amazing to play fish on...
not sure if you've seen future fishing power mesh rods made for them by daiwa, they're lovely rods and a good price too...I have the 9ft 2.75 and they are amazing to play fish on...
well, after being all over the place, changing my mind back and forth ... i went for Sonik 3lb Xtractors in 9ft (good price, shorter handle and cork) .... Thanks for the responses ... sorry for the multiple threads 