Travel Rod : Studio Composite Versus North Fork

[Shadowcaster1969]

Hi,

I'm in the market for a multi-piece heavy casting rod for an experdition trip to a remote location for Papua New Guinea Black Bass. I'll be casting relatively big baits of up to 2.5oz on heavy braided line of up to 40lb(PowerPro or Sufix832). The PNG Black Bass are known to be hard pulling fish so the rod will need to tolerate plenty of combat stress. The travel arrangement is rather challenging so lugging a long rod tube is not an option, so multi-piece travel rod is probably my only option.

As of now I am considering 2 options :

1. Studio Composit (DRT) Transworld 61103-5 5-piece travel rod
https://japanlureshop.com/studio-compos ... 103-5.html

2. North Fork Composite LMX 717-5 (Rod Blank to be custom built)
https://northforkcomposites.com/product/lmx-mb717-5/

Can anyone share your experiences with any of the above 2 rods please? How do they cast and do they have the durability to take heavy pulling on 40lb braided line?

And do you have any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your advise and sharing.

[Aquaftm45]

I've got the Studio Composite 7603 (non-travel) and it's built like a tank. I've used it for a wide variety of species, including 15lb Snook and Stripers and even a 50lb Tarpon. Under those circumstance, I was using 50# Braid (PE3) and up to a 40# leader. It's one of the few bass rods that I have that I am not afraid to lean into.

Can't speak to the NFC

[SSS]

While i am sure the studio composite rods are awesome, you should check for the megamebass valkerie world expedition rods as well. Lots of actions, and super solid rods all around.

[Hogsticker2]

Daiwa might have something in their Black Label travel series (JDM). I've been through several multi piece rods, but none as powerful as your requirements. The Black Label is the only one I've found that all the action isn't only just in the tip section. That being said, you just can't go wrong with a custom

[Shadowcaster1969]

I've got the Studio Composite 7603 (non-travel) and it's built like a tank. I've used it for a wide variety of species, including 15lb Snook and Stripers and even a 50lb Tarpon. Under those circumstance, I was using 50# Braid (PE3) and up to a 40# leader. It's one of the few bass rods that I have that I am not afraid to lean into.

Can't speak to the NFC

Thanks Aquaftm for sharing that. A 50lb Tarpon would be a good benchmark by any standard for a Bass casting rod!

[Shadowcaster1969]

While i am sure the studio composite rods are awesome, you should check for the megamebass valkerie world expedition rods as well. Lots of actions, and super solid rods all around.

Thanks SSS, I'll check out the Valkerie.

[Shadowcaster1969]

Daiwa might have something in their Black Label travel series (JDM). I've been through several multi piece rods, but none as powerful as your requirements. The Black Label is the only one I've found that all the action isn't only just in the tip section. That being said, you just can't go wrong with a custom

Thanks HogSticker2!

[Aquaftm45]

I've got the Studio Composite 7603 (non-travel) and it's built like a tank. I've used it for a wide variety of species, including 15lb Snook and Stripers and even a 50lb Tarpon. Under those circumstance, I was using 50# Braid (PE3) and up to a 40# leader. It's one of the few bass rods that I have that I am not afraid to lean into.

Can't speak to the NFC

Thanks Aquaftm for sharing that. A 50lb Tarpon would be a good benchmark by any standard for a Bass casting rod!

Full discosure on that Tarpon. I had about 170 yards of line to play with and in a boat in open water, still that rod was bent!

[Cranky]

Transworld by far and make sure you go up in rod power as the Transworlds tend to be a way on the lighter side. For what you’re talking about doing I would recommend a 5 or 6 power Transworld. I fish a 7606-5 a lot and feel like you’d be a lot happier with the 5 or 6 power. Do not buy a 3 power for what you’re planning on, way too light!

[Shadowcaster1969]

Transworld by far and make sure you go up in rod power as the Transworlds tend to be a way on the lighter side. For what you’re talking about doing I would recommend a 5 or 6 power Transworld. I fish a 7606-5 a lot and feel like you’d be a lot happier with the 5 or 6 power. Do not buy a 3 power for what you’re planning on, way too light!

Thanks Cranky. I was initially inclined to get the 61105-5 or the 7604-5 but was concerned that those heavier rods might be too stiff to cast lighter 1/2oz to 3/4oz lures. The location I am heading to I was informed by the local guides that the Black Bass and Spot Tails can be picky at certain times and will only feed on smaller lures that matches the size of the local baitfish... it's a dilemma between castability and fish fighting power... But I'll certainly re-consider a heavier option than the 61103-5.

[Cranky]

I can cast a 3/8oz buzzbait on the 7606-5. The 3 power Transworld is like a medium power casting rod and not suited for heavy cover, 40# braid, and baits up to 2.5oz.

I would only recommend the 61105-5 or 7606-5 for the application you listed.