**Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Show off your latest and greatest catch, purchase, or acquisition with fellow TT Forum members.
User avatar
Gone Phishin
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1948
Joined: Fri Sep 29, 2006 8:08 pm
Location: Wisconsin

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Gone Phishin » Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:40 am

Right on man! 8-)

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:41 am

Some additional shots, really love the real wood finish on the the handle assembly on the Dragoon, time will tell how she holds up but I imagine it will age well :-k Some shots of the beautiful spiral raw blanks on both, side note the blanks are way different glass/graphite mix wise as well as finish from the shorter 6'1" and 6'6" World Expedition rods and the first series of Valkyrie rods.
Attachments
IMG_20210611_3297.jpg
IMG_20210611_3297.jpg (101.26 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_25759.jpg
IMG_20210611_25759.jpg (128.89 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_8361.jpg
IMG_20210611_8361.jpg (96.62 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_57904.jpg
IMG_20210611_57904.jpg (123 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_41536.jpg
IMG_20210611_41536.jpg (74.61 KiB) Viewed 4169 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:50 am

Some additional shots :big grin: As per technology the Triza Dragoon is ridiculously light for its lure and line ratings IMHO, really amazing slim taper and over all build 8-) First impressions that it will be my 5" Spark Shad rod weightless and weighted. I haven't tested it yet as I don't have the line quite yet but I've loaded the Tatula 300HL with 65 lb Power Pro and feels really nice for my biggest swimbaits that will probably be thrown on it which is the eight inch bull shad and 7in bull Gill.
Attachments
IMG_20210611_52283.jpg
IMG_20210611_52283.jpg (96.65 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_10792.jpg
IMG_20210611_10792.jpg (107.19 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_42237.jpg
IMG_20210611_42237.jpg (136.14 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_21977.jpg
IMG_20210611_21977.jpg (98.56 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_34646.jpg
IMG_20210611_34646.jpg (95.74 KiB) Viewed 4169 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Fri Jun 11, 2021 8:52 am

Last couple for now
Attachments
IMG_20210611_24833.jpg
IMG_20210611_24833.jpg (71.83 KiB) Viewed 4169 times
IMG_20210611_56853.jpg
IMG_20210611_56853.jpg (107.6 KiB) Viewed 4169 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Fri Jun 18, 2021 8:30 am

I got the the Triza Dragoon out on the water last night from shore @ the "Can" as it is too damn hot to be slinging a Kayak around. I remember days of past being able to tough it out :crying:

Anyway I mentioned 40lb PP but decided 50lb Marine Blue Super Slick was the way to go. Knotted up a 6/0-1/4oz weighted Super line spring lock by Gamakatsu with a 5" spark shad. I had the "Regular Tip" mounted.

All in all a pretty fun rod although it took me a bit to really dial in the Ryoga 1520HL. I didn't get the load I was hoping to more effortlessly launch the bait, she wants more weight to load I feel. Once I dialed the whole rig in I feel I was getting decent distance but hard to tell for sure at night as my headlamp has limited range. The sensitivity is what you would expect I feel. I was definitely able to discern hard structure from say sand/silt and incoming vegetation which it looks like another season without much(that is a lot of seasons I have personally noticed we in AZ have been lacking seriously for a number of years). I definitely feel it has the power to set the hook with this lure/hook combination. I also can say she definitely wants more weight to load properly catapult style! I feel the 5" bull Gill would more than likely been a sweet spot for this rod in this configuration :-k

I had some attacks but I think they were over zealous little bucks which couldn't quite manage to get a hold of the bait properly.

Next is to test the fast tip and see if that aids in better casting for the 5" spark shad and 6/0 hook set up. I feel maybe the fast tip is what I need to load this particular weight better for a better and more effortlessly bait launch. The regular tip may be reserved for the obvious bigger profile bait/swimbait to a degree, but again the Fast tip may be an overall better matched with the Spark Shad and my hook of choice currently.

One thing is the dang handle is awfully thin, great length but my d*ck slappers need something more to fill out my palm better, even for a travel rod it needs proper fit in general. It may also have to do with the Ryoga being a bit beefier profile although I feel tight/smaller for a round reel. Maybe a low profile reel is better suited(maybe a Zillion 10, depending of line capacity) Beyond that so far she is a damn fine specimen 8-)

I had well over a hundred or so casts and I checked the ferrule spigot connections every so often, I didn't have to adjust or tighten but once and it was very very miniscule. Generally I feel it is always imperative to check as in general and depending on how hard you are fishing you tend to have to adjust and tighten to be sure every connection is snug(if not you can guess the results, flying rod ninja weapon)

I think with some more playing around and figuring out what she's really capable of I feel she'll be one well used rod :-k
Attachments
IMG_20210618_44457.jpg
IMG_20210618_44457.jpg (70.14 KiB) Viewed 4107 times
IMG_20210618_21752.jpg
IMG_20210618_21752.jpg (75.38 KiB) Viewed 4107 times
IMG_20210618_2680.jpg
IMG_20210618_2680.jpg (76.73 KiB) Viewed 4107 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Thu Jun 24, 2021 9:29 am

Okay got out again finally and did a relaxing trip last night. Switched from shore and yak, although the wind later say around 11ish was too much at the "Can". In any case I was once again able to get the Triza Dragoon out this time mounted with the Fast Tip. As pleasantly expected the "5 spark shad and 6/0 swimbait hook combination was a lot more enjoyable to sling. I didn't get so much as a sniff but I essentially went when it was in between storms. Regardless I caught the much needed relaxation and time with the Dragoon. I feel the fast tip was very enjoyable and I was able too more effortlessly cast that bait combination, definitely more pleasing. I also changed up how I grip and the thin handle isn't so much an issue, I personally just have to mind my grip style when at least using a Ryoga 1520HL with it. Couple shots of tip and a shot of the sunset and moon rise.
Attachments
IMG_20210624_21340.jpg
IMG_20210624_21340.jpg (80.44 KiB) Viewed 4028 times
IMG_20210624_56746.jpg
IMG_20210624_56746.jpg (49.92 KiB) Viewed 4028 times
IMG_20210624_30714.jpg
IMG_20210624_30714.jpg (34.27 KiB) Viewed 4028 times
IMG_20210624_16612.jpg
IMG_20210624_16612.jpg (33.61 KiB) Viewed 4028 times

robxc80
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:13 pm
Location: SE PA

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by robxc80 » Sun Jul 11, 2021 7:10 pm

I’ve been eyeing those Valkerie‘s and am wondering if they would double as inshore saltwater sticks for travel. Nobody I speak tk seems to know. Was curious what your thoughts were and what line class these rods feel like.

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Wed Jul 14, 2021 9:18 am

Check out my swimbait post. It is long winded as hell, but I have some choice words for the 7'11" toward the end of page 10 it looks like. I will probably pull the trigger on another specimen possibly the 8' or drop down and get that 7'8"(that is is supposedly similar to the White Python in how it behaves) but I'm also really into Megabass travel rods so take that into consideration, I am also super fan of The Valkyrie series since it’s inception(wish I didn't let the 7'6" XXH go) I am over the moon MB made the latest line into 4 piece travel configurations and they are so far absolutely fun and interesting builds that will get the job done no doubt 8-)

viewtopic.php?f=33&t=80747&start=135

robxc80
Senior Angler
Senior Angler
Posts: 72
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2011 4:13 pm
Location: SE PA

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by robxc80 » Fri Jul 16, 2021 9:32 pm

Thank you. I’ve been getting into travel rods as well and have a couple of st croix legend treks but these megabass rods are so much nicer. Picked up the Thunderbird and Dragoon for a coming lake fork trip and was looking around for a travel rod that can handle a 30-40lb weight class for ocean fishing for yellowtail/amberjack as well as double as a travel boat rod for when I go on vacations to the tropics. Phenix had the redeye line but would rather have a 8’ rod vs a 7’. Wondering if the 80XXH would work for that. Love our review by the way.

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Mon Aug 30, 2021 9:04 am

Okay so I finally got around to fiddling with the Triza Dragoon as a swimbait/big bait configuration. all being relative and subjective of course. For the most part I relegated myself to having it only toss 5 inch spark shads on weighted belly 6/0 Hooks and what not and with the fast tip I found that being a very Choice Rod although they handle is not necessarily to my liking all that aside I finally put the regular tip back on put a number three decoy egg snap on, clipped on a 6" bull Shad slow sinking 2 knocker, 5" slow sinking bull Gill, and a bull rat(not all at the same time :lol: ). All baits hover right above the two ounce Mark with the bull rat being the heaviest I think at 2.5 ounces. I pitched, lightly tossed and retrieved them in the backyard pool, and I have to say I was actually very very surprised on how well it handled those baits(although I shouldn't because I feel like I really pushed the 8-foot hyuga Rod Beyond its limits and it had handled the weights just fine, side note threw 7" Triple Trouts extensively on it) I was thinking it would need to go a little less but I have to tell you is as light and thin this blank is it can definitely handle what it says it is designed to do, so that's reassuring as that's generally how I'm fishing now. Anyway handle aside, it was actually pretty fun to toss these baits and very with surprising the ease at which it can do this activity is pretty nifty. I'm super stoked to expand the duties with this rod on the reservoirs. All this for a nice travel package! I can definitely say this is a pretty fun setup, so there you go folks that's my share for the day thanks again for letting me ramble. :P

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Wed Sep 01, 2021 2:48 pm

Super stoked and the wait is always worth the wait. Now it appears can fit almost all my MB travel configurations??? Sometime down the road I will actually pack all the rods and see how much I can actually stuff into it. For now it looks like it just may hold what is shown but with rods in their bags. I was playing the long game and was hoping it would be able to hold the 2015 X-4 Cyclone Secret Service back packer travel case and my hopes have been rewarded it appears. Plus my 4-Piece 3X BE2, and Valkyrie WE 7'11" 4pc bags sit well along with my additional Dragoon tip for configuration change. At first glance the Triza bag looks super clean and well put together which time will tell if she holds up to the wear and tear of traveling and what not. Thanks as always to Triple T and Mr. Wood for getting this put together. Check it out 8-)
Attachments
IMG_20210901_38860.jpg
IMG_20210901_38860.jpg (115.25 KiB) Viewed 3462 times
IMG_20210901_1934.jpg
IMG_20210901_1934.jpg (128.74 KiB) Viewed 3462 times
IMG_20210901_0828.jpg
IMG_20210901_0828.jpg (130.29 KiB) Viewed 3462 times
IMG_20210901_37905.jpg
IMG_20210901_37905.jpg (119.97 KiB) Viewed 3462 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Fri Oct 08, 2021 2:55 pm

Dragoon got a new partner, stoked to see the obvious difference with how the rod now feels in hand, which is way better than the Ryoga :lol: and as you can see I tied back on a 5 inch spark Shad I want to see what kind of distance I can get with this thing as I didn't necessarily feel like I was getting the distance I wanted with the Ryoga. The handle on the Dragoon seems a lot more tactile with the different reel profile.. As stated previously I felt it to be to thin and not enough to fill the grip out properly.....side note I feel like the Ryoga seems to want a little bit more weight although they can go down to 3/8 ounce if you needed. Anyway so goes the rationale :P laced with 50lb PP Blue Super Slick to take care of almost whatever is in my SB arsenal and the versatility to do some other work as well 8-) time will tell I'm a drop down to 40 lb to get a little more payload capacity but I feel like I got quite a bit of 50 pound on there I haven't dealt with the 1016 spool yet I'm used to the deeper 1520 style of spool on my heavier duty tuned reels.

Super thanks as usual to Gary, Spanky and Brian Franks over at Triple T(my favorite place to do business with =D> ) for making the deal go down 8-) Enjoy the shots of the day
Attachments
IMG_20211008_27570.jpg
IMG_20211008_27570.jpg (73.98 KiB) Viewed 3150 times
IMG_20211008_34570.jpg
IMG_20211008_34570.jpg (57.78 KiB) Viewed 3150 times
IMG_20211008_5166.jpg
IMG_20211008_5166.jpg (93.23 KiB) Viewed 3150 times
IMG_20211008_4619.jpg
IMG_20211008_4619.jpg (84.89 KiB) Viewed 3150 times
IMG_20211008_18761.jpg
IMG_20211008_18761.jpg (78.08 KiB) Viewed 3150 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Sat Nov 13, 2021 10:49 am

Some notes in regard to the Z10.

What an outstanding reel. Got out to test it out some more yesterday morning.

Have to say I'm so used to using and having a smart thumb that I didn't realize you don't need that with this reel! basically I can set it and forget it through the whole cast including when the bait hits the water. I'm obviously naive and I'm sure their higher end models as well as the latest models would have similar breaking aspects(I have 19' steez CT I need to try this on) but I just had my Eureka moment yesterday and What a Feeling I have a reel I can cast at night and I don't have to do the countdown to when I feel the bait will hit the water(or not in some cases :big grin: ) as it nears the end of the cast, or listen to the spool to give clues as to when your cast is coming to the splash down or gently feather it so I can mitigate backlash. Avid Froggers would surely love to have a reel like this again I'm sure I'm naive as a lot of Daiwa products and their newer reels probably have this particular style of braking system you will have to forgive me as I've just recently within the last season or so got fully back into Daiwa platforms.

Anyway here's a few photos from the day also side note I have gone down to 40 lb Power Pro blue super slick to get a little bit more line payload but not much as 50 and 40 are very close and diameter.

Thanks as always TT!
Attachments
IMG_20211113_38651.jpg
IMG_20211113_38651.jpg (70.12 KiB) Viewed 2966 times
IMG_20211113_24352.jpg
IMG_20211113_24352.jpg (117.27 KiB) Viewed 2966 times
IMG_20211113_1588.jpg
IMG_20211113_1588.jpg (104.1 KiB) Viewed 2966 times

Cristo
Pro Angler
Pro Angler
Posts: 1919
Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 6:13 am

Re: **Ninja/travel game leveled up**

Post by Cristo » Sat Nov 13, 2021 4:38 pm

Additional note. I have my brake setting at 5 incase any one cares. Still amazes me on the no backlash on the splash down

Post Reply