SHIMANO’S NEW TCURVE RODS

Shimano’s TCurve rods created a huge splash when they were first launched onto the Australian market in 2004, and 4 new models have been added to this already formidable lineup.

The basis of Shimano’s TCurve rod blanks is a remarkable resin formula and a unique manufacturing process. The 3 ply weave of the blank cloth is subjected to a curing system that creates a lively, dynamic blank with hidden reserves of power and 20-40 per cent more compression resistance than regular carbon fibre. This results in a stronger, more responsive rod, which is what makes these new additions such fantastic value.

The TCurve Bluewater Spin will make a great popper rod for GTs, kings and any fishing situation where a big, gutsy rod is required.

TCURVE BLUEWATER RODS

Up until now, rods for heavy popper work usually meant an expensive custom-build, but the Ian Miller-designed Shimano TCurve Bluewater popper rods have solved all that.

There are 4 to choose from — 2 spin and 2 overheads in the 10-15 kg and 15-24 kg line class categories. They’re 2.3 m (7’6”) long, and of 2 piece ‘travel butt’ design, meaning that the rod breaks down at the top of the foregrip to just 1.5 m. The extended rubber ‘ripple’ foregrip is of a nice thick diameter for extended fights, while each rod is fitted with quality Fuji SiC guides, Fuji graphite reel seats and aluminium butt gimbals.

Those special attributes of the TCurve manufacturing process make these blanks ideal for this sort of rough-house fishing, and they’re at the upper end of their respective line class ratings. They will throw heavy, wind-resistant poppers out of sight; yet have sufficient stiffness in the tip to give good value for each sweep of the rod when blooping the lure. Then, once the fight has commenced, the powerful butt section comes into play to break the spirit of the most dogged GT or kingfish.

These rods aren’t just for popper fishing though — try them for live-baiting, deepwater jigging, working giant Squidgies or casting live baits to marlin or sailfish.

TCURVE SALTWATER SPIN ROD

The new TCurve Saltwater Spin makes a great 2 piece travel rod. Some 7’ feet long, cork grips, a graphite Fuji reel seat and a rubber butt cap complete the lower end. The navy blue bindings with gold trim are first class and look great on the blue blank. The guides and tip are all Fuji SiCs, for friction-free fishing.

The Saltwater Spin is an extremely versatile all-rounder and could be used for anything from heavy duty Squidgy use jigging breakwall jew from a boat, drifting floating pillies down a berley trail, to casting metal slugs at feeding tuna, but it’s going to be a standout for throwing surface poppers at queenfish and ‘manageable’ GTs in more tropical waters.

With the growing use of fine diameter braided lines in just about every aspect of our fishing these days, big reels are no longer needed to obtain adequate line capacity, so match the TCurve Saltwater Spin to either the 6000 or 8000 Sustain, 6000 or 8000 Stradic, 8000 Spheros or even the exquisite Stella 6000.

SHIMANO TCURVE 702 ROD

Seven feet in length and 2 piece for ease of transport, this light rod is in no way hampered by being of 2 piece configuration, thanks to the innovate glass ferruling system developed by Ian Miller. Fine density cork grips, a lightweight Fuji reel seat, single foot Fuji Alconite guides and dark bindings over the graphite grey blank round out a very attractive and functional rod.

This is the definitive bream tournament soft plastics rod, but will work with bibbed minnows and spinnerbaits. Match it with a Shimano Stella, Sustain or Stradic for a deadly tournament combination.

SHIMANO TCURVE 662 XL

A recent addition to the Shimano TCurve range of rods is the 662 XL. As the name suggests, this rod is 6’ 6” in length, of 2 piece construction, and is intended for ultra light fishing pursuits.

It was the intention of the rod designer, Ian Miller to preserve the crisp action of this sensational blank, which is reflected in the light but strong componentry he has chosen. Single foot Fuji Alconite guides with minimal bindings, high quality cork grips, a hard-wearing composite cork butt cap, and an adjustable Fuji reel seat has kept weight to a minimum.

Designed for freshwater use, it also handles ultra light Squidgies and the new 2 g Squidgy Spinnerbaits in bass impoundments. The TCurve 662 XL would also make a great a great ultra light estuary flick rod for bait or lure use.