Railroader
05-18-2007, 07:48 AM
A while back, the "custom bug" got the better of me, and I ordered me up an 1145. For those who may not know about the numbers, it's a 9-1/2 foot, two equal piece, rated by H.O. as 1-4 oz. I chose this rod because it would be something I could use almost every time I fish, and also because I could find nothing "off the shelf" that came close to the characteristics the 1145 offers.
Upon delivery, I saddled up an Abu 5500 CT Mag Elite, and I've been enjoying the little rod ever since. I've caught a bunch of fish on it, like the way it throws a 2 oz., and everyone that walks by it wants to know what it is and where I got it...
The other day, at JBP, I had my 1145 out there with a little bottom rig I made out of Eagle Claw 2/0 circles, 40# Ande, and a 2 oz. For bait I had a couple pieces of salted mullet, about the size of a fingernail. I was in search of Whiting or a small Blue, for a kingfish bait...
I noticed the tip bouncing a little bit, so I picked it up to reel in my whiting....WRONG. Whatever was on the other end was HEAVY, and slowly swimming back and forth, not wanting to give an inch.
I spent about 20 minutes like this...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/Rob69/JV10.jpg
Round and round, back and forth, nothing but the Albright shock knot at the surface. Many trips over, under, and around the anchor rods at the end. Thinking it was probably a big ray, I decided to "Apply The Heat" and either win or lose.
A couple times, I pulled that rod harder that I thought I should. A couple times, the tip went down under the pier, but finally I winched up this nice Nurse Shark, worn out, and ready to surrender. Some fancy net-work by my buddy Justin, and she was on the deck...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/Rob69/JV7.jpg
A few pics later, the shark was released.
We all stood around, amazed at the battle, and the victory won by this little rod and reel combo.
Proof positive that quality gear, patience, and a little luck can pay off big.
This rod is officially worth EVERY PENNY!
Upon delivery, I saddled up an Abu 5500 CT Mag Elite, and I've been enjoying the little rod ever since. I've caught a bunch of fish on it, like the way it throws a 2 oz., and everyone that walks by it wants to know what it is and where I got it...
The other day, at JBP, I had my 1145 out there with a little bottom rig I made out of Eagle Claw 2/0 circles, 40# Ande, and a 2 oz. For bait I had a couple pieces of salted mullet, about the size of a fingernail. I was in search of Whiting or a small Blue, for a kingfish bait...
I noticed the tip bouncing a little bit, so I picked it up to reel in my whiting....WRONG. Whatever was on the other end was HEAVY, and slowly swimming back and forth, not wanting to give an inch.
I spent about 20 minutes like this...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/Rob69/JV10.jpg
Round and round, back and forth, nothing but the Albright shock knot at the surface. Many trips over, under, and around the anchor rods at the end. Thinking it was probably a big ray, I decided to "Apply The Heat" and either win or lose.
A couple times, I pulled that rod harder that I thought I should. A couple times, the tip went down under the pier, but finally I winched up this nice Nurse Shark, worn out, and ready to surrender. Some fancy net-work by my buddy Justin, and she was on the deck...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v155/Rob69/JV7.jpg
A few pics later, the shark was released.
We all stood around, amazed at the battle, and the victory won by this little rod and reel combo.
Proof positive that quality gear, patience, and a little luck can pay off big.
This rod is officially worth EVERY PENNY!