Daiwa D-Shock DSK FW Spin PMC, 6'/Medium Light, Black/Gold

Product Information

Second, I take a hard look at the maximum setting and assess whether or not it slips at that weight. For spinning reels, I’m looking for a maximum setting that matches the size and weight of the species I’m after, and by stringing some strong line on and testing the drag with a weight, I can get a sense of whether the drag can hold. Capacity and speed are nothing to write home about, but at this price, this combo is still a bargain For some lures, a slow, medium, or fast retrieve is ideal, and matching a reel’s gear ratio to its intended use can improve action. For instance, shallow crankbaits and topwater lures tend to work best with a fast reel, defined by a gear ratio higher than 5.2:1.

The outfit includes a 2 piece rod completed with a fixed spool reel. The reel features Daiwa’s Digigear technology which has been designed to provide an ultra smooth retrieve. This is more about assessing the quality of the drag than testing that maximum: I’m never going to set the drag that high!Many anglers advise that the ⅓ rule always applies: set your drag to ⅓ of the breaking strength of your line. That gives you plenty of power to torque big fish while still protecting your line and rod.

The rod includes lightweight, stainless steel guides and a convenient hook keeper ring that will let you wind your line in tight when walking from place to place. The reel boasts excellent quality for the value of this outfit and includes two ball bearings and a durable, machined aluminium spool.The 6-foot, 6-inch rod sports a fiberglass blank that’s ideal for throwing and working crankbaits, jerkbaits, and topwater lures. With all the treble hooks involved, stiffness isn’t essential, and the cushion on the hookset afforded by fiberglass is a plus. Not the most sensitive rod, I’d skip the soft plastics and single-hook applications with it. Weight and comfort are critical elements of a good reel. Ideally, your reel pretty much disappears on your rod and in your hand, and a few ounces count. Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik has earned a reputation for no-nonsense toughness, but its fiberglass blank just isn’t as sensitive as many anglers would like. That’s why the GX2 includes a graphite core, providing greater stiffness and sensitivity than the Ugly Stiks of old, while still offering unbeatable durability.

Heavy rods are typically built for line above 12 pounds, though lure size varies with the specific application.

Have you thought about?

When surf casting, more guides can reduce casting distance--perhaps the most important job the rod has. As a result, you’ll find fewer guides on rods designed for surf fishing.