Opinion?

[muzza43]

Try Rays, BCF, or even K mart. Cheers Lyall

[SFP Chick]

I just wanted to mention,

I have the shimano catana rod and it's really nice to use. I have had it and used it for a few years now.

I use it for light soft plastics work and sabiki work here in Victoria, and sabiki work only in Qld.

I have it teamed with a budget reel, shimano slade 2500FB, and 6kg Shiyuza braid with 8 or 11kg Shiyuza leader on it. (can't remember which leader i put on it last time)

The whole thing is really nice and light (i struggle with anything heavy).

I enjoy using this combo every time i hit the water. I should mention that i have had a few fish on it a couple of times that i thought might break the rod (being graphite i get a bit paranoid) but it has stood the test every time.

I doubt if the rod and reel set me back more than $150 a few years back. Given that the rod was $99 back then i guess you would pay a lot less now days, since the australian dollar has been much higher for ages since i bought it.

Hope this helps.
Cheers Amanda

[cobby]

Drop the backing down to 8lb and braid also to 6-8lb and you'll be set. Then just run whatever pound leader you feel up to 15lb

[Bartnmax]

Thinking of starting to go soft plastics, was looking at a shimano graphite (can't remember what model but it's a 6 foot I think) for $59, a shimano senna 2500 for $49, 20pound mono filler with 150 yards of 10 pound braid spooled for $40. Would you guys say yay or nay for a newbie to softies, and it won't be used much, 1 or 2 times a month if it's lucky mainly estuary fishing.

Sounds like a good starter outfit but I'd prefer at least a 7 footer for casting/working SPs.
6 foot would be ok for boat use tho.

[warblade]

Cheers guys,. Might drop the filler down and go for a 6 pound braid, see how much for a seven footer also.

[warblade]

Ended up getting a shimano Catana 702 7ft, with a sienna 2500 reel, mono filler with 150 yards 6lbs braid and got some 24m of 8lbs flouro leader for $149. Gotta say it's a damn lite rod, bout half to 3/4 the weight if my $25 Kmart cheapie.

[SFP Chick]

Good on you,

It's a light rod alright. Gotta love graphite !!

Better put up a pic of ur first catch with the new setup.

Cheers Amanda

[Rogue_Hunter]

Ended up getting a shimano Catana 702 7ft, with a sienna 2500 reel, mono filler with 150 yards 6lbs braid and got some 24m of 8lbs flouro leader for $149. Gotta say it's a damn lite rod, bout half to 3/4 the weight if my $25 Kmart cheapie.

Excellent buy mate, your going to love it.

Luckily you didnt go over $300 or Barra Mick would have had a word with you! :lolf:

[ducky]

yeah you'll enjoy it mate. i had one for 2 years. that exact combo. got a small gumbo on it one day, was good fun