budget 12 wt.

[clarkman23]

Is there such a thing? Or at least one that would be serviceable? I'll be taking an albacore trip later this summer but don't have any gear. I'm also on a serious budget. I already picked up a solid reel.

Thanks!!
Randy

I'm not overly excited about the Albright rods, I've heard too many things about them breaking at the ferrules.

has anyone had any experience with the Ross Essence rods?


--I accidentally posted this over in the classified section...meant to post it here.

[tailingloop]

I haven't seen the Ross World wide rods.

If you want a serious fish fighting stick, look at the TFO Blue Water LD (Light Duty). These graphite/S-glass rods are very tough and designed as fish fighting tools. Look at the MD for some serious muscle.


The Redington RS4 12wt is quite good too.

Also TFO Professional, TiCr, and TiCrx


Cabelas has their XST on sale right now.

But I would take the TFO bluewater over these. It is much better in the vertical slugfest, and that is how your longfin battles will end. Many budget 12wt rods do not have adequate strength in the butt section for levering tuna from the depths, especially when they get over 30lbs. This is a different game than fighting tarpon on shallow flats.