[lucky]

I'm thinking about buying an Abu Esprit Bass (12'/1-3oz) rod for casting lures, spinners and mackeral feathers from the shore. I had considered the Shakespeare Odessa Bass as many of you seem to regard it quite highly however it's rated at 2-4oz and I'm not sure if this would be ideal for some of my casting lures and spinners which weigh between around 1oz and 1.5oz. Does anyone have any experience of the Esprit Bass and how does it differ from the Abu Premium Bass which seems to be a pretty similiar rod apart from the Esprit having a Griplock on the multiplier version rather than a reel seat as on the Premium Bass? Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[lucky]

Well I'll soon know now Rusty. I've just ordered the Esprit Bass from Spotty Dog Tackle.

 

[lucky]

Hi bassbandit - now you tell me mate - too late now the Espirit is on it's way but thanks for the tip anyway. I did have a chat to the guy at Spotty Dog before I ordered it and he was extremely complimentary about the rod - he actually rated it much higher than the Premium Bass even though they both retail for the same amount - hopefully I'll have it by the weekend and be able to try it out down Brighton Marina. I've got a couple of those 25 gram Yozuri Mag-minnows which I want to try casting with it. Just out of interest what length is the Conolon spinning rod you're refering to BB? Funnily enough I have an older medium action 7'11''' Abu Conolon 300 graphite rod (Made in Korea) that I picked up cheaply for a few quid on ebay quite a while back just to use as a spare boat rod if I needed one but I've often wondered what it would be like for light lure work - I've never got round to trying it out. It has a really lght flexible top half to the rod and is rated for 0-80gm lures so it should be OK but I think it might just be a bit short in length to use from the shore. It really does have a lovely light balanced feel to it though.

 

[lucky]

Hi bassbandit - what is the length of that Abu spinning rod you mentioned?

 

[lucky]

Hi Rusty - you might want to check the 'What's a "specimen rod"?' thread. weeverboy and Ryan have put forward some interesting suggestions on spinning plugs from the shore.

 

[lucky]

Hi Rusty - I actually haven't had a chance to try out the Esprit yet but it sure looks a nice rod. I live in London and it's a bit of a hike to the coast for me too plus my mate who I go fishing with has been away on holidays so I just been watching a lot of cricket in my spare time over the last couple of weeks. I think the rod will be great for my spinners in the 40gm to 60gm range but may not be perfect for the lighter lures - makes sense really as it's rated for 1oz-3oz. I think the 26gm Mag-minnows should be fine though - anyway I'll see soon and let you know.