The Ultimate Jigging Rod
Seeker has a new series of
rods which we're proud to be introducing to our clients, the Hercules. This
series of blanks represents a combination of innovative design and
experience, producing a superb line of rods with a specific application in
mind, vertical jigging. Having said that, they're no single use rod, and
they'll find much wider application than jigging. Some of the technology
employed first reached fishermen by way of the Super Seeker rods which made
great use of S-Glass and graphite in producing the most powerful blanks on
the market. The Hercules blanks are constructed the same as the Super
Seeker, but with a thinner outside diameter - skinnier - but with the same
sort of power and durability.
The Rods feature Virtus Ring
Lock Guides, made from 100% Solid Titanium Alloy Frames - They're ultra
light in weight, with nanolite ceramic inserts and with the ring lock frame
system to virtually eliminate ring loss issues. So, the guides are safe for
Spectra use, durable for long term performance, corrosion proof and very
light in overall weight. These features all work in concert with the new
thin, light and super strong blanks to produce an amazing rod, unlike
anything you've fished before.
These new rods have that
unparalleled strength, but also lighter weight and thinner diameter,
resulting in a rod of very light weight, high durability and superior
overall strength. With the rod building input of Billy Vivona and the rod
production expertise of Randy Penny of Seeker, these new rods offer more
strength, lighter weight and greater capability than any "jigging" rods ever
produced. That's a broad statement, but in this case it is indeed a valid
conclusion.
Having said all this, let me add a couple cents
more. The Hercules rods remind me a lot of
United Composite's Dual Helix - formerly known a Graphite
USA - rods in terms of weight, diameter and initial feel in the
hands. That's a good thing, and preferable for a jigging application...and
more. But, with further playing around, they have a MUCH different action than
the old GUSA's. The Hercules are more parabolic in bend, verses the fast or
extremely fast action of the United Composite Dual Helix's. This action is
pretty dependent upon the fisherman. The more parabolic action is what you
more often see from some offshore manufacturers for the vertical jigging
application with Spectra lines. The greater bend overall can act as a bit of
a shock absorber given the non-stretch nature of the new braids. However,
some fishermen prefer the greater lift and hook set ability of the faster
action rods [meaning these rods flex more at the tip section (1/4-1/3 from
the tip) and then "shut-off" for more direct leverage]. This is an open
debate, no right or wrong answer, can't say one action is better or worse
for a jigging application. It's a matter of personal preference, and there
are good arguments for both styles. For myself, when going after fish under
50#'s or so, I prefer a fast action rod for use with iron. If however
I'm hooked up with something more substantial, the parabolic rod is much
more comfortable while fighting a fish. Without doubt, both options
mentioned, and certainly these Hercules rods represent something
significantly better than the limp noodle-sticks that some nameless bike
company keeps bringing over from China. Those things have no lift, may be
fine for a 2# rockfish but woefully inadequate for much else. That's my take, for what it's worth.
2/24/10 .
To order from this page just click on the box next to the price
of the rod you'd like, then click on the "Add
to Cart" link. If you run into
difficulties please make use of our toll-free
line and give us a call. Our phone numbers, fax
and email addresses are posted at the
bottom of this page.
We also sell Seeker's Hercules blanks - click
here to navigate.
CharkBait
Rod Socks
Our Chark-Sleeves are
a bit different than the one's above. They are
available in three sizes. The base of the
sleeve folds up onto the butt section of the
rod and then can be tied off. So, one size can
fit shorter rods with no problem. They are
made of 89% polyester and 11% lycra (like OJ's
gloves if you remember...). The material is
versatile, durable and quick drying. It's
super stretchy, and the micro polyester fabric
wicks away moisture - like those $60 golf
shirts. Nice product, nice price! These will
stretch up to one foot longer in length. So, a
5' will indeed fit a 6' rod, the 7 will
stretch to a tight 8.
