[SF-23]

I'm looking at a few rods for light tackle fishing smaller poppers & stick baits when they are feeding on small micro baits. Rod will target sub 100lb class and paired with 8k Stella

These are 3 on my radar, any feedback is much appreciated.

Salty El Maestro 82M
Ripple Fisher Big Tuna 85F
Yamaga Bluesniper 85/4 Canary

Casting distance is plus and from what I've read so far the Canary really shines here though I cant imagine the 85F would be far behind..

 

[InshoreSlayer84]

I’d definitely go with the Yamaga or the Ripple Fisher

 

[ridehpd]

I've been wanting to get an 85F for a while now for that, though someone here said they didn't cast lures even in the 40g range very well. I'm very curious about that, given Ripple's reputation and the boldness of their claim that a PE 4-6 rod can cast lures under 20g.

I have an 82M I had wrapped conventionally and use with a Tranx 400 for that exact application, first fish just happened to weigh in over 100. I pulled way harder on that rod than it ever really should be, but it still worked. But different with a baitcaster vs a spinning reel, but I would like a touch more casting distance at times, so maybe one of the 85s could give that. Overall still a great rod for casting and working small, light lures.

 

[SF-23]

I've been wanting to get an 85F for a while now for that, though someone here said they didn't cast lures even in the 40g range very well. I'm very curious about that, given Ripple's reputation and the boldness of their claim that a PE 4-6 rod can cast lures under 20g.

I have an 82M I had wrapped conventionally and use with a Tranx 400 for that exact application, first fish just happened to weigh in over 100. I pulled way harder on that rod than it ever really should be, but it still worked. But different with a baitcaster vs a spinning reel, but I would like a touch more casting distance at times, so maybe one of the 85s could give that. Overall still a great rod for casting and working small, light lures.

Heres a video of the canary 85/4 casting various loads, looks impressive

 

[J.plugger]

Heres a video of the canary 85/4 casting various loads, looks impressive

Get the canary , I got multiple because they feel amazing in hand and cast quite well ( I casted lures in the 50-80 gr but it can go lower if needed

 

[Jacob Tropea]

I have the Canary 85/4 paired with a stella 8K and it fishes and casts <90g like a dream.

It is the one rod that literally goes on every trip I take no matter what.

Highly highly recommend it.

 

[SF-23]

Thanks Jacob, what line are you loading the stella with? Was thinking 40 Cortand hc

 

[Jacob Tropea]

SF-23

The bulk of my reels carry YGK Castman which I typically get online through one of several Japanese dealers. I have pe 4 (66#) on that outfit if memory serves.

Cheers

Jake

 

[lbanfield]

Have any of you used BlueSniper 81/6 Blacky? It seems very similar to the Canary but 4" shorter.

 

[InshoreSlayer84]

Have any of you used BlueSniper 81/6 Blacky? It seems very similar to the Canary but 4" shorter.

Fantastic stickbait rod, highly recommended!!

 

[J.plugger]

Have any of you used BlueSniper 81/6 Blacky? It seems very similar to the Canary but 4" shorter.

They are absolutely not ! the canary is a way different rod , faster , better guide train ( doesn’t have the last 3 guide all the same size as the blacky 81/6) and doesn’t have a mushy feeling ( classic soft tuna stickbait rod)

 

[Ryan Dezwarte]

Yamaga makes the blanks for Ripple F. So you cant go wrong with Yamaga.
But if you want a blank with more lift power/higher quality, the blanks made for Ripple Fisher is the better choice imo.
I recommend the 85, or the 83 (if you can get your hands on one) .

What size of fish are you going for? I use the 85 for YFT 50kg and up pe8. Casts plugs 60g> very nicely.
If your using pe 6, maybe the 83 would be better. But they are hard to find.

Cheers

 

[InshoreSlayer84]

Yamaga makes the blanks for Ripple F. So you cant go wrong with Yamaga.
But if you want a blank with more lift power/higher quality, the blanks made for Ripple Fisher is the better choice imo.
I recommend the 85, or the 83 (if you can get your hands on one) .

What size of fish are you going for? I use the 85 for YFT 50kg and up pe8. Casts plugs 60g> very nicely.
If your using pe 6, maybe the 83 would be better. But they are hard to find.

Cheers

plenty of 83’s here in the US

 

[SF-23]

Thanks Ryan, I ended up with a Yamaga Canary for light plugs and found a RF 83. The fit & finish on the Ripple is top notch for sure!

 

[ridehpd]

I want to say GTFC just got more 83s in stock

 

[J.plugger]

Thanks Ryan, I ended up with a Yamaga Canary for light plugs and found a RF 83. The fit & finish on the Ripple is top notch for sure!

You will not be disappointed with the canary. I have been doing this for a hood while now and I consider it one of the best overall light tuna rods : from fit and finish , to the very light weight for a 8.6 rod , feeling of the blank ( nice and crisp but not stiff) and very well thought guide train.
let me know how you like it , I think you will be just as pleased as I am by those rods

 

[semipro]

Where do you get them,thx

 

[Ryan Dezwarte]

plenty of 83’s here in the US

Oh really!? They are so hard to find in Japan, LOL. People are reselling them for 1,000$ and up here... Its ridiculous. I placed an order for an 83 and 85F but the wait time is 2 years. If you find one, i recommend getting one.
I was looking for an 83.

 

[SF-23]

Ryan, I got the 83 from Plat for half that price and was here in a week

 

[Ryan Dezwarte]

Ryan, I got the 83 from Plat for half that price and was here in a week

Awesome, thanks for the info. I placed an order and it says they will check availability with the manufacturer. fingers crossed.

【Update）: they are out of stock. Wait time is 18months > for most Ripple Fisher rods. Just an FYI!