AJN 5ft6 Solid Carbon - Improved version

All Japan Network (AJN) have just released a new batch of their extremely popular 5ft6 Stealth Solid carbon rod.

Just weeks after I have just lay my hand on their first batch of rods, they now released a new batch..... I think I am damn slow on the previous review.

I didn't have the physical rod with me, my observations are based on the information released by AJN and the pictures of the new batch of rods. 

The blanks used are the same design as the previous batch, but with some minor but important changes to the accessories used. Boy do they take the feedback receive seriously.

First up, my major complaint the top guide. Now it have been changed to a different style, not too sure if the ring diameter have been increased, I sure hope it has.

Next is the stripper guide, for layman like me, that's the guide closest to the butt. It is now have a bigger diameter. Personally I do not have any issue with the previous size, but maybe if matched with a bigger reel, the casting distance could be compromised if the stripper guide have a smaller diameter.

Last change is purely a cosmetic or if you like a vanity change, the butt cap have the company's name printed on it instead of being just a plain design.

Stock is already available and is selling at SGD65.


Disclaimer - No Payment is received for this write up.
Photos are property of All Japan Network

AJN Stealth Carbon 5ft6

Rod Specs, this is a used rod thus all the marks and scuff marks

Finally lay my hand on this rod, but this is not my rod, it is a rod I borrowed on one fishing trip. This model sold out so fast that before I even have the chance to say 'I wanna buy', every single piece is sold already.

First off, the specs
Mfg - AJN
Model - SCS561UL
Length - 5ft6; Single piece
Guide - SIC, not Fuji though
Line rating - 8 to 16lbs

From what I have understand this rod uses a one-piece solid carbon blank, attached to a graphite butt which house the reel seat. This is constructed this way instead having the blank all the way down to the reel seat is to prevent flex at the reel seat.

So how does this rod perform? I can't really tell since I didn't have the chance to use this rod to catch anything else other then tamban. However when I did a rod loading test at home the rod perform very nicely, the rod flex nicely at the front and the rear section feel like it have a reasonable amount of backbone.

Personally I think this rod should should perform well in these application, pay pond fishing and off-shore micro jigging. A thin rod tip to impart lures / jigs action and a fair amount of backbone to fight a decent sized fish.

And for the price it is retailed, I would say that this is really good value for money. I do like the rod action and overall feel and it comes with SIC guides, a minor complaint I have is the top guide, I would prefer it to have bigger diameter ring. I would pair this with a Shimano 1000 or C2000 sized reel, think it would achieve a nice balance.

Bad news if that there is zero stock at the moment, no idea when the new stock would arrived. On the plus side, AJN will be launching their Jigging Jack and Jigging Jazel, it will be having 2 different handle for jigging and luring. If the blank is based on the similar blank design as this rod, it should do well for light jigging applications.

Disclaimer - No payment is received for this write up. Rod is not writer's rod, it is a borrowed rod

My journey with Noodle Rod

Me with Silstar Teal 10ft

When I first start out with this form of fishing I uses an very old Silstar Teal 10ft, which is brought 2nd hand from an angler. He gave up using the rod because he have no idea how to use it. Then when Nimo found a huge stash of these rods at Siow Chiang, he organize a mass-order which clear out all their dead stock. Now there are at least a couple hundred of the Silstar Teal on our sunny island, but I seldom seen them in action when I goes fishing.

I still remember then first time I uses the Silstar Teal, it is on a kelong in Sibu Malaysia. The targeted species? Todak of course. With the lack of expert guidance, even with the correct rig, I have a high percentage of miss. Doubts start to creep into my mind, what an I doing wrong? When I get to know DesT, he gave me a lot of feedback and shared his own experience for catching todak, my rate for landing those todaks increase and give me more confidence to use this rod / form of fishing to target other species such as half beaks.

Wolf Herring On Silstar Teal

The next obvious target is the queenie, however queenie and my noodle rods doesn't seems to like one another, try as I might but that elusive queenie just wouldn't take my baits when I uses the Silstar Teal. However, I have much better luck with other species, it is during one of the nights at the kelong that I try to use the rod while hunting for ikan parang (wolf herring). It is not the most ideal rod for the job on actual fact, as when the fish is near, you have a hard time trying to steer it clear of those boats. However, it is damn bloody fun to catch them on these long soft rods. The rod did just what it's labels says 'Designed to put the fun into light line fishing'. It is quite possible that during these period that invoke my interest to pursue into light lines and tackles.

While I am very happy using this rod, I did notice that DesT is still having a higher landing rate then me. So what's the difference? Apparently it is the rod, while most of us would happily call the Silstar Teal as a noodle rod, it appears more like a float rod to me. Nothing wrong with using it with light lines, however I really wanted to feel the difference between the GLoomis and Silstar Teal. But by the time I intent to purchase the GLoomis factory noodle rod, then I learn that GLoomis no longer produces the factory noodle, but only the blanks. It is quite a heavy investment really when you are looking at around SGD400 to get one done. It took me a while to finally lay my hands on a custom built with GLoomis NR1382 blank. (How the rod finally landed on my hand is another interesting story by itself.)

The first time I fished with GLoomis

Once I have the GLoomis there is no turning back for me, I love the feel of the rod and fighting fishes on the other end of the line. It is more difficult to cast then the Silstar Teal for sure, but the feel and the way the rod feels is different. Hard to really put it in words, but heck there is a difference.

Again, todaks are my choice of target species and maybe because that's the de facto species whenever I uses the noodle rod. As times goes by, I wanted to try out how it will feel to have some other species on the other end of the line other then todaks. Luckily for me, the GLoomis and Queenie are not in conflict, i have hook up 2 or 3 queenies so far with the rod, but alas yet to land one yet. Twice the leader rub against some underwater structure and 8lb mono leader is no much for such obstacles.

I am drooling when DesT had this barracuda on his noodle rod at a kelong. I too wanted some other species, my guess is that I will need to work hard and go on trying out and experiment with different rig setup to target some other species.

My noodle rod journey have started for a few years already but by no means that it will end anything soon. It alreadys have been a trill whenever I have something on noodle rod, I don't think I will get tired of this form of fishing. While those species I mentioned can be landed with any regular fast action rod, it is simply more fun using a long soft flexible with that distinctive slow action with light lines.



Next on my wish list in a 15ft noodle with North Fork Composites blanks, no idea when they will be pushing out this product, will just keep my finger crossed.

North Fork Composites blanks

Been a while since I put something up on this blog, been busy lately plus having to serve my nation for 2 weeks keep me away for a while. Problem is that I haven't been fishing lately so what can I put in here? Luck have it that recently I am doing some search on the net to look for a 3 section 15ft noodle rod, previously I saw one piece for sale at a US website which is built by Dick Swan, but by the time they responded it is already sold.

One thing leads to another, then I saw an article that got my attention, it is about Gary Loomis (yup the same guy that started 'G Loomis' the company and partner with a Taiwan firm for 'Loomis & Franklin') first started his rod business by buying fly blanks and transform it into a noodle rod so that he can downsize his terminal when the fishes are not biting. Anyway, what have happen to between the man and the company is that he sold it off to Shimano more then a decade ago but stay at the company likely because of contract obligations. Recently, he is back to to a business he is familiar, manufacture blanks and his new company is North Fork Composites

Rod Review - ANYFISH ANYWHERE BIG BEACH surf rod 14ft

After having a far bit of mid-range surf rods passing thru my hands cause almost each and every rod that I used to own have always something I hoped it can improved on.

This is one rod that I really enjoy using, but the length is quite a hassle, 7ft long during transportation.  But once you reached your fishing ground, assemble the rod to cast, all is forgotten.

The very first time I tried to cast with this 14footer, I got worried as this is I have never cast anything longer then a 12ft6 before. Can I handle the extra length?  After a few practice cast to get the timing tight for the extra length, I tried it with my half baked OTG. Oh yeah, the lead just shoot out into the horizon (as a matter of speech).  Right after that, I decided I love this rod, and I still do even I seldom do surf fishing these days.

From the pic, you can see that I am using a high mount position for the reel, which in actual fact is wrong because the rod is designed for a low mount reel, thus they gave you a 18inch reducer. But heck, I can't do low mount, so it is a high mount setup for me and it works for me.  While doing my research before purchasing the rod, I read on their website that it have a 'fishing tip', exactly what I am looking for! For a novice surf angler like me, I really needed the softer tip launch the lead out as I usually don't compress the mid section enough to get the power. Also softer tip equates to bite detection, which is also what I really wanted. Back to the pic, this is taken when I have an unknown biggie at the end of the line (I hate to admit it, but I lost the fish because of a lousy rig), see how soft the tip is? It is during this hook up that I notice the tip is moving before my reel line out alarm goes.

A couple of major problems of using a UK style surf rod for asian are resolved with this rod, weight and blank thickness. Make no mistake about it, this rod still cast like a typical UK surf rod, except that it is much lighter (still heavier then Jap rods) then those of old and the blank thickness on the bottom section surprises me. I had a much more comfortable and secured grip then the older Penns that I used to owned.

Yes, I do love this rod, and No, it is not the prefect rod for me.
However, this is the closest thing to a prefect rod for me. Thus for now, it is still my rod of choice for beach surf fishing.

+ Impressively easy to cast 14ft.
+ Soft Tip, bite detection and ease of casting for beginners.
+ Though is a UK style rod, it's weight and blank thickness should suit most Asians.
+ Good quality rod bag with pocket for the 18 inch reducer.
- Not available locally, purchase this rod via a mass order exercise.
- Would actually hope it comes with SIC ring guides, however it is using Alconite ring.

Disclaimer
Review is based on my personal experience and thoughts. This review bias towards surf fishing rather then distance casting.

Why use a Noodle Rod?

The very first time I have seen a noodle rod in action is on a Sibu kelong by DesT, then I don't know him yet, but yet he is willing to tell me about the rod, lasso rig, etc. Many moons later, I meet him once again on a Sibu kelong and is formally introduced to him, and after many trips together, we have become good friends.  He is considered to be one of authoritative figure in Noodle Rod locally, and almost everything I know about noodle rod fishing is learnt thru him.

Noodle rod, that long,soft, limpy looking fishing rod that look like it will break anytime soon. Why would any angler want to use it to fish? It look like an fishing rod that will break really soon, and would anyone able to bring up anything larger then bait fish with it?


First, let's make it clear that noodle in the Noodle Rod is NOT a brand, it is a Rod Action classification, which is confusing to a lot of anglers locally because most of the rods sold here are seldom goes below Medium Light action. As you can see from Noodle Action is in the last position, which means you can expect a rod with very little backbone and flex almost throughout the entire length of the blank.

Extra Heavy ; Heavy ; Medium Heavy ; Medium ; Medium Light ; Light ; Ultralight ; Noodle
Given the lack of power in the rod, if you fish the traditional method of tug-of-war method, stay clear of this rod, this rod is not built for this purpose. Must likely the only tug-of-war you are likely to win are with bait fishes, hardly one's idea of fishing. Even if you intend to use this rod to jig for bait fishes, Don't. The action is so slow that chances you will not get a hook up when you try to set the hook, we have tried before and failed big time for bait fish jigging. So what the heck is this rod good for?

If you are fishing in open waters for pelagic species, then this rod will suit your applications. You are asking for trouble if you use this rod to hunt for groupers, snappers, stingrays. Simply because you need to tire the fish before you can bring it in, if they go into their cervices in coral or rocks, the rod will not have any power to pull it out of it.

Still, I have yet to answer the question on Why use a Noodle rod? Using light lines and smaller hooks, it will not spook fishes that easily and hopefully entice them to feed on your bait. But using lighter lines and hooks, any sudden jerks or turbo-boosted run by these pelagic species will likely to lines to snap or hook being straighten, with the noodle rod acting like a shock absorber to take these punishment, you will be able to land your fish.

Genesis Assasini 7'3"

Since I started luring, I am looking out for a reasonably priced, 7ft spin rod that can cast big lures. Upon recommendation from my luring kaki Nenasi, I pick up this rod from a fellow fisho, Derrick. He sold it to me with 2 tip and one butt.

Really like this rod, easy to cast and have enough backbone to fight biggies. Going to pair it with my Shimano AernosXT C3000 for the extra line capacity, and the weight balance is great.

GLoomis NR1382S - Noodle Rod

I have been using the Silstar Teal 10' as my UL fishing gear. Since I like fishing with Noodle rod, I have already decided to this GLoomis rod for a while. GLoomis no longer manufacture the factory rod anymore and to custom build one will cost in excess of $350.

A fellow fisho built this for DesT, but have to keep it for himself as DesT perferred a thinker Eva grip. He posted in the forum for sale and I took it at $250.

An expensive rod for UL tackle, but use it once on St John island to play with the meter long todak, one can really feel the difference in the rod. In my view, well worth the money if you like UL tackle.

Specs
11'6" 2pc.
Line: IGFA 4 

Inzanai 13ft 3 piece

When I started fishing, I usually fish at beach or at Bedok Jetty. So long rods are my usual tackles and I buy and sell off rod to find one that I like.

I never did buy a 'Jetty Rod' till the chance came for me to buy this hard to find rod, it is from a regular fisho at BJT who have injured his back and can no longer use this rod. He build the rod himself and surprising the reel seat position suits me perfectly. He even let me try casting it to see if I like the rod before money change hand.

There is no line rating on the rod, and I have comfortably cast 8oz sinker on this super stiff rod. Rod are fitted with Fuji Chrome SIC, Fuji reel seat. Top section is white, the other two section is glossy black.

As times goes by and some fisho friend who know that I have this rod start to tell me more about this rod, not too sure how much of these are true.

One surfcaster bought in the rod blanks to SG, only 4 pieces are bought in. Three are 40lb line and one 60lbs line rating. The one I am hold is suppose the 60lb line rating one, which I cannot confirm.

Anyfish Anywhere Big Beach 14 ft

I sold off most of my surf rod to when I decide to buy this, this rod is almost everything I want in a surf rod. 14ft, soft tip, coaster reel seat, and a slim blank that can take 6oz sinker, only grip I have is that I hope that the guide from be of better material.

Derrick organized a mass order for this rod, and I duly place my order with him. It took a while for it to arrive, and I went for a practice cast with this rod at Changi CP7 and pair this rod with the Penn525 Mag. The casting is easy and distance good! After a while I got tired and tie a simple long snook rig, bait up with squid and cast out, in less then 15 min, the line out alarm goes in one short burst and then a long one. I suspect I have a stingray at the other end, thumb to set hook, tighten drag and the rod loads beautifully. But I lost the fish due to rig failure.

Sadly that's the only thing this rod catches so far as I seldom do beach casting even I purchase this rod. I hope to start doing it again soon and not let this rod go to waste.

Specs
BLANK MATERIAL :CARBON
OVERALL LENGHT :14 FT
SECTIONS :TWO
GUIDES :EIGHT PLUS TIP
WHIPPINGS :BLACK edged red
REEL SEAT :COASTERS
REDUCER :18" REDUCER
CASTING WEIGHT : 175 - 200 GRAMS

Silstar Powersurf 3679-360

This is the 2nd piece of Powersurf rod I bought, the first piece I bought is sold to a friend who try out the rod, like it so much that he purchase it from me the very first time I use the rod.

Popularly known as the 'Red Head Soldier' (Hokkien) among the older gen of surf caster, this rod is 12ft, 2 section with the tip in red, while the rest is in black. Coaster are used to secure the reel. I usually cast size 4 to 5 oz sinker with this rod.

This is a fairly simple rod to cast due to it's soft tip, and I use it when I go for an lazy surf-fishing outing. As this is an old school rod, the blanks are think and the guide sucks. When the guides start to give way, I will have the guide changed and still uses it.

Shimano Convergence 6ft - CVS60M2

Purchase this rod 2nd hand for one sole purpose only - jigging tamban. I never had any intention to use it for anything else as it is a medium power rod, not much lifting power, but long enough to dislodge tamban off the tamban jigs.

Only when I started luring, then I discover that this rod is suitable for casting light lures, 1/8 to 1/2 oz. Since then I am using it so very often for my luring trip, pairing it with either Ofmer Axis 6 or Daiwa SS700.

Good for light game fishing, had a great time fighting a 2-lbs odd PB with this rod and 4lbs line.

Majorcraft Slicer 7ft - MC702H

When Majorcraft rods hit our shores, it caused quite a small stir. Beautiful crafted japanese rods but at a more affordable prices then high end branded rods.

I ponder for a long time before I purchase this rod, as I am not into luring then. Decided to buy a 2nd hand rod thru forum when I have an Abu 5600D5 to match the rod should I want to do luring.

After I purchase it, it remains on the rod rack for a long time. Start to see action when I get more serious into luring.

Eupro Hammer 8ft - HRFS802MH

For a while when I go up to Sibu kelong, I will bring along one big bunch of fishing rods. Each one have it's own specific function and target species. I feel the need to purchase a more GP rod for kelong, so that I can reduce the rods I bring up to kelong. By changing the rig, I can use this rod for jigging tamban, selar, light bottom, parang hunting, jig casting, etc.

It is modest price tag and unique color prompt me to buy this instead of others, as I will be using this rod of all sort of rough and tumble action, i refuse to buy a more expensive rod in case it get damaged.

Am happy with the rod, use it pretty often.

Osprey ShoreCast 10ft

Surf Rod at 10ft? Isn't it a bit short? Yet, indeed it is a short rod for surf cast purpose. However, this is a light surf rod, never intended to use it to target biggies.

Thus usually will bring this rod out when I am going for a longer surf session. Rig this rod with a simple 3 hook Apollo and size 2 or 3 size for some mini action.

Silstar Teal Ultralight T100-SN 10ft

The 'original' noodle rod that I have when I try my hand at todak hunting. I bought it 'Used Condition' when it is advertised in the forum, original owner sold it because he don't know how to use the rod.

For a period of time, a bunch of us go Sibu kelong to hunt for todak, DesT with his G Loomis, Nimo with his Daiwa Heartland and me with the Silstar Teal. Nothing beats the G Loomis for the flex and sensitivity, while the Heartland in my view is a Float rod, while the Silstar though with a better flex then the Heartland still closer to a Float rod rather then true noodle.

Later Nimo found out the Siow Chiang have close to 200pcs of this particular rod (and many more in the 8ft and 9ft), he organized a mass order for FK forum at $15 each. Suddenly there are 146 anglers around SG using the same rod that I have been singing praises about for a few mths then.

Now the first Silstar rod that I have is semi-retired, use to old age and heavy usage, the reel seat fit is no longer good. But I still use it when I hunt for half beak or wanted some UL fun, only reason why I use this over the G Loomis is that it cast better and further.

There is another 2 of these rods that I got when Nimo did the mass order, will be keeping them as I think somehow, I might need it which is quite unlikely since I already have gotten a G Loomis that is built with quality Fuji components.