Dear @Rise, believe that I have not yet had the opportunity to try the two Zenaqs that I bought, in fact, over time I have bought more things that I also have yet to use, I think I have become a passive fisherman, I hope to resume my hobby soon.
The two models that I ended up acquiring were B3-68 Bottom Sensor and S2-68 Dragger, as I say, I have not used them, but they give me an exceptional feeling, as soon as I try them, I will share my feelings in real fishing.
@onesbug my friend…this year has been very similar for myself. Lots of buying and very little fishing, due to work and family. “Passive Fisherman”…😆…let’s not accept that as our fate. Hoping you get out there soon and break those fine rods in on some quality fish. Make some time for yourself, you deserve it.
As for myself…There’s some light at the end of the tunnel and things will change/allow me to spend more time on the water soon. I’ve got a ton of new stuff to try out/share info about and that’s always something to look forward to.
I’ve very much Ed enjoyed my bottom sensor over the years. Outstanding, strong backbone and and balances out/fishes very nicely with a ABU 922 aboard. Look forward to comparing notes with ya on it. 🤙🏼
So I did the deed and picked up a 72 Biwa spec. Just arrived today, went to the garage, tied a jig and dragged it over the driveway. It appears a lot more sensitive than my X7 Amart 71 which is a faster and shorter rod. I currently have it paired up with an Antared 70 HG and it feels great, balances right up at the locknut if that's your thing. Pretty cold in MN today and we're nearing ice season so might have to test it out tomorrow so far so good. It's a beautiful rod. Not as aesthetically pleasing as the X7 line but I'm a sucker for black on black. Shooot... I may just end up buying more. Will post more with some time on the water.
Reporting back. I've purchased so many rods over time, and I wanted to love some of them so much. I've own the blue steez ags, red steez ags, nrx, nrx +, Megabass xx all the way up to the x7 line, raid rods. And I can finally say I really do truly love fishing this line up. The loved the 72 Biwa Spec so much I picked up the B5-74 and B4-69 as well. As mentioned by other users the rods are very well built, heavier compared to other high end rods but balances beautifully. Have not been fatigued fishing these rods yet. These rods have excellent sensitivity, I can feel the difference is grass that i'm ripping through.
The 72 Biwa Spec is such a versatile rod. I do prefer fishing this rod with braid and a 4-6 ft fluorocarbon leader. I would call this the ultimate grass lake rod. It's slower in taper than the B5-74 and B4-69 so it does great with swimjigs and chatterbaits. I throw a lot of 3/8-1/2oz flipping jigs on it too. The rod is true to ratings at max 2oz, I was able to cast and drag a 6 inch hudd with success.
The B4-69 reminds me of the megabass Super Destroyer line, I use this rod for lighter Texas or pitching in close quarters. Very good single hook rod. This rod is a lot lighter than the biwa Spec, just a joy to fish. Taper is much faster the biwa Spec but still has the nice tip to allow Casting lighter jigs, 1/4oz swimjig with trailer etc.
The b5-74 is probably my least favorite of the three but I found this rod to do extremely well in heavy cover. Bigger frogs, flip/pitch/punch any weight you want. I actually do like the shorter rod for punching. Great for heavy spinner bait in deep water too, sharp blank and taper excels cutting through weeds. The taper is similar to the b4-69. This rod would be a great choice for smaller soft swimbaits as well, hudds, magdrsft 6inch weighted. I threw the 8inch magdraft on it but it wouldn't be the 1st rod I choose to throw that beast with. This rod actually casts 3/8oz with trailer nicely as well, just too much rod for that weight imo.
I also have the s66 "skipping frog" on the way. It's supposed to be a M-ML rod with a strong backbone capable of pulling big fish from grass. Im skeptical but I can judge that 😄
If Zenaq ever reads this a 7'3 to 7'4 b4-69 would be the perfect deep water bottom contact rod.
Overall, extremely happy I decided to pull the trigger on these rods. I would say they are the first rods I truly love fishing.
i am regretting reading this...lol
i have been thinking about a new stick in February some time..
I picked up a JDM Steez Real Control 6'8" spinning rod ... already itching to grab another
Just prior to that was the RAID Japan "Diffuser" or was it the "Stride"???
@bengyaj Well this is good to read. Last night half asleep I decided to pick up the B4-69. The rating was similar to the Megabits Hyuga MH-611 and I wanted something that would be good at pinning the bass on jigs. Glad to see it will do the job. Please report back if you get more! lol Im eyeing the B65 finesse next...
Owned a bunch and can say I truly love fishing the line up. Loved one so much, picked up another, very well built, heavier compared to other high end but balance beautifully, have not been fatigued fishing these, have excellent sensitivity, true to rating, and YOU just described my affinity for Gan Craft. I love this shit. Forget the hype out there, just a bunch of homers anyway, make your own choice, create your own path, and enjoy the prosperity that comes with it. Have to say, I’m quite impressed sitting here right now… And to be blunt, I’m not exactly one easy to impress. Very well done!!
I have a B4.5 72 Biwa on the way.... I'm really excited to see how this rod performs against say, my Evergreen Heracles EG Swimming, which is another very versatile 7'2* MH Mod-fast. The Biwa is heavier in weight and power rating, and looks like it will also have slightly higher end components and should prove to be more sensitive for bottom contact and slack line techs.
I have a B4.5 72 Biwa on the way.... I'm really excited to see how this rod performs against say, my Evergreen Heracles EG Swimming, which is another very versatile 7'2* MH Mod-fast. The Biwa is heavier in weight and power rating, and looks like it will also have slightly higher end components and should prove to be more sensitive for bottom contact and slack line techs.
Congrats homie! Hope it works for your power fishing and stays in your stable for a good long while