I have done some serious research into just exactly what a "slow Pitch" rod actually is. And what I've found is that every manufacturer and nearly every pundit have their own version of what such a rod "should be." In particular, at the big Jersey show I stopped by the Temple Reef dealer to give his sticks a good looking over. These are widely acknowledged to be among the finest of slow pitch rods - and so I was eager to see what all the hub-bub is about.
The action of those rods, both in the Gravitate and more expensive Levitate series, was the opposite of what I look for in a good fluke jigging rod. No surprise, as TR rods were designed for a completely different style of fishing. Not saying they weren't works of art, because they were - at least in a "factory" stick. But just not my cup of tea, with their very light, delicate tip sections. Hey, all good, they were still very nice.
The BH Charter Special 6'8" blank is nothing like that - as I said, every company seems to have their own interpretation of what a slow pitch rod "should be." The BH features what I would call a "moderate" action, not parabolic, but it will bend deeply on heavier loads. Its nice because it has a MUCH stouter tip than most other of the slow pitch rods I've seen. I like it very much. Seems about perfect for jigging 3-8oz bucktail rigs offshore. But of course I won't know that for sure until a few months from now. And I won't be shy about sharing my findings - in writing.
I also LOVE Jigging World's Ghost Hunter 150 for lighter stuff. This one I HAVE fished for two seasons - and I give it a full "5 Shamrock" rating for fluke jigging with up to 4oz lures. What a sweet action. One cannot go wrong choosing this particular rod - or its blank, which JW makes available for custom builds.
I have others in my collection that also are great at this type of fishing, but when it comes to choosing a "slow pitch" rod - or blank - either of those are very worthy of extra consideration.
I STRONGLY doubt either of those blanks are built as well as a CTS blank. In fact I'm pretty confident that they are not. But they don't carry the premium price of a CTS, either. Hey, the majority of the "slow pitch" rods sold here on LI are used for anything BUT slow pitch applications - every tackle shop owner knows that. I know, because I've repeatedly asked. Doesn't mean this style of rod isn't adaptable to our inshore needs - in whatever type of action or tip the buyer likes. Because in my opinion, they are really great for inshore fishing.
And that metallic green CTS you are offering is a GORGEOUS blank! I have one that color in a BS704 - a head turner wherever I take it. And lucky too. First trip out - a 17lb cod on top of a 45' inshore piece - a very pleasant surprise! Second trip out, a 10.6lb tog. Hey, a bright green rod on a boat built by Shamrock - I'm not Irish, but gotta face facts - "Luck of the Irish" has to apply here. . . .
?
