Gary Loomis Edge EFX 714-1 Update 2

Almost 3 weeks since my last testing of this rod, I went back to Pantabangan to try and perform another set of field testing. But this time, I did a little modification of the rod.

I said during my last update that I will upgrade the guides to Fuji Titanium SIC Guides and I did just that. It sounds a bit crazy but I did it for the love of science and curiosity. Anyway, I got the rod for a great price and adding $70 for the Titanium guides will still make the rod cheaper than it's actual market price.

Anyway, I ordered the following Fuji guides Plat Japan:

• 2 x FUJI T-LSG 7 
• 1 x FUJI T-LNSG 8 
• 4 x FUJI T-LSG 6J 
• 1 x FUJI T-LNSG 10 
• 1 x FUJI T-LNSG 12 
• 1 x FUJI T-FST 5.5-1.8

The guides I ordered were correct except for the 4x T-LSG 6J and 2 x FUJI T-LSG 7. The sizes I got were 2mm bigger than I had imagined. I had to order smaller replacement guides. It's a good thing that Plat was very accommodating with these kinds of requests.

While waiting for the new guides, I replaced the tip with FUJI T-FST 5.5-1.8. The stock tip is just way overkill and overweight. I think that tip is killing the blank's sensitivity. You can see the side by side picture as the stock guide dwarfs the Fuji guide. Also, when take a close look at the stock tip, you will see that the end of slightly crooked support arms are welded to the tube but the squared end is protruding on top of the tube, which can snag your knot during cast especially when you are using braid to leader connections.

On the left is the Titanium-framed Sic tip from Fuji and on the  right is the stock Edge tip with stainless frame and rings.

When I replaced the tip, I immediately noticed that the difference in response of the rod tip. The usual "whippy" action when swinging the tip from side to side was reduced considerably. With the new titanium tip, I would say it is almost as crisp as my KS' Labo and NRX.

To find out the change in real fishing scenario, I went back to Pantabangan using the same reel, same line, same hooks, sinkers, and worms but this time, the rod tip is different. I was blown away as difference is very evident. From zero bass on my last outing, I manage to get about 12 and this is when bass fishing was extremely tough, the wind was howling, and the water's too cold. The fishing was so tough that my boat mate got skunked. The difference was sensitivity --- the rod was like 5 times more sensitive compared to when it was using the stock NFC tip. When I tried the rod at 2 in the morning, with the moon as the only source of light, the sensitivity was outstanding. I can feel the subtle bumps and thumps from brush and rocks and even small bass. I even managed to catch a couple of bass. When we got to the peacock bass lake the following morning, I tied on a small crappy-style spinner bait around 1/4 oz in weight, Amazingly, I can feel the subtle vibration of the blades like they were huge spinners on steroids. This is the type of sensitivity that I did not find on my other rods.

What does this mean exactly? For me, it shows that Gary Loomis is still the man when it comes to designing bass fishing blanks and the Edge EFX IM blank is no exception. It's just that the cheap guides are killing it's sensitivity.

I can't wait for the remaining replacement guides especially  the T-LSG 5 to arrive. I am certain that these will reduce the tip weight even further which I hope will increase the sensitivity further.

Edge First Strike EFX 714-1 Casting Rod

My first G Loomis was an NRX 893c. I had high expectations from this rod but after trying it in actual fishing, I was a bit conflicted on whether it's performance justifies it price. I was really unsure if it was better than my other rods or not. Perhaps it is too long  (7'5"), or the blank is not really too sensitive, or maybe its Tackletour review may not be applicable to all. I honestly am not sure.

When I heard that that Gary Loomis is back to build a new breed of rods after selling G.Loomis to Shimano,  I imagined his new creations may be at par or possibly even better that his old creations.is One of the rods he released is called Edge First Strike EFX.  According to initial reviews, it looks different but has that Loomis feel and quality. When given a chance, I said to myself I'd try one of these Edge rods for frogging, saltwater fishing, and maybe for bottom contact fishing for bass.

Just recently, I was able to acquire an Edge First Strike EFX 714-1. It's a 7'1" 12-25lb, Fast Action rod rated for 1/2-1.5oz lures.

When I first held it, it did not felt like an NRX or a GLX. It actually felt like one of those JDM Regular Fast rods with serious backbone. Nonetheless, it felt suitable for top water fishing. It might do well for casting those frogs and other top-water lures (spooks, poppa dogs).

On its first outing, I used a Boze Sumo frog. When a nice snakehead lunged at the frog and dove for cover, the rod managed to wrestle it out of the weeds and I was able to lift it out of the water, weeds and all, without fearing that it will snap. Now that's awesome power. I also tried other lures and it actually felt nice for jerkbaits and spinnerbaits. Casting was smooth and it really lobbed those lures with confidence. It doesn't feel strained and it sure felt that it can handle more.

The rod grip is made of graphite and it takes a while to get used to. Although the handle is well made and fits really nice, It feels a little slick when it gets wet.

For t-rigs, it may be a stretch, but I need to try it when I go bass fishing - perhaps next week.

If it is lacking in the sensitivity department especially during bottom contact fishing, which I will find out on my next bass fishing trip, I might replace the guides with Fuji Titanium-framed Sic guides and top. The blank is nice but the guides may be frowned upon especially here in Asia where Fuji SIC is the preferred hardware by casting enthusiasts. The idea of replacing the guides with TiSic might sound crazy because those guides are really expensive. Luckily, I got a great deal when I purchased the rod and after upgrading the rod with TiSic, this will still end up cheaper than its online price.

=====================

Feb 9, 2015: UPDATE - I went on a bass fishing trip over the weekend (Largemouth Bass and Peacock bass). I tried the rod for T-rigs and C-rigs and it was disappointing. It lacks sensitivity for bottom contact fishing as I cannot feel anything. I tried different sinkers and still it was a dud. I also tried 2 different reels -- a Daiwa Sol and a TDZ IZE Custom Color 103HL with carbon handle but I felt that the sensitivity was not there. Maybe I am asking too much out of the rod.

I also tried the rod on Peacock bass and I managed to hook a couple of 1kgs. I casted jerkbaits, spinners, and a 5gram jig head with a Eco Gear Grass Minnow. Peacocks loved the Grass minnow and and a Bassday Jerkbait. I was able get a couple to commit. The rod performed flawlessly during the cast, retrieve, and fight.

All in all, it is a decent topwater (frogs, spooks, mirrolures), spinnerbait, crankbait, and a jerkbait rod. Will I replace the guides with TiSic? I still might replace them to find out if it will enhance its sensitivity and/or balance.

Studying finesse jigheads and softplastics at the School of Fish

Finesse style soft plastics has always intrigued me. Whenever there's a chance, I always check out Youtube videos from Australia about tiny soft plastics on jigheads. They use  tiny jigheads with 1-2-inch soft plastics to catch bream and flatheads. After getting myself a light tackle combo, I promised myself that I will try this on local bakoko and flatties. 

A  months ago, I collected a few jigheads. Some are pasalubong from friends and a few from local stores. They were Java sticks, Charley Brewer's slider, 1.5inch Powerbaits and other soft tails that I think were suited for the application. I didn't want to go overboard and start spending a lot on these plastics unless I have tested them. Anyhow, I got the gear and collected a few baits and the only thing remaining is to try them in our local waters. I know that juvenile groupers love them but I was hoping to try them on bakoko, flatties, buwan-buwan, and other fresh and brackish fishes.

I initially wanted to try this in Pampanga Delta but the area was ruined after the recent typhoons. The river delta has been heavily silted and the area is now so shallow and layered with thick mud. And if that wasn't bad enough, I broke one of my light rods before I could use it,

I got a replacement rod recently and to resume my plans, I headed to Irving's school of fish to learn to work these finesse jigheads and tiny plastics. On the first drop using a 3-gram jig and a 1.5 powerbait, one of the red tilapias gave first blood. Not bad. A tilapia was fooled by hopping the jig at the bottom.

I threw a Java stick and had a solid hookup. It ran for a few meters but the hook came off. My guess it that a dalag fancied the bait. I casted again on the same spot and got another hookup. I was right, it as a dalag.

I had a few more strikes but none connected. i figured they were small barras or tilapias that kept pulling the plastic from the hook. I switched to a green swimbait and used a heavier jig, casted in the middle and felt like my lure snagged after a few retrieves. I was trying to free the snag when something suddenly pulled drag. I thought it was a bigger barra. It turned out that it was a big mama tilapia. Almost a kilo.  I thought to myself that this finesse jig/plastic is turning out effective in SOF.

Just before 1pm, I got another solid hookup. It was a barra. I think it was more or less a kilo in weight. Just before I can land it, the hook unbuttoned. Casted again on the same spot got another barra. It's a bit smaller but fun on light tackle nonetheless.

After this  fun outing, I decided to look for more plastics to add in my arsenal.