Don't ignore please - questions needing answers

[Sout]

So here's the question a lot of people have been asking and no one seems to bother helping or even giving their 2c. I see a lot of posts, threads and all kinds of media
relating to this questions and nobody seems to give a full and straight answer with explanations.

I'm going to use the models that I compared for instance. THE QUESTION: The difference between the following rods......

Assassin Bluefish II XT 14ft6 3-5 oz (new)
Assassin Bluefish Special 14ft6 3-5 oz ( and what really is the correct trilogy between the Classic, Zero and Special )
Assassin Solar 14ft6 3-5 oz (new model)
Okuma Euphoria 14ft6 3-5 oz (new)

Let's relate to edibles, gallies, beenbekke and some cob. We all know these rods can pack a punch.

Please will you just leave a 2c as to what you think or even just about 1 of these rods that you maybe have or had. Will love to see the answers myself.

 

[DJP]

The full straight answer is most of the variants are marketing related and will make no significant difference in the amount of fish you catch or any other aspect of fishing for that matter. Sure they may have different components but the rods Assassin made 10-20 years ago still going strong so really don't see how much of a difference year on year features will differ.

 

[Sout]

So which one would you choose then? Just out of curiosity and why your choice? . According to "experts" not 1 is the same even the blanks. I thought I knew until I've been "corrected" a few times lately so now I don't want to give advise anymore. Intension was to get a group answer for this one. There's always something to learn right?!!

 

[DJP]

I'll choose the one with the casting action that feels best for me, and then consider budget as well. People's casting actions differ a lot and this is probably the biggest variable when it comes to these surf rods. There is no right or wrong here, it's just preference, you could probably throw in quite a few other rod brands in the same specs here (I went through this whole exercise a year or two ago an ended up selling my Solar and buying Okuma precision, nice rod as good price). I'd rather save 1k on a rod and upgrade to a better spec reel than go for the rod with the most premium price tag.

 

[Sout]

I like your thinking. Did the same and got a Gosa 8000 instead. Paired it with my old BF Special instead of getting a new rod. Thinking of getting the Evo later on to pair as a nice scratching setup. I had a look at the Solar and the BF II XT side by side the other day in a tackle shop and both seem to have a harder (less sensitive) tip than the old BF Specials and that's where the whole discussion starter between me, the shop assistant and later on the manager with all the staff members. Clients in the shop at that time later stood closer with the same questions leading to this topic. This is why I'm so determined to find the real difference in specs.

 

[Sout]

So far:
Bluefish Classic/Zero/Special all going out leaving the new BF II XT to replace them all. (if this is correct)
Solar also going out with nothing to replace.

That leaves the following:
Assassin BF II XT
Okuma Euphoria

As someone told me - it's like Toyota and Ford, you choose. Assassin tend to be more stiff and Okuma more sensitive.

It still leaves the the question of what the correct layout is of the BF Classic / Zero / Special and did the blanks really differ or just the cosmetics?

 

[dewalds]

Your interpretation and analogy is 100% correct.

As a rule i would lean towards the newer models (should you break the rod, allowing for spares to be available) and out of personal preference I would choose the Assassin between the two options.

 

[Sout]

I like the Assassin for the warranty and spare parts although I had a problem in the past where our local tackle shop wouldn't assist my wife with a broken Equinox. Now that's a different story with 3 rods breaking in 1 club..... That aside I never worked with Okuma before regarding warranties??

Ok so the Bluefish range went as follows (please correct me if I'm wrong)
1. Classic (low level)
2. Zero (middel)
3. Special (highes of the 3 with a heavier rating)
???

ps: My wife said she'll go for the Euphoria because of the more sensitive tip and her casting style ( from dead over the shoulder - she likes the whip) and now we've got another argue point 🤦‍♂️

 

[DJP]

Sout you sure your wife was referring to the fishing rod
Casting style is very important and consider that when you are fishing for galjoen of the bricks you will likely cast different than for kob in the surf.

Just out of interest how did those rods break?

I have never had an issue with Assassin rods and I have a range from bass, slow jig, spinning, castings etc rods. but the same for Okuma, you get what you pay for.
Honestly, for rock fishing cheaper thicker blanks are sometimes better, they tend to take nocks better with higher modules graphite being a bit more fickle.

 

[Sout]

@DJP 🤣🤣🤣🤣 nice one. Have to ask her.

Well with the Equinox she waded in with a 5oz and i think it was kreef on a 2/0 if I remember correctly. Went for the cast and next moment the rod snapped in 3 pieces. About 10cm above where the mid section goes in and just below the second eye from the tip. Clean straight brakes. I wasn't there with the other 2, they only told me about it but also snapped with the cast. Not saying it's an issue with the rods though. I like those rods and especially the old models. Had the 13ft6 for a long time. Nice slim scratching rod.

Anybody mind telling me if my info is correct on the right order of the Bluefish range from low to high level?

 

[Biscuit1984]

Howzit guys....
My 2c..... I'm a pretty short bloke but I have good technique that counts in my favor. Most of my life fished with 12 and 13ft rods. Had a purglass executive 14ft too but was a little heavy and picked me up on my toes during a long cast (if I can put it that way). A friend bought himself a BF special 14ft6 MHXL and paired it with a Okuma Salina 8000. Asked if I can feel the rod and to my surprise, it was the best combo I've ever felt. Casts a mile with no effort and doesn't throw me off balance at all. Feels like one of my custom rods. A rod specifically made for me so naturally I bought one myself. Its an insanely good rod at the price and will never part with it. Its my main rod in my arsenal. He then went and bought the latest spec. And to be honest, it doesn't feel as good and its a heavier rod. Yes it has high end accessories on it out of the box.... But so does mine (obviously had the reel seat and eyes replaced) so all in all it comes down to preference. Having the latest and most expensive of anything doesn't mean you will catch fish (or more) if you can't read water.
If you have a cheapie and have good technique, you will still be able to cast a long lead. But let's be honest..... Most places almost EVERYONE casts over the fish. Especially Galjoen.

 

[Tappit]

I have these rods (all Assassins) I only use saragosa's (6000 -10 000) Take into account my age (60+) and my height 176cm
1) Evo Infinity 14"6 (#4) = use this when fishing from the beach or sandy bays
2) Bluefish Zero Razor 14" (#4) 3-5oz = use this when fishing from the beach or sandy bays
3) Bluefish Zero 14"6 3-5oz (when going where i need some height to get my line through or out of rocks and kelp.
4) Evo Zero 3-5oz (the gold one)
5) Classic 13" 2-4oz (scratching rod)
6) Bluefish Zero 13" 2-4oz
#1 and 2 is different class - If you can afford it, buy based on what you target, (most probably a #5 the best for everything) No need for a championship zero
#3 Is a brilliant rod and if 1 and 2 is just outside your budget, get the 14"6 (3-5oz) (the 2-4oz model is just to soft for my liking)
#4 Very good rod, but much heavier than the latest models, It just sits in the gerage and I don't take it out anymore.
#5) Love to scratch for galjoen with this rod with the 6000 saragosa
6) Too soft and "pap" for my liking.