The JDM Daiwa BLX lineup of rods are new to the shop for the 2021 season. Naturally I was intrigued upon their arrival. After all, everything JDM is typically awesome. I decided to take one from stock, that I knew I would really use, in an effort to form a genuine opinion of the lineup. The rod I chose is the BLXG6101MLFS. My intent was to use this rod as my primary for drop shot. Overall first impressions both visually and “in hand” were very good. The rod is very light and sensitive. The action feels exactly as the model number infers. Perfect for the drop shot.
I must tell you though...I am a die hard Shimano/Gloomis guy. Quite literally, all I have used for the majority of my life to date. So picking up something different is not an easy sell for me. I have been disappointed far too many times to count. This lineup has really been an eye opener for me. Daiwa has definitely hit the mark with this rod. I spent the past weekend on Lake Simcoe, fishing for giant Smallmouth, drop shotting exclusively the entire time. I was very impressed with how well this rod fished. It's one thing to look and feel good in the shop, which it certainly did, but a completely different ball game when put to actual use. Over the course of the two days I caught upwards of 30 smallmouth on this rod. A few north of 5lbs and several in the 3.5-4.5 range. The rod performed flawlessly! The action is absolutely spot on for this technique. And over the two days of testing my landing percentage was near 100%. I lost one fish.. one! This was only because I was asleep at the wheel - no fault to the rod. I’m going to throw some specifics below, but before you get there just know that this rod/lineup is legit! Especially at the $399 price point - I highly recommend.
The Line Up
These rods are the culmination of years of fishing rod development and the latest in Daiwa Rod Technologies. A complete renewal of the Classic Black Label line, the rods are designed and constructed with two different concepts in mind, sensitive and limber. The SG or Sensitive Graphite models are well suited for worms, jigs and dropshot. Techniques that demand sensitivity, feel and a quicker action.
The LG or Limber Graphite models are designed for crank baits, soft jerk baits and stick baits. The limber bend utilizes a blank formulation that has the properties and strength of fiberglass without the traditional size and weight. This Nanoplus HVF Carbon Technology reinforces the blank through a micro-levelarrangement of material in the plastic resin. This creates a smaller, lighter, more rigid blank. The 3DX Honeycomb Structure of the blank enhances compression with a high recovering force balanced in 360°.
The Elite Canadian Bass Angers Tour, Lake Simcoe
The X-45 Bias Construction has greater strength and prevents twisting for more precise casting. No expense is spared with the Fuji SIC Guides, state of the art in the industry. The Brand New Shaped Reel Seat is streamlined and holds the reel fast and secure. The Quality Natural Cork Handle provides a firm, solid grip on the rod. If you want to see the best rod that Daiwa engineers can produce, then put the newly redesigned BLX® JDM BASS RODS in your hand.
Shop the Daiwa BLX
If you are in the market for a high end JDM rod. Definitely take a closer look at the BLX lineup. You will not be disappointed! Tight Lines!
Using the Ryugi Fog Shot Hooks
Article credit : Chris Huskilson, Product Specialist at Peterborough Pro Tackle
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