Daiwa Emeraldas ST83TM-MD

I had the opportunity to play with my Emas this weekend. First up, the Telescopic ST83 Interline. It was fitted with a Hyper Exist Branzino 2508R loaded with 20lb Sunline Super PE, and 15lb Flourocarbon joined with a Slim Beauty and a standard 3/8oz Casting Plug. With this heavier line and leader, I'm sure distance was compromised. I was able to hit a standard household size wheelie bin at a touch over 60 metres. Without being concerned with accuracy, and just belting it as hard as I could, it achieved an additional 10 metres, but was a couple of metres off the mark. If a fin 10lb braid will hold up to the initial shock I'm sure casts in excess of 80 metres would be possible. Using it on the water at Wivenhoe, I found it outstanding with TN60 Jackalls. While I didn't catch a fish on it, I'm certain it will handle any Bass swimming in my local dam. This is an amazing rod, and surprised a lot of other anglers who were eging me on in the casting. I'm in love.

Hi Dale, how do u find this rod when using over-rating line? I think it would be fine as long as you set the drag probably right?

Recently I got myself a 81M, which is recommended using up to #1.0 pe and #2 leader (8lb), but I may want to use heavier when I am casting metals to tailors or chasing other species.

I used to use FG and the Daiwa recommended knot so knot size should not be a problem. Cheers.

Using heavier line is not a problem, as long as you fish it to the strength of the line and not the rod. Most barra guys are fishing 24kg line over 6 and 8kg rods. They'll never get the strength benefit of the line but they have the abrasion resistance they're looking for. Similar to fly fishing if you need more grunt, just lower the rod tip. Most of my PNG fishing is done off the reel, the rod is only used for casting, after that it's pointing straight at the lure.

Thanks Dale, Cheers.