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Bloke “Justin Anwyl” Bass Special 9’ #8/9
By Kevin Knight.
Bloke “Justin Anwyl” Bass Special 9’ #8/9
This rod has evolved from the original saltwater XL50 (9’ #8) which Bloke rods released a couple of years ago. It is a significant improvement from what was already a very good rod.
The reel seat is identical to the XL50 saltwater rod – it’s a heavy duty up locking alloy seat. Naturally it’s saltwater “proof” in an anodised blue with stainless details that fall somewhere between lightning flashes and Jackson Pollock “squiggles.”
There is a fighting butt below the reel seat -
The four-
The rod is fitted with three large lined stripping rings, and big snake guides above these.
Combined with the gloss finish to the blank this results in very little friction to hinder the progress of the fly line through the rings whilst casting, which I am sure helps to wring an extra few yards from each cast.
The Bass Special is in four sections, and for an extra twenty pounds you can get a fetching carbon rod tube decorated with a subtle deep blue holographic fish scale pattern in which to house the rod in its canvas bag. It would fit into a large suitcase or holdall quite comfortably for those who wish to travel further afield in pursuit of their quarry.
In the hand this rod feels surprisingly light, particularly in comparison to the previous Bloke saltwater rod. At 9’ long it is ideal for distance casting.
It is a “tippy” rod, with a fast action. When using an 8 weight line I found it needed a reasonable length of line aerialised before it “came alive” – at which point it was most sensitive and I could clearly feel it loading and recovering through the casting arc. This made my timing more accurate without consciously trying – I could just “feel” it all coming together, and with a few hauls the line really flew out. The rating of eight weight will suit a reasonably competent caster. If you cannot haul, or have problems keeping a good length of line in the air, then it may not be the combination for you. Perhaps a nine weight line would soften the action somewhat, but I doubt it would suit those of mediocre casting ability.
For those who haul and cast a long line, this rod is more than capable of extending your cast and punching out a long line carrying large saltwater (or pike) flies. It is also pleasingly light and sensitive, enabling both the precise loop control often needed to cast into the sea breezes we often encounter on our shores and accurate presentation to fish at short range. These characteristics also enable the angler to feel the fight of the fish – even if it is less than enormous.
I must confess that, in addition to the vast majority of my saltwater forays, this rod has become my tool of choice when bank fishing reservoirs for trout (and indeed for boat fishing where inclement conditions prevent the use of the lightweight rods I usually use).
It has also coped well with pike along with a low double figure carp (I confess I didn’t cope as well as the rod did, and the carp got away!).
In short it is a well designed rod, ideal for the pursuit of Bass – and will doubtless prove to be a joy with many other quarry species. I would recommend it highly to any relatively competent caster.
The list price is £285. It is worth that much.
If you can find one cheaper – it’s a bargain not to be sniffed at.
For more information on Bloke rods go to www.bloke-
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