ICON FXD RODS ENTER THE ARENA
Do you find yourself scratching your head when it comes to choosing a three-piece Continental rod? These new models from Icon are designed for UK shore fishing and could be just what you’re looking for…
Iregularly find myself wondering if there is any room left for three-piece Continental shore rods in an already crammed marketplace? I’m not so sure, but regardless, new models still keep arriving and filling the minimal gaps. The ‘Conti’ bandwagon rolled into the UK a few years ago when match anglers suddenly had the urge to scale their tackle down many levels to seek out a winning edge.
In fact, some high-profile events have seen tactics leaning almost towards those used in coarse fishing. Nowadays, though, it’s almost a given that most prestigious events will see a long line of these three-piece outfits poking high into the sky.
Often sporting bright or luminous colours, these rods seem to signal that unless someone comes up with another must-have match item, they are going to be around for a long time to come.
So, the question I’m frequently asked is: “Which one should I buy?” The market is so flooded with these rods that it’s almost impossible to answer. Don’t bother wasting your time asking a match angler, because the response will undoubtedly be governed by whatever their sponsorship or allegiance deal steers them towards.
PURPOSE-BUILT
The latest arrivals to enter the shore fishing arena come flying in under the Icon flag. Two models uniquely display the tags of FXD Elite and FXD Sport, and are available in two lengths of 4.2 metres (13ft 7in) and 4.5m (14ft 7in). In true Continental style, these casting tools are designed to be used in conjunction with a fixed-spool reel.
However, they display a characteristic that sets them apart from many other Continental rods out there… they have, in fact, been purpose-built, designed and fitted out to be used on our UK shores. They all boast spliced hybrid carbon tips to maintain true sensitivity for otherwise invisible bites. However, with more powerful middle and butt sections, the progressive action gained from the added stiffness means you can take advantage of a substantial casting action and, hopefully, reach those wished-for extra yards.
BALANCE
One aspect of using these outfits has to be balance. Depending on what rig, bait and sinker you decide to use, having a good balance between you, the reel and rod tip can be quite crucial – to some anglers it’s vitally important.
That’s why you’ll find, neatly screwed into the butt section, a set of balance-weights to help you discover your perfect set-up.
On a personal level, I’ve never felt the need to use these, but I know some anglers who swear by them.
The rods are very slim, nice and lightweight and refreshingly coloured white (Elite models) and blue (Sport models). There is none of the luminous ‘spot-me-from-200yards’ nonsense in evidence.
There’s been no scrimping on components, either, because all guides are genuine Fuji KWAG, together with a Fuji DPS fixed reel-seat. There’s also a decent moulded hand-grip right at the base that offers a brilliant grip when casting.
Depending on your fishing situation, the FXD Sport rods actually offer a touchy-feely aspect – featuring delicate tips designed to show tiny bites, but that will also present fragile baits perfectly.
On the other hand, the FXD Elite models are equipped with a little more grunt. These are the rods to use when you need to increase the weight of your sinker, or whack a baited rig that bit further, especially when conditions are rough.
STERLING JOB
The rods did a sterling job on the beach when I tested them. I used a two-hook loop rig armed with squid baits, hoping to connect with a thornback ray, a bass or even a stray spring codling. Sadly, the fish didn’t show, but the performance of each rod gets a definite thumbs-up from me. Added to that, the price of the FXD series of Continental rods should make you stop and think, because there are some models in the same class that can actually cost three times as much.
I might just give these rods a real good go throughout the summer, and possibly into early autumn. Who knows? I may even decide to join the three-piece Continental revolution… I wouldn’t bet against it after using these. For more info or to locate your nearest stockist, tel: 01908 442949,or find them on Facebook ICON Fishing.