OBJECT OF DESIRE
E-S-P ONYX SPOD & MARKER ROD 12FT 4.5lb TC
WHEN a BCAC Champion and relentless big-carp catcher like Kev Hewitt plays a part in a new rod’s development, you can rest assured it will be something pretty special.
In the case of E-S-P’s latest Onyx Spod & Marker rod, it has been moulded around Kev’s day-ticket hauling style of fishing to the point where he now describes it as the ‘best spod rod I have ever used.’
So, what should we be looking for in a spod/marker rod? There’s no doubt that these tools are becoming the real workhorses of carp angling. Behind every swim these days you will find a set of wrapping sticks and a rod leaning against the bivvy with a Spomb tied on the end. Therefore, a rod that can withstand the repeated casting of over 7oz in most instances is essential.
With a 4.5lb test curve, this latest offering from E-S-P is by no means the heaviest rod on the market, but is not so soft that casting distance will be impacted. If balanced correctly to allow full compression of the rod, it can easily achieve 100-yard-plus ranges. This long-range power is aided by the rod’s progressive action which will see lighter loads fly extreme distances and heavier parcels delivered with deadly accuracy.
The rod, as the name suggests, ties in with the emerging trend to use the same rod for both spod and marker work. As a marker rod there are several useful features to help you explore the contours of your lake, including a one foot line marker and a responsive tip to help feed back information when combined with a quality braid.
Aesthetically, the rod looks classy, with subtle branding on the butt and above the reel seat. If you are someone who does a lot of spodding on venues such as Linear and Bluebell, it’s well worth splashing the cash on.
Price: £178.99, www.esp-carpgear.com