When it comes to the purchase of a rod, striking a balance between cost and performance – in other words, getting value for money – is very important.
If that rod is cheap but not particularly cheerful your fishing will suffer. If, on the other hand, the price is ‘realistic’ enough to make an oil sheikh weep, you’ll be in trouble with the missus.
Fortunately, the new Warrior Deadbait rods from Fox Rage Predator are bang on the money on both counts.
There are three options – 12ft 2.75lb test curve, 12ft 3.25lb tc, and a 10ft 3lb tc boat rod. The two 12-footers will set you back just £55.99 and £59.99, respectively, while the boat rod comes in at an even more modest £49.99.
Now, given the kudos of the Fox Rage Predator brand, these are cheap rods. Score one for the Warriors. The big question now, though, is how do they perform?
Let’s be honest. For this money you’re not going to be getting the best pike rods ever made. However, if you’re on a tight budget, or a newcomer to predator fishing, these Deadbait Warriors will do everything you’ll need to put baits where you want them and catch fish with minimal fuss.
For a start, they cast well – an essential attribute of any deadbait rod is that it can fire out weight. All three blanks compress well and can handle the biggest of baits and the heftiest of leads. From that point they sit in the rod rests until they’re called into use, looking great with their subtle graphics, class-act gloss black blanks,
full-length cork handles (offering good grip for casting and playing fish in bad weather) and practical screw-down reel seats.
Lifting into a take, the actions of the two 12ft rods see the blanks’ tip section pick up line very quickly, before the power kicks in to set the hooks, even at range. They are quite powerful, too, giving you plenty in reserve for controlling larger fish, especially at the net, where you need that power to hold on to late lunges.
The bread-and-butter model will undoubtedly be the 2.75lb test curve rod. This is a great
all-rounder that’s forgiving, but with enough power to chuck big baits and land good fish. For those requiring a bit more casting range and/or the use of larger baits such as whole mackerel, the 3.25lb test curve model delivers even more grunt, which you’ll need if you want to set hooks at extreme range.
The boat rod is fit for purpose, and is also a great option for tight swims and river work, where its 10ft length is a real help.
Price: 12ft 2.75lb £55.99 | 12ft 3.25lb £59.99 | 10ft 3lb £49.99
