TESTING TIMES: Penn Waveblaster Evo 30/50 Boat Rod - 08/07/2010

There are four models in the Waveblaster Evo range; the 8-12lb and the 12-20lb are eight feet long, the 20-30lb is 7ft 8in long and the 30-50lb is 7ft 6in. They are all in two equal sections and supplied in a cloth bag and a Cordura tube. Each rod is built on a high-resistance 24T carbon blank and fitted with a robust Penn screw-up reel seat, high-grade EVA grip and Fuji SiC guides. These tough guides mean you can use either mono or braid, depending on your preference.

The Waveblasters look very smart, finished in blue with a dark blue cross weave in the cloth and gold graphics on the butt. As they break down to just 1.2 metres they’re easy to transport and store, even when they’re in their tubes. The versatile range will cover every aspect and species around our coast, from flatties and bream on the 8-12lb rod to conger and blue shark on the 30-50lb model. The 30-50lb I had on test is the most powerful model in the range, so I wanted to have a session that would give it the best test. I managed to arrange a trip off Weymouth with Colin Penny, aboard ‘Flamer III’, who suggested a wrecking trip for conger and ling – that would do nicely!

I matched the EVO with Penn’s TRQ 100 reel loaded with 50lb braid. This pairing makes a well-balanced outfit that should stop any conger down there. We set sail in ideal conditions and headed for distant wrecks. The first two didn’t produce much but the third one held a surprise. As we drifted our squid and mackerel baits over the wreck they were attacked by conger. I felt a couple of hefty thumps on the rod tip then the rod whacked over as a fish took the bait properly. With the butt tucked between my legs I hung on as the beast below did its best to get away. The Waveblaster took on a really nice curve and foot by foot I started to gain line and pump the fish to the surface.

Eventually we caught sight of a conger of around 30lb squirming in the depths and, once I had it on the surface, Colin skilfully scooped it into the net and onboard. Okay, a 30lb eel isn’t going to break any records but they are lively creatures and the Waveblaster coped with it easily. I’m sure it’ll handle much bigger eels should you be lucky enough to hook one.

Blank material: 24T carbon
Overall length: 7ft 6in
Casting weight: 30-50lb class
Sections: Two - equal
Rings: Eight plus tip ring
Whippings: Blue tipped with gold
Reel seat/coasters: Fixed screw-winch
RRP: £139.99

Appearance: 10
Fishing: 10
Value for money: 10

Contact: Penn on 01527 405410
Website: www.penn-fishing.co.uk