Generally, when boat fishing, I tend to favour the use of a slightly longer rod that has the ability to cast as well as offer the best sporting quality, and uptide rods fit this description perfectly. Having the capability to get your bait away from the boat when fishing at anchor, or even when on the drift, will increase the area you can cover, which improves your chances of catching.
The SK4 is a cracking-looking blank with its deep red, glossy finish and fitted throughout with high-quality guides whipped on with an even deeper red thread and stunning graphics it really stands out. Constructed from multiplex hi-torque graphite, the rod is quite slim and extremely light, offering a powerful, fast and crisp action. EVA is used for the handgrips and the reel seat is of a screw-winch kind. The tip is hi-viz so you can immediately focus in on it for bites. Finally – and this is one of my favourite parts – is the retractable butt section, which pulls out for ease of casting leverage and then simply slips back in for easy reeling in. This allows you to either retrieve fish with the butt in your belly/groin, or simply under your arm – whichever you prefer, although I recommend the belly/groin when fighting a monster!
On Test
I have tested the rod during a dozen or so trips and, over this period, I’ve been able to really be brutal with it – that’s the only way to test stuff! I’ve been bassing, targeting pollack, conger, cod and even mini species. I found that it has ample power to handle mighty fish, which appeals to me, yet still has the finesse to allow me to enjoy sport with the smaller species. A lot depends on the lines you use, but I always use braided running lines with a mono leader, and this suits me just fine and allows me to get the best from a rod.
After countless fish, I have to admit that the SK4 is indeed a fine rod that delivered all I wanted from it.
The casting abilities were good and lobbing a big bait and lead totalling possibly 200g or so, which is above the recommendations, 50 yards or so uptide was done with ease. It was even better with small bait and a 5oz sinker, as I was probably sending it further than needs be! I estimated that it was going 90-yards plus, which meant I was really covering lots of ground! This act was made even easier with the retractable butt section, which allowed for much more leverage and ease of casting.
Conclusion
I will continue to use this rod alongside my other favourites. It provides me with plenty of sport and allows me to get my bait well away from the boat – it also doubles up well as a downtider as I can flick bait further back and into the big-fish zones with ease.
All in all, a great rod at a great price – mine never let me down and I feel there’s no reason why, should you buy one, yours should either. It’s a good investment.
Safety First
It’s essential that, when uptide casting, you always cast with the trace outside the boat – never start the cast with the trace inside the boat, as it’s all too easy for the hooks to catch something or someone!
INFORMATION
Blank material: Multiplex Hi-Torque Graphite
Casting weight: 6-8oz (also available in a 4-6oz)
Length: 10ft when extended
Sections: Two
Grips: EVA
Rings: SiC double-leg guides
Whippings: Deep red
Reel seat: Screw-winch
Notable point: Has a retractable butt section
RRP: £99
TSF RATINGS
Appearance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Casting: ★★★★★★★★★★
Fishing: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value for money: ★★★★★★★★★★
Contact Details
Tel: 01670 798910
E-mail:
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Website: www.soniksports.com
