There are two rods in the Apollo range, the 140 at 14 feet and the 130 at 13 feet, both ringed for multiplier use and rated to cast leads of 4oz to 6oz. They’re built on high-modulus carbon blanks with the power to cast baits a long way and haul fish from rough ground. Both Apollo rods have a fast action with good bite detection in the tip and will cope with all casting styles.
There are two rods in the Apollo range, the 140 at 14 feet and the 130 at 13 feet, both ringed for multiplier use and rated to cast leads of 4oz to 6oz. They’re built on high-modulus carbon blanks with the power to cast baits a long way and haul fish from rough ground. Both Apollo rods have a fast action with good bite detection in the tip and will cope with all casting styles.
Live Session
The rod on test was the longer 14ft version, rated to cast leads up to 6oz and ideal for a blustery day on Rossall Beach in Lancashire where I met up with one of the local lads, hoping to target the cod that had been showing along that stretch.
Live Session
The rod on test was the longer 14ft version, rated to cast leads up to 6oz and ideal for a blustery day on Rossall Beach in Lancashire where I met up with one of the local lads, hoping to target the cod that had been showing along that stretch.
I used a 6500-sized multiplier loaded with 15lb mono and a single-hook rig baited with a couple of black lug, clipped down behind a 170g lead. I used two styles of casting to see which would get the best performance out of the blank – pendulum and off-the-ground.
The rod loaded very smoothly during a powerful pendulum cast and sent the rig way out to sea; even with a stiff 30mph onshore blow I was able to put the bait into a gulley at 100 to 130 metres out from the prom. The 170g (6oz) lead is supposed to be the upper limit for this rod but the Extreme certainly didn’t feel overloaded, even when I gave it a big wind-up to get maximum distance.
I didn’t try any lighter leads on this occasion due to the rough weather, but I’m sure the Extreme would smash 4oz and 5oz leads out of sight in better conditions.
I tried the reel in two positions, low down to start with as it’s usually easier to cast a long rod with the reel down, but found it just as easy with the reel in the ‘up’ position, possibly due to the progressive action of the blank.
I kept the rod low in the rest because of the strong wind, the tip curved sweetly round to the anchored lead and absorbed the pull of the crashing waves without pulling the lead out, so it helps to keep your bait in one spot so the fish can find it.
Summing Up
I can’t report on how the rod feels with a fish on as I didn’t catch on this occasion, but I was certainly impressed with how the Apollo Extreme coped in the rough conditions. It easily blasted a 170g lead straight into the teeth of the gale and despite its power, it’s not poker-stiff like some rods.
Summing Up
I can’t report on how the rod feels with a fish on as I didn’t catch on this occasion, but I was certainly impressed with how the Apollo Extreme coped in the rough conditions. It easily blasted a 170g lead straight into the teeth of the gale and despite its power, it’s not poker-stiff like some rods.
INFORMATION
Blank material: High-modulus carbon
Overall length: 14ft
Sections: Two equal
Rings: Nine plus tip
Whipping: Black tipped with gold
Reel seat: Slide-Lock
RRP: 140 £299.99; 130 £289.99
TSF RATINGS
Appearance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Casting: ★★★★★★★★★★
Fishing: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value for money: ★★★★★★★★★★
Contact: Hardy & Greys on 01665 602771
Website: www.greysfishing.com
