Found a new Fenwick Elite Tech Smallmouth

[LCG]

So I was browsing used fishing gear on Facebook marketplace and found a brand new Fenwick Elite Tech smallmouth casting rod, 6'9" M-XF 3/8-5/8oz for sale for $100 Canadian.

 

Met up with a super nice guy and he showed me the rod. Plastic still on the handles in mint condition, doesn't appear to have ever been used. My understanding is these rods were highly regarded and discontinued a few years ago. Could not pass up the deal so I bought it.

 

Paired it with a Shimano SLX MGL and 10lb big game. Playing with it around the house and it feels great. Taking it out tomorrow hopefully.

 

Anyone have one or use to have one? Curious what techniques people use or have used it for? 

 

The tip seems softer than it's rating, it's not super stiff. Currently have a 1/16oz Texas rigged trick worm to try out. Hoping it will throw a variety of baits from finnese to spinnerbaits with a total weight of .56oz 

 

The handle, while short, is super comfy and the rod is very light weight. Balances really well with the reel. Hoping this is the unicorn rod I have been searching for

 

[new2BC4bass]

Very nice find!  Congratulations.  Well worth the price.  A fellow member (smalljaw67) told me he didn't know why Fenwick wasn't selling them for $200.  Later Dan said he talked to a Fenwick representative, and was told Fenwick deliberately under-priced them to get people talking about their brand.  What the guy said may or may not be true, but I personally agree with Dan.  They were worth more than the $130 MSRP.  The 6' 10" MF casting rod is a favorite rod of mine.

 

I don't know if this quote is from a post by Dan or from a communication with me.  This is for the 6'9" M-EF casting rod you have.  "I've thrown 3/16oz jigs with a little chunk trailer that probably came to 1/4oz total and I could cast that just fine but if you aren't good with a casting reel 3/8oz is easier to throw as the rod has more load with that weight but 1/4oz is well within the range."

 

[SproDD79]

Nice pick up, I had 3 elite tech smallmouth rods when they were available. The rods were great except for one issue, the locking nut on the fore grip  could be more durable, it broke on all 3 of my rods, and I baby my stuff. I recommend not applying any extra pressure on the fore grip when securing your reel. 

[LCG]

5 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

I don't know if this quote is from a post by Dan or from a communication with me.  This is for the 6'9" M-EF casting rod you have.  "I've thrown 3/16oz jigs with a little chunk trailer that probably came to 1/4oz total and I could cast that just fine but if you aren't good with a casting reel 3/8oz is easier to throw as the rod has more load with that weight but 1/4oz is well within the range."

That sounds perfect for what I am looking for to use for light Texas rigs up to 1/4oz plus plastic, light spinnerbaits,and weightless senkos.

 

4 minutes ago, SproDD79 said:

Nice pick up, I had 3 elite tech smallmouth rods when they were available. The rods were great except for one issue, the locking nut on the fore grip is not durable, it broke on all 3 of my rods, and I baby my stuff. I recommend not applying any extra pressure on the that fore grip when securing your reel. 

I remember going to buy the newer elite Tech spinning rods a few years ago and the two rods they had in stock both had broken real seats. From what I read it was the epoxy gave out, which seems like a pretty easy fix if that occurs. I really liked the feel of the spinning rod and kind of regret not getting it, can't find them now.

[FryDog62]

I’ve owned from Ugly sticks to NRX and the Smallmouth Elite Tech MXF is the single best spinning rod I have ever owned. The rod itself

is great but the handle sets it apart from all others. The Medium-Fast they replaced it with couldn’t hold its jock strap. 

[bowhunter63]

What a find. Those were great rods 

[LCG]

Took the rod out today to a local pond that was packed full of people. Didn't catch anything, not even a nibble. However I did get to spend a few hours casting and getting a feel for her.

 

She casted everything I normally throw with ease. 1/16oz Texas rigged trick worms to 1/4oz beaver style baits, 5/16oz spinner bait (.56oz total), mepps inline spinner #3, squarebills, and weightless senkos. The rod loaded up well and casted very accurately. Rod can handle 3/16-5/8 as long as I did my part.

 

No problem feeling the bottom or objects under the water,and that's using 10lb big game. Grip is comfortable, but due to the short grip area it was best with three fingers in front of the trigger and pinky behind the trigger. After a few cast I was feeling pretty in tuned with the rod. The short handle will be useful in the kayak.

 

Can't speak about the action of the rod while fighting a fish yet, but so far I think she's a keeper. Now I may have to look at getting a Curado 70 MGL to pair it with and put my SLX MGL back on my Carbonlite 2.0 6'6" M-F. 

[new2BC4bass]

Nice!    One of the things my friend mentioned was the sensitivity.  quote "without a doubt the most sensitive rod in its price range that I ever used" unquote.

 

Definitely a keeper.