AWA-SHIMA SEA BASS 3.0m

The Sea Bass from Awa-Shima on first looks is typical of the rods being produced by the Awa-Shima, it has a crisp but light blank supported by quality rod furniture such as the Lite Frame Titanium SIC Alco-Lite rigs and the EVA Crafted Handle.

Reviewed: Awa-Shima Sea Bass 3m
Reviewed by Lloyd Rush
Selling Price £99.99
more info www.awa-shima.co.uk

Sea Bass fishing is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, boom area in the sea angling arena at the moment. Many rod manufactures have produced light estuary rods/medium spinning rods and stuck on a 'Bass' label in the expectation that the product will catch some anglers. Not so Awa-Shima.

The N'Gage Sea Bass when accompanied by a medium 6000 sized reel and lures between 15-60gms is simply a dream to fish with. The rod is rated by Awa-Shima for lures between 20-60gms, in our testing a 16gm lure was enough to put a reasonable load into the blank and produce a clean controlled cast.   Unfortunately only small bass and pollock would come out to play during the trials, however, each and every fish provided great sport as every tail movent and lunge for kelp and other cover was transmitted through a blank that you'd normally expect to pay in excess of £200-£300's for.

Thumbing through my lure box I managed to find a 60gm Jig and decided to test the upper limits of the rods rating. The rod remained in control and I was able to impart the exact action required into the lure via the impressive blank. Indeed, whatever lure I added - poppers, converted Mepps No2's for mullet [weights added between beads to aid casting weight] shallow minnows, sandeel and sandeel teams, plugs and spoons - the rod exceeded my expectations on every count. In short Awa-Shima have a real winner the the 'Sea Bass'

Material : High Module Radial Reverse Mitsubishi Carbon
Handle : EVA crafted Handle
Sections : 3.0M - 2 sections / 3.30M - 2 sections
Guides : Alco-Lite SIC long leg lite frame titanium
Weight : 3.0m - 263g / 3.30M - 280g
Packaging : Stylish hard case luggage with inner cloth bag.
Action : For use with medium to heavy lures at range.
Casting Weight : 20-60g

There are plenty of nice touches built into the blank that one would associate with such a quality rod, the spigot has apple allowance for wear, the top female joint has a small reinforced metallic band and Luggage case provides the much need security whilst in transit. The Alco-Lite Guides are as the name suggests - ultra light, but remain strong thanks to the inclusion of titanium in the construction process. The guides allow for the use of braided lines without fear of cutting or bedding. You'll struggle to find this sort of quality for the price in any other Bass Rod.

The blank itself has a number of innovations that improve the rods action and the Mitsubishi Carbon Tec underpins the generous 3yr warranty provided on all Awa-Shima blanks.   Pictured right, the first guide is reversed and I couldn't get my head around the reasoning for such an action, however the legs do make for the perfect lure catch and ensure the ceramic ring is not used instead.

The only very minor grumble I would have is the obvious seam in the molded real seat, although purely cosmetic it was the only thing I didn't like on the rod! Most people wouldn't notice it I guess and it has no bearing on the rods performance.

I can't wait to go out and give the rod a long test, something I will do during the summer - I'll add an update to this report then. I've always enjoyed my Bass fishing and the Sea Bass from Awa-Shima has given me another reason to head for the coast whenever I can.

If your a fan of fishing lures and poppers for Bass and don't want to spend £300+ on a blank, or don't like 'red' rods, this is probably the rod for you. Even if you do have the 'dosh' you should find you nearest stockist and check this rod before spending £300 elsewhere. Without doubt, Quality and Performance at an affordable price.