July. 2005 -Several months ago I met with Jode Shupe of Laguna Rods and he asked me to do a product review on one of his "Texas Wader Rods".  I had heard about Laguna Rods years ago, but I had never had the opportunity to use one.

 

Brand:    Laguna Graphite Rods

Series:   Texas Wader

Model:    LTXW66

Length:   6' 6"

Line:       6 - 12 lbs.

Lure Wt: 1/8 - 1/2 oz

 

The first thing that jumps out and grabs you about this rod are the new "Recoil™" eyelets.  Recoil™ eyes are actually a spring so when you and if you bump or hang something on them they actually flex instead of snapping off..  It's the most amazing thing I've seen in Rod Technology since the use of Graphite instead of Fiberglass..

 

The rod only weighs 3 ozs., and has enough backbone to handle upper length Slot Reds with confidence.  This is a dream for most fishermen, and a demand for serious wade fisherman.

 

I used Power Pro 30/8 the first couple months of use and then switched to Power Pro 40/10 the last month of testing.  I was hung up on shell a few times and and wasn't afraid the pull hard with my Power Pro to break loose baits snagged in structure..  This is when you find out what a rod is made of, and I didn't experience any deformation, cracks, or breaks to the rod anywhere.. 

 

I also threw baits ranging from 1/16" oz. jig heads to heavy 1oz He Dogs with ease.. I actually found that the Texas Wader casted better than any All-Star Rod I personally own.  This is because the rod diameter near the handle is s.375" and stout, and the end of the rod is .0625" and has a moderate amount of whip..  What this means is when you load the rod up on your back cast the energy created on your forward cast is excellent.  You won't find this delicate balance with most rods. 

 

After using the rod consistently for 3 months I have come to the following conclusions:

• Extremely Light - 3 ozs.

• Attention to detail is superb

• Shikari Graphite Blanks are the highest modulus graphite blanks available from Shikari

• Sensitivity is exceptional

• Durability is great

• Medium sized handle and cork are sized well, and durable.

Other models include:

Laguna Classic 7’

Laguna Topwater Light 6’9”

Laguna Texas Wader 6’6”

 

If you would like to check out the Laguna Rods, their web site can be found by clicking here at  www.lagunarods.com

 

"Think Outside the Boat!"

      David Moseley "Mo"