With the increased popularity of lure casting for the iconic Murray Cod many anglers have been faced with the big decision of which weapon to choose to fight this mighty species, which can grow in excess of 50kg.
Their sheer girth and bulldozing power means you don’t want to be under gunned when that trophy fish decides to dash for home, nor do you want to feel like you are casting Harry Potter’s iconic Odyssey 3000 during a long day on the water. The Envy Black series from 13 Fishing is the answer.
TOUGH
Like many of our river dwelling natives, half the attraction to these fish is the environment in which they live. Dense tea trees, fallen red gums, granite boulders and the unforgiving blackberry bush demand tough, quality gear that doesn’t mind being knocked around. Built on a Japanese 40 ton Toray blank, accompanied by Kigan Titanium guides, to keep the rod light and sensitive, the EBCA67MH provides the feel of your favourite light spin rod without comprising strength and durability.
VERSATILITY
Although there are a number of lighter version of the Envy’s, I choose this model for the simple reason of its versatility. This rod allows me to cast 180mm wooden wake bait, 1oz spinnerbait or large hardbodies in comfort, yet tie on a Jackall Transam or lipeless crankbait and i still have the sensitivity required to cast long distances and work deep lying structure with all the feel of a high end Bream stick.
COMFORT
In my opinion the comfort of the Envy Black is its greatest feature. The ergonomic Evolve Palmperfect Grip feel as though you are casting a significantly lighter class rod, unlike others in this weight category.
The reel seats really feel as though they are part of the rod blank and sees your baitcaster sit snug against the blank. This combination allows for one of the most ergonomic and comfortable setups on the Australian market.
LENGTH
When spending as much time as me bobbing two inches off the waters surface in a Hobie kayak, rod length is important. I want a rod that isn’t so long that it feels cumbersome and awkward, nor do i want one that is too short and limits my casting distance if i opt for a smaller artificial presentation.
At 6’7 it also allows me to keep the fish far enough from the Hobie that it doesn’t get tangled in my foot pedals, while still having plenty of backbone to extract the menacing goodoo from even the gnarliest structure.
For the month of June The Envy Blacks are going for a special price of $249 ($130 off) so if your in the market for a new rod drop into your nearest dealer and give an Envy a go, you wont be disappointed.
