Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: NOFF on September 07, 2014, 09:50:41 AM

Title: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 07, 2014, 09:50:41 AM
http://www.armyandnavy.ca/Abu-Garcia-Black-Max-Low-Profile-Casting-Combo_p_6360.html


Great price, just wondering if anyone has any reviews or thoughts on this rod for Coho season? Is this suitable or too light? or any other similar suggestions (staying away from typical Spin Casters)

Thank you!
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Humpy on September 07, 2014, 10:05:52 AM
I have two of these, they are cheaper on Cabelas.com and have an option of a longer rod, excellent combo, works great for any salmon, I've caught chum on it too.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 07, 2014, 11:18:30 AM
Wow thanks, ill just cross the boarder and head there.

Would this be fine to use float fish right now on the vetter? Even if a Spring hit it, or wait for a busyer Coho season? / less spring?
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Humpy on September 07, 2014, 11:28:43 AM
Get the medium heavy and longer rod option and you should be fine, I've landed over 20 chum on one of these rods.
 
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 07, 2014, 11:33:21 AM
Thanks for the price it seems great starting out.

 Did you have braided line or mono? And what LB would you suggest
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Humpy on September 07, 2014, 11:37:11 AM
I put 12lb maxima ultragreen mono on it and it works great.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 07, 2014, 02:16:51 PM
Okay, i'm going to order is 9 foot the longest you can get im these models or ahould I be trying to find one 10-11
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Humpy on September 07, 2014, 02:22:27 PM
Yep, 9 ft is the longest, I have a 6'6" and a 9', the 9' gets used more often. You can always upgrade the rod later.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Animal Chin on September 09, 2014, 09:49:50 AM
The Black Max Cabelas combo was my first set-up, I think I got it for $50. Totally adequate for catching/landing any of the salmon species. I especially like the reel. Get a 10'5 med to med-light rod when you feel like it, but the reel is good. Very easy to take apart and maintain as well. I bar fished with roe, float fished and am now using it for bottom bouncing. Great value.

And don't worry about line capacity or drag strength on the reel either, the Black Max is fine.

I like the 17lb (I don't think they make 20lb) Stren Original for mainline. I like it better than the Maxima UG, it's smoother. I like  12-15 lb Seaguar Blue Flurocarbon for leader material (prefer 15). It's pricey but worth it IMO. 

Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 09, 2014, 10:24:45 AM
That's great to know, I was worried about the drag on it.

I think I'm sold on getting the reel alone. And just get a rod, I need to figure out a rod that would pair good with it.. I was thinking the - Shimano Convergence or Fenwick HMX both (steelhead salmon models) 8-12 LB but I'm not sure if they pair with a baitcaster like that or fly type reels or both?
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Easywater on September 09, 2014, 11:18:37 AM
The Shimano and Fenwick rods are both very commonly used for float fishing and bb'ing.
You want to have a long (10' 6") rod for both - helps to keep the line in the air and to get a longer cast.

There may be centre pin models for both rods so make sure you get the bait caster version with the trigger on the bottom.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 09, 2014, 12:10:27 PM
This forum is really great, like a family. You guys and gals really helped me start my new River Fishing life.. I'm sure I'll be soon addicted like I am with my Rainbow fishing..


last question, If I have a 10.6 rod and choose to use a spinner to cast and retrieve will that work as-well or will I need a shorter rod?
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: MetalAndFeathers on September 09, 2014, 04:46:36 PM
If your spinner fishing i would recommend a spinning outfit instead.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: colin6101 on September 09, 2014, 08:38:47 PM
There are a few differences between baitcasting rods and spinning rods. The eye shape and placement is different and so are the reel seats. Usually it is better to have two rods for spinning and baitcasting rather then try and use one with two reels. It is possible however to throw spoons and spinners with a baitcast rod and reel. I do this all the time with mine and it works just fine.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 11, 2014, 01:34:16 PM
Thats a number 2 reel correct the Abu Black Max?
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: Humpy on September 11, 2014, 01:36:58 PM
You can get any, I have the original and the 2 and I don't notice any difference in functionality, the 2 does look sharper though.  8) ;)
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 11, 2014, 03:19:36 PM
Great, I picked it up! I went in the back yard with a lil weight half of a OZ and man 4 stright birds nest hahahahah. Deffs not likr my bigger baitcaster, i gotta do some research/video watching to see what im doing wrong.

I got 15LB max green which ill make witha 10lb litter next week fishing
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: losos on September 11, 2014, 07:06:34 PM
You need to adjust your reel and feather it during casting.
What model of levelwinder do you have?
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: NOFF on September 11, 2014, 08:38:20 PM
Level Winder? i got the reel that was on the combo with rod. Black Max 2, size 2 I believe. The guy said somthing along those lines.


I took it out to the yard, did a bunch of setting changes with a 1 oz instead of a smaller weight and had great success. Did about 200 cast and its smooth and works great. I had the setting on the left side pretty much the highest, when I had it at low then it would birds nests...

Can't wait for next week, ill report back with a salmon tally
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: losos on September 12, 2014, 09:29:26 PM
Level winder or baitcaster are the same. Glad you made it work.
Title: Re: Abu Garcia Black Max- Rod Review, Opinion for Coho?
Post by: BCfisherman97 on September 12, 2014, 11:13:52 PM
I use mine for bass but recently used it in the salt. Did very well and survived in perfect condition. Was jigging big 6-8 ounce jigs and caught some lings into the 10 pound range, a smaller 6-gill shark, plenty of -5 pound rock fish and a few 10-15 pound red snappers. Had my reel for about 5 years now and no problems. But then again I don't use it too much.