You want a medium-light spinning rod designed specifically for low-diameter braid? Check out Falcon’s Cara T7. I tested a 6’6” CS-4-166M-T7 (rated for 1/8 to 3/8-oz. lures) with a spinning reel loaded with 10-lb. Power Pro braid, and discovered it can toss a jig a country mile.
The Cara T7 is built on a graphite blank, has cork grips, Fuji ACS graphite reel seats, and Fuji Alconite Concept guides, which won’t become grooved by braid and allow it to pass smoothly through the eyes. The rod’s finish is matte black, with glossy epoxy over the wraps. Wondering just how tough this construction is? Tough enough that Falcon offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in workmanship and material for as long as you own it. Patriotic Angler Bonus: Falcon is one of the few rods around that holds the “Made in the USA” label.
Great stuff, for sure, but what happened when I took a Cara T7 out on the water? Tossing ¼-ounce jigs to a submerged rubble pile, the combination of high sensitivity and Power Pro braid line transmitted every movement, impact, and strike. The fast action tip and strong mid-section helped me to cross the eyes of stripers when I set the hook—even from long distances—and it had enough lifting power to pull a 30-incher clear of the water.
Falcon designed the Cara Reaction rods in this series to deliver the perfect action when fishing baits like crankbaits, that trigger a reaction bite. The slower actions on this series of rods helps land the fish, especially important with treble hooks, which often pull at boat-side when there’s no line-stretch to absorb sudden movements or surges of the fish. Other models in the Cara series include spinning and casting models from medium-light to extra-heavy; four to 10 weight fly rods, and even a line of dedicated peacock bass rods designed to work large prop baits.
Price: $170 - $220 The Highs: Unusually good sensitivity, even for the slow action rods in this series. Made in the USA. The Lows: Hmmm… Who Wants It: Anyone fishing lures with braid. Contact:www.falconrods.com
The Falcon has become a light tackle favorite.
Contact FishingGearGuru by e-mailing lr@geareduppublications.com. All rights reserved by Geared Up, LLC, 2009
