Seeker ULUA 93H Vs. Calstar 690J

[Rob929]

Upgrading my jig stick, and have narrowed my options to these (or their equivalents/ different model #'s). Wanting a 9ft. This will be primarily for throwing surface iron, including the lighter megebaits. Thoughts?

I will probably be pairing it with a sealine or saltist 40, or possibly a newell. Something with great freespool, for optimal casting..

Also, 40lb mono seems heavy to cast, anyone getting away with using 30?

Thanks..

[fishinkid2010]

One of the biggest difference in Seekers vs. Calstars, is that a Seeker blank will "lock up" before it gets to your grip, the backbone of the rod will kick in sooner when the rod is bend under pressure. A Calstar is designed to flex throughout the rod, and into the handle. In no way is that a bad thing, I personally love Calstars and own several. Just my $.02

You can't go wrong with either!

And as for the line class, you can get away with 30#, but the 40# is more preferable since the mono needs to act as a shock absorber when the fish hits like a freight train.

[robmandel]

I was searching for the article and can't find it. it's somewhere though. anyways, there was a line rating test a few years back that compared various brands of line and the break strength. if I recall, berkeley big game 20lb broke over 35 lbs. in fact, most brands were 30% or higher in break strength. meaning most broke above 27-28lbs. using a good 30# line, you're going to get at least 40# break strength with most lines. the labeling says "30#", but that means it breaks no less than 30. many years ago, without the high tech processes and QC that all now employ, the variations and such meant that some sections would break at 38 and some at 25. thus 30 was more an average. today, lines are far better. I do know for example, I hung a jig a while back using 20lb big game and pulled a helluva lot harder than 20lbs before it broke.

using 30# is going to work for just about any iron application that 40# will and you won't notice a difference. smaller diameter will cast better. at most, you're fishing with 12lbs of drag. and that's probably way too much anyways. no way, with good knots and fresh line 30 or 40 is gonna matter.

BBG is very strong, and I use it on all my heavier stuff. not the best casting line though pretty good, but durable as hell and strong.

flouro is a little different as it's closer to test strength. IGFA rated lines do break at their designation. they have to. spectra is also pretty close to line specs. regular mono is way stronger than labeling for most brands.

damn, wish I could find that article. anyone know it's location???

this might be it, but I think it was originally elsewhere

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/article.jsp?ID=23589

[shortstack]

I just bought a 690j and paired it with a torium 16, It cast a mile!!! thats with the mega bait. I looked at both rods and they are alot different, The 690j has more whip but still has plenty of back bone.

[Gino]

Seeker Black Steel Ulua 93H

Good backbone. Like Fishinkid2010 said. The Question is what size line do you want to fish with.

Seeker Black Steel Ulua93H rated at: 30-40-60

Calstar 690j rated at: 20-40lb

I personally Like Seekers myself, The fiberglass backbone with a lighter graphite tip gives the rod alot of pulling power in case you hook a Monsta! Calstars are ugly, unless you have one custom wrapped.

[MarkT]

A 690J (Calstar or Seeker) is a 25-30# rod with a parabolic action.
An Ulua93H is a 40# rod with a faster action.
I have both.

[baitcasterboy20]

i personally like both of them you can't go wrong