Ark Rods Randall Tharp Honey Badger TS76MHFC Offshore Special Product Review #arkrods #arkrandalltharp #arkfishing

Rod Review

How Does a Budget, Value, Rod Dubbed Offshore Dominate the Search for One?

Date:	2/14/23
Tackle Type:	Rod
Manufacturer:	Ark Rods
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.25 - GREAT

Introduction: Ark Rods continues to make a name for themselves in the bass rod market. By all accounts, their Randall Tharp Honey Badger series of signature rods has only served to help them gain a stronger foothold in a very hotly contested market. Today, we take a look at one of Tharp's favorite sticks in the lineup, his TS76MHFC Offshore Special.

Ark Rods TS76MHFC Offshore Special Specifications
Material	Toray 40T Carbon Fiber
Length	7'-6"
Line Wt.	10-20lb
Lure Wt.	1/4-1oz
Pieces	One
Guides	8+tip (Fuji F-Ring)
Rear Handle Length	11
Power Rating	Medium Heavy
Taper	Fast
Rod Weight	4.7oz
Origin	Made in China
MSRP	$129.99

Ark's Offshore Special is a seven foot, six inch (7'-6") stick made from Toray 40 ton carbon fiber material

Impressions: Ark's Offshore Special is a seven foot, six inch (7'-6") stick made from Toray 40 ton carbon fiber material and outfitted with Fuji K-Concept F-ring guides. It has a split grip handle design made with high density EVA foam and features a custom made and designed, graphite reel seat. It's a nicely appointed stick, finished with a grey paint to match the EVA grip.

I paired the TS76MHFC with Quantum's latest S3 Accurist casting reel spooled with Finatic Pro Series 6-Strand Braid

Real World Tests: I paired the TS76MHFC with Quantum's latest S3 Accurist casting reel spooled with Finatic Pro Series 6-Strand Braid. This new Quantum Accurist is an excellent performer at its price point and matched with the Offshore Special makes for a nice affordable combo.

This "Offshore Special" is actually a really nice all purpose choice

Casting: When I read "Offshore Special" as this stick's nickname, I assumed it was intended for Carolina rigging or something similar. Its length is well suited for that application. However, after tying on a swim jig to get a feel for this stick, I have to say, it's a really nice all purpose choice. The rod's tip loads nicely and its length allows for super long casts. Naturally, pitching is a no brainer with a stick of this length.

The custom graphite reel seat has an exposed blank and wings to help smooth the transition from the reel seat to the reel

Sensitivity: The Offshore Special's sensitivity is very good as well. Of course it didn't hurt that I fished the stick with braid primarily. Nonetheless, it has a nice, crisp feel that lends itself well to vertical and horizontal bait presentations.

A nice detail here at the top of the reel seat

I did switch over to a reel with some fluorocarbon line on it just to perform my due diligence and sensitivity with this line type is also very good. The stick does a nice job of transmitting feedback to your hands so you can get a good sense of what type of bottom you're in contact with while fishing.

Next Section: This Badger's got leverage and power