ICAST Coverage Day 3 (Rods) - Let the Rod Wars Begin! (continued)
 

Shimano: Shimano has both the quantity and quality to win the battle on multiple fronts. Of all the manufacturers Shimano looks like it is poised for a banner year. The release of the Core and Trinidad DC were huge, but the redesign of the entire premium spinning reel series was the major undertaking. On the rod side Shimano has been equally industrious and the big story is the release of the new Cumara rods which are designed for bottom contact situations.

Justin, Rod Product Manager at Shimano with the new flagship shimano freshwater rod, the Cumara

The Cumara rods are built with IM-10 graphite blanks and feature a unique in grip hook keeper. High density EVA split grips help give the rod an enthusiast look and feel, and when paired with one of the new Core reels this rod the entire rig is deadly for shaking, dragging, shotting or rigging.

The Cumara features a new custom split reel seat design

The Cumara also makes use of Fuji SiC black frame guides

Also new this year is the Trevala F jigging rods with TC4F construction. This update to the Trevala series is designed to offer added sensitivity and overall lighter weight. These rods are to be used with the Butterfly Jigging System. The TC4F construction uses a high carbon butt section that is fused together with a TC4 tip section. This provides the pulling power of TC4 and the inner and outer T glass wrap over the graphite for enhanced durability, plus added sensitivity and reduced weight.

The new Trevala F rods use a high carbon butt section fused together with a TC4 tip section

The new rods feature Fuji Sic carbide guides to better handle braided superlines. The new rods also feature Fuji Palm support reel seats. The support sits further back on the reel seat and provides a more natural comfortable angle that is easier on the wrist when palming reels or fighting big fish. All of which should be a very welcomed feature for anglers that spend all day swinging and jigging iron.

The new jigging rod makes use of the more ergonomic Fuji Palm Support reel seat