Goofish Blue Slow Pitch Jigging Rod Review
The world of slow pitch jigging can be a financially daunting one to enter. Luckily there are some options on the market for a good entry level rod. The goofish line is possibly the best of them. In this review, I will be going over the Goofish blue slow pitch jigging rod and giving you all the details you need to decide if you are ready to get your feet wet.
Pros:
- Incredibly strong
- Weighs less than a pound
- very affordable
Cons:
- Components require maintenance
- Not as sensitive as some more expensive models
Table of Contents
Goofish Blue Overview
Made by the Goofish company, the Goofish blue is a power 3-6 slow pitch jigging rod suitable for jig weights from 150g to 500g
The Blank
When it comes to this rod, its all about the blank(the rod itself). Goofish rods are made with a “Solid Nano-Tech” blank that can bend an incredible amount.
Solid Nano-Tech is just fancy talk for tightly wound carbon fibers. Believe me when I say this thing is strong, it can lift 18kg(39lbs)!
I did find the tip to be a little lacking in sensitivity, but that is to be expected at this price point.
The Guides
The Goofish rods use Fuji’s Alconite guides, which is to be expected on a rod of this price. They are everything you need for smooth casting, jigging and retrieval. They could use a little extra love to keep them looking new after every trip. Simply make sure you are rinsing them with fresh water and allowing to dry before putting away.
On this particular model( I got the spiral wrap, which I highly recommend) the top guide is the same as you would find on a spinning rod, which is exactly what you want. This allows for smoother line retrieval and less stress on the end of the blank.
Reel Seat
The stylized reel seat is not only nice to look at but easy to use and securely holds your reel in place without the need to constantly readjust.
Grip
The split grip is made of foam and helps keep the rod’s overall weight low. It feels good in the hand, though may need a wrap after a few seasons since foam is not the most durable material.
Specifications
These specifications are for the casting 1 piece model.
- Length: 6’6″
- Power: 3-6
- Jig Weight: 150g-400g(500 Max)
- Deadlift: 39lbs
- Rod Weight: 8oz
- # Guides: 10
Verdict
While the Goofish blue rod is not the flashiest rod on the market, it is certainly worthy of playing with rods in a higher price category. I took it out on a jigging trip and was immediately surprised at the sensitivity and how well it handled the jig.
I was skeptical of its claims of a 39lb deadlift, so I put it to the test in my garage and could not believe it. I was able to lift a 30lb propane tank off the ground! There is no doubt that this rod is strong and its strong backbone is useful for those just getting into slow pitch because you can use it to lift the fish a bit like a normal rod.
I recommend getting the 1 piece model unless you absolutely need the 2 piece for travelling. Goofish claims that their 2 piece design is just as strong as the 1 piece, but as I always say, the less chances for things to fail the better.
All in all, this is a fantastic rod for getting into slow pitch jigging or if you are looking for the absolute best rod under $200.
Source: Goofish Rods