That’s largely due to the presence and input of Bimini Bay’s Regional Sales Manger Nick Cicero and Engineer of Product Development Jerry Gomber. Both are very accomplished anglers with many years of experience in the tackle industry.
The Airwave Elite lineup includes inshore, surf, jigging and blue water models. The Surf Spin Series is made up of eight two-piece spinning rods ranging from 8 feet, 8 inches to 11 feet, 4 inches. All models feature Tsunami’s F3 Friction Fit Ferrule, which is constructed with a bare, smooth sanded ferrule that fits into the female portion. When joined together a section of the male ferrule remains exposed and is intended to improve the fit as it wears in over extended use. It assures there will always be room for a complete and firm fit.
I had the opportunity to field test the 11-foot medium action TSAWESS 1102M but could find nothing more challenging than a few 7- to 8-pound bluefish. I found the rod to be light and well balanced, yet it boasts plenty of backbone should you need to steer a big striper away from barnacle covered boulders or put the boots to a slammer blue. The slender, shrink vinyl butt and fore grip, and Fuji reel seat made it comfortable to fish with.
It’s worth noting that the current trend towards light-weight surf rods has been a blessing to some of us older folks who often have to deal with elbow, shoulder or back issues. Rather than having to drop down to smaller rods, you can comfortably fish an 11-footer and for longer periods of time without suffering pain or fatigue. And don’t be laughing you young guns – you’ll know what I’m talking about sooner than you think. And a word to the wise – remember that all of the abuse your body suffers when you are young is cumulative. You may not feel it now, but it will come so do what you can to avoid it later.
On the casting side, the 1102M delivered an assortment of plugs, metals and plastics that included an SP Minnow, A17 and 27 jigs, a West End J-8 tin, 7-inch Tsunami Weighted Sand Eel, Super Strike Zig-Zag Darter, Super Strike Little Neck poppers of 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 ounces and a 2-3/4-ounce pencil popper with ease. The listed weight range for the 1102M is 1 to 4 ounces but it had no trouble tossing the lighter, wind resistant sand eel into a slight breeze.
Among the Air Wave Elite’s many features are its strong, high-fiber density blank accomplished through the use of unique, high-pressure production techniques. The result is a stronger, more powerful and lighter high performance rod that will spare you sore arms and allow you to fish longer and harder. These blanks provide extreme sensitivity and more resilience to transmit more power to each cast, and ultimately, more distance with less effort. Fuji tangle-free K-Series alconite ring guides and durable, textured vinyl grips contribute to the light weight of these rods.
Rods in the Surf Series range from approximately $175 to $230, with the 1102M falling into that $230 price range. For more info these and other rods in the Airwave Series, go to the website or call 1-800-688-3481.
