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Gary Yamamoto's Mod VI Rod
| Dear Pros,
I have heard that Gary Yamamoto makes an incredible "special bent handle" and "custom rod". I would like to see one of those! I realize that all the rods are 7' or longer, but personally I like that fact. My uncle uses Gary Yamamoto rods exclusively and through him I have tried a few Gary Yamamoto rods from time to time. The guides are underwrapped and the colors are beautiful. I understand the blanks are G. Loomis. What I was really wondering about is a 'special' rod that I had heard about that had a 'crooked' handle...that crooked handle on a rod, in my opinion, that angle helps with BIG FISH and with arm/hand strain. Can you tell me more about these rods please?
Gene Gradick from Mexico |
Jerry "Bubba" Puckett says:
Shhhh...Gene, they're supposed to be a secret! I think the one you're talking about is the Mod VI, 7.5', extra-heavy action. It's the same Loomis blank as the Mod V, but it has a "crooked" Fuji handle with a 6" extension built in. I have to tell you, Gene, it's a "love it or hate it" deal, but it's the only rod that Gary Yamamoto uses, and it was designed specifically for him. Actually, all the "old series" grub rods used the crooked Fuji trigger handle - they just didn't have the 6" extension. The handle is bulky looking, and heavy feeling.....that is, until you've fished with one all day. I've got a few of the old-style, and I wouldn't take anything for them. It's the balance, not the weight that makes rods "fish good". All the
new series rods (except the Mod VI which you asked about) have premium cork, straight trigger handles.
As for the blanks, they are Loomis, but they're not available in any rods other than those wrapped by Phenix Rods (they build 'em for us). BUT, the Yamamoto blank is probably closest to a Loomis IM6 in terms of the graphite construction and modulus rating, whereas, in comparison to all publicly available Loomis blanks, our Mod VI's taper and handling is probably closest to the Loomis IMX-Series. Is that confusing enough? [grin]
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