It was back in the year 1400 when the Samurai swords were first etched with the Katana signature. Swords marked with the Katana tag were a purpose built model that featured a curved, slender, single-edged blade with a circular or squared guard and long grip to accommodate two hands.
It is believed these were the first bespoke made blades with a number of applications in mind, due chiefly, to the changed nature of close combat warfare.
Not only were they razor sharp to inflict maximum damage on their enemies, but also the curved nature and upward facing blade rode comfortably against the body making unsheathing much easier.
This lightening draw of the sword and its ultra sharp exterior was well suited to combat where victory depended heavily on fast response times.
When it comes to chasing Murray cod, like the Katana, our chosen sword’s of glass and graphite are also purpose built with numerous applications in mind. Gone are the days where a cod rod’s sole purpose was to stop a rampaging green machine from burying you in their underwater lair.
Yes, stopping power is still top of the tree, but in todays cod climate it’s not the only factor.
With lures like the 11-inch Bullshad swimbait or Jackall Gantarel entering the Aussie market, having a stick that doesn’t snap at the sight of these 100gm lures is essential. I’ve been on too many trips now where my cod colleges have put their backs into a cast, flicking one of my XOS swimbaits, only to be left in tatters as the tip of their high-end graphite rod snaps clean off.
Not only does your cod rod need to be able to handle a pent up greenback and flick a heavy lure, it also needs to deliver long, probing casts. With the popularity of Murray cod fishing rising exponentially, so to is the stress on the populations that inhabit our rivers and impoundments.
As a result of the rising fishing pressure, the cod are becoming more timid. As a result, being able to keep your distance and deliver long casts, will allow anglers to present their lures in the most nature manner possible. Advantage angler!
It is these key features that are the backbone of any serious cod rod worth its salt. Brands like Wilson and their flagship Venom range of baitcaster rods are one example, as they are purpose-built sticks with these ‘non negotiables’ in mind.
Standing at 7’ tall and coming in 6kg and 8kg models, they give the angler more than enough leverage to flick across every river in Australia. They also have a chunky, medium fast taper capable of comfortably casting lures over 100gm in weight, all while possessing the stopping power of a AK47.
For those anglers looking to pack even more of a punch, Wilson have kicked it up another gear and lunched their new ‘cod rod on steroids’ – the Venom Swimbait RLFVSWB. This 7’6” 10kg rated stick is a true demon in every sense and can piff lures in excess of 150gm without even flinching.
Not to mention their thick stick physique, capable of pulling Christ off the cross with more towing power than a Hilux. So if you are in the market for a new cod rod to cast XOS lures, channel your inner Samurai and check out Wilsons bespoke range of Venom swords – you wont be disappointed.