I promised some time ago to write a review of this rod, so here it is . I selected the 681-2 because I prefer a shorter rod for use from shore in small over-grown ponds, wading small streams a kayaking small fast rivers. A shorter rod is an asset casting around obstructions and branches . Also shorter rods are easier to protect in the kayak. I selected a 2 piece rod for ease of transport .The rod stays in my car at all times so i can always go fishing .
Modern 2-peice rods are equal to any 1-piece. They are just as sensitive and cast just as far . If you are worried about the connection point just use a little bit of ferrule wax . Most good fly shops carry it .
The first thing that I noticed about the rod was just how truly different the action was . Basically only the top one third bends when casting. This was initially awkward to cast as I was used to using more wrist on my more moderate action ultra lights. Once I got used to the action I discovered the rod casts farther and with a lower trajectory.
I found the rod to be exceptionally sensitive and able to handle baits as light as 1/32 to 1/8 . The rod really shines casting 1/32 oz jigs . I was truly amazed at just how far that I could cast them and how sensitive the rod was with light strikers . It also has plenty of backbone as I have set the hook easily fishing small texas-rigged worms .
So far I've fished this rod in 2011 about 80 to 90 times . The largest fish that I have caught so far was a 10 lbs garfish . I've also caught 3 largemouth bass in the 4-5 lbs range , smallmouth up to 3 1/2 lbs and many bluegill in the pound range . I will try to post some photos as soon as I can figure out how to reduce the pixels .
I fished this rod with a Daiwa Fuego which has one of the ugliest color schemes going . Eventhough the reel is pretty ugly it performed like a champ . The drag is as smooth as glass and there were no issues at all with the reel getting wet . I primarily use 4lbs line but fished afew times with heavier baits using 6lbs just to see how the rod could handle the extra weight .
In summary the rod is fantastic and has far exceeded my expectations . I will certainly be getting a second TSR in the future . The only problem will be deciding which model .
TSR681-2
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- Elite Angler
- Posts: 386
- Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2006 7:11 am
- Location: Oxford, NJ
Re: TSR681-2
Tyler,
Great review ! So glad the rod has worked out for you. As you know I love the TSR series too. The 1000 fuego is similair to my Exist 1003H native custom they do work out well with the rods. If you wanty a nicer reel that will match well you can always buy a Daiwa JDM Luvias. I have one on my GL2 TJR. Same body color as your Fuego but with silver trim and spool. Please post up a pic or two of the combo or some captures. Love to see what your catching .
Brian R. Brennan
Great review ! So glad the rod has worked out for you. As you know I love the TSR series too. The 1000 fuego is similair to my Exist 1003H native custom they do work out well with the rods. If you wanty a nicer reel that will match well you can always buy a Daiwa JDM Luvias. I have one on my GL2 TJR. Same body color as your Fuego but with silver trim and spool. Please post up a pic or two of the combo or some captures. Love to see what your catching .
Brian R. Brennan
Re: TSR681-2
I've had my TSR 681-2 since about Feb of 2010. I use mine for trout. I put a Stradic Ci4 1000 on it and am really amazed what a comfortable outfit it is to cast.
Jerry
Jerry