The new range of BEAST rods and reels from Abu Garcia have been on the market now for about 6 months and I have used a variety of the different model spin and baitcast rods as well as reels. I am writing a review after using them for a variety of species with different styles of lures.

My first experience with the BEAST gear was a Murray cod trip south. I was faced with some freezing conditions (-16 celsius) and some tough fishing. The only way I could find a bite was shaking 5 and 6 inch plastics on the bottom. The rod of choice was the BEAST 7’5” 6-10kg. This rod was perfect as it has a more sensitive and softer tip than most 6-10kg rods, allowing small shakes to slowly move the plastic along the bottom and feel every rock, stick and bite.

My next outing with the BEAST gear was on the mid-north coast of NSW chasing a big flathead. I was throwing big paddle tails over the flats with the 7’ 6-10kg spinning rod with the 3500 BEAST spin reel. The taper of the rod allowed me to send a super long cast across the flats but the slower mid section of the rod kept the treble hooks pinned once I hooked the fish. The smooth drag of the 3500 spin reel also helped keep the hooks in when the XL flathead threw its head back and forth.

I recently went through a month-long obsession with chasing mulloway in my local harbour on lures. Not an easy task but I had it some-what figured out. The 3 main lures I found fish on were vibes, 4-5 inch prawn soft plastics and 6 and 8 inch paddle tails. The rod of choice for the vibes and smaller soft plastics was the 7’ 4-8 kg with a 3500 spin reel. This was such a great allround combo, Light in the hand but great to fish with all night long. The rod of choice for the bigger paddle tails was once again the 7’5” 6-10kg casting rod.

Then I found myself 7 hours from home on another Murray Cod trip. This trip was not like the last Cod trip I did. Instead of soft plastics on the bottom, it was big swimbaits and topwater lures. I was glad I packed the big rod this time, the 8’ 7-14kg casting model. Bolted to that rod was the BEAST 300lp high-speed with a custom power handle. This was the ultimate big cod setup for all my surface and swimbait fishing. I landed 5 XL Murray cod that day and many others smaller. I fell in love with the 8’ rod as it allowed such a long accurate cast, and the taper on that model rod was absolutely perfect, easily throwing 13 inch swimbaits and man-handling massive cod.

I have now caught many Cod, Mulloway and Flathead on the Beast rods and reels and impressed is an understatement. I have not found 1 issue with this gear and can’t wait for my upcoming Barra trip using the BEAST rods and reels.

Tommy Hay – Abu Garcia Pro Staffer