Fox DK Hitman Lure Rod

Overview The Dave Kelbrick signature series of rods have been designed, tested and proven to be amongst the best of their kind. Each purpose built rod is of the highest quality and between them they cover all the lure fishing requirements you are ever likely to encounter. The single handed pistol grip Hitman for the mobile approach and light lures of between 15-50g coupled with 15-30lb braid. Fitted with trigger grip reel seats for multiplier use and each model features a full cork handle and high quality line guides. All Dave Kelbrick Signature Series rods now come with a protective sleeve.

Verdict If, like me, you love short baitcasting rods for chucking out lures you will certainly like this one. The quality and finish is outstanding, having a bluey-green finish with criss-cross windings near the reel seat. The pistol/trigger grip is quite slim and doesn't tire your arm or grip as do some pistol handles and it is very comfortable for casting with a low profile casting reel. Don't think of using any big multipliers such as Abu 5000s with rod handles such as these. You just don't have the control that you should have. Remember, apart from anything else, this is a rod for single handed casting. Being just 6 feet in length (all in one piece too, no taking it apart) it's nice to take on a boat or for just wandering up the bank having an odd cast or two here and there. You can get nicely under the trees as well. It has a free-swinging keep ring to tether the lure whilst you're on the move, but to be truthful, I like my idea of using a screw mount cable ties so much that I fitted one just under the ring. The Fox one is OK though. The casting weight is perfect, but try not to exceed 50 grams, not that the rod wouldn't take it, but you'll probably wear your arm out. It's great for casting out fairly heavy spoons, spinnerbaits and crankbaits as well as many of the new smaller softbaits and the micro jerks that Fox make. I teamed my rod up with a Daiwa Procaster reel and the balance seems to be just about right. One extra bit of thought that has been put into the design is a rod sleeve that fits over the rod yet leaves the reel on the outside. It means that you can leave the rod all set up ready for a trip yet still protected with the sleeve. Dave Kelbrick is a renowned writer and pike angler and this range reflects the care and passion he has for good rod design. Makes me wish to try some of the others in the Dave Kelbrick range. This is an excellent rod when you want some fun with pike on the lure. Rating: 9/10