FOOTHILL RANCH, CALIF. – DAIWA continues the 10th year anniversary recognition of its TATULA brand with the introduction of the new premium-level TATULA Elite AGS bass rod series, a new 16 model lineup showcasing the latest advancements in DAIWA rod technology.
Lightweight and sensitivity are the key focus points bass anglers will experience with the TATULA Elite AGS rods, where DAIWA relied on noted professional anglers including Brent Ehrler, Seth Feider, Randy Howell, Chris Johnston, Cory Johnston, Cody Meyer, Ish Monroe, Takahiro Omori, and Patrick Walters in developing the actions and powers.
At the core of the TATULA Elite AGS rods are lightweight SVF Nano Plus blanks to provide each rod with its crisp action, along with X45 Bias construction to prevent blank twisting for greater strength, excellent sensitivity, and hook-setting power.
DAIWA also includes its exclusive Air Guide System (AGS), considered the lightest and most sensitive guides on the market, which dampen vibrations during the cast to provide anglers with a quicker response and feel for increased lure action sensitivity. The carbon frame AGS guides are up to 40% lighter and more rigid than those made from titanium and have proven their effectiveness in reducing overall rod weight and added sensitivity.
The Air Sensor reel seats, built with carbon fiber, provide anglers with a further increase in sensitivity throughout the entire rod. Both the AGS guides and Air Sensor reel seats are also found on DAIWA’s flagship Steez AGS bass rod series.
All 16 rods in the series – 10 casting and six spinning – are designed for specific bass fishing techniques. Within the series, for those who prefer more power fishing situations will uncover frog, ‘long cast’ frog and punchin’/flippin’ rods that have Ish Monroe fingerprints all over them, and Tak Omori’s expertise in a cranking rod that has added fiberglass incorporated into the blank along with an extra-heavy power 7’3” pitching rod. Patrick Walters is the brain trust behind the 6’10” TATULA Elite AGS jerkbait rod, while Cory Johnston brings his Canadian roots background to the medium-heavy power, 7’5” soft stickbait/football jig rod.
For those bass fishing situations where finesse techniques are needed, DAIWA relied on the ‘from above the Mason-Dixon Line’ expertise to design the 7’6” Seth Feider hair jig/Neko rig and Chris Johnston split cork grip hair jig spinning rods, with Chris also contributing to his 7’11” Ned rig spinning rod also featuring a split cork grip. Bass anglers can rely on Cody Meyer’s talents on the TATULA Elite AGS 7’4” Neko/wacky rig/tube spinning rod, and when the situation calls for shakey head/drop shot and even small swimbait techniques, Randy Howell provides his knowledge on a TATULA Elite AGS 7’3” spinning rod.
For ‘power finesse’ techniques, Brent Ehrler comes through with a 7’ rod that handles 1/8- to 1-ounce lures, plus Brent completes the TATULA Elite AGS lineup with a versatile 7’3” casting rod.
Randy Howell notes that anglers will really notice the extreme lightness and sensitivity from the AGS guides, especially when you’re working baits on the bottom and need to feel the most subtle bites. The AGS guides tell you when to set the hook, instead of allowing the bass to shallow your bait, plus the lessened guide weight in the tip provides improved balance.
“With its ‘TATULA – We’ve Got Your Bass Covered’ tagline for all TATULA-branded rods and reels, we’re able to highlight DAIWA’s manufacturing capabilities and technology developed over the years in our TATULA casting and spinning reels, and now our best in brand TATULA Elite AGS bass rods,” said DAIWA’s senior marketing director Marc Mills. “Bass anglers know the dedication DAIWA has for the sport, and the success we’ve have with the TATULA brand over the past 10 years shows it.”
MSRP $299.99 to $319.99