Terry’s Travels

Shakespeare SFX Superteam Plus Feeder Rod

Shakespeare FRX Superteam 4500 Reel

Berkley "Sick" Braid

The Superteam SFX Plus Feeder Rod is a tidy piece of kit. It comes in four length options of 3.30M, 3.45M, 3.60M and 3.90M. They have rod power ratings of Extra Heavy, Heavy, Light-Medium and Medium. The rod blank is powerful with a progressive action, three sections plus three quiver tip options.

The butt section has a flat handle design with EVA and Cork configuration. Rings are oversized for distance casting and the blank has an attractive carbon weave detail. The rod option I tested was an 11ft 50g version, and straight out of the rod bag, it felt powerful, as designed, ideal for punching feeders distance.

I couldn't really do it justice on my test as I was fishing a canal, but with the lightest tip option it handled small feeders very well with excellent accuracy. I managed to find a few decent sized Bream and this showed up the rod's excellent qualities in playing an dictating the fight. Very enjoyable, versatile rod. To sum up, powerful blank, sensitive tips, comfortable butt section, over-sized rings, well finished with carbon weave effect, very nice rod, retailing depending on option from £60-£120.

The Shakespeare FRX Superteam 4500 Reel, straight out the box is stunning. Extremely light-weight and super-smooth. I loved it and an absolute pleasure to use. Responsive bale-arm and large arbour spool gives a fast 5.2-1 retrieve. Six ball bearings gives the smoothness and reliability. The spool and spare spool are both aluminium, as is the handle.

The rota system is computer balanced for optimum line lay with two line clips, mono and braid friendly. This reel screams feeder fishing and a fabulous compliment to the SFX rod for distance feeder fishing. It also comes in a smaller 3500 version. This is a hell of a lot of reel for under £50.

Berkley "Sick" Braid x8. I loaded the FRX with this new braid from Berkley and straight away it felt right. Pure Fishing sent me 12lb B/S in Moss Green, although it also comes in red or hi-vis yellow. It sits well on the reel, the smoothness of the nano-coating allowing exceptionally easy casts. Berkley have been playing with nano-coating for quite a few years now and they have got this spot on.

I can't wait to try it down in Carlow, spinning for Shad, where tackle and line tends to take an absolute hammering each season. I know this new fine diameter braid will be a great addition to the armoury. You can find this line in 150M spools for under £15 and 300M spools shy of £30.