Casting rod for catching large fish on expeditions DAIWA [SALTIGA C] EXPEDITION

Reliable and easy-to-handle performance for expeditions

When embarking on an expedition in search of large fish, one of the concerns regarding luggage transportation is the length of the rod case. Expeditions often involve using airplanes or other modes of transportation. Airplanes have length restrictions, and some aircraft may not be able to accommodate longer rods. Additionally, overseas, even if a long rod case is accepted, special luggage may be stored separately in the backroom, increasing the risk of lost luggage. Furthermore, when traveling to the airport or moving around locally by bus, taxi, or train, long rod cases may not fit or be difficult to carry. Transporting rods can be stressful. This is where pack rods (portable rods) with shorter storage dimensions come into play as an option when selecting a rod. The SALTIGA C EXPEDITION is precisely such an item designed to alleviate the stress of rod transportation. With a storage dimension of less than 90 cm, it fits neatly into a compact rod case.

SALTIGA has previously released EXPEDITION model casting rods. This model has received high praise from many anglers for its performance in yellowfin tuna and GT casting. During interviews conducted by the reporter, it was noted that anglers who could drive to the field and did not need to carry their rods on public transportation still chose the EXPEDITION model. This demonstrates not only its ease of transport but also its high rod performance.
However, over time, the lures used, fishing methods, and rod technology have evolved. To adapt to the modern casting scene targeting large fish, the SALTIGA C EXPEDITION was born, incorporating the latest rod technology. The series consists of five models: 82-6, 710-8, 82-8, 77-10, and 82-10.

GT Fishing Usability × Shigeki Nakamura

What kind of performance does the SALTIGA C EXPEDITION offer? First and foremost, it possesses the power to take on large fish head-on, not only domestically but also on overseas expeditions. Equipped with the tough blanks that symbolize SALTIGA rods, it achieves a flexible and beautiful bend despite its three-piece design. Nakamura Shigeki, a captain of a charter boat in Okinawa and a DAIWA tester who was involved in the development, shares his insights:
“What I focused on with this EXPEDITION was the taper. I tested it repeatedly, receiving samples and conducting actual fishing trials. While a beautiful curve is a given, I prioritized how to lift large GTs with a large surface area and minimize physical strain on the angler. The 710-8 and 77-10 models I primarily tested have a regular bending feel overall. When landing GTs or yellowtail amberjacks, it’s common to use the current to guide the fish to the opposite side of the boat before landing them. However, the regular bending allows for smooth movement across the deck while maintaining the belly fight position.”

Additionally, Shigeki Nakamura emphasized a wide range of lure choices, actions, and maneuverability.
“For GT, in addition to diving pencils, heavy sinking pencils are used to sink them, and large-diameter poppers are also employed to create a strong surface presence. The 710-8 is very easy to handle with diving pencils, medium-sized poppers, and heavy sinking pencils. The tip bends smoothly, ensuring excellent maneuverability with diving pencils, while the medium-sized popper is supported by the butt section, allowing it to swim while producing a steady stream of bubbles. The 77-10 has a total length of 231 cm, which is 8 cm shorter than the 710-8 at 239 cm. “Only 8 cm? Or as much as 8 cm?” People may feel differently about this, but the shorter length improves maneuverability, increases swing speed, and enhances casting distance. Additionally, large-diameter poppers are exceptionally easy to retrieve” (Nakamura’s comment, quoted from the Daiwa website).

82-6, 710-8, 82-8 Usability × Ryota Segawa

Sega Kawaguchi, who battles large fish worldwide both onshore and offshore, tested the SALTIGA C EXPEDITION using the popular DAIWA offshore lures he designed: the CUDDLER 160, 185, 200, and the Flosser 170 and 240mm plugs.
“The 82-6 has a fast-action regular taper, bending smoothly whether casting or fighting a fish. It bends beautifully even when held upright, making it very comfortable to use. The follow-through is sharp and decisive, allowing for long casts with the CUDDLER 160, 185, and Flosser 170 with minimal effort. It can also cast long distances into the wind. At first glance, it may not seem suited for power fights, but it can still perform strong lifts after stopping the fish. The 82-8 and 82-10 models have a fast taper and are designed to be flicked rather than bent when casting. If you bend the rod firmly at the start, it will fly cleanly even with a light swing. The tip is easy to load, and it provides a sense of security when the fish strikes and shakes its head. Additionally, when the fish charges, the rod bends well all the way to the butt, making it easy on the body even under high load. The 82-8 can cast long distances with both the CUDDLER 185 and 200, while the 82-10 can comfortably cast 240-sized lures” (Sega comment, quoted from the Daiwa website).

Design for smoother operation

By the way, the blanks use Daiwa’s high-strength, lightweight HVF Nano Plus technology, and the outer layer from the tip to the butt is reinforced with X45 Full Shield. The X45 Full Shield prevents twisting during actions like casting, action, hooking, and fighting, enabling precise casting, accurate hooking, and smoother fighting.

Additionally, all models feature a slash cut on the rear grip. This design allows you to rest the rod end on your abdomen without using a gimbal, minimizing discomfort. This enables you to fight fish aggressively without worrying about pain. The front grip also features a side-cut design, making it easier to grip, reducing slippage, and maintaining grip strength for longer periods. This stabilizes the up-and-down movements of the rod during lure operation.

Furthermore, the rod is equipped with RV guides that minimize line tangles and issues, and the reel seat adopts the ZERO seat. This reel seat accommodates all casting and plug reeling techniques, including two-finger, three-finger, and full-finger grips, enhancing the feel during casting and reeling. As a result, anglers can expect reduced hand fatigue and, most importantly, a better chance of getting close to the fish.

The joint section uses high-strength nano-alloy material and DAIWA’s proprietary precision machining technology, V-Joint α, to achieve a clean and strong bend.

Features of each model

【82-6】

A model compatible with PE MAX 6 and plug weights up to 130g. Ideal for medium-sized GT, yellowtail amberjack, and yellowfin tuna, it excels at handling diving pencils around 200mm, small-diameter poppers, and sinking pencils. Compatible reel sizes range from 6000 to 14000.

【710-8】

Compatible with PE MAX 8 and plug weight MAX 160g. Excels in targeting GT, large yellowtail amberjack, and skipjack tuna using PE 8 as the main line. Features a regular taper, designed for a style that bends and releases the fish. The short length allows for easy casting and achieves sufficient casting distance. Comfortably handles diving pencils, poppers, and heavy sinking pencils around 220mm in length. Compatible reel size: 14000–20000.

【82-8】

Compatible with PE line up to 8-pound test and plug weights up to 160g. Like the 【710-8】, this model targets GT, large yellowtail amberjack, and skipjack tuna using PE 8 as the main line, with the same lure specifications as the 220mm model. However, the 【82-8】 features a faster taper, making it ideal for a fighting style that relies on brute force to lift and catch the fish. Compatible reel sizes are 14000–20000.

【77-10】

Compatible with PE MAX 10 and plug weights up to 200g. Designed for targeting large GT, monster yellowtail amberjack, and tuna species using PE 10. Features a regular taper, ideal for a fighting style that bends and releases the fish. The short length also makes it easy to swing through. Comfortably handles large diving pencils around 250mm, large-diameter poppers, and heavy sinking pencils. Compatible reel sizes: 14000–20000.

【82-10】

Compatible with PE line up to #10 and plug weights up to 200g. Ideal for targeting large GT, monster yellowtail, tuna, etc., with PE 10. Features a fast-action taper, designed for powerful, forceful retrieval. Capable of handling large pencils around 250mm, large-diameter poppers, and heavy sinking pencils with ease. Compatible reel sizes: 14000–20000.

Product Information
https://www.daiwa.com/jp/product/lxi3lw4

Compiled by: Anglers Time Editorial Department