Shimano GRAPPLER Series has been renewed in all genres! renewed in all genres! Introducing the LJ & SLJ models!

Wide-ranging support for offshore game fishing.
Shimano Standard Rod GRAPPLER

The renewed GRAPPLER series was announced by Shimano in December 2024. It will go on sale in January, and you will be able to pick up a copy at the exhibition events that will be held in various locations from the beginning of the year. It is also expected to be available in stores as soon as it is ready. The series includes slow jigging, light jigging, super light jigging, and casting, with a total lineup of 39 items. The blanks are equipped with “Spiral X,” a Shimano technology and basic structure that combines lightness and strength, and “High Power X,” a reinforced structure that suppresses blurring and power loss by increasing torsional rigidity, making the items available for everything from light targets to big fish. In this issue, we would like to introduce the LJ and SLJ models.

The GRAPPLER-type LJ and SLJ models introduced here both feature thinner blanks in pursuit of a smooth, full-body bending action. They allow anglers to lightly manipulate small jigs and enjoy fighting by bending them with flexible and smooth bending action while preventing fish from breaking off or breaking the line. The Spiral X and High Power X thoroughly suppress the blurring and power loss that occurs during such fishing. Spiral X is a three-layer construction with carbon tape tightly wound in opposite directions on the inside and outside of the longitudinal fibers of the rod. This improves power transmission and maintains lightness. On the other hand, High Power X is a reinforced structure that suppresses twisting that occurs during fighting and casting. This enables the original performance of the blanks to be fully demonstrated.

LJ model widely applicable to jigging in inshore waters

Light jigging has continued to evolve technically with the times, in order to achieve better fishing results. The LJ model has been developed to suit such light jigging, with “Jerk. The new Grappler LJ model is the latest in a long line of light jigging anglers that have refined the overall performance of “jerking, response, and stress-free fishing. The thinner blanks are designed to bend smoothly and move jigs lightly. The Spiral X and High Power X thoroughly suppress blurring and power loss caused by the narrower diameter. The flexible and smooth bending of the lure prevents fish from breaking the line, allowing anglers to enjoy the fight. The bait model is equipped with a technical holding seat and the spinning model with a Perfection Seat XT, which allows for a light grip and improved maneuverability.

The bait model’s technical holding seat is a light version of the full holding seat designed to best match light jigging. The seamless design with few bumps on the hood provides less discomfort when gripping. In addition, the flat bottom design and thicker rear end improve fit and grip stability.

Spinning models feature Perfection Seat XT. This lightweight and highly sensitive reel seat with improved holding performance allows for a firm grip without bumps. It also features the vibration transmission of CI4+ carbon-reinforced material.

The LJ series consists of six items: three baits (B63-1, B63-2, and B63-3) and three spinning lures (S63-1, S63-2, and S63-3). The length of all items is 6 feet 3 inches. Light jigging can often lead to better results by changing tackle depending on the weight of the jig used, the performance of the jig, the way it is moved, the current of the tide at that time, and the size of the fish migrating. With this in mind, it is easier to find the answer if you have rods of the same length but different power and use them in different ways. This lineup will help anglers to get closer to the catch.

SLJ model allows anglers to control small, lightweight jigs at will

This super light jigging model is even more delicate than the LJ model. Like the LJ model, the SLJ model has a flexible and smooth action to prevent line breakage and breakage, and is equipped with Spiral X and High Power X to prevent shaking and power loss. The spiral X and high power X also prevent line breakage, while the spiral X and high power X enable anglers to enjoy fighting with fish with the rod bent in, and to communicate with fish with confidence. It is also equipped with Spiral X and High Power X to suppress shaking and power, allowing anglers to enjoy a fight with a fish while bending over and interacting with the fish with confidence.

The lineup consists of spinning baits in 6-feet and 6-inch lengths, No. 00 and No. 0, since spinning baits are often cast and widely explored. The bait is the No. 00, 6 feet and 3 inches long, which is capable of capturing delicate bites and bites on the fall. The grip area has the same specifications as the LJ model.

Summary: Angler’s Time Editors