AT THE EDGE / Shogo Sakata Episode 4 - Everything is for GT. The fish that changed my life
Key Feature
Get your hands on a once-in-a-lifetime record class. Achieve the highest level of reliability with this 3-piece product.
The Colt Sniper Limited Big Game is a special rod for anglers who are pursuing a record-class big fish. Dreams, goals, personal records. Aiming to create a rod that can be trusted to meet fish that only come once in a lifetime. The biggest feature is its unique power and breaking strength. Of course, it is not just a strong and hard-to-break rod, but it can be designed to be able to cast continuously and manipulate lures without compromising the lightness required for a rod, thanks to Shimano's unique technology. As for the action, by giving each section a role, it has a three-piece, step-length design that has the strength and delicacy to bring the target to a bite. The combination of high strength and three pieces, which is impossible to achieve with conventional three-piece rods, greatly contributes to improving the convenience of carrying during expeditions. In addition, the guide setting that corresponds to the unbalanced line system pursues trouble-free performance. It reliably assists the angler's concentration in the few chance scenes. This rod can be said to be the right hand of an angler who challenges the limits with strong resolve and determination. And it is a rod worthy of fighting alongside you.
Both convenience and power are achieved. Designed for big fish over 30kg.
In order to catch a record-class target from the shore, ordinary power is not enough. On the other hand, if you only pursue strength, it will be difficult to handle in real fishing. What we wanted for the Colt Sniper Limited Big Game was to achieve convenience in big games based on expeditions, while also achieving high strength and power to be able to be operated easily and catch the dream record fish. By combining Shimano's unique basic structure "Spiral X Core", reinforced structure "High Power X", "Screw Lock Joint" that reduces the risk of breakage of joints, and "Step Length Design" that has a role for each section, a rod that combines power, operability, and convenience was born. The Colt Sniper Limited Big Game is designed to be used for fishing on rock shore, and is designed to have the performance to seriously pursue such a big fish.
A test video showing a load of 14kg at a 45 degree angle. The bat power is still there to spare.
Field Tester Tsutomu Kamituhara
I tried it myself, and I found that lifting 14kg on a 9.8ft rod at a 45 degree angle is a strain that makes it hard to breathe. It is completely different from having the rod pulled and a 14kg drag applied.
However, this rod has enough butt power even when loaded with 14kg. Considering the shock of the line breaking on the rocks and the risk of being thrown backwards, I have only shown you the load up to 14kg this time, but I am sure you will be able to experience this abundant rod power when you face a big fish on the rocks.
The more you use it, the more you will have confidence in its power; it is such a reliable rod.
Pursuing a soft tip and hard butt design. What is the role of step length design?
This rod uses a three-piece step-length design, with each section having a specific role to take advantage of the characteristics of each piece.
[#1 Tip Section]
First of all, the tip section is a soft tip design with flexibility equivalent to XH, although the power rating of the rod itself is XXH or higher. The flexible tip reduces lure error action. In rock shore fishing, anglers cannot choose a position that gives them an advantage, and they often operate lures from a fishing seat with a high footing. This flexible tip realizes the action that allows the lure to dive into the water flexibly without fighting with the waves, which is required when operating a diving pencil from such a high footing fishing seat, and attracts the target. In addition, the short tip is designed to eliminate dullness and enable quick operation. While enabling a series of lure rotations from plug action that brings out the sense of life to light jig operation, it prevents unexpected damage to the tip, which is at high risk of damage during transportation. It is designed to strengthen the response to remote island expeditions, which are the premise of big games.
[#2 Belly Section]
The belly section is designed to improve the linkage between the front and rear of the rod, and is responsible for smoothly transmitting the force from the tip to the butt section during high-stress situations such as casting or powerful fights with tough targets.
[#3 Butt Section]
The butt section is longer and wider, which ensures the blank power to control the strong force of big fish running around freely in all directions. It prevents power loss due to twisting or breaking of the rod, and plays a role in absorbing the strong pull of big targets.
Original guide design that is also compatible with line systems using thick threads.
In order to catch a record-class big fish on the rock shore, an excessive line system is naturally required. Sometimes, you have to use an unbalanced system with a particularly large gap in line thickness, such as PE8-10 for the main line and 180lb or more for the leader. The Colt Sniper Limited Big Game has a unique guide system that challenges the suppression of line trouble and ensures casting distance in such an unbalanced line system. The butt guide and belly guide (first guide on the butt) use the new size "X Guide Touch Free Titanium". It is equipped with an original guide that has a guide ring size compatible with MAX reel size 18000, PE8-10, and high strength that can withstand big games. The unique high frame shape reduces the blank touch of the line released from the spool and rectifies the line released in a spiral. It prevents the line from moving around carelessly and reduces trouble when casting.
In addition, the belly guide has a specially designed diameter and frame height to match the butt guide, further improving the casting feel.
In addition, both the butt guide and belly guide are designed to be reverse mounted specifically for casting, which reduces line tangling.
Unique grip design supports powerful fighting.
V Hold Front Grip
The V-shaped cross-sectional shape makes it less likely to slip, contributing to a stable fight even during powerful fights.
Jerking Assist Rear Grip
The flat sides increase the stability when held under the arm, improving the controllability of plugs and jigs while suppressing rod shaking when fighting with the rod held under the arm.
Long Nut
A long type nut is used to prevent rattling or slipping even when a large SW reel is attached.
Shimano original reel seat (CI4+)
The original reel seat is made of Shimano's unique lightweight material CI4+, reinforced with carbon fiber. It features a shape with few steps, which provides a firm grip even when gripped tightly, supporting full-power casts and fights.
Rubber grip end
Rubber grip end that can also be used with a gimbal.
A carefully selected lineup for taking on monster fish in the harsh rock shore.
A new dimension big game rod that pursues sharpness in casting, operation and fighting.
S98XXH
The S98XXH is a rod that pursues the concept of providing the lightness of XH power, which is one rank lower in power rank, when casting and operating, and the tenacity when fighting under pressure, as well as the power to apply a sharp load to the target when pumping, allowing it to float quickly.
The sharpness created by shortening the base length by 4 inches will completely overturn the fixed idea of anglers that "rock shore big game rods are heavy and sluggish. Of course they don't have sharpness." The sharpness when casting and the lightness when operating the lure may make you wonder if this is really XXH. However, the true value of this rod is that it is so powerful that you wonder where the power is hidden during the fight. Short pumping prevents the target's head from turning towards you, and allows you to quickly take away its strength and fight to decide the fight. This rod is packed with the ability to close the distance with the target while minimizing the angler's strength.
Aiming to create a versatile big game rod.
S100XXH
The 10ft length, which has become the standard in the rock shore scene, is one answer that anglers who are passionate about this type of fishing have come up with.
This length can be said to be a versatile specification that seeks a balance in a series of actions, including the ability to cast the lure far, the maneuverability on high-footing rocks, and the offensive and defensive aspects of fights around fly roots and rapids.
This versatility is also common when confronting record-class monsters. What is the shape of the reefs at the expedition site? Is the tide fast? Is the water shallow or deep? Is the tide line close or far away? Are the conditions so tough that only small plugs react? All questions can only be answered by standing on the reefs. Moreover, negotiating with fish you have never encountered in an area you don't usually visit puts the angler at a disadvantage. If you can be fully prepared in such a situation with just one rod, it will be a chance to get closer to your own record. In terms of lure operation, it is possible to operate lightweight plugs of around 16 cm and jigs up to 180 g, and the length and soft tip design combine to allow delicate operation of lightweight lures as if they are entangled in the water.
I'm ready to take on the record fish.
S98XXXH
Catch a record-class fish from the rocks. Big games are the dream of rock shoremen, but the road is tough, harsh, and requires patience. The same goes for tackle, and if you want a tough, unbreakable rod, it's naturally heavy and sluggish, and it has been said that this is the norm in this type of fishing, where anglers endure fatigue and keep casting until the opportunity comes. However, even if the opportunity comes when such fatigue has accumulated, will the angler be able to use all his strength during the fight? Of course, it is a prerequisite and necessary to train your body to handle such heavy tackle through daily training, but the rocks are always harsh, and it is more important than anything to have some reserve energy left. What Shimano wants to propose is, of course, that you compete with record-class fish in the rock shore field with some reserve energy left before the fight. Seriously grab the dream of a record-class fish. It sounds easy to say, but safety is the top priority, and you should choose tackle that will help you. This rod will be prepared for that.
Short length that constantly applies pressure.
S92XXXH
The rock shore field is unstable, and there are few situations where the angler has an advantage. This model, which is the shortest in the series, expresses the pursuit of fighting performance that minimizes the physical exhaustion during the time until encountering a record fish, suppresses the movement of the record fish, and quickly floats it while suppressing the moment on the angler. When operating a lure, the short length characteristics can be utilized to minimize the load of abnormal pulling resistance, such as big minnows represented by the Peguma 200XS and big lures approaching the 30 cm class. Of course, it achieves light rod work even when combined with a heavy 18000 class reel. The only concern, the risk of root slippage, is that the strongest power in the series can withstand the resistance of monsters rushing into the rapids, and it does not let them run into the red zone. This is true even at the reef edge, even in a water depth of 1m. The length derived for fighting with all your heart and soul has the potential to compete with monsters on the rock shores of the world. This rod is a factor in pursuing the shortest route to a record fish.
Bending Curve
Comparison between the "Colt Sniper Limited Big Game" S98XXH and the "Colt Sniper XTUNE" S98XXH.
Comparison of bending curves for each model of the "Colt Sniper Limited Big Game."
Impressions
A rod you can trust and rely on to fight alongside you. Makes boarding an airplane smoother than ever.
Kenzaburo Fukui
In my case, I often go overseas fishing for GTs, so the 3-piece rod and its improved portability were a huge benefit to me. In particular, it made the process of bringing the rod on an airplane smoother, and I never expected that a shorter storage size would make it so convenient.
However, if you don't want to compromise on the strength and power of the rod, it tends to be heavy, but what's great about this rod is that it's lightweight. I actually used this rod to catch powerful fish in extremely unfavorable conditions for anglers, such as fishing for GTs from the shore to the outer reef, but I was able to use the power of the rod to bring the large GTs close to my feet. I was really surprised that I didn't lose a single fish due to line breaks.
This rod is not only a reliable companion for long fishing trips, but also makes you think, "There are fish that can only be caught with this rod."
I was surprised at how sensitive it was, just as it looked. This rod is sensitive enough to detect even the smallest changes.
Mitsuhiro Akagi
When faced with a perfect fishing situation that makes you feel excited, I think that anglers want to think about as little as possible. It allows you to concentrate all your energy on the moment of the bite, which you never know when it will come. I felt that it was such a high-quality rod while using it. For me, the important thing about the performance of a rod is that it feels as if the tool is an extension of your hand. There is almost no stress when using it, and you can feel the state of the water with high sensitivity. Rods designed for big fish require power and strength, so these opposing elements tend to be sacrificed, but this rod seemed to balance delicacy and strength at a high level. I think you will immediately feel the stress-free feel that it gives you just as it looks. I would like you to pick up the rod and feel the sense of security you feel in that moment.
The appeal is the stress-free performance that has been perfected, allowing you to fully concentrate on the environment in front of you.
Tsutomu Uetsubara
When I'm fishing for a big fish, it's important to avoid line trouble. Especially on rocky shorelines, the line system tends to be complicated, and if it's affected by the wind, knots and lumps can sometimes occur. If you don't notice this and you do end up catching a big fish, it will almost certainly break at that point. I definitely want to avoid missing out on a rare opportunity because of such a small mistake.
Based on that idea, what I found amazing about using this rod was that I didn't experience any line trouble at all thanks to the "X-Guide Touch-Free Titanium". Furthermore, since footing is often limited on rocky shorelines, depending on the situation you can be affected by the wind from various angles, such as crosswinds and headwinds, but even so, it allows me to easily concentrate on the situation in front of me.
As the name "Big Game" suggests, this rod has the appeal to make you feel like you can dream. I want to challenge my limits. I want to go beyond those limits. This rod will strongly support anglers who are waiting for their chance and will reward their expectations.
Shimano has finally released a rod designed specifically for shore big game fishing. It will take on record-level sizes without hesitation.
SHOGO SAKATA
Shore GT is my life's work, and I have been doing this fishing for many years. There is no demand for this crazy fishing field, so there are few dedicated rods, and traditionally there have not been many options. In that situation, when I heard about Shimano's development of a rod aimed at shore big game, I was surprised and deeply impressed.
With this background, I went to the rocks with this rod in hand and many expectations, and caught several GTs during the development stage. When I was fishing a 30kg class, I was able to use the rod's repulsive power to continue to apply a high load and wear down the GT's stamina, and I was able to take the lead especially in the latter half of the fight. This strong rod power gives me the courage to tackle even larger fish without hesitation.
Shore GT also requires a fight against root abrasion, so in places with particularly rough terrain I often choose thicker PE.
I actually used up to PE #10, and thanks to the "X-Guide Touch-Free Titanium" the line came out better, allowing me to cast without stress.
Because it is a niche genre, I think there are still people who have not yet found a rod that suits them. I hope that many troubled comrades will pick up this rod and grasp their own "shore dream".
Feature
An original reel seat made of Shimano's unique lightweight material CI4+ reinforced with carbon fiber. It features a shape with few steps, which provides a firm grip even when you grip it tightly, supporting full-power casting and fighting.
When fighting with a big fish, you can hold the front grip firmly and lift up the fish. This function also contributes to the operation of plugs and jigs.
A long type nut is used to prevent rattling or slipping even when a large SW reel is attached.
The joint is fixed tightly by twisting it like a screw. This prevents the rod from accidentally coming loose during rock shore fishing, which is subject to high loads.
Specially designed guide for trouble-free performance
In recent rock shore games, PE line has become the mainstream material for the main line. In order to improve trouble-free performance in this case, the guide diameter and frame height have been reconsidered from scratch.
By making the guide diameter small, the PE line converges immediately after being released from the reel, suppressing flapping. In
addition, by setting the frame height, it is less likely for the PE line to flap and touch the blank, suppressing fuzz.
For the large guides that pursue touchless blanks, a dedicated guide cover is included to prevent damage from accidental falls or impacts during transportation.
It also prevents damage to both sides due to contact between the guide and other objects when packing for an expedition.
All of this is for peace of mind when fishing.
The guide cover can be attached and removed even with the line threaded through the guide.
Technology
Spiral X Core
A next-generation basic structure that has evolved by using high-strength materials. Using Shimano's unique design and manufacturing methods, we thoroughly pursue further increased strength in all directions, including bending, screwing, and crushing. Shimano's original basic structure Spiral X, which enhances rod performance from the core, uses carbon tape made of high-strength resin realized by nanoalloy® technology. We have achieved even higher strength with selected materials. Compared to general structures, it achieves 1.4 times the screw strength and 2.5 times the crushing strength (compared to our company). Furthermore, compared to Spiral X, we achieved a 10% increase in screw strength and a 15% increase in crushing strength (compared to our company).
* Nanoalloy® is a registered trademark of Toray Industries, Ltd.
X Guide
Shimano original guide [X Guide] that brings out the original rod performance.
The X Guide was born from the perspective of a rod manufacturer to fully bring out the potential of blanks. Shimano's original high-performance guide that combines lightness, trouble-free casting, and casting performance at a high level.
High Power X
Reinforced structure that further suppresses twisting that occurs during casting and fighting. The feature is that the carbon tape is tightened in an X shape from the outermost layer of Spiral This allows the rod to bend in the angler's intended direction, allowing the blank to perform to its full potential.
Screw Lock Joint
Specially processed joint specifications that increase the fixing force of the joint while also making it easy to remove. Twisting the rods when joining them tightens them like a screw, increasing the fixing force and making it difficult for the joints to come out. When removing it, twist it in the opposite direction to easily release the fixation. (Adopted for salt rod)
Ci4+
Ci4+ is a further evolution of Shimano's proprietary C14 material reinforced with carbon fiber. Its features are that it is lighter and has higher strength than conventional resins.
Line Up
S98XXH
The well-balanced rod action for both jigs and plugs enhances response when casting and operating, and allows for a variety of lure rotations to suit the conditions of the sea in front of you, from the surface to the bottom. When fighting, the overall length is designed to be slightly shorter, making it easier to stand the rod and stabilizing the center of gravity balance of the angler, reducing fatigue during intense fights and allowing for a relaxed fight. XXH Power features a deep rod action that allows you to comfortably operate lightweight plugs of around 16cm to jigs up to 180g.
■ Target size: 25 kg + α / Suitable reel size 8000 to 18000
S100XXH
10ft length is the standard in the modern rock shore scene. The long rod length allows for long casting performance, and it is possible to accurately entangle the water and prevent erroneous actions when operating top plugs, which can be difficult on high-footing reefs. It also has a high ability to avoid obstacles such as protruding rocks, so it can adequately handle offense and defense on the edge of reefs that cannot be overcome by simple brute force. XXH Power features a deep rod action that allows you to comfortably operate light plugs of around 16cm to jigs up to 180g.
■ Target size: 25kg+α/Suitable reel size 8000-18000
S92XXXH
XXXH Power is the strongest Colt Sniper rod for surpassing your own record in a solo fight from the rocks. Usually, such a strong rod power puts a lot of strain on the body and is difficult to handle, which is a disadvantage. This model, designed with the shortest length in the series, significantly reduces the strain on the body during full casts and powerful fights. In addition, it allows you to perform the intended movements quickly and with less strain, making it easier for the angler to maintain concentration and to think one step ahead.
■ Target size: 30kg+α/Suitable reel size 8000-18000
S98XXXH
XXXH Power is the strongest Colt Sniper rod for surpassing your own record in a solo fight from the rocks. The length is designed to be slightly shorter than the standard 10ft in order to reduce the burden during a power fight. The rod action is well balanced for both jigs and plugs, allowing for a variety of lure rotations depending on the sea conditions in front of you, from the surface to the bottom. The high response when casting and operating, and the high total balance regardless of the situation, strongly support anglers in the harsh rock shore scene.
■ Target size: 30kg+α/Compatible reel size 8000-18000
Specification
| Model | Length (ft.) | Length (m) | Sections | Folded Length (cm) | Weight (g) | Tip diameter (mm) | Jig weight (g) | Plug weight (g) | PE Line | Max drag (kg) | Max drag angle (°) | Grip Type | Reel seat position (mm) | Reel seat type | Carbon content (%) |
| S98XXH | 9'8" | 2.95 | 3 | 114.2 | 396 | 3 | MAX 180 | MAX 150 | MAX 8 | 12 | 45 | straight | 521 | UPLOCK | 99.9 |
| S100XXH | 10'0" | 3.06 | 3 | 117.6 | 399 | 3 | MAX 180 | MAX 150 | MAX 8 | 12 | 45 | straight | 531 | UPLOCK | 99.9 |
| S92XXXH | 9'2" | 2.8 | 3 | 109.1 | 392 | 3.1 | MAX 250 | MAX 200 | MAX 10 | 14 | 45 | straight | 516 | UPLOCK | 99.9 |
| S98XXXH | 9'8" | 2.95 | 3 | 114.2 | 401 | 3.1 | MAX 250 | MAX 200 | MAX 10 | 14 | 45 | straight | 526 | UPLOCK | 99.9 |