He69APC Questions

[Steve]

Wondering if someone can provide a litte info on the 69APC to a new member.

I'm about to pull the trigger on the 69APC and have three questions.

1- I've been warned of some blank consistancy issues from 2005ish. Should I have any fear in ordering from Cabelas? I assume that if any issue existed they should have been long gone by now. Any light you can shed on this subject.

2- Do any of you two hand cast with this rod. An 8 inch butt section is a bit shorter then my personal preference of 9.

3- Finally, Buzzbaits, 1/2oz spinnerbaits, rattetraps and crankbaits to be the likely appliction in the likely order of use. I'm almost certain I can throw lighter baits with this rod, what about if I used a 3/4oz double willow spinner bait? Is this going to be too taxing on the blank to throw or row?

Thanks for your thoughts, I've got an order going into Cabelas this weekend and was wanting to add this to the list.

[kistlero]

Steve,

Thank you for the interest in our He69APC rod. This model has had no changes for over 18 months. The action and power is very consistent and the Cabelas stores should not have any of the 05 models in stock what so ever.

The handle length is closer to 9 inches and we have not had anyone complain about the length. Actually, this is why most people like the rod because it is more rod and less handle.

The reason we named this rod the All Purpose Med-Hvy is because of its versatility. You should be happy with its perfermance on most any lure close to its recommended label specs.

I think you will be so thrilled with this rod, you will soon own a few more before the end of the year.

Good Luck,

Trey

[Steve]

Trey-

Thanks for your reply. I hear great things about your product.

Steve

[Steve]

Well, My first LTA arrived tonight Old man winter has arrived too so it may be a month of more before I have a good chance to set the hook with the rod. I did get to cast a spinnerbait for a few moments this afternoon and had a favorable first impression Having seen many posts on these rods but only gotten to see one for 5 minutes in an out of town store several years ago, a few things were a bit of a surprise to me. A few observations.

1-On the rear grip lenght, it turns out the the HE69LTA has almost identical rear grip lenght as does the GLoomis BCR 803. I wish both were 3/4inch longer but it will work fine for two hand casting.

2-The light weight of the rod is not obvious to me at first glance becaue the rod is not overly balanced. That said, once I tied on a little 3/8oz spinnerbait, I could not tell any longer and not a single rig in my basement would be balanced with 3/8oz attached at the end of along lever arm.

3- The biggest surprise was the diameter of the rod; especially at the tip. Guess I was expecting a 4-9 inch final tip that was the diameter of a Loomis MBR783 at the tip. The LTA has a bigger diameter at the tip then any other rod I own I think.

4- Finally, I picked up a 3/8ox willow/Colorado spinnerbait off the rack and headed to the pond behind my house. After just a few casts, it dawned on my why everyone raves about these rods. The amount and clarity of feedback from the blades to my hand appears to be better then any rod I've fished. Dumb me picked up a new bait vs. one of the used ones where I know exactly what they feel like coming through the water but that said, I have high hopes that this will give spinnerbait fishing new life.

I will post again once the weather warms and I get to try out several more baits! So far, I'm very pleased with the purchase.

[hooksetters 1]

That rod is my favorite for throwing senkos with. If you use senkos give it a try.

[Steve]

Hooksetter- I will give that a try! Several people have told me the same thing about the Senko and 69APC.

I did get out and cast a bunch of spinerbaits and rattle traps today. The APC without doubt provides more feedback to my hand then any rod I own. It is going to be a fun fishing season

[zelmo]

What reel did you put on the He69APC?

[Steve]

I put a super tuned Fuego on the APC. My primary application for this rod is Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and Lipless cranks. The Fuego provides the retrieve speed and power to throw those well yet weighs roughly 7.5oz. I mounted a lighter reel and it did not feel better to me plus I would have lost the power and retrieve speed. I mounted a heavier reel and it started to offset the advantage of a light rod. So for now, the Fuego has found a home

[zelmo]

Thanks. What was the lighter reel you tried? I am going to get this rod and I am trying to figure out what reel I want to put on it. I was thinking about the Chronarch Mg which weighs 5.9 oz.

[Brad]

I have the Mg on my 7'0 MH LTA. Feels well balanced to me and the whole outfit is extremely light. Condusive to all day casting.

[Steve]

I mounted my MG50. It felt fine but no better then the Fuego because the decrease in weight is partially offset but a less balanced rod in my opinion. If I planned to fish plastics on the 69APC the MG50 would have been a fine reel. Regardless of the rod, I don't try to burn buzzbaits or spinners with the MG50, Sol or Curado D100 as they wear me out reeling so fast.

I also would suspect that the 7MH is a bit more balanced then the 69MH as the size increase provides about as much handle as it does tip lenght.