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From X Strong to Monster
We're all familiar with Fiiish's X-Strong series. These lead heads with reinforced hooks are used by many bluefin tuna and exotic fish anglers. Its resilience has been proven.
It's a fact that for some time now, bigger and bigger fish have been caught along our coasts. And as is often the case with these giants, it's the equipment that's exposed and liable to break. Personally, I've never had a breakage despite the dozens of bluefin tuna I've been lucky enough to catch.
However, here and there we heard that some anglers had broken the hook on the lead head. Misuse, manufacturing defect, hook that has already bitten several fish? No one knows the real reason.
Fiiish's reaction and rigor were not long in coming: this year, they landed with a new model that's even tougher, the Monster.
Comparison with X-Strong models
To compare the X Strong and the Monster, take a look at the photo below.
The hook is much larger and the eye is very different.
It's not a classic hook eye, but an independent piece of metal. The overall strength is rated at 200 lbs, far more than the majority of braids we use for larger bluefin tuna.
This Monster model is available in 100 and 140 grams, and in metallic gray or pink.
The Crazy Sand Eel, one of my favourite lures for bluefin tuna.
It's no secret that the Crazy Sand Eel is a formidable bluefin tuna hunting rod. The pink color clearly stands out from the crowd. Its contrast in intense chases, known as "Jacuzzis", surely has something to do with it.
This year, a new color has appeared, and it's on bluefin tuna that I'll be testing it in a few days' time. The silver chrome, an imitation of small garfish, is extremely shiny and I find it interesting during periods of strong sunlight.
It will undoubtedly be extremely effective on bluefin tuna hunts, but can also be used to target other species such as sea bass or pollack.
