You wouldnt know it unless you had a trained eye, but AiRRUS rods have been gaining the favor of some of the top pros in the country.
Record destroyer ( biggest bass caught in a classic event, and heaviest 4 day weight ) and recent Elite series Santee Cooper champion Preston Clark is a fellow AiRRUS rods pro staffer. He used AiRRUS rods to shatter 2 records and cash a few hefty checks along the way.
Terry Scroggins is also an Airrus rods pro staffer. He is no stranger to the top 10 this year or in years past. I had the opportunity to spend a day on the water with him and talk a little shop about the rods.
My first question for him was how he got hooked up with Airrus rods. He told me that he used to use another rod brand and had no problems with them other than that he had a hard time getting the rods he needed in a timely manner. A freind of his had bought an Airrus rod and asked Terry to try it out and tell him what he thought of it. Terry used it and immediatly fell in love with it. He was on the phone with Ken Whiting ( president of AiRRUS ) that night to put in an order.
My next question was what he liked most about them. Terry likes the sensitivity the most. He said he hasnt felt another rod that has quite the same feel as an Airrus and went on to explain the importance of extra sensitivity especially while bed fishing for fish you cant see. He also complimented on the lightness of the rod and explained that even a couple extra ounces can take a toll on your arm when you are pitching and holding your rod out all day. He is also impressed with the rod actions. He said that they are true. If you order a medium, yor going to get a medium. If you order a heavy, its going to be heavy. We talked about the backbone of the rods and both agreed that we dont lose many fish on them. It was cool to hear this stuff coming from a PRO.
I watched this guy catch fish all day. He was amazing. I have never seen anyone fish like this before. You know how it is when you have a really good day of fishing, everything works out, you make all the right decisions and execute prefectly? And then just for a split second you think to yourself 'i have what it takes, i can be a pro'. Nope, its a real wake up call when you actually fish behind one.
Cast after cast this guy was right on the mark. Flawless hooksets, perfect presentations. He never missed. He said the right rod is one of the most important tools a fisherman can have and for him, its Airrus!
Terry finished 7th in the Elite Series and banked $15,000 and 7th at the Southern Open for another $5785 in the pocket.
Boyd Duckett is another AiRRUS Rods pro staffer. Boyd was the day 1 and day 2 leader in the southern open. He weighed in the biggest sack of the tournament with 29.02 on day one, lead the way again on day 2 and finished the tournament in 3rd place to win $33,670.
I seen a ton of other guys with AiRRUS rods. They seem to be a pretty big hit down there. Hopefully, it will catch on up here in the near future (hint, hint) ;D
PoorBoy himself :-\'
i have mine and they are to pretty to use. they even sent me the wrong ones and had to send them back.. no hassels great customer service.. and a good price too..
I can't say as I've ever used an Airrus, I've currently got deals with other companies..BUT...the quality is awesome and the price of the rod, for the awesome rod you get, is ABSOLUTELY UNMATCHED!! Looking forward to seeing them more readily available throughout Michigan in the future. I think you made a great move joining up with Airrus Poorboy. ;)
I have one on order and look forward to using it...I have been sitting on the fence for about a year and finally decided to get one...can't wait to try it!!
What one did you order?
I just busted my favorite Co Matrix 457 the other day. I smacked it on my trolling motor pretty good. Seemed fine at the time, til i swung a fish into the boat. The fish landed in the middle of the front deck on broken line and 8" of my rod tip flew over my shoulder and into the drink.
You will like the rod. No matter which one you get. And i can show you a trick i learned to make it a little bit better as well.
PoorBoy himself :-\'