# Field Testing Hawaiian Custom Rods By Okuma - Getting Hits! **URL:** \ **Category:** Pier/Bank fishing and Surf Fishing\ **Created:** [December 22, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/field-testing-hawaiian-custom-rods-by-okuma-getting-hits/320821 "2020-12-22T17:57:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ScubaChris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a4c791/32.png) [@ScubaChris](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/u/ScubaChris)\ **Post date:** [December 22, 2020, 5:57pm UTC](https://forum.bigfishtackle.com/t/field-testing-hawaiian-custom-rods-by-okuma-getting-hits/320821/1 "2020-12-22T17:57:26Z")
Casting Okuma’s Ulua & Menpachi Rods Using Tesoro & Azores Reels! It’s important to develop faith in your equipment. To be positive that your choices in line strength, hooks, swivels, brands combined will result in a rig that’ll be a part of who you are & how you fish. Took me awhile to put together new combos. Today i went to a familiar area to test how everything “meshes” together. Early morning there was no wind so i was drop shotting baits only 30-40yds out using only 3oz banks on the Ulua “GT” rod rated MH at 7-10oz. No problem as it was a narrow inlet. When the winds picked-up i was throwing 6oz directly into the wind with good distances. So now i now if i used heavier weights that my distance will be good even casting into the wind. I forgot my wrist brace since i badly injured my wrist so casting was a “painful” joy. I also used new extended length sand spikes with beveled edges. Mustad Circle Hooks, ball bearing swivels, tried different lead weights & leader set-ups. I was very happy that everything was working well. The Tesoro 12S Star Drag has 65lb braid backing to monofilament top shot. Tried both MH & H 13’ Ulua Rods & my other Tesoro Star Drag that had all 80lb Braid. I also used all 3 Menpachi Rods of 10’7", 12’ & 13’ with varying casting weights. It’s good to know the limitations of your gear & when to use certain lengths & strengths for different applications. Now i can go to dangerous locations to night casting on my own again. Still nursing a very bad wrist but over my concussion. Now i’m familiar with my new rigs & hopefully will put them to the test. [https://youtu.be/bYnBiehceuQ](https://youtu.be/bYnBiehceuQ)[![](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex028/uploads/bigfishtackle/original/3X/0/d/0dbd6f11a56edc5335d93c3f403c0aaf228fce7c.png)](https://ibb.co/9vbQjS9)