Product Review: Enders Rods

                As a tournament bass angler, it is important to me to have a rod that is sensitive, strong, and dependable, at the same time.  Like many of my counterparts, I am always looking for the rod that gives me that edge.  For the past couple of years I have noticed some of my fellow clubbers possessing a number of Enders rods in their rod lockers.  I asked one of them why he liked them so much and he proceeded to give me a first hand demonstration.

We tied on a jig set-up on two different rods equipped with the same line and reels.  I casted them onto his driveway and slowly dragged them back.  The first one was a quality rod, in fact it was the same brand as one I had been using.  It felt pretty good to me.  You could feel the texture of the concrete, so I thought.  Then came the Enders.  Wow!  What a difference.  I was feeling every little scratch or bump in the concrete that I didn’t even see at first.  I was definitely convinced that the sensitivity of the Enders was remarkably better than the first rod.

This test urged me to further look into the Enders Rods.  The first thing I found was they are an Arizona based outfit as owner, Gary Enders, is out of Queen Creek.  I like this aspect if it ever comes to warranty issues or availability.  Since I hit the topic of warranties, lets talk about that for a moment.  All the Enders rods have a original purchaser lifetime warranty against any defect in material or workmanship.  If a problem due to this occurs, your rod will be repaired or replaced.  If determined that the problem was due to factors other than workmanship or defective material, the rod will be replaced at 50% off the retail price. 

Now lets look at the rod itself.  What makes it so appealing?  Each rod is built of forty-three million modulus lineal graphite.  The reel seats are made of resin-impregnated wood.  They not only look good, the wood acts as a natural vibration transmitter.  I believe the reel seat used by Enders amplifies the vibrations through the rod better than any I have previously used. 

I recently received a S78-2MF, 6’6” medium fast rod from Enders to try on the water.  Gary knows I love to dropshot and told me this rod would be a perfect fit for me.  I had been using a rod that was extremely sensitive but was nerve-racking every time I had a good fish on.  My rod lacked backbone.  I was extremely pleased with this rod after my second trip with it.  (You see the first time out I got skunked, as did a lot of guys at Bartlett that particular day.)  The next trip was a family outing to Pleasant.  I did well, and truly got to feel the sensitivity as the bite was subtle.  I joked with my wife that if I hit a beer can on the bottom, I would know.  Not only would I know, I would be able to tell what brand it is.  (Haha)  The backbone was a nice quality also.  I felt in control of my catch more than ever before with my previous favorites.

The bottom line is the Enders rods are worth every penny.  I will be adding a new one to my arsenal as mama lets me.  You must keep the peace at home.  She doesn’t understand a $200.00 fishing rod, but you tournament guys sure do.

For more information on Enders Rods, call Gary at (480) 888-0307, or you can find them at most of your fishing tackle dealers.  Kip Pollay (AZOD)