First Impressions of Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod promises a featherweight feel with heavyweight performance, a claim that immediately piqued my interest. As an angler who spends countless hours on the water, fatigue is a constant battle, and the prospect of a rod that minimizes that while maximizing sensitivity is incredibly appealing. Lew’s, a name synonymous with quality fishing gear, has certainly set a high bar with the “Custom Lite” moniker.
Years of fishing tournaments have taught me the importance of selecting gear for specific needs. I was looking for a rod that could handle a variety of lure weights while maintaining sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes. The stated specifications of the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod, particularly its HM85 graphite blank and Winn Dri-Tac grip, suggested it could be the perfect tool for the job.
Unboxing the rod, I was immediately impressed. The rod felt incredibly light in hand, and the build quality appeared top-notch. The Winn Dri-Tac grip felt comfortable and secure, a huge plus for long days spent casting.
Compared to my older Abu Garcia Veritas and a Shimano Curado casting rods, the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod felt noticeably lighter and more balanced. While the Veritas offered raw power and the Curado provided exceptional versatility, the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod seemed to prioritize sensitivity and comfort without sacrificing too much power. This was the deciding factor in selecting this rod over others.
My initial impression was one of excitement. I was eager to get the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod out on the water and see if it lived up to the hype. The combination of lightweight design, premium materials, and thoughtful ergonomics had me optimistic that this rod would become a staple in my arsenal.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod on a local lake known for its finicky bass population. I targeted submerged weed beds and rocky outcroppings, employing a variety of techniques including casting crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Texas-rigged worms. The weather was overcast with a slight drizzle, providing a realistic test of the Winn Dri-Tac grip’s performance.
The rod performed admirably in these conditions. It was easy to cast accurately, even with lighter lures. The sensitivity of the HM85 graphite blank allowed me to detect even the faintest of strikes, resulting in several hooksets that I would have otherwise missed.
The only minor issue I encountered was with the rod’s hook keeper. It felt slightly small and awkwardly placed. This made it a bit difficult to secure larger treble hooks quickly.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod has proven to be a reliable and enjoyable tool. The rod has held up well, with no signs of significant wear and tear. Even after being exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental bump against rocks, the rod still looks and feels like new.
Maintaining the rod has been simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is all it takes to keep it clean and functioning properly. The Winn Dri-Tac grip has maintained its tackiness, even after repeated exposure to moisture.
Compared to my previous experiences with other casting rods, the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod excels in sensitivity and comfort. While it might not have the raw power of some heavier rods, the increased sensitivity and reduced fatigue make it a superior choice for anglers who prioritize finesse and all-day comfort. It outperforms in those categories.
Breaking Down the Features of Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod
Specifications
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod is a one-piece freshwater casting rod designed for maximizing angler performance while minimizing weight. It features a highly sensitive and lightweight HM85 graphite blank. The rod is equipped with ergonomic Comfort Plus or Full Contact reel seats.
- Rod Type: Casting
- Number of Sections: 1 Piece
- Water Type: Freshwater
- Blank Material: HM85 Graphite
- Handle Material: Winn Dri-Tac ProWeave split grip with EVA butt and foregrip
- Line Weight: 10-20 lbs
- Lure Weight: 1/4 – 3/4 oz
- Length: 6’10” (specific model tested)
These specifications are important because they directly impact the rod’s performance and usability. The HM85 graphite blank provides excellent sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes. The Winn Dri-Tac grip ensures a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions.
Performance & Functionality
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod performs exceptionally well as a versatile casting rod. It allows anglers to feel the nuances of lure action and detect subtle bites. The rod quickly transitions to a firm backbone for positive hooksets.
- Strengths: Exceptional sensitivity, lightweight design, comfortable grip, good casting distance and accuracy.
- Weaknesses: Hook keeper could be improved. The raw power may not be sufficient for extremely heavy cover fishing.
The rod meets and often exceeds expectations, especially in terms of sensitivity and comfort. The fast action tip combined with the HM85 graphite blank makes it ideal for detecting subtle strikes and reacting quickly.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod boasts a thoughtfully designed and ergonomic build. The materials used are high-quality. The rod feels incredibly light in hand, contributing to reduced fatigue during long fishing sessions.
The rod is user-friendly and requires minimal learning curve. The balance point is excellent. The Winn Dri-Tac ProWeave split grip handle with EVA butt and foregrip provides a comfortable and secure hold, even in wet conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod appears to be built to last. The HM85 graphite blank feels strong and resilient. The stainless steel line guides and titanium oxide inserts should hold up well to repeated use.
Maintenance is straightforward and simple. A quick wipe down with a damp cloth after each use is generally sufficient. The Winn Dri-Tac grip can be cleaned with mild soap and water if needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod doesn’t come with a large number of accessories, focusing instead on the core performance of the rod itself. It includes a built-in hook keeper. There are no significant customization options available directly from Lew’s.
However, the rod is compatible with a wide range of aftermarket reels and line. Anglers can customize the setup to suit their individual preferences and fishing styles.
It also pairs perfectly with Lew’s Custom Lite Baitcast Reel for optimum balance and performance
Pros and Cons of Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod
Pros
- Exceptional Sensitivity: The HM85 graphite blank transmits even the faintest of strikes.
- Lightweight Design: Reduces fatigue during long fishing sessions.
- Comfortable Winn Dri-Tac Grip: Provides a secure and comfortable hold, even in wet conditions.
- Good Casting Distance and Accuracy: Allows for precise lure placement.
- Versatile Performance: Suitable for a variety of techniques and lure weights.
Cons
- Hook keeper could be improved.
- May lack the raw power for extremely heavy cover fishing.
Who Should Buy Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod?
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod is perfect for anglers who prioritize sensitivity, comfort, and lightweight performance. It’s ideal for bass anglers. Also it is great for those who enjoy finesse techniques and spending long hours on the water. This rod is best for anglers who use a variety of lure weights.
Anglers who primarily fish in extremely heavy cover or require a rod with maximum power might find the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod to be slightly underpowered. Those anglers should skip this product.
A high-quality baitcasting reel that complements the rod’s lightweight design is a must-have accessory. Braided line is also recommended to maximize sensitivity and hooksetting power.
Conclusion on Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod
The Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod is an exceptional piece of fishing equipment that delivers on its promise of lightweight performance and enhanced sensitivity. The price of $159.95 is justified by the quality of the materials, thoughtful design, and overall performance of the rod. The rod increases sensitivity.
I would absolutely recommend the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod to any angler looking for a high-quality, versatile casting rod. If you value sensitivity, comfort, and reduced fatigue, this rod is a worthy investment. Get out on the water and experience the difference the Lew’s Custom Lite Casting Rod can make!