Hi
Have been on the look out for a popper/stick bait, yet what I have noticed is a these are largely designed for fishing for GTs. A lot of the rods I have handled have a fast taper but then a very grunty backbone. I suppose this is designed to keep the Gt's up out of the coral and fishing on wide angles out from the boat where I've seen fishermen leaning right back into their rods. The problem with these rods, I'm thinking,  they would be a biaaatch to handle when scrapping kings that typically fight up and down the water column owing to the rods' length and stiffness.

So I am just wondering if there are rods that local retailers stock that are more parabolic, like they way softbait rods bend. However I haven't got the budget for the top end rods like carpenter etc. Any suggestions?

Manoa wrote: So I am just wondering if there are rods that local retailers stock that are more parabolic, like they way softbait rods bend. However I haven't got the budget for the top end rods like carpenter etc. Any suggestions?

As Neps said the jm monstor are worth a look as are the smiths rods.
I have a new Smiths rod to throw around on Wednesday.

Both rods are well under the prices on the "name " gear.
both are fairly parabolic but still retain enough tip action to get the distance.

I have just sold my Shimano Ian Miller t curve rods and these are also good value for the $$ they are.
However like most gear as soon as the bug bites the natural instinct is to go for upgrades.