ZENAQ Tobizo TC77 Tuna - Monster Buster

ZENAQ Tobizo TC77 Tuna - Monster Buster

ZENAQ first released the "Monster Buster" 25 years ago (1998) with the goal of capturing monster-sized tuna. Since then, they have passionately developed big game rods. With the evolution of tackle, such as stronger braided lines and more robust hooks, catching tuna over 200kg has become a realistic target. However, the inclination to create a rod that could face off directly with these monsters in casting games sparked a strong drive to take things further. This led to the initiation of the "Project Monster Buster."

The blank's molding processes involves crucial elements such as the elasticity, thickness, resin content, fiber angle, and mandrel (mold) taper design of the carbon material. The possible blank molding patterns are virtually endless. From these infinite combinations, the optimal materials are selected and layered with precise fiber orientation (bias) to create a multi-layered structure (deep layering).

This is a completely different approach from designing rods that would have an emphasis on delicacy or lightness. It is akin to designing the physique of a finely-tuned heavyweight athlete. The blank design method is intended to build strength and power rather than finesse.

Thanks to this manufacturing process, ZENAQ was able too design the required torque and power, resulting in a monster blank that meets the necessary criteria of rebound, durability, and flexibility. During development, ZENAQ worked with complex carbon composites requiring not only advanced molding technology but also immense patience to sift through the infinite combinations and select the most suitable materials for the final design.

Thanks to the DBL Structure (Deep Bias Layered Construction), this rod blank boasts impressive heavy load durability, able to withstand the maximum drag from a large reel even at a steep angle of 65 degrees. Its core flexibility allows the rod to be bent effectively with realistic human strength, generating repulsive power as it bends. Even in a fight with monster tunas, the rod blank remains robust, assisting anglers by lifting while enduring the strain. Its length of 7’7’’ optimizes casting performance, lure control, and performance when facing the heaviest fight. This flexible rod blank can elegantly handle lightweight lures, accurately casting them to the desired spot. It offers a significant advantage in the tuna casting game.In order To take on monster tunas that exceed human limits, the rod blank must be absolutely trustworthy. ZENAQ'S configured their guides for use with ultra-large tackle such as reels as big or bigger than 20000 and PE lines of 12 or even more. Moreover, the Assist Guide significantly reduces line tangling at the tip, eliminating line troubles and enabling smooth line release and stable long-distance casting. This ensures you don't miss the big chance.

The development of this incredible monster blank focused primarily on creating the lifting power necessary to raise a 200kg fish while significantly bending the rod. If the blank is too stiff, the angler will be unable to withstand the fight with the monster fish, and casting a 100g lure or properly manipulating it would be impossible. On the other hand, if the blank is too soft, it won't even be able to lift a 200kg monster, let alone handle the immense forces without breaking.

How did ZENAQ resolve these conflicting requirements? The solution is a blank that can cast 100g lures with ease and, despite the immense weight of the fish, allow a "typically built angler" to bend the rod and lift the monster.

This was the core challenge of the "Project Monster Buster."

To achieve a satisfactory blank design, the team at ZENAQ went through an extensive process of [blank design], [bench testing], and [field testing], repeating the cycles endlessly. After four seasons of development and testing starting in 2019, the innovative monster blank that would become the backbone of the Tobizo TC77 TUNA - Monster Buster was finally completed.

About ZENAQ-

Beginning in the 1960s, ZENAQ has been producing rods that embody the Japanese people. Being committed to the angler, they take feedback from customers seriously and use it to develop their products. These products go through various, strenuous field tests to be perfected. All of the steps towards making the rods happens in the same factory so that ZENAQ can refine their skills and create superior rods. As anglers themselves, ZENAQ continues to make rods that inspire the soul.

***Due to our distribution agreement with ZENAQ, we are unable to supply their rods outside of the 50 U.S. States, U.S. Territories and Canada. We apologize for any inconvenience.***