Wednesday Review... Shimano Tribal Supressa Carp Rods

This entry was posted on 23rd April, 2014

Shimano Tribal Supressa Carp Rods Review

Finally, I have found a set of rods that fill the void in my tackle’s capabilities. Most of my fishing is done at close range with the softest, shortest rod that I can warrant using. There are an increasing number of occasions, though, when I need some more power to do the job properly.

Firstly, distance casting. Admittedly, this is a rare occurrence but there have already been a few sessions that I have fished at range using these rods. I’m no long chucker but these seem to compensate for my lack of ability, with a 120-yard chuck now achievable without creating a sonic boom from thrashing the air.

The following claims gets bandied about a lot, particularly with distance orientated rods: ‘Although they can bang a lead a long way, the tip is not so stiff that it will increase the likelihood of hook-pulls’



Unfortunately, this is often false and very vague claim because many casting rods are one-trick ponies that are horrible to play fish on. Refreshingly, I can confirm that these fulfil this promise. It’s not so much that the tip section is soft; it’s more that the rod as a whole is superbly progressive in its delivery of torque.

I think the brute force needed for the big chucks and heavy leads comes right from the thickest part of the blank, which is only ever accessed in these scenarios. In these cases, the delivery of ‘oomph’ is not too abrupt either, which makes the timing of big casts easier to get right. I do tend to use big leads from time to time too, usually when fishing in the flow. So far these have handled repeated casting with heavy leads and performed admirably. What’s more, there’s sufficient power in the blank to keep a powerful river Carp under control in a powerful current.

The rest of the time, when more finesse is needed, the progressive, hugely cushioning action makes these a joy to play fish on, big or small.



I recently caught a couple of fish at close range using them and, for someone who loves a soft rod, for the whole fight they did not feel unsuitable in the slightest. I truly believe that Shimano has nailed this concept and has actually made the promise of a versatile chucking rod a reality.

The fixtures and fittings are equally superb. These rods look top end classy, without the ‘tartyness’ that I find distasteful. I particularly like the anti-wrap tip guide and slim, shrink wrap handle.

The RRP is bordering on the price point of a top-end rod, but the selling price is even less, and back in the realm of a mid-range price, these are truly exceptional rods for the money. I am 100% impressed with these rods. They are probably the first item of tackle I have ever used where I can literally find no fault whatsoever!

Description Available in 30mm, 40mm and 50mm butt versions, the mid price range Supressa combines beauty and strength with cutting edge technology. A 3K strengthening weave is incorporated in the new design reel seat keeping weight down to a minimum and offering exceptional power. The individual rod actions are specifically designed for their intended use, from the responsive 'small water' 11ft 2.75lb all-round version, to the 13ft 3.5lb distance model. The addition of the anti-wrap tip guide reduces the chance of crack-offs on the cast.



High Pressure Carbon: During the heating process of any rod or pole the resin can be pushed to the surface of the blank which may cause an uneven distribution, resulting in weak spots. With High Pressure Carbon (HPC), pressure is applied to the blank during the heating process, forcing the resin to remain inside and ensuring an even spread. The result is amazing, creating a blank which can be up to 40% stronger than blanks made without HPC.

Features - HPC100 + Biofibre blank with 3k carbon weave - 40mm butt guide - Anti-wrap tip guide and Shimano SiC intermediate guides - 3k carbon fibre machined custom reel seat - Shrink tube rubber split grip - Protective line clip - Weight (12ft): 327g (2.75lb), 343g (3lb), 392g (3.25lb) - Weight (13ft): 423g (3.5lb) - Transport Length: 186cm (12ft), 199cm (13ft) - Number of Sections: 2 - Guides: 6

Buy The Shimano Tribal Supressa Carp Rods