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Shimano Artiesta rod review

SHIMANO’S Artiesta is a new premium line up for 2024 featuring seven rods designed for a diverse range of species and fishing styles.

Artiesta rods are built using 45-ton Japanese Toray blanks with 95% graphite. Shimano says the choice of material provides the perfect balance of sensitivity, strength and responsiveness. The rods are finished in with a graphite wrap and semi-gloss finish to enhance the appearance and add to the blank’s strength. 

The handle is made from machined aluminium and custom carbon hoods with EVA grips. There’s also winding checks and a Fuji SKSS reel seat. These rods feature Fuji K-Frame guides in frosted dark grey with SiC inserts for smooth line flow, reduced friction, and enhanced casting distance and accuracy.

I’ve been testing the ultralight 721IL-1/3. It’s a 7’2” 1-3kg model with a recommended casting weight of 1-7 grams. It’s a finesse rod, the sort of thing you’d use for casting ultralight lures at bream, bass, whiting or trout.

It was matched to a new C2000HG Vanford and 6lb Shimano Kairiki braid. It’s an awesome little combo!

While at first it appears too light to put the brakes on anything too big, this little rod has a surprising amount of power where it counts while still offering enough sensitivity for throwing small hardbodies, plastics, and topwater lures. Imparting action on a lure and feeling subtle bites requires a sensitive rod and the Artiesta does the trick nicely.

The 7’2” length complements the crisp action, creating the sort of responsive rod you would expect in a premium product.

The rod was recently put through its paces chasing bass on North Coast of NSW. Castaway Fishing’s Patrick Linehan took us into a small coastal river where we rigged the rod with a number of topwater and sub-surface lures. The fishing was tough but Pat saved the day and scored a solid bass from the road bridge on the Artiesta just before we called it quits. 

The Artiesta is one of many rods across all price points that Shimano unveiled at this year’s AFTA.

At a suggested retail price around $399, the Artiesta fits into a mid to higher price point and in my opinion offers excellent value for anyone looking for an ultralight rod with all the bells and whistles.

It features a premium blank and high-end components. And with a maroon/graphite colour and slick looking finish and design, it’s a great looking rod.

Find out more about the full Artiesta range and other Shimano products at fish.shimano.com/en-AU.

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