Are Expensive Fishing Rods WORTH IT?

[@joshdfishing]

I’ve been looking at a Miller rod for the longestttt time. Cheers mate this will help me make up my decision👍🏼

[@ByronTeaHill]

Glad I could help

[@joshdfishing]

@@ByronTeaHill I got the grub freak yesterday👌🏼

[@LilPetoz]

@@joshdfishing my next rod for sure

[@galihmunggaran661]

Rod is perfec

[@jacobparker8041]

i dont understand how Byron Tea Hill dosent have way over 5.8k subs the way his channel looks compared to many other people is just unmissable the quality of his videos are just on point every time and he always is uploading whilst having his youtube look like it could be his job, the ammount of effort that goes into each one of his videos is just next level and gives you the perfect information every single time whilst being entertaining which many fishing youtubers seem to miss, aswell as Byron Tea Hill always has the best of both worlds in his videos such as when he is trying out a lure as a challange and manages to provide action of using the lure and catching aswell as him talking about the science of fishing you dont expect to see a fishing youtube account this good

[@ByronTeaHill]

Mate how do I respond to this. Jacob this made my day mate, thank you very much for the support and the kind words legend. It's always hard to balance the right content, sometimes it works, sometimes not so much. lol. I appreciate the support mate, thank you again.

[@jacobparker8041]

@@ByronTeaHill nah all good mate the videos are great and keep doing what you are doing

[@peterauer6113]

Couldn’t agree more Byron, valuable information right there. I now have 5 Miller’s paired with everything from Certates to Exists. It has taken my fishing to another level in just 18 months. Having said that a Diawa 732 ULFS mated to the new Airity is up there in our style of finesse angling. Another point worth mentioning is I have noticed that Diawa reels seem to sit at a better angle to the first guide helping casting and retrieval with less drag on the line. ……. Hey I’m a tackle snob now….your fault!

[@chriswebster9646]

My fave combo at the moment is Daiwa TD Black Scratchy with Daiwa TD Sol III 2000D running 6lb braid. My dream combo is Millerods XFLC with a 2000 Airity running 6lb. I would use this as an all round light rod from the kayak, or shore based, catching bream, flathead, bass (when appropriate), Trevally, etc.

[@StuinOzzy]

Another great video that gives plenty to think about - I have a Stradic C14+ 3000 and a Vanford 3000 with Samaki Zing 3 and Atomic Arrowz 70l. More than happy with both reels and the rods are pretty good for the fishing I do which is mainly Flatty hunting. The dream combo however would be a FlattieFreak 7'6'" combined with a Shimano Stella FJ 2500 - dream on! The rod makes all the difference as long as your reel is ok then I would spend the $$$ on a decent rod for sure but getting approval for such expenditure is hard work - maybe it will be easier to ask for forgiveness rather than permission...

[@AlexRodenbach]

My go to set-up is a Yamaga Blanks Calista 82M with a Daiwa Certate LT 3000-XH, it’s super light but with a very responsive yet powerful backbone. I use it for perch, seabass, zander and pike and it has caught me perch from 10 cm pike of 125 cm. It’s as all-round as it possibly gets!

[@xavierallen2420]

I’m a little bit late to the party but l use a cross fire and 1-2 kg arid rod Little bit But it gets the job done and catch some whoopers I think if I won this Miller rod it would be a huge change to my fishing career

[@Joel-wn2cg]

My favourite combo that I own is the Daiwa Gen Black Two Drunken Monkeys with a 1000 Shimano stradic CI4. It's ultralight and good for small surface lures on tiny creek bass. An affordable combo which has lasted me years and caught lots of fish. My dream combo would be a Millerods GrubFreak 7'3" with a Daiwa Gekkabijin Air 2003. A beautiful, lightweight combo perfect for targeting bream on small soft plastics over sand flats. I'm all about light weight!

[@paulcook6800]

Been toying with the idea of moving from mid range to high end over the last few months, so quite timely advice with some great points Byron. Favourite set up right now is my original Samaki 7'6 flats Zing Extreme with a stradic ci4 1000, throwing sugapens at YFW. Unreal fun! Dream combo, may as well shoot for the stars, Millerods Brawler with a Stella FJ and go hunting donkey bream in gnarly structure. Enjoy your style / approach mate - keep them coming!

[@delltas08]

Really enjoying my new 8ft Rovex EGI squid and lure rod with a Shimano Vanford 4000 reel mainly catching trout, salmon, flathead, and squid. Perfect for the beach. My dream is the 8ft Atomic Arrowz EGI.

[@topheavy84]

Favourite rod and reel: Pflueger Patriach XTR 1-3kg, Shimano 2500ci4. Dream combo - Shimano Sustain with Miller Twitch Freak catching Archer Fish. They are only small and they all go back but my son enjoys that best.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Entered!

[@craign5748]

Another top video explaining it simply. I love my infeet and luvius combo, but I fish of breakwalls and I'd really like something a couple of feet longer. this video has given me some ideas, cheers.

[@ByronTeaHill]

no worries Craig thanks for entering

[@tobyhart5331]

I'm currently using a TD soll III 2500c running 8lb j braid on a samurai reaction 3-6lb. I use this for top water, slow rolling soft plastics and small hard body's. I mainly chase flattys, whitening and bass on this set up. My dream set up would be a 21 LUVIAS AIRITY LT on either another samurai reaction or a daiwa infeet. I would use it mainly for top water and or soft plastics and hard body's used for chasing similar species. Love your videos man👍👍 Keep the awesome work up😀😀😀

[@ByronTeaHill]

Yewww! will do thanks legend. Your combos are solid. appreciate you getting involved mate

[@cashhudson7984]

My favourite combo at the moment is my Shimano finesse bream raider 1-4 kg paired with my Daiwa Exceller 2500, with 6lb braid, for whiting and Bream. It is pretty budget, and I’m saving for a new rod. If I were to win the twitchfreak I would target bream, bass and whiting on small hardbodies. Cheers Byron. You are smashing it with the content👍🤙🔥💪🎣👌

[@TrickingIsFun]

My favourite combo so far is the Luvias Airity 2500, paired with a Infeet z 732LFS. I dont do a lot of light tackle fishing but my dream combo would definetly be a Zenaq paired with a 2020 saltiga to go and chase world record kingfish in NZ! Do love light tackle fishing, super fun when a monster takes a bite and your drag screams!!

[@kennethchubbs2667]

Ripper video mate. My favourite setup is my shimano sedona combo that I got from anacona, it was my first ever combo and is what got me all started. A dream combo would be a Daiwa Exist paired with a Grubfreak, throwing SP's into snags!

[@jessethompson5932]

Very well spoken and explained bud. I agree with everything you have touched base on hear . I have used every hi end rod over the years but as soon as I stumbled across Millerods then it became easy for me to change my hole quiver to only Millerods. My go to is my Millerod blade freak uls matched with a Daiwa certate 19 with a vex blade. Great in the hand great to cast and great when loaded up. Twitch freak I am yet to perches but it’s my next in line..

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks Jesse. Hope your well dude! hopefully I get to see you at bemm next year! you're part of that cult following i was talking about! ahahaha thanks legend.

[@jessethompson5932]

@@ByronTeaHill haha Hopefully we are back on 🙏

[@stephenlatimer1428]

hi Byron. as usual all ur points r on point(sorry bout that lol). the last 15 years i have bought Daiwa products n wen i upgrade i pasted the combos to my sons until they started buying their own n now my grand sons get the combos. right now i have 3 Saltiga combos from 4/6pe to 10pe n 4 Daiwa Steez combos for river bass(have never fished a dam for bass). 3 r baitcasters for spinnerbait/chatterbait, jerk n crank the spin is for unweighted to 3/8. i have 7 swimbait rods, 5 r Millerods baitcast swimbait rods with Daiwa Zillions n 2 Daiwa Saltiga 10" spin rods with Saltiga 5000s. the 2 spins r for jew off the headlands using soft swimbaits n the other 5 r for barra/cod n flathead on the flats, different lengths n weights. also i have 2 Daiwa Commander rods in baitcast n spin for jacks which has a Steez A TW n a 18 Exist reel. i believe in buying the best u can n if so go that little extra. happy fishing everyone.

[@evanmatthews2474]

Favourite current Rod is an edge black widow spinning Rod paired with a vanford reel. Dream Rod is a Millerod BarraVibe paired with a stella or an exist LT reel. Barramundi is the target.

[@colonelbeanbagsfishing1488]

I now own seven Miller Rods including the recently released crank freak AU and absolutely love all of them, definitely will be getting more.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Awesome Mate!

[@waynebusby6525]

I've always been a Shimano man until a mate working in a tackle store nagged me into a Daiwa TD Commander 742LXS Ocelot. Matched with a Daiwa Airity Luvias 2500 it is a truly beautiful outfit that is SO light and balanced in the hand. It casts light lures like a catapult and every bump can be felt. I have been tempted by the Miller rods and appreciate the quality. Only one thing has stopped me owning a few; I need even my finesse rods to have a bit longer butt section than most high end rods have (bad arthritis and wrist surgery). I need to be able to be able to grip the end of the butt with my thumb and forefinger of my non-casting hand because single handed casting even a 1-3kg outfit is painful. If a Miller was available that 'fit' me, I would buy a couple tomorrow; great value for a quality rod. Cheers Wayne

[@chrisacworth2249]

I've got the miller xflc and absolutely love it. It's a great estuary all rounder in my opinion I have it paired with a 2500 stradic I would love to add another millerods to the quiver

[@thegreatestoftherod5834]

My favourite rod and reel combo I have is the shimano raider travel 2-4 kg paired with the shimano 2500 nasci. I’ve caught so many different species around SA on it and absolutely love it. I don’t have a dream combo, i fish for multiple different species needing different set ups. I love my light weight trout fishing flicking hard body’s in tight narrow streams, to fishing the salt water systems hopefully chasing mullys and sharks this summer

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for sharing! In :)

[@fussybugger]

Fav combo currently is a Loomis TSR with Old School Exist 2500, Dream combo would be Grub Freak with the New Airity targeting Bream

[@TheKevinmc07]

Hey mate, my current combo is a Abu Garcia revoMGX 2500s reel with 6lb braid to 4lb flouro matched with a Abu Garcia salty stage KRX ultra light 1-3kg jigging rod. I love fishing my soft plastics with this combo. But I am slowly getting into fishing hard body’s thanks to you Byron, all the information you have provided on your channel has now got me hooked on getting better at fishing with them.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Yewww!!!! Mate that's awesome to hear dude, time on the water buddy! more time on the water = more fish

[@Rrynarth]

Picked up my first high end rod and reel today. Grabbed myself a Millerods Grubfreak and the Daiwa Luvias Airity 2500. Now to take a day off work to get the combo its first fish haha

[@serioussam2003]

Another great review with very useful and valid points! 👍 My dream combo would be a Daiwa STEEZ SKYBOLT 7011LFS rod with a Daiwa Certate LT 2500 to catch bream and flathead.

[@ByronTeaHill]

You're in!

[@geoffvandenbosch334]

Great vid mate description of what the rod is designed for is essential imo. My favourite way to choose a rod is by using my mates ha ha. Luckily they have some high end daiwa and miller rods., which I'm still yet to own. My favourite combo atm is my 7" 7' Murasame bream x with 2500 abu alx .

[@ByronTeaHill]

100% Geoff. Thanks mate, nice combo!!!

[@Redbeardfishes]

Had my eye on this exact rod for awhile now. Dream combo: Twitch freak on my Td sol 2500 Current fave: Td sol 2500 on a 1-4kg 732 infeet in red 🤌🏼

[@ByronTeaHill]

Awww yeah!

[@tezzaskayakfishing]

Love your honesty and trust your videos always. Unfortunately some of us don't have a budget for high end rods. However I have just as much fun and catch plenty of good fish on my humble Daiwa Aird X 2-4kg and matching Daiwa Aird 2500 reel. Of course I'd love a Millerod as would most people. I'd be using the Twitchfreak on trout and also estuary species like EP and Bream. Maybe one day. 🤙

[@ByronTeaHill]

I appreciate that! Entered Terry, tight lines mate and good luck with the giveaway. you never know!

[@lucasrelic7899]

I bought a brawler a few months ago and paired it with a 2000 td black. It’s the best rod I own! Has been amazing pitching crabs into the ship docks. If I could pick another setup it would be another Miller rods with a certate!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice! certate on that would be awesome

[@lachlanyoung5147]

My favorite current set up is my trusty trout rod with Shimano Stradic ci4+ 1000 with a 5"6' Storm discovery. Has been a great setup for the small creek fishing I do for trout. My Dream setup would be a Millerods GrubFreak or a Megabass Shoreluck sll-68uls paired with a Daiwa Luvias Airity.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice! Thanks Lachlan

[@rexb3415]

My favourite combo I own is a NS Blackhole Amped II with a 2500 Daiwa Aird LT, and gotta say the twitchfreak with a Daiwa Exist LT chasing bream up the creek would be a dream combo.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Nice! Entered thanks Rex

[@dietwaffles]

I'm rocking a cajun rod with a shimano spheros 3k. Liking it a ton, although I think I'll throw a Stradic on there later this year. Dream combo would have to be that Miller with a Daiwa Certate

[@nickglentzes6515]

My favourite combo is a Miller rods one freak with a Shimano Curado dc and my dream rod would probably be a Miller Rods grub freak for Yellas in the trees or a twitch freak for top water Redfin 👍🏻👍🏻

[@MJermMer]

My Fave rod and reel combo is my Shimano Zodias 270ML with my Stradic 1000 in 6lb. I would love something higher end such as Miller rod and a stella reel but I just can push the budget that far. I tend to do mainly land based in Parrramatta river so all the usual species, bream, flatty, tailor, trevally, flounder, jew, ect. Love flicking plastics and hard bodies. That rod would be a dream come true

[@garygalinos1176]

My favourite combo is a Daiwa Kungfu Prancer and Daiwa 18 2500 Exist LT.. its a sweet combo..Great video Byron.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice!

[@SWFisho]

My current combo is a 2500 Shimano ultegra paired up with a 8-14lb Shimano lurematic rod love chasing Aussie bass and bream with it ! The twitch freak is now on my radar seems like one of the most responsive rods on the Aussie market, would be the luckiest fisho ever to win it hahaha tight lines lads

[@ByronTeaHill]

mate, I wish I could just give the rod to myself!!! hahaha, entered buddy, good to see you again mate

[@jimschaefer827]

Thanks mate some great advice I will follow. My favourite combo has been a Daiwa Battler paired with a Daiwa certate. I’ve been rapped with it until a week ago due a two rod horror accident I visited my local tackle shop and was suggested a Daiwa Rebellion. A midrange rod but by far the best rod I’ve fished ever. Paired with the certate I’m in love casting small hardbodies all day with long accurate casts.

[@Jordan-yw9vy]

My current favourite combo is my daiwa legalis 2000 paired with the daiwa infeet 20 702lrs which is a solid affordable combo and looks great with the blue and white accents! My dream combo as got to be one of the millerods (grub or twitch freak) to go with one of the new 21 caldias in 2000. It would be great combo to catch bream on the yak! Cheers BTH, keep up the awesome videos!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice!

[@duanesfishn]

I didn’t think high end rods were necessary, until I used one. I didn’t think I could enjoy fishing any more until I picked up a Miller Rod. By far my favourite combo is my Miller Rod Grub Freak paired with the Daiwa Luvias 2500S. My Dream combo, a custom made Miller Rod Brawler paired with either an Exist or Stella to drag big Bream from structure. Thanks again Byron.

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure, it’s totally true, your first sentence is on point mate. Thanks for the share on socials also!

[@josh_neal98]

My favourite combo is my all rounder shimano raider 6101 with 3000 nasci, with 5lb braid. Great for in the yak or just throwing some bait and relaxing. Dream combo, dont think there is only one, but the new dawia over there rods and a bg mq reel have caught my eye and look great for some fun of the rocks

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice!

[@jmfishn3155]

My dream rod has always been any of the miller range and had the luck to feel a few and fell in love my favourite combo at the moment is my custom plastics rod with a daiwa luvias but a miller twitch freak would slide into my regular rods very easily matched with a luvais or certate! Love your videos man and a top bloke was lucky enough to meet you at one of the qld team series rounds earlier this year. Keep up the awesome work man love ya stuff!!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on

[@jmfishn3155]

@@ByronTeaHill when do you announce the winner bro

[@ByronTeaHill]

@@jmfishn3155 mate, it was announced on this channel. It will come up on your feed, but if you didn't see it, you'll find it on the community tab of this channel.

[@Blazenenyeismith1234]

Love the vid. Just got an entry level infeet and an Abu revo mgx at half price, best reel I’ve ever used and pairs really nice with the rod. My dream combo would probably be an exist+td battler or steez or something crazy like that which I don’t see happening any time soon. I’d use the millerod for pretty much any lighter estuary fishing and double clutch for bass🤙🤞

[@ByronTeaHill]

Great to hear!

[@lachiemitchell8855]

Currently running a 732 infeet z paired with a 2000 Gekkabijin X from Japan spooled with some 6lb braid and I must admit over the last 10-12 months I have not been more impressed with a setup ever, caught just about everything there is to offer in the way of light lure fishing on the far south coast on it and it’s stood up to the test time and time again using many different techniques. My dream combo however is probably very likely to be coming true soon, Revelry 2000 which I’ve already pre ordered paired on a Custom Miller rods Mudder spooled with 6lb braid and possibly a spare spool for some 3lb straight through fluoro, gonna be a dynamite setup for rolling the flats at coota or some of the other systems around home. As always another great video Byron keep it up legend

[@ByronTeaHill]

Awwww yeah.. I am totally giving a reel you mentioned in your comment next week ;) tight lines dude and thanks for getting involved!

[@WefishSydney]

My favourite till now has been daiwa td black scratchy & vanford 2500 for soft plastic combo for bream .. because it’s amazing super light.. very sensitive & strong enough to drag bream from snags .. Next level up I am definitely looking samurai or miller rod .. to match my luvias

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice!!!! entered and dude, thanks for coming by again! appreciate it

[@Cimmeron]

My favourite combo is a shimano sedona 1-4kg. I think it’s pretty good and prefer it to the more expensive raider in the same category. I fully agree that the websites miss the technique and recommended application of the rod. I don’t know what to look for in a grub vs a hardbody crank vs twitch rod and why those differences are important. Would really love this rod to match the new vanford reel I got. Dream combo would be a millerrod grub freak and the vanford. Cheers!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks for sharing Sean, awesome to hear

[@brettedmonds4490]

My fave combo is my Savage Gear 2-4kg Black Savage (great value!) paired to a 1000 Vanford (loving the long spool castability). Dream combo- any rod or reel that's gonna get me that 40cm bream on the flick, so that twitch freak looks perfect, maybe chuck a sustain 1000 or 2500 on it for good measure

[@ronmb81]

Love the vanfords especially the 1000, great little reel.. but the 1000 is the only one without the long stroke spool unfortunately

[@robberlin2230]

Okay, 1 searched your name 10 times 2 I love millerods the guys a gun for many years now 3 for me the dream rod is a swim freak, fr something different I’d be chasing a big mulloway or cod 4 if you send me a rod I’ll send you a Gillette Mach 10 razor 5 that footage of you casting and snapping a rod on the kayak brought tears to my eyes. 6 you are spot on with the sensitivity, perhaps this is the main issue, feeling the best of a skim swim tail, the feel of a stick or rock or bite helps decide what kind of strike or response I give, certainly makes me a better angler Love your work bth

[@ByronTeaHill]

Every part of me enjoys this rob. I'm a checklist type of guy and look at you go. hahaha, $500 worth of Gillette Mach 10 Razors??

[@robberlin2230]

@@ByronTeaHill I reckon $2 worth of razors mate you ain't no teen wolf!

[@sai_bfishing4547]

My favorite combo right now is the phenix feather paired with the shimano stradic!hopefully my next would be something in the high end range and stronger so I can target these hybrids without fear!!!great review btw!!! Fish on!!

[@ByronTeaHill]

nice Dude

[@pradeepsan9920]

Favourite combo would be a td hyper 1-2kg with a Freams lt 2500, Dream combo would have to be a Certate, with a infeet/miller rod. Would use the twitch freak for brim and yellow belly, mainly using jerk baits and vibes.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Nice dude!!! Entered and thank you

[@maxsinclair1713]

Great video! Love my certate 2500 with infeet Z 732 LFS. Dream light combo would be an Airty x Millerods TwitchFreak.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice!

[@Sam_Austin_fishing]

My favourite/dream combo would be a 2500 Daiwa black mq with a Daiwa black 2-4kg rod for flat ties and bream.

[@mrsbradpittiful]

My favourite combo is a Kmart jervis Walker glass rod with a 10000 egg beater spoiled with 50 lb mono. I won’t need the miller rod cause I already have my dream rod as mentioned above

[@on_the_charge_fishin9058]

100% agreed mate, the decision’s are very easy when you know exactly what they where designed for. As for favorite combo it has to be my Millerod Grubfreak with a 2000 Daiwa Luvis targeting bream around the pontoons.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Hey beautiful, thanks for the message. Xoxox see you at Christmas time xoxox hahahahaha

[@drluvski]

My go to combo is a custom Nordic Stage Artist paired up with a 2004 Exist 2012. Awesome. Dream rod would be a custom hard body Miller Rod to pair up with my other 2004 reel for targeting bream.

[@ByronTeaHill]

very nice!! entered thanks fishingfox!

[@harleyhorton6349]

Loved the video mate definitely one of the best channels on KZbin Dream combo would actually be one of these I’ve been looking at the twitch and grub freaks for a while now and paired with a Stella Favourite combo so far has been my diawa rebellion paired with a ci4

[@ryansoon731]

Current Combo: Snags: Millerods Brawler / Daiwa Airity 3000S-C Hardbodies: Samurai Infinite 2-6lb FIN-6 / Daiwa 15 Exist 2508PE Placcies: Samurai Infinite 4-10lb FIN-10 / Daiwa 12 Exist 2506 Bass : Shimano Poison Adrena 267ML / Daiwa Steez Exist Custom 2506 Dream Combo: Millerods Twitchfreak LT or Daiwa Infeet EX 702 paired with a Megabass Caiyen 256 Applications: Gippy Bream and Bass all day, everyday

[@ByronTeaHill]

Those are awesome combos Ryan!!! thanks for getting involved mate

[@dylanpace1962]

My fav combo is by far Certate LT 2500XH w the Millerod Twitchfreak. Dream combo is a Carpenter BlueChaser 83/40 w a Stella 18k for the bigger fishies!

[@ByronTeaHill]

nice!

[@lochiegardner8952]

Gday Mate, my favourite rod and reel combo is the Miller rod finesse freak lc which I purchased a couple days ago but would have much of rather to get a twitch freak and I have a Daiwa tiara 2500 matched with it. I chase trout and am really dreaming to get that 8+ pounder. The Miller rod twitch freak would help me out tremendously and help me get the smaller hard body’s where I want them. My dream combo would be the Miller rod twitch freak and the Daiwa airity 2500. Loved the video again like always

[@n00dle1337]

My current favourite combo is a Shimano vanford 3000 paired with a shimano zodias 268 with 10lb Sunline siglon pe8 advance. My dream combo I would love to own one day would be a Shimano Stella 3000 spooled with Shimano Pitbull 12 PE 0.8 paired with a zenaq PA75, I believe that combo would really tick off most of the fishes that I can get down here in Victoria and would be an absolute beast of a combo to even own haha.

[@vikingprotocols2933]

I’ve been an Atomic Arrowz fan for years (budget wise, they are awesome for the money) but have just started looking up higher. The most recent rod I’ve purchased is a Samaki Gen 2 extreme and paired it with my saltist 2500 reel. Once you start going up from the budget range there really is no going back. I’ve been using it for snapper in the shallows on plastics - I was using finesse gear but was sick of getting smoked by the monsters. Keep up the good content Byron!

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice! Thanks Brendon, Tight lines mate

[@evanmiris5765]

Great vid mate, I have been building my own rods for years and have used Wilson live fibre blanks for beach fishing, Graphite USA blanks for baitcaster reels for barra and swimbait rods for cod. A variety of spin rods from Graphite USA, Hastings and lots of Samurai blanks from Froggleys Offshore. Always used titanium sic guides and tips for light weight and corrosion resistance. Sensitivity, strength in the blank, built properly on or under the spine to reduce blank twist under load. Butt length depending on the anglers arm length if you are casting with both hands, doing more casting or fighting fish will determine the reel seat position, the amount of guides and guide recipe for each rod blank will also vary. There is so much involved in building a well balanced, lightweight and functional rod that most anglers don't understand. Ian Miller has established himself well in Australia and the US because he fishes for multiple species and understands the different needs for different lure types targeting the same species. Rod blank materials and rod design is a science in itself.

[@ByronTeaHill]

What guys go through to make a good rod is complex and not easy imo. custom rods do offer a good amount of personalization imo. really appreciate you sharing your thoughts bud, I enjoyed the read! tight lines Evan.

[@troykeyes9223]

Thanks again for a great review. 100% agree with the info provided by sellers/manufacturers of rods, must be full disclosure and descriptive. It's a mine field trying to decipher rod jargon. I don't go for the popular choice and like to try new rods. My favorite combo at the moment is TT black mamba paired with a Daiwa Freams LT3000. Mostly using soft plastics and surface lures for bream and flatties. Like most I own a bunch of rods but nothing super high end as I'd be nervous taking it out on the kayak 🤣.

[@brianlean6409]

Nice video. I’m impressed with your non biased opinions. I have a mid range Miller rod and love the fact it is so versatile, I can use it for a number of species like Flathead, Bass even bream in the racks. It is paired with a 3000 Sustain. Cheers. Keep up the good work.

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure Brian. Thanks mate!

[@fullsendfishingadventures2500]

Another awesome and very informative vid mate, my favourite combo is a 2500 vanford on a shimano zodius for those big flathead My dream combo would be a daiwa exist 3000 on a millerods vibefreak for chasing mulloway on lures🤙

[@ByronTeaHill]

my pleasure!!! nice combo mate

[@dearSamuelSamuel1]

Couple of favourite combos ha - 13Fishing Concept Z's on Dobyns Champion Series (have a couple different size rods all with concept Z's for different applications) Also have a small stash of Miller rods that have stella's on them (1-3k sizes) Spinning/popping larger stick baits/poppers - Zenaq rods with Saltiga reels are my go-to. Started off buying "low end gear" never thinking id sink this much money into rods/reels, but after you use quality gear for extended periods of time on the water, you understand their worth.

[@anacondarm781]

I would say my fav combo is a venom spin paired with my stradic. I fish that in so many applications from reef work to barra vibes its so versatile. Ide really like to pair it with a stella and it would be so light. That said I love the look and feel of the Millers. Ide love to have one and catch gold coast flatties on the twitch freak if im lucky to win. We'll done on the review I found your perspective very interesting. Thanks for putting this video together. Cheers Mark

[@ByronTeaHill]

My pleasure Mark. Tight lines, thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@craigjohnson7031]

Great video. You know I have a quiver of both custom and production Millerods. Have always used them and always will. Know I'm a bit late but that's okay.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Right on!

[@Loosunitnz]

They are a nice looking rod . I have never really considered the expensive gear as its to much to lose or break chasing black bream and tailor then explain to the minister of finance and war 😆

[@esidharta]

I’ve tried a friend’s Miller Rod Twitch Freak and it is a beautiful rod. My favourite combo so far is the 2018 Daiwa Infeet 610 paired with the 2500S Luvias. I wished there was more shallow spool reel available in Australia for exactly the reason you said “fits in my hand” perfectly, feels like a light hot knife on butter when you cast and sensitivity to boot.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Hey Eric! thanks for stopping by again legend. I appreciate the loyalty. totally agree. I'm a big fan of both the 2000 and 2500 sized reels. big fan

[@mickcapilli]

Another top vid Byron! I agree with the rod set up of a range of less expensive rods of you can't do the more expensive ones. I can't justify the big bucks arm, and prefer to buy good reels ATM. My favourite set up atm is a UL Zodiacs set up with a CI4 stradic with 6lb braid which I use for plastics. I'd love to set up a Miller rod grubfreak with a 2500 vanford and target bream and bass with it though!

[@ByronTeaHill]

thanks legend. its a tough one, good reel or good rod. start with a good reel imo :) - they last me longer. Entered buddy

[@reaganquick5804]

Nice Mr Capilli always thought you were a boring English teacher until now

[@ByronTeaHill]

@@reaganquick5804 hahahahaha

[@raymondcamilleri5779]

Demanding Job,. Your job demanding ??? No way Flying some great hardware about the place seems like a dream come true Byron LOL Seriously but, gotta say you've made some great points in this vid. Heck, you may have also swayed my thought process a bit on the whole high end gear thing and I might just check out the Millers that my local stocks and see if the hype is warranted. I have certainly felt the fatigue of using other less suitable combos and noticed that casting accuracy is one of the first things to go, quickly followed by the enthusiasm to see out a whole day. I've felt this on the heavier tackle as well not just during bream sessions. So well done on a well thought out and balanced piece. As for my dream combo, well not having touched a Miller but hearing a lot about them, I'll start with one of these. Either the grub freak or twitch freak as these are mostly the types of bream fishing I do. I LOVE my Luvias' and the Airity seems to be a step up from that again. So what you had in the hand in the video would be right up there as a dream combo. Target species would be SW Victoria's Bream & EP's Finally, its interesting that you comment on online buying and your experience with it and buying new rods. I think it speaks volumes for getting to know your local store. Not the local BCF or Anaconda, the local guy and his missus slugging out an income and competing with the chains. They fish your area generally and can recommend suitable combos. Its also been my experience that if i want to try a rod they don't stock, that they will endeavour to get one in for me to feel and have a play with in store. This without any obligation to buy it. So folks, get into your local tackle store, get to know the people behind the counter, get them to know you and your fishing pursuits. Its a win win for both you & the shop owner. OK, I know last point was finally, but.............. Byron, how does the twitch freak behave with light braid and long leaders and also tell me more about how its not really a cranking rod. What do you recommend for the later?

[@Willywado1973]

I never had a Miller rod..but sounds and looks amazing..I use alot of light tackle..I love the grip and feel of light tackle..and the cast is also awesome. Thanks for the great tips.Thanks again and stay safe,my brother.

[@Andz_88]

This is a great tip, especially around the components. I’ve found through trial and error of different products in the past. It is great that some brands like MilleRods are doing a great explanation on what the rod would be used for. As you mentioned, most of the products are just bound by the magic technical numbers, where each brands tend to have a different interpretation. The most important part was around the blank quality, that certainly makes a major different from the mid to high end. I’m currently settled with the TD Black Scratchy + Vanford combo for a bit of all rounder lure setup, as I don’t have a high-end rod yet. But to dream off, I completely love with grub freak + luvias airity 2500s combo that my mate have. As I use soft plastics (especially grub) a lot.

[@ByronTeaHill]

I think it took me about 5 years to even begin to understand the numbers and what it may mean for the rod I was buying. Glad you enjoyed the episode bud

[@EpicFishingTime]

My favourite rod and reel combo is Bream arrowz estuary 1-3 Kg with ci4+ 2500. My Dream combo will be the miller rod grubfreak with shimano stella 1000

[@bradleyseeto]

I don’t really have a favourite combo as it depends what I’m fishing for. As always, great video.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Thanks bud👍

[@lepoopoo]

Thanks for the video, Byron. My favourite combo so far (I'm very new to fishing) has to be the Shimano Zodias matched with a 2500 Vanford reel - which I was lucky enough to receive for my birthday recently. I'm blown away by the feel and didn't know fishing rods could feel so good since I was only using budget Shimano combos prior to this. Dream combo wise? I wouldn't have a clue tbh but I'm keen to learn how quality fishing gear can improve my fishing experience so I look forward to more of your reviews in the future. Thanks!

[@elvisthumper1279]

Hey mate, have both complimented and criticised you on your vids. This type of vid is your cup of tea. Informative, well rounded, critical- yet not hacking on. I’ll show this vid to the Froggleys/ samurai rep that I talk too. Good constructive criticism that I agree with. Favourite combo (two) Gloomis DSR 4-8pd with my old school Steez 2500 (10yr plus and still baller). Or bigger: samurai 530 15-30pd with a shimano twinpower c5000 for the ‘less fish, bigger is best’ type thing

[@ByronTeaHill]

Hey Elivs, growth is important, sometimes we get it wrong, we live we learn. Thanks mate, super glad you enjoyed the video dude, entered and cheers again. Tight lines

[@kymsummerton4877]

Hey Byron, my expensive rod and your interpretation of an expensive rod are worlds apart 😂 but loved the video all the same. I have a Daiwa tournament rod paired with a Stradic 2000 which is high end for me 😂 but absolutely love it. I am with you in regards to buying multiple mid range rods vs one high end rod specific to one application 👍🏼

[@ByronTeaHill]

hahaha Kym! sorry, lol, its about fun on the water!

[@nenadnedovic9246]

My favorite combo is Abu garcia veritas 4 and 20mgx Dream setup dont know never thought it may be a miller rod Im not fussed about fancy gear. As long as my line is in the water.

[@benjaminmos2348]

Current combos are all Shimano Raider and daiwa excelers. Cheap enough to trust with the kids, though I must admit it was me and not the kids who broke two rods in three recent trips. Breaking cheaper rods still hurts. Wanted to get a millerod for ages but never could justify cost compared to multiple cheaper outfits.

[@ByronTeaHill]

You are right! Breaking any rod hurts! Entered, thanks for getting involved!

[@jackwills4875]

Hey mate great vid, my combo is a daiwa exceler and Shimano raider rod, I've just started chasing bream in lake Mac and its hard work but alotta fun cheers

[@ByronTeaHill]

Nice one! Entered

[@BeninjaCow]

My current/favourite combo is Steez rod STZ631 (about 14years old) and Steez ct sv tw 700xh spooled with some Daiwa morethan 12 22lb braid. Very light combo, haven’t found a rod that performs this well at this length. Hence why I still have this rod.

[@ByronTeaHill]

14 years ago! dude, impressive. nice!!!!

[@patrickboyle6660]

Currently a Daiwa Heartland on a Samaki Zing extreme is my top end outfit for bream cranking and soft plastics. The dream would be a Luvias reel on a Miller grub or twitch freak. Do a lot of both cranking and soft plastics for bream around the Hunter and Lake Macquarie area and could put either a grub or twitch freak to good use. Nothing better than not catching fish using high end equipment!

[@davidpham2764]

Now I have to look for a high end reel 🤣🤣🤣. My fav combo is zodias and stradic ci4, never let me down chasing breams n flatties

[@bisdog41]

Awesome video! My budget doesn’t allow me to purchase high end rods, at this stage my favourite combo I have is a Daiwa Revros 1-4kg rod paired with a Abu Pro Max 2500 reel, making the change to the Revros has helped my casting accuracy, particularly with light weighted plastics, If I had the opportunity to purchase a high end rod, it would be something similar to help me cast around tight structure, this video has helped me realise there is more to rod purchases than line class, or lure weight.

[@bisdog41]

I just changed out the Pro Max reel with a Daiwa Laguna 2500, this is the first Daiwa reel I have purchased and I love the feel compared to the Pro Max and Savage Gear black reel, the drag feels much smoother and the reel is lighter, I still feel it is premature for me to determine what the dream combo is.

[@matthewcormack1612]

Great vid Byron. Last year I bought an Okuma Helios sx 1-3kg rod and paired it with an Okuma inspira 20 reel. Awesome for the price, caught some great fish on it.

[@angusvan6104]

my favourite combo i have is my daiwa phantom hyper and kix lt 2500 not the most expensive but a great combo for bream i rekon my dream combo is a stella fj and the reaction for my breaming

[@ByronTeaHill]

top teir with that stella mate. entered! tight lines

[@leongaston7775]

Great video mate plenty of great info My favourite setup at the moment would be Daiwa 2500 lt certate on the td black paddle fish rod Dream set up would be step up to 3000 lt certate on a commander rod for the jews Keep the awesome vids coming mate

[@ChrisAustin1974]

My favourite combo is a Millerods Crankfreak ul with a stella 1000 an 2lb fluorocarbon for cranking the flats and edges

[@ByronTeaHill]

Crankfreak. interesting :)

[@ChrispyyWings]

This video has come out at the perfect time, I have been so close to pulling the trigger on a high end rod. I've been enjoying my Certate and Infeet LFS setup, caught some awesome fish on it. Thanks for the video mate 😊

[@ByronTeaHill]

Hey Chrispyy!!!! thank you for getting involved dude. Entered and keep making sweet vids bro!

[@ChrispyyWings]

@@ByronTeaHill cheers man, you too 😊

[@nedwright5821]

I don’t own a bunch of combos so my favourite would just be the one I use most and my only light one which is a daiwa 20 infeet 702LRS pairs with a shimano sienna 2500fe. Don’t know what my dream combo is probably cause I don’t want to think about spending a heap of money on a fishing rod and reel. But my dream light tackle fish to catch in it would be a bream or estuary perch 50cm or above and it would be sick if it was on a surface lure

[@yakazulukayakfishing9473]

100% right mate, we definitely more info on rods and specifically used for. Just got a new jigging rod combo from Catch fishing, They were bloody awesome, i explained what type of jigging i wanted to do and they put me onto an awesome setup.

[@chrisward248]

Another great review My current fav combo is my infeet Lfs and 2500 freams But I’d love to try a Miller rod and high end daiwa reel on day and push my tackle budget

[@ByronTeaHill]

You're in!

[@jamesmaher7255]

Infeet Z LRS and TD black 2500s been my go to lately.The combo you used here twitch freak and Airity would be wicked! Great content again mate keep it up! 🤝

[@joellockard6415]

Another amazing video mate with great information to think about when buying a new rod. My current favourite set up is a stradic ci4 2500 on a zodius rod as a bit of an all rounder but have dreaming of owning a grub freak with a new shimano sustain on it! 🎣

[@ByronTeaHill]

Very nice! I’d like to give that new sustain a go hey! Thanks mate.

[@joellockard6415]

@@ByronTeaHill they look absolutely mint! 👌 And would look amazing on any millerod! 😍

[@mearziefishing2210]

Amazing channel Byron, i think my favourite combo is my bladefreak ul paired with a vanford 2500. My deam combo is any that I get a Pb on lol but I love chasing Aussie bass just getting started in the tournament scene 😁😁

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice!

[@jacksonbennetts271]

Awesome review Byron, my 100% favourite rod and reel is my daiwa cerate and daiwa td hyper 2-6kg and my dream rod and reel would be a daiwa exist on a td commander

[@ByronTeaHill]

Entered, nice combo there dude

[@robertdiskordia3910]

Looking at getting a BassFreak as a Xmas present to myself, Miller certainly make great rods. Favourite combo, without a doubt is my Daiwa Gekkabijin 7’3”, currently coupled to a Daiwa Luvias. Great bream setup, fell in love with it the moment I picked it up. When buying high end rods, support your local and go into a shop and hold the rod before you buy. I’d much prefer to pay a couple of bucks extra, knowing that the rod feels great in the hand, than taking a punt.

[@ByronTeaHill]

Good choice and I don't disagree, I really like seeing local tackle stores going online in my opinion its a good move.