Comparing Rail Rods for San Diego Tuna Fishing

We compare 7 different rods that are available in H&M Landing's tackle shop. While there are many more that are available, the ones we looked at are listed below.
The proteus ended up being a big winner for the lower priced rods while we saw why the higher end rods are worth their price.
0:00 | Intro
0:16 | Okuma PCH
2:31 | Graftech 3x
3:38 | Daiwa Proteus
4:54 | Seeker OSP
6:03 | United Composites Invictus
7:17 | Super Seeker 3x5
9:09 | Rainshadow Rental Rod

[@Hook2Cook]

You guys are killing it with these tutorial videos. Super high quality. Great job steve and co.

[@FishTheLegend]

Thank you so much!!

[@2hyped72]

Great video. Awesome to have somebody explain the relevant terms with a visual demonstration

[@FishTheLegend]

Glad you liked it!!

[@copperstatewayfarer3235]

Thanks for taking the time to detail the differences between the tiers! Great work!

[@FishTheLegend]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for letting us know!

[@HXwolf83]

These videos are awesome, I watched your reel video and purchased a Speedmaster 20 and after watching this video I decided on pairing that reel with a Seeker OSP 1X3. Can’t wait to use my new set up on The Legend, thank you guys!

[@GYM-Tom]

All of these Legend videos are fantastic! I will book my very first Tuna trip ever in 2024, on The Legend. I’ll be heading over there from my home here in Phoenix, AZ. I’m stoked to give it a try, probably with a 2 day trip to start. Great info!

[@jeffreygibbons6878]

Excellent video. Very educational. Thanks

[@FishTheLegend]

Glad to hear that! Thank you!

[@so.ca.desertlife6229]

Thanks for a great video really helps to see what to looking for, and the difference between rods. Like previous mentioned would like to see same class rods being compared but still very informative. Love my seeker 2x4 yet to catch anything on my uc rods.

[@user-xm3ux6es3h]

yall did a fantastic job on letting someone know what to get on any kind of trip to make ❤❤❤❤, plus I love fishing out of there when I was a small kid

[@FishTheLegend]

Thank you! Glad you think it's helpful!

[@venturarealestate9918]

Awesome comparison video!

[@FishTheLegend]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffkim1271]

Just ordered a Phenix black Diamond hybrid X3H, can’t wait to give it a try!

[@rodneyb8453]

United Composite Centaur works really well for me. Loads up and recoils very nicely with 25-30 pounds of drag on 100 pound test.

[@Mr05sti]

Damn can't believe that glass showcase didn't break lol

[@FishTheLegend]

Yeah it’s pretty sturdy in the tackle shop haha

[@copperstatewayfarer3235]

I was thinking the same thing 😂

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

@@FishTheLegendsmashed & grabbed proof 😂

[@carloscornejo6771]

X4

[@fishingmaestro]

Great content once again, fellows🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@FishTheLegend]

Thank you!

[@117LIGHT117]

I have the proteus 80 - unlimited on my Penn 30 visx and that one handles all fishes with ease. For the price point of that one, you can't beat it. It was cool to see the difference in glass and composite too.

[@maryhaas870]

Taipan rods!! Newer on the scene, but definitely worth looking at

[@carlosruizjr6310]

great tutorial that's why Legend is my favorite boat in San Diego !

[@FishTheLegend]

Thank you so much!! Love to hear it!

[@jaycarmichael435]

That was An awesome video I needed to see where those rods bend at.. I have 2 of those rods in the pile, Now I know where they bend Is great job again

[@FishTheLegend]

Nice!! Yeah, get them out there!

[@jake9705]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="128">2:08</a> -- You guys are pretty brave to put that much stress on a glass counter top 😂

[@FishTheLegend]

Yeah it isn’t as bad as it looks. It’s way more sturdy and heavy duty than a normal class display case lol

[@tonywestover9610]

It's a Grand to replace the glass

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

Smashed & grabbed proof!!

[@VuTang858]

Calstar rods have the perfect bend to shut off, followed by Seeker.

[@maedatyson9143]

Great video. Visually looking at rod bends are way better than listening to someone explain rod construction. Thanks guys, can you review Phenix axis xxh or xxxh next?

[@dzungduong6232]

Please review the Phenix Axis HAX-C 760X3H and HAX-C 760X4H. Thanks for a great comparison video. Will use your technique to check the action on my rail rods.

[@FishTheLegend]

Glad it was so helpful!! That’s great to hear.

[@jlperez1234]

Thanks for a great video. I learned a lot from !!!!

[@therealtruth2324]

Phenix Black Diamond Hybrid got me into the triple digits club. A great rod for the price. PHD 700X’H 60-130lb 🤙🏼🎣 Tight Lines everyone.

[@naturalmystics-kd9vt]

You have some good points when you say the longer rod keep you clear from the boat props ruder and other fisher man

[@joeshmoe3949]

Nice job. It was nice to see the side angle with 20# of weight on them. My only advice would be to have all 100# class rods (80-130). You had quite a range of rods including really heavy ones that you were comparing.

[@Mr05sti]

Rail rods don't really go by line class.. More about drag settings why 20 lbs is a good example.

[@lookalikehuuh]

Would love to see this with some calstars and phenix rods.

[@patrickodonogue8823]

Fellas, good video. Was a bit surprised that you didn't include any CalStar products (perhaps the shop does not carry them?). Have used CalStar 770XH-XXH with great effect for a few years now. Very dependable, and, for me, a rod that really allows you to put a lot of pressure on a fish.

[@FishTheLegend]

Unfortunately the shop didn’t have any calstar rail rods. We both are big fans of calstar, but we were unable to demo one for this video.

[@xXMizuJetXx]

i love the proteus. I have 3 and would definitely buy another if I need.

[@FishTheLegend]

It tested super well! Steve has started recommending that as a top notch rod for the price point.

[@jerrdirt]

What kind of reel do you have on the Proteus?

[@ikjunpark3661]

Thanks for the review! I have a Phenix HAX7203XH - this video makes me want to try the Daiwa Proteus. Is it worth the switch? Which do you guys prefer?

[@FishTheLegend]

I think Nate would be a really great resource for that question! You can call into the landing at 619-222-1144, option 2, and ask for him 😊 he’s more familiar with those rod specs than Steve or myself

[@john444jc]

The video is gold! Would like to see a 2x4 and Centaur.

[@FishTheLegend]

Thank you!

[@tr4508]

Good info overall. Might be better if compared comprable sizes. For instance, Okumu 4X compares equally to the Diawa versus the 3X. Maybe the Seeker 1X3 versus UC Raptor, both 60-100#.

[@grahamsulekfishingrodbuild4169]

Randy Penny designed the seekers and ownes United Composites So that's why the bend on the seekers and the UC are similar.

[@anthonycasas7770]

Awesome video thanks a lot was wondering if you can do a video with the reels that will go with the rods and the price comparison thanks a lot guys

[@FishTheLegend]

We have one! 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZyokGaFe7uAiJY

[@anthonycasas7770]

I will be in to buy a rod and reel for my trip on the Poseidon for July 24 Man I’m so excited and I can’t wait. Thanks again guys. I’m looking for a rig that I can fish the islands to for a full day trip, so not so big, but not so light either I just want to say thanks again guys you guys are a big help

[@FishTheLegend]

Super happy to help!!

[@OffshoreAngler88]

Is there any way you could include the length of the rods as well? Thanks.

[@anthonypeak2125]

Shocking to see Calstar omitted. It is a safe bet on what you will get. Great video including all your other previous work. It's gonna be tough to supersede these latest videos. Hope to see you guys soon.

[@FishTheLegend]

This is just what we had available in the shop at this time. We love our CalStars! Glad you like the channel, thank you!

[@bojangles_bonjangles8000]

How does the Phenix Axis 760X4H stack up?

[@pouriansoutdoors]

Great video. How often is the topshot on the heavy rental setups changed?

[@FishTheLegend]

Fresh top shot every trip, braid is replaced as needed. 😊

[@pouriansoutdoors]

@@FishTheLegend Thank you!

[@olivergray5133]

What type of reels are you using? I recently got an Avet HXW 5/2 Raptor (100lb braid) and was wondering if it would pair well with the Daiwa Proteus?

[@FishTheLegend]

We have a whole video on comparing reels that can be paired with these rods! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZyokGaFe7uAiJY

[@emelsee2831]

What was the length of the Super Seeker 3x5 used in the video?

[@FirstLetterK]

I e been thinking about getting either the proteus or pch custom! Proteus it is!

[@killacam7015]

Yeah could you guys do a phoenix axis rail rod video 8ft 60-130

[@jamesvelasco7525]

Can you do a review on graftech xxh 100 to 130

[@edwinyoon]

Interesting, no Calstar - 775xxh is my go go. At 460 the phenix axis 760x3h is solid I feel. Good video

[@pan8a]

Do you have any knowledge or opinion on the Grafighter 700XXH? It's rated 50-120

[@edwinyoon]

@@pan8a I have used the 700xh and the 700xxh, it is a much softer rod compared to the rail rod series “77x” using lighter Fuji casting guides vs the heavier Fuji HB guides. There is much less low end lift power. I would say the 700xxh is a good 80 stick, and I would use it for dropping jigs as it’s comfortable to hold for longer periods of time due to the decreased weight. Just my opinion though.

[@pan8a]

@@edwinyoon thanks a lot. That's the exact information I was looking for!

[@pan8a]

How about the 7470XH, how does that rod compare to the 775xxh? I can get a real good deal on a 7470 but I'm not sure if I should just spend the extra $100 and get the 775.

[@edwinyoon]

@@pan8a I’m not familiar with that blank! Sorry

[@gerry453]

Great video, thanks very informative! Which one of these rods are the easiest and less stress on the angler if price was not an issue? More power to "LEGEND", keep them coming.

[@FishTheLegend]

Steve personally favors the super seeker, and he’s over 6 ft. That’s also what I (Cat) use every time I’m on the boat, and I’m 5’3”. Fighting my first hundred pounder with that rod felt super smooth! So I’d say between us, that is our go-to rail rod.

[@gerry453]

@@FishTheLegend Thanks so much.

[@djdemiter]

Great video, thanks guys! I cringed a bit to see that weight and force on top of the glass showcase.

[@FishTheLegend]

As we all did 😂 glad you liked the video!

[@bryanbouma8212]

How wood the Penn Carnage 3 80-150 compare to the Diawa Proteus. Thanks will be going out in September hope the bite keeps up.

[@FishTheLegend]

We’d suggest the proteus over the carnage in terms of quality of rod, but the carnage will get the job done if that’s what you got! 👍🏽

[@matrixx611]

Can you test the Phenix Hybrid 4X, 3X?

[@craignmz5264]

What’s you opinion on a comparison of a Talica 25II and the Penn INT20VISXS International VISX?

[@FishTheLegend]

This is from my buddy that works at a tackle shop “Medium frame vs heavy frame. Longevity and build is a bit heavier on the international. All internals are beefier. For the average joe the Talica is plenty”

[@Truthfulfisherman]

Can you troll with all or do you always use the ones with the spinning pulleys ?

[@jerrdirt]

What reel do you have paired with the Daiwa Proteus?

[@FishTheLegend]

If I were going to pair a reel with the Proteus and try to stay in a similar price range I would probably go with the Speedmaster 20

[@RandallRose1]

Need help deciding what rail rod to get being on a budget. I have been looking at the Phoenix axis’s rod also Penn Carnage and Daiwa Proteus rod.. Out of these rod which would be best, any advice would be greatly appreciated… Avet 30

[@FishTheLegend]

All solid options! Nate at the tackle shop would be super happy to help you dive into the specs for what you’re looking for. You can reach the landing at 619-222-1144 and option 2 gets you to the tackle shop 😊

[@FishTheLegend]

Nate is partial to the proteus and Steve was super impressed at it’s performance during the video! The phenix ones are nice but a little pricey in comparison. Overall we’d suggest the proteus

[@PapaPuff63]

Nate and skipper my skipper

[@rubenglv]

Calstar 770XXH 80-130

[@scottleggejr]

Surprised to not see them or Phenix on the list

[@pan8a]

How about the 700XXH rated 50 -120, is that as good as the 770XXH?

[@WTFSoCal]

Yesssa

[@naturalmystics-kd9vt]

Please do a video on calstar gf770xxxh calstar united composite gladiator 7'and 7' 6" thank you

[@nolanoshiro2083]

i know the season is over for a lot of boats. how about rounding (borrow/beg) up some of the rods mentioned in the comments an doing the test before all the trade shows

[@zachchen1]

Are there left hand reels avaliable for the rental rods?

[@FishTheLegend]

Unfortunately not at this time.

[@arashrazavi9595]

Hi, what is the exact model of the Proteus rod? Is it the Tuna Special? Thanks.

[@FishTheLegend]

Prtb74xxxhf Proteus boat rod 3x 7’4” 80-unlimited line They also just came out with a new 2x that’s badass and more geared towards a saltiga 55-60size reel

[@Tony67032]

what are your thought on the phenix axis 720 h2x and h3x ?

[@FishTheLegend]

I have a 720 HX and I like it just fine! Good action on it.

[@alexbrown4507]

Hey, you labeled one of the rods wrong. People are going to think the Diawa proteus 80- unlimited is what your talking about. The rod your using is the Diawa Proteus TUNA SPECIAL rod. Hope this helps

[@alancolin8565]

Thoughts on fishing syndicate rods?

[@FishTheLegend]

In my experience, they have really wide ratings per rod & I don't think they always hold up to the high end of that capacity. I'd recommend sizing up if you go that route. That's just my opinion though!

[@Tothewhip57]

So what would be the mid-range line test rating 80- Unlimited rod? What would Unlimited equate to?

[@FishTheLegend]

Nate from the tackle shop says: Unlimited pretty much means you’re not gonna be able to bottom it out at any point. Technically for most people I’d say the majority of rods rated 150 and up are unlimited. The taper is aggressive so you won’t run out of backbone fishing any line class.

[@Tothewhip57]

Thanks for the great and susccint explanation.

[@marshalllai6479]

How long are these rods you aere comparing?

[@FishTheLegend]

All around 7’-8’

[@alexiscpsnare]

I just bought a Loomis rail rod last minute. Am I able to come in and have you guys check it out, tell me what would be the right application for it or if I should get something else?

[@FishTheLegend]

Absolutely! You can reach H&M at [phone] option 2 for the tackle shop, and ask for Nate! 😊

[@alexiscpsnare]

@@FishTheLegend right on! Thank you!

[@FishTheLegend]

I gave him a heads up that you’ll be calling!

[@user-jc4yv7eg7c]

Seeker SSR 2x3

[@ultragash3673]

What # is that glass display counter rated at?

[@FishTheLegend]

Steve - unlimited 😅

[@mauriceescobedo307]

Why no calstars?

[@Deepimpactocean]

What does “1x3” or “3x5” mean on the seeker rods?

[@joseortega6358]

On the Seeker rail rods the numbers represent the power For example 1x3 means a XH tip power to XXXH butt power. So 3x5 would mean XXXH tip to a XXXXXH butt power. Hope that helps 11:47

[@tonywestover9610]

United composites for the win

[@user-xm3ux6es3h]

steve hope yall doing ,

[@matthewbaca8150]

No Calstar?

[@crispowell9169]

How about Phoenix Rods?

[@johnsmith-xd9ej]

I think they’re known to break on SoCal tunas..

[@pepperjack-ue7dc]

Phenix axis 60-130 lb thanks

[@frankabulon5615]

What's the name of the store?

[@FishTheLegend]

This is at H&M landing’s tackle shop!

[@cesargonzalez8081]

Anyone got any of the Graftech rail rods I need an honest review I see them in a lot of tackle shops and I’m planning a couple trip this year I was thinking about pairing it with a Penn fathom or seeing if I can find a used international. I don’t want to spend over 700 rod and reel

[@FishTheLegend]

They are tried and true on many long range boats in the H&M fleet. They are designed by a local long range fisherman specially to tackle the fishery we have here in San Diego and south. Decent guides and components and a decent rod for the price. Other options in that quality and price range would include the Okuma pch and the Daiwa proteus 2x rail rod.

[@NorthweSteelheadJunkies]

The higher end rods not mentioned in this video is less material, are much lighter, and have a higher recovery rate then any of the rods featured in this video.

[@JimWellman]

How bout a few examples?

[@captjohnsmith8595]

I'm waiting for the milk crate to go thru the glass case...

[@FishTheLegend]

As is everyone 😅

[@so.ca.desertlife6229]

Hey Steve or cat Just a heads up you are getting bashed on bloodydecks did not know where else to give you a heads up.

[@FishTheLegend]

Thanks for letting us know, but we’re happy to keep providing content for the people who find it valuable. We’ve received a lot of positive feedback about our channel helping a lot of fishermen, so we’re just going to keep our head down and keep doing our thing 😊 block out the haters, as the youngsters say haha

[@so.ca.desertlife6229]

@@FishTheLegend Sorry I should have clarified. Not about the channel about the boat.

[@FishTheLegend]

Unfortunately some people can not handle when fishing slows down or they get skunked. And while we take all complaints seriously the unfortunate truth is all boats will get occasional complaints from people like that. I did look into the thread you referenced and I can tell you that his complaint is extremely exaggerated to the point that some is just a lie. We appreciate the heads up though and plan to keep offering what believe is a top notch customer service on a beautiful fishing platform.

[@stevepd1]

Funny, I've been catching BIG fish my whole life with $70 Ugly Stiks. Your rod shouldn't cost as much as a trophy fish weighs.

[@bzbrian627]

Penn Carnage III XXH 80-150

[@bzbrian627]

By the way love your channel and always have a tendency to rewatch all your videos. Thank you for putting these ideas and tips together!

[@FishTheLegend]

That’s awesome! So glad you love the channel!

[@David-hn5ix]

I use a pc of bamboo

[@bakayo2]

Phenix Black Diamond Hybrid X2H X3H and X4H would be great. If not the single middle of the road X3H might be good :)

[@FishTheLegend]

Roger!

[@shaundm78]

Megalodon

[@user-ls1ov1np3t]

How about fishing syndicate rod?

[@mikeb9223]

UC are amazing rods but their marketing is non existent. They will be left in the past soon unless they start getting on KZbin, social media etc etc.

[@waynehearst317]

anyone else from an era of men who didn't carry a Starbucks card in their wallet and would NEVER let that rod touch the rail....you stand there like a man and fight that fish. I used to remember some tournaments would disqualify you if you handed off the rod or used the rail...sheesh...

[@kalocals3212]

Calstar vs OSP?

[@ren5043]

lol graftech have been all my 3 digit killer for a long time.