Super Sensitive Surf Set-Up! (Is This Shimano Dialuna The ULTIMATE Finesse Beach Fishing Rod?)

I give the new 10 foot Shimano Dialuna JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) beach and rock fishing rod its first shake-down... and come away very impressed indeed!
Here are the stat's on the rod:
SHIMANO DIALUNA 10' MEDIUM SPIN
MODEL: 23DIAS100M
LENGTH: 3.05m (10')
PIECES: 2 (mid join)
WEIGHT: 168g (5.9oz)
GUIDES: Fuji K-Type SiC
MAX CAST WEIGHT*: 45g (1.6oz)
LINES CLASSES*: PE0.8 - PE2
*Manufacturer's recommendations
I ran the rod with a Shimano Vanford 4000 reel spooled with 10 pound Kairiki braid for this test and added leaders of 8 and 10 pound Ocea FC.
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[@StarloGetsReel]

Here are the stat's on the rod: SHIMANO DIALUNA 10' MEDIUM SPIN MODEL: 23DIAS100M LENGTH: 3.05m (10') PIECES: 2 (mid join) WEIGHT: 168g (5.9oz) GUIDES: Fuji K-Type SiC MAX CAST WEIGHT*: 45g (1.6oz) LINES CLASSES*: PE0.8 - PE2 *Manufacturer's recommendations I ran the rod with a Shimano Vanford 4000 reel spooled with 10 pound Kairiki braid for this test and added leaders of 8 and 10 pound Ocea FC.

[@huwmcconachy3272]

Nice video highlighting the benefits of a lighter approach in the surf 👍 I have found success using circle hooks (cockles as bait) & have tried straight shanks a few times with less luck. Watching you and Rodger has been a great resource to improve my fishing, love the little tips. Thank you

[@StarloGetsReel]

Glad you liked it! You'll be pleased to know that Roger and I are working on some more collaborations, too.

[@huwmcconachy3272]

@@StarloGetsReel ooft a braid v mono shootout!

[@oldbloke204]

Got to say I do like Shimano. I have a lightweight 6 ft 6 spin rod that had done quite a bit of work including pulling up some dog sharks that were way outside what it was designed to do. After a few years the cork on the handle separated so I took it into my favourite tackle store to have it re glued. When I went in to get it the Shimano rep was there and he looked at it and asked what went wrong and did I want a replacement. I was sort of attached to it so I wanted to keep it so he just told the shop dude that if it broke again to replace it and let him know. It wasn't a hugely expensive rod but I thought that was excellent service and unexpected.

[@billybass4189]

I love fishing my beaches like this in the uk, most of the spinning rods won't cast much more than 50g but it's not always necessary and a lot of fun. They still have a lot of backbone to land much bigger fish.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Very true!

[@franksaunders6534]

Good honest video, Steve. Loved it!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks 👍

[@keithprinn720]

all too often local shops dont understand what anglers need or want just stock what they think or on special lol longer light rods for estuaries and beach use is a great thing. rarely see half the range in coast shops. and stop selling great rods because they arent instant popular. like many beach rods from Ian Miller in shimano ranges in past and those small baitrunners absolute gems. second beach long way from home. an 11 footer would be brilliant with my vanfords.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Totally agree. I've been a huge fan of long, light, sensitive rods for yonks. Ian Miller and I collaborated to design those original "Coastline Light" models for Shimano Australia. They were initially only offered in my signature ranges but due to their popularity, eventually found their way into various other ranges, too. Lovely sticks... They remain something of a "niche" product, with fairly modest sales figures, yet everyone who actually tries them absolutely LOVES them!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I have an 11ft Bushy bait Surf light. If you find something good just buy it. You might need it later. 😂 I bought a Silstar Yokozuna 13 ft carp feeder rod, online recently, which is pretty great too.

[@adamsrcsandadventure700]

Awesome rods the bushy 11 f have that same rod super light white tip I use for float fishing for garfish in SA 👍

[@keithprinn720]

@@redtobertshateshandles bought one Dialuna after watching this review tried to get more and not seen in shops in regional south coast NSW, and not in stock in online shops. plenty of too short options that apparently sell in bulk but not what experienced anglers need. see what you mean about buying when able to. Interesting what Steve said about he and Ian designing right options but the market keeps buying 12 foot way too heavy rods or too short 7 footers, sorry should learn metric equivalents lol.

[@aresze7083]

Love the Dialuna rods. Really sensitive, light and has enough power to even pull in bigger fish. I use mine S106MH for shore jigging,bait fishing and squidding. Very versatile rod. Sadly Australia only has the M variants where as Japan has multiple variants from L to MH and solid tip variants. Hopefully Australia starts selling more JDM variants. Current range is too small compared to overseas.

[@StarloGetsReel]

👍

[@megablah1]

The good thing is we can get these rods for cheaper from Japanese online retailers than the stock they sell here in Australia

[@normynormz661]

@starlogetsreel do you happen to know the butt length?

[@iandibley8032]

Great work Stev ,nothing like beach fishing catching a few & not a sole in sight. Be interesting to putting a small Whiting on see if a lizard or 2 were about.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks 👍 Only trouble with using a small whiting for bait is that it’s illegal. Using one under 27cm in length (in NSW) would leave you open to prosecution and a hefty fine.

[@iandibley8032]

@StarloGetsReel OK Starlo, good to know ,is it also illegal in Qld thanks

[@alanreynolds8843]

Hi Steve . I can proudly say i have a shimano Steve Starling signature, Ian Miller design 10f 6 inch light surf rod . I purchased it around the year 2000 for $150 . As soon as i picked it from the rack at Tackle world it owned me & screamed take me fishing . What an absolute pleasure to use , 3 to 8 KG . Im sure you know that feeling. It has stood the test of time 😊

[@StarloGetsReel]

Very cool! How good are they? Have you ever thrown lead slugs or other metal baitfish profile lures off yours? It pitches them into the next postcode!

[@alanreynolds8843]

@@StarloGetsReel Mate , this thing certainly does throw to the next post code with ease . Just love the finesse of it especially when tailor or salmon latch onto metal but, mainly bait fishing bread & butter Gippsland Lakes & 90 mile . It has also landed an Elephant Fish in Western Port . It is a true " anglers" tool by design .

[@MrComfyAustralia]

i went the cheap version by buying a heavy 10ft blackfish rod blank then got it spun.. worked a treat.

[@hairyscary8511]

As a very novice beach fisho I really enjoyed it & bonus points as I was looking at buying that rod from MOtackle(have faith with their prices & purchase rods from them online in perfect nick)so hopefully you film some more action with it🙂👍🏻

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good stuff! I will. 👍

[@tinolsen9305]

The long light rods are always my favourite especially in the estuary! Will pick a dialuna for light shore jigging!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Brilliant rods! Not cheap, but SO good!

[@seanharwood974]

Good clip Starlo . I should look at one of these . I have a few glass blackfish rods that would do the trick but I reckon one of these rods would be a lot lighter

[@WRRUG]

Great review @StarloGetsReel . I'll just throw a tip in for young players new to the beach/rock game. When you have a decent sinker on a rigged rod and you're walking with it it will inevitably bounce during the journey. Wrap a piece of old stocking or similar around the sinker a few times, then tie it around the rod with a simple knot like tying shoe laces. This will protect the blank and guides from getting damaged. It'd be a shame to get to a spot and your stripper guide is busted or during the first cast/fish the rod suffers a catastrophic failure.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Great tip! Also handy for on roof racks, etc.

[@CZID]

Great session! Good job

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks so much!

[@rambo20242]

thought it was REX HUNT in the thumbnail hahaha good session!

[@StarloGetsReel]

👍

[@raynewman4904]

Thanks Steve,and as you say frequently lighter is better, Cheers

[@StarloGetsReel]

So true! 👍

[@tomtran9442]

Ok, ok you sold me 😂. I have a 10.5 foot Medium on order….can I send you the bill? 🤭. I really enjoyed this video. The love for fishing really shine through. You have a new subscriber my friend. 🤙🏽

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@tomtran9442 😉 Thanks so much for subscribing! I hope you love the rod. 👍

[@tomtran9442]

I will update you when I can get my grubby hands on it 😂. I have the new Vanford reel waiting to get spool and mounted 😁.

[@tomtran9442]

Loving the rod. It casts effortlessly. I find it a bit top heavy due to its length. I used a rubber butt cap with a tungsten disk to help with the balance. Loving this rod so much I ordered a 9’6” foot ML bait casting version. Thank you so much for your video. Keep them coming =)

[@redtobertshateshandles]

The best light rod I ever bought was a cheap red 10 ft Daiwa with the metal insert runners 40 years ago. I think it was $25. It had a fine but stiff tip with a great action. My heavy 11ft Tiralejo is awesome. If you take out the butt weight, it weighs nothing. A light version of that would be a killer. Tips of rods are sometimes too fine and soggy.

[@keithprinn720]

I still have one of my late dads english fibreglass float rods by an english firm Sealy and used in peg fishing comps. Still a great rod for estuary use with flats cork ring butt sliding rings to fix reel.fifty five years old. fishing with it and old ugly sticks makes me a fossil lol

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yep. This one is as crisp as a starched and freshly-ironed shirt!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

@@StarloGetsReel sounds great.

[@Gopaulan]

Nice catch

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thank you very much!

[@peterweight9946]

Have two Dialuna 9ft 6. Medium and medium light fantastic rods.

[@StarloGetsReel]

👍

[@jesusblessthesecommentsamen]

What reel did you match to the 9.6 medium?

[@gino55yo]

Hello Mr Starlo, I would like your advice I go fishing with family on the beach soon. I am a beginner and I hesitate for my technique between carolina, jig metal or sabiki rig? Do you have any advice on getting me some fish? Thanks

[@StarloGetsReel]

Start with bait and a simple running sinker rig, I reckon. 👍

[@gino55yo]

Thank you for your feedback. I will try, I hope new videos with the carolina montage at sea. Thanks🙋‍♂️👍💚

[@tapwater9843]

Starlo i have a dialuna bs 510 which is so light crisp and beautifully made. I have always wondered what the bs stands for. Apart from the obvious.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nice! I think it's supposed to be BC for baitcaster... may have gotten lost in translation! ;)

[@tapwater9843]

@@StarloGetsReel the spin models are designated BS also but thanks for the reply and the vids.

[@toddmillar4041]

Yeah at that price I'll just stick with my starlo stick 9 footer. Love the a t rod

[@StarloGetsReel]

Fair call! 👍

[@MarkMonkley]

Hey Starlo, what a hot session on a not so good day. I have noticed that you hold your rod tip down, pointing at your terminal tackle and not 'up' as I was taught as a young bloke? Do you only do this in light surf or is it how you generally fish? Also, I noticed you forgot to put on one of Tom's Worm Burners and didn't take a rod tube to keep your gear outta the sand!

[@StarloGetsReel]

Good call! Very astute observations. Yes, I do tend to keep my tip down unless the surf is really big, especially with braided line, which doesn't have as much water drag as mono. And yes, I forgot both the Worm Burners and my trusty PVC tube! D'oh!

[@AADCOA]

Great vid Starlo, is it ever worth trying with Small, worm like soft plastics such a nice 80mm Squidgy Wriggler in the Bloodworm or Red Rum colour on the beach rather than the tried and tested bait rigs? I haven't done much beach fishing and I found it curious that you were only trying bait on the first session when the fish just didn't want to play! The Dailuna looks like an amzing rod, but sadly out of my price range :)

[@StarloGetsReel]

Plastics work quite well on the beach at times, but absolutely nothing was happening that first morning! I think the fish were on holidays...

[@barrytribe2097]

Looks good

[@StarloGetsReel]

It was! Not cheap, but worth it, I reckon...

[@Gator1699]

I will give you a tip the Shimano IX reels are great and affordable not like the rod. Quick fire trigger and rear drag I have 2 1000 & 400 medium set up for the surf I paid $20 and 56 for the 1000 imported. This is the info wee need I ain't got no 450. 🐊

[@StarloGetsReel]

Thanks for the tip! However, I'd be a bit careful about importing stuff as it won't be covered by local warranties, etc. And yes, $400+ rods certainly aren't for everyone, but you'd be surprised just how many get sold. However, I also review much more affordable gear. I'll put a link to one such video below this. Cheers & Tight Lines.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Check out this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6G2q3h8lMaAapo

[@davidgc4396]

Enjoyed that Starlo. Are you allowed to catch live bait with a sabiki in the surf for live bait down there?😊

[@StarloGetsReel]

Absolutely, although anything used for bait must be of a legal length if the species has one. Thanks for watching!

[@davidgc4396]

@@StarloGetsReel hmm ok a lot different to the territory. Is that because there is more fish here?

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@davidgc4396 I think you’ll find there are minimum legal lengths on plenty of Top End species, too. You’d potentially fall foul of the law up there as well if you started cutting up undersized barra, jacks, golden snapper or whatever for bait. No different really. We have access to plenty of bait species down here with no minimum length, but things like whiting and tailor are (rightly) protected by laws.

[@davidgc4396]

@@StarloGetsReel ok thanks Starlo I only use garfish mullet whiting and scats for live bait

[@feartheduck6664]

Nice catches. The rod definitely looks the part and it’s action is excellent for the type of beach fishing you did. I make all my own rods these days (after a hiatus of c.10 years)and I will look at making a 1 piece version similar to the dialuna. Starlo, I recently sorted out my terminal tackle into a ‘semblance’ of order! Could you do a video on a good tackle storage system? E.g. boxes by species or sizes vs all hooks in 1 box, sinkers in another etc. It would be good to get your thoughts. Thanks.

[@StarloGetsReel]

If only I was that organised! Great idea though.

[@Angler233]

I keep thinking you're going to say Diiiawa

[@StarloGetsReel]

Wash your mouth out! ;)

[@Angler233]

@@StarloGetsReel 😂

[@louisking4233]

Hi Starlo, is that carbon fiber grips on the end of the handle?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes, it is. It's what's called a "monocoque butt". Very good at transmitting the softest touch to your hands.

[@louisking4233]

Thanks for the response. I've been looking at the Tsuka 2 that won the last i-cast. I'm interested to find out if they get super hot to pick up after laying in the sun for a few hours?

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@louisking4233 interesting question. I honestly don’t know.

[@cozab5487]

The funny thing is, this isn't even supposed to be the sensitive "beach" style rod in their line up, this is a Seabass rod made for casting plugs/hard bodies in estuaries lol, and it's only their mid tier option in that category. The surf specific range they call "Nessa", with 4 models depending on price (Nessa bb, Nessa XR, Nessa Xtune, Nessa Limited), they're designed to be stiffer and far more sensitive than Seabass rods like the Dialuna, and can do more all round work casting anything from plugs to plastics and jigs long distances instead of just being plug specific like the seabass rods. Interesting rabbit hole to go down when you start looking at what Shimano are really capable of in Japan haha, definitely eye opening at first😂.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Yes. Sadly we don't see much (if any) of that gear out here. I just don't think they'd sell enough to justify importing them.

[@cozab5487]

@@StarloGetsReel Yea you're 100% right on that, Australian generally have less disposable income for things like this and they are a business at the end of the day with profit as the main priority, Australia just simply isn't ready for such a level of technology. Even the U.S is only just getting some of this stuff, and they're a far larger nation with a far higher percentage of fisherman that use and appreciate high end tackle, so if they're only just getting it (and still hardly ANYTHING) I can't imagine Australia will really fit the bill anytime soon🥲😂

[@EE-jo8fh]

Hi there, I almost purchased a Dialuna then after reading this have purchased the Nessa BB, the x-tune and limited are not sold it seems in Australia, also they are ridiculously expensive! I can’t find any English reviews of the Nessa BB though!

[@cozab5487]

@@EE-jo8fh The dialuna is actually an amazing rod all-round, but it is on the softer side, if you prefer stiffer rods you made the right choice👌. Another option to look at is the Nessa XR, it's more than the BB but far less than the Xtune, also Iso fishing lifestyle in Sydney sell them, but honestly any of these rods (compared to what you'd usually find in a tackle shop) would have been a good choice for lure or light bait off the beach🤙

[@EE-jo8fh]

@@cozab5487 thanks! The Nessa BB has arrived and I’m thinking about getting the XR as well. What do you recommend, size wise for beach use, targeting everyday species on bait ideally. Thanks in advance

[@hamoody8254]

Hey, would you recommend the shimano dialuna for lure fishing? I have a shimano spheros 4000, i use jerkbaits, target spanish mackarel and fish inshore So like is the dialuna worth the money or are there better rods for the same price?

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@hamoody8254 I’d definitely use the Dialunas for that style of lure casting but as you say, they aren’t cheap and you might get better bang for your buck from one of the other new Shimano ranges that launched this year.

[@hamoody8254]

@@StarloGetsReel any recommendations? The dialuna is still under my budget so thats one thing

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@hamoody8254 if you can afford the Dialuna I’d definitely go that way. They’re superb rods.

[@hamoody8254]

@@StarloGetsReel alright thanks

[@stevejones9636]

hey steve just wondering whats wrong with the 8ft ones i prefer shorter rods for beach?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Nothing wrong with them. I just prefer longer rods in the 10 to 12 foot range for surf and rock fishing. Different strokes...

[@stevejones9636]

@StarloGetsReel all good I get you, I just prefer for portability also I find most fish close to shore on the beach.

[@StarloGetsReel]

@@stevejones9636 same, but it’s nice to be able to reach out when you need to and I like the hook setting, line control and fish fighting characteristics of longer rods. But like I say, each to their own. I’ve always tended to use longer rods than many other fishos. I guess it has just become a bit of a habit with me. 😉

[@stevejones9636]

@StarloGetsReel I just hope the 8ft is sensitive to feel bites too. I also own long rods I own the anarchy 7ft8 flats like you and the miller one.im hoping to catch tailor and Australian salmon with the 8ft

[@raj1634]

Hey starlo Im thinking of pairing it to a sustain 5000 pe2 will that be fine?

[@StarloGetsReel]

Perfect! 👍

[@raj1634]

@@StarloGetsReel thank you mate more power!

[@peterpumpkineater6939]

what hook were you using??

[@StarloGetsReel]

Couple of different ones, but the odd-looking blue ones with the kinks in the shank are called Tru-Turns. I've had them for yonks. Not sure they're still made, though. Very fine gauge and work extra well with worm baits.

[@-Scotty]

I'd want better quality guides for the price.

[@StarloGetsReel]

Better than Fuji SiCs? What were you thinking of?

[@-Scotty]

​@@StarloGetsReel I'd prefer titanium framed ceramic.

[@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120]

$500-00 for a fishing rod 🤣. Can by a lot of Fish for that amount of money

[@StarloGetsReel]

Um... yes. Sort of misses the point though. ;)

[@No_mans_flies]

You’re not a fly fisherman are you?😂

[@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120]

@@No_mans_flies well if you're willing to spend $500 for a bit of fibre glass your a fool. The fish have no idea what you're holding

[@No_mans_flies]

@@tadeuszmichaelwlodarczyk3120 considering they aren’t made of fibreglass I think that’s a bit irrelevant. Obviously rod companies make a lot of money from their products, why wouldn’t they. But saying that an expensive rod is the same as cheap stick is crazy. Fly rods are a good example, cast a $300 fly rod and then try a $1000 rod. Massive difference. Same goes for other rods, better designed and built rods make fishing more effective, efficient and enjoyable, less issues, less bad casts, more control. You clearly haven’t tried both

[@kenrobison9528]

Too expensive.$$$$$

[@StarloGetsReel]

Certainly not for everyone! 👍