Today we would like to introduce “BIGTUNA 710RT &86 JAPAN SP” which will be released in Feb. 2024.
It has been 13 years since the BIGTUNA series was launched.
Including the testing period, we spent more time developing it.
During that time, the environment surrounding tuna has undergone major changes in many areas, including the sea area, the size of fish, and the amount and type of bait.
Of course, we have adapted the rods we make to the changing environment and have created a lineup to provide the best options for our users.
The concept of the 710RT and 86 that will be released this time is “ReTuned” to adapt to changes from the past to the present and from the present to the future.
RT written in the model name means “ReTuned”.
The 710RT was named after the original 710, and the 86 was a retuned version of the 85.
Among them, the 710 has “RT” written on the blank to differentiate it from the previous model, and the 86 has undergone major adjustments, resulting in completely different characteristics from the 85, and the rod length has been increased by 1 inch. RT notation is not used because it can be distinguished by.
From here, I will explain the process that led to ReTuned using the 710RT as an example.
*Please see the basic performance as common to 710RT and 86. We will briefly introduce the features of each at the end of the article.
The first generation 710, released in 2010, has a track record of fighting many big tuna (over 200kg) and remains a popular model even today.
However, to adapt to the current environment, which has changed significantly, we have re-adjusted it using Ripple Fisher’s latest development technology and materials.
From here, as we delve deeper into these two models, we would like to talk a little bit about the environment in which bluefin tuna is placed, “past and present, and from the present to the future.”
~The dawn of the series (past) in JAPAN~
At the beginning of the development of the BIGTUNA series (around 2008), few fishing boats specialized in bluefin tuna, and few anglers specialized in the absolute number of bluefin tuna.
At that time, bluefin tuna weighing 100kg was extremely valuable, and anglers set their sights on catching it.
The main fishing method was to shoot the lure using floating pencils or sinking pencils into a boiling, and this was also the time when the fishing method called “Hotoke”, in which the lure was not moved after being shot into the boiling.
When selecting tackle, power rods and thick PE lines were used, which had more than enough power for the target fish size compared to today.
The first-generation 710 was developed under this environment, with a stiff blank and a speedy recovery force.
～Currently～
As a result of the explosive increase in bluefin tuna since around 2017, fishing grounds have expanded over a wide area from the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean, and the size of the fish has also grown enormous.
Although 100kg class bluefin tuna is still valuable, some anglers are now aiming for large bluefin tuna that can reach 100kg, 200kg, or even 300kg.
Regarding fishing methods, in addition to shooting into boiling, the use of diving poppers to attract fish has gradually become widespread, and this has led to the disappearance of diving poppers from the market.
When selecting tackle, when targeting around 100 kg, lighter weight is becoming more common than in the past, and it is becoming less common to use overpower tackle settings as much as in the past.
～From the present to the future～
In a situation where the mainstream lures, fishing methods, and environments are changing rapidly, the two models 710RT/86 that will be released are,
●Enabling a multifaceted approach to tuna using various lures
●The main focus of development was to reduce the burden on the angler during fights while still providing sufficient lift power and maneuverability.
Now, let me explain in detail how things have changed.
The basic performance of the BIGTUNA series, “The bending point is on the angler side also the lifting power is not impaired” is maintained, and the blank’s “long casting ability, lifting power (recovery force), and lure maneuverability are also improved.
The range has been expanded compared to conventional products with a tapered design that allows for relatively light lures (40-50g) to 100g class lures.
✔CHECK
When casting, the range of applications for approaches such as shooting into boiling and luring using lures of various sizes have been expanded, during fights, the burden on the body is reduced thanks to the blank design that has a bending point on the angler side.
The BIGTUNA series is divided into four categories: “Light, Middle, Heavy, and Power.”
①Light Class（Applicable model：85F）
A class chosen as the first choice for anglers targeting tuna.
②Middle Class（Applicable models：87AS・83）
A popular class for actively targeting yellowfin tuna and medium-sized tuna in the summer or hot weather countries.
③Heavy Class (Applicable models：710RT・86)
This class is easy to use in situations where the size of the tuna in the sea area is mixed from medium to large, and you cannot choose the size.
④Power Class (Applicable models：73・76・70)
A class for targeting large to super large bluefin tuna using large lures.
The new “BIGTUNA 710RT and 86 JAPAN SP” both fall under the “heavy class”.
Both models released this time can be used up to PE12, but the breaking strength is slightly lower than Power Class, so the maximum drag is set at 15kg/45°.
*The maximum drag setting varies depending on the model, so please keep this in mind when choosing a rod.
✔CHECK
The core model of the Middle class is the “BIGTUNA 83”, and the “BIGTUNA 87” is recommended for situations where the bait is small and long-distance casting power is required.
The core model of the Heavy class is the “BIGTUNA 710RT”, and for situation-specific models that require long-distance casting performance, please choose the “BIGTUNA 86”.
●BIGTUNA 710RT JAPAN Special
Lure:40~160g
Line: PE 8~12
Drag MAX: 15kg/45°
Length: 7ft10in（Grip Joint / Closed Length: 1670mm）
Weight: 407g
Price: Please ask our authorized dealers in your region
Click here to check the authorized dealers
*BRC (rubber cap) is standard at the end of the grip.
✔CHECK
If you are using it in a season where you cannot choose the target size, we recommend 710RT.
Compared to the Power Class 3 models of the same length (BT70/BT73/BT76), it feels lighter to use, and you won’t get tired even when using it all day long.
Lowering the line class allows you to select a lightweight lure to handle smaller baits.
(Photo: BIGTUNA 710RT Prototype)
●BIGTUNA 86 JAPAN Special
Lure:40~160g
Line: PE 8~12
Drag MAX: 15kg/45°
Length: 8ft6in（Grip Joint / Closed Length: 1850mm）
Weight: 427g
Price: Please ask our authorized dealers in your region
Click here to check the authorized dealers
*BRC (rubber cap) is standard at the end of the grip.
✔CHECK
For those who want a longer distance than the 710, the 86 is best because it is good at long casts by taking advantage of the rod length.
The 86 has the power to fight with confidence in situations where you would be worried about a large-size fish being caught by two Middle-Class models of the same length.
（Photo： BIGTUNA 86 Prototype/Development code 85）
The logo design has also been updated to a modern design.
The model number is printed in silver foil on the dark gray BIGTUNA JAPAN Special letters.
It looks chic indoors, but when exposed to light outdoors, the entire blank weave and letters stand out, completely changing its look.
（Photos： At the top BIGTUNA 710 RT / At the bottom BIGTUNA 86）
The image is the back print of 710RT and 86.
These two models are characterized by extremely beautiful woven blanks, and different carbons are used depending on the blank characteristics.
In addition, we have applied a simple print that does not take away from its beauty.
The specs are engraved on the spacer on the grip, which prevents you from setting the tip side and the grip incorrectly.
All Heavy Class guide threads have red thread windings.
*Threads are color-coded as follows.
Light Class➡Silver Thread
Middle Class➡Blue thread
Heavy Class➡Red Thread
Power Class➡Gold Thread
The above was an introduction to two machines proposed by Ripple Fisher to match the current environment.
I hope you are interested.
In addition, if you are having trouble choosing a rod within the series, please use the following as a standard:
・If it is around 40~80kg, BIG TUNA 83 or 87AS
・BIGTUNA710 or 86 if over 70~100kg
・If the weight is 150~200kg or more, please choose 3 models of Heavy Class.
