Features

It was over 25 years ago, back in 1998, that Japanese rod expert Zenaq introduced the Monster Buster, specifically designed to catch huge tuna. Now it has raised the bar even higher with it is latest project.

Since the launch of the iconic Monster Buster, Zenaq’s passion has driven it to continually develop rods for big game fishing.
Advancements in tackle, including lines and hooks, have made tuna over 200kg a feasible target. Yet, Zenaq aspired to create a rod capable of going head-to-head with these giants in the casting game. This ambition led to the inception of Project Monster Buster.

The key feature it prioritised in developing this rod was its ability to lift a 200kg fish while being bent at a steep angle.
If the rod blank is overly rigid, it becomes too challenging for anglers to endure the fierce struggle of a monster. Additionally, such a stiff rod blank wouldn’t allow casting of a 100g lure.
On the other hand, a rod blank that's too flexible wouldn’t just fail to lift a 200kg monster but would also easily break under the heavy load.

Finding a solution
The challenge was clear – how could it design a rod capable of casting a 100g lure far and still enable an average-sized angler to battle a 200kg monster tuna?

The journey towards creating the perfect rod blank involved relentless cycles of design, bench testing and field testing, and was finally completed after four seasons, starting in 2019.
The result is the innovative rod blank that is the backbone of the Tobizo TC77 Tuna - Monster Buster.

Monster Blank

Thanks to the Deep Bias Layered Construction (DBL) Structure, this rod blank boasts impressive heavy load durability, making t able to withstand the maximum drag from a large reel even at a steep angle of 65 degrees.

Its core flexibility allows the rod to be bent effectively with realistic human strength, generating repulsive power as it bends. Even in a fight with monster tunas, the rod blank remains robust, assisting anglers by lifting while enduring the strain.
Its length of 7ft 7in optimises casting performance, lure control and performance when facing the heaviest fight.
This flexible rod blank can elegantly handle lightweight lures, accurately casting them to the desired spot.
It offers a significant advantage in the tuna casting game. To take on monster tunas that exceed human limits, the rod blank must be absolutely trustworthy.

Deep Bias Layered Construction

This patent-pending process of making rod blanks involves various factors such as the carbon material's elasticity, thickness, amount of resin, fibre angle, and taper design of the mandrel and mould. The possibilities for making rod blanks are endless.
Among this infinite array of combinations, the Zenaq team searches for the optimal material and layers it deeply, finding the perfect orientation of fibres and stacking them accordingly.
Its chosen method of designing the rod blank is a world apart from rods designed for finesse and lightness. It’s akin to crafting the physique of a well-trained heavyweight athlete.
This manufacturing process allowed Zenaq to precisely design the necessary torque and power, fulfilling the requirements for recoil, durability, and flexibility needed for our monster blank.
In developing the Monster Rod, not only was high-level rod making technology crucial, but also the patience to find the optimal combination among an infinite array of complex carbon materials.

Guide Setting

Unsurprisingly, the guides have been configured for use with ultra-large tackle such as reels over size 20000 and PE lines with a PE rating of 12.
Moreover, the Assist Guide significantly reduces line tangling at the tip, eliminating line troubles and enabling smooth line release and stable long-distance casting. This ensures you don’t miss the big chance.

Hexagon Rubber Grip

For big game reliability, Zenaq has developed an entirely new heavy-fighting grip incorporating rubber material into its trusted Hexagon Grip. This patent-pending concept ensures the greatest slip resistance ever.
Meanwhile, the moulded surface pattern of Japanese-style tortoiseshell enhances grip strength and minimises fatigue in a big fight.
This ultimate grip from ZENAQ is indispensable for prolonged power fights against monster tunas.

Metal Reel Seat

The amount of stress put on the reel seat when going head-to-head with a monster catch exceeding 200kg is enormous.
This robust metal reel seat is designed with the utmost priority on absolute capture, allowing you to concentrate all your nerves on the fight.

Metal and rubber

For the rod grip end, Zenaq has adopted a combination of a metal gimbal and a rubber end.
If facing a monster without a gimbal is your style, use the rubber end. Remove the rubber end to use for the gimbal fight. This design provides two grip ends for the best fighting style.

An incredible battle

In just 40 minutes, using the TC77 Tuna – Monster Buster, a lone angler managed to reel in a 213kg monster tuna.
This remarkable achievement highlighted the exceptional performance of the blank, crafted for the challenging task of bending under huge pressure and lifting such giants of the seas.

zenaq.com