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Learn More »A Tackle Shop Guide to the Daiwa Dragger X Rod
A good, 2-piece shore casting rod that can launch a 40g+ lure and stop a big Australian salmon is a core part of almost every Aussie rock and beach angler's kit. For a long time, the old Daiwa Seajigger was the rod we'd recommend to nearly everyone seeking a Daiwa-branded fishing rod. Now that it's been discontinued, customers are always asking what's filled that gap. The Daiwa Dragger X series is the answer. It's a modern, lightweight, 2-piece rod built for exactly this style of Australian shore fishing.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"The Dragger X has become one of our most consistent sellers for local Illawarra anglers looking for a reliable 2-piece shore casting rod. We get a lot of anglers buying the lighter 100M models to spin for tailor and salmon from the beaches, or the heavier 100H models for throwing lures for kingfish and bonito from spots like Kiama Blowhole Point and Bass Point here in Shellharbour. It’s a proper, powerful spin stick that has proven to be a reliable rod for casting off our local rock platforms."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Decoding the Features: What Matters
This isn't just a basic rod blank. Daiwa has included a few specific technologies to improve its casting and strength. Here’s what they are for:
Pro-Tips: How to Use a Shore Casting Rod
- Let the Rod Do the Work: A long rod like this is a lever. It's designed to be "loaded" with a smooth, sweeping cast, not a jerky "snatch." A good technique will let the rod's blank launch your lure.
- Avoid "High-Sticking": This is the #1 way we see long rods break. When you're fighting a big fish, try to keep the rod at a 90-degree angle or less. Lifting the rod too high (pointing it at the sky) puts all the pressure on the thin tip section, which can snap. Let the rod's powerful butt section and your reel's drag do the work.
Which Dragger X Model Should I Choose?
We stock four models in the series, and each is suited to a different task. Here is a simple breakdown of how we recommend them to customers:
| Dragger X 96ML | This is the model to choose for casting jigs around 30g and fishing soft plastics from beaches and rock ledges. Suited for Tailor and Salmon. |
| Dragger X 100M | A standard, all-round length. This is a good choice for both metal jigs and plugs (sinking minnows) for Tailor and Salmon. |
| Dragger X 100MH | The main all-rounder of the series. This one has the power for heavier lures and is a good choice for coastal breakwalls and beaches if you're targeting big Tailor, Salmon, or even school-sized Mulloway. |
| Dragger X 100H | This is the high-power model. It's built for bigger fish (up to 10kg) and is the one to choose if you're fishing deep breakwaters or offshore rocks for big Kingfish or other pelagics. |
Technical Specifications: Dragger X Range
| Model | Length | Action | Cast Weight | Line (PE) | Pieces |
| 96ML | 290cm (9'6") | ML (Medium Light) | 10-45g | PE 1-2 | 2 |
| 100M | 305cm (10'0") | M (Medium) | 15-60g | PE 1.5-2.5 | 2 |
| 100MH | 305cm (10'0") | MH (Medium Heavy) | 20-70g | PE 2-3 | 2 |
| 100H | 305cm (10'0") | H (Heavy) | 30-90g | PE 3-4 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size reel is a good match for this rod?
It depends on the model. For the 96ML and 100M, we'd recommend a 4000 or 5000 size spinning reel. For the heavier 100MH and 100H models, you'll want the extra line capacity and drag power of a 6000 or 8000 size reel, especially if you're targeting kingfish or pelagic fish often found around our Australian coastline.
What's the difference between this and a 10ft 'surf rod'?
That's a question we get in the shop a lot. A traditional 'surf rod' is usually a softer, 'whippier' rod, designed to 'lob' a heavy sinker and a big bait a long way. This 'shore jigging' rod has a much faster, more responsive blank. It's designed to cast lures. It gives you the crisp action you need to work a metal lure or plug, and it's far more sensitive for feeling strikes.
Can I use this for vertical jigging from my boat?
No. This is a shore casting rod. At 9-10ft long, it's too long and awkward to use comfortably on a boat for vertical jigging. You are much better off with a dedicated 5-6ft boat jigging rod. This rod is designed for casting distance from land.
Is a 2-piece rod weaker than a 1-piece?
That used to be a common concern, but rod technology has come a long way. With modern construction like Daiwa's Braiding X, the joints (ferrules) are incredibly strong and designed to handle the full power of the blank. You get the transport convenience of a 2-piece rod without giving up the strength you need.
The guides are 'Aluminium Oxide,' not SiC. Is that a problem?
That's a fair question. SiC (Silicon Carbide) guides are a component you'd find on a much more expensive rod. These Fuji Aluminium Oxide guides are the proven, reliable standard for rods in this price range. They are very smooth, 100% fine for both braid and mono, and are very durable. For this style of fishing, they are a reliable component that performs well.
What's the 'action' of this rod? Is it stiff or 'whippy'?
This is a 'fast' action rod, but it's not a stiff 'broomstick.' It'sdesigned with a tip that's responsive enough to work lures, but it has a strong mid-section that loads up smoothly for long-distance casting. It's a forgiving action that's easy to use but still has plenty of lifting power in the butt section.
A modern, reliable shore casting rod built for Australian species. Choose your model and add a Daiwa Dragger X Fishing Rod to your cart.
