Sensitivity: SPRO's KGB Signature Series B79H is specified being made with 40ton graphite. This grade of graphite is normally very crisp and sensitive and while the B79H transmits good feel through its length, I actually expected more given its specifications. The discrepancy between what I was expecting and what I felt could likely be attributed to the rod's softer taper. Generally speaking, the softer the taper, the less feel you have almost similar to fishing a bait on slack or tight line. Just the same, when fishing moving baits, you don't need something super crisp because hits are anything but subtle.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our SPRO KGB Signature Series Casting Rod (B79H) against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty plus years

Power: When that hit does arrive, the B79H has just enough length to connect even if you're out of position. During one retrieve, after a few cranks and letting the bait glide off to the side, I felt a slight bit of unusual tension at the end of my line. I was in a bad body position to set, but swung anyway just in case it was a fish.

Checking out that taper

The rod loaded immediately and I began a frantic retrieve to establish control and work my catch to the side of the boat so I could land it for a photo opportunity.

The SPRO B79H has a nice, what I would rate, moderate-fast taper that's just forgiving enough to respond to last minute lunges by the fish, yet not too soft to where you don't have any control over the more feisty ones. The best analogy I can think of is it's a lot like fishing a medium powered stick with conventional baits.

7 guides plus the tip top

Design & Ergonomics: The SPRO KGB Signature Series B79H casting rod is a minimal build stick. The grip material supplied behind the reel seat (cork) and at the butt (EVA) are small, and just large enough for your hand to grasp during a cast. The reel seat is conventional in that it's a Fuji ECS seat and there are seven guides plus the tip top. It seems each manufacturer has their own strategy for number of guides and placement, but I felt the B79H could benefit from at least one more guide to better keep the line from rubbing against the blank when flexed.

Fuji ECS reel seat

Otherwise, the size of the guide rings are pretty standard meaning no micro or semi-micro sized guides here so the use of thicker lines and connection knots is of no issue. Lastly there is a closed loop hook keeper located on the underside of the rod right above the reel seat.

Cork grip behind the reel seat, EVA at the butt

Price & Applications: Retail on the SPRO KGB Signature Series B79H is $279.99 which at first may seem like it's on the high side, but when you take into consideration the grade of graphite and components together with the fact the stick is assembled in the USA, $279.99 is a pretty good value. Given the rod's length and taper, it's a good choice for just about any moving bait application you may have and in a pinch could likely serve as a good punching stick too - assuming you can work around that extra-long rear handle.

Closed loop hook keeper

If you're new to the big bait game and need a stick to fish your new Chad Shad 180, or similarly sized and weighted lure, the SPRO KGB Signature Series B79H is an intriguing option

Conclusion: If you're new to the big bait game and need a stick to fish your new Chad Shad 180, or similarly sized and weighted lure, the SPRO KGB Signature Series B79H is an intriguing option. There are some idiosyncrasies with the build, but that kind of adds to the character of the stick and none of those really get in the way of the rod's ability to launch your bait and help you land fish. I liked that I was able to keep the rod, reel, and bait all in the same family. I'm funny that way sometimes - it's one of my personal idiosyncrasies. I'm anxious to see if this collaboration between SPRO and KGB Swimbaits leads to more.

Looking for a SPRO KGB Signature Series Casting Rod?

Try TackleWarehouse