The Major Craft Seabass Custom
Marc Cowling Edition 88ML 6-32g
As I write and release this post, the first batch of the all-new Major Craft Seabass Custom Marc Cowling Edition’s will be, or would have arrived in the UK! Yes, in case you’ve missed some of my ‘subtle as a brick’ references to a fishing rod that I have designed, I am finally able to promote a piece of equipment that, as you can imagine, I am exceptionally proud of.
Following on from the original 2021 Major Craft Seabass Custom, and of course the 2023 Cork Edition (both of which were limited editions) when I was asked if I would like collaborate with Major Craft UK (via Tacklewave Ltd) with a view to creating my ‘perfect’ version of something with ‘cult status’ among bass lure fishing enthusiasts, how could I possibly resist!
So what’s different?
The big question, and one that I am being asked on a regular basis is: So how does it differ from the original 88M 7-35g Seabass Custom(s) – a rod that I reviewed here just over 3 years ago? Well, complimenting the list of differences you’ll find below, the rod retains the DNA of the previous models in terms of the awesome power and impressive lightness of a blank made from high modulus Mitsubishi carbon.
Further, as per the previous models, it is adorned with the same smoke grey Fuji Torzite guides and VSS reel seat. However, at the absolute forefront of my mind when envisaging and conceiving the blank, was that I wanted to attain additional sensitivity in the tip section, whilst retaining the strength through the backbone of the blank – remarkable lightness, precision, reliability, and above all, ‘feel’ that is complimented by ‘power and control’ is how I would describe the rod in a nutshell.
In conjunction with the above, the Major Craft Seabass Custom Marc Cowling Edition has the following (and in my opinion improved) attributes:
- It is 25% ‘softer’ in the final third towards the tip section – ensuring that is extremely ‘easy’ to fish with, through the entire spectrum of soft plastics, hard lures, metals, and creature baits.
- The final 8″ of the tip section is finer in diameter to aid sensitivity.
- Subsequent to the above – it is rated 6-32g in terms of Casting Weight Range (CWR).
- The rod remains at the optimum all-rounder length of 8ft 8″ yet has a Rod Power Rating (RPR) of Medium Light (ML).
- Measuring 45cm (which is the same as the previous Seabass Custom models) the handle section of the rod is a mixture of duplon and quality cork at the top and bottom – a nod to the classic Major Craft Skyroad and Truzer respectively…
- There are changes aesthetically too, as the blank is adorned with subtle white whipping, rod section alignment dots, and of course, my signature…
Unlimited
There’s more good news! In contrast to the models that preceded it, the Marc Cowling Edition will not be limited in the numbers that will be produced. Also, something that I stipulated (as I currently do not have use for a 9’6″ lure rod and doubt I ever will to be honest) is that this rod will only be available as an 8ft 8in model. So, a length, casting weight range, and power rating that represents the true essence of the quintessential all-round bass lure rod.
A ‘dream’
A dream! I have achieved a great deal over the past 7-8 years: I have created and am currently expanding my professional guiding business at South Devon Bass Guide Ltd, I have written three books on the subject of bass lure fishing (here), and I have designed my own lures and worked as a consultant with numerous companies. But I have to say that fulfilling a project such as this is right up there, and is adream come true in many ways. I have realised an ambition, and this rod will be part of my legacy when I’m too old to go fishing… I’m getting all sentimental here!
Something else that is a dream, is the way ‘MC – MC’ performs out on the coastline. Of real significance, is that alongside the rods I am occasionally sent to test, in the course of my guiding, I do get to have a play with rods from all of the major companies – from the cheapest to the most expensive… And I can say ‘hand on heart’ (and you would of course expect me to write this) that I have never used a rod that is just so, so easy to fish with. To elaborate on this, and to read my thoughts on what I ‘personally look for’ in a bass/lure fishing rod, you can read a post of mine that has received the most views of any that I’ve ever written here.
Comparison
What’s more, whilst out guiding them, I have taken with me and often passed the 88ML 6-32g Marc Cowling Edition to many of my clients since I received the finished prototype back in March. Now, to quantify this further, many of them already own and fish with the original Seabass Custom 88M 7-35g or Cork Edition, so they have been able to experience a direct comparison there and then, and they all agree that the 88ML 6-32g has brought the Seabass Custom range up another level.
Further, many of those who have utilised the new rod, even if only fleetingly and whether they own the original or not, have subsequently placed an order – especially after I’ve demonstrated its versatility in regards to casting and working a weightless soft plastic, or smashing a 35g (naughty I know!) metal so far, I’ve nearly ran out of line on the Shimano Vanquish C3000 MHG that I pair it with – a set up that weighs an astonishingly light 285g, but that I use for all of my fishing – be it within the estuaries or the open coast.
Paired with a sub-200g reel, when casting and working a 10-18g lure of any variety, the rod is so crisp and light (at 115g) that all you perceive is the lure working – no lag from the tip and no additional weight that dulls the senses. No, all you sense is the slightest touch of a fish, a bump from the seabed, a weed fragment, and/or the pull of the current, all whilst being utterly connected to the lure, and your environment. Everything is transmitted back to the angler, and when the angler administers a pause or a rapid movement such as a twitch or quicker turn of the reel’s handle, it is instantaneously transmitted to the lure.
Using the 88ML 6-32g Marc Cowling Edition is like writing your signature with an expensive fountain pen, safe in the knowledge that when you latch into something, spikey, silvery, downright angry at being hooked, and hopefully heavy, you have the power to overcome it – ultimately, this is how lure fishing for bass should feel and be enjoyed.
Price and Stockists
It is my understanding that the Major Craft Seabass Custom Marc Cowling Edition 88ML 6-32g will retail at £479.99. It can be pre-ordered from selected Tacklewave Ltd stockists now – a full list of which can be found here. As an aside, I do happen to know that over 2/3rds of the rods arriving are already spoken for, so if you want one, then I wouldn’t hold back…
Thanks for reading – I welcome any feedback.
Marc Cowling
South Devon Bass Guide Ltd 