Although these rods were just made available today, we’ve had an opportunity to fish with them for several months. I’ve been a big fan of the previous Omen Black models, so I had really high expectations for the third generation. I tested the 7-foot, 1-inch medium-heavy, extra fast taper and have been thoroughly impressed thus far. It has handled everything I’ve thrown at it and it has proven to be a very versatile rod, especially given the $130 price point.
Perhaps the most impressive characteristic of the 13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod has been its extreme sensitivity. I’ve tested a bunch of rods throughout my career and you’d be hard pressed to find a more sensitive casting rod in the $130 price range. I can feel very small changes in bottom compositions and subtle, lethargic bites that lesser rods may not transmit.
These rods feature Poly Vector Graphite technology, which means that the graphite fibers are strategically interlaced. This creates a tighter rod, which translates to much more sensitivity.
The reel seat design also contributes to the sensitivity of this rod. Throughout your entire retrieve, you’re able to keep constant and direct contact with the blank which allows you to feel very small changes in your lure’s behavior. This has been a really good Chatterbait rod for me because I’ve been able to detect the difference between ticking the tops of grass and lethargic summertime bass bites.
This rod is outfitted with ALPS 316 stainless steel guides and Zirconia inserts. If you hold this rod next to other rods, you’ll notice a slightly different guide placement. It struck me as odd at first, but when I took it on the water, this rod will make some seriously long casts. I don’t really know the physics behind it, but it can flat-out chuck a bait of just about any size.
The guides are also very durable in my experience. I guide fishing trips on the weekends and clients are constantly (and accidentally) stepping on my rods on the front deck. This particular rod has been stepped on about a dozen times and there is absolutely no damage to speak of. It has proven itself to be a legit workhorse and again, at the $130 price point, I’m thoroughly impressed.
This rod just feels “right” in my hands. It’s comfortable, well balanced, sensitive and tough as nails. It will be on my front deck all year long and I can’t wait to put it through even more abuse. It has held up beautifully so far and if you’re looking for an all-purpose rod in the $120 to $140 price range, don’t sleep on this one. You’ll be thrilled with it.
The 13 Fishing Omen Black 3 Casting Rod is available at these retailers:
