REVIEWED: Okuma Scott Martin Tournament Concept Series (TCS) Mat Daddy Rod and Reel Combo
What is it:
Casting Rod – 7’11” H Fast Action Mat Daddy Rod, TCS-C-711H, line 15 lb. to 65 lb., lure ¼ to 2oz, 1 pc rod with 12+Tip guides, weighs 5.5 oz.
Reel – Helios TCS Reel, HTC-266V, 8BB + 1RB, 6.6:1 gear Ratio.
This rod is a 5.5oz lightweight rod made for flipping into heavy cover with big baits to catch big bass. This setup delivers. The rod is made from 30-Ton carbon and has an EVA split grip and EVA foregrip. The reel seats are not exposed, which keeps dirt and debris out. It has hard aluminum oxide guide inserts and Alps stainless steel guide frames. The guides are medium micro guides, not super-small micro guides, and it features an added flipping guide that improves accuracy and distance. The extra guide allows you to pull lines from in front of it and back, which keeps the line clear of the reel handle. Many times when flipping the line will catch the reel handle. This extra guide prevents this issue from happening.
The extra guide also helps with support and strength. Fighting a big fish in heavy cover helps displace weight throughout the rod, so there is no weak spot. With flipping sticks, your weakest point is from your last guide to your reel, and with this extra guide, you get extra support.
The extra-long rear grip adds leverage and improves casting distance. Some anglers may not prefer the added length, but I found it helpful. Plus, the hook keeper is far enough up on the split grip, so you’re not grabbing hooks when reaching for it while it is inside a rod locker.
The rods’ sensitivity is excellent. I was able to feel every bump my lure made, plus it has big power to stay loaded to get bass out of heavy cover. I like the balance, and coming in with a weight of 5 ½ ounces, I did not get tired of fishing with it.
This reel is extremely light and built with a rigid diecast aluminum frame and side plates. It has a corrosion-resistant coating and an anodized aluminum spool. It features heavy-duty aluminum gears and shafts, a multi-disk carbonite drag system, stainless steel bearing drive system, quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing, and a new lightweight 7-position velocity control system.
You would think this would be a heavy reel, but it has a total weight of 6.3 ounces. The adjustable braking system is located under the left side plate, and changes can be made quickly. To make changes hold the reel in your right hand and rotate the left side plate counterclockwise about 1/8th of a turn front area of the plate down and rear area upward. You then turn the outside edge counterclockwise to increase and clockwise to decrease. Adjustments are easy and take no time at all to accomplish.
It has a click spool tension knob to adjust the friction on the spool shaft to control backlashes. The low profile fits my hand and feels great. It performed well and looked great paired with the Mat Daddy TCS rod.
I think this rod and reel combo is perfectly balanced. I was able to cast-flip with accuracy, and with the light weight, I’m able to use it all day long. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good combo for fun fishing or tournament fishing. This combo is designed for flipping, but Okuma and Scott Martin also state it can be used with big swimbaits and A-Rigs. Simply put, this is my new, number one flipping stick.
