Guided by the vast tournament experience of Aaron Martens and Luke Clausen, and the functional artistry that is the company’s trademark, Megabass of America the Orochi XX series of rods. There are 11 rods in the series, each purpose-built to the exacting specifications of Megabass’ national pro staff and tailored to the key lure types and presentations required on the tournament trail. A separate list of the rods and their characteristics is attached.
First place in Angler of the Year points
“We developed the Orochi XX series in order to build a set of rods which would comprehensively cover all major US-tournament applications and earn a place on Luke and Aaron’s front decks at each and every tournament,” said Yuskei Murayama, Vice President of Megabass of America. “It wasn’t easy, but when you pick up a Double-X rod and fish it for 14 hours straight, you’ll know that Aaron and Luke have systematically and flawlessly led us to the ultimate rod for every tournament application.”
Inspired by the Orochi, the ancient dragon god of water, through these rods Megabass seeks to capture the raw power and precise control of the rods’ namesake, while also capitalizing on the company’s existing cutting edge blank technology.
Each rod in the series will retail for under $300, and will feature the same attention to detail, craftsmanship, and quality that have been hallmarks of Megabass’ manufacturing tradition. Each rod is made with premium Japanese components and materials, and features a six-axis blank with low-resin carbon up to the 40 ton class. This multi-axis manufacturing process adds significant strength without adding unnecessary weight, and is paired with the latest Fuji components for an uncompromising level of performance. Additionally, each rod features Megabass-custom guide settings, a Megabass custom ITO Head Locking Reel Seat (PAT.), a rubber/cork composite end cap, a unique Megabass hook keeper, and fit and finish unmatched in the industry.
These rods will feature a three year limited warranty, with a one-time, no questions asked replacement policy the first year, and fee-based replacement coverage thereafter. They are expected to be in stores and in selected online retailers no later than the end of April. If you cannot find them, ask your local shop to add them to their racks.
- For more information about Megabass of America, go to www.megabassusa.com. For more information about Megabass generally, go to www.megabass.com
Orochi XX Spinning Rod Whipsnake 6’11”
Designed to the tournament specs of renowned finesse angler Aaron Martens, the F3-611XXS was built to have the ideal length, taper, and feel required for critical drop shot bites. With a medium-fast taper, the F3-611XXS has the perfect blend of tip and backbone required to handle finesse rigs and haul your fish straight to the live well. The length and taper are also well suited for shaky head fishing, as well as small crank baits, jerk baits and wacky-rigged soft plastics. For many anglers, the versatility of this rod will allow the F2-611XXS to satisfy all their spinning tackle techniques.
“The F3-611XXS is a great 7-10lb. line drop shot rod. It’s excellent for throwing 4 to 6 inch worms, and ideally suited for places like the great lakes, Guntersville, Clear Lake or anywhere where you are fishing for bigger fish. I would recommend it for anything from 1/16th to ½ ounce drop shot setups. This is not your average ultra-light tackle drop shot rod. “ – Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE
Orochi XX Spinning Rod Shakyhead 7′
The F3½-70XXS could easily be considered the ideal shaky head rod. Built for finesse applications where a quick, solid hookset is requir
ed, the F3½-70XXS features a 7ft. blank with a fast taper. The combination of length/taper allows for extremely long casts, precise control over the action of lures and rigs, takes up line quickly during hook sets at distance, and offers the tip-softness necessary for fighting big fish without fear of breakoffs. The parabolic action under loads makes this an excellent choice for bottom-finesse methods, but also for small crankbaits and jerkbaits. The F3.570xxs performs best with lure weights ranging from 1/8th ounce, to 3/8th oz., with line tests of 4-12lb. fluorocarbon, or 6-20lb. braid.
“This is my go-to shaky head rod, especially when I am fishing 6 inch worms. This rod is perfect for 7-10lb., even 12lb. line with 1/16 – 3/8oz. shaky heads. It’s a great rod for skipping docks and fishing tubes, and while it’s good with lighter rigs, this rod still has some solid meat to it.” – Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE
Orochi XX Casting Rod 6′ 11″ Jerkbait Special
Designed for jerk baits like the X-80 TRICK DARTER, VISION ONETEN, and MAGNUM, the F4½-68XX features a parabolic bend and a 6’8” length that is perfect for quick, precise rod action. Ideally suited for lure weights of ¼ to ¾oz., the F4½-68XX is an excellent choice not only for jerk baits, but medium-running crank baits, top waters and light jigs and worms as well.
Orochi XX Casting Rod 7′ Flat Side Special
7ft. long and featuring a regular taper, F4½-70XX was designed as an all-purpose graphite cranking stick, with that all-important parabolic bend for just the right amount of “give,” and launching cranks. The Flat-Side Special is a very versatile model, with applications ranging from vibrating lures and 3/8oz. spinnerbaits to medium-running crank baits. And for anglers who prefer a longer rod for jerk baits and top waters, the F4½-70XX can pull double-duty with ease.
“I’m a tall guy, so this is a great VISION ONETEN and MAGNUM rod. It’s a very parabolic rod, so I also use it for medium depth crank baits, 3/8 to ½ oz. vibration baits, and medium-sized dog walkers like the GIANT DOG-X and XPOD.” Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE
“The most universal rod in the Double X line. Works great for everything from light plastics to jigs. You name it, it does it!” – Luke Clausen, FLW TOUR
Orochi XX Casting Rod 7’5″ Extreme Mission Type F
The F5-75XX is the perfect combination of power, feel and lightness. This rod is ideal for casting Texas rigged worms, jigs, big crank baits, and spinnerbaits. The length of the F5-75 allows the angler to effectively pitch or launch lures, and take up a great deal of line on the hooksets. The fast taper allows for quick hooksets, and the blank absorbs a lot of the fight, so that it is harder to loose those giants.
“My favorite rod for casting Carolina rigs, football heads and big worms deep. Great for when you want a longer rod to get the pressure on one with a lot of line out.” – Luke Clausen, FLW TOUR
Orochi XX Casting Rod 7′ Tour Versatile
The F6-70XX will put the feel of controlled power into the angler’s hands with the first cast. Ideally suited for casting and pitching jigs and worms, the Tour Versatile is also made to handle big spinnerbaits, crank baits, frogs and even some swimbaits.
“This is a stiffer, faster action rod that is great for 6 – 7 in. worms on a Texas-rig. It is also good for small Carolina rigs, soft jerk baits and 4 – 5 in. wacky-rigged stick baits. This is a very versatile rod, and is a good choice almost anytime you are using 12 to 20 lb line for everything up to the size of smaller soft plastic swimbaits.” – Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE
Orochi XX Casting Rod 7’2″ Perfect Pitch
The F7-72XX offers the power of a flipping stick combined with the maneuverability of a casting rod. A great choice for pitching, flipping and casting jigs and worms, the Perfect Pitch is ideal for anglers who prefer slightly shorter rods for quick and devastating hook sets. The F7-72XX is designed to be paired heavy-duty line tests to dominate heavy cover.
In addition to pitching and casting, the F7-72XX can also serve as a great tool for umbrella rigs, big crank baits, swimbaits and spinnerbaits.
“This is an excellent pitchin’ rod. It’s perfect for pitchin’ ½ oz. jigs, but it’s a great choice for ¾ – 1 oz. football head jigs as well. It will also work well for medium sized (5 to 6 in.) soft plastic swimbaits. It’s also the rod I use when fishing my shaky fish in 1/2 and 3/4 ounces.” – Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE
Orochi XX Casting Rod 8′ Leviathan
The Orochi XX Casting Rod 8′ Leviathan is perfectly suited for medium to heavy duty flipping and pitching. This rod is designed to flip and pitch ¼ to 1oz. lures into the thickest cover you can find. The rod has a perfect blend of lightness and power, which is crucial to the versatility needed to perform a traditional 10ft. flip on one cast, then a 30 foot pitch on the next. The rod has the power to muscle the fish out of the thickest vegetation mats or wood cover. Ideal for not only pitching Texas-rigged soft plastics and jigs, the Aaron Martens Flipping Special can also pull double-duty as an excellent swimbait rod.
“The Flipping Special is the nicest flipping stick I’ve ever used. It’s excellent for flippin’ heavy line even with a light weight. What separates this rod is you can flip weights as small as 1/8 – 1/4 oz. and its still very sensitive and lightweight. It’s perfect for ½ oz. – 1 ½ oz. flippin’ rigs. Its sweet spot is at 1 ounce, where it is ridiculous. It’s great for punching as well with weights from 1/2 ounce to 1 ¼ oz. This rod is light and sensitive, yet it has got some serious beef to it.” – Aaron Martens, B.A.S.S. ELITE