Dark Matter IO Spinning Rods (7'0", IO701L-S)

The Dark Matter IO series represents the pinnacle of purposefully built modern rod manufacturing. Everything about this absolutely stunning series of fishing rods has been gone over with a fine toothed comb and thoughtfully placed. From its acid wrapped Fuji K Guides and precisely measured and subtly contoured fore and rear grips, to its low profile Fuji reel seat and stylish crosshatched blank design – the Dark Matter IO series rods left no stone unturned. Its M3 Nano Carbon blank is both feather light and incredibly powerful across its entire blank. I’ve literally never felt a rod actually load up with more power upon hookset. It’s almost like you’re drawing a bow – you can feel the energy stored within the entire blank. I first used this rod (the 7’6” MH conventional version) in a late November offshore tog trip. We fished a piece in about 90’ of water off Block Island on a moon tide, and if you know anything about that area, the current tears through there at an obscene pace. Using 16 ounces of lead and 40# braid, my first hookset almost dislocated the jaw of an 8# tog and ripped it out of the piece with incredible ease. Needless to say, this became my go-to deepwater bottom fishing stick for years to come.