Ian Golds International Match (FX) Rod

I received my Ian Golds International Match (FX) Rod from EastCoastTackle today and have to say that I have hugely impressed with the build quality of the rod. I got the FS model which is built with fuji low riders (I find them great when there is a strong wind about as it elimates the line wrap you can get with standard rings) Reel seat again is Fuji which locks the reel down firmly.

The rod fits together great aswell. The action of the rods would suit most kinds of fishing apart from the roughest of ground and possibly flicking maddies into the surf. There are other rods in the range to cover these options. I think I will definately get another rod from this range probably the premier match for fishing in the surf and estuaries for flounder. Great prices aswell €200 for the International match.

i have the rod too and i love it

i have the same rod and its worth every penny. all the best with it.

Totally agree, I have the multi version fantastic rod and a steal at the price!

Anyone tried the Premier Match?

I have recently purchased the Ian gold's international match (fx) rod from East Coast tackle.
its first outing was the open shore league in Cheek Point and I must say I was very impressed, for rod of only 22mm diameter it handled 6oz of lead and 3 large baits with ease, the bite detection was good and it had no problem hauling treble codling over the rough ground.
Now all I have to do is learn to cast straight with a fixed spool set up sorry Joe.

You should get lessions, You could kill two birds with the one stone and get your casting with your multiplier straightened up too.

I must start casting off centre so, it obviously dosnt do any harrm

My mate Gar has the International Match f/s and loves it, had a few casts with it myself and was impressed with the distance out of it! I got the supermatch extra f/s a few weeks ago and love it, an overhead cast sends a lead a long way, For me it works best with 5 & 6 oz with little difference in distance between the two, and I would have no hesitation putting a 7oz on it in stronger winds etc.
A great all round rod in my opinion!

ive the premier match and love it,it has landed everything from flounder to smoothhounds and handled everything easy! the bite detection is great,best suited for 4-5oz leads.

Thanks for the replies, I have a Super Match Xtra and Premier Match on their way next week.

Anyone tried the Premier Match?

Hi John, I have the premier match and have used it constantly for a year as my main rod, and to be honest it is a pleasure of a rod to use, ideal for light rigs in the surf for match fishing, but also good for whacking out big baits, the main difference with this rod is the bite detection, I can only compare it to my spinning rods, that's how sensitive it is, but don't let it fool you for one second, there is a lot of pulling power behind the rod, easily lifts ray into double figures off the bottom with a pulling current (fenit pier with a 17lbs 15oz undulate ray to be exact), matched with a 525 supermag extra I found this to be the ideal combination.
I'll definitely be using this rod for competitions when a variety of techniques will be needed whether flicking baits into the surf or throwing pulley rigs to distance.
I only started back into using my zzippy profile the last couple of sessions and there is a fair difference between them even though they look alike.. the only thing the profile has that I don't find in the premier is a stronger backbone for casting seriously big baits out to distance (7oz lead with half mackerel fillet), but sure you cant have everything in one rod can you

That's nice to hear. I was only really planning on using it for clean beach/estuary fishing for flats, bass etc.. with softbaits such as crab, lug and maddies, but if the rod can stand up to a little more then all the better.Have the Super Match xtra on order aswell.

Not 100% sure what the story is with their availability in the medium to long term. Hope they will be as its nice to have a few of a rod you like. From what I understand there should be no reasons why these blanks could not be available but maybe with a different badge.

That's nice to hear. I was only really planning on using it for clean beach/estuary fishing for flats, Bass etc.. with softbaits such as crab, lug and maddies, but if the rod can stand up to a little more then all the better.Have the Super Match xtra on order aswell.

Not 100% sure what the story is with their availability in the medium to long term. Hope they will be as its nice to have a few of a rod you like. From what I understand there should be no reasons why these blanks could not be available but maybe with a different badge.

Hi John ,
I just read your thread , ( posted similar to your's !!) and think you you feel the same as me.It's finaly quality at an affordable price .Regardless of the badge these rods are fantastic value for money , hopefully coupled with a good distributer such as Eastcoast tackle they will have a long futue