Gear Review: Lew’s Mark Zona Spinning Rods

WHAT IS IT?

Lew’s Mark Zona Spinning Rods

WHAT SETS IT APART?

He’s not only the host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show and The Bassmasters on FS1, Mark Zona’s also a top-tier angler whose solid background provided the expert insight Lew’s needed to build a quartet of spinning rods designed to cover wide ranges of light line techniques. Blending comfort with solidity, all are made with proprietary FOCAS blank technology, a multilayered graphite blank production process that significantly enhances tip strength and blank durability.

HOW DO I USE IT?

With a lineup including the 6-foot, 10-inch Shakey Head; 7-foot All-Purpose; 7-foot, 2-inch Tube Crackin’ Special; and 7-foot, 4-inch Power Finesse models, these medium, extra-fast rods include eight stainless steel guides with SEAGUIDE RA Premium Aluminum Oxide inserts plus the tip. WINN’S polymer Dry-Tac ULTRA split-grip handle and Dry-Tac Palm Swell Grip help ensure optimal rod control for casting and fish-fighting efficiency, along with all-day comfort in any conditions.

HOW MUCH?

$189.99 to $199.99

MORE INFORMATION: 

Lews.com

ANGLER’S INSIGHT: 

Noting his disdain for missed bites, Zona said he stressed sensitivity during the Lew’s R&D process, but balanced that expectation with the importance of sufficient backbone. Specializing in northern smallmouth, Zona knows the importance of subtle, convincing presentations, but when the big brown one’s bite, you really need to put the brakes on them. A big piece of the sensitivity design is the BARE reel seat with G Clutch technology. A nice touch is the stainless-steel keeper positioned on the lower end that handily holds wacky hooks and shaky heads just as easily as a drop-shot leader.