I have been fishing Phenix rods for over 10 years and I have a lot to say about these rods. Keep in mind I fish these rods mostly in Saltwater.

When I bought my first Phenix blank (965) I couldn't believe how affordable it was ($60 over 10 years ago and the price today still $60). I was skeptical about the rods strength at first but I was determined to try it. After buying the blank I went home and wrapped it and had it on the drying rack that afternoon. The following morning I was out on the water with it and was very pleased with the performance but only time would tell if it would be strong enough to last. Well 12 years have past and the rod has been with me on almost every trip since. I've used it everywhere including local boats (where I do most of my fishing), multiday tuna trips, overnight, kayaking, and some freshwater.

I will be the first to tell you that I am very hard on my tackle and I beat the rod to hell over the years. It's been jammed in to a countless number of walls/ceilings, It's been involved in many sword fights at the rail, slammed into rails/decks/other anglers who where in the way, been through several truck door closed on it incidents, Stepped on a couple times, and it's been through more than a couple hard kayak landings. A few of which involved hard landings in heavy surf on the rocks (ouch). Including one landing which snapped a Lamaglass in three pieces. The rods were strapped together with the Lamiglass a total loss however the old phenix suffered no damage from the landing. The fact that this rod is still in one piece after all this abuse just amazes me. Not to mention all the abuse I've put my other phenixes through with out any breaks so far.

Last season after I used my original 965 to catch a jackpot fish I began to think about all jackpots the rod had caught for me over the years. I wasn't sure if it would make it another season so I decided it was time to gather some of pictures of the catches it made over the years for the showcase. I retired it to my personal tackle hall of fame collection where it will join the ranks of the tady jig that has caught me over 50 yellows, the plastic worm which caught my largest LMB to date (12lbs @ my neighborhood park), my grandfathers bass plugs, and some old school reels. The first rod to make it in to my tackle hall of fame by the way.


Needless to say I bought several phenix's over the years. I have fished most the high end rods on the market and phenix is my favorite hands down. Calstars are also excellent in qaulity and strength but they are designed for mostly saltwater or heavier tackle fishing.
I don't believe for a second that Phenix's are Loomis seconds. Phenix has made rods for Loomis in the past and I don't doubt that Phenix will stand up to if not beat the qaulity of any Loomis rod. About 90% of Phenix Rods go over seas to Japan where the standards for qaulity and craftsmanship are higher than those here. I was told by one of the guys at Phenix that they had been happy with the overseas business and they were not too concerned with making it a point to target the markets here. It shows in their lack of advertisement. When was the last time you saw an add for phenix. Chances are never. They are a word of mouth product. There are only a few vendors who carry phenix localy but if you go to a bass tournament you'll see plenty of Pros using Phenix Rods.

The staff at Phenix has always been very helpful and provided me with excellent service. I was suprised when I read the about the trouble with the rod return. Based on my experiences with this company I am confident that it will work out. I would recommend these rods to anyone who is the market for a high performance rod with the strength to match. See you on the water.