Shimano Catana GX Spinning Tele 1.65m 1-11g 5pc

Shimano Catana GX Spinning Tele 1.65m 1-11g

Experience the ultimate in ultra-light portability with the Shimano Catana GX Spinning Telescopic 1.65m. At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that some of the most exciting fishing happens in the tightest spots—tiny overgrown streams, urban canal pockets, or rock pools. This 1.65m (approx. 5ft 5in) model is the “micro-finesse” specialist of the range, offering an incredibly agile, featherweight setup for the angler who treats every bridge, culvert, and stream bend as a potential hotspot.

Despite its diminutive size, this is a serious performance tool built on a Full Carbon blank with Shimano’s Diaflash reinforcement. This technology prevents the blank from twisting under load, ensuring that even this ultra-light rod has the structural integrity to cast accurately and control fish in confined spaces. With a 1-11g casting weight, it is specifically tuned for micro-lures, tiny jigs, and small spinners, providing a level of sensitivity that is rare in a telescopic format.

Fitted with premium Fuji Stainless Steel K-Type guides and a classic cork handle, the 1.65m Catana GX is a high-performance wand that fits easily into a daypack or even a glove box, ensuring you are always ready for a spontaneous session.

Detailed Specifications

Where to Use

• Small Stream Stalking: The ultra-short 1.65m length is a massive advantage on small, overgrown brooks. You can perform “flick” and “pitch” casts under low-hanging branches where a longer rod would be impossible to use.

• Urban Finesse (Street Fishing): Ideal for targeting perch and zander in city canals and basins. The compact size allows you to move discreetly and quickly between spots, fitting easily into a rucksack for travel on public transport.

• Light Rock Fishing (LRF): Perfect for targeting species like gobies, blennies, and small pollack in harbor walls and rock pools. The Fuji guides are built to handle the salt and thin-diameter braided lines.

• The “Lunch Break” Session: Because it fits discreetly in a backpack or car boot, it’s the perfect tool for a quick 30-minute session when you spot a rising fish or a “fishy” looking slack.

Pro Tip

Gerry’s Pro Tip: Balance is everything when fishing with lures as light as 1g. Pair this rod with a 500 or 1000 size Shimano reel to keep the center of gravity low and the sensitivity high. Because the rod is so short, you can use “darting” motions with your wrist to give your soft plastics a realistic action. Always keep the protective tip cap on when moving between spots; an ultra-light telescopic tip is delicate and deserves the extra protection!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it strong enough for a decent fish?

Yes. While it is an ultra-light rod, the Diaflash reinforcement in the butt section provides surprising pulling power. If you hook a “bonus” pike or a large trout, the moderate-fast action will cushion the lunges, allowing the blank to absorb the pressure and protect your light line.

Can I use braid with this rod?

Absolutely. Shimano has fitted this rod with Fuji K-Type guides. These are specifically designed to handle the friction of modern braids and feature a “tangle-free” design that helps prevent those annoying tip-wraps that often occur with ultra-light lines and wind.

What is the benefit of the VSS-style reel seat?

The VSS reel seat is designed to be slim and ergonomic, allowing your hand to stay in closer contact with the rod blank. This significantly improves sensitivity, helping you feel the “thrum” of a micro-spinner or the subtle “pluck” of a perch.

How do I prevent the sections from jamming?

Always extend the rod from the tip section first, gently pulling each joint until it’s snug. Never “flick” the rod open with a whip-like motion. After a session in saltwater or a dusty environment, wipe each section with a damp cloth before collapsing it to prevent grit from scoring the carbon.