Tenryu Injection SP 80 M 2ES “Minnow”

At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that technical lure fishing is often won or lost on the “action.” While many rods can throw a lure, few can truly animate one. The Tenryu Injection SP 80 M 2ES, specifically nicknamed the “Minnow,” is a surgical tool designed for the angler who lives and breathes hard-lure tactics. Whether you are “twitching” a Megabass Vision OneTen through a tidal rip or “ripping” a DUO Tide Minnow along a rocky edge, this rod provides the crisp, responsive feedback required to turn a plastic lure into a lifelike baitfish.

Measuring exactly 8’ 0” (2.44m), this rod hits the “sweet spot” for versatility. It is long enough to provide the leverage needed for impressive distance from the shore, yet short enough to remain nimble for the downward “snap” of the rod tip required for jerkbait fishing. The 2ES designation means it breaks down into two equal sections, solving the transport headaches of older offset models while maintaining that signature Tenryu “electric” sensitivity through the high-modulus carbon blank.

Technical Precision for Hard Lure Specialists

The 10-28g casting rating is perfectly tuned for the most successful lures in the Bass angler’s arsenal. Most high-end jerkbaits and minnows weigh between 14g and 24g; the SP 80 M is built to load effortlessly in this bracket. The action is fast and “nervous,” meaning the blank recovers instantly after a twitch, ensuring you have total control over the lure’s erratic “darting” action. This responsiveness also translates into incredible bite detection—on this rod, you don’t just feel the hit; you feel the fish “thinking” about it.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Estuary Mouths & Tidal Rips: The 8ft length is perfect for working jerkbaits through fast-moving water, allowing you to “steer” the lure into the strike zone.

• Pier & Harbor Walls: Its nimble nature makes it ideal for fishing from elevated positions where you need to point the rod tip down to the water to keep the lure submerged.

• Shallow Reefs & Gullies: Excellent for “prospecting” with shallow-running minnows, providing the accuracy needed to cast right into the white water.

• Freshwater Zander & Large Perch: While designed for Bass, this is a world-class rod for “twitching” hard baits on big reservoirs for oversized freshwater predators.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“To get the best out of the ‘Minnow,’ you need to avoid ‘over-powering’ the tip. When working a jerkbait like a Vision OneTen, use a ‘slack-line’ snap. Twitch the rod tip and then immediately return it toward the lure to create slack; this is what allows the lure to dart 180 degrees. Because this Tenryu is so responsive, you only need tiny movements to get massive action. My ideal setup for this rod is a 3000-sized reel and a thin, 8-strand 0.8 or 1.0 PE braid. This keeps the weight down and allows the rod to feel like a natural extension of your arm.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this rod too short for beach fishing?

Not at all. While 9ft rods are popular on open beaches, 8ft is often preferred by technical anglers because it is much easier to impart action to the lure. The SP 80 M still casts a 20g minnow an incredible distance thanks to the blank’s recovery speed.

Can I use soft plastics on this rod?

Yes, it is very capable with soft plastics, especially for “straight retrieve” paddletails. However, the blank is specifically tuned for the resistance of hard lures. If you spend 90% of your time bottom-bouncing soft plastics, you might prefer the slightly softer tip of the SP 82 MH.

What is the ‘2ES’ benefit?

Many premium Japanese rods come in a “1+1” configuration (a long tip and a short handle). While this is great for action, it’s a nightmare to fit in a car. The 2ES (Equal Strands) version gives you the same elite performance but breaks down to roughly 1.25m, fitting into almost any car boot or standard rod bag.

Why the ‘Minnow’ nickname?

In the Tenryu range, “Minnow” refers to the rod’s optimization for slender, hard-plastic “minnow” style lures. The guide spacing and blank taper are designed to work with the specific drag and weight distribution of these lures, making them easier to cast and more effective in the water.