Mid Stream model
Mid-river native trout spinning rods covering minnows and spoons in main-stem runs
The Mid Stream model belongs to the Finetail Begins (FFB) series, Major Craft's entry into native trout fishing, and fits anglers fishing mid-sized rivers and main-stem (hon-ryu) trout habitat in Japan. Primary species are yamame, amago, iwana, and rainbow trout in the 30 cm and above size range living in faster, deeper runs and pools. The angler profile is someone stepping up from small-stream ultralight fishing or wanting a single rod to handle varied mid-river scenarios.
The blank features a taper optimized for PE line use, which improves castability and reduces hookoff rate by keeping the blank compliant during a running fish. Fuji stainless K-frame guides are fitted in a dense multi-guide spacing to improve bite transmission and reduce line trouble. The reel seat uses natural wood combined with metal fittings, a design aesthetic that matches the series' mid-upper price positioning (20,350-22,660 yen tax-in). All four models are spinning-only, two-piece.
The lineup pairs two power classes (L and ML) with two lengths each. L-power models (622L, 722L) cover 2-12 g on 3-8 lb and address minnow and small-spoon work in moderate current. ML-power models (6112ML, 762ML) handle 3-18 g on 6-12 lb for deep-diving minnows and heavier sinking lures in larger, faster water. Within each power class a shorter compact option (6'2"/6'11") and a longer reach model (7'2"/7'6") are available.
Shaded band: the spread of the lineup's 4 models, as percentile rank among same-type rods. Solid line = series median · dashed ring = catalog median.
- Models
- 4 spinning
- Length
- 6'2"–7'6" 1.88–2.29 m
- Power
- L–ML
- Action
- RF
- Line
- 3–12 lb
- Lure
- 1/16–5/8 oz 2–18 g
Rods in this series
4 models| Save | Model | Length | Power | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FFB-622L | 6'2" | L | Buy from Major Craft | |
| FFB-6112ML | 6'11" | ML | Buy from Major Craft | |
| FFB-722L | 7'2" | L | Buy from Major Craft | |
| FFB-762ML | 7'6" | ML | Buy from Major Craft |
Model notes
All 4 modelsCompact 6'2" L-power model versatile across 4-7 cm minnows and spoons up to 12 g. Handles fish above 30 cm with reserve butt power while the delicate tip allows refined presentations. Suits both confined upper reaches and open mid-river stretches.
6'11" ML model for structure fishing in mid-to-main river zones with restricted backcast space. Handles deep-diving and heavy-sinking minnows up to 18 g. Suited for made for large fish holding in deep runs and current seams.
7'2" L model for technical game fishing in prime season. The longer blank works 7 cm class minnows around feeding zones in strong current and follows fast-running trout through rapids, reducing hook pulls with a compliant tip section.
7'6" ML model suited to lake-mouth and main-stem fishing. Covers 5-8 cm minnows and spoons to 18 g; the length aids downstream presentations and covering wide strike zones. Butt power addresses unexpected large fish.