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~Carry On the Legacy~ Fully supervised by Ichiro Sato! The ‘SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT’ casting rod, designed exclusively for tuna fishing

A state-of-the-art tuna casting rod that embodies Ichiro Sato’s tuna theory. Named ‘DOGFIGHT’ (meaning: a one-on-one battle), this rod is, as the name suggests, designed with single-fish fights in mind; its meticulously crafted blank realises Sato’s fighting style of ‘bending to capture’ through a supple taper and formidable resilience. Furthermore, by fusing Ichiro Sato’s expertise with DAIWA Technology, the rod has significantly enhanced the casting distance required for modern tuna fishing. BREAK YOUR RECORD – we hope you’ll land a memorable catch with this rod.

DAIWA Technology

ESS (Expert Sense Simulation)
When a rod bends, energy (restorative force) is generated that causes it to try to return to its original position in the opposite direction. This is the ‘strain energy’ generated by the deformed (strained) blank as it attempts to return to its original state, and it is a crucial factor that determines the rod’s performance. DAIWA has independently developed a system for analysing and designing ‘strain energy’. This not only enables us to clearly identify, in numerical terms, ‘where the rod excels’ and ‘where it falls short’, but also allows us to incorporate the intuitive sensibilities of anglers into the design process, bringing the rod ever closer to meeting anglers’ expectations.
HVF Carbon
When it comes to carbon sheets—which have the greatest influence on rod performance—DAIWA has focused not only on enhancing the elasticity of the carbon fibres themselves, but also on the amount of resin used to bind them together. ‘High-Density HVF Carbon’, which reduces the amount of resin—which could be described as ‘excess’—and instead increases the density of the carbon fibres, is more muscular and powerful. It is the ideal material for rods designed to prioritise stickiness and strength.
X45 FULL SHIELD
The X45 FULL SHIELD construction utilises a 45° carbon bias weave, applied from the outermost layer—where it is most effective—at the tip of the blank, the area most prone to twisting during actions such as casting, retrieving, hooking and fighting. This dramatically improves torsional rigidity, enabling greater casting accuracy than ever before and allowing the Rod to deliver its full potential.
V-JOINTα
The V-JOINT α was developed by utilising a high-strength nano-alloy in the joint sections and applying DAIWA’s proprietary precision machining technology, thereby evolving the V-JOINT to be even stronger, lighter and with a smoother bend. For rods with a large number of sections, this makes it possible to shorten the joint sections, contributing to both strength and lightness.

Product Details

Design
A colour scheme combining black—Ichiro Sato’s signature colour—with SALTIGA Blue.
By skilfully blending threads in shades between silver and black with the various lettering styles, a deep, stylish look is achieved.
A message from Ichiro Sato to anglers
‘If you can’t find a way, create one.’
~If there is no path ahead, then create one yourself~
Blank
A thick, resilient and powerful blank, essential for a tuna casting rod. It ensures long casting distances whilst reducing the physical strain during prolonged fights. Even when facing large tuna boasting immense power, it enables anglers to employ the ‘fighting with the rod upright’ technique championed by Ichiro Sato.
RV Guide
The rod guides feature RV guides that allow the line to pass through smoothly. The setup is designed to minimise tangles, even with thick line. Silver and black are used for the intermediate thread to give it a subtle, understated look.
Rod Butt: Name and Number Engraving
Metal ring at the Rod Butt, engraved with ‘BREAK YOUR RECORD’

Item Overview

items Description
84-6 A model designed primarily for medium-sized bluefin tuna and yellowfin tuna, using PE5–6 line.
The blank, which feels surprisingly light for its power, eliminates wobble during casting and truly comes into its own when targeting finicky feeding frenzies.
With a flexible tip that handles everything from topwater lures to sinking Pencils with ease, combined with robust Rod Butt power, it delivers overwhelming casting distance.
78-8 A short-length model designed to handle bluefin tuna and large yellowfin tuna towards the end of the season.
The 7.8ft length, which further enhances fighting performance, reduces physical strain even more compared to the 81-8 in the same power class.
A versatile short-power model suitable for both bluefin and yellowfin tuna.
81-8 A rod designed for bluefin tuna in situations requiring long casting distances, as well as for large yellowfin tuna towards the end of the season.
When the pressure mounts and the bait ball begins to sink rapidly, this is the rod to use.
By combining an 8.1ft length with a low-modulus blank, it achieves a high-level balance between casting distance and fighting performance.
A versatile power rod suitable for both bluefin and yellowfin tuna.
76-10 The standard power model for bluefin tuna fishing.
The 7.6ft length strikes a perfect balance between casting distance and fighting performance, offering an outstanding feel in any situation.
For bluefin tuna casting, where a wide variety of sizes, areas and situations are possible, this is the ultimate rod you’ll want to have with you at all times.
72-12 A high-power short model designed to take the fight to super-large tuna, with fighting performance pushed to the absolute limit.
The resilient blank positions the bending pivot point closer to the Rod Butt than in other models when the Rod is held upright, enabling Ichirō’s signature style of ‘high-load fighting with the Rod held upright’ to be executed at an even higher level.
The 7.2ft length—which is not too short—makes it easier to manoeuvre around obstacles such as handrails, the bow and the FUNE, contributing to a more aggressive fight.
67-15 A specialist model designed to take on the as-yet-unseen super-large bluefin tuna.
This model, which pushes fighting performance to the absolute limit, features a special specification: an ultra-short length of 6.7ft combined with a one-piece construction.
Designed with the capture of super-large specimens—which necessitate prolonged fights—in mind, it maximises overwhelming strength, formidable resilience and reduced physical strain to the utmost.
A special rod designed to prevail in a life-and-death struggle against as-yet-unseen, super-large bluefin tuna.
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Impressions of Ichiro Sato

The reason we came to develop the SALTIGA C DF (DOG FIGHT) in collaboration with DAIWA was that they approached us, saying they wanted to revamp their tuna casting rods to complement the 25SALTIGA, and that, as DAIWA, they wished to focus seriously on tuna casting and sought our cooperation. 　The name ‘DOGFIGHT’ had already been decided upon when the request came in. ‘DOGFIGHT’ is the name of a limited-edition SALTIGA model specifically designed for tuna and marlin Casting. I’d used the black SALTIGA DOGFIGHT to the limit, and I’ve grown quite attached to it. A major factor in my decision to accept the offer was that, having been chosen to create their top-of-the-range Rod, I felt a duty to live up to their expectations, given our long-standing relationship. Initially, I did mention that it would feel completely different from any previous DAIWA Rods. Nevertheless, I recall the representative conveying their passionate desire to break out of DAIWA’s mould and take the brand to the next level, and I felt a strong desire to respond to that passion. Of course, we (SOULS) also make tuna casting rods. So, there may be some concern that the two ranges might overlap, but although they are both tuna rods, the materials used, the action and the length are all different for DAIWA and SOULS. They are completely distinct products.

Thoroughly pursued the perfect balance of stickiness, lift, sensitivity and lightness

If I had to sum up this SALTIGA C DF in a single phrase, I’d call it a ‘proper’ tuna casting rod. It’s true that there are plenty of rods out there labelled as ‘tuna casting rods’ that merely look sturdy, but in reality, many of them lack sufficient strength or haven’t been properly tested. However, with this SALTIGA C DF, we’ve gone all out. If you ask what aspects we’ve focused on, the answer is: everything. We’ve been utterly meticulous about the very essence of what a true tuna casting rod should be. The elements absolutely essential for a tuna casting rod are stickiness, lifting power, sensitivity and lightness. In theory, manufacturers might say similar things about any rod. But take lifting power, for example. Many rods fail to strike the right balance—they haven’t properly assessed just how much is actually needed. It’s not simply a case of ‘if it has lifting power, that’s enough’, nor does having lifting power automatically make it the best tuna casting rod. You might be able to make a strong rod, but it’s not just a matter of ‘the stronger, the better’. Nor is it simply a case of ‘the lighter, the better’. Similarly, there’s the question of just how much sensitivity is actually required. 　Ultimately, it’s all about striking the right balance between all these elements. In this respect, the answers you arrive at are completely different depending on whether you’re seriously into tuna casting or not. To truly understand what balance means, you simply cannot do without experience—or rather, without having fished with real dedication. To put it simply regarding the SALTIGA C DF, I’ve poured all the know-how I’ve cultivated over the years into this DAIWA Rod. I’ve poured the same expertise into the 25SALTIGA as well. Given that the reel has reached this level, I also wanted anglers to fish using this Rod-and-reel combination. Of course, at SOULS, we’ve always taken our time to carry out thorough development and testing. I think it’s fair to say that, outside of SOULS, this is the first Rod we’ve developed with such meticulous attention to detail. That’s why I can confidently declare that it is a Rod of the very highest calibre.

It is a great pleasure to have been able to take part in such a challenging project

Let’s touch on the differences between these rods and the SOULS range. In terms of specifications, there are rods in the No. 6, No. 8, No. 10 and No. 12 classes, and each rod has a different length. There is no overlap whatsoever. However, in terms of action, the two are extremely similar. To be more precise, the SOULS rods are designed to have slightly less stickiness. They may also be slightly sturdier. The SALTIGA C DF, on the other hand, feels like a rod with slightly higher sensitivity and tension. I also think the casting feel is excellent. However, these differences are subtle. Whilst the differences are stark when compared to rods from other manufacturers, the differences between these two are quite minor. With the SALTIGA C DF, my hope is that as many people as possible—a wide range of anglers—will be able to experience my ‘philosophy’, so to speak. It’s a rod that can be used by a wide range of anglers, from beginners to advanced. SOULS rods, on the other hand, might be described as being geared more towards advanced anglers. Some people might feel that SOULS rods don’t allow them to follow through fully when casting. However, I believe anyone can easily follow through with the SALTIGA C DF. That’s because we’ve reduced the stickiness just a little to enhance lightness, tension and sensitivity, with the aim of making it easier to cast. I also think its user-friendliness is evident in how easy it is to set the hook and how clearly you can sense the Fish’s movements. What struck me most whilst collaborating with DAIWA on a Rod for the first time was just how much of a ‘challenger’ spirit the staff possess. Their desire to break out of their comfort zones was incredible. They took on all sorts of challenges, even going so far as to change company rules to make it happen. It’s much the same with reel manufacturing; there’s great satisfaction in being involved in challenging projects aimed at creating high-quality products. The range comprises four items, covering everything from yellowfin tuna to monster-class bluefin tuna. Even in the ‘light class’, we haven’t compromised on lifting power or breaking strength. I believe they’ll stand up to a great deal of use. As for the light-class items, I think they’d be well-suited for casting for yellowtail amberjack. The heavier items are, of course, designed for monster-class fish. I’d love to see anglers give it their all when competing for these.

‘If you can’t find a way, create one.’
~If there is no path ahead, then create one yourself~

Gallery

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VIDEO

Release Month

April 2026 = 78–8, 67–15

Product Specifications

DESCRIPTION Overall length (m) Number of sections Packed dimensions (cm) Standard weight (g) Tip / Bottom diameter (mm) Lure weight (g) Suitable line: PE (No. – m) Carbon content (%)
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 84-6 2.54 2 187 370 2.9/19.8 MAX130 MAX6 67
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 78-8 2.34 2 162 370 3.0/19.8 MAX160 MAX8 65
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 81-8 2.46 2 175 390 3.0/19.8 MAX160 MAX8 68
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 76-10 2.29 2 155 390 3.4/19.8 MAX200 MAX10 65
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 72-12 2.18 2 142 390 3.7/19.8 MAX230 MAX12 73
SALTIGA C DOGFIGHT 67-15 2.01 1 201 365 3.7/16.9 MAX270 MAX15 71
  • The manufacturer's suggested retail price is listed excluding tax.
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*The reel seat size for this product is DPS 18–20.
*Please note that this cannot be fitted to the 10 and 15 SALTIGA 6500 series, the 12 and 16 CATALINA 6500 series, or the 23 BG SW 18000.

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