Description
#This listing is for a custom, special-color item.
Product Specifications：
Length: 7 ft 6 in (Grip Joint)
Weight: 420 g (#1: 187 g / #2: 233 g)
Line: PE #8–10 (compatible up to PE #12)
Lure: 60–250 g
Product Introduction:
Designed for bluefin tuna exceeding 100 kg in the Tsugaru Strait, as well as large yellowfin tuna.
This powerful model is recommended for anglers seeking greater lifting power. It is designed for PE #10 line, with compatibility extending to PE #12.
Outstanding line flow and long-casting performance meet the demands of lure casting and stickbait presentations used to draw fish to the surface. The rod also allows anglers to maintain pressure on powerful fish throughout prolonged fights.
Built to handle bluefin tuna over 100 kg in the deep, powerful currents of the Tsugaru Strait.
(Since its release, the rod has been used to land two bluefin tuna exceeding 170 kg off the coast of Oma.)
The rod accommodates lures suited to a range of bait patterns, from sardine patterns to patterns involving large dolphinfish (mahi-mahi).
Its action is designed to withstand prolonged, high-load fights even in powerful currents. The strong butt section allows anglers to maintain pressure on turning bluefin tuna and lift them with confidence.
Compared with the WhiteInsight 7210, lifting power has been increased by approximately 120%.
The rod delivers the lifting speed and power needed for fights in strong currents, making it an excellent choice even for experienced anglers accustomed to high-pressure battles.
The rod length has also been extended by 4 inches to further improve casting distance.
Despite its increased power, the tip does not feel excessively stiff. Instead, it retains the same supple tip feel as the 7210.
The WhiteInsight 7610 is an aggressive, power-oriented model.
When fighting fish with a high drag setting, always remain focused on the fish's movements. If your fighting posture becomes unstable or the situation becomes dangerous, be prepared to remove the rod butt from your fighting belt immediately.
Safety must always come first.
Development History
As described in the development test report below, we began working with Captain Kikuchi of the charter fishing boat Steel in Hakodate in autumn 2020. He was given an early opportunity to test the WhiteInsight 7210, which was subsequently released.
Captain Kikuchi gave the rod high marks for line flow, casting distance, and handling. However, he also offered the following feedback:
"When fighting bluefin tuna over 100 kg in the powerful currents of the Tsugaru Strait, the rod may lack a little power for anglers who are experienced in these demanding fights."
Based on this feedback, we immediately began developing a new prototype: the WhiteInsight 7610.
Since the rod would primarily be used for surface-oriented lure presentations designed to draw fish up, long casting distance was essential. We extended the rod by 4 inches, carefully balancing the improved casting range against the need to conserve the angler's energy during prolonged fights.
Once Proto No. 1 was completed, one rod was sent to Steel in Hakodate for testing.
Maeda took the other prototype to various fishing grounds, including the Genkai Sea and the Goto Islands for yellowtail, as well as Tanegashima for GT. These field tests focused on casting performance and lure control. The guide layout and grip configuration both passed the tests.
Although no GT was landed during these trials, a yellowtail of approximately 10 kg was successfully caught. Fish of this size were not sufficient to fully evaluate the rod's maximum power. However, successfully drawing strikes and landing fish with pencil lures provided valuable confirmation of its handling and presentation capabilities.
We also reviewed footage on YouTube of a marlin (black marlin) caught off Yonaguni Island. Although fighting marlin differs from fighting bluefin tuna, we deliberately used a long rod for this challenge because certain aspects of managing physical stamina during extended fights are similar.
(The marlin fight ended quickly, so this session did not provide a meaningful test of stamina conservation during prolonged battles.)
After fighting two marlin, Maeda developed a positive impression of the rod's overall performance.
We then received a report from Captain Kikuchi.
After fighting powerful, energetic fish in cold-water conditions, including fish in the 60 kg class, Captain Kikuchi reported:
"Outstanding in every respect—casting distance, handling, and power!"
Following this feedback, the WhiteInsight 7610 was officially released.
Reels Used During Testing:
D brand: 20000
S brand: 18000 / 20000 / 20000 MAX
*The 30000 size can also be used.
Grip Specifications：
The EVA grips feature a slim profile throughout.
This design is made possible by using high-hardness EVA with excellent dimensional precision.
Reel Seat: DPS20LD UP
Grip: EVA. Please refer to the image above for dimensions.
Compared with the OceanSprinter 838/8110, the rear grip is approximately 20 mm longer. This configuration also accommodates specialized fighting belts designed for prolonged battles with tuna. The distance from the center of the reel foot to the end of the rod is approximately 505 mm.
As with the WhiteInsight 828/8010/7210, anglers who find the rear grip too long can shorten it by cutting the rod butt to their preferred length.
Recent customers have shortened the grip by approximately 20–50 mm. This service is available for an additional fee.
However, cutting the grip too short may compromise casting performance. We recommend using the rod first and carefully considering the adjustment before proceeding.
Recently, more anglers have requested aluminum gimbal installations to accommodate Black Magic fighting-belt systems for bluefin tuna casting.
However, as demonstrated by our fighting techniques during testing, we do not fight fish with the rod held vertically when the fish is directly beneath the boat.
For our recommended fighting style, a gimbal belt such as the TTBELT is sufficient, and an aluminum gimbal is not necessary.
Furthermore, because the rod butt is frequently inserted into and removed from the fighting belt during a fight, we recommend the standard BRC configuration.
(The rear grip length is also not specifically designed for use with the Black Magic system.)
Guide Specifications：
All guides feature stainless-steel MNSG guides, delivering outstanding strength and reliability.
Guide and Thread Specifications
Guides: All stainless steel
PMNST16 / PMNSG16 / PMNSG20 / PMNSG25 / PMNSG30 / PMNSG40
As this is a TUNA model designed for battling tuna, prolonged fights are expected.
Stainless-steel guides are used to withstand the continuous loads and repeated impacts encountered during extended fights, providing dependable durability under demanding conditions.
For the 7210, 8210, 7610, and 7415 models, which are expected to handle higher loads and longer fights, additional finishing work has been applied to ensure the thread coating fits more tightly against the guide feet.
All guides feature underwrapping.
To improve casting feel, the underwraps have been kept as narrow as possible.
Casting accounts for much of the time spent in casting games, and every cast matters. To ensure casting distance never becomes a source of frustration, we pay close attention to line flow and have refined the guide setup through extensive field testing.
Product Video：
