The Ultimate Softbaiting Combo
Shimano - 24 VANFORD C3000XG + Assassin - Supernova 77MH Softbait Rod Softbaiting Combo
What's included

Rod
Assassin - Supernova 77MH Softbait Rod

Reel
Shimano - 24 VANFORD C3000XG

Line
XBRAID - UPGRADE X8 PENTAGRAM
300m / 1.5 (30lb)
About this combo
This ready-to-fish softbaiting combo pairs the Assassin Supernova 77MH rod with the Shimano 24 Vanford C3000XG reel and XBRAID Upgrade X8 Pentagram line — three components selected to work in sync for serious softbait fishing.
Rod: Assassin - Supernova 77MH Softbait Rod
The Supernova 77MH is a dedicated softbait rod built for working lures with precision and detecting subtle strikes. At 7'7" in a Medium-Heavy power rating, it delivers the backbone to handle hard-running fish while keeping enough tip sensitivity to animate soft plastics naturally. It's a purpose-built tool for inshore and light offshore softbaiting applications.
Reel: Shimano - 24 VANFORD C3000XG
The 2024 Vanford C3000XG is built on Shimano's lightweight Magnesium CI4+ frame, delivering exceptional rigidity without the weight penalty. The XG gear ratio provides an ultra-fast retrieve, ideal for quickly recovering slack and maintaining lure contact during softbaiting. Smooth HAGANE gearing and Shimano's X-SHIP technology ensure consistent power transmission under load.
Line: XBRAID - UPGRADE X8 PENTAGRAM
The XBRAID Upgrade X8 Pentagram is an 8-carrier braid engineered with a pentagram cross-section for a tighter, rounder profile that flows smoothly through guides and minimises wind knots. The high PE braid construction delivers superior sensitivity and minimal stretch — critical for detecting the light takes common in softbaiting. Its surface smoothness also reduces guide friction for improved casting distance.
Together, these three components form a balanced, high-performance softbaiting setup suited to anglers who demand precision and reliability. Add the combo to your cart and hit the water ready to fish.
What's in this combo
Everything you need to know about each piece of gear
Rod
Assassin - Supernova 77MH Softbait Rod
Assassin
The Assassin Supernova 7'7" Medium Heavy spinning rod is engineered for anglers who demand precision and high performance. Built with a next-gen Nano Hex Carbon blank, it balances lightness and strength to provide exceptional sensitivity and durability. Featuring a twin taper design with a thick base and super-thin tip, it delivers enhanced sensitivity for accurate lure presentations and effective hook sets. Outfitted with Fuji Concept Alconite guides for smooth line flow and a minimalist exposed-blank grip, the Supernova is the ultimate rod for softbaiting. Nano Hex Carbon blank – lightweight, strong, and highly sensitive. Twin taper design – thick base with thin tip for superior bite detection and control. Fuji Concept Alconite guides – smooth, tangle-free line flow and durability. Minimalist EVA grip with exposed blank – maximum feel and precision. Medium Heavy power rating – versatile for a wide range of inshore applications. 2-piece construction – portable without sacrificing performance. Spec Detail Length 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m) Power Rating Medium Heavy Casting Weight 7–28g Line Rating (Mono) 8–15 lb Line Rating (Braid) PE 0.8–1.2 (10–15 lb) Blank Construction Nano Hex Carbon, twin taper design Guides Fuji Concept Alconite Grip Minimalist EVA with exposed blank Sections 2-piece
Reel
Shimano - 24 VANFORD C3000XG
Shimano
The Shimano 24 Vanford C3000XG redefines finesse and fast-retrieval performance for New Zealand anglers. Built with an ultra-lightweight CI4+ body and the cutting-edge MagnumLite rotor, this spinning reel provides unmatched sensitivity and instantaneous rotational response. Whether you are softbaiting for hard-hitting Snapper in the shallows or chasing light pelagics along the coast, the refined Infinity Xross gear design ensures long-lasting durability and smooth power transfer under load. MagnumLite Rotor – Drastically reduces rotational inertia for instant hooksets and unmatched lure control. CI4+ Construction – Delivers a feather-light yet incredibly rigid frame that eliminates body flex during tough fights. Infinity Xross Gearing – Distributes load across a wider gear tooth surface for enhanced durability and silky-smooth retrieves. Infinity Drive – Reduces main shaft friction to allow effortless winding, even when battling heavy drag loads. X-Protect Technology – Provides high-level water resistance to the roller clutch and line roller for harsh saltwater environments. High-Speed Retrieve – The 6.4:1 gear ratio retrieves 94cm of line per crank, perfect for staying tight to fast-swimming target species. Specification Detail Weight 180g Gear Ratio 6.4:1 Max Drag 9kg Retrieve Per Crank 94cm Bearings 7/1 PE Line Capacity PE1/400m, PE1.5/270m, PE2/200m
Line
XBRAID - UPGRADE X8 PENTAGRAM
300m / 1.5 (30lb)
XBRAID
XBRAID – Upgrade X8 Pentagram is a premium 8-strand PE braid engineered in Japan for anglers who demand maximum strength, sensitivity, and line control. Built using YGK’s advanced WX braiding technology and Ultra 2 PE fibres, it delivers ultra-low stretch, a tight line body, and exceptional durability for both inshore and offshore fishing. Ultra 2 PE fibres – Approximately 40% higher maximum strength than standard spectra braids YGK WX braiding technology – Ultra-tight weave for minimal stretch and superior sensitivity 8-strand construction – Smooth, round profile for long casting and quiet guide travel Hard-coated finish – Resists abrasion, tangles, and water absorption Pentagram colour system – Five colours with 20cm marks every 2mtrs for precise depth control Versatile PE range – Ideal for softbaiting, slow jigging, micro jigging, and light jig work PE Rating Test Strength Diameter PE0.4 10lb (4.5kg) — PE0.6 14lb (6.3kg) 0.128mm PE0.8 16lb (7.3kg) 0.148mm PE1.0 22lb (10kg) 0.165mm PE1.5 30lb (13.5kg) 0.205mm PE2.0 40lb (18kg) 0.235mm PE3.0 50lb (25kg) 0.285mm