New to TFO Rods is an addition to the Centra Bass lineup: the Black Label 704 - 7'0" Medium Casting, a limited-edition collaboration rod with Bassmaster Classic Champion Cliff Pace and his American-made lure company, Black Label Tackle.

The Black Label 704 combines high-modulus and low-modulus material in the blank, offering a unique moderate action perfect for fishing crankbaits and jerk baits. This particular rod has been in the works for several years and, in some ways, is a revival (and enhancement) of Cliff's debut TFO rod series, the Pacemaker - specifically, the Pacemaker 704.

"For the past six years, I've really cherished my Pacemaker 704 rod. After using it extensively for crankbaits, jerkbaits, and other small lures, I've realized there's no other rod that compares for my needs. Unfortunately, the Pacemaker went out of production eight years ago, and I've relied on just a few that I have left, which have helped me catch thousands of bass.

Jim and I have been working for several years to recreate this rod, facing challenges with the three key aspects of rod design: action, power, and speed. We aimed to combine a high modulus blank for comfort with an old-school, slower action. After many prototypes, I finally found a design I love and used it in my first two Elite Series tournaments without any issues. I'm excited to have this rod back and available for others!" - Cliff Pace

Using a moderate action rod for crankbaits has several advantages. It loads slowly, giving fish more time to take the bait, and allows for longer casts with lighter lures, which is essential for achieving proper depths, especially with balsa baits.

For jerkbaits, longer casts can reach deeper water. The rod's parabolic action not only aids in fighting fish but also helps maintain contact, reducing the chance of losing them during jumps. It provides time to react when the fish is close, enabling adjustments like loosening the drag or letting line out before reeling in.

"This is a rod that we brought back to life because it was already a perfect design. With advancements in technology, we've been able to enhance it further. Now, it performs just as well but is lighter and more balanced. Additionally, like Black Label baits, the Black Label 704 is made in the USA. TFO stands behind its quality, and their full lifetime warranty provides extra assurance for anglers that need gear they can trust."