
Drifter Pocket 581
5’8” 1pc
Medium-Fast action
Recommended line 3-6kg
Ideal lure range 10-20gm
Pac Bay Minima 10+1 guide train (smallest guide size #4)
Millerods Custom anti-tangle Hook Keeper
Complimentary custom Millerods rod sleeve
Plus $55 insured courier delivery within Australia
*Now in stock and available!
The Drifter ‘Pocket’ is a rod based on one of Ian Miller’s favourite personal custom rod builds. This medium weight bass rod is used with medium-large sized Aussie bass lures and designed around delivering deadly casting accuracy!
Hence the rod name ‘Pocket’. This is a term Ian uses to describe small areas to target in order to trigger bass into attack mode. If you can’t get the lure into that target ‘pocket’ it’s unlikely you’ll get that strike.
Plenty of development time was given to fine-tuning this rod, which is probably best described by Ian himself;
“A few seasons ago I started to get more interested in bigger lures for my bass fishing, broadening my horizons and experimenting with approaches to hunt bigger fish.
I found some lures that were working well but I wasn’t happy with my tackle. These lures were a little heavier so it’s best to throw them on baitcast tackle for maximum control and accuracy. And I needed accuracy! It’s critical to land the lure in the exact spot to trigger the best attack response which will usually trick a big fish and get a decent hookset…
I knew I had such a rod somewhere that I’d already developed for my own personal fishing back in the day for spinnerbaits in tight water, so I unpacked my archive rods and there it was! I rigged it up, took it fishing and was overwhelmed with how well it went, the foundations of an excellent rod were there.
I fished that season out with the OG to pinpoint what might need improving, and then built myself a modern prototype. The next season I fished the whole season with that new prototype alongside a production sample to be doubly sure it was as good as can be. Now this season we’re good to go!”
The ‘Pocket 581’ is quite short at 5’8” and this is important to getting good manoeuvrability of the rod when fishing under, around, and in structure to get the lure into the target zone.
The tip has a measured amount of flex to allow for easy loading during the cast, providing a nice window of release to steer the lure onto the target.
The mid-section power is reached quickly and smoothly which assists in hooksets and also steering big fish away from cover immediately after the strike.
The handle of the ‘Pocket’ is quite short which positions the reel close the butt end of the rod, and apart from the easy manoeuvrability it also means that the rod handle won’t catch in long sleeves. Even so, the balance and sensitivity of this rod is simply amazing!
With that great feel that cork brings, the reel seat comes easily to the hand. The reel seat body fitting ergonomically in the palm, the smooth alloy trigger is comfortable during the casting stroke while the carbon locking hood gives a positive hold on the reel foot.
Blank construction is the new ‘Armour 40-5’. This all new blank technology is the ultimate in blank reinforcement – the optimal solution to create a more robust blank while maintaining the Millerods benchmarks of lightweight sensitivity!
Minima guides have been selected for this rod as they are the lightest guide available. A combination of double foot and single foot frames in a generous amount of 10 guides plus tip-top deliver super-smooth line flow both ways and give nice direct feedback yet are so light there is no negative impact on the rod balance and sensitivity. Minima guides also allow for a very small size to be used on the tip section yet the ID of the ring is not too restrictive to connecting knots.
The custom Millerods anti-tangle hook keeper finishes the guide train and allows for lures to be easily and safely stowed between casts.
Suitable for use with nylon lines, fluorocarbon lines and braid/leader combinations via the FG knot.
(Well used prototype in images, production stock may vary slightly in cosmetic).
Ian Miller and his brand 'Millerods' have been leading the rod designing scene in Australia for decades. Ian's custom rods have pride of place in the collections of many anglers around the globe including keen anglers seeking every possible advantage they can get over both the fish and other anglers - as well as some of the highest profile fishing personalities in the country!
Ian's designs are so sought after that his personally handcrafted rods are incredibly hard to get, with keen anglers waiting months and even years to have their dream fishing rods created.
Now, Millerods introduces the 'Production Rod' range, comprising some of Ian's most popular designs in a fully imported fishing rod. Same blank designs, same components, same high performance and same distinctive appearance - all wrapped up in a super-high quality build!
So wait no longer - you can purchase direct right here!!
The Production Rod range includes some all-time best sellers, and some brand new models that Ian has specifically designed for their first release in this range of fully imported rods.
All-new blank actions and powers for highest performance in new blends of graphite to minimise weight yet maintain the robust features required. Most rod models are now 2pc for ease of travel and storage, and the construction format is 'removable handle' which provides the superior technical design of rod blank ferrules.
Ian's trademarked 'Control Freak' style handles are incorporated to maximise sensitivity and comfort while reducing weight and are 'minimalist' by design - no excessive material or weight are present. All seat parts are original Fuji Tackle components, with custom made trims.
These handle designs are presented in the Millerods instantly recognisable custom 'Camoufish' pattern in x-firm EVA material. This EVA is hard wearing, easier to fish with, and looks great!
All guide trains are original Fuji Tackle. This includes the latest 'Fazlite', 'Torzite' and 'Slim Ring' ceramics, as well as Fuji titanium frames on the light saltwater rod models.
All lure casting and spinning rods incorporate custom made Hook Keepers designed by Ian to be easy to use, minimalist, and totally tangle proof. Whether you're hanging a 1 gm soft plastic or 13oz swimbait on your rod, you can rely on the hook keeper being in the right place and the correct size for the lure.
The BeastFreak Australian model was the first of our Production Range which has now been joined by rods specifically designed for Australian bass, barramundi, snapper, mulloway, bream, Murray cod, golden perch, and other native fish, freshwater fish, and saltwater fish including big game billfish and tuna. More models will be added.
Ian always applies his decades of angling experience, as well as all his rod designing and building experience to every one of his custom rods - and the exact same level of commitment and attention to detail have been applied to these new rod designs - hand made in the highest quality rod factory of mainland China.
We thank the anglers who have supported these cutting edge rod designs, which are available for purchase on this website. And we’ll continue to offer Pre-Orders for new releases so our most loyal customers to get their favourite gear as fast as possible and at a reduced cost. Stay tuned!
Re-designing my rods for the production format has given me the opportunity to actually improve them. Many aspects of construction and design from the blank itself to the latest original brand-name componentry are now better than ever before! This has resulted in a range of lure fishing rods with very specific action and power, amazing balance, increased sensitivity, and a whole new level of performance!
I'm looking forward to being able to provide many more anglers with a fishing rod that can take their experience to the next level... by using a Millerod! Enjoy, and tight lines!
Ian Miller
Millerods Founder
All online orders are cash transactions from the customer to The Australian Rod Builder P/L. These transactions are either an advance payment to reserve an advertised fishing rod available exclusively at the Millerods Pre-Order OnlineStore, or payment for Production Range rods available now.
All online sales require full payment to confirm the order. All online sales follow the standard Millerods Limited Warranty. Pre-Order transactions for production rods can be cancelled at any time before your rod order is dispatched.
All online sales are only available for delivery to Australian addresses. GST is included in the price.
Millerods is committed to offering the most up-to-date and relevant information regarding the release of new models and ranges. Although Millerods plans to ship rods on time and as estimated, Millerods assumes no responsibility if any reason or outside cause interferes with Millerods’ production or shipping schedule.
Millerods ensures the quality of our product and the accuracy of information provided. Millerods assumes no responsibility for misinterpretation of Pre-Order or online sales information.
More questions or comments about Pre-Orders? Email office@millerods.com.au or contact Ian via our Millerods Facebook page.