The HEARTLAND Ryuryu series, the signature line of fishing rods designed by the renowned angler Haruhiko Murakami, is a household name within the global angling community. Steeped in decades of fishing expertise, the brand has recently revealed that five highly anticipated new models will be officially launched in 2024. This comprehensive new lineup is meticulously engineered to cover an extensive range of environments and fishing scenarios. The upcoming releases include a flagship spinning model, the Saegake HEARTLAND HL 6112 ULRFS-SV AGS 24; two standard versatile models available in both casting and spinning configurations—the 722LRSB-24 (baitcasting) and the 722MLRSS-24 (spinning); as well as two spinning models designed for all-environment saltwater big game fishing, the HL LL 733 MLRSS-24 and the HL LL 763 MLRSS-24.
As the pinnacle of the 2024 lineup, the Saegake HEARTLAND HL 6112 ULRFS-SV AGS 24 represents the absolute zenith of the series’ design philosophy. This flagship model boasts a visually striking red-themed finish that commands attention. To achieve extreme performance, it is equipped with DAIWA’s industry-leading AGS carbon fiber lightweight guide system. The core focus of this design is ultimate weight reduction, achieving a remarkably feather-light total weight of merely 58 grams. In the pursuit of this extreme lightweighting, all unnecessary decorations and superfluous components have been entirely stripped away, resulting in a highly minimalist and functional design for both the grip and reel seat. Although the rod’s power is classified as Ultra Light (UL), it masterfully combines a surprisingly rigid backbone with delicate, responsive flexibility. Crucially, this model embodies the exact conceptual blueprint of a rod designed by Haruhiko Murakami 25 years ago. Due to the technological and material limitations of that era, the concept remained merely a dream and was impossible to mass-produce at the time. Now, thanks to modern advancements in manufacturing, this visionary rod has finally been brought to life.
Alongside the flagship release, the two classic standard models have received comprehensive technological and material upgrades. The classic 722LRSB-24 baitcasting model has been specifically optimized to align with modern fishing techniques. Haruhiko Murakami intentionally designed the rod taper to feature a slightly slower, more progressive action. This deliberate tuning pairs seamlessly with high-precision reels, allowing anglers to execute meticulous, delicate presentations when fishing with micro-sized hard baits—a technique that echoes the finesse required in trout fishing. Conversely, the 722MLRSS-24 spinning model serves as a highly versatile, all-around workhorse. Built for adaptability, it effortlessly handles long-distance casts with minnow-style lures and provides the necessary backbone to effectively work with deep-diving crankbaits.
Rounding out the 2024 collection are the HL LL 733 MLRSS-24 and HL LL 763 MLRSS-24, two robust models explicitly crafted for all-environment saltwater big game applications. These powerful rods are fully capable of handling the aggressive casting of 40-gram metal jigs and are versatile enough to target large pelagic and inshore saltwater species. Interestingly, the technical specifications for both rods are identical, with the only difference being their overall length, allowing anglers to choose the perfect leverage based on their personal preference or specific fishing environment. The action for this series is precisely set to the “RS” specification. This unique design features a rigid, responsive tip section that seamlessly transitions into a highly resilient and powerful rear backbone. This carefully calculated taper not only enhances casting distance and accuracy but also provides exceptional “fish-sticking” capabilities. This ensures that once a fish is hooked, the rod maintains constant tension and superb control, significantly reducing the chances of the hook pulling free during intense, high-stakes battles.
