This is the latest and most refined tuna casting rod, developed on Sato Ichiro's tuna fishing theory. As the name suggests, the DOGFIGHT - meaning "single combat" is designed specifically for one-on-one battles with tuna. Its meticulously engineered blank embodies Sato’s unique fighting style of “bending and catching,” featuring a flexible taper and powerful recovery performance.
In Sato Ichiro's words the reason I decided to collaborate with Daiwa on the SALTIGA C DF (DOGFIGHT) was because they wanted to update their tuna casting rod lineup to coincide with the release of the 25th anniversary SALTIGA. Daiwa also expressed a serious commitment to entering the tuna casting market in earnest—and they wanted to work with me to make that happen.
By the time they approached me, the name DOGFIGHT had already been chosen. It’s a name previously used for a limited-edition SALTIGA model designed for tuna and marlin casting. I’ve used the black SALTIGA DOGFIGHT extensively and have a strong attachment to it.
Being chosen to develop DAIWA’s top-end rod meant a lot to me, and our long-standing relationship made me feel a responsibility to answer their request. From the start, I told them this rod would be completely different from any previous DAIWA models. Still, when I heard their sincere passion for breaking out of the traditional DAIWA mold and moving to the next level, I truly wanted to support that vision.
By combining Sato Ichiro's expertise with Daiwa’s advanced technology, this rod delivers enhanced casting distance—an essential feature for today’s modern tuna fishing.
Features
Sensitivity Area Design System [ESS] (Expert Sense Simulation) - When a rod is bent, energy (restoring force) is generated that tries to rise in the opposite direction. This is the "strain energy" that causes the deformed blank to return to its original shape, and it can be said to be an extremely important factor that determines the performance of the rod. Daiwa has independently developed a system to analyze and design "strain energy," which not only clearly determines in numerical terms what is superior and what is lacking, but also makes it possible to reflect the sensibility of the angler in the design, bringing us closer to creating rods that anglers desire.
HVF Carbon - In the carbon sheet, which has the greatest impact on rod performance, Daiwa has focused on not only increasing the elasticity of the carbon fiber itself, but also on the amount of resin that acts as an adhesive to hold the carbon fibers together. By reducing the amount of resin, which can be considered excess fat, and instead increasing the density of the carbon fiber, the "high density HVF carbon" is more muscular and powerful. It is the ideal material for rods that emphasize toughness and strength.
X45 Full Shield - The X45 Full Shield structure tightens the outermost layer of the blank with a 45° carbon bias cross from the tip, where twisting is most likely to occur, to prevent twisting during casting, action, hooking, and fighting. This dramatically improves torsional rigidity. This allows for greater cast accuracy and brings out the inherent performance of the rod.
V-Joint - By using high-strength nanoalloy material for the joint and utilizing DAIWA's unique precision processing technology, the V-Joint α was born, evolving the V-JOINT to be stronger, lighter, and with a cleaner bend. For rods with many joints, it is possible to shorten the joints, which contributes to achieving both strength and lightness.
"If you can find a way, create one" - Sato Ichiro
Specifications
| Model | Cast Weight | Length | Pieces | Rating | Type |
| S84-6 | Max 130g | 8'4" | 2pc (Butt Join) | PE 6 | Spin |
| S81-8 | Max 160g | 8'1" | 2pc (Butt Join) | PE 8 | Spin |
This is the latest and most refined tuna casting rod, developed on Sato Ichiro's tuna fishing theory. As the name suggests, the DOGFIGHT - meaning "single combat" is designed specifically for one-on-one battles with tuna. Its meticulously engineered blank embodies Sato’s unique fighting style of “bending and catching,” featuring a flexible taper and powerful recovery performance.
In Sato Ichiro's words the reason I decided to collaborate with Daiwa on the SALTIGA C DF (DOGFIGHT) was because they wanted to update their tuna casting rod lineup to coincide with the release of the 25th anniversary SALTIGA. Daiwa also expressed a serious commitment to entering the tuna casting market in earnest—and they wanted to work with me to make that happen.
By the time they approached me, the name DOGFIGHT had already been chosen. It’s a name previously used for a limited-edition SALTIGA model designed for tuna and marlin casting. I’ve used the black SALTIGA DOGFIGHT extensively and have a strong attachment to it.
Being chosen to develop DAIWA’s top-end rod meant a lot to me, and our long-standing relationship made me feel a responsibility to answer their request. From the start, I told them this rod would be completely different from any previous DAIWA models. Still, when I heard their sincere passion for breaking out of the traditional DAIWA mold and moving to the next level, I truly wanted to support that vision.
By combining Sato Ichiro's expertise with Daiwa’s advanced technology, this rod delivers enhanced casting distance—an essential feature for today’s modern tuna fishing.
Features
Sensitivity Area Design System [ESS] (Expert Sense Simulation) - When a rod is bent, energy (restoring force) is generated that tries to rise in the opposite direction. This is the "strain energy" that causes the deformed blank to return to its original shape, and it can be said to be an extremely important factor that determines the performance of the rod. Daiwa has independently developed a system to analyze and design "strain energy," which not only clearly determines in numerical terms what is superior and what is lacking, but also makes it possible to reflect the sensibility of the angler in the design, bringing us closer to creating rods that anglers desire.
HVF Carbon - In the carbon sheet, which has the greatest impact on rod performance, Daiwa has focused on not only increasing the elasticity of the carbon fiber itself, but also on the amount of resin that acts as an adhesive to hold the carbon fibers together. By reducing the amount of resin, which can be considered excess fat, and instead increasing the density of the carbon fiber, the "high density HVF carbon" is more muscular and powerful. It is the ideal material for rods that emphasize toughness and strength.
X45 Full Shield - The X45 Full Shield structure tightens the outermost layer of the blank with a 45° carbon bias cross from the tip, where twisting is most likely to occur, to prevent twisting during casting, action, hooking, and fighting. This dramatically improves torsional rigidity. This allows for greater cast accuracy and brings out the inherent performance of the rod.
V-Joint - By using high-strength nanoalloy material for the joint and utilizing DAIWA's unique precision processing technology, the V-Joint α was born, evolving the V-JOINT to be stronger, lighter, and with a cleaner bend. For rods with many joints, it is possible to shorten the joints, which contributes to achieving both strength and lightness.
"If you can find a way, create one" - Sato Ichiro
Specifications
| Model | Cast Weight | Length | Pieces | Rating | Type |
| S84-6 | Max 130g | 8'4" | 2pc (Butt Join) | PE 6 | Spin |
| S81-8 | Max 160g | 8'1" | 2pc (Butt Join) | PE 8 | Spin |