A fisherman looking to buy a rod belt is usually interested in reducing fatigue and improving comfort while fighting large gamefish. Fishing rod fighting belts and harnesses are known for their ability to help land big fish more efficiently and comfortably. These types of fishing gear, however, can come at a high cost. They’re often both cumbersome and expensive. Each fisherman must have his own harness or belt that’s custom fit to them individually. Fortunately, there is an awesome alternative to a rod belt that is both cost effective and extremely easy to use! This article is about Luna Sea Sport’s Cush-it (aka cushit), a proprietary soft plastic (foam) cushion for the butts of fishing rods. Let’s learn more about what makes the Cushit a great alternative to the fishing rod belt.
What is a Rod Belt For
The whole point of a rod belt and harness is to increase leverage and pressure on fish while at the same time reducing the effort needed to fight the fish. This decreases fight times and improves landing rates. A rod belt for fishing features a pad that houses a cup. The gimbal (end of the fishing rod) goes into this cup. It becomes the fulcrum during the fight. The pad covers the lower abs or groin area and is attached to a belt that clips around the waist. Adjustable drop straps attach the belt to a harness.
Harnesses that Accompany Fishing Rod Belts
Fishing harnesses are designed to spread out the load of heavy fish over your body. They will either attach around the shoulders or lower back. The top of the reel has lugs that form the point of attachment with the harness.
If that seems like a lot of parts that need adjustment, you’re right! Belt and harness systems by nature are meant to be uniquely fit to each person fishing. Switching harnesses or rod belts during a single fight is not practical so multiple harnesses and rod belts must be purchased and fitted to each fisherman. At $70 and up for quality rod belts and harnesses, the money adds up quickly! What if the fish fighting aid could be switched among fisherman as easy as handing off the rod? What if it still had the great benefits of rod belts and harnesses but was easier to use and more affordable?
Cush-it Can Replace a Rod Belt
The Cushit can replace the need for rod belts used for fighting big fish. The Cush-it is made of proprietary soft plastic (high end foam). The opening of the Cushit simply slides over the rod butt right as the rod is removed from the holder when the fight begins.
Bruised or Sore from Fighting Fish?
Most of us can tough out a single fight with a big fish, but if you’re faced with a long day on the water and numerous fights with even medium sized fish, it can leave you sore and bruised! The Cushit cushions your body and makes fighting fish less painful and fun! Whether you’re battling Great Lakes salmon, redfish in the Gulf, or tuna in the Atlantic, you’ll be able to fight fish all day without the expense and hassle of a rod belt and harness!
The Cush-it stays comfortably in the groin area as you fight fish because of its unique design. It allows you to comfortably sit or stand as you fight fish. If you’re fighting really large gamefish like sharks and tuna, you can still opt for a harness that clips to the reel. Watch this great video of us landing a four hundred pound bull shark using a cushit and a basic shoulder harness, with just a cooler for the chair!
Fighting a Big Shark with No Fish Fighting Belt, Just a Cush-it and a Cooler!
Another Shark Video – Catching a 200lb. Nurse Shark with Just a Rod and Cush-it
Now you don’t need dedicated fish fighting chairs or cumbersome rod belts to land giant game fish. With a few Cush-its on board, you can fight fish with ease.
The Ultra Float is another great Luna Sea product to consider if the Cushit over your fishing rod butt doesn’t work for your situation. This provides great cushioning properties as well, and it has the ability to float some fishing rods and float landing nets.
