2021 Megabass Levante Leviathan, An In-Depth Review

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M E G A B A S S. The name says it all. This Japanese company is very near and dear to so many anglers and has provided us with tackle items that increase our enjoyment of the sport. If you are into bass fishing, you know what this company is all about. The allure of the JDM tackle market rivals the thrill of catching fish for most of us. From the old school lineups to their more recent offerings, Megabass has produced bass rods that are highly attractive, functional pieces of art. Their designs and specifications offer rods for every traditional lure type. The build quality is amazing and features both traditional materials such as cork and silk thread, and exotic materials like carbon fiber and titanium. Specs, color schemes, lineup names, rod socks and graphics are always awesome from this company. It is truly a joy to own and fish these sticks. Bass fisherman everywhere are met with awe and wonder at the beauty of their product lineup.



Over the years they have put out some unique rods that appeal to a smaller demographic of anglers: swimbait fisherman. These rods were typically only available in Japan and in limited numbers. Names like Super Red Demon, Double Bull, White Python I & II, and TS78X Baccarat were models that many anglers only dreamed of owning. They had that certain something to them, that alluring, mysterious quality that only Megabass (and a few other companies) can achieve. When the TS78X Baccarat was first introduced, it was advertised that only 50 pieces would be made. Megabass was maintaining the status quo of being a highly limited, JDM only company (for rods at least). However, it seemed that there was an overwhelming response to this rod, and as a result, we saw more than 50 get produced and, ultimately, the Destroyer TS lineup was expanded to include 8 total models. While these and other rods are impressive, they don’t quite hit the mark…



This leads us to an important premise. The first thing a proper swimbait rod needs is a strong blank; second to that is a long enough handle to provide casting leverage on big baits. Swimbait fishing really steps up the requirements for what a rod and reel combo need to do. We have lure weights easily reaching up to ten ounces and sometimes beyond, and even with twenty-pound line and up, the rod needs to be pretty strong in order to handle the strain of casting and retrieving these big swimbaits. Not to mention the ability to fight the fish they catch.

In recent years, Megabass USA has experienced some very exciting growth and expansion. They have made more of their rods available to US anglers and have even began making some technique specific rods for American style fishing. Back in 2016, they introduced the generation one Levante Leviathan F9-711C, and we saw what happens when Megabass starts building a rod specifically for swimbait purposes. At 7’11, the generation one Levante Leviathan blank had plenty of backbone to handle big baits and big fish. This rod was very successful and proved a valuable stick in the arsenal of many swimbait fisherman. However, the handle length of 11.5 inches was only beginning to be big enough. This was the only drawback to the rod. It performed amazing in all other aspects. Small to mid-size swimbaits were fine, but anything at or above 6 ounces was a challenge to really launch given the lack of overall leverage. That being said, it seems Megabass has been listening…

The generation one Levante Leviathan laid the foundation for what was to come. Let me begin by revisiting some key details on this rod…

2016 Megabass Levante Leviathan F9-711C (3/4-6 oz.)



Specs
Design: 1 Piece
Length: 7’11
Power: XX Heavy
Taper: Regular
Lure Rating: 3/4-6oz.
Line Rating: 20-40lb.
Handle Length: 11.5”
Guide Train: Double Foot
Weight: 211g
Made in: China
Price: $199

With the introduction of the generation one Leviathan, we got a glimpse of the potential for Megabass to make a proper swimbait rod to suit the needs of American swimbait anglers. At 7’11, the blank had plenty of backbone to handle big baits and big fish. The guide train system was double footed all the way up the rod and certainly helped with the overall power and feel of the rod. The tip had a nice springy feel to it providing both casting accuracy and distance. This quickly shut off and transitioned into the rod’s backbone about 4-5 guides down the blank. While it was by no means a rod for giant lures (max rating of 6oz.) it could certainly handle some real swimbaits. SS250s, Punkers, Slammers and other lures all felt fairly at home on the rod. Perhaps a tad too heavy, but not to the point one could not fish these baits. However, the generation one model also failed to deliver a proper handle length. The 11.5” handle made it difficult to really lean into a cast with a big bait to send it far out. One could get away with fishing baits at 6 ounces, but that came with a sense of having insufficient leverage over the bait.

The somewhat short handle is the main downside to this rod. This is a feature that just about every JDM style big bait rod seems to miss. One of the most fundamental aspects to casting a big swimbait is leverage. The Leviathan has an 11.5” handle, and while this is by no means a small handle, it really is only beginning to enter the range of a big handle. Casting big baits, such as a Slidewimmer 250, is still possible but not ideal. The blank feels strong enough but the lack of rear handle length makes it a bit underpowered for a true launch of a cast. The rod is also a little bit tip heavy. Not so much so that it is a total turn off to fish, but enough to mention. There is also a noticeable and virulent lack of a hook hanger on this rod.



That being said, the 2016 Levante Leviathan is still an excellent rod, and is one that has proven itself valuable time and time again as a very versatile rod!

And that brings us to the second iteration of this special rod…

In early 2021 we saw the release of the Levante Leviathan F10-711LV. The generation two Levante lineup has been entirely redesigned from the blank up, and even went through a recall phase due to manufacturing defects and about a year’s delay prior to the final release. It was sad, yet reassuring to hear that Megabass insisted on recalling all models from this lineup and that they destroyed them. That says a lot about their commitment to delivering a reliable product to us. Many anglers have been greatly anticipating the continuation of this lineup, especially those who fish swimbaits. The wait has been worth it. The 2021 Levante Leviathan epitomizes the total package of form and function in a JDM styled swimbait rod!



’21 Megabass Levante Leviathan F10-711LV

Specs
Design: 2 Piece
Length: 7’11
Power: XX Heavy
Taper: Regular
Lure Rating: 2-8oz.
Line Rating: 20-40 lb.
Handle Length (rear of reel seat to butt cap): 15.5”
Total Handle Length: 20.5”
Guide Train: Double Foot
Rod Weight: 90g
Handle Weight: 90g
Total Weight: 180g
Made in: Vietnam
Price: $199

First Impressions

The Leviathan measures in at 7’11, the same as its predecessor from generation one. The visual aesthetics of this rod are a great lead into what you can expect from the Leviathan. The rod has that certain JDM look and feel to it in hand. The split grip handle plays well into the overall appearance and the thread wraps on the guides are flawless. When handling this rod, one immediately gets the sense that it is something special and certainly distinct from the other models in the lineup. The rod sports a Megabass Spiral Architect reel seat, also found on the Orochi XX lineup and a carbon fiber tube that extends through to the split section of the grip. The locknut is a CNC machined piece of anodized aluminum with a carbon fiber element visible underneath the metal. From all angles, the aesthetics of this rod cannot be overstated and photos don’t really do it justice.



The rod has all EVA foam handles, as did it’s predecessor, only this time around we get a split grip detachable handle design weighing in at 90 grams. There is a very subtle, but much appreciated winding check between the rear grip and the butt cap. The butt cap is also pure EVA foam, which is helpful in maintaining the overall rugged style that swimbait fishing usually entails. It is nice to not be overly concerned with scratching or damaging a more intricate butt cap. The rear grip measures at 6.25” including the butt cap, providing ample casting grip.



The split section is wonderfully decorated with carbon fiber, anodized winding checks and the Megabass logo in white print. It also has a hook keeper just below the rear grip. Measuring in at 5”, the split section of this rod is absolutely beautiful. The front grip measures at 3.75” and has another winding check between itself and the reel seat. However, the location and type of the hook keeper is problematic. If used, it places treble hooks in the same area one would normally grab the setup by for transporation. The hook hanger points down, so in order to see the opening, one has to twist the rod sideways. From a user experience perspective, this makes no sense. It would have been nice to see a hook hanger above the locknut, offset 90º from the top of the blank. This design is proven and it is sorely missing from almost every rod in production today.



The Spiral Architecture reel seat is truly a work of art and feels very comfortable when palming a reel mounted to it. It also has the Megabass logo printed in white accross the spiral. When you flip it upside down, the carbon fiber tube is visible and the model number of the rod is printed there. These details are what makes Megabass rods so joyous to own. There is a sense of pride and the branding of their rods is always well executed.



The locknut has to be one of the most beautiful we have seen yet. Finished with decorative ports, it has small cutouts to view the carbon fiber accent housed underneath. This transitions into another metal component, where the blank part of the rod slides into. In terms of functionality while fishing, this handle nails it! It provides the needed length and leverage for swimbait fishing and still looks amazing. The proportions are right. The split section is not too small or too big. The EVA grips are nimble and the rod gives a lot of big fish fighting power.



As we move to the rod itself, we can see that it is built with Fuji Stainless Steel Alconite guides. These are all double footed and help strengthen the rod. The thread wraps and epoxy are flawless and remind us of the White Python II. This is a nice touch especially considering the low price point. The blank is unsanded, and as such has a circular pattern up and down the entirety of the rod. There is a color shifting green paint that reaches up to the first guide. When attaching the rod to the handle, it is nice to know the fit is very snug and reassuring. So much so, that the blank must be twisted in order to go completely into the handle. There is no way there will be any sort of failure out on the water.





Balance & Weight

One of the most important traits of any rod is the balance point. And the Leviathan is no exception. The rod balances approximately 8” above the locknut without a reel mounted on it. There has been some talk about this rod too tip heavy, however, it is important to remember that this rod was intended for big baits, and that implies mounting a heavy reel on it.



When paired with a Curado 300DSV (10.5oz), for example, the Leviathan balances at just 2” above the locknut. This makes all the difference and it is clear the rod was designed with this in mind. The rod tip still feels floaty in hand and that, combined with the handle length makes the rod feel very proper indeed. Other reels that feel great on this rod include the Speedmaster 200 (9.9oz.) and the Curado 200DPV (9.8oz.). The rod feels like a swimbait rod in every way, and it demands that a proper swimbait reel be attached to the reel seat. Both of these reels balance well on the rod and give the angler much confidence in fishing swimbaits.

Additionally, there is a significant reduction in weight from the generation one model; the rod actually gives a false sense that it will be underpowered due to how light it is out of the rod sock. This is merely an illusion, brought on by the rod’s light weight and overall balance in hand. Both the detachable handle and the rod itself weigh in at 90 grams each.



Time On The Water

Another important characteristic of this rod, and one that rings true for the generation one model as well, is versatility. The rod tip has a subtle give to it that lasts about 4-5 guides down the blank. At that point, it quickly transitions into the mid-section of the rod and gives that reassuring backbone that is needed for swimbait fishing. Yet, both big baits and small lures feel at home on this rod. With a Slideswimmer 250 tied on, the rod can be held by one hand and does not feel overwhelmed. The handle length of 15.5” provides plenty of material to tuck under the arm and between the body and elbow of most any angler. When casting the 250, the tip of the rod loads very nicely, providing that launch-type of cast that really sends the bait flying far out. It is also just right for a glide bait retrieve. The tip gives enough to allow the bait to wander sideways, but still provides power and control for more aggressive maneuverability. It really hits the sweet spot for this type of bait. Other baits that will handle well with this rod include 8” Huddlestons, 7-8” M.S. Slammers, 8” Lunker Punkers and so on…

This rod handles very well out on the water. Casting accuracy is very high per the subtle give that the rod tip has. It allows the angler to place the lure wherever one is looking, and this inspires confidence and reliability. In addition to swimbaits, this rod can also handle casting smaller, more traditional lure types. Even crankbaits such as a Norman DD22 performed well. Casts made with this bait were as far as could be expected, and the sensitivity was fantastic. The angler will not be left with any second guessing or hesitation whatsoever. The Leviathan just fires the lure effortlessly. The blank transmits all the usual vibrations and feedback, making it possible to change techniques as fishing circumstances may dictate. The rod feels very powerful on the water and can rip baits away from structure in any given moment. Everything feels fluid and smooth during casts. The rod is also able to leverage big swimbaits on short, underhand casts in the 10-20 foot range. This is useful for close-quarter scenarios where it is vital that the bait not make a huge splash on entry into the water.

The Leviathan handles big fish very well. During my first trip fishing with the Leviathan, I was able to land a seven pound bass with relative ease. This particular fish fought very hard and was barely hooked on the top of the mouth by only one barb. The Leviathan allowed the fish to exert itself but at no point felt weak. The rod just kept the fish in check; it did not give too much or take too much. I felt confidence in letting the fish make it’s runs, and all the same when I decided to maneuver the fish into a landing position, the rod felt authoritative. This was literally the first fish I caught on this rod, and the experience was so good that I immediately ordered two more to add to my arsenal.



There is very little to complain about on this rod. The only drawbacks are the two piece design and the hook hanger type and location. The detachable handle will in no way, shape or form fail during casting or fighting a fish. This kind of design does reduce overall sensitivity by a tiny amount. There is an ever so slight feeling of disconnection. But it is very minor. The hook hanger is problematic because it places treble hooks where one would grab the rod. And this type of hook hanger is not easy to use, especially in the dark. By contrast, the classic G-Loomis rods got it right, and this really is the gold standard for hook keeper placement and type. Why all rod makers don’t do this is a mystery to me. There is one aesthetic problem that is present, and that is with the rod model number on the underside of the reel seat. The printed information is not dead center on the carbon fiber tube. This held true accross 3 separate instances, not just one rod. Again, very minor, but from a design perspective, not wonderful.

In hand, the Leviathan rod feels amazing. Empowering, strong, exotic, JDM and fishy are all good words to describe it. It satisfies the craving for a swimbait rod that is both beautiful and functional.

All things considered, Megabass did an outstanding job with the 2021 Levante Leviathan! The rod delivers across multiple categories. The backbone is proper. The handle length provides much needed leverage. It looks absolutely beautiful. It has carbon fiber components and immaculate thread wraps and epoxy on the guides. It comes with a rod sock. The color shifting green paint on the blank looks awsome. Casting performance on the water is highly accurate. The tip loads nicely and the backbone is just right. The rod hooks fish quickly with it’s fast action and keeps big fish pinned. It has a carbon fiber, split grip, JDM style handle and components. It palms nicely, balances well, and just plain works! For $199 MSRP, it is a must have for any swimbait fisherman.

The 2021 Levante Leviathan epitomizes the total package of form and function in a JDM styled swimbait rod!