Here is Dennis Verreet's catch of goliath grouper using 8'6" Black Hole Cape Cod 86 Nano popping rod in Florida.
He must have more confidence in Black Hole rods than I do as I wouldn't try the rod for monster grouper. :)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/BH86popping/86goliathgrouper_zpsz3dnvph9.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/BH86popping/86goliathgrouper_zpsz3dnvph9.jpg.html)
Wow :o
Dennis Verreet fighting a goliath grouper using 7'5" Black Hole Cow Special rod with lock-down drag ( 60 lb).
The one-piece rod is simply the strongest among popping rods and are designed for giant, cow or marlin.
Even so, it is amazing the rod didn't break as the goliath fought under the boat and he used lock-down drag.
I cant' wait to see the video of the fight.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y2/ksong/bhcowspecial/bhcowspecialgoliathgrouper_zpsrw7wlp1d.jpg) (http://s2.photobucket.com/user/ksong/media/bhcowspecial/bhcowspecialgoliathgrouper_zpsrw7wlp1d.jpg.html)
Now that is a demonstration of tuff. Amazing that it did not fail being a two piece.