RichF

Thanks for the heads up! Just ordered 2!

I took a chance and picked them up. VERY pleased with the overall fit and materials. The stretch cordura is awesome. They're a little strange to get into (one buckle and a side zip) but overall super nice. They might be a little warm for summer but I can deal.

Thanks for all the info, guys. Good to know that they have that same small trigger like the Levantes. That drives me nuts about mine.

Thanks for the replies, gents!

I’m tempted by the Megabass Orochis now that they’re sub $200 but I’ve read quite a few bad reviews. Do they really break that easily?

Haven’t had the greatest experiences with 13 reels but this seems like an ok deal. https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/13-fishing-concept-z-slide-baitcast-reel?ds_e=GOOGLE&ds_c=Cabelas|Shopping|PMax|Fishing|General|NAud|NVol|NMT&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAj9m7BhD1ARIsANsIIvBxWyp7RGfWdnKscItZBue35ktgC6Gr4ElPLZxzCobZAsm60-M2fAwaAuBYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Best largie baits are (and will always be) a 3/4 & 1/2 jig (rage craw, chigger craw, or big salty chunk), 1/2 jackhammer, and spro bronzeye 65. Fished 2 tourneys in 2024 and won both with those baits (except one lonely biggun on a drop shot robo worm). Since I only fish smallies in the early spring or late fall now, my most productive baits were a 1/2 blade bait in gold and a 3.3 Keitech fat on a 3/16 oz head.

Anyone have experience with these? They seem pretty legit and are pretty cheap right now. Just can’t find much info on them.

I’ve used them all but ultimately have landed on heavy action moderate fast. I’m using 7’4 HMF Poison Adrenas for my 3/4 oz jigs. 50lb braid in grass, 17-20lb fluoro out of grass. Really liking my Levante Braillist for 1/2 oz jigs, which has the softer action.

They’re very similar to my favorites - the All Terrain Tackle jigs. Been using those for years. Palomar all the way. Braid or fluoro. I just got a few of these Strike Kings. Plan to use them this fall. The hooks are a little wimpy but 15lb fluoro should do fine.

This is what I use: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lazer_Trokar_Tournament_Tube_Hook/descpage-LTTTBHK.html

Thank you @gulfcaptain! I’ve only run Lowrance but have never really been impressed. Decision made!

I’m looking for a cheap bow graph. Doesn’t need to do anything crazy. Plan to hook it up to the US2 on the Fortrex so I just want depth and GPS. These two are around $300 right now. Anyone have any insight? Mostly on the Garmin.

Got to sneak into a couple team derbies during our recent visit back home to NNY with my old man and we hit a couple home runs! Won both by over 3lbs and on lakes we don’t have a ton of history on (and no pre practice). 17.66 and 22.7lbs! Gotta emphasize the equipment in this day and age: - 2014 Nitro Z7 w/ 150hp - single power pole - 9in Lowrance Elite at console - no bow graph - 80thrust Fortrex - blown aerator pump (had to hand fill the well and use recirc/stand alone oxygenators (no fish died) - top speed 51mph, had to lay on front deck to get on plane with a full livewell and half tank of gas It’s super fun to beat guys running $80k boats with all the bells and whistles!

Yessir Oh for sure! I about sh$t myself. You can filter by availablity and a bunch of stuff is still there.