Chris at Tech

But @jimmyjoe, @Shimano_1 - from the points above, will the 200 size Shimano's have the needed line capacity? The specs I see indicate ~110 yards of 14 lb test, and I would think throwing 3/4 oz + deep divers on an 8 ft rod you come -awfully close to spooling that thing.

@jimmyjoe - you said it better.

Whichever reel you choose, I’d suggest a deep spool/high capacity model. You’ll be chucking that plug a long way so you’ll want to make sure you still have a good bit of line left on the spool after the cast or your IPT will really suffer. Daiwa Tatula 150 and 200 may be worth a look

This. What problem are you attempting to address with the leader? I'm not experienced fishing for toothy muskies and pike, but I don't envision 12 lb leaders providing any real assistance to prevent being bitten off.

I HAD mystery breakoffs while using Sniper and Palomar. Since switching to the San Diego Jam knot, I've had zero issues with Sniper across 12-20 lb test.

weightless or lightly keel-weighted are what works well for me. I mean, I guess you could rig a fluke using a standard Texas rig weight/hook combo -- I'm just not sure what reason there would be to do so.

I throw 1.5s on my 705cb with no issues

Yup - Daiwa BG. Those things have been put through the paces on all sorts of saltwater species as well, so durability is not a question.

Shimano Stradics and Daiwa BG have served me well

Battle Combo would be ok.

Lures or bait? How heavy weights/lures are you using? And lastly, what is your price range?

Look into chest packs and slings. I got a cheap one from Academy for those times when I wade the inshore flats for redfish and trout. The added bonus is that the chest packs and slings sit higher on your body, so less chance of accidentally getting a phone wet

Yeah, I went through that phase. To think of it, not sure it has ended since my last purchase was a Tatula Elite AGS spinning rig I also get the urge for spinning equipment via the inshore fishing I do targeting reds and trout.

Anyone use and of the Z-man swimbaits? If so, how's the action? I like how the Keitechs and Rage Swimmers look, but for me the durability of those baits as swimbait trailers is REALLY lacking.

I had a period where I was getting too many break offs at the hook too. I changed from palomar to San Diego Jam and the problem went away

I use a 4-power Dobyns for those. You should be able to find a 6’6 or 6’8” 4-power rod in most of their rod series.

A variation of white, a variation of green pumpkin, and black/blue

I would think the MHX surf blanks at Mudhole would be options worth checkinq out.

I think you're at least in M, if not MH territory there. A decent-sized jack will make you beg for mercy on a ML rig! Not to mention you want to have some wiggle room in the event you hook an unintended species like a shark or tarpon. Which brand reel are you gonna use? There's a big difference between Shimano 3k and Daiwa 3k. My 2 cents is that a Shimano 3k will not have enough line capacity for this purpose.

I've had some blade baits in my arsenal for years. And also, I've taken a blade out of the package on the start of the day on Lake Baccarac, and the bait didn't survive til sunset.

To me, depends a bit on technique. For my inshore fishing where I target trout and reds, my 3000 Stradics do all I need them to do.

Depends a bit. If you’re fishing generally open water, ML or M would be my choice based on bait size. But you might need to step up to MH if you’ve got bigger fish, Mangroves, etc.

St Croix Tidemaster travel series

Nice try, buddy. Hehe...

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