evilcatfish

The Fat Max and Original worms are fantastic. I haven't fished any yet, but they've been releasing some interesting craws/creatures too

I absolutely love tubes and fish them all year long in all kinds of ways. You really can’t go wrong, but I’ll list some favorites below. Skinny tubes: Dry creek tourney tube Bass pro teaser Small tubes: right bit 2.5” mizmo teaser bass pro teaser Mid size tubes: poor boys right bite 3.5/4 Sk coffee tubes Secret lures stupid tube isg dream tube big bite 3.5/4 Bigger tubes: Secret lures flipping stupid tube big bite tour flipper I’ve got some favorite colors that are more on the unique side, but like most soft baits a good start is a green pumpkin variant, a watermelon variant, and a black variant. Oh and maybe throw purple smoke in there too.

Find seller tn_d1 on eBay, I’ve bought quite a few 90 degre heads from him and they work well. He doesn’t have a ton listed but will do whatever size hook/weight combo you need if you send a message, with or without wire weed guards

Cadmans custom jigs makes them, and there are a few guys on eBay as well. You probably want a 1/0 hook unless you are using wider body tubes in which case go for a 2/0 If you want to buy from a retailer, tackle warehouse sells these, though they aren’t super sharp out of the package https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-NRTHLTT.html?from=basres

You should look at the 6’9” mxf drop shot rod. It fishes more like a ML+ than a medium in my hands and at the price you can’t go wrong. Mine is paired with a 2500 size legalis and 10# braid. Keep an eye out for 4th of July sales and maybe you can save a few bucks.

I have experience with both their JDM and USDM rods and have been very impressed. All models seem to perform very well at their price point. Just note they fish a little lighter than their specified powers.

I have one and really like it, for $50 it’s definitely worth a try

I just want whatever they come out with next to be Japanese made. A Z100/150 would do the trick

Have you checked out hedgehog studio? They offer a bunch of different knobs in various sizes/materials: https://www.hedgehog-studio.co.jp/phone/page/136

I've only been able to fish the Dark Sleeper so far, and haven't tangled with anything over 2# yet, so the jury is still out. I will say it is quite sensitive, crisp, and responsive thus far, very light and comfortable to fish.

I was always skeptical and thought the name “megabass” was silly. Took the plunge when the US destroyers came out and haven’t looked back. With the exception of a kistler, a custom and a couple major crafts and st croix my lineup has migrated to megabass. I did sell off a couple that didn’t work out though US destroyer fmj and addermine Destroyer TS Blackjack P5 Destroyer dark sleeper and super destroyer Older destroyer cyclone Destroyer X7 super eiger 2nd gen xx whipsnake 1st gen xx Diablo spec r, perfect pitch, emtf, and flipping special Japan destroyer bandersnatch

Did you end up making a decision? That x-bites rod definitely sounds cool

If you have Instagram, check out the post Ben from The Hookup Tackle put up last night. In it he goes over all the new models and I believe mentions the X-Bites being good for jigs in the mid size range. I considered the X Bites myself but ended up going with the Dark Sleeper and Super Destroyer.

Uptons, rader and bass chow are excellent hand poured worms and worth checking out

I used to not worry about floats or tethers, but the loss of a Daiwa px type R/Phenix rod combo changed all that. If I’m in a kayak or canoe, tethers or floats are used.

I didn’t pay near full retail, but probably have the most $ in these combos: Megabass Destroyer TS Blackjack w/ Daiwa Z2020H Megabass Destroyer X7 Super Eiger w/ Daiwa PX Type R Megabass Destroyer FMJ w/ Daiwa SV103XS (ok, paid full price on the FMJ)

If you are interested in the JDM Megabass Carbon heads, I strongly suggest checking out The Tackle Trap or The Hookup Tackle, I'll post links below. You may pay a few more bucks than if you ordered from Japan, but the rod will be covered under warranty. If the one you want isn't in stock they'll get it for you. https://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1066_2616 https://www.thehookuptackle.com/fishing-Rods/Megabass/Destroyer+Carbon+Head+Casting+Rods

I love the kaera, it’s compact, walks easy, casts well, and has an excellent hook up ratio. Might not be my number one pick for super nasty stuff, but I mostly fish sparse cover with my frogs anyway

I personally haven’t fished one, but TT did this review recently. Oddly they didn’t talk much about flipping with it. I was strongly considering buying this rod but was offered a deal on an XX first gen AMFS I couldn’t pass up http://www.tackletour.com/reviewmb19destroyerbunkerbuster.html

I use the palomar for just about everything. Quick to tie and I've never had any strength issues

I feel like a Megabass Orochi XX Diablo Spec R would be an excellent choice, or a Destroyer Daemos if you want to spend a little more. Loomis IMX and St Croix legend rods would also be excellent choices in your price range

Looking for an all around rod or something a little more technique specific? Lots of options out there

Guess I’m not surprised, I know they are already suffering from shipping delays due to operating with limited staff. Volume brought on from a sale could make it worse

I've thrown the 13" and 16" Upton straight-tails with some success here in MO. Mainly fished as a shakeyhead or t-rig. I also really like his smaller Dragon Tail worms, super soft plastic with great action. I hope everything is ok, I've noticed the Upton website is down, TW is sold out, and the Facebook page has been quiet. I never did fish one, but there used to be a monstrous Upton worm which I think was nicknamed the "donkey dong" lol

The spin type hooks definitely “caught” me for a little while, but I’ve since abandoned them. I’m pretty faithful to owner mosquitos and cover shots, but similar style hooks from any reputable company would do fine I’m sure