fishballer06

Hedgehog Studios in Japan is where to go if you're looking to bling your reel out. If you're just looking for different handles and knobs, those are readily available from various sources in the States, some of which you have already found.

If you looking for name brand company jigs, check out the VMC Dominator Marabou jig and the Outkast Tackle Feider Fly Marabou jigs. Both are quality hair jigs and are readily available from places like TW.

I highly recommend the S Waver for the budget priced glide style swimbaits. It definitely performs above it's price point.

Both are quality rods and are regarded as best of the best in the sub $200 category. I'd choose whichever feels best to you, or whichever you can get the best deal on. Things to keep in mind, one has a cork handle, one has EVA foam. One has a hook keeper, one doesn't. One is made in the USA, one is not. Both have good warranties and customer service.

Please refrain from posting fish less than 10 pounds in the future. Thanks.

8-10 pounders in PA huh...

The waters around here are already in the 40's. I've personally never had any luck with topwater once it gets down below 59-60*, but I've heard of guys catching them in 55-56* water on top. So results may vary, but I wouldn't expect much luck now.

Damiki Vault and the Lucky Craft ILV 50 are my personal favorites due to quality and color selection.

I'll agree to that, but on the contrary, you and I have never caught a 2 lb. fish that could get us a $25k+ check either.

Thanks for doing this Deak. I'm in.

It sounds like you're familiar with how to setup the brakes and how to adjust them. So I have to ask, is your spool overfilled?

Shallow/Squarebill: Mann's Baby 1- Lucky Craft 1.5 Strike King KVD 1.5 Mid: Rapala Shad Rap Rapala DT6 and DT10 Storm Wiggle Wart Deep: Rapala DT14 and DT16 Strike King 3XD/5XD/6XD Norman DD22

Ned heads are very light, and the river current is going to carry them downstream on you. If you're going the Zman route, get some in both 1/6 and 1/10oz. If you want something with better quality, go with Siebert's Morel jig head.

Menace Grub, hands down. Bluegill and Smokey Shad for moving bait trailers. And for jigs, green pumpkin, watermelon seed, and my personal favorite - green pumpkin w/ gold/purple flake.

If you're going to throw #5 Shad Raps, you're going to want a ML powered rod, or a softer M power.

Sign me up, Deak. Let me know if you need any help.

I would say you want the 894, unless you're throwing them into heavy cover, then I'd jump up to the 5 power.

Welcome to the site. Sorry I just now saw this post. What part of western PA are you in? Almost every lake in western PA is limited horsepower, so that's usually beneficial to the kayak guys.

Netbait Paca Chunk or Paca Slim Rage Craw Chunk or Menace Grub

Yes, helps detect bites easier and determine bottom composition.

That's interesting to hear. Strike King is a very large bait company (possibly the largest out there?). I haven't seen this reported on any other major fishing websites, so I'm leery if it's true or not. If this is true, I wonder if "pre-Lews" Strike King baits will become highly sought after like other lures have become? Edit. https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/strike-king-acquired-11617.html has now reported it too. Seems to be true.

Keep in mind, the Veritas lineup is probably the best selling budget higher end rod line out there ($100 price point). So of course you're going to see more people talking about breaking them, because more people own them than other rods. They're readily available at most of the big box stores and they go on sale fairly regular. From the way I've seen rods in these big box stores handled, and what I've seen upon inspecting them myself while in said stores like a Dicks Sporting Goods, it's no surprise to me whenever I hear about folks breaking them on the first trip or two out.

In the sub $70 category you're not going to much (if any) difference in quality. If longevity is your only concern, compare the warranty (if even applicable) of each rod and make your choice. I can tell you that the Abu Veritas carries a 3 year warranty, and the Shimano should have a 1 year warranty.

I'm curious where you found 5 low profile USDM Shimano's with a 5:1 gear ratio? I just went on the Shimano website and looked at every low profile reel they offered. Only the Antares comes in a 5.6:1 ratio, but even it is a 26 IPT reel. On top of that, it also has a $600 price tag. The only other "low profile" Shimano with a 5:1 ratio is the Tranx, but I don't even count that because it's an oversized reel.