walleyecrazy

Academy has the saltwater version of the G-Loomis E6X rod on sale for $95 right now for anyone interested. The true price does not show until you add it to your cart. https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/g-loomis-e6x-inshore-saltwater-spinning-rod?utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Slickdeals+LLC&utm_content=13806814&utm_source=CJ&utm_term=6636e9a25cde11eaaff3065367ff376c0INT&cjevent=667139745cde11ea839700560a240610&linkName=468x60_Color_Logo#repChildCatid=3478609

I just picked up a Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2, which is right at your price point. I haven't gotten it on the water yet due to the water being a little hard still in NY, but from what I've seen so far I am pretty impressed. It seems to be made very well, and I absolutely love the fact that it has the wheel in the keel. It is so much easier moving it around because of that.

I really need to stop reading this! I was just saying last night that I am done buying tackle for the year, and now here I am with a new Tatula SV on the way.

I got one about a month ago, and then received another one like two weeks later for some reason.

One of my favorite bands has what may be the perfect shirt for all of us in here.

I haven't used that particular model, but have caught a ton of walleye over the years on the 4" shad profile version without the treble on the bottom. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Storm_Wildeye_Swim_Shad_Swim_Baits_3pk/descpage-SWE.html

I have some of the ripstops as well. I’ve done ok on them, but I find that they take a little more input to get the best action out of them. They take a little harder twitch of the rod to get them to move, likely due to the extra lip on the tail.

6th sense provoke 106x has become my go to. I usually fish it in the perch or the gold reactor color.

No need to give an excuse. The only thing they need to know is that you are not coming in. Outside of that what you are doing has no bearing on their business. I have guys that work for me that will call and give me these crazy stories even though I never ask why they aren't coming in. I have flat out told them all that all they need to do is tell me they are taking a sick day and leave it at that. It's not my business to dig into why.

I was hoping to see the 14 in a V2, but not sure we are going to see that at this point. That boat would be great for longer trips where you need the speed. I fish a combination of lakes/ponds, and some narrow winding rivers in the Adirondack mountains. I think this 12.5 will be a good all around boat for that combo.

I use that size on most of my spinning stuff. You’ll be fine with it.

They actually have the same texture on both sides. I’m not sure the reasoning, but it does look funny in the picture. You can stand up in them, but I tend not to. I don’t know if it’s my height at 6’4”, but I’ve just never felt overly comfortable doing so.

As if spending money on tackle wasn’t enough, I decided to go buy a new kayak. After looking at a ton of options I ended up picking the Feelfree Moken 12.5 V2. I’ve read some great things about it, now I just need some open water so I can actually use it. I’ve only moved it around my driveway and my yard so far, but I am already wondering why all fishing kayaks do not come with a wheel in the keel. It is so nice to just grab that handle on the front and wheel it around rather than picking the entire kayak up.

Some random purchases to get ready for the season.

I use them both for protecting the guides when using my rod rack, and for transporting them in the truck. When transporting them in the truck they keep the rods from banging together and making a bunch of noise or possibly being marked up.

Does the line happen to be braid? If so chances are there is no backing and it is just spinning on the spool.

Cranking rod works well, but if I don’t have it with me I usually use my jerk bait rod.

I’ve been eyeing those micros for a while but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. I’ve had great luck with the jr., and think the micro might do even better.

Agreed! ? I just ordered 3 lures from Rapala that I “needed” due to the sale codes.

The reel has pretty solid specs, but I personally am turned off by the loud colors. I don't know what it is, but I can't stand super bright colors on fishing gear. I'm sure a lot of them will end up in people's display cases given the limited production numbers.

We don't have much in the way of dangerous snakes in my area. Some of the mountains that I hike about an hour north of me have a pretty large population of Timber Rattlers however. I am always careful where I step when hiking those mountains. They like to come out onto the rocks in the middle of the trail during the cooler weather to warm up. they scare the crap out of a lot of people that hike those mountains, and have no idea that they have rattle snakes until they run into one.

I always loved watching Hank Parker, and still watch to this day.

Im not to far from Western Mass being over by Albany NY, and will say I have lost tails on more soft swim baits than I can count to those darn snot rockets. Haven’t had one hit a baby bullshad yet though. I may have to pick up that golden shiner color, and give them hell.

The monkey got me again. I need some open water so I can spend time on the water instead of online looking at tackle before I go broke ? I needed a new T-rig/light jig rod to replace my current one that I’ve never really been truly happy with. Ended up getting a great deal on a Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’3” MH/F. Also figured while I was at it I may as well pair it with a new reel. So I have it matched up with a Daiwa Tatula 100. The only down side is my bone head self wasn’t paying attention and damaged the wrapping on one of the guides while taking it out of my rod rack about 2 hours after I got it. Looks like DVT will be getting some more business so I can get it repaired ?

I find the best rods for the Ned rig to be ML power with a fast to extra fast tip. You need something that is going to load up on a lure as light as the Ned rig is. Also I would definitely go braid to leader. The braid will give you better casting distance over the straight flouro. I usually run 10lb braid to either 6 or 8lb leader. Also buy the best spinning real you can afford as a smooth drag is super important with the light wire hooks used in with this technique. I actually just picked up a new setup to use specifically for Ned rigs which is a Daiwa Tatula Elite 7’6” ML paired with a Daiwa Tatula LT 3000.