warefisher

There’s a specific BFS reel listed on the Digitaka site that I’d love to purchase. I’ve been watching the page daily for months and the item remains in the “Sorry, no stock” status. Bummed! Get them while you can.

Agree. Expect to see additional blackpak accessories in the future.

Lots of great comments and advice on this thread. Thanks to all for contributing. I’ve learned a lot. Am currently using all braid on a saltwater speckled trout setup and loving it. Inshore water is not clear and the lack of a leader doesn’t seem to matter. Leaders will go back on when I return to Canada next year.

Alberto for braid to leader. Trilene or palomar or no-slip loop knot.

Thanks for the variety of good advice. Since I have two of each depth style, I'll try something to dull the finish on one set and compare shiny versus flat finish. I'm bringing my pedal-drive kayak on this Canadian trip and will slow troll on the way to the fishy areas. The lake has smallmouth, walleye, and northern pike.

Can you subdue the glossy shine on a crankbait? In advance of an upcoming trip to a clear Canadian smallmouth lake, I bought some nice looking crankbaits. Purchased online and they look a bit too glossy in my opinion. Since I bought pairs of each style, I’d like to use a safe product to take the shine down some on one of each pair. Has anyone done this and what’s a safe finish to use? Thanks.

Especially in smallmouth fishing.

I crossed (going north) on June 14th and did not have to physically show my vaccination card. It’s part of the ArriveCAN process. You download a pic of your record to the crossing application. I did have to show a crossing time but I’m not sure how exacting they are of that time slot. Canadian Fish & Wildlife was doing random checks on the return going south (creel limits).

Nice fishing trip! I fished a lake in eastern Ontario over the past two weeks. Did well but not like that. No issues at the border either way.

Preferred way to pay?

Me too. If they get off, they’ve earned freedom. Love the spirit.

When using mono or FC, does anyone apply a flame to the cut off tag end? I see some YouTube knot demos doing that to well up the end and prevent slippage.

Want to keep it simple? Use Ned rigs and tubes with a range of jig head weights for varying depths and wind conditions. There are some great smallmouth videos on YouTube to give you a basic knowledge of places to concentrate on.

Should I be tempted also? I’ve never used a chatterbait but an opportunity is exactly one month away. I’m heading up to a clear and rocky smallmouth lake in eastern Ontario and am already loaded up with tubes, ned rigs, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and crankbaits. Oh and drop shots also. If I added a few chatterbaits in the dark green pumpkin color (perch?), might this be my new favorite lure? I’ll have two weeks to try for my PB from this lake. I think I’ll do it!

I can get the Daiwa reel I want on AliExpress. Any issues there? Used successfully by anyone? They’re the only source I can find for a specific Daiwa model, at this time.

That’s a beautiful reel! Shimano Conquest, right? Am tempted just on looks alone.

Thanks for all the comments. I’ll continue shopping … and waiting.

Thanks. That’s a whole different question. I have zero experience with a high speed reel. Is the adjustment to reeling slower a big deal?

I’ve had a Daiwa Tatula Elite casting reel on backorder with an online retailer since last November and am very tired of the dragged out wait. I can now get it elsewhere but in an 8.1:1. My primary use will be swimbaits, crank baits, and jerkbaits for smallmouth. Would I be making a mistake to get the higher speed reel or is the adjustment to reeling slower not a big deal? I’m sure this question has been asked before but I appreciate any current advice.

Congrats! Did you notice the difference? They are fighters. Am heading up to Ontario in June to catch smallies.

I heard these were a good smallmouth bait. Have you used them for smallies?

Heading to an Ontario lake in June. This is my new favorite thread!

I want to enjoy one! I’ve been watching the sites and waiting for some inventory to show up. Hopefully before Spring.

I noticed that also and was disappointed. I’ve recently become intrigued with BFS fishing and was looking to stock up on some light stuff.