bigspirit

I picked up a silent version yesterday, I think it is going to be killer on the lakes I fish that are highly pressured. side note though, the one I got is the clear gill color and it seems to have almost no orange on the belly, whereas from pictures it looks like they have a pretty noticeable orange underside.

Update on these. The red one is much better than the silver. The silver has to be pulled hard for 2-4 feet before it’ll flutter. The red one, which is larger (even though both say 15g) flutters immediately. Can’t find a reason why I wouldn’t throw it over the vaults I really like. Only issue, is how do you make sure that’s the size you get?? Bought from same seller and both were supposed to be the same but just different colors.

I must be a magnet for these H20 Xpress lures lol

Figured as much, if it’s not December or January I think that’s always a safe bet! Actually Welaka is right where they plan on staying. I will absolutely do that if I make it down!

I’ve got a buddy that goes down every year to fish for bream. I got invited to go along but don’t plan on driving 7 hours to fish for a bream! How’s the bass fishing around then? Not as concerned with what to throw but wondering if it’s a decent time to fish or if it’s getting to be late and hot for the season. If it matters, just south of Palatka.

Got these for $0.77 or so from Chyna…cheap experiment lol. Hardware is trash. Both labeled as 15g but silver one is noticeably smaller. Going to change out hooks and give them a go

Eyestrike Trout Eye finesse sounds like the ticket. Or normal trout eye. I fish the normal on 3” zman minnows a ton in fresh and saltwater.

That sounds like a winner! I have plenty of 40lb braid and some 20 I believe. I think this will be the way to go, honestly never crossed my mind. Thanks guys!

Just read an article that said an angler was there one day and there were only 4 other trailers and few days later after word got out there were 2-300 trailers. Sounds like it was a hidden gem.

Awesome, thanks for the info guys. Do you just want it snug? I imagine tightening too much could cut the skirt material?

I’ve got some spinnerbaits and jigs from various brands I would like to wire tie. The hope is that if I do it now, I won’t have skirts falling off a year from now if they sit in the tackle box. I imagine it’s relatively easy (?) but don’t know what kind and size of wire to use?

Interesting that the 8’ XXH is labeled as “max 17oz” and that’s it for a lure rating

Tom, I think I’m sold on the Armilo if I’m going to stick with the swimbaits. I don’t have anywhere to get it by me so I’d have to order. So, I’m going to start out with some big game and then order some new line after putting some time in with it

@bulldog1935, I’ll do that right now! Taking it to work tomorrow and going to make some casts at a pond and see how it does. @Delaware Valley Tackle, I’ll give you a call tomorrow after I get it out! Regardless of if it improves I may need to speak with you about it anyways. thanks guys! It was on eBay from an individual. He stated “no returns” but I saw enough upon opening the box to think it’s not “new in box” therefore wouldn’t match the description. So, I may be able to return it, but not sure it’s worth the hassle honestly.

Ordered a Cardiff that was “new in box”, and it does look new. However, the drag was CRANKED down. I’ve backed it off but as I tighten the drag, it adds resistance to turning the handle. Like bad. any thoughts? Return? Update. Maybe spool tension but still not very smooth even with it loosened up. Like there’s a “rough” part some where in the winding process. This the norm with these reels?

Awesome, after y’all’s responses I’m definitely going to just start with my BG. I should probably update my profile…I’m in Georgia now but as strong as the 20BG is it should still be plenty. I know I’ve been snagged using it in saltwater and pulled up a small crab pot before but was worried about stretch. Sounds like I just need to spool it up and let it rip

So, I ended up with a Fury 795 and a Cardiff 301 for a good deal I couldn’t pass up. I’ve done some searching on here but not sure I have the answer I’m looking for… so, getting into swimbaits I want a somewhat budget like instead of getting AbrasX or the Sunline Defier Armillo, at least for now. I have a bulk spool of 20lb big game but worried about the stretch. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Yozuri hybrid but I’ve never used a copoly or hybrid line. My small startup box includes a couple glide baits, a wake bait, and a Matt lures blue gill and Huddleston 68. I know my setup isn’t ideal for single hook baits but I figured if I swing for the fences with a line that doesn’t stretch as much as mono I can make it work enough to get me into the game. So, I’ve heard to go by diameter on the hybrid. Instead of 20lb AbrasX (.016”) should I go to the equal size yozuri which would be 15lb? I understand size difference, but is there a strength difference? Is this a bad choice for glides and wake baits?

A what?

I meant to add, when I ordered from him I don’t remember having an option for the softness/hardness of the plastic so can’t really give you a recommendation. Better just get some of each!

I got some from him a few years ago, some paddle tails and crappie baits. They were good enough to get bit! I really like the customization aspect of his baits especially. Not sure why I never got more…need to get on his website again and find more to order

I have a few Berkley lures that have them, the hooks on them are sticky sharp! I’ve never tried any of their other offerings though

Literally just went in there yesterday. Had pretty good stock on everything in the fishing section

@Big Hands, thanks for the info! That’s really good to know about the Daiwa size reels. I think that’d be a bit bigger than what I’m looking for right now! My current heaviest setup is a 7’ 5” Heavy rated .5-1.5. I feel if I go that big I’ll have a gap in there where I feel like a lot of common baits fit in. Now that I’ve thought more about it, I’m starting to question if 806 is the right rod. Thinking I may need to start smaller and work my way up

Great, thanks for the info. I know I saw Tillie’s pop up on google maps earlier. Crazy Gator sounds like a place worth checking out too. Appreciate it

Didn’t know you were in Eustis, Capt Phil. Off topic, but do you happen to have any good suggestions for a restaurant around Eustis? I’ve got an account down there and a handful north of Orlando - I’ll be down there sometime this year and would appreciate a recommendation. I’ll likely bring a rod or two and make a point to get out somewhere