RRocket

This works great for hooks. I have a 2nd one with terminal.

These are fly fishing "dumbbell eyes". They even make metal ones if you want nose weight. Obviously, these work well in Elaztech stuff. They work less well in very delicate plastics. In that case, I separate the plastic eyes, push the "pin" through then reattach with crazy glue or Mend It. But if you have deft touch and patience, they can be inserted into many plastics in a single piece. I just use swingheads with eyes these days. Very pleased with these.

Seems correct. I used the calculator and got $288. https://www.paidnice.com/calculators/us-tariff-calculator

It depends where the shirts and pants are made. Look on the tag.

I think I can replicate part 1. For that, check out the Dolive SS Gill. Spirals on slack line. With line tension, it does these awesome "S" pattern glides. Plenty of videos on the underwater action. As for topwater part, I can't comment as I haven't fished it that way. The Geecrack Spiron also does the spiral fall.

And for putting eyes in softbaits....

Oh, now that IS true! LOL 😆 I myself find the older I get the more "fair weather fisherman" I become! LOL 😆

If you want to be comfortable, you'll need to invest a bit in clothing. My base layer is merino and I consider most important. And depending on thickness, it can be worn through much of the year. It's shockingly versatile and keeps you cool when it's hot and warm when it's cold. A big bonus is merino doesn't stink as it's naturally anti microbial. Another bonus is it retains its insulating properties even when wet. There are many reasons I chose merino. Add in your mid layer. Whatever shirt/pants you prefer. Mostly. Next your outershell. Depending on locale you'll want waterproof or windproof and many are both. They also have wind blocking ability. As some have mentioned, you'll want it to be tight-ish fitting. And, preferably, packable. To that end, I use wind/water proof stuff typically used for Alpine climbing and sometimes referred to as an "Approach Jacket". They require full range of motion, an unobtrusive fit and tough. My preferred brand (OR) has a lifetime warranty. As an alternative to (potentially) expensive alpine gear, check out golf "wind shirts and pants". I used these for years! These work very well indeed. They also pack down extremely small. The jacket packed in its own pocket is about the size of a "Pizza Pocket" and the wind pants about golf ball (but longer) size. Both fit easily in hand. See image. As someone who lives in the great white north and fishes in that weather....I'd say you're wrong.

Yes, definitely! Made a similar post about it. I even mailed the bait to a member here!

I was the same way until I found the "right" braid for me. I love Spro Finesse and I'm currently using Almight.

I love mono! Sunline Supernatural was my choice in the "Metered" color. I still use 8lb Big Game as my leader when using braid.

Really nice fish!

Gamakatsu makes one too.

Wish it was 1/4oz..

I make all my own when I need something like this. 1) Find your hook. 2) Choose your weight I prefer the Decoy DS12 Slide weight. 3) Add in the Hayabusa Trailer Lock. This is, by far, the strongest "keeper" I've ever used. Bar none. Now there are other add-on weights and keepers. Just showing these as an example even if this isn't your exact application. For example, you could likely find the weighted hook. Then you'd just need the keeper.

I embraced a minimalist style long ago. All of the baits I need are in 2 Flambeau Super Half Satchel (4510). And terminal in a single Terminal Tackle Satchel (4510FB). As new baits come out that appeal to my preferred techniques, I buy a single bag and test it out against my current "Gold Standards" to see if it's a worthy upgrade. If not, I give it away. I still firmly believe if the fish can't be caught with a handful of baits using a handful of skillful presentations...they aren't going to be caught that day regardless.

These are allegedly pre-tuned to squeak. Do you find that to be the case?

I needed something bombproof. We can get very dangerous water here..fast. Everyone has a story "about the time I almost didn't make it back". No thank you...not for me!! I also fish shallow..very shallow. Or up along rocks, break walls, etc. I also have a packable boat for the trunk. Far better than a kayak, since its designed to be fished standing. With 2.5hp, the entire thing weighs under 100lbs and is ready to go in 15 minutes.

Sort of? LOL 😆 It's a Highfield SP390. Kitted out for fishing. Casting deck, road holders, the whole deal. 50hp. Total weight about 1,000 lbs with trailer. Can handle HUGE water..or run aground as needed. It's bomoroof. Hull is 4mm thick! This is no toy. Now my boat that goes in the hatch is more the type you're referring to, I think.

I tow my boat with my Prius! Nearly 40 MPG doing so. I also have about 25 miles of EV range. I have the Prius Prime. I'll keep you posted if such I thing happens.

I bet that would get crushed! The best thing about them is they still do the Master Angler program. I think it's great! Surely some folks here have badges?

Correct. Some Japanese soft baits and tackle are indeed made in China. So anything with the label "Made in China" regardless of where it originates from is about to be borderline unaffordable when it enters the USA.

Interesting! Thanks for the tip! G

After testing, I'm confident it's not going anywhere. There are a few caveats, of course. The instructions warn of using in extremely cold conditions as it lessens the suction power. Ditto if using on dirty, dusty vehicles. I presume this product would have died a miserable death had it repeatedly ruined expensive fly fishing rods. These guys are often traveling on unimproved roads, too. In other words, far rougher conditions than I. This article, for example: https://easternguides.ca/blog/f/itinerant-angling-rodmounts-sumo-suction-rod-carrier-review But yes, there was definitely some trepidation at first. But now? I find myself worrying more about the Keitech blowing around in the wind and whether there'd be adverse effects. Again, I'm not sure I'd use these for a multi hour haul..even though I think you could. I don't think I'd want several hours of bug splatter or road debris on my reels/rods. But for bombing around from spot to spot? They've been really great!

I'm not terribly worried, here. Might be an issue in other places.