bloodkitty

Yeah, I had to edit ChatGPT's answers a little lol. I thought I noted that in my post, but I guess I didn't. Good topic though. Especially for us JDM tackle degenerates 😂 I'm probably going to make a small order of baits here in the next couple of days. I'll let you guys know if anything interesting happens.

After asking ChatGPT a series of questions regarding tariffs, and projections over the next six months, I asked it this- "Taking all of this into consideration, is it best to buy fishing tackle directly from Japan now, or wait to see if prices get better"? I'm pasting the answers below- Reasons to buy: U.S. Dollar Is Declining: The dollar has already dropped ~9% since January and is projected to weaken more in the next 6 months. A weaker dollar means Japanese imports will cost you more in USD later, even if product prices stay the same in yen. De Minimis Threshold Still Exists for Japan: You can currently still import up to $800 worth of Japan-made fishing tackle duty-free. There’s no guarantee this policy won’t change — especially given how aggressively trade rules are shifting right now. If tariffs expand or the de minimis exemption for Japan gets reduced or repealed, you could get hit with 10–35% tariffs later. Japanese Domestic Prices Are Stable Now: With the U.S. dollar weakening and potential for yen appreciation, Japanese shops may start raising export prices in response to currency swings. You could lock in lower prices today. No Immediate Signs of Trade Deal Improvements: Waiting for trade policies to improve in the near term seems unlikely. Reasons to wait: If You’re Watching for Sales: Some Japanese tackle retailers occasionally run seasonal or inventory clearance sales (typically in June and December). If your desired items aren’t urgent, you might hold out for a June promotion. Possible Dollar Rebound on Geopolitical Shocks: If a major global crisis hits (Taiwan, Middle East, financial sector shock), the dollar could rally temporarily as a safe haven. That could make imports cheaper for a brief window — but this is speculative and risky to wait for. Bottom Line Recommendation (from ChatGPT not me) If you’ve got specific tackle in mind and it’s under $800, it’s smarter to buy now. The risk of a weakening dollar and possible trade rule changes outweigh the modest chance of a short-term price dip or sale. If you’re buying big-ticket items (like premium reels $800+) and can wait a couple of months for a potential June sale, that might be worth holding off — but only if you confirm they’re Made in Japan and would stay under $800 shipped if split into smaller orders.

From everything I can find researching with ChatGPT, as long as you are buying stuff from Japan that is made in Japan, and keeping it under $800, you will not have to pay any extra fees as of now when ordering from the JDM stores. Double check this before your order. @motobass That price makes sense because the value of the USD has dropped and the Yen has stayed about the same over the past few months. Also, it looks to be consistent with some of the other shops including shipping. You may want to go ahead and grab it. I doubt the price will get any better anytime soon.

I know what you're saying. I really like that Light Gray Daiwa J Braid Grand for this reason. I also use Pink or a red. Red is the first to lose color underwater btw.

I use braid to leader on almost everything. Keep in mind that it's a system that needs to work together. Rod, reel, line, leader, hookset, and bait. Even your kayak. Something needs to have some give.

I've used the 7'1" Phenix Feather before for jerk baits and liked it. It's a pretty versatile rod. Don't know about the others.

Aren't you using a leader?

To me, the Megabass Levante 110 Special sounds pretty close to what you are looking for.

Maybe in open water/sparse cover use the Tatula and in the thicker stuff use the Curado.

If Expired is an option, the 7'2" ML Casting rod would be perfect for that. As far as Megabass goes, I agree with everyone else on the X-Bites. You should be able to find a used one in the $300 range.

Echo Park can have an ok frog bite if you get there super early in the morning before all the crowds of walkers, joggers, etc. show up. And I say before "all the crowds" because you need to be very aware of the people around you or you will hit someone in the face with your lure. Or if you set the hook hard and the frog, or other lure, goes flying behind you and nails someone.

Thank you for all the info on this.

Thanks for all the info. Definitely not a bad way to do it. I do have a boat. An old 16' Lund and I love it. But I live in an apartment(East Hollywood) and have to store my boat out by the lake(Castaic) about 45 minutes away(depending on traffic). My main reason for wanting to get a kayak is simply because I want to be more mobile. I had a canoe for a while and I was able to store it close and get around to different local lakes much easier. And it was easier to travel with as well. I'd just throw it on top of my SUV. Or let it hang out the back with the hatch open, but tied down.

Thanks, yeah I'm doing that. Figured I'd ask on here too.

I fish Castaic a good bit. I think more harvesting of smaller bass and any sized striper couldn't hurt.

I'm thinking of getting a Old Town Auto Pilot 120 or 136, but I've never even been in a fishing kayak. Does anyone know of a place around Southern CA (LA or SD) that rents or allows test drives? Or maybe even NorCal? I could take a weekend trip up. Thanks, Sam