Tackle Talk

I asked this on a fishing forum and got no good answers. These are split ring pliers, used for installing/removing split rings from lures (duh). Question is, WTF is the little horn thingy on the handle for? Best guess is to spread the ring to a larger diameter. Yes?

 

I think its just a 'stop' for your finger

 

I use shock leader when shark fishing from the surf. So the rig is; hook/1' wire leader/swivel/4' shock leader/fish finder rig /60 lb braid.
The 4-5' shock leader is to protect the braid from rubbing against the shark.

 

Maybe it is to keep you from slipping. I was looking at split ring pliers out of curiosity and came across this-

 

I’m demolishing an old x-ray room. This is about 50 lbs of lead behind the drywall...it will make a bunch of sinkers/weights!

 

Just recently cleaned my Penn Torque

 

Anyone know anything about pneumatic spear guns?

 

I figured I would start making my own sinkers/jigs. The cost comparison, once you have the molds is killer compared to buying sinkers off the shelf.

 

Very nice! I just watched some videos of people making sinkers. I might look into doing this myself.

 

The ‘Do It’ molds cost $35 for each mold, a few special molds cost a little more. When it’s all said and done, if you pay $3 for a 10 oz sinker off the shelf, it cost you @ $.80 making it yourself.
If you search The Lead Bandit, you’ll find a guy who sells lead in bulk. He sells lead for $1.75/lb. That is 16 oz for $1.75...do the math. The more lbs ordered, the price per lb drops. He charges a flat $10.00 shipping. If you use and lose as much lead as me, it’s a slam dunk.

 

The size of those drag washers! Holy crap. Penn’s drag systems are ridiculous. In a good way.

 

I hadn't noticed that! I have a few Penns and I love them!

 

New guy here looking for some advice on buying my first rod and reel. I'm tired of borrowing whatever extra rod is on the boat.

Primarily flounder/fluke fishing in the back bays of NJ up to 25' deep, and inshore artificial reefs up to 75' deep. For flounder I only ever this bucktails with gulp. I also like to cast diamond jigs for smaller cocktail bluefish, and in the fall we fish for blackfish/Tautog using sweeper jigs.

I'd like a nice lightweight setup for all of the above. Probably nothing more than a 2oz bucktail on the end for days the days we can get out to the reef, but most often in the 1/2oz to 1oz range. I'll mostly likely spool with 15# braid, and then make a bunch of 25# fluro leaders for when I want to change things up.

I've settled on the Daiwa BG reel, but still a little undecided on what size. Current thinking is the 2500. I feel like this reel has plenty of line capacity for what I need, and given that the BGs are oversized, I've been told it will perform closer to a 3500 reel in other manufacturers. I've mainly used Penn Battle II growing up, but my understanding is the Daiwa BG is a similar but newer reel and so id like to give it a shot.

For a rod, I have been looking at the Tsunami TSCS 701 MH. It's a 10-20# line rating, with lure weights from 1/2oz - 1oz. I think this will handle what I plan to throw at it, but I'm just unsure if it'll be light and responsive enough for the back bays. If the current pandemic weren't a thing, I would love to get into a store and try it out.

This would cost around $150 for the rod and reel. My other option would be just to get the Daiwa BG 3000 inshore spinning combo Rod and reel for around $140. The rod is rated mostly the same as the above Tsunami, but the reel is obviously bigger. I feel like the 3000 comes with an unecessary amount of line capacity for what I need though, so I'd prefer to save the weight if I can. I'd be adding

My plan would be to pick up this lightweight option, and then later on pick up a 2nd rig for heavier weight fluke jigging (3oz+ bucktails), stripers, and drum fish. Most likely a conventional setup.

Would appreciate any advice anyone could give. Especially if you experience with any of the tackle I listed.

 

Here you go...
Quantum AT100HPT Accurist S3 PT Baitcasting Reels
Jigging World JW-NX701C-H Nexus Casting Rods

 

Also known as "The John Skinner." I got the Tsunami TSCS 701MH recommendation from him, but I'd prefer to stay within my budget and at this point I'm going to stick to a spinner setup versus a baitcaster.

 

It sounds like you've done plenty of research.

I have been buying Penn reels lately and have nothing but good experiences. They seem to update the models periodically, so it might be worth checking out the latest edition of the Battle if you've been happy with them. Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Daiwa.

 

Yeah, I over-analyze even the simplest decisions. I've been happy with the Battle's I've used, but there's always 1 or 2 others on the boats I'm fishing on. The Daiwa's have a great reputation, so I figure it can't hurt to add a little more variety. If, after the Daiwa I find that the Penn's hold up better to the saltwater then I'll know for sure where to go next.

 

It's good to do the research. It can save you money and frustration down the road. Good luck with your purchase!

 

Can anyone recommend a good 3000/3500 spinning real for under $100? I'm partial to Daiwa but open to suggestions. This is for my 9yo daughter on her 7'4" rod. This is mainly used in the back bays and the inlets (We have our surf gear set). She's currently got an older PENN from when I was a kid and the gears are finally starting to go. I plan on rigging it with 10 lb spyder braid.

 

I have a few of the Penn Fierce series reels and they've been great for the money.