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Posts: 7048
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | So, question for the masses, IF we can keep this positive (if you say "this was JUNK", super fast deletion) let's try to get some thoughts about new gear you used in 2016.
Revo S: was my 2016 salary for M1st...dig it a lot more that I would have thought. While NOT a reel for double 10s, it's smooth, fast and perfect for a medium heavy rod used to throw 8s, spinnerbaits, small cranks and prop topwaters. Price point makes it a great option if you don't want to break the bank but want quality for it's intended applications.
Shadzilla (like I said, new to me): used a few of the deep 9"ers and a couple of the big ones. Didnt have any luck yet on the 9", but have great faith in their future. SEEMS like a good option for when you want to throw rubber but don't feel like jerking, twitching and hefting heavy beats out there but want to hit deeper water. The big ones have a fantastic large profile, had a few smaller fish eat them but didnt stay unpinned. If you don't lob them, you'll be unhappy as you will get more than your fair share of "zilla-balls" (not something from the movies too horrifying to imagine). Owner of the company says a new internal rig is coming out that will lesson the frequency of the z-balls, looking forward to seeing this.
Bite Back Bait Company Tails: small home builder of bucktails that I found on Facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/bitebackbaitco/?fref=ts ). Chatted with the owner on FB on a Saturday night (stranded at the drive-in), discussed bait sizes, tail and blade colors, had my order the next Tuesday. $17 for double 9s (it's all I've ordered so far) and if you order 3 or more you get a shirt. Baits have a good weight to them, easy to cast and retrieve, and got a couple fish in the boat on them. Not sure if they'll hold up to 5 or more fish per tail, but for $17...
Now let's see how many of you can write positives and not be Richards?
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Location: Contrarian Island | which reel should I use for big blades?  ahahahaha jk.
didn't buy many new toys this year but did get a Revo Toro Rocket... I like it for 8s, inline topwaters, and would make a good big rubber reel. |
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Posts: 7048
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | BNelson - 11/16/2016 11:11 AM
which reel should I use for big blades? ahahahaha jk.
That fastest gear ratio with the smallest possible gears. Then you will power the economy (money for new parts, to pay the repair guys, or just to buy new reels). We will appreciate your spending. |
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Posts: 815
Location: Waukee, IA | 10" Line through trout
This bait isn't perfect, and what bait is, but it's the most realistic swimmer I've ever seen. Hands down. Great straight retrieved at medium or low speed (the action stops if burned) or used as a twitch/jerk bait. Mine collected a bunch of slashes from teeth and keeps on swimming. Can't wait to try the 12" version |
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Posts: 353
Location: Western U.P. | Abu Garcia Revo Toro S60: Traded a friend for one, and am very happy with it. Casts/reels smooth, nice drag, and the line retrieve seems faster than 29 IPT. I have it on a 9' Heavy (2-6 oz) rod used primarily for bucktails. Worked fine for me on 8-10 blades. You can really crank it with the power handle, but picked up a Beast double paddle for it also, and not sure yet which one I'll keep on. Overall, definitely worth trying.
Abu Garcia MaxToro: Picked one up for a 8.5' MH rod, and like it. It's a little lighter weight than a Toro S50, and wouldn't hesitate to use it on a rod rated up to 5 or 6oz. The mag cast control and the spool tension seemed a little more touchy to adjust than the S60 above, but once dialed in, works great. Casts smooth, and quite far. Easily outcasts my NaCl 50's or 60's. Too bad that it only comes in 50 size, as after trying this one, would definitely get a 60. Paid $124 shipped online for this one, and will probably get another. It's a great reel for the money. |
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Posts: 833
| The new rubber Shallow Pounders (new for me, not new) have a great belly roll to them. I've enjoyed them a lot this fall, they allow me to retrieve very slow while staying at the desired zone.
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Posts: 155
| I started using the Apache triple blade bucktails late last season, this was my first full season with them. I definatley saw a big increase in the amount of action I got on bucktails this year. Fish seem to really get aggressive towards them. These are not gimmicks, they are the real deal! Super impressed.
I also used Warlocks for the 1st time this year, I really liked them. They really have a great action to them. |
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Posts: 859
Location: MN | Oh I sure hope this stays up.
I tried both versions of the Big Tooth Straight Wire Spinnerbait and its the best I have used so far. I really like the Mini Version easy to cast seems to put out a good thump and really moved through the weeds. Easy on the pocketbook too.
I played around with the 10" Reef Hawg and really liked it. I plan on getting a few more. really great kick to it and really easy to work over the tops of weeds.
I also enjoyed my Revo TORO S... I would like to spend more time with it but really loved cranking in 8's with it on a xh rod. Really casts the small baits well and no backlashes right out of the box which is amazing!
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Location: Contrarian Island | ahh good call on the Big Tooth spinnerbaits, I used some this year in some slop and the straight wire came thru the stuff pretty darn good...not a new concept by any means (pearson grinders etc) but they are well built and I was impressed with them..... |
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Posts: 483
| i too got a maxtoro and like it, great for the price and tryed a shadzilla X and really like the action for cold water ,looks alive |
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| Another satisfied Revo Toro S 60 customer. Love the handle, have some arthritis in my right hand and it never was a problem with this reel. |
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Posts: 617
Location: Clintonville, WI | Kicked off 2016 at the Chicago show by buying a couple of the Outdoor Grips Jig Ripper handles.
In addition to the jigging application, they are excellent for all bucktails (especially the hard pulling ones) and jerking big plastic. Hand is in ergonomic and power position, no claw hand after palming reel for a day (or week). Great position for figure 8s.
Will be getting two more for the topwater and crank bait rods.
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Posts: 2024
| Toro S 60 unbalanced power handle in the middle position, Love the reel, price, and not having it engage 1 time this year... Toro Rocket, same reel handle and placement, burns 8s well and fishing slop was a breeze. I'll try it with rubber next week and expect good results.
2 bucktails I tinkered with making last winter worked great, and while they didn't catch fish, they both saw action. A 3rd one I made and gave to a guide has been seeing some action, which makes that hobby well worth it for me. Like Brad said, these weren't new designs, just something I thought of then found someone else had been thinking the same idea and put them out on the market. I just make them for me and friends and sell some occasionally. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | Shadzilla X with the fork tail. It's a mix of a glide bait and dive and rise. Takes no effort to retrieve and triggers fish like crazy. I'm very disappointed they stopped making the 10" and 13" this year and replaced it with just a 11". |
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Posts: 2330
Location: Chisholm, MN | Going on year 2 without issue on my Tranx HG. Love it.
Big tooth Tackle Sound Science bucktails were pretty awesome. Same with the straight ire spinnerbait when fishing slop.
Baby Beavers put lots of fish in the boat. Fun bait.
The 13" Svartzonker McRubber was very cool this fall. Lots of action. |
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| Kirby Budrow - 11/16/2016 10:48 PM. ... The 13" Svartzonker McRubber was very cool this fall. Lots of action. Are you buying them from Europe? I'd love some, but don't want to pay the $$$ shipping. Are you using the harnesses for them that they use over there, too? I'd also love to try the Headbanger Tail: https://youtu.be/nlt4ojQCLng https://www.headbangerlures.com/ I used my new Revo Toro S60 a lot this year, mainly throwing mag dawgs. Love it. I also want to get a MaxToro for next year. |
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Posts: 705
Location: Alex or Alek? | Chemi - 11/17/2016 9:57 AM
Kirby Budrow - 11/16/2016 10:48 PM. ... The 13" Svartzonker McRubber was very cool this fall. Lots of action. Are you buying them from Europe?
I know he was at the MN show 2 years ago. I didn't make it this last year but im guessing he made it to other shows as well. |
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Posts: 230
Location: St Paul, Minnesota | Thorne Bros has the McRubbers and the external wire harnesses.
https://www.thornebros.com/collections/swimbaits/products/svartzonke...
C7
Edited by Cloud7 11/17/2016 10:05 AM
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Posts: 3148
| another. Vote for the jig ripper handle
fantastic for burning blades ,,,and it's great for fall fishing has it keeps your hand away from the reel and all the water spinning off it making you cold,,
Somebody handy could actually find a way to mount a hand warmer in it. |
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Posts: 431
| 10 inch hellhound is new to me and been my go to lately. Been working for me this fall. Also got a cabelas musky spinning rod and a Stradic CL4+ for my wife and non-baitcasting guests to use with small baits. It turned out to be so comfortable I like using it for smaller baits too. Its nice for casting lighter baits on a windy day to not worry about backlashing. |
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Posts: 26
| Based on input here, I made the decision to go with 7' MH Shimano TDR's for Green Bay musky trolling. Excellent purchase for the price. I found them on Amazon for $29.99 each. They are perfect for trolling 2.7-3.5 mph, with good backbone and great flex to take waves while pulling planer boards. I coupled them with Daiwa Accudepth linecounter reels. They have been great, with no drag failures and reliable line counters. |
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Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI | I have been primarily using the Shumway's "Clip-n-go's" for suckers this year.
The first fish that took a sucker cut my line some how on the hookset. Just set and nothing was there. Since then I have gone 7 for 7. Easy to use and easily the best hooking rig I have ever used. |
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Posts: 983
| tkuntz - 11/16/2016 11:39 AM
10" Line through trout
This bait isn't perfect, and what bait is, but it's the most realistic swimmer I've ever seen. Hands down. Great straight retrieved at medium or low speed (the action stops if burned) or used as a twitch/jerk bait. Mine collected a bunch of slashes from teeth and keeps on swimming. Can't wait to try the 12" version
Glad to read this just got 8 inch version only thing I didn't like was single treble up top so I added second hook and barrel swiveled front for quick change didn't wanna have it free line need to use leadet...did u add any hooks to yours?
(20161115_103209-600x1067.jpg)
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Posts: 983
| I got the Revo Toro Beast in the 50 and 60...got 50hs 60 reg and 60hs love them all they are best reel Ive used also got the Tackle industry Rod and love it as well.... |
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Posts: 221
| 14ledo81 - 11/17/2016 3:49 PM
I have been primarily using the Shumway's "Clip-n-go's" for suckers this year.
The first fish that took a sucker cut my line some how on the hookset. Just set and nothing was there. Since then I have gone 7 for 7. Easy to use and easily the best hooking rig I have ever used.
This! Started using these and only these last year and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner. |
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| Schultz345 - 11/17/2016 5:55 PM
14ledo81 - 11/17/2016 3:49 PM
I have been primarily using the Shumway's "Clip-n-go's" for suckers this year.
The first fish that took a sucker cut my line some how on the hookset. Just set and nothing was there. Since then I have gone 7 for 7. Easy to use and easily the best hooking rig I have ever used.
This! Started using these and only these last year and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
Is it possible to buy just the clips and not the entire rig? |
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Posts: 4269
Location: Ashland WI | Cfollow - 11/17/2016 7:38 PM
Schultz345 - 11/17/2016 5:55 PM
14ledo81 - 11/17/2016 3:49 PM
I have been primarily using the Shumway's "Clip-n-go's" for suckers this year.
The first fish that took a sucker cut my line some how on the hookset. Just set and nothing was there. Since then I have gone 7 for 7. Easy to use and easily the best hooking rig I have ever used.
This! Started using these and only these last year and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
Is it possible to buy just the clips and not the entire rig?
Not that I know of. They would probably not be that difficult to make though. |
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Posts: 688
Location: Already Gone | Tried the Reams Meat Market Packer Brats this year for the shore lunches...cheddar infused with chunks of jalapeno. The Chicago Style Smoked Polish, the Champion Brats, and the hot Italian are always standard at mid-day, but these Packer brats are infreakingcredible over a fire. Reams in Elburn has some of the best handmade stuff you'll ever find, Don't ever compare their stuff to the mass produced.
Advice: just don't serve them to guys with gastro issues if they share your boat.
http://reamsmeatmarket.com/
Edited by Mark Hoerich 11/18/2016 1:39 PM
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Posts: 1274
Location: Stevens Point, Wi. | 14ledo81 - 11/17/2016 8:30 PM
Cfollow - 11/17/2016 7:38 PM
Schultz345 - 11/17/2016 5:55 PM
14ledo81 - 11/17/2016 3:49 PM
I have been primarily using the Shumway's "Clip-n-go's" for suckers this year.
The first fish that took a sucker cut my line some how on the hookset. Just set and nothing was there. Since then I have gone 7 for 7. Easy to use and easily the best hooking rig I have ever used.
This! Started using these and only these last year and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner.
Is it possible to buy just the clips and not the entire rig?
Not that I know of. They would probably not be that difficult to make though.[/QU The musky shop sells packages if the clips. |
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| line cutterz |
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Posts: 92
| +1 for the Apaches. Put lots of fish in the boat for me this year. Well built baits with easy starting blades.
Dan |
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Posts: 1000
| A few things that I really liked this year:
Revo Toro Beast 4.9:1 - that slow retrieve really showed a ton of fish that I'm convinced wouldn't come out for a faster retrieve (I run the boat from the back and fish "washed" water. Very smooth reel with a lot of power
Helix 9si - Autochart live was a game changer for me. Not only can I work a perfect map of structure, but during the peak sun hours when i usually like to take a break for a few hours it made for some great TV
Patagonia base layer sun shirt - I hate sunscreen for the long days, but take burns pretty seriously (as everyone should). Decided to invest in some decent sun gear/fishing camo and was really impressed with the patagonia stuff.
Lupine brewery (Delano) - stopped here a few times after fishing Indy. That place is fantastic!
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | Bigtooth juice spinnerbaits in green lantern, I added reflective to the willow blade this was my confidence bait this year. |
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Posts: 132
| Literally revamped everything musky related this year. This is what I liked best:
-Thorne Bros. Predator rods - Sold all my old rods and had a few Predators built. Unbelievable rods - I don't see myself ever buying anything else.
-Revo Toro Beast in both 4.9:1 and 6.2:1 - Very smooth reels and cast like a dream. 4.9 has a ton of power and the 6.2 is the best lefty speed reel I have used. No TranX, but I think it's the next best thing.
-Lund 1875 Pro Guide - I'm a tiller guy, and I love this boat. Tons of room/storage, and has a great casting platform.
-LakeX Topwaters - Got my hands on a few of these late-summer this year and had a ton of action on them. |
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Posts: 64
| Got a new setup this year, a 9' xh telescopic TI rod paired with a Toro S 61. WOW! Awesome setup, can't say enough great things about Tackle Industries and Abu. I plan on getting a second TI rod in xxh for big rubbers and I'll look into another Abu reel to pair with it. |
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Posts: 386
| Also wanted to mention that I have been loving my toro s60. I had been turned off by Abu a few years ago but picked one up after fiddling with it in Cabela's one afternoon. That was a good choice. Definitely a great utility reel that I feel can handle anything I throw at it. Might not excel at all applications, but it gets the job done without breaking and still functions flawlessly. I almost feel bad for not cleaning it all year now... I'll have plenty of time for that after next week. |
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Posts: 393
| I tried a lot of new stuff this year but had 4 that really stood out.
1. Revo Toro S60. My favorite all around reel for everything but Dbl 10's.
2. Apache triple bucktails - all sizes
3.Juice spinner - great quality
4. Savage gear line thru sunfish - small but great action and neutral suspending |
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Posts: 945
| I picked up some line spoolers from Stealth tackle at the shows last year. they really made putting line on reels fast, easy and can be set to keep tight tension while putting line on the reels. I got 3 for the main line I use. trolling, 80# braid and #100 braid.
I mounted on shelves but can be mounted on bench or walls also.
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Posts: 238
| I bought one of those line spoolers also worked great will get another at shows this year.
2 other things I got at shows last year that worked good for me were the jig ripper handle made double 10 usage much easier.
The other was the magnum shallow invaders I caught some real nice fish on them |
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Posts: 48
Location: Twin Cities | Picked up a Komodo 350 before the season started and I love it! Used it for blades up 8's and some topwaters. |
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