2011/2012 Gear

[Clogston29]

Just curious what new gear you guys tried out in 2011 and how it stacked up. Also, what are you looking forward to trying in 2012.

2011 reviews:

Commando Bags – Very happy with these. I have two four tube bags and couldn’t be happier with them. Tough, light and have a lot of space to cram in extra stuff around the tubes. Large grommets so they drain quick and the material gains almost no water weight when soaked. I was happy with my VS bags, despite how easily the tubes break, and hesitant to take the plunge on these, but won’t go back now.

Guide’s Choice Old School Swimmer – Pleasantly surprised by this one. It’s basically a modern take of the smaller rebel super wind cheater. Casts and swims well for the style of plug, and carries 2/0 hooks which is a big plus in my mind over the 1/0 on most comparable swimmers. Not good enough to replace the bomber a-salt as my favorite, but pretty good. And it comes in the basic colors (black, yellow, white) unlike some of the fancy swimmers by daiwa and others. Just wish they would make one similar to the larger wind cheater. Also wish they’d get rid of the fin, but that’s just because I think it looks cheesy.

2012:

Got a new 1201m with low riders to try out. A new waterproof camera, the Nikon AW100, to replace my old pentax which is pretty out of date now. Also thinking about either a stella or saltiga, but leaning towards the stella as the new saltiga is $$$$$$ and I don’t know how I feel about the magnetic oil thing. Also going to give the TA clips a try after having some issues with the breakaways last year.

[basswipe]

My only planned purchased this year was going to be a Saragosa 10000 but that's on hold until my job situation is rectified.

[onecastmike2003]

Threw out my stinky waders

[tysdad115]

I picked up a factory custom 1327 Century to match the 1328 MikeCC wrapped for me. Pairing it with a Saragosa 10K ,should be a great plugging stick. Other than that no new gear for me this year.

[Tagger]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

I picked up a factory custom 1327 Century ..

love it ,, prediction ---->may be "The Canal Rod "
Plugs ,, Left Hook Pilgrim , Diawa SP Minnow, slayed fish...
Hobie ,, just can't imagine life with out you now ..
Braid cutter ,,, That little orange thing at M&D's for .99 cents

[tysdad115]

Originally Posted by Tagger

love it ,, prediction ---->may be "The Canal Rod "
Plugs ,, Left Hook Pilgrim , Diawa SP Minnow, slayed fish...
Hobie ,, just can't imagine life with out you now ..
Braid cutter ,,, That little orange thing at M&D's for .99 cents

I had to have the matching set Ed...and it's not my fault if you buy one too.

[JamesJet]

So far very happy with a late season additiona of ultralights + wearbars. I used it up in Pulaski and was very immpressed. We'll see how they hold up over time, I dont really fish in RI so no worries with the felt so far.

Also will be looking to get a pair of new all around eel / bait rod rods for my boat. Suggestions welcome, not opposed to having some blanks built custom or "semi customs" off the self at CMS.

Lastly I may, if I get a decent bonus (or one at all) look at a high end reel for the canal...otherswise its the spheros 8000 again.

[Tagger]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

I had to have the matching set Ed...and it's not my fault if you buy one too.

is that the 1-4 ? no ,,,that would be Greg W's fault .. I want that one too .

[tysdad115]

Originally Posted by Tagger

is that the 1-4 ? no ,,,that would be Greg W's fault .. I want that one too .

No the 2-5 1327 , you and I have the 3-7 1328. I thought you picked up the 1328 after throwing mine that day.

[SAUERKRAUT]

I think I'm going to tool up, educate and tech up, to do some video this coming season.

[agsurfr]

Need new wading boots. I want rubber soles so I can wear them in RI (unbelievable). Also want them to be as light as possible and have the ability to be studded w/Wearbars.

I own the Cabelas Ultralight, which are felt soled and seem to come apart rather easily. Considering a Simms product or perhaps something from Beans.

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated if you've been down this road.

[WESTPORTMAFIA]

Originally Posted by agsurfr

Need new wading boots. I want rubber soles so I can wear them in RI (unbelievable). Also want them to be as light as possible and have the ability to be studded w/Wearbars.

I own the Cabelas Ultralight, which are felt soled and seem to come apart rather easily. Considering a Simms product or perhaps something from Beans.

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated if you've been down this road.

I bought a pair of simms felt soles and after 1 season they looked like they went under the lawnmower a few times. I tossed them a few weeks ago. I need a new pair but won't buy Simms again.

[GregW]

Originally Posted by agsurfr

Need new wading boots. I want rubber soles so I can wear them in RI (unbelievable). Also want them to be as light as possible and have the ability to be studded w/Wearbars.

I own the Cabelas Ultralight, which are felt soled and seem to come apart rather easily. Considering a Simms product or perhaps something from Beans.

Thoughts/suggestions appreciated if you've been down this road.

I really like my Bean's(Gray Ghost). Very light weight and alot easier to swim with than the previous pair I had. They are also very sturdy and stood up to 5 nights a week this whole season. Not bad for a $99 pair of boots.

[agsurfr]

Originally Posted by GregW

I really like my Bean's(Gray Ghost). Very light weight and alot easier to swim with than the previous pair I had. They are also very sturdy and stood up to 5 nights a week this whole season. Not bad for a $99 pair of boots.

They are light. I was holding a pair a few days ago. How's the drainage on those boots? My Cabelas are mesh and drain quickly. Actually, now my Cabelas are ripped and drain really fast. What did you stud the Ghosts with? Thanks in advance for the help

[GregW]

Originally Posted by agsurfr

They are light. I was holding a pair a few days ago. How's the drainage on those boots? My Cabelas are mesh and drain quickly. Actually, now my Cabelas are ripped and drain really fast. What did you stud the Ghosts with? Thanks in advance for the help

I really don't recall exactly how fast they drain. However , it can't be that slow or I would remember. The ghosts come in studded and um studded versions. I ordered the studded.
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[Pete F.]

2011 Mojo 10-6 the heavy one I like this rod a lot, throws everything I want and lots of backbone.
2012 I bought 2 new gold spools for my 704s

[chefchris401]

In 2011 I bought and tried the following items:

Cabelas ultra light boots with the wearbars, love em, held up great, tons of grip and a comfy boot.

St. Croix mojo 11 ft rod rated 3 to 8, used it for two weeks while my custom was being repaired, it's a good rod for the money, throws big rigged eels with ease and lots of backbone.

Henderson aqua loc wetsuit, hands down the best wetsuit I've ever owned, comfortable, keeps you warm, easy in and out, amazing all around.

Commando custom 3 tube, best investment I've made in a long time. Bullet proof bag, no tears, no bs, lots of room in the front pouch for rigged eels and soft plastics, also got the leader wallet and custom strap.

precision pak pluto dry top, scored on it ebay for half the list price, comfortable, and does what its supposed to, the tape they use on the inside seams are junk, most of it is falling off and the hood is so bulky if you roll it up into the collar. I dont need a dry top a lot as I spend most my time in the wetsuit, buts its nice to have for colder wet days or when Im beach fishing in waders.

I'm very happy with my 2011 purchases, I do a lot of research before I buy anything and spend the extra money to try and get the best products available instead of buying a lesser product and having to replace it down the road.

In 2012 my purchases are or will be:

ZeeBaas 27, custom red and silver with some options, already purchased

New neck spotlight, getting the UK one my buddy has, 110 lumens.

10ft century that were building at salthearts, hopefully will be my go to plug/bucktail rod

11ft custom, need to replace my snapped lami, not sure
What I'm going with yet, looking at the gsb or century sling shot.

Cabelas pro boots, the nicer and lighter version on the ultra lights.

A few plugs to round out the arsenal.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[tysdad115]

Originally Posted by chefchris401

New neck spotlight, getting the UK one my buddy has, 110 lumens.

Which one Chris? I do need a new light or two..forgot that on my list. Red LED light? Or which light do people recommend for surf use? I have one I use for canal but need a few for nights in the surf.

[JackK]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

Which one Chris? I do need a new light or two..forgot that on my list. Red LED light? Or which light do people recommend for surf use? I have one I use for canal but need a few for nights in the surf.

I didn't purchase much surfcasting stuff this year. But I can give a review of a couple items anyway.

One great purchase was the UK Vizion eLED headlamp, via Amazon. Recommended to me by a couple surfcasters who are big into wetsuiting and particularly hard on their gear. It's pretty much bombproof, stays on my head well, and easy to use. Easy to switch between red and white light. Plus the battery life is amazing. Highly recommended.

My main saltwater purchase was a G Loomis Pro Blue 844S. SWE as usual came through when I was searching for one. I've paired it with an Avet MXL, and it's been a killer combo for Cod, Stripers, and whiting (lol). I look forward to dead-drifting macks with it this spring, and also getting a YFT on it when I do another canyon trip. I quickly got a ~200 lb mako boatside on an 844S paired with a VS250 this summer, so I have no trepidations that it can handle YFT up to 50 lb.

Flyfishing made a heavy resurgence into my fishing interests this past summer, so a number of my purchases were based around that. One phenomenal buy was the TFO BVK in 8'6" 5 wt. It's a fast rod, so I can punch it the line out through some serious wind, but also can make some delicate presentations if the fish are a little fussy. Plus the TFO customer service and warranty are top notch. Highly recommended to the intermediate/advanced caster.

I'll edit this if I think of anything else.

[Chubby-Chaser]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

Which one Chris? I do need a new light or two..forgot that on my list. Red LED light? Or which light do people recommend for surf use? I have one I use for canal but need a few for nights in the surf.

The headlamp I use has a red LED is a Petzel, with a rechargeable battery pack its just $50.

Century is going to be the Stella of 2012, they have a few rods to choose from now, but I'm going with the 1-5 10ft stealth for eels and 2-3 oz plugs

I see ZeeBaaS having a good year, more guys heading into rockpiles where they might get wet and the company has done a good job of marketing the move back to the US.

I need a wet suit, hope to get one for around $200

[Tagger]

Originally Posted by Chubby-Chaser

I need a wet suit, hope to get one for around $200

Yea .. You can wear it down the canal instead of your waders ..

[Chubby-Chaser]

Originally Posted by Tagger

Yea .. You can wear it down the canal instead of your waders ..

I love the canal, but this year its back to the beach more often. I have a bunch of spots where a WS is ideal and cant wait to get wet.

[FishnGrega]

Originally Posted by tysdad115

Which one Chris? I do need a new light or two..forgot that on my list. Red LED light? Or which light do people recommend for surf use? I have one I use for canal but need a few for nights in the surf.

Underwater Kinetics UK 3AA eLED CPO 10001 10022 10005 10024

No red light, this is more like a spot light. With 110 lumens having it as a night vision light wouldn't be very worthwhile. Its great at spotting buoys with its narrow beam.

For the surf I use the Princeton Tec Attitude led with the red lens for night vision. but I may go with something that has a button this year rather than a twist bezel.

[FishnGrega]

2011 Review

New custom 4 tube Commando Bag. Freakin AMAZING! Velcro is super strong, light weight, and quick draining. Large front pocket for riggies, rubbers, bug spray, camera etc. Huge inside pocket for leaders, leader spools. Plenty of bucktail holders that can fit up to 2 bucktails per slot, with additional storage behind the bucktail holders. By far the best investment I've made.

Mojo 10'6" 3/4-4oz. Loved to play with light lures with this rod very sensitive with plenty of backbone.

3 tube Rod Vault- to protect my investments

2012

New VS250

Cabelas Guideboots w/wearbars

10'6" Legend 2-6oz after I trade in my Mojo

10' Century as part of the rod build w/ Saltheart

#300 Grip Studs for my bootfoot waders

Anvil Atlas Fly vise for making my own bucktails, siwash and flags

I think that's it...

[piemma]

Originally Posted by FishnGrega

Underwater Kinetics UK 3AA eLED CPO 10001 10022 10005 10024

No red light, this is more like a spot light. With 110 lumens having it as a night vision light wouldn't be very worthwhile. Its great at spotting buoys with its narrow beam.

For the surf I use the Princeton Tec Attitude led with the red lens for night vision. but I may go with something that has a button this year rather than a twist bezel.

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.
I have worn it at the Canal, in the surf in SoCo, BI and on my boat in rain, wind, etc. It has never failed me. Uses 3 AAA bats and they last a long time. Not sure if it's waterproof as in "underwater" but I sure have gotten it plenty wet and never had a problem in 2 years of use.

[RIROCKHOUND]

Originally Posted by piemma

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.
I have worn it at the Canal, in the surf in SoCo, BI and on my boat in rain, wind, etc. It has never failed me. Uses 3 AAA bats and they last a long time. Not sure if it's waterproof as in "underwater" but I sure have gotten it plenty wet and never had a problem in 2 years of use.

me too, around my neck.... pelican penight in my bag as a back-up.

[FishnGrega]

Originally Posted by piemma

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.
I have worn it at the Canal, in the surf in SoCo, BI and on my boat in rain, wind, etc. It has never failed me. Uses 3 AAA bats and they last a long time. Not sure if it's waterproof as in "underwater" but I sure have gotten it plenty wet and never had a problem in 2 years of use.

No laughing here.

I don't blame you, Chef had the Energizer headlamp too I believe and he loves it. One night we were out, he dropped it on the ground and pooof... donzzz-O. The light bit the dust. Luckily he had a backup.

The reason why I bought this light was for its power. This light isn't something you would use to dig through your plug bag at night or you'll go blind. I can put this light on a rock 100+yards away and light it up.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by piemma

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.

I use the Same one.....I think its perfect for fishing.

Target had them for $9.99

And no issues seeing in my Plug Bag.....the white light is blinding its so bright.

You do have to change the batteries every year or it does start to dim

[chefchris401]

Originally Posted by piemma

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.
I have worn it at the Canal, in the surf in SoCo, BI and on my boat in rain, wind, etc. It has never failed me. Uses 3 AAA bats and they last a long time. Not sure if it's waterproof as in "underwater" but I sure have gotten it plenty wet and never had a problem in 2 years of use.

I own the same light, it's awesome, bright and cheap. It's underwater proof too! For the money tough to beat.

It outlasted both my 50 dollar Princeton tec quad head lamps
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[bassballer]

Originally Posted by piemma

OK so you guys may laugh at me but I use Energizer 3 LED Headlight
by Energizer . Less than $15 on Amazon. Has 2 white and 1 red LEDs.
I have worn it at the Canal, in the surf in SoCo, BI and on my boat in rain, wind, etc. It has never failed me. Uses 3 AAA bats and they last a long time. Not sure if it's waterproof as in "underwater" but I sure have gotten it plenty wet and never had a problem in 2 years of use.

I LOVE this headlamp. I buy them 3 at a time at home depot. 2 in my trunk, 2 in the boat, a couple in the house. For the money this lamp does everything you need it to. Swam with it for years. eventually the salt rots it out but there not expensive to replace.