Ahhh ... I'll go with digital fishfinders for $300. Alex. Not quite what you asked though. Tackle wise I'd say my Van Staals, bulletproof and no issues, of course filled with braid.
I bought my 1st graphite rod 37 years ago in 1972, it was a 4-1/2 ul Fenwick HMG (High Modulous Graphite), my 1st graphite surf spinning rod was a GLB1081M for tossing eels on night tides in the canal at the mudflats in 77'. That was the first breakthru for my little gang.
In 1978 #^&#^&#^&#^& Pleska of #^&#^&#^&#^&'s Wholesale Tackle in Worcester started supplying Cortland Micron to Tony C. at his BassRun Tackle Shop in N.Eastham after Tony got some from the Cortland company and put two and two together. He was the first person I knew that started using what we now know as "braid" on his conventionals and spinning rods. Unlike "Squidding lines it had no stretch and smaller diameter for the lb test ratings.
The skirted spool reel was introduced about the same time by Daiwa in the form of the SS7000c with a red knock on the reel stem that flipped the bail instead of a bail spring and we all went to them and then Daiwa introduced the BG series and we all put them on our graphite rods. We used Ande Green IGFA rated lines.
Though they were around for more than 20 years the graphite rod and skirted spool reels were big advances. Other than Tony C. who had the foresight, it took another 20 years before the rest of us caught up with the use of braids.
Braided line by far.For instance..I can't imagine what it would be like to jig the canal without it.I know I would not reach a few holes that make up my favorite locales without it.
Breakaways are nice..i don't think the difference from my 706 Penn's and my 300 Van Stahls are as great as the difference between both of them reels and My Saltiga..That thing is a marvel in engineering..I also agree with the breathable waders.anyone who has made some good amrches in the rubber,canvas or neopreme know's what I'm talking about.It's like fishing in your PJ's..
There certainly is a greater variety of things surf related.It used to be you had to be creative and make things if you wanted to customize your gear.Now you can pretty much buy whatever you need.Never mind the choices in hooks and plugs.
I have not seen any storm type shads on the list...I call em idiot baits.I was a big rubber guy,I still am one..They went and made it easy for those who had no clue..
FORE!
It's usually darkest just before it turns Black..
Not quite what you asked though. Tackle wise I'd say my Van Staals, bulletproof and no issues, of course filled with braid.
Hybrid Mode
