Prices of Surf Bags

[Mugz]

Bob,

The high priced bags make everyone THINK your are an experienced and accomplished fisherman....you didn't know this?
Plus, they help you catch WAY more fish.......and you'll look dam good doing it!!!

[PaulS]

Originally Posted by Mike P

There's also something to be said for spending what you have to for quality gear that will stand up to beatings.


There's spending money foolishly, and spending it wisely. Spending big money on a bag that's going to sit on the rocks, or stay slung over your shoulder while you're standing in the wash or along the shore of a bay, isn't spending it wisely IMO. Spending it on a bag that will remain tightly closed while you swim to a rock or skish, and has stitching that will stand up to salt water, and materials that won't tear on rocks, is spending it wisely.

Not according to some of the people here.

Originally Posted by Mugz

Bob,

The high priced bags make everyone THINK your are an experienced and accomplished fisherman....you didn't know this?
Plus, they help you catch WAY more fish.......and you'll look dam good doing it!!!

[Mike P]

It's pretty simple, really: buy the bag that you need, and don't buy more bag than you need.

If you do a lot of deep wading, or swim to rocks, buy the best bag you can afford.

If you fish the Canal or only stand at the surf line, don't buy more bag than you need.

You can insert plugs nose down and hang the tail hook over the top of an insert--and presto--no more hooks getting caught in the drain holes of cheap inserts. Or, don't use tail hooks on swimmers.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Mike P

It's pretty simple, really: buy the bag that you need, and don't buy more bag than you need.

If you do a lot of deep wading, or swim to rocks, buy the best bag you can afford.

If you fish the Canal or only stand at the surf line, don't buy more bag than you need.

You can insert plugs nose down and hang the tail hook over the top of an insert--and presto--no more hooks getting caught in the drain holes of cheap inserts. Or, don't use tail hooks on swimmers.

Logic prevails...

[JackK]

My $100 VS single row has performed admirably for me. Plenty of velcro, hooks don't get stuck (unless I cram extra plugs in beside the tubes, then they invariably get stuck in the bottom of the bucktail pouches), and it drains + dries quick. One of the best investments I've made in this hobby.

I'd like a custom bag for sure (six tubes would be ideal, and I like the idea of a white interior to better see plugs at night), but I can't justify spending the loot when I have one that does the trick just fine.

I've heard iffy things about the MAK bags as well. I don't have one, but some people have told me that their quality is mostly from hype, and they don't stand up to the abuse. Take it with a grain of salt, and I'm sure that there are plenty of people that really like theirs, but it makes me think twice before shelling out a bunch of bills.

[Fishoholic]

I think it's pretty funny how one of the best guys in New England uses an old mayo jar full of snakes and out fishes about everyone.

I have a 50$ shimano bag that has treated me very well. I beat the hell out of it and never have any problems. My only complaint is the narrow tubes but I pulled 2 out and replaced with a emerald peanuts plastic jar that fits my biggest pikies.

[Tunabreath]

Go get 'em Paul !!

[Pete F.]

I think some surf fishermen are getting Orvised up.
All hat, no cattle.
Like to hang out in the parking lot and talk.
Actually I think it's skinned up

[Green Light]

I just have two questions:

1. Is the $600 plug bag made by Gucci?
2. Does it come with gold plugs?

[Vogt]

I got sick and tired of killing every bag that I bought. Aquaskinz was destroyed in less than two months. Had it repairded, then destroyed it again. Next was Bronko, which lasted a bit longer, but also ripped apart.

I certainly dont consider myself an "Orvis Catalog" surfcaster. I have gear that works. I can get away with $150 waders and $50 wetsuits, but as far as bags go it seems that $100 doesnt get you that great of a product.

I fish hard. On average I would say 4 nights a week. My gear, including my bag, is completely submerged 80% of the time. Not to mention, getting slammed into rocks, etc... I needed a bag that would stand up to heavy abuse.

And BTW ... You ceretainly dont need to spend $600 to get a good sturdy bag.

[Spiderman]

The $600 bag was probably the Hunter bag that originally retailed for $350 before all these upstart bag makers in the last couple of years. Hunter made excellent bags before closing shop. I hear he is preparing to open again. Anyway he amassed a big following and a longer waiting list for the only true custom bag available. Part of that $600 price is the collectible aspect i guess.
There are many quality custom bags available now for around $300. I've seen the Commando and it is a nice bag. The nice thing about most of these new lure bag makers is they are built 1 at a time and are true custom bags. If you want extra buck tail slots or a pork rind bottle holder, belt clips or even a flap that opens the opposite way you can get it that way.
I have several bags including Coastal and the original black Van Staal that are close to 20 years and still going strong. A good bag is worth the price. I hate when my gear falls apart or a manufacturer does not stand behind their product.
Some dont really need it but if you swim or fish hard buy the best you can afford. If you get tossed by a wave and lose all your plugs you will wish you had that extra velcro to keep it closed.
By the way most of the ideas in these new bags came from Steve Campo down here on Long Island who sold a few of his hand stitched bags for $500 over 20 years ago.

[ivanputski]

my father is a master tailor of 45 years... I never even thought of asking him to make me a bag... some things are so obvious, you never think of them! So what does a bag that holds 10 eels and 3 plugs look like???

[rizzo]

Originally Posted by ivanputski

So what does a bag that holds 10 eels and 3 plugs look like???

Me and some buddies have a great bag design that is exaclty what youre talking about. It includes an insulated zipper pouch for eels/riggies (holds 12) for the long 24 hour island trips overnighters. Water shares a wall so it stays cool. 3 tubes for plugs built in. Chest and shoulder strap. Has a bungie/rip stop nylon collapseable top to store a dry top.

Take a look at some of the inovations in rock and ice climbing bags. Black diamond and patagonia, plus other custom makers have some nice products to model after. Light weight is key!

[rizzo]

Winter project, but we might network with a premier surfcasting bag manufacturer to get this design out there.

[pcfisherman]

I do own a high end bag and it is worth every penny. Can't agree enough with Paul S about digging hooks out or having a bag fall apart after you just walked 2 miles and you are in the middle of no where with nothing to fix it. It sucks, so I personally don't mind spending a couple hundred bucks on a bag that will last a life time. By the way...just noticed you could win a new custom surf bag on a particular site......(C) for your(S)elf

The moral of the story is - do you by something with a life time guarantee for $300 or do you spend $100 every year or even every other year.

[The Dad Fisherman]

Originally Posted by pcfisherman

The moral of the story is - do you by something with a life time guarantee for $300 or do you spend $100 every year or even every other year.

How's that lifetime guarantee work if the company is gone 2 years from now?

[Thumper]

Nice to meet u last night pc, sorry the guy I was with was an a**. Some ppl just don't like changes or understand different ways of fishing.
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