Oh and the numbed the area around the hook with yet another needle. They tried to get it out but the forceps kept slipping because the hook would twist so much so I started reaching for anything I could grab to help pull while they pushed. Worst day imaginable Oh but it gets worse. It was the new g...

The Expride B lineup generally became crisper and stiffer than the first iteration, making the B 6'10" M a worse jerkbait rod than the A version IMO. This slightly lighter version might get the B series back into that jerkbait sweet spot that the A series hit. Generally speaking, I feel like the rod...

I thought the keeper Kistler used on their circa 2021 rods (pre-blank changes) was really good. Worked for dropshots, jig hooks and t-rigged baits. Then they abandoned it, so maybe I’m the only one who liked it.

I like the Daiwa Steez AGS 6'8" light for Ned's. I have a Phenix K2 713 ML but I use it mostly for small jerkbaits. The Steez AGS 6'8" light has the "megatop" and is an excellent casting ned rod. I prefer to fish ned rigs on spinning however, and the Steez 6'10" "The Ned" is by far my favorite ligh...

At a discounted price (i.e. the $300 gift card I got) I feel that these are a steal. Even at 20-25% off I would consider them. Since my last post I caught a 7lbs on my Medium rod; straight fluoro in deep water. I had a great experience (both bite detection and playing/fighting the fish). At full pr...

At a discounted price (i.e. the $300 gift card I got) I feel that these are a steal. Even at 20-25% off I would consider them. Since my last post I caught a 7lbs on my Medium rod; straight fluoro in deep water. I had a great experience (both bite detection and playing/fighting the fish). At full pri...

I’d go with the Native for sure. One big advantage of the Native is the drive is simple and they have instructions/videos on how to take it apart and service/repair it. Not the fastest, but good quality. Also have upgrades to just about everything including the rudder. Really never hear anything ab...

I’d go with the Native for sure. One big advantage of the Native is the drive is simple and they have instructions/videos on how to take it apart and service/repair it. Not the fastest, but good quality. Also have upgrades to just about everything including the rudder. Really never hear anything ab...

Looking at that rod now, I'd like an update to the K2 line using those aesthetics (lock nut etc.) please!

I use a Phenix K2 713 ML (which skews light in actual power) for this and it works very well. Don't know much about the Phenix Classic, but it might be a good match just based on that kinship.

I got an 854 that The Hookup Tackle was selling in their pre-owned rod sale. Former showroom model, I think, supposedly never fished, and it looks new. Took it on a couple of trips and I’m happy with the purchase, but I’m not over the moon with excitement. Bite detection is great and I was able to c...

I think the Glorious and Ultina blanks are the same. I know both use 1100g cloth, and I emailed Shimano.jp about what tech the Ultima had over the Glorious and got no response. I'd have to investigate, but I doubt this to be the case. Different cosmetics and components certainly wouldn't justify th...

I have caught more 8+ bass on spinnerbaits and buzzbaits than any other lure. My pb, 13-2, came on a Stanley Titanium Wedge spinnerbait with big double-willow blades. So yes, I have huge confidence in wire frame baits like these. What I totally lack confidence in is dropshotting. Of course, I bank ...

There are several fake Hookup Tackle sites that spring up from time to time. They’re all mining the real store but are trying to steal your payment information with ridiculous offers. Be careful and don’t even visit if you can. Somebody asked me about one of these pages a few months ago, so I visite...

I've been bass fishing for over 40 years. I'm like a 80% hardbait/20% softbait guy. I have big confidence in these. - Topwater (mostly, walkers, poppers, wakebaits and buzzbaits) - Jerkbaits - Crankbaits, including lipless. - Texas rig (weighted or weightless, including soft jerkbaits) I had NO con...