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Rod & Reels

US Reel Hibdon Supercaster SLC 800SX

Introduction: I have been looking for a casting reel that would allow me to cast super long distances with topwaters and other big fish specific plugs that would give me pinpoint accuracy. The selling point of this lure is just that so I was very much interested in trying one out.

Testing Scenario: Fishing in high wind and throwing to redfish out to 50 yards with large topwater plugs.

Results: I was literally able to throw on the head of a moving redfish in the 50 yard range with a Bomber Walkie Talkie Topwater plug. This reel has allowed me to make gigantic strides in pinpoint accurate casting at long distances. I have also fished this with 1/8-ounce jigs and found it to be good for more finesse fishing as well for flounder.

The author with the redfish he picked off at 50 yards with this reel.

F.L.E.X. Notes: The Angled Bar Levelwind replaces the line guide and allows for longer, more accurate casts. Super accurate, smooth drag system and also has worked great for pitching and flipping close to tight structure.

For more information go to

http://www.usreels.com

Disclaimer: I was provided this product for the purpose of testing.

Penn Conquer 4000 Spinning Reel

Introduction: I fish spinning reels almost exclusively with braided, fusion and other “super lines”. For purposes of seeking big fish, I find braid offers the sensitivity, strength and ability to eliminate what I like to call the "human factor" described in the F.L.E.X. manual. This reel is designed for fishing with these kinds of lines and the point of my testing was to see how smoothly and efficiently they work with braid.

Testing Scenario: Fishing in high wind and making casts as long as 40 yards and flipping as close as 10 feet. This reel has been put to test for well over two months in the field.

Results: After chunking everything from live bait rigged under popping cork, topwaters, crankbaits, spinners and flipping jig type lures, I never once had a problem with those insane, annoying loop type backlashes that just mysteriously pop up on spinning reels. This is usually a result of the reels line capacity rating not being based in reality and line slippage on the spool. I rigged this one to the recommended capacity (or perhaps slightly beyond it) and have had no problems. I have been using Berkely Fireline in 40-pound class and it has cast smoothly with no crazy loop problems and this was with no monofilament backing. A rubber gasket on the spool keeps it from slipping and causing havoc.

F.L.E.X. Notes: The drag on this 4000 model is rated at 19 pounds and I was able to crank some nice fish out of heavy structure with no problem. There is a 2000 rated at 12 pounds, 5000 a 22 pounds and a 7000 at 32 pounds. This will become a permanent part of my fishing repetoire.

For more information go to http://www.penn-fishing.com.

Disclaimer: I was provided this product for the purpose of testing.

American Rodsmiths Croaker Smoker Rod

The author with a huge redfish caught on the Croaker Smoker rod

Introduction: The name of the rod caught my attention. Partly because I knew it would annoy the uptight people who think we should ban live croaker as a bait but more so because I know there is a special method to fishing live croaker and other similar baits.

Testing Scenario: Targeting redfish at the Sabine Jetties with live croaker and live mullet fished on a light Carolina rig.

Results: I had a friend of mine down from Oklahoma and I told him he could fight the first fish. Well, it was a 36-inch red that nearly killed him during the battle. (His biggest fish before this was a 10-pound carp.) Several times the rod was completely bent over as the fish ran under the boat using the giant outgoing tide to its advantage. My friend has zero experience with fish like this and watching him being able to play the fish and have it bend the rod like it did gave me confidence in its strength. Sensitivity was tested later catching some reds that were biting funny and did not want to make a big, long run as soon as they hit. Using this rod in conjunction with Power Pro braid I was able to see the fish hit, hold it in my hand and feel the "thump thump thump" big reds will give a live bait as they hold it in their mouths. On later trips I was able to handily throw popping corks rigged with live bait to blacktip sharks and also targeting trout along the jetty wall.

F.L.E.X. Notes: This is a very dependable rod for jetty fishing where there is not only a strong chance of catching big fish but the fish tend to be quite a bit stronger than their bay-dwelling counterparts. Fighting the big currents keeps their muscles "flexed" if you will and with redfish in particular you need something that can take more than average punishment and has enough flexibility to allow free-lining live bait or throwing a popping cork.

For more information, go to http://www.americanrodsmiths.com

Disclaimer: I was given this product for the purpose of testing.