The Salty Fisherman

I have been fishing spook-style plugs in the back bay along sod banks for years. The smaller ones of course. They are very productive in the back. If you are talking about the 9'' and up plugs for the surf, I have heard that they are productive, but have never given it a try for myself.

I have the same issue with all of mine, actually, most of my Stradics have this happen to them sooner than later. Not complaining, killer reel. I have three in the 3000 size. I Would definitely recommend it.

Wow! The mini chicken scratch tail is awesome! Love the collection by the way!

I have heard more and more people selling their larger VS200 of VS250 for options similar to the VR50 or even a 5000 Saragosa. It makes sense when you think about it. Like you said, who wants to catch a rat bass on an outfit meant for fighting a 40lber? Plus, many of the larger outfits were meant for throwing huge lures, something that fewer and fewer people are doing.

Very similar to how I fish currently. Very little of my fish are caught on open sandy beaches.

Sadly, there is no doubt that the fishing is not what it used to be. There are fewer fish around (even if just slightly) and those that are around are not nearly as sizable as years prior. How have you changed the tactics that you use to fish now from what you did years ago? How about what lures, sizes, places, gear, presentation, and time of day, along with anything else that you do differently. Really interested to hear what many of the vet surfcasters have to say, those who have seen the fishing scene change right before their eyes.

I see that you have a healthy relationship with the Shimano Curado... Love the pictures, you have a very clean set up and some awesome reels. Good luck with the rod building.

They both look great. I have the black super slick on a Stella FJ. It looks great with the black. Can't wait to hear how they fish!

I was waking along a longer trail on my way to the beach during the middle of the summer. As I neared the end of the trail, I looked down and saw a bag with a towel on top of it. At the time I did not think much of it. As I got up a little bit further the trail, I make a turn around a corner and am greeted with a naked woman running the opposite direction back toward the bag. Shortly afterwards a younger man passes me while calmly strolling back towards the bag. We smile at each other and go our separate ways. Interesting excursion.

For those who have already received a vr50 black, how is the finish on the reel? Similar or the same as a black vs or vsx? When they originally announced the vr50 was coming in black I was worried that the finish would not be as high in quality as the vs series because the vr series was lower in price range. Plus, the silver version of the vr50 is not the same color as the silver vs. Just curious...

love the garbage man reference

Bucktails are difficult for newer fishermen because they are a lure that requires a technique that takes skill to produce fish. In other words- unlike an diving plug like a SP minnow that can be fished by virtually anyone by simply casting, reeling, and occasionally twitching (which is even optional), Bucktails must be fished differently based off of where, when, and what fish that you are targeting. Bucktails can be fished quickly, slowly, on the bottom, up top, or really any way imaginable. It is up to the fisherman to try these different techniques and get a feel for what they think will work best. Of course, this is much harder for a newer angler to accomplish with very little to no prior experience doing such. As for how to teach your brother in law, like someone said earlier, putting time in fishing a bucktail is really the only way that someone can master it.

Where are you located at? Any discount if I come and pick it up?

You should certainly have a variety of bucktail weights, but from the surf I generally throw 1 oz Andrus jetty casters. Nice, hefty, well tied bucktails.