Month: November 2017

SMASH TECH CUSTOM BAITS GIZZARD SHAD WEEDLESS SWIMBAIT

SMASH-TECH Custom Swimbaits and especially the Gizzard Shad Weedless Swimbait seemed to be a potential front-runner for the hard to get Battles Shad. The style and the look of this bait showed so much potential. However, the durability of the bait, for me, has made this a no-go.

The 7in bait must be rigged on an Owner Beast 12/0 hook, and this is not an easy thing to accomplish.  Promise you will create the famous stretch face the first time you try. Trying to get the hook line up is also difficult as well. I believe you might have to bend the hook out a little. This might allow the hook to sit properly in the bait.

The first cast, the screw lock ripped out of the bait and within the first few cast, the area where the hook comes through was completely ripped. At this point even with glue, I’m doubtful this bait will handle much fish. I emailed the company, got an immediate response with a new bait in the mail the next day. The owner also gave me some suggestions on how to rig and handle the bait.

Recommendations from the owner included, not using too stiff of a rod…, delicately casting the bait… and proper rigging. I asked for any rigging tips or videos, other than just being told to use the Beast 12/0 hook. I got no response to multiple emails to the owner and company in general. Oh well, figure it out myself. When it comes to the casting and rod recommendations, I was a little shocked. These are big heavy baits requiring heavier than normal equipment and I’m supposed to be gentle when casting the SMASH-TECH Custom Swimbait ????

Conclusion: There is a line through model that might be better and more durable due to the way it’s rigged, but this is a no-go in my book. For $15 I’ll take my money someplace else or just be patient and get more Battles Shads.

If you have any questions, please comment below and let me know what you think!

Be sure to check out the video review on YouTube; CLICK HERE!

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

Be sure to check out one of my other “Project” SWIMBAIT MAYHEM articles!

DRT KLASH JOKER – CLICK HERE!

DRT KLASH JOKER PART 2 – CLICK HERE!

BIG BAITS SMALL REEL – WILL IT WORK? – CLICK HERE!

SWIMBAIT SPINNING ROD – CLICK HERE!

SWIMBAIT STORAGE SOLUTIONS – CLICK HERE!

CABELAS SWIMBAIT ROD – CABELAS PREDATOR MUSKY ROD – CLICK HERE!

DRT KLASH JOKER PART 2 “Project” Swimbait Mayhem

The Division Rebel Tackles (DRT) KLASH JOKER is noted as a Mystery Wake Bait, with a trashing noise, violent vortex, surface nightmare. This topwater wake bait also has a removable lip to allow it to walk side to side as well. Amazing tail rattles and a submarine effect, this is sure to elicit some explosive topwater bites.

This is part 2, working off the first review that I made. Working this bait with no lip to produce a walk-the-dog action is relatively hard and I had some bad camera angles on the first video. Honestly, the right rod which the shorter the better and a fast retrieve reel is the way to go. Short jerks with line slacks to give way to the side to side action is key. It’s a cadence, and you just have to practice.

If you end up with a JOKER don’t give up if you can’t get this amazing bait to go back and forth. It will come with time and patience. Once you get the cadence down you will be amazed at how the KLASH JOKER dances on top of the water.  Please comment below and let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Here is the link to this video review! CLICK HERE

Here is the link to my first review! CLICK HERE

Here is the YouTube video of the first review! CLICK HERE

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF “PROJECT” SWIMBAIT MAYHEM. CLICK HERE

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Anger

A Swimbait Spinning Rod is probably the least sought-after rod in a big swimbaiters arsenal. A swimbait spinning rod is for those who are just getting started or may not know how to use a bait casting reel. When it comes to rods geared towards throwing big swimbaits, you have swimbait specific rods, mushy rods, and heavy saltwater rods. However, most of these are geared around casting rods, and not spinning rods.

The spinning rods that are offered are not generally offered in the heavy models that will handle monster baits. They are offered up to 4-5 oz. rods. The rod that I’m using is actually a surf rod form Tsunami, and it’s a great fit for smaller swimbaits. Cabela’s offers a spinning rod geared for musky and again it’s not rated past 4 oz. I do own two casting models of the Cabela’s Predator Musky rods and they are my favorite rods for big baits. So, I’m confident that the spinning models will work for anyone that wants to target fish with big baits. The saltwater rods, tend to be surf rods. If you want a super heavy surf rod for swimbaits, it’s going to be a 9-10ft plus.

If you are just getting started with big baits or not comfortable with baitcasting reels the above-mentioned spinning rods will work for throwing big swimbaits. Plus, should you decide that throwing big swimbaits is not for these rods will work for many more types of fishing. Your money will not be wasted on buying these rods. If you have any questions, I’m always here to help.

Check out my YouTube review https://youtu.be/Mv0ec5pPOkk

Semper Fish!
Joe, The National Angler