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| Archives and Online Features : Gear Reviews |
Tropical: Fishing
By John Byorth / Photographs by Seth K. Hughes
2005 Dec (Vol. 7, No. 7)
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1) Shimano Stella 8000FA/10000FA
The Basics: $600/$660; aluminum spinning reels with grace and power; 22.8 ozs./31.4 ozs.
In Depth: Much like a leading man from the 1930s, this sexy reel is built smooth, silent and strong. Shimano calls it the “S-Concept.” We call it the ticket for tricky fights with powerful fish on the flats or long, epic battles with monster tarpon. The Direct Drive System attaches the drive gear directly to the handle for extra muscle. Use the 8000FA (325 yards, 12-pound test) for lighter species on the flats and the 10000FA (330 yards, 16-pound test) for “tough” fish. 888-725-8987; www.shimano.com.
2) Wright & McGill STH76S3/MJST70S3
The Basics: $180; solid Kevlar-and-graphite-construction spin rods for the flats
In Depth: W&M has been building quality rods since 1925, and the venerable company has remained on the cutting edge by incorporating Kevlar into the butt section of its 12 graphite inshore rods. Plus, a triangular fore-grip and palm swell casting grip (a bulbous taper the shape of your palm) on the cork make long fights easier. Use the Sportsmen’s-Travel-Heavy 7’6” Spin three-piece for tarpon, permit and ’cuda, and the MJ Sportsmen’s-Travel 7’ Spin three-piece for less beefy reds, snook and sea trout. Both rods cast extremely well and feature top-of-the-line Fuji guides. 800-628-0108; www.wright-mcgill.com.
3) Scott S3s
The Basics: $625; a workhorse rod for all flats species; 9-weight; 9; four-piece; 4.5 ozs.
In Depth: Scott rod guru Frank Smethurst calls the 9-weight “the handiest rod size for both touch and tough fish.” Touch fish—redfish, Snook and bones—require precision casting and presentation. Tough fish—tarpon, permit and barracuda—require strength and stiffness. The S3s is both sensitive and tough. Unique internal ferrules provide a continuous taper, for smooth energy transfer, and flex, for accuracy. A larger diameter blank quickens recovery time during long power casts and adds strength for the fight. 800-728-7208; www.scottflyrod.com.
4) Abel Big Game Series 3S
The Basics: $475; a simple, high-quality cork-drag reel; 8-, 9- and 10-weight line; standard arbor; 8.7 ozs.
In Depth: With the S3’s cork drag, you dial your drag and the cork presses into the spool. The standard arbor houses more line than trendy large arbors—a handy proposition when a 120-pound tarpon is into your backing. Buy an extra spool ($195) for quick switches. Bones? Load one with 8-weight (300 yards of 20-pound backing). Tarpon? Grab another with 10-weight line (250 yards). 866-511-7444; www.abelsreels.com.
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1) Rio Saltwater Fly Lines
The Basics: $60; technique-specific lines
In Depth: Use the Bonefish Weight-Forward Floating line in either 8- or 9-weight on the shallow flats. The Florida Bonefish features a sink tip that drops ever so slightly to suspending fish in slightly deeper water. For spooky fish, the Bonefish WF/F has a clear tip for extra stealth. Tarpon WF 10-weight features a clear- or moderate-sink tip with the power to reel in a freight train. $60; 208-524-7760; www.rioproducts.com.
2) Rapala X-Rap Slashbait
The Basics: $6; deadly saltwater baits
In Depth: The “X” Rating is for extreme action—a must for finicky bones, reds and sea trout. Ideal for long casting, cutting and slashing. There are 4 sizes and action variations. www.rapala.com.
3) Enrico Puglisi Handmade Flies
The Basics: $4-$7; QUALITY, HANDCRAFTED SALTWATER FLIES
In Depth: Flats-fishing veteran Enrico Puglisi wraps his own special fibers to create mullet, sardine, anchovy and herring patterns for all flats and in-shore species. 516-674-4004; www.epflies.com.
4) Eagle Claw Addictive Fishing Mogan Hook Kit
The Basics: $25; a hook grab bag
In Depth: You never know what you’ll be fishing for in the tropical aquarium, so it’s best to carry a wide array of hooks and adapt to the hot bite. This sensible hook kit covers all bases. 303-321-1481; www.eagleclaw.com.
Last Updated: Mar 7th, 2006 - 15:48:25
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