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[October 19, 2006]Berkley Vanish Transition LineThink about how many baits a bass sees during a day on a crowded lake. Wouldn't an ace in the hole be nice? Low visibility fluorocarbon could load your deck. Berkley claims the line's bright gold color appears in the sun's bright light but quickly vanishes underwater. Even with the added stiffness of fluoro, my knots pulled down tight and my casts proved clean. But is it invisible to the fish? I had a hard time seeing it under the water's surface. The bass weren't afraid to eat up either.
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[September 19, 2006]Offshore Angler Inshore Extreme Casting RodWith a quick flick of my wrist the nose-hooked live mullet flew a solid 60 feet and landed with a soft plop thanks to my Offshore Angler Inshore Extreme casting rods springy tip. I immediately felt the gray trout's gentle bite in the rod's reflexive HM-54 graphite blank. As I reared back the quick action provided a solid hookup while the rod's backbone prevented the trout from wrapping around a piling. Game over for that lunker. Featuring a cork grip, green and gold wrapping, and Fuji components, it's one hell of bargain. The only thing I didn't like? The lack of a hook holder.
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[April 20, 2004]Basic Elements: Bottom Line Tournament 5100Walleye anglers are hardcore about their fishfinders. They don't care about color, massive output power, or fancy software. They just want razor-sharp detail, a big screen for split views, and easy manual adjustments-features that excite serious coastal anglers, too. Bottom Line clearly listened to these folks and has introduced its Tournament 5100.
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[July 1, 2003]Solar FlarePflueger is known for its classic fly gear, but its new Solara spinning combinations might change all that. I tested a Solara PFL SOL66 combo, which consists of a Solara 5735 spinning reel (235 yards of eight-pound test, six ball bearings, 5.2:1 ratio, 14 ounces) matched with a medium-light IM-8 graphite rod with cork handles, stainless-steel guides, and Fuji reel seats. Tossing crankbaits to bass, pickerel, and perch, I could feel every wiggle of the lure through this rod. The reel is smooth and has an instant antireverse. I like that Pflueger includes a spare aluminum spool.
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