 |
#1
Anchovie
Combos
Rod and Reel
to...
Deal with the bait that's available! |
#2
Accurate
Fury
Free Super
Braid Rigging or Pliers! |
#3
AVET RAPTORS
SPECIAL PRICES
NEW- SXJ RAPTOR
Free Super Braid or
Quality Pliers! |
#4
Penn
Fathom
Excellent Value,
Great Casting, FREE
BRAID OFFER! |
#5
Offshore
Explorer
30-60 lb.
Travel Rod
Packs at 20
inches, brings new Nano Technology to travel rods! |
#6
Gill
Deckboots
Quality, Comfort, Value
Great
Stuff! |
#7
Ahi Assassin
Nano Technology Jigging Rods
State of the Art! |
#8
CharkBait
LARGE Diver
Minnows
Drag Big Baits for Big Fish! |
#9
CharkBait
Straps & Wraps
Rod Organization and Protection... |
#10
Toro Tamer
Face Muffs/Buffs
Save your
Skin! |
07/12/2014
Thank you for visiting our Weekly Specials!
Taking off for ICAST tomorrow, but
I'll have my trusty laptop along and will provide some images of new
gear here and on the CharkBoard about the new gear. So, check back
towards the end of the week to see some new reels and more. I got to
play with some of the new Penn, Okuma and Daiwa gear, I think you're
going to be impressed by what these firms have introduced. Release
Reels also made some waves previewing their new Surf reel, with the
new factory and improved QC & Designs I think they are primed for
some very good things. I'll probably not be able to provide an update to
the Specials until I return from the show, but who knows... I will
post some pictures of new products directly from ICAST. Please check
the CharkBoard for updates from ICAST, there's a link near the top
of the page. This week we
bring some new and some tried and true performers your way.
Enjoy this week's offerings, and as always, thank you for visiting our
Weekly Specials.
- Just got back from
Orlando (Sunday). Spent some time with the previous owner of United
Composites and earlier stopped by to check how Randy (formerly of
Seeker) is doing. Both reports quite positive. Randy has staffed the
factory with VERY experienced guys who know what they are doing.
CharkBait even received the first blank produced by the new UC a
week or so back. These guys are dedicated to quality, and it shows.
Peter, the previous owner, strongly feels that the new owner (Randy
Penny) has the experience and dedication to bring this firm along
properly, meaning we should expect nothing less than excellent
quality blanks and hopefully finished rods as well. For now, UC's
will only be a custom produced rod, but in time we will have factory
produced pieces to offer. I'm favorably impressed by this firm.
Peter finally has what he wanted all along, quality USA produced
blanks with Helix designs for the Australian market. And, I see the
new UC building the best blanks on the market with the experience
and capability to become the top manufacturer in the industry. This
will be much fun to watch as time progresses. With the sale of
Seeker, some uncertainty about their future direction, Calstar's
production capability, the timing of United Composites renewed
production with an experienced team and an owner/operator in charge
and at the plant daily, well it is truly something we need. I, and
many others, love the old Graphite USA rods, and with Randy running
things we'll finally have them produced with the consistent quality
we expected all along.
Great Stuff,
Mark Smith
-
WEDNESDAY 7/16
VISIT THE CHARKBOARD TO SEE WHAT'S NEW FROM ICAST - JUST POSTED
PICTURES -
PENN TOOK BEST NEW SALTWATER AND FRESHWATER REELS FOR
2014!CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Orders over $150 are shipped
FREE!* Orders less than $150 are billed for shipping. Upon placing your order you'll receive an
immediate confirmation via email. You are not billed at that time, the
confirming email may not reflect oversize or
overweight charges or other issues requiring
direct contact. We process
orders manually, preferring to have a human
actually check things over and contact you
should there be questions. Within 24
hours of placing your order you will receive a
follow-up email confirmation and final invoice (pdf doc) reflecting your total charges
(Monday-Friday). You are not billed until we actually send you your final invoice.
Orders shipped to CA addresses will have California Sales Taxes applied, out
of state orders are tax free. During the
ordering process you can select expedited
shipping if required.
(Within the USA
we usually ship via Federal Express ground. International,
and oversize/weight items will be billed for
shipping and you will be sent an emailed invoice reflecting total charges
prior to actual billing. We will not ship
without you having had a chance to review the
invoice). Hawaii and Alaska shipping will be
accomplished using USPS Priority service, and
our standard shipping cost policy will apply
unless the item ordered does not fit in their
standard size boxes. If additional shipping fees
are required we will contact you.)
FREE Fed Ex GROUND SHIPPING*
* for
orders over $150, within USA,
AK and HI via USPS
(in standard size flat rate boxes -
otherwise there will be a charge).
Oversize items, like lobster nets, and
International orders will carry a shipping
charge which we'll quote you prior to actual
billing.
|
Special
#1
Anchovie Combos
Locally folks have been a bit frustrated trying to fish
live bait...small live bait.
While we've been spoiled by having lots of sardine bait
over the past 10 years, this year it's 'chovies. While
not exactly two eyes and a wiggle, they ain't too far
from that! Add the average size of the yellowfin we're
seeing within 3 day range, working with lighter lines to
handle smaller baits, a rod that's appropriate for the
light baits and reels with freespool to cast 'em, and
the benefits of a good 15 to 20 lb test rod/reel setup
becomes quite important these days. You won't be nearly
as successful fishing small baits on 40 lb test line,
need to drop down and play the fish on the light stuff,
and you'll need an appropriate rod for the task. The
combinations offered do just that, and we'll save you a
bunch of greenbacks this week with the following
specials.
Toro Tamer
Offshore Explorer
Boat Rods
Light, Responsive
& Quality Components!
Our Toro Tamer Offshore
Explorer Boat Rods are exceptional in both quality
and value. The rods feature Fuji guides and reel
seat, graphite construction and moderate/fast
action - not a parabolic jigging rod, rather a rod
suitable for live bait and iron. This is
another of those projects that took a bit of time,
more than we'd have liked. We really hoped
 we
could have had these in stock for our local summer
season, but with something like this we're happy
to see 'em come in whenever they make it. These
rods share actions similar to Calstar's Grafighter
series, produced offshore by one of the better
factories in Asia - a quality factory producing
rods for two very well known USA firms. They are quality produced, with quality
components, by a very innovative rod specialty
firm. Calstars are indeed better rods, no doubt,
but these rods are quite nice in their own
right. I've used them on most of our charters
over the past few years.
We stayed with quality Fuji components, very good
guides with inserts to deal with the more modern braided lines
successfully - long term. The rods feature Fuji reel seats and nice
aluminum gimbals for the two heavier models. There are three models
in the line, a 12-20# rod that's very suitable for fishing 15-20#
line, a 20-40# stick that's ideal for fishing 30#, and a 30-50#
model that's dialed in for 40#. They all pull very well, and are
very light in the hands. You will like the rods, and you won't find
a better value better value for anywhere near their price.
| Description |
Price |
| Toro Tamer Offshore Explorer 700L
15-20 |
$179.99
$99 with reel purchase |
Pair the rod with a terrific reel from Avet,
Penn or Daiwa!
AVET SX Series
 It's a
tiny, powerful, variation on the Avet theme of leverdrag and super
freespooling spins. This is one sweet 12-20# reel, a giant
killer if there ever was one. The SX is unique in terms of power
and size.
The
SXJ was added to the Avet lineup in 2013,
and is the smallest fully machined aluminum
reel on the market, a narrow version of the
very popular SX reel. The spool is
about a thumbs width, it's darn tiny, but
inside and outside it's strong and fully
capable of landing larger fish than any
other reel built (that's anywhere near it's
size). Could be the giant killer you've
always wanted to own, especially if you have
a David vs. Goliath kind of personality
thing going on.
 This little gem is
every bit an Avet, strong construction,
great casting capability with plenty of
freespool, an advanced drag, and then you
have value as well as additional features to
boast about. The skinny little SXJ will find
a home with guys fishing both salt and
freshwater - it will cover some ground as
either the smallest reel in a fellows reel
bag or perhaps the most powerful piece
owned. For a freshwater fisherman targeting
larger fish, this will be a go-to reel. For
a salty type targeting anything from
rockfish, albacore tuna, bass...you name it,
it can be a workhorse for many applications.
The SXJ comes with
a narrow reel foot, so it will fit on
most
rods - even freshwater rods. It does not
come with a reel clamp. It's a wonderful size for
casting and leveling your line just became a
bit easier due to it's skinny size.
 Both
the SX models are available with or without a
sophisticated yet simple Magnetic Cast control system. Since these
reels spin so well, cast so effortlessly,
having an "educated thumb" really helps
prevent backlashes. Even if you have a
"smart" thumb and are an experienced caster,
the Magnetic Cast control proves beneficial
(as I've found). The MC feature provides a
1-5 dial for setting up the control to match
your needs - and for my use, lure/bait
weight. I set mine to 1 for bait, up to 5
for tossing a heavier jig.
Other Smaller Sized Reel
Options: Daiwa Lexa Baitcasters, Daiwa Seagate and
Saltist, Penn Squall and Fathom Series - All are quite
appropriate for tossing the smaller baits and match up
nicely with the rod offered.
Daiwa Lexa Series - 300 and 400 for this
application
Please visit our Daiwa
Page for further information. |
Penn Squall 12 and 15 with cast control
Please visit our Penn
page for more info. |
Penn Fathom - Please visit our
Penn page for more
information. |
Daiwa Seagate or Saltist - Please visit our
Daiwa
Offshore page for more info |
|
Special #2
 In
late 2013 Accurate
released a new series of reels destined to
change the fishing tackle industry, and the
quality of fishing gear available to anglers.
The new FURY series of reels incorporates many
lessons learned in the past 15 years by the
designers at Accurate. And, the new series is
available at an incredible value for
fishermen. Accurate reels have long been
associated with quality and performance,
though their price was above reach by most
anglers. NOW THAT has CHANGED! The new Fury
reels offer single drags rather than their
patented dual drag system. That saves some
money in manufacture. They still use a double
dog anti-reverse system, and that's reliable
and durable, long term. They've simplified
their design a bit, machining is simpler to
achieve and those savings result in a cost
that makes owning an Accurate within reach,
with performance that goes well beyond that
of most manufacturers at anywhere near the
Fury's price point. Superior quality was never
so affordable. And, now with a gorgeous candy
apple red color, they are better looking and
protected from the effects of corrosion than
ever. These are some great performing reels,
and they are even better looking with the
new production we've commissioned with
Accurate.
The Fury series are priced from an
affordable $279!
After the first
production Accurate added a one way
anti-reverse bearing in addition to their
double dog anti-reverse to the Fury Series. Now that's big time
reliability, a significant upgrade. And, it's
one thing that their $500-600 DPX series does
not have, and their Dauntless series at $600+
does offer. Here's the breakdown on Accurate
reels for 2014:
|
Series |
Drag System |
Anti Reverse |
Cast Control |
|
Fury |
Single Drag |
Dual Dogs plus
Anti-Reverse Bearing |
None |
|
DPX |
Twin Drag |
Triple Dogs |
Mechanical Cast Control |
|
Dauntless |
Twin Drag |
Dual Dogs plus
Anti-Reverse Bearing |
None |
These new reels follow the same sort of line
capacity figures as other Accurate reels of
the same size designation, and they are
certainly made for fishing braided super
lines. For the 400 size, I'd suggest a 30#
application, 40 on the 500 and 50-60# on the
600N, and for line capacities figure 300 yds
mono for each piece at the tests mentioned.
Though most folks will load on 40-50# braid
on the 400, 50-60 on the 500 and 60-80 for
the 600 series - about 300 yds and then top
off with the appropriate mono topper. In
terms of drag capability, Accurate typically
does not publish these figures. They
consider them counter productive and prone
to shall we say BS. For instance most
Japanese reel firms base their specs on an
empty spool while American firms use real
world conditions, meaning there's a full
load of line on the reels. An empty spool
provides a higher number, but it ain't
reality. In testing, we're getting 20#'s of
drag on these reels, and that's more than
consistent with the intended line tests
these reels were made to fish. Can you fish
heavier lines? Sure, but if you try to work
higher loads than intended you are not using
the product appropriately. The same can be
said of Avet, Penn and other well regarded
firms products. Pricing: 400, 500, 600
single speeds: $279, $289, $319, and for the
two speeds $379, $389, $399. That's a very
aggressive price level given the
construction of these new reels.
Please note, Accurate is expanding the number
of models within this line. If you don't see
the specific model you are seeking, don't
worry. Select a similar size model and then
bounce back an email with your order number
and the request for an alternate model. We do
NOT bill online, we review orders and email
prior to billing.
FREE SHIPPING
+ FREE
High Quality BRAID
and proudly manufactured in the USA
Made in America, and very proud of
it!
|
300 yards Super
Braid - Including Hollow Core - FREE!
Drag Scale - FREE!
The newest and smallest Raptor is available - now there are
Raptors in all sizes of casting reels including SXJ, SX, MXJ,
MXL, JX, LX, HXJ, HX and HXW sizes. New new SXJ Raptor has all the
features you'd expect from a member of the Raptor family,
dual drag power (on one side of spool), two speeds, magnetic
cast control, excellent casting characteristics and high
drag capability.
Raptors are a more refined, and higher drag
capacity series of reels from Avet. These take their whole
game up one notch, providing truly big fish capable reels in
compact sizes. Their machining is better, their operation
better, and their drag capacity much greater than their size
would suggest. There is less side load on the bearings as a
result of increased drag capacity. Casting is flawless, and
all models with the exception of the HX Wide Raptor come
with Avet's super performing Magnetic Cast control. They are
the best this innovative manufacturer produces, and they are
made to outperform all other reels on the market.
MXL Raptor pictured below.
Pictured below, the powerful and compact Avet JX Raptor.
Pictured above left, the JX Raptor. Drag the mouse over the image to
change view. Pictured above right are three models of Raptor, the
little SX, MX, JX/LX and the HX. All Raptors feature dual drags, magnetic
cast control (with the exception of the wide), ratcheting lever,
extended handle length and extended line capacity compared to
the standard models.
|
Model |
Capacity
Mono (yds) |
Capacity
Spectra |
Bearings |
Max
Drag |
Gear Ratio |
Weight
in ounces |
Price |
SPECIAL
Price |
|
SXJ Raptor |
est 240/15# |
240/50# |
8 |
17/26 |
6.3 & 3.8:1 |
est 16 oz |
$439 |
$385 |
|
SX Raptor |
270/20# |
400/50# |
8 |
17/26 |
6.3 & 3.8:1 |
17 oz |
$439 |
$395 |
|
MXJ Raptor |
230/30# |
400/65# |
8 |
17/26 |
6.3 & 3.8:1 |
20 |
$469 |
$422 |
|
MXL Raptor |
270/30# |
500/65# |
8 |
17/26 |
6.3 & 3.8:1 |
22 |
$479 |
$432 |
|
JX Raptor |
290/30 |
540/65# |
8 |
30/40 |
6 & 3:1 |
est 23 |
$519 |
$467 |
|
LX Raptor |
350/30 |
640/65# |
8 |
30/40 |
6 & 3:1 |
est 24 |
$529 |
$476 |
|
HXJ Raptor |
200/50# |
400/80# |
8 |
40/50 |
5.4 & 2.4:1 |
28 oz |
$549 |
$445 |
|
HX Raptor |
280/80 |
600/100# |
8 |
40/50 |
5.4 &
1.9:1 |
29 oz |
$559 |
$504 |
|
HX Wide Raptor |
360/50# |
460/130# |
8 |
40/50 |
5.4 & 1.9 |
30 oz |
$579 |
$512 |
*PLEASE NOTE, AVET DOES NOT
MAKE THE MX OR HX SERIES IN LEFT HAND FORM*
|
Your Pick: SPECTRA/BRAID - INCLUDING 16 STRAND
TORO TAMER SPLICEABLE HOLLOW CORE,
or CharkBait
Premium Quality Multi-Function Pliers
 You
choose either FREE offer. Receive either the
Premium PLIERS as pictured, Multi-Tool with
Split Ring tool and crimping PLIERS or
superior quality Super Braid
(gel spun polyethelyne line)
spooling with mono topshot
(if desired) at no additional charge. Both
offers represent a value of up to $80, and both
are excellent.
Plus Receive a FREE DRAG SCALE while this
promotion lasts...
|
FREE SHIPPING
FREE High Quality Braid
FREE Drag Scale!
Made in America, and very proud of
it!
|
|
Special #4
Penn Fathom Star Drag Reels!
Special: Free
SUPER BRAID Spooling
300 Yards FREE BRAID
Get 300 yards of top quality
Gel Spun Braid Spooling at no extra
charge with these innovative
reels.
|
 Penn's
Fathom Star Drag reels are a new series of full metal bodied reels
that are made for years of hard use, and made to fish very
well by all measures. The reels have GREAT freespool
performance, excellent drags, and they're built Penn
tough. When the levelwind Fathom reels first arrived last
year, all they guys here were beating up the Penn rep
asking why the heck Penn didn't come out with a
non-levelwind version of the reels. They were some of the
nicest levelwinds ever made, offered some things Daiwa
could not achieve with their Saltist series. We really
felt that a non-levelwind Fathom would give the Saltist
and the Avet's some competition. Well, I guess Penn was
listening because they introduced this new reel at ICAST
and the response told them that they indeed were on the
right track. The new Penn Fathom series star drag reels
are excellent fishing instruments!
|
Model |
Mono Cap. (yds/lb) |
Braid Cap. (yds/lb) |
Bearings |
Max Drag |
Gear Ratio |
Line Retrieve |
Weight (oz) |
Price |
| FTH12 |
360/10 • 260/12 • 230/15 |
525/15 • 420/20 • 320/30 |
5+1 |
25 lbs |
6.0:1 |
28 |
15.5 |
$199 |
| FTH15 |
320/12 • 280/15 • 190/20 |
500/20 • 380/30 • 270/50 |
5+1 |
25 lbs |
6.0:1 |
28 |
15.6 |
$199 |
| FTH25N |
320/20 • 290/25 • 220/30 |
650/20 • 450/50 • 370/65 |
5+1 |
25 lbs |
6.0:1 |
40 |
17.9 |
$219 |
| FTH30 |
440/20 • 300/30 • 250/40 |
625/50 • 500/65 • 440/80 |
5+1 |
25 lbs |
6.0:1 |
40 |
18.4 |
$219 |
| FTH40 |
350/30 • 300/40 • 220/50 |
725/50 • 600/65 • 525/80 |
5+1 |
25 lbs |
6.0:1 |
40 |
18.7 |
$219 |
|
From the little 12 to the large 40
size fathom, all represent solid reels. The favorite of the
guys here tends to run towards the narrow 25N, a bit taller
than the 12/15 size and narrower than the 30. Very nice size
for casting, with 50# Spectra suggested for backing, then
you've got room for close to 100 yards of 30# on top.
Wonderful for most casting work, and the reel will find it's
home on plenty of jig-sticks rigged up just that way. Penn has a winner on their hands.
 |
Click the image left for a brief video tour of the
new reel. |
Features:
-Full metal body and sideplates keep gear alignment
precise under heavy loads
-Machine cut marine grade bronze main gear with hardened
stainless steel pinion
-Versa-Drag system with HT-100's
-Live Spindle Design with free floating spool
-Internally adjustable centrifugal braking system
-Line capacity rings for ease in visualizing line capacity
and for spooling
-5+1 shielded stainless steel bearings
-Instant anti-reverse bearing with silent back up ratchet
|
|
Special #5
Offshore Explorer®
ICAST Introduction
New Nano Technology Travel Rod
7 Foot Rod, Packs at 20 Inches!
There's nothing on the market that
provides more punch in such a small package!
OFFSHORE EXPLORER®
30-60 LB, NANO 5
PIECE TRAVEL ROD
 Traveling
to great fishing destinations is something most of us dream of
doing, and there are many of us to make it a point of achieving.
There's only one downside, depending upon having good gear to fish
at remote spots can be a big problem. Getting your own gear to those
destinations can be a bit of a problem. Airlines don't much care for
transporting rods in long tubes. Hmm, perhaps they do care for doing
so...at a crazy price! Can be $100 each way, and what about the
little crop duster plane that gets you from the big city to the
little village...? Thus the motivation for good travel rods.
CharkBait and ToroTamer have been
involved in travel rod production for
several years now, it's a pet project
based upon necessity. Offshore Explorers®,
Surf Explorers®
and Inshore Explorer®
rods are marketed worldwide and catching notable
fish for many very demanding anglers. The
new Offshore Nano 30-60 represents another
advancement in rod design. Toro Tamer
showed off this new rod at several shows
this winter: ISE in Sacramento, Fred Hall
and Pacific Coast. They are now in stock.
At
ICAST 2014 Toro Tamer will introduce a new Offshore Explorer FIVE PIECE
travel rod. The new rod is very exciting in construction, design and
capability. You've got to feel this rod! For the first time Nano
Technology is being applied in a travel rod!
The use of Nano resins increases the rods strength dramatically
improving long term reliability and capability. You've got to pull on
the rod to appreciate it's strength and lightness; for it's typical
fishing
line test of 40-50 lbs its a very nice piece to own. The new 30-60 Nano Offshore
Explorer packs down to only 20 inches!!! When assembled the rod
is 7 feet in length.
Let's repeat that, here's a seven foot rod that packs at 20
inches, comes in a very nice hard case with rugged fabric cover,
makes use of advanced Nano technology and is priced under $300!!! A
fellow can take this rod, our 50-80# Offshore Explorer and one of
the Surf Explorers and pretty well cover a vacation...and all these
rods can fit in an overhead bin on a plane. Heck the Offshore
Explorers can even fit in a typical suitcase!
We've been showing off the rod at a few shows,
demonstrating a prototype, and folks have
 been
very, very impressed with it's unbelievable performance under load.
The rod is not perfect, but it's darn close to that for what most of
us do in terms of line class and fishing capability. The rod
incorporates an aluminum Pac Bay reel seat with double lock down for
the reel. One point to
mention, given the construction and size of reel seat, not all reels
will fit with rod clamp. The seat is large for it's class. It's
meaty, large, not a skinny seat. It's made from metal, not plastic.
The seat is robust and large, robust enough to handle a great deal
of stress, but
by being large not all
reels will fit. Avet
LX/LX,
HX and Pro series reels fit with clamps fine. HXJ and MX series
will not fit with clamp, you'd need to run the reel without clamp,
but you do have the security of the double lock down on the high
quality aluminum reels seat so
there should be no issues in use. Similarly a Baja Special, given
it's narrow frame will also have the same issue running a clamp. The
guides are braid safe, reinforced designed, and of course the rod
comes with a very nice hard case for storage and transport.
 |
 |
| Pulling 10 lbs dead lift |
Pulling 20 lbs. dead lift
-and yes I wish I'd had on a rod belt... |
|
|
Special #6
GILL/Respect the Elements
Designed from the deck up for marine use!
 Gill is a European owned firm, well
established in the marine industry. The
folks spending time on "rag-boats" well know
'em. They manufacture many ultra-technical
marine clothing items, primarily for the
racing and cruising sailor, but they also
serve the power boating and fishing
community. They've been around many years
and supply some excellent products, a wide
range of marine oriented products. Their
boots are a very good example, and much
welcomed addition to our offerings here at
CharkBait. I think the most important point
here is that Gill products are designed
first for marine applications, unlike some
of the other products that we have
"borrowed" from other fields, such as Xtra-Tuff
boots which were really designed for the
dairy industry, thus the lug soles and
heels.
(Background: once Xtra-Tuff moved
production overseas we began hearing some
grumbling by folks, saying that their
quality went downhill. While the new owners
took the production to China, the price did
not decrease, it actually went up. We were
told the quality would be maintained, and
even improved from when they were
manufactured in the state of Washington.
Then the negative reports began, and our
primary source for the boots said to heck
with 'em since they were getting the returns
due to problems with seams coming apart. So,
necessity indicated we needed to look beyond
what was the "norm" aboard the
long range boats out here in SoCal. We did our
homework, talked with some guys who were
wearing the GILL boots aboard some charters
we ran, folks using their products. Based
upon positive feedback we then approached Gill at ICAST 2013 and
added them to our line-up.)
Being
a European based firm, their sizing is based
on Euro standards...and that's a good thing,
too. In the past all boots were made in
full sizes, no half size offerings. With
Gill, there is a half size option for some
of the boots offered. Here's what I've
noticed about these boots, in comparison to
some others we've sold in the past
(including Xtra-Tuff). The boots feature
100% ALL RUBBER compound construction, and
its a better grade than most that I've come
across. The material is a bit thicker, and
will wear better and prove longer lasting.
 The soles
feature a micro-razor cut sole
pattern and a larger grip section on the
outside and inside of the toe and heel
respectively, great for providing secure footing,
better than lugs on a wet deck. These boots
come with a removable insole insert, that's
not an added expense. So, you have greater
cushion, and if you feel the boots are a bit
tight on your arch you can always remove
that and get a thinner insole and make more
room. Sizing is far more accurate than other
boots we've come across. For instance, I
wear a size 11 tennis shoe, but with the XtraTuff boot a size 10 would work for me.
With these boots, the size 11 was
appropriate, even a tad roomy at the toe but
snug on the sides...and there's even a 10 1/2
available!!! So, their size is more
consistent with your true shoe size than the
agricultural boots we've been using over the
past years. These
boots have a quick dry polyester lining for
added comfort. They're calf high, and a bit
tighter at the calf than an Xtra-Tuff. I
don't see a need to fold these down, as I
would with the higher XT boot. You'll also
like the fact that these boots do not arrive
with a slimy oily coating like the XT boots.
Not sure of the reasoning behind the oil
coating of the XT's, but thankfully these
don't have that issue and their rubber
material is a few mils thicker for longer
wear. The Gill boots are not especially
wide, they are an average width boot, and in
my estimation their size is consistent with
a tennis shoe.
Caveat, if you have THICK
ankles (call 'em cankles) you may have
difficulty with these boots. Chances are
you'd run into difficulty with other boots
fit too. If you are
closer to average size at the ankle or calf,
you will like these boots. And, these will
last you longer than the alternatives that
have been on the market. Secondly, these are
an average width boot, they are not
available in extra wide or EEE sizes.
Mark,
I received my Gill deck boots yesterday
and wore them indoors for a couple of
hours. They are great! I have size 14EE/EEEE
gunboats and they fit perfectly with a
pair of crew socks. Thanks for
recommending that I wait for your
evaluation of the Gills before you filled
my order. I will tell anyone considering
deck boots to try them.
Also, your comment on the traction of
razor-cut soles versus lug soles is true.
Lugs don’t have as much area in contact
with the deck compared to the soles of the
Gills.
Thanks again,
Robert
Redding CA -----
And, a follow up from Robert a year
later...:
I just came off of a 5-day to Cedros and
wore sneakers the first day and my Gill’s
the rest of the time. I’m really pleased
with the boots; great traction, not too
hot, good fit, and most of all my feet
weren’t killing me with all of the time on
deck. Sure, my dogs were tired at the end
of the day, but they would be no matter
what I wore. (My brother-in-law wore his
all week with no negative reports from
him.) Thanks again!
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Special #7
Ahi Assassin
- Dedicated Jigging Rods from Toro Tamer
2015 NANO HELIX
AHI ASSASSIN
INDUSTRY FIRST - NANO RESINS PLUS HELIX DESIGN FOR UNMATCHED
STRENGTH AND LIGHTNESS
At the 2014 ICAST
show Toro Tamer will be introducing new Nano Helix Ahi Assassin
Jigging Rods. The new Nano technology resins incorporated in these rods are at the cutting edge of rod design development. These
rods also make use of helix technology in their blank construction,
similar in some respects to the much appreciated and profoundly
missed Graphite USA rods (aka United Composites). The new Ahi
Assassin jigging rods take the Helix feature and build upon that
with
 new Nano resins. Nano Technology resins are ultra-microscopic
spheres of silica which bind the carbon fibers (graphite) in the
rods. Essentially the resin permeates the graphite fabric, the
submicroscopic particles occupy the space between carbon fibers to
provide additional support and strength at the molecular level. Modulus increases and
compression strength increases, the bond between fibers increases,
the flex strength and internal shear strength increases. Strength
and durability are enhanced, easily over 2-3 times the strength and impact
resistance results, providing you with true state of the art jigging
rods which go beyond any rod currently built. These are all made to
accommodate conventional reels, spinning versions will become
available in the fall of 2014.
To provide a bit more
detail in the construction, we use a unique helix technology which
is different from the standard scrim process. The standard scrim
process uses fiberglass or carbon scrim to give the blanks
hoop strength, but our helix technology uses the carbon spiral
to support the hoop strength of the blanks. a single carbon spiral (helical or helix) is at the core of the blank.
This type
of the structure is regarded as the most effective way of
maintaining cross section stability during bending, so our
carbon helix core will minimize cross sectional deformation
during loading, improving power and response. That is a unique
characteristic of our Ahi Assassin rods from Toro Tamer.
Now we are also using NANO materials
combined with the helix technology, it makes the blanks significantly stronger and
as well keeps the blanks out of deformation when they are bent under
load - like when you're pulling significant drag on a larger
fish.
Because we use the spiral carbon core
when making the blanks the tip section is much stronger, especially
noticeable for the fine tips. Our unique blank manufacturing
process makes our blanks
stronger. Traditional rods made out of the scrim materials, show
weakness through
the cross section, the 'glass or graphite scrim is already broken during the manufacturing!
So the only support for the hoop strength is the epoxy resin. That is why
a traditionally manufactured graphite or 'glass rod is
so easy to break. Combining the carbon helix core and Nano
technology results in an incredibly strong rod under all load
conditions. That's the key to the Ahi Assassin's incredible
strength and performance under load.
Background: We're proud to
introduce you to Ahi Assassin Jigging Rods. I'll say out front, I am a
Calstar and Seeker sort of guy, I prefer USA made rods, no question
about that bias. It took a lot to get me to accept that a quality
rod could come from overseas. But, I'm also a realist, and when it comes to
jigging and popping rods, quite honestly the USA firms were slow to produce a high
quality piece that fit the new technology of Spectra lines and deep
drop lures, in my estimation. That category of rod does indeed
demand some different action than we use for bait or lure fishing.
As a result, we took off the blinders and did some homework, talked
to folks both in the USA and clients from other countries. I did
some traveling, too. As a consequence of jumping on the learning
curve we were introduced to some folks that offered a fresh approach
to jigging synthesizing technology with technique. We are now working with a New Zealand owned firm
which has their own plant in
China. They are the producers of our Ahi Assassin jigging rods. The same firm
produces high end rods for the Australian and New Zealand market,
and the feedback we've received about them has been very positive, our
confidence high in this new source of quality rod building. They do
not make inexpensive rods, understand that in the Australian market
it's not at all uncommon to buy a rod for $1K. High end has a
market, and junk is not accepted well. The firm we are tied to does
not make cheap Chinese rods, they are not made to hit a price point,
they don't build the type
of rod that many reel companies have brought to market here. They
build world class rods, and we are indeed fortunate to have
made contact with the owners of this firm to bring us the best
dedicated jigging rods on the market. Big statement, but once you
feel the rods you'll understand that it's not an idle boast.
Conventional Guides (overhead) |
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A bit of background, several
years ago a few fellows from New Zealand set up a manufacturing
facility in an economic development zone in China, nothing unusual
about that, several large firms have done the same, including
Mustad, Penn, VanStaal, Shimano... But, two of the partners actually live
there and run the factory. They know what they are doing, also they
well know our local West Coast rods. I spent a long time with one of
'em going over the history of the old Sabre firm, Calstar, Truline...
They know our history well, and know the actions we've grown up
using. They build their rods for their own New Zealand and Australia market, but have the
ability to produce to our specs, too. They are a much more expensive
firm to do business with than the more typical Chinese producer of
rods. Their technology is better, too. I've been to their plant
several times now, and it's impressive, more impressive than anything I've
seen here to date. Their plant is located well off the beaten path,
simply because they did not want others to have easy access to
knowledge about what they were doing and their techniques.
Let me provide some background
on the Ahi Assassin rods, all the rods we offer are made from Carbon
and Fiberglass
(note, the original production used 'glass and carbon, the new
production makes use of carbon fiber for the matt material and to
add strength the helix design which was first used by GUSA and now
improved upon with the addition of Nano micro technology resins for
even greater strength), but unlike Seeker and Calstar's design, these rods
use both carbon and 'glass all the way through the rod's length, but
the amount of carbon at the tip is less than the butt. The carbon is
reduced consistently from butt to tip, and the glass increases
consistently from butt to tip. The Ahi Assassin rod blanks do not
stop laying carbon fibre on at a certain point, so there is no
strength concentration on the blanks, consistency of material and
thereby consistency of action is the goal and it's achieved! The
weight of our blanks is very light and the action of our jigging
rods is exceptional, the bend is parabolic to help provide your jigs
the very best action and to help with the additional stress caused
by fishing the newer Spectra and braid lines which have no stretch.
The rods action helps in taming a larger grade fish too since
there's always pressure on the fish, they don't get a second wind.
 To
finish these rods, we chose state of the art components from ALPS.
The guides are made to deal with Spectra for the life of the rod's
use, and the action of the rod will help maintain pressure on a fish
instead of creating a break-off from too stiff an action and too
little stretch of the super line. The new rods work with you, they
work with the jig, and they help you work a fish! All the rods in
this series are 6
1/2 feet in length. That's a mid-ground position, some folks
preferring a 6 footer for jigging, some liking the flexibility of a
7 footer. At 6 1/2 feet, we can cover both ends well and if you
chose to use the rod for fishing bait, so
be it, you can cast well
and deal well a larger fish given the rod's superb action. The
guides selected will deal well with Spectra lines, and in the case
of the spinning rod, we reverse the largest guide to help prevent
wind knots.
Please click on the images,
you'll have a larger view of the rods and can check detail more
closely. The wrap is our distinctive CharkBait red, with silver and
black trim. The rods are triple wrapped, and the resin used is pure
old school. No cheap fast cure resins used, these take time, four
hours curing time, 3 coats. That's something you don't find on many
rods these days. And, it shows upon inspection.
 The hypolon is sanded, for a
smooth and richer feel. Again, this is something that's not
typically done on factory made rods. And there are some nice
cosmetic touches you'll notice on these rods upon your inspection.
The gimbals are unique ALPS
ball style jigging designs.
Jigging rods are rated a bit
differently than conventional bait or lure rods. Jigging rods
are designed with lure weight a key component of their design. The
way the rod bends is critical, it's action with a specific weight
lure is a critical part of it's design, of even greater importance
than it's test rating. We incorporate both specifications, but
please do understand that the most important characteristic of these
rods comes from matching them with a particular lure weight rather
than line test rating.
|
Model |
Lure
Weight |
Nominal
Line Test
(preferred) |
Suggested Drag
Setting |
Weight Gram |
Weight
Ounces |
|
Ahi Assassin 200 |
200 |
30-65#
(40-50) |
10-15# |
320.4 |
11.3 |
|
Ahi Assassin 300 |
300 |
65-130#
(60-80) |
15-25# |
341.0 |
12.05 |
|
Ahi Assassin 400 |
400 |
100-200#
(100-150) |
20-30+# |
346.5 |
12.22 |
|
With the local amazing fishing going on, local tuna,
yellowtail and more, GUYS DRAG THE LARGE DEEP DIVER OFF
YOUR BOAT NOW! You won't waste time unhooking macks, you
will score the larger grade fish. The fishing gets no
better than what's on tap right now. This is the best
fishing I've seen in over 30 years.
Our Floating Diver Minnow Series Yellowtail Coffin Nails
in the EXTRA LARGE 270mm size are perfect for targeting
larger gamefish. Locally, they are deadly on open water
yellowtail, and more. The size is indeed large,
significantly larger than say a Rapala XRap (about 2
inches larger), and they are made for trolling. I like
using lighter lines in the 30-40# range, feel that
provides better depth since theres less resistance in
the water and for a fish like a yellowtail that's very
sight dependent the thinner lines get more attention
when you compare strikes with different tests in the
water.
The lures in this series make use
of good quality VMC 3X hooks, and the lures are
thru-wired for greater strength, necessary when tangling
with better grade fish. That's something they will be
doing a lot of, they're proven fish catching designs and
given that we are the direct producer we're able to bring
these great lures to you at a savings of darn close to 50%.
The closest competing lure in terms of design and shape
retails at something darn close to $20, and those compare that to our Diver Minnow Medium 210mm
size which we offer at $12. I don't think there's
much that comes close to this lure's size and that makes
it an even better value. Really, what's the point of
dragging a smaller lure and picking up 12-14 inch
mackerel and slowing down to get 'em off the hook when
you are targeting 20 to 30 lb fish or greater? Makes
sense to go large to catch larger gamefish. We
also added SOLID rings to the nose of the lures, rather
than split rings.
That sure beats using a loop for your tie-off or the bulk
and weight of a snap.
(please note the
solid rings on the lures - photo below)
 The
medium deep diving lure was our first release, and it
caught a lot of fish for folks. The only downside to that
floating/diving lure was that some folks tried to run it
as a trolling lure on 50# line. That's not at all what the
lure was designed to do. It's a casting lure. It can be
used on the troll, but with light line up to 20# or with
50# Spectra its super. So, almost as soon as we began selling the
210 Diver Minnow, we went to work to make a more dedicated
trolling lure of much LARGER size - that's our 270mm Deep
Diver, and that piece will become something you'll be very
impressed dragging in Baja. For yellowtail, this is my
favorite size lure. You can filter through the pesky
mackerel and species you really don't want to hook by
trolling a larger lure, and you tend to bring in better
quality fish, too!
| Model |
Design |
Application |
Size |
Weight |
Hooks |
Ring |
| Extra Large |
Deep Diver |
Trolling |
270mm/11" |
112G/4oz |
3X VMC |
Welded |
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Shopping Cart
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Special
#9
CharkStraps &
CharkWraps
 Two new items from us, not necessarily
the most creative or revolutionary products we've ever come
up with, but nonetheless they are useful and they are a bit
different than what's available from others.
Our RodWraps are an upgrade from the
StickJackets we've carried for several years. We've made
ours a bit larger in
diameter so that they will accommodate larger saltwater
guides, even larger spinning guides. The StickJackets were
really made for freshwater use, sized accordingly but we
used their spinning models for our application. Now we've
got 'em made our way. We've reinforced the
top with a leatherette end piece and metal grommet which can
be used to hang rods, and we've increased the diameter to
allow your rods, even those using larger AFTCO wind-on
roller guides or larger size spinning guides to fit. The
Wraps are about 5 feet in length, will extend down the rod
into the handle material of most rods. They are not made to
cover the entire rod, only that portion it's designed to
protect - the blank, the finish, the guides.
 These
wraps are all that I've been using now for the past few
years. I like the fact that I can use them for storage
protection, travel protection as well as leave 'em on my
rods on the boat. They are breathable and they don't absorb
moisture. So, they help me protect my rods when they're
bundled up once the fishing is over. On most long range
trips out of San Diego, you move your rods onto the boat and
off the boat all bundled up. They may stay that way
overnight on the boat as well. For a cloth sock, that's no
good. So, you can write off any protection of the rod. With
these things you do get that protection when you need it
most. I even leave them on my rods when I get home. I'll
spray off the rod wraps while still on the rod, loosening
any accumulated saltwater in the process. Then I'll take off
the wraps, clean the rods more thoroughly and allow them to
dry. Use of a cleaner like Penn's Rod and Reel cleaner for
that, and you've got things in great shape for your next
trip and your gear will stay in new condition. The Wraps are
5 feet in length.
The other product we have for rod
organization are our CharkStraps. These are great for
bundling your rods together for transport or storage. You
can secure up to a half dozen rods with these things. Nice
thing about ours verses some others, they are made from a
softer foam/rubber material so they'll never scratch up your
rods. Unlike some similar products I've seen, we made it a
point to include three different sizes (which makes sense
since you'll use all three at different positions on your
bundled rods from the tip to near the reel seat). So, you
get three straps, all with Velcro through their length to
handle most any size bundle of rods you'll be totting, from
2 to 6 or more rods.
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Face Buffs
New Product!
 Fishermen
spend more time exposed to the elements than most
folks, and those of us offshore on the water get
nailed by damaging UV rays more than anyone. Skin
cancer is a real concern, and I've had my share of
visits to the dermatologist getting scraped, cut,
frozen and treated for this stuff. Most of us make
use of sunscreen these days, but that stuff is not
perfect. As you sweat or get wet it's
effectiveness goes away. Over the past couple
years you might have noticed some guys wearing a
face buff/muff. These soft breathable fabrics
provide a very effective protection against UV
rays, and they are moisture wicking, soft,
breathable and comfortable. Their SPF rating is
typically over 90%, compare that to a sunscreen
and there really isn't much of a comparison. If
you scan the net you'll see an average selling
price of $30 with some to $90! Well, there's a bit
of "water" in that sort of pricing, and as one
who's dealt with skin cancer, I'd suggest that an
ounce of prevention should not break the bank.
So...Toro Tamer came to market with a new Face
Buff in yellowfin tuna offshore pattern. While we
could easily sell these for $20-30, we don't do
so.
ALL OF THESE BUFFS
LOOK GREAT! The tuna design is so darn appropriate given
the local tuna bite going on now, and for our Gulf Coast
guys I think you'll appreciate the Redfish which was
made just for you! And, the Tarpon - well that's pretty
darn special too. They are stunning and darn effective
at saving your skin!
I'll suggest that there's not a better product of
this type made, though there are many of equal
quality that sell for five times as much money.
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Shopping Cart
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