Fishing and Outdoor Product Reviews
Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Review
I use fluorocarbon leaders with all my setups for striper fishing on Lake Texoma. I have found fish to be "finicky" about the bite at times and have attributed that to not having a fluorocarbon leader when the water is clear. I have also found it beneficial when you get hung up, the leader will break and save you fishing line. This particular line I have found to be very high quality and lasts a long time.
Berkley Powerbait Swim Shad Review
This is probably the all around best lure I have found for Striped Bass on Lake Texoma. I like the 4" version in the white color. White seems to be the best all around color for any time of the year in my experience. You can use these swim baits with success any time of the year. Depending on the season you will have to alter your reel speed. Reel slow in winter and keep it right off the bottom, while in summer time you will want to reel a bit faster to stay above the thermocline.
Shimano Scimitar Fishing Rod Review
These are great fishing rods for the money. We use the 6' 6" medium-heavy action casting rod on our downrigging setups and have found them to be great all around rods that are well built and durable. Perfect for Lake Texoma Striped Bass.
Shimano Curado Baitcaster Reel Review
Quite simply the smoothest, most reliable fishing reel I have ever used. Yes, they are expensive, but when you try one you'll see why. Tough, reliable and allows you to fish with precision.
Danny King Punch Bait Review
If you have ever used what is known as "Punch Bait" for catfishing, then you know what I am talking about when I say it Stinks like the worst baby diaper you can imagine. BUT, it works! Over the years I have tried several different kinds and have found that you just can't beat Danny King when it comes to our lakes here in Texas.
Rapala Fillet Knife Review
Over the years I have come across and used a variety of different fillet knifes to clean fish. From the electric variety to the good ol regular knife. I have found that different fish cleaning scenarios require different knifes. For example, when cleaning a mess of Crappie the electric knife is much more efficient because of all the ribs you have to cut through in a crappie. But when it comes to cleaning a big Striped Bass I have found a good quality regular fillet knife to be the best choice to not waste any meat and provide the best fillets. There is ONE knife I always go back to and it is the 9" Rapala fish and filet knife my Dad bought me for my 12th birthday. Yes, I still have the knife and use it regularly. The blade is still razor sharp and holds a good edge even after 20 years of use. It's flexibility lends well to filleting just about any fish and allows you to really carve the fillets off nicely. If you are in the market for a fillet knife, give the Rapala fish and filet knife a try. I think you'll be quite satisfied.
1992 Key West 2000 Bluewater Walk Around
A good hull design, light weight, efficient, no frills fishing boat. Unfortunately a good amount of wood was used in the construction and the fiberglass consists mainly of thin chopper gun style chopped mat. The stringers, deck and transom are wood cored. Due to the way the seats were designed water eventually seeps into the cockpit deck so most will develop soft decks prematurely. There probably aren't many of these left, most are probably rotting away in boat graveyards or in the back of desolate storage lots. But what a good looking boat she is! And boy does she handle well. I give it an B+ in hull design, C in construction and an A in overall "joyness" factor when paired with a 200hp outboard.
Yamaha Outboards
Out of all the boat engines every made. I give the Yamaha four stroke outboard top marks in almost every category. If you could figure out how to mount these on oil tankers you'd make a killing.
