New Lineup from VEXILAR

Vexilar has once again upped the anti in the game of ice fishing.  This year the FL-12 and FL-20 got facelifts as well as new features added to them.  The FLX-12 and FLX-20 are the new generation of Vexilars.  I have had the new FLX-12 for a few months now and have tested it on the boat several times.  It is crisp, clean and has a very easy display to read and understand.  The features and specifications of the FLX-12 and FLX-20 are improved over the previous models...and the price barely moved.  All new Vexilar units come with a standard 2-year warranty, top-notch customer service and a product that will last many, many years.  Vexilar, a company that continues to put out products that will help you FIND and CATCH more fish.

Below you will see the comparisons for the FL models and how the FLX models are refined and improved.  Don't be afraid to give me a shout with any questions as to which Vexilar may be the best for you.  Or check out VEXILAR.COM for additional info and videos.

Fall is all but gone

The leaves are down, frost is a regular morning sight and there is no doubt of crispness in the air.  Fall seemed to disappear very quickly this year, and winter is just about here.
This time of year always tears at me, one part me wants to be floating on the river chasing smallmouth and largemouth, while the other side of me wants a few days of solid 20-degree weather so that same river will freeze.  This past weekend I put my big boat away, but still holding out on my river boat...just in case.  The main channel water was 37-degrees...all I could think about was "just 5 more degrees".
However, I have found myself tinkering with my ice fishing gear this past week, mostly due to the big Clear Lake Bait and Tackle ice show that occurred last weekend.
I was asked to give a seminar on using the Vexilars on the ice.  Events like these seem to get my mind always gravitating towards ice fishing, but I am still holding out for a few more bass in the boat!  Choices...Choices...Choices!

New Rod Series from Quantum

QuantumPT Vapor Reel and the
7'0" Med/Hvy GForce Rod

This past week I had the chance to use one of the latest new rods from Quantum.  The G-Force Series from QuantumPT is a $99 rod that outperformed that price tag before I even used it.  Some of the main features when it arrived included:  Graphite blank, 7 foot in length with a med/hvy action, PT Guide system (a hybrid between a stand and a micro guide), 10 guides and the tip, cork handles and a no-snag hook keeper.  This series of rods comes in many difffernet sizes and actions from 6'9" to 7'6", ranging from medium action to Extra Heavy action. The weight of the rod is also very comparable to rods priced over $200.  All in all I was excited to get thing lined up and get some casts on it.

I decided to pair this rod (7ft Med/Hvy) with a newer reel by Quantum also, the VAPOR.  I chose the 7.0:1 gear ratio for this combo because it will primarily be a pitching or swinghead rod in my arsenal.  I hit the local river to give this combo a try.  I was throwing a 3/8 oz swinghead jig on some shore line covered with river rock.  The rod, stout, but I could feel the rocks as I bumped the bait along.  Great sensitivity and castability, once I fine tuned the Vapor.  Long casts were made easy by the large rounded butt knob, I wasn't fond of this until I gave it several long casts, and it proved to be of great value.

It wasn't long and I had my first bite, or I should say line movement.  Fall water temperatures on this day were just about 43 degrees, there was no "bite", yet the rod did allow me to see the line load up and set the hook on the smallmouth.  No giant by any means, but the scrappy smallie gave me a hint as to what this rod is all about.  This combo will be one I turn to often this month and into the 2018 bass season.  A great combo, with a pricetag under $250 for both.  PT quality at a great price!