Bass Pro Shop Tourney Special Bait caster combo review.

So this is my first baitcaster oddly enough.

I have fished for years on spinning reels and I have to say that I thought long and hard about making the switch.  But in the end, I knew I needed one.  

But with so many on the market, I was not sure which one to choose.  I knew that I didnt want to spend a ton of money on a combo that I would most likely upgrade from when I  got the hang of it.  So I made a trip to my local Bass Pro Shop.  I have found for years that these guys really do know their stuff when it comes to fishing.  This time around, I was lucky enough to get a manager named Jay.  He spent some time with me answering questions and showing me the difference in the reels, rods, etc and ultimately picked out the Bass Pro Tourney Special as a good fit.   

After we picked out the rod and reel combo, I asked if they would be able to spool up some Power Pro Super 8 slick braided line for me.  I was happy to see that this was a free service when you purchase a reel and the line.  They even put on a free backer for me.

Guys and gals, if you havent been to a Bass Pro Store and you live by one, your missing out.  These guys are great.

RATING 4.8/5.0
PRICE: $79.99



So on to the review and all of the tech stuff.

This combo got at 4.8 out of 5 star review on the Bass Pro website and I would definitely give it the same.
The quality of both the rod and reel are that of a much more expensive set and the warranty that Bass Pro gives you in incredible.


The Reel
The reel incorporates a charcoal graphite finish with a graphite frame.  It is sleek and very light weight.
It has a Smart Cast anti-backlash system (one of the reasons I went with the combo) and inner/outer centrifugal braking systems which make the reel very easy to use, especially for someone just starting out with a baitcaster.
The 5 bearing system includes a Powerlock instant anti-reverse, which seems to be the norm on some of the better reels out there.

Put this all together with a forged, double anodized aluminum spool and you have a great little reel.



The Rod
The rod has some really nice action and I have to say that for the price, it performs better than some of my more expensive rods.
Bass Pro offers this combo with a 6'6" or 7' rod, I chose the 7' as I like the extra length for flipping.
As for the specs, this tournament grade rod is a 42 million modulus, multi-layer IM7 graphite blank with Pac Bay stainless steel guides and inserts.  It has a low profile exposed blank reel seat, split grip EVA mulipourpse hook keeper and a Pro Guard epoxy finish.  Not to shabby for $79.99.


It's a keeper
This combo cast's smoothly.  The action on the rod is just incredible at this price point.  The reeling action cant be beat.  I was VERY impressed with this combo as were a few of my buddies that have used bait casters for years and have gear upwards of $300.
Whether you are fishing from shore or a boat, experienced or not with a baitcaster, this combo cant be beat.  If you are looking for a quality combo, go out an pick this up from you local Bass Pro Shop.


Check em out online
Bass Pro Tourney Special

Power Pro Super 8 slick braid

Lunkerhunt frog review...

Lunkerhunt Lunker frog

I have to start out by saying that I love these frogs.  They are the most realistic frogs that I have fished and produce some very nice size bass.   

I have rarely had one hang up on me as they are relatively weedless and  are extremely easy to fish, even in the harshest conditions.  

The swim action on these lures is absolutely incredible.  They are fished in a pattern of retrieve, pause, retrieve, pause and the legs really do make the lure look as if it is swimming across the surface of the water.


Rating:  9 out of 10

Quality
The quality of these lures is top notch.  The paint job is truly life like.   The soft body construction definitely helps with the hook up as it folds back onto itself to expose the dual hooks.  The only issue I had was that the plug on the bottom of the lure came out (although I was able to pop it back  in) and now the lure has to be drained after every other cast.  Mind you this is after a huge alligator gar got a hold of it.

Lunkerhunt offers 3 different styles of  soft body frogs:

Combat Frog

This is the largest frog that Lunkerhunt offers.  It measures 2.5 inches and weighs in at 3/4 oz and comes in some really cool colors and patterns.  Even camo patterns, ie the name Combat Frog.  It has a tapered nose to help it pass through just about anything.  An enlarged air bladder helps keep the body floating high  in the water and the dual enlarged hooks increase your chances of hook ups.

                                                    

Lunker Frog

The second largest frog in the Lunkerhunt family is the Lunker Frog. It measures 2.25 inches, weighs 1/2 oz and is the most realistic frog in their lineup.  The Lunker frog is meant to mimic an adult sized frog and 

because of some really incredible engineering in the legs, it moves just like a living frog would on the water. The body of this frog dips down just a little in the water just as the rear of a frog or bullfrog would.  It also features the dual enlarged hook just as the Combat frog does.

Pocket Frog

This little guy mimics a juvenile frog.  It measures 1.75 inches and weighs just 1/4 oz.  With all of the same features as it's bigger brother, this is another awesome frog that should bring in a ton of bass of all sizes.

Always tied on

The bottom line on this frog is that every angler that wants to hook up with some serious bass should have one of each in his/her tackle box.

I was very impressed with this company and their products from the first time I pitched out my first Combat Frog (Jungle color, model CF01).  

Lunkerhunt frogs can be found just about anywhere tackle is sold.  I've even seen them at Walmart for $6.99 for the Lunker Frog which makes them very attainable on any budget.

So what are you waiting for.  Go out and pick up one of these cool frogs and start pulling in the big fish...

To check out Lunkerhunts full line up.  Click on the links below.
Lunkerhunt
Lunkerhunt on Twitter



Where to buy em

Bass Pro Shops $8.99 to $9.99
Cabela's $6.99 $8.99
Dicks Sporting Goods $6.99 to $8.99
Walmart $6.98 to $7.41
Tackle Warehouse $7.99 to $8.99

Sunset Cove. A great place to fish.

Sunset Cove at South County Park.  

A great place to fish and spend the day.

Sunset Cove offers so much to West Boca Raton.  They have an incredible golf course, two dog parks (one for small dogs and one for large dogs), an amphitheater which hosts some really great concerts and did I mention, some really great fishing.

Fishing the canals from shore is the way to go, although they do have a boat ramp if you would like to get out on the lake.

Bass dominate the canals and are plentiful with an average size of 1 to 4 pounds.  With that said, we have also caught quite a few snake heads as well.  While they put up an incredible fight, they are an invasive species and there are strict state laws regarding their capture. 

We have had some really good luck during early morning and just before dusk.  Lure wise, Gambler "Why Nots" as well as 7" ribbon tail June bug worms get the job done.

Sunset Cove has proven itself time and time again to be a consistent fishing hole.  So if your looking for a nice little spot to spend the day, give Sunset Cove a try.