N-Gage Spinning Combo by South Bend:

On the Take Me Fishing website's Catch A Boat tournament, I won a N-Gage 7'2" 2-piece, medium action, spinning combo. This thing is awesome! The reel with it's 5 anodized gold ball bearings is smooth both while retrieving. The rod's aluminum oxide guides provide greater casting distance and durability for braided line use. The graphite reel seat and split cork handle make it ultra-sensitive to feel even the lightest bites. Cool graphics and durability make it ideal for young anglers. This could be a possible replacement for my Ugly Sticks but I can't find them at any retail stores.

I give this combo a 9 out of 10 (Only because I can't find anywhere to buy another.)

 

Coming Soon:

Trigger X Lure System

Ugly Braid Fishing Line

Strike King Bass Jigs

Ben Bryant --- Life Member Since 1997 ---

This is a great thread idea. Keep us posted on future tests Ben.
Lifer since 05/08....Ky....Fred

Trigger X Lure System:
I can't say that I'm all that impresssed anymore with the Trigger X Lure System. I have gone through a pack of flukes and a pack of tubes and haven't caught a single fish on them. It has nice packaging along with the great idea of bio-degrdable soft baits however, they don't work for me. I do much better with other soft baits therefore, I can not recomend them at this time.

I give them 4 out of 10 (for the idea of bio-degradable soft baits)

Ugly Braid by Shakespeare
I'm not all that happy with the Ugly Braid. I got the 20 pound test and it seems alot weaker than Spiderwire at the same test strength. I must admit, it is better than mono and most flourcarbon in my opinion. If you're in a pich and can't afford better braided line then the Ugly Braid will serve as a back up however, I wouldn't use it for constant use. It frays out rather easy and you have to cut it and retie it before you lose something.

I give Ugly Braid 7 out of 10 (Good in emergency situations but wouldn't use it as a primary line.)

Neck,
ou may be able to find another rod at www.ngageoutfitters.com .  Seems a new campaign by South Bend to atract young anglers.  Thanks for the report.
JustDave

Strike King Bass Jigs
Strike King Bass Jigs are awesome! The hooks are nice and sharp, the skirts don't tear off easily, the rattles stay on fairly well, and the weed guards work well. They are very sturdy, no loose parts what-so-ever. I highly recomend them even though they are a tad much at $3.99 each most places.

I give Strike King Bass Jigs 10 out of 10 (Even though I feel the price is a touch high)

Spiderwire Flouro-Braid
This stuff is crap! Don't waste your money! I paid $21.95 for a spool of 10 pound test at a 2 pound diameter and it seems to be more at a 3 pound test. I have lost so many lures on the count of this garbage! I know, you're gonna lose stuff once in a while but in the middle of a cast before the lure even hits the water? The line broke twice, in the spool of my bait caster. I have never had any type of line do that not even monofilament! I suggest staying as far away from this crap as possible!

I give Spiderwire Flouro-Braid 0 out of 10 (This stuff is not worth the trouble)

Strike King Perfect Plastics KVD's Favorites: Baby Rodent
Just like the rodent only smaller, they can be used for trailers or Texas-rigged. The coffee cover scent is pleasent to the nose, unlike some other soft plastics. They have alot of action in the water and the fish love them! At $4.99 for a bag of twelve it's not a bad deal either. If you want to add some action to your bass jigs, spinner baits, buzz baits, or just want to drag something different across the bottom on a Texas rig then this is the bait for you. They're softer than your average soft plastics and have alot more action therefore, they are very versatile. If you haven't tried them yet, do it! You won't be sorry.

I give Strike King Perfect Plastics KVD's Favorites: Baby Rodent 10 out of 10 ( I can't think of anything bad about them.)

Great thread, keep em coming!!!
10 out of 10

love it keep the tips coming

redneckDMNC, did you contact the spiderwire people? Sometimes manufacturers can be very interested and accomidating.

REDNECK, thanks for the tips and as said keep them coming i am also a fan of the k.v.d. rodent works great out here in ca . thanks again john

Hi everyone! I know I haven't done any test reports in almost a year but, I have a lot going on. I have used a few new products in the last year but have neglected to report on them as you would have liked me to. For that, I apologize. I will try to get something up in the next day or two about the Abu Garcia: Black Maxx . Do I like it or not? You'll just have to wait and see. Again, my apologies and good fishing to all.

Good to see this thread back. It's nice to have some substance here in the lifer forum!

I am sitting here waiting. Lets hear alot more of this stuff. Really I joined to see what others were using for tackle and how new stuff was working for those that like to try anything new.

I am sitting here waiting. Lets hear alot more of this stuff. Really I joined to see what others were using for tackle and how new stuff was working for those that like to try anything new.

Abu Garcia Black Max 1 (2011 version)

I have had this reel for a while now. For the angler on the budget the Black Max (2011 or 2012) this is an excellent choice. It casts smooth and far with little back-lashing, when set correctly. The 5 bearing system makes retrieval ultra-smooth and 6.2:1 ratio for a little more power/speed when you need it. It has the Flipping Switch which is a nice touch. It is fairly light weighing under 10 ounces but sturdy. At around $50 any avid AG user like myself will not be disappointed. This easy to master reel is perfect for the veteran or beginner bait-caster user.

I like the Flipping Switch on the BM1. Which the BM2 does not seem to have. However, the BM2 comes in at a little lighter weight and with a 6.4:1 gear ratio. If you can do without the Flipping Switch then I highly recommend the Black Max. If you have to have one and can't find a BM1, go ahead and get the Silver or Pro Max. You won't be disappointed.

I give....
BM1 10 out of 10 What can I say? I love it!
BM2 9 out of 10 I liked the Flipping Switch!

Nice review. Do you have any suggestions or reviews for ultra light bait casters?

Now that's what I'm talking about.

GREAT JOB NECK KEEP THE UP DATES COMING...I JUST GOT A ABU GARICA BLACK MAX FOR XMAS HAVE NOT GOT A CHANCE TO USE IT AS MY BOAT IS IN THE SHOP GETTING A NEW MOTOR BUT WHEN IT COMES OUT I'LL BE ON THE WATER...............JOHN