Rice509

I went Leviathan, but I followed Nef over on Instagram. Thanks for the info!

The Omega XXH is 8’ but yes, can certainly see what you are saying about the parabolic bend probably throwing some anglers off. I have the Dobyns 795 and 867 so I am a little familiar with how Dobyns perform. Maybe I’ll just have to get both lol

Man this is actually a really good question. Once mine starts turning chalky, I’m usually re-spooling anyway, but I’d like to know as well lol

That’s exactly some of the feedback I’ve seen, but then I’ve also read info where people say otherwise. I wonder if it comes down to personal stature, strength, etc? I pre-ordered the Leviathan Omega XXH, but I’ll also see if anyone in my area has the 908 I can check out for future knowledge. Thanks for the reply!!

Definitely think I know the answer now, thanks a ton for taking the time to respond and lend me some insight!

I’ve researched quite a bit in several different places, but still find conflicting info about the Dobyns 908 effectively throwing the Hinkle Trout. Real-world experiences with it? Or do I go Leviathan XXH?

I am using (2) Duracell Deep cycles for my Ultrex and they've been great for two years. My starting battery is the X2Power AGM (and even more expensive) but has been a rockstar for my big motor, electronics and accessories (live well pumps, lights, etc). I have used Batteries Plus for many years because of their service and I can say I've had great experiences with them. The most important thing is whether or not you'll be running a bunch of equipment, or if it's a basic setup with a trolling motor/graph. Looks like that's what you are doing, so you should be fine with (1) good battery.

Heck yeah, nice work! Great catch!

Scalping "helping" the community might not be the right word, but it creates diffusion, which actually does help the "push" of swimbaits and the top-level things we see as consumers. Much like pulling up to the gas pump right now, many people are overpaying for what they want/need. As an example, take a Hinkle that now pushes $500+ when it was $200 a couple years back, not even that far back really. For the majority, that price range is out (think of houses going for $50-100K more than they are worth). What happens? A larger push on baits in the $200-300 range starts to shift engagement. Now, baits that used to be $100, are going for $150 and up to $200. It's literally no different than the housing market and automobiles in many circumstances. With swimbaits that is, demand > supply, so you see a shift in acquiring cost. When it comes to people selling baits for more than they bought them for? That's called their right to do whatever it is that they want. If someone shows up to buy, it's no one else's concern. And if bait makers are getting their feelings hurt on retail pricing strategies, they could easily up the prices and they would still sell baits. Honestly, I love this ish. Generationally speaking, the older anglers understand it pretty well. It's the younger anglers who haven't experienced life yet whose feelings get hurt over someone else selling what they have a right to sell, at whatever price they want to sell it.

I’m fairly good at drops but rely heavily on social media for info, so if you aren’t there, I would imagine it would be very difficult. Not impossible, but hard. Makers don’t give the best info, the comment sections are where I usually find details. I’ve had to pay retail+ for many of my baits, just the ways she goes now.

There’s no right or wrong time during the season for any of the bait categories you’ve listed. What would help most is knowing where you are.