maine y yak

I don't love my Jon Jon. It was $180 from a show and absolutely won't swim slower than a fast retrieve. It burns well it crawls terribly. I'm extremely disappointed w that crawler at that price. I got caught... Never again. Word to the wise- sbv2 for $180 from Jon Jon is a one trick pony and not worth it

The handles are crazy, yes? I just got 2 more to round out all my big combos. So glad I dodged the varials for something far cooler and more interesting really

I have them on everything that doesn't swivel from the builder (250s and quite a few others) They are deadly sharp my fingers usually bleed a few times a week. I haven't lost a 250 fish so far since changing. I used to lose a lot of them. The regular trebles are also wicked sharp. Ryugi is my hook of choice moving forward. Apparently the quads are prone to rust. I don't care one bit

Wind seems to be the only way I ever get bit! Highly relevant, and underrated element of my game (or complete lack thereof)

Tat 200; is the best of the bunch. Cheap as a stolen murder weapon and just as effective. The rest are all more than I care for... The Lexa WN is sick tho I have 2 and they are also bombproof. Tat 200 for the win

I'm not mad at Oliver but he has backed some extremely garbage product in the past.. those 8" CAST soft swimmers were absolute trash, and anyone who caught anything on the 262T deserves a medal of distinguished service... Kinda hate the defiant 210 also- it doesn't swim neutral at all. Ok rant over- I bet that handle is a gimmick

Really cool and nice write up and glory shots. Congrats!

I have to agree about the easily thrown aspect... until I found those Ryugi swiveling quads. Last season I put less than half I hooked in the kayak. So far, I've managed to get every one all the way to the boat and in (lost one right next to my hand) I stupidly don't carry a net. I think that's my next step towards preparation for the giant I'm hoping for. I don't like nets on the kayak though. There's no real way to make sense of placement yet, but I'm going to try. It's fun to fail and learn and get better - I truly believe that's most of the attraction of getting out there frequently. I've tried the hoog 10" trout and though it's supposed to be fantastic, I've still yet to really understand it. Caught 1 ambitious small guy on it, and probably should spend time w it too, BUT I'm stuck on the Deps. Happily!

I'd suggest getting the rod and leaving others impressions to the side because almost everyone's experience is different. You will be the best judge of what the rod can and cannot throw comfortably. Everyone's mechanics are presumably as different as there are fisherman. My 2c is probably worth exactly that. Or less.

Amazing and fun. I'm super grateful to you for willingness to ship that mofo upta Maine. It's getting bit and getting me stoked on really learning a great classic bait. I buy everything, and sell almost all of it from disappointment unfortunately - the 250 is a real winner. Much appreciated I hope your Ghost is jamming em for you too!

I mix up my retrieve based on what is working at the time - I always (try to) haha start VERY slow because the little grenade w bobber stops on my line ahead of the knot has been a game changer for my depth control. Taking stock hooks off and replacing w swiveling quads was the beginning of my tuning, realized that I needed a bit of weight to keep it neutral during my retrieve and that sliding it up the line adds depth control. It adds to the fouling percentage during a bomb cast so I usually try that after I've had a few clean swims thru an area. THEN if that doesn't work I get spastic and choppy. I found the OG 250 response much better to choppy retrieve and the new style doesn't work as well chopped (less forgiving of my crappy technique It's a big curve for me but I'm unlocking some knowledge after spending dedicated hours to it. I think that was my best key I hope anyone else who reads this will be inspired to really get in touch w this amazing bait. Thanks for the question! I hope you would share some secrets you've learned w me too! Cheers TZ

@Mossyback Anglerthanks for taking the time! This weekend looks like it'll lay down a bit, but now I'm torn because wind and a long drift in the kayak are becoming conditions I actually have a confidence in... It's always a blast any way it happens, and better than kick in the head! Tight lines to you!!

April 19-21 2024 It's been windy for what seems like a month! Throwing big glides has become an obsession - 250SS is the weapon of choice after getting a few bites on it last season - I have decided to really commit to this bait and find a big bite. Have not been disappointed so far in water that still won't break 50°! OG 250 courtesy of @Criglizard (thank YOU SIR!) and ANOTHER! 250 SS $54 from fishing shop.kiwi online store My suggestion to anyone who thinks the Deps 250 is too big for their water... ITS NOT! just throw it. Throw it more. Get used to it. Dial it in weight and balance. This bait flat out gets bit. (Both fish pictured came out of less than 200 acre pond in Maine of all places. When it blows hard, try casting in skinny water that is adjacent to something deeper. Just a suggestion, but the adrenaline factor is extremely high with the 250 SS. GET SOME!

Awesome fish! 7 is exactly what I consider obese here too. Still haven't cracked 7 on a big bait, but the hope is definitely alive! Thanks for sharing the vibes

#metoo lolol. AWESOME CATCH..... Danger too

They gone can't wait

7oz in 2 colors. $230 plus shipping Enjoy

Sick fish! Keep it going!!

Sv spool came later than that reel. The reel is an absolute battleship when it's correct tho

ZERO ADJUSTER KNOB says Daiwa. Hah it requires 'zero adjustment' my foot!!!