Cheers from Italy

I love blogging. It opens you to the world and to new friendships. Thanks to my blog I started meeting new anglers from all over the world. One of these is a friend from Italy. He is a skilled angler and he also has a blog, still new but the photos are great. He writes in Italian, but photos do not need any translation after all.

He enjoys fishing from piers and rocky shores where he chases Barracudas, Bonitos, Bluefish and Seabass.

I wish him good luck with his new blog and looking forward for more reports.

Grazie! :)

Nice Seabass

A great sized "gator" bluefish taken with a DUO Tide Minnow 175

Bonito with a Duo Tide flyer 175

DUO Tide Minnow 135 Surf

Windy days,intimidating waves, big swells, strong currents? If you are fishing in this kind of conditions you have to choose a lure specifically designed that will allow you to cast and fish efficiently. One of these lures is the DUO Tide Minnow Surf series. I have a the 135 model, which is 24g. and looks very good.

The lure comes with a moving weight system that is useful for longer casts and better stability in the current.
The 24g weight is ideal for long casts. The bib is designed for shallow diving which is great if you are looking for seabass. The action is wobbling
I took a photo of the lure. Looking forward to use it soon for seabass from the beach.

More info is here at DUO's Official Page.

Lure Photo 10: Daiwa Saltiga Slider

DIY: How to make ultra light assist hooks

I like dealing with small sized jigs, hooks, softbaits and everything that is ultralight. Months ago I found a jig that featured a small micro sized assist hook made the same way as the bigger ones used on 60-100g. jigs.

The principle is the same. The assist hook goes to the top or bottom of the jig and allows a secure hook up to the fish. 

I am interested in tying flies as well so I realized that I should get some fun by tying this small assist hooks for fun. The materials are quite easy to obtain. A wide gap small sized hook (iseama or chinu type are good for me) , some 50lb PE line as assist line, fly tying thread, crazy glue and some flash.

The result is a nice looking micro assist hook. Below is a quick explanation step by step. 

Enjoy :)

I use a small size 8 or 6 wide gap hook. Iseama - Chinu models are fine.

For the assist line you can use a 30ln or 50lb braid PE line.

Red colored thread and bobbin.

Cut the PE at the desired length.

Make a loop and place it on the shank of the hook.

Start wrapping the thread

Add some flash material. I use Crystal Flash.

Drop some crazy glue for a finishing and securing the wrap.

Hook is ready to go.

You can attach it to a small jig with a split ring  or directly to the lure snap.

New Rapala MaxRap 5

If you have checked the 2012 Rapala Catalog, you probably already saw the new 5cm MaxRap introduced for year 2012. Given the popularity of the MaxRap series I am sure that this little lure will be a big excitement for all the ultralight anglers out there. The 5cm minnow weights 2gr. and has the same shape and features of the bigger brothers.
We just need to get one and test it.

New Daiwa Ballistic

Today I had the chance to handle the new Daiwa Ballistic reel at my local tackle shop.
This new reel introduced by Daiwa this year, has many features that have been a trademark for the Japanese company. The design of the reel is very similar to the JDM "Freams" which has been on my radar for a long time.

My impressions:

I liked the design, the dark red metallic trim looks awesome, so does the shiny charcoal colored body.
It feels solid and after a single spin of the handle I realized that it is a very smooth reel, similar to my actual Daiwa Team Advantage.

What I did like:

I liked the dark color and the dark red ruby trims.
The reel is smooth. You can feel the digigear in there.
Waterproof drag.
High Speed Retrieve.
Light reel thanks to the Zaion Body.
Cool looking air rotor
Torx screws for the reel body

What I didn't like:
Somehow this med-high priced reel is made in China. Usually these kind of reels were made in Malaysia.
The body looks cool but on a closer look the painted surface looks a little uneven. Too plastic for my taste.

Conclusion:
Overall a good reel. The Japanese company has improved the looks of the reels and the new features are interesting. The zaion material gives lightness but the paint job looked a little flawed.  The fact that is made in China bothers me a little. Maybe Daiwa has implemented great Q.C. over there.

I would like to compare it with the Caldia and the JDM Freams. I wish I could handle those too.

I have tried the size 4000 which is ideal for some medium-heavy fishing.

Lets check the specs:
Size : 4000
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearings: 3+4CRBB
Spool Capacity: 240mm 12lb

Main Features:
Real Four

Zaion® body and side cover 
Air Rotor 
Air Bail® 
Oil impregnated fibre seal
Waterproof drag 
Twistbuster II
UTD Ultimate Tournament Drag
Seven Ball bearings including four CRBB 
Digigear 
High speed retrieve 
Machined aluminium handle 
ABS II
Two ball bearings on spool

More info here at Daiwa UK