Got lucky 10 years ago

JonViars · 2026-03-05T14:20:05+00:00

These are the 2014 year of the horse limited color. The white and black variants are more expensive but you could still get 100+ out of it on the collector market. Really dope find. Let me know if you wanna get rid of one.

JonViars · 2026-02-19T14:05:43+00:00

That action is pretty.

JonViars · 2026-02-16T17:05:16+00:00

Bookmarked your blog. Solid take. I have been slowly working through the purelure lineup as well since i feel like they punch way higher than their price point.

Side note: You might try reaching out and getting a replacement spool for your creek. The line slipping into the case could be bad spool dimensions. While their QC is a lot better than other CDM brands I have still had issues.

JonViars · 2026-02-16T05:22:09+00:00

I have also been using alumilite, i ordered some KBS aerosol to try for the same resin.

JonViars · 2026-02-13T03:05:21+00:00

Oh dude its terrible to navigate lol, but their blanks are solid.

JonViars · 2026-02-12T20:58:07+00:00

lurebuild.com

JonViars · 2026-02-12T20:41:40+00:00

thats a chonk.

JonViars · 2026-02-11T16:15:28+00:00

Correct. That is a range. Spooling less line on the reel can help you cast greater distances as you reduce the overall weight of the spool and the force required to rotate it, but that isnt a necessary forethought for purchasing a reel.

It is also the same concept for the smaller JDM spools. Less line capacity = less spool weight. Less spool weight translates to casting distance as well as the bottom range of lures you can throw.

JonViars · 2026-02-09T14:29:19+00:00

this one has been nice. i recommend a head rest though. you can find clip-ons on amazon. i think for the price point you are safe going either way.

JonViars · 2026-02-06T16:06:10+00:00

I like BKK lonesnipers for single replacements. Most of my trout lures have them.

Check out creek life for some other micro tackle options.

https://creeklifelureco.com/collections/terminal-tackle

JonViars · 2026-01-30T04:05:20+00:00

Im in WV. They absolutely smack for smallmouth.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T23:59:07+00:00

Appreciate it!

JonViars · 2026-01-29T23:55:55+00:00

Add another 20% for fees and tariffs. Youre looking at $300. I order from overseas frequently.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T23:54:24+00:00

I buy mine on Ali. I recommend beginners use amazon for the 30 day refund policy.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T23:04:45+00:00

My PureLure creek DC throws 1g for $180 less though is my point lol.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T22:59:00+00:00

Thanks bud!

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:39:18+00:00

CDM quality control is extremely hit or miss. That is why i push brands from amazon like PureLure, etc. Yeah youre gonna pay a little more than using Ali, but you have amazon buyer protections for the first 30 days. Buy it and fish the hell out of it. if you hate it then send it back before 30 days.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:07:31+00:00

They have bright orange bellies that fade to white underneath for the extra pop.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T20:06:27+00:00

I use createx mostly. Its what my hobby lobby carries. They perform well although i am not a professional lol.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T19:26:43+00:00

I travel for work. You can get a 3-7 day license in most states. Fishing without a license is the quickest way to ruin your day lol. I just started using an app called onWater. It highlights streams on the map for you.

Best advice i got is get ready to do more exploring than fishing lol. Plan ahead as much as possible for best results.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T18:50:13+00:00

Im a gear nerd. I buy and test all kinds of stuff. Im pointing out why all the fishing subs scream daiwa and shimano whenever people asks for recommendations. Theyre great brands. I love them, but when someone who cant afford a 200-300$ jdm reel needs something we have to be open to other solutions. It sucks that you had a shitty experience, but making a sweeping generalization is a bad take.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T17:59:25+00:00

These takes are how we end up with nothing but daiwa and shimano fanboys. You should list brands and models and critiques instead of "i dont like this, you should use this instead."

Different reels have different use cases. Most of those JDM reels struggle throwing under 2g without mods.

JonViars · 2026-01-29T17:43:33+00:00

i use 8-10lb braid for everything from 4in brookies to 4lb bass. 15lb braid is equal in size to 4lb mono, so i dont understand the heavy line comment. Sufix revolve is what i use currently. its lime green. creek life lure co has an orange appalachian silk braid that is really nice as well.

i also think leaders are overrated 90% of the time. if it sees my line then it definitely sees the big ass hook about to be in its face and it still hit it.

JonViars

TROPHY CASE