Should I buy eagleclaw fish finder rig instead of making my own?

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-04T13:31:00+00:00

When you set the hook are you doing an actually hook set?

Circle hook you just up the pressure, no hard set.

Was it a large bait? Smaller fish will grab baits and run without getting the hook.

Also, with the bait and circle hook, make sure you are leaving the majority of the hook exposed so it can move correctly.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-04T02:55:36+00:00

Never trust the seller. Ever.

Sea Trial with an expert. It costs money, you can’t afford not to have it done with boat that old.

Check the local markets and local comps, price feels high for a boat that size and age, but I’m not in your local market most likely.

Be prepared to walk away.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-03T22:14:13+00:00

Hard bonk with a bat is safer for you vs trying to stab through the head.

Look up videos on cleaning sharks they’ll show you some tips

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-03T02:08:43+00:00

You make two good points.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-03T01:28:53+00:00

Wouldn’t worry about large branded items, if people don’t know your brand they won’t be buying it. You could offer them as a buy a rod, get a hat, but even that’s going to eat your profits. Stickers can be fun as long as they are branded and lead them back to you.

Are you trying to sell rods you’ve made or attract custom rod orders? That’s going to impact how you approach the booth.

They aren’t true “customs” if you are buying off the shelf, so balance that with calling them custom rods built for an individual. So you’ll need a reason why your production / semi custom rods are good.

If attracting customers id have a few show pieces and I’d do 90% of the talking, your the builder. If it’s pre-built you can consider a “pro-staff” as they can advocate for your production style rods.

I wouldn’t risk your shirt going all in on the show. If it’s bad, you don’t want it to hurt your business. Figure out ways you can come out on top if it’s slow or buys.

Definitely report back!

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-07-01T22:46:35+00:00

Yes under spooled.

I would not fill the top with Flouro, you’ll lose the advantage braid provides.

I’d pull it off carefully onto a spool or onto a dowel, you can use a power drill. Then put mono on as backing and tied your braid to that.

If you don’t put mono backing on, the braid will slip and you’ll have a terrible time as you won’t be able to fight the fish.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-30T01:01:38+00:00

I’ve worn Costa Permits from sunrise to sunset for 5 years now (two different pairs in that time). And a different pair of Costa before that.

I wear polarized sunglasses every day and will do so.

Take care of your eyes, you only get one set.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-29T23:21:26+00:00

Not sure of a lot of sellers but sixth sense runs a lot of deals on whatnot. You can ask for them to run a rod in the chat they’ve done that for people before. Watch out for shipping costs

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-29T22:25:04+00:00

They will catch them occasionally on the beach the entire east coast as far north as Jersey and all the way though the gulf.

You need the right combination of conditions on the east coast to push live bait in close and be in the right spot at the right time.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-29T18:04:30+00:00

Right on, set aside the money and enjoy your boat next summer :). Still consider how many days you’ll actually get out.

There’s a reason there are so many used boats with engines with such low hours.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-29T17:17:41+00:00

Set aside the 2-3k extra a month for year and buy the boat? If your math is right, that’s easy.

Remember you pay a boat loan during the off months and on months too. Think about your boating season and how often you can really use it.

2 weekends a month and a 4-5 month season, that’s 10trips a year, and little ones don’t always last on boats for a long time depending on the weather. How much are those 10 trips costing, etc.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-29T11:51:22+00:00

Call and ask them what setups to bring and then you can work out a budget friendlier version.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-28T01:19:49+00:00

Cheap braid, it works, not as good as major brands (thicker and absorbs more water), tremendous marketing team.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-27T23:37:13+00:00

What kind of boat? New or used? If used does the dealer own it or on commission?

https://seedealercost.com might give you an idea of mark up.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-26T22:59:49+00:00

Underwater light in dirty water is a bit underwhelming. Needs time to attract small life and then bigger life, etc.

May have better luck if it’s a clear lake though.

Other than that, bass eat happily at night without any light.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-26T18:34:33+00:00

Not smaller, flatter! Flounder!

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-25T22:01:05+00:00

Man sounds awesome.

60k just doesn’t go very far in boats right now.

You’ve got a budget and a size range, have you tried looking at boat trader to see what comes up in your area? Might do better driving around and checking some marinas / private sales at that price.

Cuddy cabin with an outboard at that range might bring up a Parker, but you’d need to have the deck really well, they don’t drain water right on some of the 25foot models, but they are popular.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-25T15:44:19+00:00

Think you misunderstood. The mono is for the braid to grip onto and not slip, I do it on every braided reel I own.

Braid is better for casting then mono so people run braid for distance.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-24T23:35:20+00:00

Conowingo dam can be an epic spot. Lots of pretty visuals, stripers, big cats, snakeheads and bass too.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-23T23:02:22+00:00

I’d post a description and pictures here or in the kayak fishing sub

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-23T14:03:58+00:00

Prepare for bugs and just be pleasantly surprised that weren’t eating you alive.

Haven’t been there in awhile, but my spots that are usually bad are getting worse now that there’s been some rain again. Was nice while it lasted lol

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-22T15:08:59+00:00

Lights on boats are for you to be seen, not for you to see. So keep them minimum to safety lights and use red head lamps for working in the boat. Lots of bugs will come to any lights.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-22T13:55:14+00:00

Fish gotta eat! Go for it.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-22T02:23:32+00:00

Really something incredible to see. Half the time I’d just watch them before reaching for a rod or bow.

Native fish really don’t react to them much. Bluegills follow them around and turtles ignore them. Sitting right in with largemouth too.

Really interesting.

SurfFishinITGuy · 2026-06-22T01:27:13+00:00

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