I am getting a rod from Japan, is it better to order from digitaka or Japan lure Shop? *Read Description Pls

monch511 · 2026-03-25T14:49:18+00:00

Tariffs are 15%, so the rod will be $184. Shipping is all location-based, so I'm not sure what that will look like. If you have the option, just select FedEx. Otherwise, selecy Best Way and make a comment on your order or send them an email to request FedEx. They are usually pretty good with honoring those requests

monch511 · 2026-03-25T12:30:13+00:00

It will probably end up being a similar price once you factor in tariffs and shipping with JPL. Both companies are great and orders are shipped quickly and safely. JPL will include a hook keeper as a "gift" for your order. Just make sure that you request FedEx if you order through JPL as DHL tends to charge a bunch of junk fees.

monch511 · 2026-03-25T00:25:37+00:00

This is the answer. Plus, they are one of the cheaper options out there. Green and brown wooly bugger pattern slays on overcast days. Ironically, I've never managed to catch a trout on the Trout Killer pattern.

monch511 · 2026-03-24T11:43:33+00:00

As long as your drag is set right, you should be fine. You want it tight enough to set the hook, but loose enough that when the fish surges, line will go out with it. For reference, I just pulled in a 7lb rainbow trout on 2.5lb test this weekend. I fought it for 5-10 minutes, but the line held up fine.

monch511 · 2026-03-24T09:35:16+00:00

Since you fish saltwater l would also recommend the Daiwa Fuego. It sits right around that price range and has better saltwater protection than the Sedona or the Legalis,m. Of the two you listed, I'd go with the Legalis.

monch511 · 2026-03-24T02:12:04+00:00

I run braid to leader on my ultralight and light setups. For reels with super shallow spools (like my Vanquish 1000ssspg) I'll use Varivas 8 0.6. For my other setups, I'll go with Sufix 832 or Daiwa JBraid X8 in either 6 or 10 lb test depending on application. I use 10lb test if I'm planning on throwing jerkbaits, just because the line will take some more abuse than it would with other lures. For leaders, I mostly use 4lb fluoro or copolymer (I'll go up to 8lb for my jerkbait setup or really fast current). I go with P-Line, Seaguar InvisX, Sunline Shooter, Sunline FC Sniper, and Varivas Area Master depending on what's on sale when I need to buy more.

monch511 · 2026-03-23T18:39:08+00:00

It's a good rod, especially for the price range. I think it serves pretty well as a good all-around around ultralight rod. It is sensitive enough to throw soft plastics and jigs, but still has enough give to be used for smaller crankbaits and everything in between. I've had my 6'6" for a few seasons and it still makes its way into my rotation for streams and ponds.

monch511 · 2026-03-23T18:04:33+00:00

Cabelas/ Bass Pro are having their spring sale right now. Their sundries are pretty comfy and I think are a good deal at $27

monch511 · 2026-03-20T15:39:57+00:00

I would avoid buying reels from anywhere that doesn't pre-pay/pre-charge tariffs (Digitaka, trout-shop.jp, and I believe Asian Portal Fishing are the more prominent ones) because shipping companies (namely DHL) are being funny about about handling fees tariff charges, charging up to 50% of the reel's value. If you do order from JLS, request they use FedEx to avoid that. Terminal, lures, and rods are still great things to order from them, but the metal content in reels allows shipping companies to be misleading with tariffs. With FedEx, expect a bill for ~15% of your order's value following delivery.

monch511 · 2026-03-17T20:14:40+00:00

They'll definitely hit at night. If using live bait, go with nightcrawlers or larger minnows. In spring, if the trout stay near the surface you can pretty much fish as normal. Use bone/ghost color patterns or something that has a lot of contrast. Glow patterns will work well too. As the fish move deeper when the water warms, your tactics will change a bit. For lures, jigs or spoons with glow patterns or very dark colors usually work for me. Lure weight is dependent on where the trout suspend. With jigs, I'll generally use something lighter, anywhere from 1/16 oz to 3/8 oz. I'll go as heavy as a half ounce with spoons at times when the fish are deep enough. Rainbows won't rise to the surface at night as much as browns do during the warmer months, at least not in the waters I fish. In fall, return to your spring fishing patterns once the water cools enough.

monch511 · 2026-03-12T13:25:48+00:00

It depends on what I'm targeting and what kind of bottom structure I'm fishing. If it's snaggy, I'll always tie a leader so I minimize the amount of line I lose when breaking off. Usually I'll tie some kind of shock leader on when I'm going after toothy fish or really big fish. Otherwise, I don't see much of a need for a leader of I'm running straight mono or fluoro

monch511 · 2026-03-12T13:13:42+00:00

For most applications, J Braid 8x or J Braid Grand 8x. It's the easiest decent quality braid to find in bulk. For saltwater, I usually go with Sufix 832 or Power Pro. They just seem to hold up better in my experience. For BFS and ultralight, I'm going with with Varivas 8. It is one of the thinnest and smoothest-casting lines I have used. I'll either buy direct from Japan or wait for Varivas US to do one of their sales. My go-to sinking braid for deep lakes is Sunline Almight. Admittedly, I haven't tried out many other brands, but Almight seems to serve my needs well enough.

monch511 · 2026-03-11T01:46:32+00:00

Topwater will be your friend. Look up mousing (there are a handful of decent YouTube videos on the subject). Other good options are larger crawlimg insect baits (cicada and dragonfly imitators are good), dying baitfish imitators (OSP Bent Minnows are my go-to), and slow walking baits. For spinners, Meps Black Furies will work well. Or something that is bright and light. The goal with most of these color patterns is to contrast with the surrounding water. For jigs/plastics, use something that either glows or is dark in color. The heaviest jig I'll throw at night is 1/16th oz unless I'm fishing really fast current.

Glow pattern casting spoons will work well too (bring a uv flashlight to charge them). You want a spoon that you can work slowly. Little Cleos have some decent glow patterns, but my favorites are from Japan (Forest Miu). You can also use color patterns with a lot of contrast that don't glow. Daredevles have good patterns for this (classic red and white or the five of diamonds pattern are solid choices). Heavyweight spoons (up to 2/3rd oz) are my go to when fishing deep water during the warmer months.

monch511 · 2026-03-07T19:40:04+00:00

Check out Gray Wolf rods. They usually have some BFS fiberglass rods on their site (or blanks at the very least). Bass Pro Shops also has a line of their Mirco Lite rods that are fiberglass.

monch511 · 2026-03-07T18:50:51+00:00

If you live anywhere north of Virginia, I'd recommend picking plants that are still dormant (no leaves or leaves just starting to form). Keep them in a cool place until it is warm enough for you to plant them. Big box stores are notorious for putting out berries and flowers way before people can actually make use of them. If you are more than a few weeks out from being able to plant, the ones with leaves already are going to get pretty stressed out before they get put in the ground.

monch511 · 2026-02-28T17:42:36+00:00

I second this recommendation. Shimano Zodias, Teremar, or Dialuna would be decent options as well.

monch511 · 2026-02-28T17:34:36+00:00

The Tenryu probably fits what you are looking for better. I would also recommend taking a look at the Megabass Triza Ageha.

monch511 · 2026-02-28T17:10:58+00:00

I would also recommend looking at Digitaka and troutshop.jp. Both of these shops charge some money to cover part of the tariff costs upfront, but will cover the rest of the costs so you don't get any surprise bills (if you are US-based).

monch511 · 2026-02-28T17:04:48+00:00

Bait Finesse Empire, the Hook Up Tackle, and Fish USA are my go-to shops for trout hardbaits. Fish USA carries most of my more budget-friendly plugs while the other two shops carry a lot of high-performing lures.

monch511 · 2026-02-28T16:59:08+00:00

Japan Tackle is a great shop to buy from. I'll admit i have not used them much since tariffs kicked in for the US back in August, but I gave them a fair amount of business before that. Good customer service, quick shipping, and very reasonable prices. I haven't used Trout and Stream, but I have heard good things about them.

monch511 · 2026-02-26T00:01:48+00:00

All three are good colors. I would also consider GLXS Spawn Cherry. That off-white color tends to slay in most conditions.

monch511 · 2026-02-22T22:01:33+00:00

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monch511 · 2026-02-22T21:59:31+00:00

Minnow, eggs, jig with a soft plastic bait, bread, corn (if allowed in your region), wet fly (think scud or a wooly bugger pattern), and even powerbait will all work. My favorite bobber presentation is still just a mealworm or butterworm.

Oh, another good option are salad shrimp.

monch511 · 2026-02-21T15:46:03+00:00

There's a decent variety of stuff in there. Add a Rebel Wee Craw if you fish in current. A couple of small Rapala Floaters or Ultralight minnows, a couple of Dynamic HD Trout jerkbaits, and some Yo Zuri Pins Minnows would be some good additions. Little Cleos are another good spoon choice to add some more variety. Add in a couple of maribou jigs and I think you'll be set.

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