"When In Doubt"

Throw this...It's a Gambler Little EZ.  Rig it on a 1/8 oz Mission Fishin Jighead, 20-30lb fluro leader, and light braid; it'll catch just about anything that swims!

Could be our most informative video yet...

"How Hard Is Your Ring"

When looking at rods take a good look at the guides.  A good quality guide is essential to proper rod performance.  A good rod should have high quality guides on it.  Guides contain a lot of different ceramic inserts these days.  The following are the most commonly available inserts (They may have slightly different names depending on the manufacturer)

• Aluminum Oxide- Most economical guides available.  Brownish colored ring, Good quality, strong enough to handle braid.
• Hardloy- Middle level price wise.  Grey in color, high quality, lighter material, handles braid.
• Alconite- Middle level price.  Black colored ring, higher quality, handles braid very well.
• Silicone Carbide- Highest price, hardest ring.  Shiny grey color, super hard material, can handle any kind of line on the market. 

"Get a (new) Grip"

If the grips on your older rods are starting to look a little rough, "heat shrinks" are a affordable option to bring some life back to your rods.  Typically these grips can be slid over existing parts (no stripping/cutting of parts) and shrunk down on to the old handle.  The end result is a nice feeling (and looking) handle.

"Metal or Graphite"

When picking out a new rod, especially one designed for fishing with heavier line, it is important to consider what type of reel seat will go on it.   Graphite reel seats (like the Fuji HD seat on the left) are an excellent choice when weight is an issue.  Aluminum reel seats (Like the American Tackle version pictured on the right) are a great choice for overall durability, and a great way to add some more color to your next custom rod.

"Twitch, Twitch, Pause"

When cooler temperatures have the inshore fish slowed down a soft plastic jerkbait ( Bruiser Rad Shad pictured) can be deadly on them.  Try giving the jerkbait a couple quick twitches with the rod tip to get it to dart side to side and then pause to let it mimic a crippled slowly sinking baitfish.  The slowly sinking fall can be just enough to trigger a strike out of fish that wouldn't otherwise chase down a quicker moving lure. 

Picture From Capt. Eric Gates (http://www.freighttrainfishing.com) 

Between a very informing conversation on instagram, exchange-o-gram, and pound signs (oops,I mean hashtags); Ryan, of Juno Pier 71lb cobia catching fame, shared with us his secrets to catching cobia.  What he has to say may just change the way you think about cobia fishing...FOREVER!

"A Little Change"

If the fish go cold (or never start biting) on your soft plastic/jig head combo, try going to a little heavier jig head.  Sometimes the slightly faster fall is just enough to get the fish excited again, or trigger a reaction bite.  

PRO TIP- In the wintertime use a slightly heavier jig head, but try to keep the bait from moving forward too much.  Let it hop up and fall right back down in as close to the same spot as possible. This will keep lethargic fish from having to chase the bait down, but will still often cause a reaction strike.