New Tackle Field Test Reports

Another feature series of flatsfishingonline.com are products sent by manufacturers of fishing tackle for inshore-use field testing. Since last fall, I have been field testing Bass Pro Shop's Offshore Angler Gold Cup Spinning Reels. Specifically, the models used were:

1. 4- Model 508 Spinners and 12-pound test for tarpon. 26 tarpon to over 100 pounds were caught and released on these reels. No malfunctions were noted, nor was there any pitting on the finish. The anti-reverse stayed constant and the line roller was operative and smooth. No bail problems were noted. My impression is that this model performed quite well with excellent value.

2. In addition, I have recently received three of the smallest Gold Cup Spinners, Model 408. They are a new addition to the product line and are designed for smaller flats fish like bones, redfish, and snook. I took advantage of Florida's early Spring season, and caught numerous jacks to 15 pounds, as well as 3 bonefish to 9 pounds on these smaller spinners. They performed quite well "out of the box." They performed in the same reliable way the 508's did.

Jan