Quick fish in the School of Fish

I went to Irving Sih's School of Fish today. It has been months since I last fished there. And as always, the pond did not disappoint.

I got there at around 11am and fished until 4pm. I lost a few barras and a really big bidbid, my guestimate around 3kg. It was almost an arm's length. It was really close when it broke surface after it was hooked. Unfortunately, the fish threw my lure after another jump. Anyway, I got a couple of barras on a rapala husky jerk.

I heard that a few pond visitors were frustrated because of not catching any barras using lures. I think the most common mistake is not using the right lures, not practicing how to use them, and using too heavy line/leader. My personal recommendation is to use natural colors when the water is clear and using bright colors when it is stained. If the fish ate shy, downsize the lures.

Field Testing: G. Loomis NRX 893c JWR Green and Daiwa TDZ-103HL I'ZE Custom Color

I have been dreaming of owning a Daiwa TDZ-103L. It has a cult following among anglers in the US and in Japan. That urge to get one became more intense when I starting fishing for bass. I was only reluctant to buy one because most online stores are selling them at a high cost plus an expensive customs tax if you will ask them to ship the reels in PH.

A few months back, I saw a TDZ posted in a local online buy-and-sell store. It was not an ordinary TDZ but it was a rare IZE Custom Color TDZ-103HL. This is a JDM reel which is based on the TDZ Type R+. Back in 2004, you have to order these reels in advanced, specify your color and receive them after 4 months. It was said that there were only 1000 of these reels made. It weighs as light as a feather at only 165grams and has a 6.3:1 gear ratio. It has 11+1 bearings, a ceramic Gigas spool, and MagForce V. And, the most important part was the price. It was way affordable than most online stores abroad.

When I went to pick up the reel, another treat was also available for sale. It was a G. Loomis NRX 893c JWR Green baitcasting rod. It was a 7'5" stick. Very light and very fast (from my experience). I felt that it was made to pair with the TDZ reel. So without having second thoughts, I bought them both at a very good price.

A week later, I went to a local bass lake and tested the combo. The first time I tried them was not really a a good experience. I was having problems with the NRX. I can't seem to feel the bottom or the bites. I was using a Texas-rigged 7in Zoom Finesse Worm with 1/2oz  to 3/4oz tungsten and lead sinkers. The reel was loaded with 30lb braid. At that time, I could say that I was really disappointed with the rod. It's a good thing I had my K's Labo rod as a backup. A few days later, I attempted to sell the rod. After almost a couple of weeks of no potential takers, I took the ad down and decided to give the rod another go. I asked around and did some research on how I can fix the "lack of sensitivity" of the NRX. Almost all owners of the NRX never had this issue. A lot of them are also using a TDZ paired with the rod. Their advise, reduce the total weight of the sinker, hook, and worm and use a lighter line.

Photo by JB Sotto

Photo by JB Sotto

Last weekend, I had the chance to test the combo again on the same lake. So, I got the reel spooled with 20lb 8-weave braid, got a new lighter sinker (around 4-5 grams). Total weight of the worm, hook, and the sinker was just 10 grams. On my first few cast, it was a big change. I can feel every bump and every tap. I can also feel the line vibrating when it cuts through the water. It was amazing. I managed to haul a lot of bass big and small. There is something about the rod and the reel that makes them fit perfectly for worm fishing. The rod was also amazing in hook sets. One quick stroke and the hooks are connected perfectly every time. I never lost a fish after a hook set. Also notable is the backbone of the rod. You can literally lift the fish out of the water. It was so powerful. I managed to catch a 2kg+ largemouth bass and the rod handled it without issues.

Photo by JB Sotto

Photo by JB Sotto

As for the reel, there is not much to be said other than it's a wow! All it needs is a new set of RCS cork knobs and carbontex drag and it's going to be perfect.

Storing a 13ft Ocean Kayak Prowler

Before I bought the kayak, my wife had been nagging me about the issue on storage -- where will I store the kayak given our limited space. The kayak is 13.4 feet. My old kayak was only 11.

Initially, I was thinking of hanging it on the wall by it's sides -- using a couple of pulleys. I had to abandon the idea because of the the effort it takes to rig a pulley system and the effort in hanging and bringing it down.

Another idea was hanging it using a wall hanger/rack. I also abandoned the idea when I got a quote from a steel fabricator -- I was quoted P1000 each for bare unpainted racks -- I would need at least two -- then I have to buy the rigging, primer and paint, etc.

After a few days of research, I found out that the best way to store a kayak is standing up. And here's the result. Total cost -- P150 for 2 pairs of buckles and 4 pcs of stoppers. I have an old belt from a broken ratchet -- I think this came from a nearby Ukay.

I think my wife was pleased with the result.

Parked the kayak standing up near the stairs. The vertical clearance to the ceiling was perfect.

I strapped it in the middle using an old ratchet belt. I bought a pair of plastic snap buckles to secure it.

Bolted the straps into the wall using tox and washer+screws.