Skishing with Grip Studs

Posted on November 23, 2013July 3, 2016 by Julio Silva

When skishing, I prefer long split fins for maximum propulsion with minimal effort. My Tusa fins provide just that. But! Like other long split fins, they have soft 1/4″ thick heels— which is not a stable platform for studs. Using high density polyethylene (HDPE), I made a cleat for each fin. I pre-drilled 5/16″ holes into the cleats and threaded #1800 Grip Studs into the holes using the GripStuds tool on a power drill. After securing the Grip Studs to the cleats, I mounted the studded cleats to the heels of my Tusa fins using marine epoxy and 3/4″ aluminum posts and screws. In theory this fin traction solution should work. Theory is good for academics. When skishing, gear failure can be life altering. I field tested this setup on the reacherous rocky shoreline of Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts while my friend Jonathan O’Connor worked my GoPro.

OMG! The Grip Studs griped on the slippery rocks ornamenting the shoreline of Cuttyhunk Island without compromise! The HDPE cleat kept the Grip Studs vertical whilst supporting my full body weight. But, in order for this setup to work, your feet need to be all the way into the large “boots” of your fins. This will keep your centre of gravity above the cleats, which helps you maintain your balance as you negotiate entry and exit over slippery rocks. The marine epoxy failed to adhere to the HDPE under pressure. It’s a good thing I had the aluminum posts and screws! I have since completely removed the marine expoxy and added two additional aluminum posts and screws to each fin.

When it comes to negotiating a safe entry and exit across a rocky shore line, I trust my Portuguese bottom with field-proven Grip Studs. No screws through soft 1/4″ thick rubber for me!

CTS S8 Surf Series Custom Rod

Posted on November 19, 2013October 10, 2017 by Julio Silva

This past season I field tested the CTS S8 Surf Series (SE1201-2 12′ 2-4 oz) rod built by RH Custom Rods. Wow! This rod has power!! Fast current and big surf conditions is where this rod excels!!!

During my field tests at the cape cod canal, I was able to propel lures of various geometries and weights to great distances with minimal effort. I out cast my neighbors 2:1.

On my Cuttyhunk trip, it was raining horizontally and the wind was blowing with a determination to knock me off my rock. The one plug that I was able to cast through the wind was a generously weighted needle fish from Striper Maine-iac. With the same reel, line, and plug, I was able to out cast my previously go-to rod by 3:1!

Fish360 CTS S8

The rod is 12 feet in length, but it’s so light that it feels more like an 10 foot rod. After four hours of non-stop casting: no back pain and no arm or shoulder strain. The carbon helix core and zoned action gives the S8 Surf Series rod the optimal balance between casting distance, weight, and power. Bottom line, my new CTS S8 Surf Series rod built by RH Custom Rodsis wicked! 😉

AquaSkinz Leader Wallet

Posted on November 16, 2013October 10, 2017 by Julio Silva

Before I go fishing (saltwater, freshwater, or hardwater), I always pre-tie my leaders and rigs. I use to organize them in small Ziplock bags. This simple leader and rig management solution works. But, it’s not Eco-friendly and managing a lose collection of Ziplock bags whilst fishing is unnecessarily challenging. I am now use the AquaSkinz leader wallet.

Fish360 AquaSkinz Leader Wallet

The AquaSkinz leader wallet can hold six leaders or rigs in it’s heavy duty re-openable pouches. There is a respectable amount of space in between the pouches to store additional leaders or rigs. I keep my “next” leader or rig in one of these spaces for quick access.

Fish360 AquaSkinz Leader Wallet

The AquaSkinz leader wallet can be secured to your belt by using the beltloops on the back of the leader wallet or by clipping it to a stainless steel D-Loop. When I am rock hopping in the surf or skishing, I secure my AquaSkinzleader wallet to my belt by using the loops. When I am Surfcasting at the water’s edge or freshwater/hard water fishing, I secure my AquaSkinz leader wallet to the stainless steel D-loop on my belt via clip.

Fish360 AquaSkinz Leader Wallet

When I go plugging, I load up my AquaSkinz leader wallet with 50 and 80 lb Ande monofilament leaders. When I go chunking, I load up with my AquaSkinzleader wallet with 80 lb Ande monofilament rigs (minus the hooks). When I go freshwater and hardware fishing, I load up my AquaSkinz leader wallet with 10 and 20 lb flurocarbon leaders. Bottom line, I never go fishing without myAquaSkinz leader wallet. 😉

River Monsters River

Posted on November 12, 2013October 10, 2017 by Julio Silva

Have you seen an episode of Animal Planet’s River Monsters? Jeremy Wade is a great story teller. He hooks your attention at the begging of the episode and reels you in slowly until the very end. In his book River Monsters True stories of the ones that did not get away, Wade shares his personal stories of chasing 16 different river monster species. Yes! 16 species!!

River Monster by Jeremy Wade

I have seen many episodes of Animal Planet’s River Monsters. But, reading the stories in Wade’s book has given me a greater understating and appreciation of the challenges of landing river monsters. You not only need strong angling skills and top gear, but also a healthy appetite for taking risks. Jeremy Wade is a true scientist driven by a curiosity to learn what swims in our rivers.

In his stories, Wade is honest, open, and personal. And at times, terribly funny. If you target trophy fish, River Monsters True stories of the ones that did not get away by Jeremy Wade is a must read! 😉

AquaSkinz Rampage Top

Posted on November 5, 2013October 10, 2017 by Julio Silva

Many new moons ago I ordered a neoprene jacket. The jacket kept the wind from penetrating through. But, it was heavy and not very ergonomic. I used velcro straps around my wrists to reduce the amount of water sliding down my forearms. That was then. I am now using the AquaSkinz Rampage top.

Fish360 AquaSkinz Rampage Top

I field tested the AquaSkinz Rampage during the Rhode Island leg of the Tri-State Tournament. It was wicked cold for this time of year. But, I was warm. 😉

The neck and wrist seals kept water out and thereby kept me dry during the tournament. No velcro straps required. 😉

Fish360 AquaSkinz Rampage Top

I fished whole tide, non-stop. I did not get fatigued as a result of wearing the Rampage. The top moves with you rather than just hanging on your shoulders.

I used the hood when the wind doubled in velocity. I love the fact that I can remove the hood, complements of the large tooth zipper.

I found the front pocket very convenient to hold gear (e.g. my GoPro camera). But, I primary used it to warm up my hands and avoid frost bite.

Fishing in the early and late season here in the North East is rewarding. But, you really need proper gear. The AquaSkinz Rampage gets my seal of approval because of it’s versatile, design, construction, and performance features. Fish long! Fish hard!! Fish safe!!!;-)