I love Phenix. They have a great warranty program. I run the Black Diamond 700M for 30lb flyline, the Axis 909H for surface iron, an M1 inshore for Calico bass and the Axis 820XH for yoyo
100%! I’ve already learned quite a few things and still haven’t even scratched the surface! Very knowledgeable rod builder, stoked to be getting taught by him!
I've caught yellowtail on lots of equipment. CalStar Grafighter 800M is a fine stick with a Daiwa SLX50. Good for jig stick or fly lining. I'd user. CalStar 765L with a ShimanonTLD30 with 50 pound mono. Push the 2 speed reel into granny low and grind and lift. Grind and lift. A thight plate will help a lot bracing it with a locking gimble. I've also taken 20 pound tails on Shimano Calcutta 730 rod and Shimano Calcutta 700 reel.
There’s plenty of rods and reels out there that will work! Everyone has their own personal preference on what feels good to them, so I do appreciate your feedback here so others can reed up on some more options, thank you!
Hopefully you can put it to use this year! Highly recommend going down to the docks and practicing casting. Last thing you wanna do is learn how to cast a jig on a sportboat
jigging rods or slow pitch jigging rods have two weighting systems: one for the weight of jigs the tip can pitch, the other is the power rating/line rating the backbone has. I have a 30# braid 200 gram jig rod that is for rockfish because the power rating is very low and soft. My big game rod is labeled 50# braid with 150 gram jig. you see how it's a lighter jig but also more backbone/lifting power
Interesting, I’ll definitely have to keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing that, I really appreciate you dropping some knowledge here in the comments. I don’t know anything about jigging rods and didn’t wanna say anything wrong lol. Thanks for explaining that brotha!
You can use a spinning reel, but for most of these techniques, it’s just not super ideal. You cannot get the same cadence on a spinning reel as a conventional reel, so for surface irons and yo-yos it’s just not the perfect tool for the job
@ms.annthrope415 That's complete nonsense. The guys fishing GT from the rocks and the giant yellowtail in New Zealand are all caught mostly on spinning gear.
I was using the surgeons knot until about a year and a half ago, and switched to the Seaguar knot! Check out my Fly Line tips video, we walk you through the Seaguar knot and talk about the strength of it!
Crazy arsenal dude. I fish the Raritan Bay between NY and NJ, we’re catching 20 - 30 lb striped bass during the summer. I have a Trinidad 16A and I noticed that you Trinidad 20A has a black knob with a silver handle, where can I get that exact handle, thanks.
Oh that was just a temporary fix. It’s actually a Torium 20a handle that I put on there while the bearing in my Trinidad handle was broken. But I’m back to the stock trini white handle now
Steelbaitsusa.com it’s a steelbait clamp, not sure if he has any left but worth checking and DMing him on Instagram to see if he has any in stock. I also will be giving away 1 each for 1st place prizes on both giveaways im doing. I have one giveaway here on TH-cam, and one on Instagram as well
I believe that would be the model you would want for big bft yes. If you’re gonna be at the show at all, swing on by the phenix booth and we’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions and have you pull on some rods!
Great video Ray I just found your video, I'm looking to get a Phenix black diamond hybrid 6'6 XH for deep sea fishing grouper and amberjacks, do you think the shimano trinidad would be a good combo? Would it also be ideal for catching yf tuna? Thank you!
For your jigging rod. I mean the reel you have on will do the job but you need a narrow reel. And for your jig have the hooks on top, not the bottom. I usually my reel all the way spooled with braid and have a 6-8 ft flouro leader. No top shot of mono.
I think I’m going to stick with the mono, if I hook a 20# yellow or +60# tuna with a 200-300g jig I’d like to have the mono to absorb the headshakes with the stretch and reduce the chance of the hook coming unbuttoned. I do appreciate the advice though, thank you!
I actually traded my tranx 500 for a trinidad 16. I just liked fishing a open face reel for surface irons more than the bait caster. The tranx 500 is a great rod for casting lighter stuff like stick baits, poppers, and lighter snipers. And still a great reel for anyone who wants to learn how to cast surface irons. Just wasn’t my preference of choice for what I wanted to use it for.
Im lookinf for a 9ft jig stick to cast jri 25 lights and tady 45's . What would you suggest. Someone told me about the proteus rated up 50# what do you think...?
The proteus is a good rod for the price, just a little stiff for casting surface irons. I like something with a little more tip to load up the rod easier. A cheeper end nice rod, maybe the Turners California trihelix Or if money isn’t an issue, Seeker pinhead ulua 93h would probably be my go to. Either that or a Phenix Axis 909, but it’s a little stiffer than the seeker. Good universal yellowtail and bluefin rod though.
What’s the difference between the black diamond 909 hj and the axis 909 hj. Looking for a strong all around jig stick that I can through at foamers and yt. What would u recommend
Either would be a good choice. The axis has a glass tip giving it a lot more bend and allowing it to load up for casts a little easier. The black diamond is a bit stiffer, but what you lose in easier casts, you gain with more backbone and pulling power. I personally like the axis just because it has a little more give for more forgiveness on the body
I apologize my videos were not up to your expectations. I finally stopped putting out strictly raw footage that the viewers wanted, and am pushing this channel editing, filming, and content the way I have always wanted to run it! Really proud of how I have changed this channel over the past year. Just dropped Tony Reyes "The Video" last night, and another one is Cedros Island "The Video", both have to be some of my favorite work I have ever put together!
I’m currently deciding on a reel for kind of an all purpose reel. I really want to get into yellowtail fishing, and I have kind of narrowed it down to the fathom 25nld2 or the torium 16hg. Any opinions on these? Also any other suggestions in this price point are welcome.
For an “all around reel” I’d definitely go star drag over lever drag. That way you’ll still be able to cast with it. My 2 top choices for that $250ish range, would be a Shimano Torium 12 or 20 Or a Daiwa Saltist 35
@@Dirty.Hookers So I think I decided on my all-purpose setup. Im going for the torium 16 with the black diamond 809h or 869h. I was also looking at the Californian tri helix 809mh or 807mh. What are your thoughts on my setup ideas? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about this setup.
@@DB-py9zh I’ve fished both, and personally prefer the black diamond myself. But I will say the tri helix is a great bang for the Buck. I’d recommend going to turners and pull on the 2 side by side and see which one you prefer. Everyone’s preferences are different
How far is the average distance to cast a surface iron? I'm just getting into it and I'm averaging 50-60ft in distance and i feel like that's too short.
Average is about 50-70yards. With the right wind I’ve casted over 100yds though. Just takes a lot of practice learning how to properly load up the rod. Just gotta hit the local docks and keep practicing!
@@corefishing4858 not sure what BBB is, but for schoolie tuna and rat yellowtail I really like either a 20-40 lb bass rod or a fly line rod. Or if they’re eating artificials I like my 10ft jig stick
@Dirty.Hookers thanks..bass, barracuda, bonito. I always take the least amount needed on my 8 days trips. And on a 1 day I would love to just have 1 or 2 rods that do it all. I like you have way to much tackle. And I get analysis paralysis sometimes choosing my combos. 🤣
@@corefishing4858 I’m very familiar with that feeling lol. Yeah if you just want a fun set up for rats, cudas, bones, and schoolies but still equipped incase you hook a slightly bigger grade yellow or tuna Basically a heavy calico 400 size bait caster set up. If it were me, lexa or komodo 400 paired with my Phenix black diamond 8’6” 20-50 lb. Good set up for fly line fun size rats and schoolies, and still has the backbone if you wanted to fish snipers or small poppers for schoolies
@@Dirty.Hookers this vid popped up in my feed again just now and I noticed something funny… you trolling by mounting all your reels backwards in the cover photo? 🤪
@@WatchMeEDC 😂😂😂. That’s a good eye! No and they’re not left hand either. I flipped the photo while making the thumbnail because it filled in better lol
I love Phenix. They have a great warranty program. I run the Black Diamond 700M for 30lb flyline, the Axis 909H for surface iron, an M1 inshore for Calico bass and the Axis 820XH for yoyo
Nice, all perfect rods for each application!
I might get the axis for yo-yos too, I really like the Axis series rods.
So good to meet you at Bart hall show today, first time at the show, keep doing your thing brother
Really appreciate you saying what’s up brotha! Thank you for the continued support, and best of luck to you this season man!👊
Your in good hands with Eric! He wraps great, and learned from the best!
100%! I’ve already learned quite a few things and still haven’t even scratched the surface! Very knowledgeable rod builder, stoked to be getting taught by him!
@@Dirty.Hookers Welcome to Ventucky (Ventura. :)
I've caught yellowtail on lots of equipment. CalStar Grafighter 800M is a fine stick with a Daiwa SLX50. Good for jig stick or fly lining. I'd user. CalStar 765L with a ShimanonTLD30 with 50 pound mono. Push the 2 speed reel into granny low and grind and lift. Grind and lift. A thight plate will help a lot bracing it with a locking gimble. I've also taken 20 pound tails on Shimano Calcutta 730 rod and Shimano Calcutta 700 reel.
There’s plenty of rods and reels out there that will work! Everyone has their own personal preference on what feels good to them, so I do appreciate your feedback here so others can reed up on some more options, thank you!
Haha, Tyler doing some speed jigging !
He was killing it on the speed jig that day!
You're my favorite fisherman to follow! Keep it up dude.
I appreciate that beyond words, thank you so much brotha!👊
I have a 909 HJ that I haven’t been able to use yet but really hoping to soon. Love the vid ray
Hopefully you can put it to use this year! Highly recommend going down to the docks and practicing casting. Last thing you wanna do is learn how to cast a jig on a sportboat
@@Dirty.Hookers If I have some time I would like to bring it down to the lake and do some practicing
if you have more footage of the rod being built, would love to see
Hopefully soon I’ll start making some rod wrapping videos!
The 30-80 7ft has a softer tip than the longer diamonds. 👍
Agreed, thank you for sharing! I do like my 7ft 30-80 for yoyo fishing for that very reason!
jigging rods or slow pitch jigging rods have two weighting systems: one for the weight of jigs the tip can pitch, the other is the power rating/line rating the backbone has. I have a 30# braid 200 gram jig rod that is for rockfish because the power rating is very low and soft. My big game rod is labeled 50# braid with 150 gram jig. you see how it's a lighter jig but also more backbone/lifting power
Interesting, I’ll definitely have to keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing that, I really appreciate you dropping some knowledge here in the comments. I don’t know anything about jigging rods and didn’t wanna say anything wrong lol.
Thanks for explaining that brotha!
@@Dirty.Hookers of course man just wanted to spread some info, I found out the hard way and have 2 spj rods now lol! Love the videos
@@williemickbillie hey at least you have 2 different applications now lol!
I appreciate it brotha, thank you!
Just the video i have been looking for great job
Thank you brotha!
Much appreciated
Always great tips Ray. Thanks for sharing 🤙
Thank you, very much appreciated! Always happy to help however I can!
I had question can you use a spinning reel for yellowtail..?
You can use a spinning reel, but for most of these techniques, it’s just not super ideal.
You cannot get the same cadence on a spinning reel as a conventional reel, so for surface irons and yo-yos it’s just not the perfect tool for the job
Will be a hard grind. Tails need lots of torque to grind up and a spinning reel will not have that ability.
Only thing I would add is a dropper loop setup for big yellows outta BOLA or alijos. Rod rated 60-100 with a avet HX raptor or Penn fathom40nld.
@ms.annthrope415
That's complete nonsense. The guys fishing GT from the rocks and the giant yellowtail in New Zealand are all caught mostly on spinning gear.
This video was very informative, thank you.
Always happy to help. Thanks for the feedback!
Nice arsenal, good luck out there, looking forward to more videos 😎
Gonna try to do a lot more tackle talk videos this year! Best of luck to you this season as well👊
Lovin it man. NorCal in the house
Hell yeah! Much appreciated brotha👊
What up man ran into you at the pacific coast show. Been wanting to get a megladon for a while good for those big bluefins
What’s up Gabe, I appreciate you saying what’s up!
Megalodon 608 or 609 would be a perfect jigging rod for some of the bigger bluefin fishing!
Love these arsenal videos!
Hell yeah! Been awhile since I’ve made one, thought it was time for an update!
What size was the black and gold reel?
Saltist 35H Black Gold Series
What knot are you using to connect your 25-30lb fluro to the 30lb mono?
I was using the surgeons knot until about a year and a half ago, and switched to the Seaguar knot! Check out my Fly Line tips video, we walk you through the Seaguar knot and talk about the strength of it!
Crazy arsenal dude. I fish the Raritan Bay between NY and NJ, we’re catching 20 - 30 lb striped bass during the summer. I have a Trinidad 16A and I noticed that you Trinidad 20A has a black knob with a silver handle, where can I get that exact handle, thanks.
Oh that was just a temporary fix. It’s actually a Torium 20a handle that I put on there while the bearing in my Trinidad handle was broken. But I’m back to the stock trini white handle now
Where can I find that reel clamp for the deckhand style wrap? The smaller Avets do not come with clamps.
The one on the heavy jig stick. Thanks
Steelbaitsusa.com it’s a steelbait clamp, not sure if he has any left but worth checking and DMing him on Instagram to see if he has any in stock. I also will be giving away 1 each for 1st place prizes on both giveaways im doing.
I have one giveaway here on TH-cam, and one on Instagram as well
I have that 909 hj and I really really like it great iron rod 🔥
So excited to fish it! Gonna be such a good 50# jig stick and a good casting rod for tuna!
What kind of clamp are you using on your heavier Jig stick?
Steel bait clamp, he might have a few more on his website.
steelbaitsusa.com
Season is here , first trip on the rock tournament in Channel Islands
It sure is! Bft already getting caught in 1.5 day range too!
Do you know if the megalodon PE6-10 can handle big bluefin?
I believe that would be the model you would want for big bft yes. If you’re gonna be at the show at all, swing on by the phenix booth and we’ll be more than happy to help answer any questions and have you pull on some rods!
I have my eye on that maglodon 609. So your telling me that pool will bring in a blue fin? Im going out on an over nighter
The 609 is definitely a great bluefin rod.
The 607 shown in this video is better for yellowtail and like 30lb - 70lb bluefin
Great video Ray I just found your video, I'm looking to get a Phenix black diamond hybrid 6'6 XH for deep sea fishing grouper and amberjacks, do you think the shimano trinidad would be a good combo? Would it also be ideal for catching yf tuna? Thank you!
How big are the yellowfin tuna you will be targeting?
@@Dirty.Hookers they'll be around 70-90lbs
For your jigging rod. I mean the reel you have on will do the job but you need a narrow reel. And for your jig have the hooks on top, not the bottom. I usually my reel all the way spooled with braid and have a 6-8 ft flouro leader. No top shot of mono.
I think I’m going to stick with the mono, if I hook a 20# yellow or +60# tuna with a 200-300g jig I’d like to have the mono to absorb the headshakes with the stretch and reduce the chance of the hook coming unbuttoned.
I do appreciate the advice though, thank you!
How about Tranx500? In previous videos you got yourself a Tranx. Are you still using it? Thank you
I actually traded my tranx 500 for a trinidad 16.
I just liked fishing a open face reel for surface irons more than the bait caster.
The tranx 500 is a great rod for casting lighter stuff like stick baits, poppers, and lighter snipers.
And still a great reel for anyone who wants to learn how to cast surface irons. Just wasn’t my preference of choice for what I wanted to use it for.
Grate information I have a daiwa lexa 400 h p what fishing rod should i get??
What do you plan on fishing most with it?
Yellow bonitas calicos maybe some tuna¿
Did you say spotty set ups? Nice gear.
Thanks man, and are you implying you want me to make a spotty arsenal video?
@@Dirty.Hookers Nah I'm just goofing around.
@@Carl_Black lol I was like “I never thought to do a spotty arsenal video because it’s 2 rods, but I can if he wants to”
Im lookinf for a 9ft jig stick to cast jri 25 lights and tady 45's . What would you suggest. Someone told me about the proteus rated up 50# what do you think...?
The proteus is a good rod for the price, just a little stiff for casting surface irons. I like something with a little more tip to load up the rod easier.
A cheeper end nice rod, maybe the Turners California trihelix
Or if money isn’t an issue, Seeker pinhead ulua 93h would probably be my go to.
Either that or a Phenix Axis 909, but it’s a little stiffer than the seeker. Good universal yellowtail and bluefin rod though.
What’s the difference between the black diamond 909 hj and the axis 909 hj. Looking for a strong all around jig stick that I can through at foamers and yt. What would u recommend
Either would be a good choice. The axis has a glass tip giving it a lot more bend and allowing it to load up for casts a little easier.
The black diamond is a bit stiffer, but what you lose in easier casts, you gain with more backbone and pulling power.
I personally like the axis just because it has a little more give for more forgiveness on the body
@@Dirty.Hookers thank you I’ll probably go with the axis
@@socalfishincrew5410 anytime!
Resubscribed. The video quality and effort is looking sick dude! Gotta get build up this channel so you can afford a skiff for SD paddy's!
I apologize my videos were not up to your expectations. I finally stopped putting out strictly raw footage that the viewers wanted, and am pushing this channel editing, filming, and content the way I have always wanted to run it! Really proud of how I have changed this channel over the past year. Just dropped Tony Reyes "The Video" last night, and another one is Cedros Island "The Video", both have to be some of my favorite work I have ever put together!
I’m currently deciding on a reel for kind of an all purpose reel. I really want to get into yellowtail fishing, and I have kind of narrowed it down to the fathom 25nld2 or the torium 16hg. Any opinions on these? Also any other suggestions in this price point are welcome.
For an “all around reel” I’d definitely go star drag over lever drag. That way you’ll still be able to cast with it.
My 2 top choices for that $250ish range, would be a Shimano Torium 12 or 20
Or a Daiwa Saltist 35
@@Dirty.Hookers when you say the torium 12 do you mean the 14-16? I don’t think there is a torium 12. And also can you still rockfish with it?
@@DB-py9zh oh shoot my bad, I meant 16 or 20.
Sorry about that.
And yes, you can still rockfish with any of these size reels.
@@Dirty.Hookers So I think I decided on my all-purpose setup. Im going for the torium 16 with the black diamond 809h or 869h. I was also looking at the Californian tri helix 809mh or 807mh. What are your thoughts on my setup ideas? I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about this setup.
@@DB-py9zh I’ve fished both, and personally prefer the black diamond myself. But I will say the tri helix is a great bang for the Buck. I’d recommend going to turners and pull on the 2 side by side and see which one you prefer. Everyone’s preferences are different
How far is the average distance to cast a surface iron? I'm just getting into it and I'm averaging 50-60ft in distance and i feel like that's too short.
Average is about 50-70yards. With the right wind I’ve casted over 100yds though.
Just takes a lot of practice learning how to properly load up the rod. Just gotta hit the local docks and keep practicing!
Old timers that used 724s, D8s and 542s reached 165 yards; and yes, they practiced a lot.
Nice presentation
Thank you!
If could take one rod to fish BBB, rats and footballs. What would it be?
@@corefishing4858 not sure what BBB is, but for schoolie tuna and rat yellowtail I really like either a 20-40 lb bass rod or a fly line rod.
Or if they’re eating artificials I like my 10ft jig stick
@Dirty.Hookers thanks..bass, barracuda, bonito. I always take the least amount needed on my 8 days trips. And on a 1 day I would love to just have 1 or 2 rods that do it all. I like you have way to much tackle. And I get analysis paralysis sometimes choosing my combos. 🤣
@@corefishing4858 I’m very familiar with that feeling lol. Yeah if you just want a fun set up for rats, cudas, bones, and schoolies but still equipped incase you hook a slightly bigger grade yellow or tuna
Basically a heavy calico 400 size bait caster set up.
If it were me, lexa or komodo 400 paired with my Phenix black diamond 8’6” 20-50 lb.
Good set up for fly line fun size rats and schoolies, and still has the backbone if you wanted to fish snipers or small poppers for schoolies
Nice vid. Thank you.
Thanks you! Much appreciated!
Ray what pound of backing are you running on your surface iron rig
I run 65lb max cuatro braid on my surface iron reels, and leave enough room for a 80-100 yard top shot of 40lb
Thanks bud
Black handle swaps on the Trinis and white on the Torium 🤔
I knew someone was gonna say something!😂
The bearings in trini knob went out, so I swapped them and just keep forgetting to change them back haha
@@Dirty.Hookers this vid popped up in my feed again just now and I noticed something funny… you trolling by mounting all your reels backwards in the cover photo? 🤪
@@WatchMeEDC 😂😂😂. That’s a good eye! No and they’re not left hand either. I flipped the photo while making the thumbnail because it filled in better lol
I hope to do more of that this year🙏🏽🤘🏽
Hell yeah! Can’t wait for the year to kick off! I just wanna cast a long rod so bad!
Bruh! Fix this weather! LOL
Weather has been pretty nice lately actually! Fishing is starting to get better now that the storms are finally done for the most part
Really great clips you making, wish your remove the music at the background.
See you at Bart hall you know where to message me 😉
You change your insta name too much to find you😂, shoot me a DM
@Dirty.Hookers see you this weekend ray do you know John Obrien he's a phenix rep
@@dalehorton5157 see you there! And I don’t believe I’ve met John yet.
I'm making custom jigs and would love to send you a bunch if that's cool
Yeah of course, I really appreciate that!
You can DM me on Instagram, @RaySharifi