Hogsticker

Perhaps I'm confused. What you're saying is that NFC mandates what a distributor sells their products for, after the distributor has already purchased stock...... Or are you talking about customers who place an order with a dealer, and dealer has to order it from NFC as they have no stock? I have no idea what a dealer pays for these blanks, but I can't imagine they're in business to lose money. That being said, the distributer would have to be getting a rather smoking deal in order to make money, selling these blanks at 60% off. I know getbitoutdoors was selling some at 60% off, but I figured they were models they weren't going to carry any longer or overstock. Aside from that, I've only purchased NFC blanks directly from NFC during the fifty percent off. That last part of your quote seems rather painful. Okay, that makes more sense. Blanks you already have in your possession. I could definitely see how that would put you in a bad spot.

Yeah, they definitely have no problem taking your money, and then making you wait for the product.

NFC is screwing with custom builders how exactly? Your price staying the same is completely your choice, and I take no issue with such, but I don't see how this impacts you negatively. Essentially, you're putting extra money in your pocket if the customer agrees to your price. If I were building for others for additional income or whatever, I would absolutely pass along the savings. I'm not losing money, and it seems like a golden opportunity to gain new customers. Once they see your work, because you are indeed very talented, chances are they will become returning customers. The sales are great imo. Not every person who builds, builds for paying customers. As a customer, if I saw the sale price and inquired for a custom quote, then was told the builder would still charge me their regular price, I would think to myself that seems kinda greedy. The builder is willing to put extra coin in their pocket, but does not want to share. I mean you're not losing money, just voiding the opportunity to make additional money. I'm not trying to be jerk like, just stating some food for thought. As for the blanks, I'm curious to see how these perform and stack up to Point Blank. IMO, the HMs aren't quite in the same league as PB. I really like the fact that these new blanks aren't sanded.

That would be correct

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Big_Bite_Baits_Gamakatsu_Wacky_Head_5pk/descpage-BBBWKHD.html These have the stoutest hook, but it's fairly big. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Vike_Tungsten_Wacky_Jig_Heads_2pk/descpage-VIKETWJ.html http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Zappu_Inchi_Wacky_Head/descpage-ZIW.html I use both of these most of my time out. Haven't had a hook bend yet. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Zappu_Inchi_Wacky_Head/descpage-ZIW.html I think these may be your best bet. I have yet to try them. Comes in a weed guard version too.

Those are 2 totally different blanks all together. The Phenix you listed is more like a true light. The Loomis is more of a medium imo. I would have gone with a Recon 683. It can cast down to 3/32 oz total weight with the right reel, yet still has some power to land good size fish. I'd take the Recon ahead of a MC Corzza, but behind an MS-X.

Alphas platform definitely the best palming platform. Nothing beats a Steez in quality, tolerances, performance and fun imo. Especially the SV TW. Personally, I can't handle not having a clicking drag star. The cast control cap I don't mind.

It definitely runs deeper than a foot. Closer to 3. Obviously as stated, you can manipulate that. It's a really productive jerkbait. Has been for me anyways.

The Alphas Air is a kick butt little reel. Just like the SV with a lighter, more shallow spool. A solid bfs reel that can cast 1/16 oz no sweat. What's not to like?

Howdy. Looking for opinions on good, sharp hooks to use for Neko rigging mostly Fish Arrow flashy J type baits and a few worms in the mix. Sizes would be helpful too. I'll be finishing mostly rock for smallmouth. Does this rig get hung any better or worse than a typical jig head? I would think you could pop it loose most of the time, being it only has a small nail weight inserted. Any tips, tricks and general advice would be most appreciated. This will be my new technique challenge for 2017.

Very cool!

SV105 or Alphas SV would be my 1st choice. I'm assuming you won't be using test over 10 lb. Solid little aluminum reel with great casting abilities.

I fish mine on an Owner ultra ball head jig. Has a 2/0 hook. Typically fish the 1/8 oz. A lot of times the fish will pick it up on the drop. Swim it, jig it, dead stick it. . . Doesn't seem to matter. Smallie magnet

Refinement and most importantly, the ability to swap spools! Whether or not that little extra smooth and connected feel is worth the coin is entirely up to you. Castability and versatility will be there regardless.

I have the 8.1. It's smooth, tight and connected. As RP stated, the inductor on this spool is slightly larger. I use an Rcs 1012 SV spool in mine. Really opened it up. I also have the 7.1 Steez SV TW with duraluminum gears. Hard to explain the difference in feel. I like brass better. Both feel great.