BassBlaster

Science: Tackle Stats – We Want Numbers

Scientists: We measure this, weigh that, and calculate the volume of something else. It’s what we do. And when it comes to my fishing tackle, I’m exactly the same way.

Details. Numbers. That’s what I want to see. The industry is doing great in some areas, and still doing terrible in others. Here’s some examples.

Baits: Getting much better here. When I open a catalog or view a company’s website, I can now find all sorts of information. Weight of a bait has always been there, but lots more stuff has been added over the years. For example, with most spinnerbaits, they now post things like the size of the front and rear blade used. With crankbaits, I can get weight, length, approximate running depth, and hook size – all great info to have!

Reels: Another thumbs up, here. On most any model in the catalog, you can find out number of bearings, overall weight, line capacity for both mono and braid, gear ratio, and line recovery (IPT – inches per turn). Some are now even doing maximum drag pressure stats. Again, a huge improvement over the years and great info for shopping and comparing. Two thumbs up!

Line: Here we start going downhill. About all we get is pound test, and I hate to say it, but it’s all bogus for the most part. There is no standardization in the industry. Mono is so underrated compared to its labeled strength, it’s not even funny. Braid seems to largely be labeled by its knot strength, not it’s overall strength like mono, and fluorocarbon appears to fall somewhere in the middle. You can barely even find line diameter listings for comparison sake. Hey, but at least they list the yards on the spool halfway accurately. Lots of work to do here, IMHO.

Rods: A mixed bag , here. On the good side, they get the length, the number of pieces and the number of guides right. Not sure if that is saying much. You also frequently get lure weight, line weight and action, though we all know these are just guidelines. Again, no objective standard for comparisons, which would be nice. One thing they could easily add, and that I think everyone would love to see but must still be some big secret…rod weights. Manufacturers can weigh every size and model reel they make to the tenth of an ounce, why not rod manufacturers?

Electronics: Ending on a positive note, we’re getting lots of good stats here. Display size, pixel counts, cone angle, power output, even in-dash frame mount size. Lots more specifics in the write-ups, so no qualms here.

Alright – rant over. Any pet peeves amongst the readership? Anything you’re not getting you’d like to see? Let’s hear it!

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. Jeff Hahn

    February 20, 2012 at 7:15 am

    Here’s another issue that bugs many of us. It’s time to standardize hook size, or at least provide info on the length and gap size.

  2. Scott Moore

    February 20, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Honestly, I can’t think of anything you missed. We need more information on rods & line.

    I saw one brand of line last week that had the diameter of its line written on the package, I just don’t remember which brand it was.

    • Mike Fillmer

      February 20, 2012 at 12:27 pm

      Sunline states it’s standard diameter (mm) along with strength (lb) and test class (kg)!

    • Cliff Peterson

      February 20, 2012 at 5:23 pm

      Most all manufacturers put the line diameter on their packages, which is great if you are standing there with the package in your hand in a store,but if you are ordering on-line or from a catalog, quite a few of those businesses do not list the diameter of the line; more sites need to to do a better job of providing that information.

  3. Flip 'N' Pitch

    February 20, 2012 at 9:05 am

    What about labeling actual/total jig weights? If our Bait & Tackle Overlords are going to assail us with advertising about hair splitting weights and Rates of Fall then when you buy a 3/8 oz labeled jig and weigh it right out of the package with a decent scale it should read 0.375 oz, not 0.5 oz. I can only assume the actual “lead head” is 3/8 oz and the hook and skirt material take it up to 0.5 oz. Hear me my Jig Fishing Brothers and Sisters! We’ve all been living a lie! STOP THE INSANITY! 😉

  4. Bassville

    February 20, 2012 at 1:14 pm

    What is missing with all tackle sales is a buying alarm. Something built into the bait or rod/reel, line that instantly alerts you to the fact that you already have too much tackle and will never use this latest, shiniest, got to have…. And then we need somesort of process that vaporizes the excess tackle that we have hoarded for years and will never use, even if we live to be 1,000 yrs old. And the third thing is a sophisticated built in tackle storage system in the boats hull which allows each of us to carry the equivalent of Bass Pro Shops entire inventory, without sinking the boat.

    • paul zuest

      February 20, 2012 at 2:59 pm

      sounds like youve heard my wifes lecture.

    • MattBass

      March 10, 2012 at 10:47 am

      Hold on there, Bassville. Like the Bud Light commercial, you’re starting to violate the Man-Rules!

      If my wife read this post, I’d be in T-R-O-U-B-L-E…!

      (Hehehehehehehe…)

      Tight Lines!

      mlg

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