XBRAID X8 20# Test Braided Line

Best Braid Ever? Possibly. Let’s cut to the chase of the catch: everything is hanging on the line you choose and thankfully, braid technology has improved significantly with tighter weaves and high-tech fibers. Enter XBRAID, now distributed by Daiwa, the genius result of the company’s proprietary “WX Method” of spinning polyethylene. XBRAID uses bobbins that turn clockwise, “so the combined raw threads result in a straight, well-balanced line with high linear strength and no twists…Just like a rubber band returns to its original shape when you let go of it after twisting it.” Genius science. Fewer twists mean knots tend to sink properly and are more likely to to resist abrasion as they are gathered tightly. It’s also great for finesse fishing, with its weave of eight fibers.

I ran X8 on a Daiwa Saltist MQ 2500D reel set up for late-season striped bass. It was easy to tie in blood knots with 20# leaders and roll nicely off the spool. Being light, it tended to get wound up around the tip of my 7′ medium heavy rod from Rosie’s Rod and Fly Shop, but I adjusted my cast a bit to eliminate that and will use 30# for my next larger setup, even if just to gain some weight. I landed two nice schoolies the first time I cast XBRAID X8 and it fully held on, did not tangle, and set back on the Saltist spool evenly. Overall, this is a quality line with enough research invested to let us concentrate on fishing, not science. XBriad X8 20# test, 165 yd spool  $25.99

Grundéns Deck Runner Boots

Right out of the box, I knew these were total Grundéns quality. Cool colors. Easy on and off with right-sized front and rear loops. Non-marking, slip-resistant soles. Removable Ortholite inserts. Traditional rubber ankle boots with a running shoe style outsole. All the classic design elements synch in this new boot. When I first got to test them, the seas were choppy, the rain came unforecasted and the striper bite was full on against some crooked Galilea seawall armor stones. They held tight, my socks never got wet, and they kept me secure on a windy bow as I lost a nice bass on my first cast (yup, last year’s leader. All me.)

Deck Runners are supportive but light and although I managed to put a hook through the neoprene upper, they still stayed waterproof and comfortable. With all that, you can still run errands or wear them to work in the close grip of all-day comfort. Grundéns Deck Runner Boots will hold up to commercial use too, like their whole line of smart, tough, and innovative fishing gear. Fair notice, Deck Runner boots become available in February of 2025 so now’s the time to drop a hint for your holiday wish list.

Point Jude Lures 

All fishing politics are local, so I called my good friend Ralph Craft at Crafty One Customs in Portsmouth, RI, to find out what was his big product, his best rod, the creation he was most proud of, so I could test drive one. In typical Ralph style, he skipped over his own amazing creations and offered up Point Jude Lures. Local, trusted, collected, even beloved in some cases, casters and jiggers depend of Point Jude Lures to catch a wide spectrum of species, inshore and far beyond.

Ralph and his team are fans of the DEEP FORCE line and reminded me that,

“Point Jude Deep Force jigs were designed by charter boat captains in New England to catch bluefin tuna. Not only does it work great for targeting many species in New England such as striper, bluefish, cod and haddock, it also is quite effective on fish in other parts of the world such as Cuberra snapper, Africa pompano, Yellowfin tuna and amberjack. Point Jude DEEP FORCE Jigs are free style jigs that drop fast with lots of flutter…and are clear coated for durability.“

A classic Rhode Island company is keeping true to classic designs with modern improvements with high-quality basics. Ralph carries the seven-ounce version in Sardine, Halfbeak/Pearl, Pink/Glow, and Green Mack/Pearl, nine and 11 ounce in Blue Mack-Herring/Pearl, Sardine-Halfbeak/Pearl, Pink/Glow, and Green Mack/Pearl.

Husky Liners® X-act Contour™ Floor Liners

Sure you might have all the best gear but at the end of the day, the best piece might be a place to rest your body and feet. I’ve had a thick Husky bed liner in my Chevy Silverado for years so this Fall, I upgraded to front and rear X-act Contour Floor Liners. They fit so well, I struggled at first to get them in properly but once I paid a bit more attention, (it’s that whole read the directions first thing…) I realized their designers acutely understand how vehicles work and how we need to protect them. The fit is perfect and they stay right in place. I’ve already dumped a load of wet boots and soggy socks on them, driven our bulldog around, thrown a pile of tow chains and rope on them, and tried my hardest to scuff them up but they have held their spot and strength. They connect the dots between rugged, practical, and visual appeal.

Of all the money we spend on our vehicles, protecting the wettest and most abused places, where we climb in and out, where we grind in old bits of clamshells and rocks embedded in workboot soles, protecting front and rear floors is critical. Sorry Chevy, your factory floor mats are in the shed.

Grundéns  CSA Full Share Pant

Two years ago, I wrote about Full Share Pants. They quickly became my absolute go-to three-season fishing pants. Now, the updated and improved CSA version is available and has stayed true to the classic Grundéns strengths and common sense additions. The reflective bands are important for night fishing on the rocks, the thick bottoms have strong hook and loop closures to help keep water out, which I match with a pair of Grundéns bands, which are sold separately and worth every penny. The belt is plenty stretchy although the waist does seem to run a little tight so I recommend ordering a size larger than normal. The outer fabric is super strong and 100% waterproof.

My biggest concern when fishing for overwintering striped bass is that I’m alone in a kayak so everything I use has to be unquestionably reliable, easy to clean, and comfortable. Full Share Pants are all of that, with ample pockets, strong zippers, and are easy on and off. Grundéns has always been trusted and the CSA Full Share Pants, well, they are true to course.

All Fish Are Awesome by Noel Vick

So fun. Noel Vick, President of Traditons Media has written his first in hopefully a series of children’s books focused on all fish, no matter how we feel about or value them. With both fresh and saltwater species through 24 pages, brought to colorful life by Daniel Limon, who was careful to not over-animate or mute their colors and camouflages, Noel has crafted a fun, informative, easy-to-read introduction to the waters around us. A sublime charm is the snippets of information that will make the saltiest of readers appreciate how remarkable and significant all those fishes are.

All Fish Are Awesome will make a fine holiday present for kids and teachers and should be bought in pairs, to ensure grownups get to keep a copy for their own fun.

Steelhead Lock Box 

In 2024, the Rhode Island legislature passed a law requiring firearms,

“When not in use by the owner or another authorized user, be stored in a locked container or equipped with a tamper-resistant mechanical lock or other safety device properly engaged in order to render the firearm inoperable.”

Whether or not you agree to such an intrusion into someone’s residence, you will likely need a safe or gun case. Steelhead, a manufacturer born to build, “high quality, American Made, fire insulated, modular gun safes,” has engineered the the Fast Access Pistol Box as a perfect travel companion. The Fast Action will protect your firearm from home safe to the vehicle, and range or gun shop while also allowing for fast access without batteries or electronics. Pistol Boxes are engineered (both company founders are engineers) to be solid, usable, and mobile. True to their word, Steelhead lockboxes are, “laser cut, formed, TIG welded, powdercoated and assembled in Shakopee, MN.” 

Fast Action Pistol Boxes have an optional security cable, which is perfect for securing while traveling or adding another layer of safety in your home.

The Original Muck Boot Company 8″ Alpha Pursuit Boots

Muck Boots have a special place in my gear closet because they work well every time I need them. The new 8″ Mens Alpha Pursuit has a Realtree® APX 100% waterproof camo Muckskin outer layer protecting a 3mm neoprene boootie, the notched heel collar eliminates Achilles fatigue, while the sole is tough but flexible. I love that they’re constructed from BioLite®, a Swedish blend of industrial hemp from farms in Northern Europe and responsibly sourced polypropylene. BioLite® was a finalist in the World Wildlife Fund’s Climate Solver competition and they’re recyclable.

One thing Muck totally understands is how boots should fit and last. The new 8″ Mens Alpha Pursuit boot should earn its place in the gear closet quite quickly.