Recent content by Mike Cline

I carry two TFO Axiom IIX 7 weights on the Central Gulf Coast inshore flats around Tampa and Sarasota Bay. They handle just about anything I encounter with maybe the exception of an occasional unintended Tarpon. A SA SONAR 30 Warm 200 grain sinktip handles the shallow/deep grass, potholes and...

YES. In my experience almost all hackle compresses on the retrieve and expands when tension is released. CDL is not an exception. When the feather is not compressed is does present a translucent appearance in the water. (Not unlike real baitfish). When compressed, the strong dark hackle stem...

@Brute: Here's a few tips. 1) You don't need a large rattle. I use 3mm x 10mm with two balls by DropZoneFishing.com 2) When you tie in the tailing material cover most of the hook shank to provide a solid base for the rattle. Leave the front part of the hook bare to crimp the foam down...

I visit the Tampa Bay - Sarasota Bay region every Nov-Dec for a few weeks of inshore flats fishing targeting mostly speckled trout, ladyfish and Spanish mackerel, but also occasionally hookup with snook, redfish, pompano, grouper, sharks, bluefish and flounder. Deep grass, potholes, channels and...