I enjoy your straight forward commentary and advice. Everyone has an opinion but lots of years of experience in the field as well as guiding give a lot of weight to the opinions you offer.
nice video bill,have fished many reels over the years , have to agree vs are my go to also! i just finished servicing my old crack reel, brings back a lot of great memories caught many memorable fish with it , antiquated but always performed well!!! sometimes wish we could just go back in time and enjoy the moment!!!
Your content is GOLD; my whole life has been fly fishing small streams and rivers in SW Pennsylvania/Maryland/New York and now the web has helped me stumble into a whole new world - I have subscribed and am trying to catch up on what I have been missing. Hell, I spent the last week cleaning out old stuff in the garage/basement and selling stuff on Craig’s list to build a war chest of cash to build out a whole new line fishing gear for the surf. Without your insight and vast years of shared experiences, I would not have a clue on how to get started - I’m hooked - your rich web content is making it possible to get me into the game. Your down to earth no BS honesty makes you the Popeye of fishing “I am what I am”; that is a good thing! Once this COVID thing is over, I hope to get onto your guide schedule.
Great video, lots of good info. I have a question a bit outside of usual? I live in So. Cal and fish the beach alot. very different than what you do. But in looking for a new Surf outfit, it seems to me the upper end reels without the bail are all right handed only. I am left handed. Now, I am not sure I want the bailless reel, but have looked a bit. If you could enlighten me a bit, I would appreciate it.
agree with ya on VS. from may to oct i fished 4 nights a week. penn z's & ss along with daiwa bg's work but the maintenance is time consuming. even with my vs i never got thru a complete season without having to send it in for service. but outta the reels i've used it's by far the best choice for me. good video Bill!
My first staal was a vs250 when it first came out I’ll never forget the day i paid cash. $650.00 beautiful black reel. ☹️ not long after I sold it in a 7-Eleven parking lot like a ungrateful peasant
I lost the biggest bass I ever saw because of a similar drag knob on an old Shimano Triton Baitrunner. This fish was well over 50, and might have even been 60. She grabbed a live bunker not 10' from the boat, so I saw her plain as day. When I closed the bail and cranked in the slack to set the hook the line wrapped around that bleeping knob. Needless to say the second that fish took off it almost ripped the rod out of my hand because the drag didn't give, and the 30lb mono I was using popped. I literally cried!
Lucky hat, Lucky Jacket lol your about one good Nor' Easter away from being left with just your skivvies lol. Great Video thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Bill, your knowledge base is extraordinary. Would love to see you do a similar vid where you discuss current reels (2015, onward) and share thoughts on their constructions and possible longevity. I'm curious who in the market impresses you with the lessons they've learned and the features, functions and durability they've applied that make you take notice of future contenders? You've proudly displayed reels from the 90's (25-30 yrs ago). Which ree!s today do you think you'd be proudly displaying in the 2040s to 2050? Anyone? Thx.
VS275SX-- great reel.. my go to for my 11'. I have both VS older and newer. Best reels on the market bar none in my view. If I am alive then I will probably display updated versions of the same reel. Hopefully not too many updates. Dont mess with perfection. They are simple and they work. As a surf fisherman that is what I want and need.
Dude, that Fin Nor mega lite is like a friggin wet dream. I fished mine so hard the handle turned white. The handle would squeak, it was driving my dad nuts every time I fished with him. I almost cried when it finally died. I had like 6 spools for it, I used it for everything. Dying to hear the Daiwa story, lol
Hey bill I’m looking too get a nice surf rod I’m thinking about getting a lamiglass super surf pro or a odm dna I do wanna get that dark matter skinner rod but the 10 foot doesn’t come in a two piece what rod do you recommend i need a two piece cas i have a car
Bill great video.,,, thanks. So many years I’m watching UA-cam.,, Your channel is the first I ever subscribe to.,,, I’m probably not the first person to tell you this., but your personality is something else.,,, You are Rodney Dangerfield of the surf fishing world.!!! Question., if it will help to put VS on all your rods,like you said, will you change the 🧢 for interview.,?
Great video Bill you are a guru when it comes surf fishing..great stoppage on the Diawa story hopefully that rep and Diawa fans are not watching might hurt some feelings just like there reels when they get smashed up against rocks in the big surf Van Staal Vs reels ✋🏻🤚🏻 down are the best in the world..
Bill your such a pro. I love listening and learning. It’s what making me a better surf fisherman. Love my Van Staal reels. Haven’t failed me yet. Yikes! Hope I didn’t jinks myself. Naaaaa that only happens when Frank Sinatra is playing lol. Keep the videos coming!
Great info, telling it how it is from someone who fishes and knows surf fishing (or surf casting as you Yankies put it - I'm Aussie and stumbled upon your channel by chance)
Are you able to send in a used VS or VSX for a factory service? I tried looking on their site and couldn’t find any info on it. Looking to buy a used VSX250 and curious if it needs to be registered in your name or if you have to show an original copy of receipt.
You really dont need it anywhere. If you want a reel that eats sand and salt for breakfast that you do not have o take apart every week, then a VS is it.
Its really funny to me this channel has so few subscribers .... you can’t get better surf fishing advice. Thanks for making these videos
thanks.. spread the word
I enjoy your straight forward commentary and advice. Everyone has an opinion but lots of years of experience in the field as well as guiding give a lot of weight to the opinions you offer.
As always, i appreciate your honesty and straight talking. No BS, just truth and that's why so many value your opinion.
nice video bill,have fished many reels over the years , have to agree vs are my go to also! i just finished servicing my old crack reel, brings back a lot of great memories caught many memorable fish with it , antiquated but always performed well!!! sometimes wish we could just go back in time and enjoy the moment!!!
Your content is GOLD; my whole life has been fly fishing small streams and rivers in SW Pennsylvania/Maryland/New York and now the web has helped me stumble into a whole new world - I have subscribed and am trying to catch up on what I have been missing. Hell, I spent the last week cleaning out old stuff in the garage/basement and selling stuff on Craig’s list to build a war chest of cash to build out a whole new line fishing gear for the surf. Without your insight and vast years of shared experiences, I would not have a clue on how to get started - I’m hooked - your rich web content is making it possible to get me into the game. Your down to earth no BS honesty makes you the Popeye of fishing “I am what I am”; that is a good thing! Once this COVID thing is over, I hope to get onto your guide schedule.
Thank you. Hope to see you soon.
Great video, lots of good info. I have a question a bit outside of usual? I live in So. Cal and fish the beach alot. very different than what you do. But in looking for a new Surf outfit, it seems to me the upper end reels without the bail are all right handed only. I am left handed. Now, I am not sure I want the bailless reel, but have looked a bit. If you could enlighten me a bit, I would appreciate it.
you're the realest there is. thanks for the tips.
agree with ya on VS. from may to oct i fished 4 nights a week. penn z's & ss along with daiwa bg's work but the maintenance is time consuming. even with my vs i never got thru a complete season without having to send it in for service. but outta the reels i've used it's by far the best choice for me. good video Bill!
Great video I thought it was just me with the vs300 wrapping line around the knob.
My first staal was a vs250 when it first came out I’ll never forget the day i paid cash. $650.00 beautiful black reel. ☹️ not long after I sold it in a 7-Eleven parking lot like a ungrateful peasant
Hahahabahbah
Ouch 😣
I lost the biggest bass I ever saw because of a similar drag knob on an old Shimano Triton Baitrunner. This fish was well over 50, and might have even been 60. She grabbed a live bunker not 10' from the boat, so I saw her plain as day. When I closed the bail and cranked in the slack to set the hook the line wrapped around that bleeping knob. Needless to say the second that fish took off it almost ripped the rod out of my hand because the drag didn't give, and the 30lb mono I was using popped. I literally cried!
Good tips thanks
Lucky hat, Lucky Jacket lol your about one good Nor' Easter away from being left with just your skivvies lol. Great Video thanks for sharing the knowledge.
Bill, your knowledge base is extraordinary. Would love to see you do a similar vid where you discuss current reels (2015, onward) and share thoughts on their constructions and possible longevity. I'm curious who in the market impresses you with the lessons they've learned and the features, functions and durability they've applied that make you take notice of future contenders?
You've proudly displayed reels from the 90's (25-30 yrs ago). Which ree!s today do you think you'd be proudly displaying in the 2040s to 2050? Anyone? Thx.
VS275SX-- great reel.. my go to for my 11'. I have both VS older and newer. Best reels on the market bar none in my view. If I am alive then I will probably display updated versions of the same reel. Hopefully not too many updates. Dont mess with perfection. They are simple and they work. As a surf fisherman that is what I want and need.
Dude, that Fin Nor mega lite is like a friggin wet dream. I fished mine so hard the handle turned white. The handle would squeak, it was driving my dad nuts every time I fished with him. I almost cried when it finally died. I had like 6 spools for it, I used it for everything. Dying to hear the Daiwa story, lol
the tsunami shields work great as a penn alternative
I only fish Zebco on my marathon 11’ catch sharks all the time off MTK
Hey bill I’m looking too get a nice surf rod I’m thinking about getting a lamiglass super surf pro or a odm dna I do wanna get that dark matter skinner rod but the 10 foot doesn’t come in a two piece what rod do you recommend i need a two piece cas i have a car
“I know people at van staal” shout out Craig lol
My elder brother is a huge fan of yours.
Bill great video.,,, thanks. So many years I’m watching UA-cam.,,
Your channel is the first I ever subscribe to.,,, I’m probably not the first person to tell you this., but your personality is something else.,,,
You are Rodney Dangerfield of the surf fishing world.!!!
Question., if it will help to put VS on all your rods,like you said, will you change the 🧢 for interview.,?
Great video Bill you are a guru when it comes surf fishing..great stoppage on the Diawa story hopefully that rep and Diawa fans are not watching might hurt some feelings just like there reels when they get smashed up against rocks in the big surf Van Staal Vs reels ✋🏻🤚🏻 down are the best in the world..
What is your opinion on the new VSX2 .
Videos are great man. Can't wait for rod review. What line did you use on your 706?
I second that, curious to what you slap on that 706
Bill, would like to come up late September, do you have any openings?
Hey John.. currently all booked for September and October.
Thanks for the sucky video. JK. Lol. I enjoyed it very much, I look forward to learning and seeing more. Stay safe, and stay hooked.
Great video, have you fished with the Salt X yet?
Bill your such a pro. I love listening and learning. It’s what making me a better surf fisherman. Love my Van Staal reels. Haven’t failed me yet. Yikes! Hope I didn’t jinks myself. Naaaaa that only happens when Frank Sinatra is playing lol. Keep the videos coming!
Someone is getting horny
Great info, telling it how it is from someone who fishes and knows surf fishing (or surf casting as you Yankies put it - I'm Aussie and stumbled upon your channel by chance)
Thank u.. love to come there and hit it!
Are you able to send in a used VS or VSX for a factory service? I tried looking on their site and couldn’t find any info on it. Looking to buy a used VSX250 and curious if it needs to be registered in your name or if you have to show an original copy of receipt.
Brendan Woerner awesome, thanks for the response!
Brendan Woerner yea I primarily fish NJ. Gonna be sending in my vs150 to the fisherman’s headquarters at the end of this season.
Sounds like Montauk is the only place you need to use a Van Staal. Don’t think you need it for Jones beach sandy beaches.
You really dont need it anywhere. If you want a reel that eats sand and salt for breakfast that you do not have o take apart every week, then a VS is it.
Love bill but imagine what that hat smells like
LOL, are you going to tell the Daiwa story in surfratsball? Appreciate the longer video format, thanks Bill!!!
better if I tell it than write it.. thank you!
what about zeebaas? just asking
Zeebass is a great reel but give me a VS! Why? I’ll discuss it in the the surf rats ball.
great tip on tuning the penn reel.
there's a west coast channel - hook2cook. he lost the top of his vs reel that same way, last month.
Look out at the surf see what the hardcore guys are using! 99% VS you dont see a stella or dog fight out there !
Dog fight is made for tuna not some wimpy striped bass
Sounds as though your not a fan of conventional reels on the surf.
I use what I need. I don’t fish bait and have not needed a conventional for many many years. My reels need to take abuse and water.
I only fish Zebco on my marathon 11’ catch sharks all the time off MTK