A
Catalina trip scores with the Hyperlastic Dartspin.
By Derrek Stewart 9/20/19, updated 3/3024
The
Hyperlastics 5" Dartspin Pro, Sunset - Gold
At the 2019 ICAST show, I discovered a new bait by angler
extraordinaire Patrick Sebile, the Dartspin. Immediately, I thought of
saltwater Calico Bass. I couldn't wait to test it. I soon had my chance with
Captain Benny Florentino / Coastal Charters, and the trip proved my suspicion.
Extreme Durability
At ICAST, Sebile debuted five separate lure companies,
collectively known as A Band of Anglers. One of the five is Hyperlastics.
Hyperlastics lures feature Softough, a cutting-edge, non-toxic, floating soft
plastic that is virtually indestructible.
Captain Florentino and I conservatively boated 65 Calicos on
our Catalina Island trip. We caught a few Calicos on A-Rigs but fooled most
with the Dartspin. The Kelp Bass aggressively attacked the Dartspin, usually
gulping the bait down their throat.
Florentino uses a snap on every setup. Frequently, the
calicos knocked the lure off the hook and up the fishing line. Time and time
again, I pulled the hook, including the snap, back through the Dartspin. After
25 plus Calicos, the lure is fine, still going, and ready for the next trip.
There are no tears in the Softough plastic.
One lure,
over 25 Calicos, and still going strong. How many soft plastic lures can take
that type of punishment?
The fish knocked some paint off; I love baits in that
condition. I can barely detect teeth marks, and the tail spinner hasn't budged;
incredible! More fishing time, less changing baits, and more fish per lure;
you'll get your money's worth from the Dartspin.
In the
top and bottom images, the Dartspin features a versatile weedless hook slot,
which allows the bait to fish effectively directly in the kelp.
Hunting
for Calicos at Catalina Island is a favorite for the author.
The
Dartspin and the Dartspin Pro
The Dartspin and the Dartspin Pro are essentially the same
bait. The Dartspin Pro comes pre-rigged with a keel weighted swimbait hook, one
per package, 5.5" size, available in ten color patterns. The Dartspin
comes without a hook, two per package, in 3.5", 4.5" and 5.5"
size, available in eighteen patterns. A larger 7" size that I want to get
my hands on is scheduled for availability later this year.
Note: The 7" Dartspin is currently available.
Conditions
You can rig this lure in multiple ways and fish it any way
you want. I fished the Dartspin Pro directly out of the package. On a steady
retrieve, this bait wants to ride high in the water column. Cast the Dartspin
when the tide moves and the kelp lays down.
When the
current moves and the kelp lays down, that is prime time for Kelp Bass.
Casting
The 5.5" Dartspin is a relatively light bait. I
initially had concerns about casting distance but soon learned that, when
paired with balanced equipment, it casts easily and far.
Equipment
used: Shimano Teramar TMC-X80MHB 8' rod, Shimano Curado 150 DC casting reel,
Power Pro 50 lb. Maxcuatro braid mainline, Saiko Pro 30 lb. fluorocarbon
leader, and a 50 lb. Kicker snap.
The Host
If you haven't been to Catalina Island, you owe it to
yourself to set up a trip with Coastal Charters. Besides 'Cat,' there are
several excellent options in the coastal Los Angeles area that Captain Benny
fishes, so be sure to ask if you're after a specific charter.
Coastal
Charters runs a 25-foot center console Ranger Bay Boat that accommodates up to
three guests. Update Note: Captain Florentino is currently operating a Caymas
Center Console 26HB. You can preview this beautiful Caymas fishing catching craft at https://youtu.be/MQDO7tpgkxc
You can bring your fishing gear if you like, but Florentino
has prepared top-of-the-line equipment for your use. I have mine, but I enjoy
using Coastal Charters latest Shimano gear. I love a day on the water with
Coastal Charters. I show up, get on board, and start fishing. It's super
convenient and always a great time.
The
Captain shows how it's done, a big Calico Bass falls for the Dartspin!
