Jack Larizadeh is the Regional Sales Manager for New York and New Jersey at On The Water Media. He grew up fishing the western Long Island Sound for bass and bluefish before relocating to Vermont for college, where he spent time fly fishing for pike, lake trout, musky, bowfin and smallmouth bass on Lake Champlain. Since returning to the coast in 2021, Jack has spent the bulk of his time chasing stripers, albies and tuna on fly and conventional gear from New York and New Jersey to Nantucket.
» Check out the rest of the OTW Staff’s Field Test Favorites from the 2025 Fishing Season
Shimano Tranx 500
This fall in New Jersey, I spent a lot of time hurling monster topwater walking baits with the Tranx 500. I typically load this reel up with 80- to 100-pound-test braided line. While the braid is heavy, the spool easily holds 200 yards of Power Pro Super 8 Slick V2. The drag is super smooth and maxes out at a whopping 25 pounds. I’ve landed multiple 30-pound bass and tuna up to 200 pounds on this workhorse. Not to mention, it launches large plugs with ease.
I typically throw this reel on an old school discontinued G. Loomis Bucara rod, which is a 7’10”, heavy power model that launches lures up to 8 ounces with no issue. That said, most heavy casting rods ranging from 7’- 8’6″ will pair well with this reel.
Like most Shimano reels, the Tranx 500 is durable, powerful, and picks up line fairly quickly, which is a must when pulling fish out of heavy cover such as boulder fields and reef structure. It is a must-have on my boat when throwing XL metal lips, gliders, and topwater spook baits.
At around $600, it is a great addition to your arsenal if you’re looking to hum jumbo lures! Plus, you’ll be in good hands with warranty and service.
Outcast Lures Surfster (MagNeat Rigged)
One of my top performing lures this spring was the Outcast Lures Surfster. This plug absolutely crushed fish in New Jersey. Its side-to-side kicking and swimming action, coupled with its ability to run steady at different depths, makes it a formidable striper lure. This lure always stays on my boat, as it comes in handy whether I’m fishing in 5 feet of water or 30.
Unlike many metal-lipped swimmers, this plug never fouls on me. The magnet in the belly allows the hook to sit flush to the plug’s body which translates to increased casting distance, fewer hang-ups, and greater confidence that it’s swimming effectively.
My favorite patterns include bunker, Jersey Killer, and wonder bread. Simply make your cast, sweep your rod to allow the plug to dig, and reel slowly. Expect big bass to chew when this lure is in the water.
The Chainbreaker by Fulling Mill and Ben Whalley
I don’t buy flies often, but when I do, Fulling Mill has me covered with cutting-edge designs that are created by credible figures in the fishing community. The 2/0 Chainbreaker is one of those flies that I always like to keep in my box. The chartreuse accent, large eye, long tail, and bucktail body each contribute to a unique action that gets fish fired up. While it’s marketed as a tarpon fly, I’ve had no problem fooling double-digit albies, striped bass, and bluefish on this pattern.
The fly comes in at $8.40 but the hook quality is durable and I’ve yet to have one fall apart.
Jigging World Onyx Inshore Rod
Jigging World’s Onyx Inshore rod is a staple on my boat. In fact, I carry multiple medium and medium-heavy 7-foot models whenever I’m out on the water. These rods have absurd backbone, grant me plenty of casting distance, and are ultra sensitive. What I love most is that the rod has a custom feel, but it’s widely available and very affordable. Usually, I pair it with a Tsunami SaltX 5000 or 6000, which I spool with 20- to 30-pound-test braid. I’ve put these rods through the wringer and have never had a single one break!
Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Breathe Sun Mask
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is, I never (ever) leave the dock without my bamboo buff from Free Fly. If the sun is out, the buff is on. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and a perfect fit for my head and glasses. While some buffs can be a bit too heavy or itchy, this one has exceeded my expectations. If you’re looking for extra sun protection this coming season, it’s a must have.
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