Brett, any idea when this new 13 inch with two #
13 blades will be in the shope. I recently read about this new lure in Feb/Mar 2008 Musky Hunter
article by Scott Richardson. He also mentioned in the article that a company might make a reel for freash water for cranking these big baits. Have you any news about this, or what company it might be. AL.

Early in Feb is what they are telling me on the Supermodel Double Cowgirls.

I didn't read the article, so I don't know what reel he is talking about. I do know that most of the Mille Lacs guides who only threw Calcutta 400TEs or Abu Garcia 7000s have now switched to the Shimano Trinidad 14. They take a little getting used to as they don't have a line guide and you have to manually flip the lever to engage the spool. One trick is to not fill the spool all the way--only fill it 2/3 to 3/4 full and the line tends to lay itself on the spool correctly.

The main reasons the guides have switched to this reel is durability, speed and power. One guide was going through a couple of 7000 every 3 to 4 weeks. He went the whole season with the Trinidad without a problem. As far as speed, it is a 6.2:1 gear ratio with a very large spool and takes in a HUGE amount of line per crank of the handle. As far as power, the Trinidad is a saltwater reel with oversized high efficiency gearing and has an oversized handle that has a large swing to it to give you lots of power with very little fatigue. The guides are able to burn Double Cowgirls faster and not hurt at the end of the day like they used to.
Brett Erickson

Thanks for the info Brett. Looking forward to pitching the Super Cowgirl. I'll keep my eyes open for the posting when they arrive. Hope your able to get some photos up with any new colors it may come in.

As for the reel your right-on. I should have mentioned that the article mentions the Shimano Trinidad TN 12. 6.2:1. "Taking up 36 inches of line on each turn", and Scott Richardson's article goes on to mention that "a company is considering making a reel like the Trinidad but designed for freashwater use". I would sure buy one of those if it were to have the same qualities with a level wind. Is Thorne Bros selling the salt water Trinidad? Thanks. AL.

Yes, we carry the Trinidad 12, 14 and 16 Narrow. The 14 was the one everyone was using last year. They used it over the 12 as it has a bigger spool and takes in more inches of line than the 12 per crank of the handle. The 16 Narrow should be interesting and I know a bunch of people have already bought them for this upcoming season and the new bigger bladed baits coming out.
Brett Erickson

Brett, I must be going blind. I can't find the Trinidad reels on the site, cost, photos, specs,. Are they one of the newer products yet to be posted. I'm kinda interested in the 14 or 16. Thanks. Al.

What kind of rods are people throwing the double cowgirls on? I am looking at getting a new set up so i can start throwing them more, it kinda seems like i should be.

kyle,
there are a lot of different options out there and it can come down to personal preference...the most important thing is to find a rod that is 8 ft or larger with a fast tip. for these lures i really like the long rods...in fact i dont use a rod under 8ft unless its for walk the dog topwater. you need that fast tip to "flick" that bait rather than push it and the length gives you longer casts and easier hooksets/figure 8's...both very important with these lures. the rod i use is a st. croix premier 8ft mh blank....and had lonnie custom make it into and 8'9" thorne rod. this rod in my opinion has the right amount of backbone and tip. it's actually become one of my favorite rods for almost anything. its just a really nice blank. You could also look at the legend tournament series or the diamondbacks but for the $ i think that st. croix premier is the best option out there. Lots of opinions on that and all are valid....if your looking for a stock rod....that premier again is good or the shimano compre 8ft h will work as well. the problem with stock rods is they arent long enough and the handles are too short so your not getting your casting leverage, but lonnie can also extend a stock rod....if you wanna chat more about it i am in wed nights so feel free to call.
britt

Brett, when Lonnie makes the 8' blank into 8'9"
is he making the blank longer? What is the length of your St.Croix premier mh, from the tip-top to front of the foregrip? Or, is the total length of the rod from tip to but 8'9"? Reason I ask is there allways seems to be approx, 2' lost because of foregrip, reel-seat and handle.
Consequently, for example, an 8' becomes 6' of rod blank. However, is the efficiency of say an 8' blank going to be negatively effected because of the amount lost due to forgrip, reel-seat, handle? Or does it really matter as long as the blank itself is say 8'. Thanks, AL.

lonnie extends them through the back end of the blank using another section of graphite. my rod from butt to tip is 8'9". generally this means the handle is longer than a stock rod.....giving more leverage for casting, longer reach for figure eights and easier hooksets with the a longer sweep of the rod. The blank started as 8 foot. lonnie can make the foregrip as long or short as you want...really depending on if you use a foregrip or not. i dont, therefore i like a smaller one. the extra length is represented in more rod and more handle.

do you have any idea what it would run to have something like that made? or a range. thanks
-Kyle

hey kyle,
my best advice for ya is to call lonnie. You can get him anytime between 10 am and 4 pm. He can help you figure out a price after you run through exactly what you want to do with it. but a rough estimate is the blank is around $190 and to customize it.... it is usually $40-50 more, but that is very rough estimate not knowing for sure what will be done to it. thanks kyle!
britt

Thanks Britt--good job. Now back to the baits--the Super Model (#13 blades) and the Double Cowgirl Jr are both now in stock and we'll have them in the web-catalog shortly. If you just can't wait, give us a call at 763-572-3782.
Brett Erickson

I just recived two super cowgirls and all i can say is wow. Has anyone ever thrown one. I think this thing would pull your arm off. Please let me know if you have.

muskiethriller06,
as long as you have a reel with a low gear ratio and large spool you will be just fine. They do pull, but it isnt too bad. Enjoy them and I hope they work out for ya. They are really cool and original baits.
britt

I throw home made 13's all the time and I'm pry not using the right equipment but, I don't have sponsors or clients paying for my equipment so, I do the best I can for a working stiff.
There's a lot of pull on these but, if you can get a moderately priced reel that has enuf beef to handle them, any heavy/med rod over 8' seems to work just fine. Just my opinion, I last about an hour casting then downsize for a break on the hands and arms.