Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder Review

Let’s Dive into Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder are designed for serious anglers looking to maximize their spread and presentation. Made by Lee’s Tackle, a name synonymous with quality in the sport fishing world, these outrigger poles promise enhanced performance and a sleek, professional look. These poles immediately grab attention with their bright silver finish and promise of rugged reliability.

I’ve always been meticulous about boat rigging, and my existing outrigger setup was feeling dated and frankly, underperforming. I needed something that would allow me to run a wider, more effective spread, especially when targeting pelagic species like marlin and tuna. The Lee’s Tackle name, combined with the 18.5ft length for optimal spread and the durable-sounding description, made these poles a top contender.

Unboxing these poles was a moment of anticipation. The bright silver finish immediately impressed – they look fantastic and scream quality. The poles felt surprisingly lightweight considering their length, a testament to the materials used.

Compared to other outrigger poles I’ve used, like the Rupp Tournament Series and the Tigress XD series, the Lee’s Tackle poles seemed to strike a better balance between weight and rigidity. I chose these over the others for their combination of aesthetics, reputation, and the promise of a seamless integration with my existing Sidewinder bases.

My first impression was excitement mixed with a touch of apprehension. They looked amazing, but I was eager to see if their performance would match their appearance out on the open water. These are a significant investment, so they needed to deliver.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder during a three-day tuna fishing trip off the coast of North Carolina. The conditions ranged from calm seas to moderate chop, providing a good test for stability and performance. Setting them up with my Sidewinder bases was straightforward and quick.

The poles performed exceptionally well, even in choppy conditions. They provided a stable platform for my lures, preventing excessive bouncing and maintaining a clean presentation. The ease of deployment and retrieval was noticeable; operating the Sidewinder mechanism with these poles was smooth and effortless.

There was a slight learning curve in fine-tuning the tension settings on the Sidewinder bases to perfectly match the weight of my chosen lures and teasers. However, after a few adjustments, everything ran flawlessly. The only surprise was how much wider of a spread I could achieve without sacrificing stability or tangling lines.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder continue to impress. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The bright silver finish has held up well against saltwater exposure.

The poles have proven to be remarkably durable. They have withstood numerous offshore trips and the occasional accidental bump against the boat without any noticeable damage. A simple wash down with soap and water after each trip is all it takes to keep them looking and performing like new.

Compared to my previous outrigger setup, these poles offer a significant improvement in stability, ease of use, and overall performance. The difference is noticeable, leading to more consistent lure presentation and increased hook-up rates. They definitely outperform my older setup, especially when trolling at higher speeds.

Breaking Down the Features of Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder

Specifications

• The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder boast an impressive 18.5-foot length. This provides a wide lure spread for targeting offshore species.
• The poles are finished in a bright silver anodized coating. This offers excellent corrosion resistance and a stylish look.
• The included spike is black. This provides a secure attachment point for rigging your lines.
• They are designed to work seamlessly with Sidewinder bases. This enables smooth and effortless deployment and retrieval.
• The “One Size” designation indicates they are optimized for a wide range of lure weights and trolling speeds. This makes them versatile for different fishing applications.

These specifications are critical for maximizing trolling effectiveness. The length provides a wide spread, minimizing lure interference. The corrosion-resistant finish ensures longevity, even in harsh saltwater environments.

Performance & Functionality

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder dramatically enhance lure presentation and coverage. They allow for a wider spread, increasing the chances of attracting fish. They are incredibly reliable and easy to use when paired with compatible Sidewinder bases.

The strength of these poles lies in their ability to maintain a stable and tangle-free trolling spread. The slight weakness, if any, is the initial setup requiring fine-tuning of tension settings. Overall, they significantly exceed expectations, leading to a more enjoyable and productive fishing experience.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder are crafted from high-quality aluminum. This provides an optimal balance of strength and weight. The bright silver finish not only looks great but also provides a layer of protection against the elements.

The poles are designed for easy integration with Sidewinder bases. This allows for smooth and controlled deployment and retrieval. There is minimal learning curve for experienced anglers familiar with outrigger systems.

Durability & Maintenance

These poles are built to last. The high-quality aluminum and durable finish ensure long-term reliability. Regular cleaning with soap and water is all that’s needed to maintain their pristine condition.

The poles are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. This helps to prolong their lifespan. There are no complicated mechanisms that require specialized tools or knowledge.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder come standard with a black spike. This provides a reliable attachment point.

While not specifically designed for customization, the poles are compatible with a wide range of rigging options. This allows anglers to tailor their setup to specific fishing conditions and target species. Compatibility with various line releases and lure weights provides flexibility.

Pros and Cons of Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder

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Who Should Buy Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder?

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder are perfect for serious offshore anglers who demand the best equipment. They are ideal for targeting pelagic species such as tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Anyone looking to upgrade their outrigger system and maximize their lure presentation will benefit from these poles.

This product might be overkill for casual anglers who only fish occasionally or inshore. They might also be less suitable for smaller boats that lack the space for a wide outrigger spread. You’ll need compatible Sidewinder bases to use these effectively.

A must-have accessory is a high-quality set of line releases. They will ensure proper lure presentation and hooksets. Consider investing in a professional rigging kit to optimize your outrigger setup.

Conclusion on Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder

The Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder are a premium product that delivers exceptional performance and durability. They are a significant investment, but the benefits in terms of increased lure coverage, stability, and ease of use are well worth the cost for serious anglers. The bright silver finish adds a touch of style to any boat.

The price is justified by the quality of materials, construction, and the noticeable improvement in fishing success. These are a worthwhile upgrade for those who demand the best.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Lee’s Tackle 18.5ft Bright Silver Standard Poles f/ Sidewinder to any serious offshore angler looking to elevate their game. Upgrade your fishing experience today and experience the difference! You will not regret it.