Some fresh pics to check out. Pretty nice looking bait. Haven't put it in the water yet. I ordered Oct 12. Delivered yesterday. Seems like most are getting their baits right now. The bait shown is the 10" slow-sinking model. The 8" is also available now, and both can be purchased direct from Castaic in floating or slow sinking in 5 colors. The 6" will be released in the near future. Baits retail for $40 and $50 respectively. Some baits are showing up on eBay as mobydick reminds us...


http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/trout_plugs/castaic_rock_hard_platinum_series/index.html
http://www.calfishing.com/files/Images/lures/trout_plugs/castaic_platinum_rock_hard/castaic_platinum_rock_hard_side.jpg

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http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/comment.html?product_id=1353

THERE ARE THREE 8" CASTAIC ROCK HARD SWIM BAITS ON EBAY!

I picked up a slow sink 10 in. at the show. First impression in the water was not good, rolled left just a bit. Fixed this by adding a snap. Bait swam well only slow rolling it, had three really nice follows then the bait FAILED at the hinge and was in need of repair. Looks great just needs some tweeks. Two hours of casting and it was DONE. Cant wait to fix it, looks promising.

I would send it back for replacement. $50 for a bait that should hold up from just making some casts.

I had a chance to get a replacment bait that is WAY better. Take time to examine the joints and each piece to make sure its straight. The second bait is a 10in floater, oops wanted the slow sink. The bait swims just below the surface on a med crank. Right on top real slow. Very nice bait.

The replacement bait broke at the joint too. I still think there will be some big fish caught on this bait. This one took about four hours of casting before it broken.

Do you have any pictures of the broken hinge. I'm curious as to where it is breaking. Are the hinges pulling out mor is it something different?

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Pretending to be a swimbait fisherman since 2001.

WOW Bait after bait breaks and you stay so positive. For a bait that they made the so called "Mafia" wait so long for after pre-paying, they didn't seem to give a crap about the quality of it. Such a big popular name as Castaic you would think they would put out a great product knowing full well they would sell like hotcakes. Very sad. I'm glad I passed on this one.

you sign up just so you can make that post?...

No I've been a member for awhile now. This just struck me funny. I'm not attacking anyone on this board, I'm just dissapointed to see people pay good money for a product that they waited for in faith only to have them falling apart just after casting. Not even landing fish, just casting. I have always appreciated Castaics baits and I respect what they have done for the swimbait industry. I just hope that they are using there name to sell an inferior product to the faithful costomers.

i'm disappointed too, but to tell you the truth, i am not surprised either. glad i passed as well.

The first one the hinge pins on the second section from the head bent out and I lost a piece but was able to get it as i was fishing really clear water. The second one did the same thing. I re-bent the screw eyes and they bent out again over and over. I have to say from the follows I got in the short time I fished the bait it looks good. I bet some heavier hardware would solve the problem.

Thanks for the heads up. I think I am heading out somewhere on Sunday and will be sure to be on the look out for that.

Erik

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Pretending to be a swimbait fisherman since 2001.

My final take is that Castaic baits got pretty close on the first run. I assume the needed tweaks to the baits will be seen in the near future. Hope they take care of us that got bunk baits.

I ordered 2 3 months ago and still have not seen them yet.
Rich