[bighead]

I'm trying to wrap up my gear for the GEM trip but have not bought a harness or belt yet. I've read the Smitty's Spyder harness has favorable reviews. I'm planning to order one today along with a long range belt from chark. Anybody have any thoughts on this gear?

 

[ksong]

I'm trying to wrap up my gear for the GEM trip but have not bought a harness or belt yet. I've read the Smitty's Spyder harness has favorable reviews. I'm planning to order one today along with a long range belt from chark. Anybody have any thoughts on this gear?
Smitty's Spyder harness is a good choice.
It depends on whether you fish mostly on a private boat and party , and how big you target. Generally the bigger (wider), the better. I bought a regular fighting belt from Charkbait, but I regret it.

 

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

If you mean long range PLATE, get the ex-large. I have had a narrower plate (cheap plastic version) slip off a leg and go between. Not fun. I am 6'1" at 205.
You need to be able to stand with you feet shoulder width apart and rock to a moving boat with a plate.

 

[bighead]

Thanks for the reply guys. Sounds like I might need the big boy plate as I'm a tiny bit bigger than the average fisherman. Bert

 

[MrBill]

I own a bunch of belts. The large smitty day belt is a good choice. If you order a smitty get the big long range one. Stay away from the diaper style harness. Don't underestimate the Black Magic belt. I like it more than the smitty because it has a hump on under side that fits between your legs. The hump keeps the belt from sliding. Both have a great skid proof padding.

I really haven't given the Black Magic a true test but it is very comfortable and you can remove the big pad in seconds without unbuckling. It's not aluminum and won't last as long as the Smitty but it's worth looking into. It's made from an injection mould. Buy it at Capt Harry's online.

If you are built like me, stay away from those diaper style harnesses. They are very uncomfortable and you look like an idot wearing one. I bought one those OTR (Ocean Tackle Research) diaper style harness from Melton's. Expensive mistake. It felt like something was stuck in my ass and rubbed my boys downstairs. I gave it away.

Another great belt and unfortunately is no longer available is the Tuna Max day belt that Randy and Angler Pro Shop used to stock. I wish I would have bought a dozen. Great for fish 90% of fish you normally catch. I have found that a harness is only needed if you can't get the fish to the boat in 45 minutes. I normally don't fish on boats that have a rail so I always take a harness just in case a nice fish is hooked.

 

[Deep_Sea_Gull]

Bighead,

There will be folks that have the Smitty's and Black Majic setups. You are welcome to try mine before you buy one for yourself.

 

[drfishalot]

I will also have a black magic you can borrow. no need to go buy one-till after you try them out unless you just want to. vic

 

[txseadog]

You can borrow my Braid Brute Buster and Stealth belt and compare to Vic's Black Magic and Tony or Ricks Smitty then buy the one you like the best.