Ep. 9: Marc Higashi of Performance Tackle on Rods, Gear & the Local Fishing Community

Guest: Marc Higashi (Performance Tackle)

Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Marc Higashi of Performance Tackle joined Episode 9, recorded live on March 7, 2023, to break down one of the most overlooked aspects of fishing: your gear works as a system. With nearly three decades running a tackle shop, Marc focuses less on what to buy and more on how rod, reel, line, and lure work together to produce results.

In This Episode

• Rod, reel, line, and lure as a system — each component affects the others
• Helping first-time anglers — simplifying setups instead of overwhelming with options
• Experience over theory — learning comes from time on the water
• Baja fishing setup — heavy braid, short leaders, and gear built for fish pulling into structure
• Calico fishing preferences — boilers, islands, and harbor night fishing
• Rod building and repair — custom work and turnaround considerations
• Performance Tackle at PCS — community-focused booth experience

Why Your Gear Has to Work Together

The most important takeaway from this episode is that no single piece of gear works in isolation. A rod is only one part of the system — it has to match the reel, the line, and the lure you’re throwing.

If one piece is mismatched, the entire setup works against you. Casting distance suffers, sensitivity drops, and hooksets become less effective. When everything is aligned, the setup feels natural and performs the way it should.

This becomes even more important when fishing structure-heavy environments in SoCal. The structure fishing guide highlights how gear needs to match the conditions you’re fishing.

Why Simpler Is Better for Beginners

Marc’s approach to beginners is straightforward: simplify everything. Instead of offering multiple setups and techniques, start with one rod, one presentation, and one goal.

Once someone starts catching fish, they build a reference point. From there, expanding into different techniques and gear becomes much easier and more intuitive.

Experience Builds Understanding

One of Marc’s key points is that experience matters more than information. You can read, watch videos, and buy the right gear, but real understanding comes from time on the water.

Each trip builds context — what works, what doesn’t, and why. Over time, that experience shapes better decisions and more consistent results.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it reframes how anglers think about gear. Instead of chasing individual upgrades, it emphasizes building a balanced system that works together.

For SoCal anglers, the takeaway is simple: your setup should match your fishing, not just your budget or preferences. When everything works together, fishing becomes more efficient and more consistent.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.

Note: This episode was originally recorded as part of Is This Mandatory, the show that became Time On The Water. Daniel was fishing and building baits under the name Dahlin Baits at the time — the brand is now [FISH]rx.