Down Time

I’ve been spending the last few days pondering if I want to man up, load the boat, and head out and battle the cold weather in the hunt for a few green fish. Here in the south, we don’t see ice so thick you can drive a full size truck over it. We see some teen and above temps, but pretty much you can dump your boat at any accessible ramp anytime, considering you can bare the elements. Around this time I take a look at all my inventory, rods, reels, tackle and so on and develop a plan to restock, clean and organize everything I have, gearing up for next spring, well really February when the johnboat trail begins. I like to make these things a regular thing, therefore it will become second nature and it really helps your equipment in the long run. I keep a pretty good selection of line, keep it out of intense heat/cold and it’ll last for quite some time. I also strip my reels of the old line, take them about halfway down, clean them thoroughly and oil and re grease where needed. I am a Quantum PT guy for the most part, so a dab of Quantum Hot Sauce on specific places will keep me firing smooth casts all year long. I will also clean my rods with a cleaner wax on the blank, wipe the cork with lacquer thinner to clean the “black” we all put on the handles from use and check the guides for burrs and blemishes with a Q-tip. These are just a few minor tips you can all do to protect your investment, and make it last.  From there I’ll go through my tackle, every aspect and add to what I’m low on, replace new hooks and add what I think I’m going to try the next year that I may not have in my boxes. 

This is also a good time to get your game plan together, whether planning vacation days to fish a club tournament or just to plan to take the family or friends out. This time for me is where I enter my learning curve to deal with sponsors. I’ve landed a great deal with Sasquatch Soft Plastics and I cannot wait to try out some of their new products in the coming year. I am also excited to meet and talk some with some great companies and people over time and perhaps put together a plan to catch some quality fish and cash a few checks as well. That is the most important part, you have to know how to fish, sounds cliché, but you have to be able to figure them out on any given day and circumstance. Simply, putting your head down and fishing is what you have to do…period! These are some key things to make your fishing trip better, make your year run smoother, the will to prepare, cover your bases and be ready. Now is the time, set your goals, go after them, but for now, enjoy the cold and have a little down time! 

By: 
Cale Milam

Tis the Season

 It is that time of year again; the smells of warm grass and dead leaves are behind us.  Gone are the days of shorts and flip flops and dangling your toes in the water. It is time for that very special season we know as bass fisherman to be winter.  That’s right; most of the northern states are in the beginning stages of a deep freeze that will last for months.  Most of the casual anglers have long since put their boats in storage and stored their gear until spring, but some are already biting their nails in anticipation of the season to come.  If that nail biting, manic depressive is you, silently wandering the fishing aisle at Meijer on a cold winter night, here are a few things that might ease the winter chill.

January generally starts off the consumer fishing show season.  This corresponds with the public release of all the great tackle and gear we have read about in the latest issues of fishing magazines.  These shows are a great way to soothe your need to battle those beasts of the deep.  Most of the dedicated fishing shows, such as the Showspan Ultimate Fishing Shows, have good selections of new products to get your hands on.  This may also be the best time to find that new piece of equipment you need.  Showspan consumer shows also have multiple vendors on hand allowing you to compare prices or combine purchases.  Many will even offer discounts for multiple items, include free lures or will have combo prices on rods and reels not available in stores.  Fishing line manufacturers will often match purchases with complimentary product.  However, this is not even the best reason to attend.  Generally, a good customer based company will be well represented with pro-staff or factory reps to explain and highlight product features and other information that most salesman and big box chain stores may not be familiar with.  These factory set-ups are the real gem at a consumer fishing show.  Most of them offer extensive knowledge and customer support, product demonstrations and new product displays.  To a consumer, this is the best place to get the most value for your hard earned dollar.  Don’t be afraid to compare and inspect products thoroughly.  Ask questions about what you are looking at and take advantage of the opportunity to talk to your peers; knowledge is buying power.

Some may scoff at this next suggestion while others may wretch and moan like the undead, but all should at least consider it.  Without argument, the best way to keep your game sharp this winter is to keep fishing, and for a great deal of people it means “Ice Fishing”.  Though it sounds contradictory to bass fisherman, there is much merit in this cold and blustery activity.  The seasoned fisherman will agree that the toils and troubles associated with drilling holes and fishing with tiny gear in the dead of winter is beneficial to an angler’s skill set.  Fishing for bluegill and other panfish through the ice helps to develop and extend abilities in key areas; locating fish, reading sonar, relating to depth, adjusting for weather conditions, and feeling light bites to name a few.  All of these are big players to a bass fisherman and can help bridge a gap in knowledge from September to April.  By knowing the location of the panfish (bass forage), a fisherman can narrow down a starting location in spring.  Information about forage can help with lure selection and presentation when the ice comes off.  Being able to make subtle adjustments to presentation due to sun, clouds, wind or pressure helps to create logical reasoning patterns.  Using electronics to locate, target and entice finicky fish through the ice gives a better understanding of how to read and use sonar when in the boat.  Most importantly, what better opportunity will a serious angler have to examine the lake and plot an attack than when standing on it?  Someone new to ice fishing can get involved for as little as $100.  All one really needs is an appropriate rod ($15-19), a small reel (which some already own), and a way to make a hole (augers can be purchased for as little as $50).  Truly, ice fishing can be an asset to a serious fisherman offering multiple avenues to increase knowledge and skills.

Finally, the most obvious way to keep your wits about you is to hook up and head south for better conditions.  Depending on your relative location to the “freeze line” there may not be much travel involved.  One can quickly determine how far to go by using satellite imagery or simply calling some tackle shops in the selected area to be sure the water is clear of ice.  It will still be winter bass fishing, but most tackle shops in the area should be able to give you a fishing report, and will likely point you in the right direction.  Winter trips can be fun, and it can even be a good way to get in some pre-practice for an upcoming championship or summertime trip.  Impoundments will often be drawn down during winter months allowing you to see cover and structure that is normally submerged during the prime fishing season.  This is a great time of year to burn up some of last years boat fuel using a tool like the Lowrance Structure Scan Imaging (LSSI) to see details that will attract and hold fish in months to come.  These trips may not always be the most productive for catching fish, but sometimes reconnaissance is a better reward.  Any information gleaned during the “off season” is priceless if it puts you ahead of the crowd when the ice is gone. 

So you can put together a car load of your best fishing buddies and head to the Bassmaster Classic in February, where you will find enough bass fishing stimulation to keep you going long into spring. You can head out and see all the new products at the consumer shows or hit the ice for some bluegills, but don’t waste away thinking about what is to come.  Get out and enjoy yourself, learn as much as you can, and get prepared for the season to come.  After all, it will be here before you know it.

By:

Kendall Ulsh

A New Kind of Scent

Bass fishermen all seem to have an opinion on what scent is best for bass fishing.  Maybe you like a garlic scent like JJ's magic, a crawfish scent, or maybe it's a homemade mix.  Berkley has built an empire on the Power Bait scent and has the science to back it up.  All of those scents are fine and work, but they are also focused on one thing; the scent of prey.

So when I first heard about Trigger X and their line of baits that are infused with Pheromones, I had to do my research.  Basically pheromones are a "secreted or excreted chemical factor that triggers a response".  All living things have them, and until now it hasn't hit mainstream in the bass fishing world.  Trigger X combines "aggression" and "fear", which mimic the natural predator vs. prey response.  Sounds interesting, huh?

In addition to the added attraction of the baits, the full line-up of plastics is also Phthalate free.  Again, I had to do my research to see what the heck they were talking about.  Basically this has to do with the type of plastic.  Phtalates have been found to have some health effects.  This isn't the only reason I would buy these baits, but it can't hurt.  You can see more about the problems with phtalates by clicking here.  

The baits themselves come in all of your favorite styles; worms, tubes, frogs, creatures, lizards and more.  The color selection is also pretty good and covers all of the favorites you need.  I haven't had a chance to use these yet, but they are on my list of things to try for the new year.  You can learn more about them by checking out their site.

By:
Tyler Brinks

Sasquatch Soft Plastics Skunk Apes

Upon starting my own custom soft plastics company i wanted to create baits that were truly unique.

When the "Beaver Style" bait hit the fishing industry everyone copied the design... There are smooth versions, ribbed versions, some versions with tentacles even..

When it came to making a Beaver style bait for Sasquatch o wanted to take a little from here and a little from there as well as add a little Sasquatch Flair to the bait.

So what i came up with was the futuristic Body style, with a smooth body and for that extra Sasquatch Punch i added little hairs or feelers protruding from the body to add a little vibration as well as some extra, unique action

Most Of the baits in the Sasquatch Soft Plastics lineup are named off of a Sasquatch theme... So it was only fitting to name our beaver style bait the "Skunk Ape" which is what florida has named they're "bigfoot"

Sasquatch Soft Plastics Skunk Apes come in 3.5" & 4.20" sizes and as with EVERY Bait in the lineup, they come in whatever custom or common colors the customer likes.

You can check out tank tests of the Skunk Apes, Order them or Even Contact Me at the website

www.sasquatchsoftplastics.com

Get Yours Before Spring and CATCH A MONSTER!!!

BY:
Derek Kaalberg

Painting Perfection

Have you ever walked into your favorite tackle store, you know, the place you call your second home,  the aisles have become second nature, you know exactly right where your preferred hard bait  is hanging.  We all do it, those of us who are constantly on the hunt for that new crank bait that doesn’t track, that will run the true depth as stated and has very quality components. Thing is, you’ve found what you came for, but, one problem, their out of your color. Or as you remembered from your last trip on the water, those chunky spotted bass are chasing blue backs. You are standing there, wondering, “what if” you could key in on your home waters forage. I am saying, those key blues, greens, silvers. Why not consider taking that square bill, suspending jerk bait, lipless shad imitator and have it essentially “match the hatch”? Well now is your chance, the option is out there, and there are several artists to choose from. I have recently had the pleasure of talking some with two great artists, Rob Jordan, owner and artist of Xtreme Lure Creations in Suwanee, Georgia. Checking out some of Rob’s work, from his large variety of shad patterns, to a bluegill/sunfish  scheme and his largemouth and spotted bass patterns that are unmatched, Rob can definitely bring your tackle box to life and put more in your livewell on any given day. Check out his work and see what he has up his sleeve next at XtremeLureCreations.com, you wont be disappointed.

I also had the pleasure to chat some with Dwain Batey, owner and artist of Bait Werks from Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Dwain, like Rob and many of the other artists in the industry, does some very detailed work, redefining the shad patterns, craw patterns and even some realistic bass patterns.  You will even find some one off, color specific requests from some of these guys, that keep you guessing what is next, and what can I think of that will work for me on my home waters or that next tournament that will give me that advantage over my competition. You can check out Dwain’s work at BaitWerks.com, he has even released some new colors and patterns taking the custom lure painting scene strong into 2011 and beyond. These were just two options, two guys doing what they do best, simply…..painting perfection! 

By: Cale Milam

It's Time for My 2010 Christmas List

Last year I posted a Christmas Wish List of my Top 5 items for 2009.  I was a good boy and ended up getting four of them throughout the year (didn't end up getting the Citica).  I have been making a list for a few months now and had to expand this year's list to my Top 10 items (in no particular order).

1. Shimano Caenan Reel. Shimano has long been know for making great reels.  The new entry to the lineup is the Caenan.  It's priced right and ready to fish.  I have played around with this reel at the store and I was really impressed. At $89.99 you can't go wrong with this reel.

2. iRod Punch Rod For heavy cover and big bass you need a strong rod.  The Punch Rod delivers everything you need to punch a heavy weight all day.  I had the chance to use my buddy's iRod a few weeks ago and didn't want to give it back after using it.  It's light, strong, and ready to work.  I need to get one of these in time for the upcoming tournament season.

3. Paycheck Baits Head Case.  The perfect addition to your soft plastic swimbaits and Senkos.  The proven design is a must have on lakes with grass. 

4. ZMan Chatterbait TrailerZ series.  The Chatterbait is a proven fish catcher, and now with the addition of the extended skirt as a trailer, you can show them something they can't resist.  I have some in Sexy Shad and Black/Blue on order and I know they are going to be great for pre-spawn fish.

5. Norman Lures Flat Broke Crankbait.  I know, I already have some and love them, but can't I ask for some more?  This crankbait works wonders around wood and rocks.

6. Bass Brigade Gear.  I have become a big fan of the Bass Brigade movement and I have been looking for a way to show it.  The new Bass Brigade lineup of shirts and hats will make it happen.  I am impressed with their first release of goods and waiting to see what they have in store for us next.  

7. Power Team Lures Craw D'oeuvre.  After watching that video of JP DeRose and those monster smallies, I have to get some of these.  I know they won't be good for just smallies and I have plans on flipping and pitching these this year. I'm loving the Black Blue swirl color.

8. Sufix 832 Braid.  Some would argue that braided line is braided line and it doesn't make a difference when you are fishing heavy cover.  I would disagree.  After having line snap on hook-sets and braid that gets old and unusable after a few trips, I have been looking for something more reliable.  The 2010 ICAST Best New Line winner is up to the challenge.  They say it is the most durable braided line ever because of technology like the added Gore Performance Fibers (think Gore-Tex) fibers and precision braiding.  I am anxious to get some of this line and put it to the test on Lake O. 

9. Sebile Soft Weight System Sebile has been dominating the awards at trade shows across the globe with their new products.  The Sebile Soft Weight System is a combination of super sharp hooks and Tungsten gum rubber weights.  The system comes in different sizes of hooks and weights.  I am looking to use this system on my Flukes and Senkos.  

10. Stanley Back Weighted Double Take Hooks.  I am already a believer in the two hook design of the Double Take hook.  I have used them and honestly believe my hook-ups have increased using soft plastic frogs.  The weighted back design will allow for longer casts and will make sure the frog stays upright no matter what you do to it on the retrieve.

If I am good, I should have all of these items in stock in time for my busy Spring tournament season.  What's on your Christmas list? Did I miss anything?

How To Winterize your Boat

It’s getting close to time for winter in Michigan and the dreaded task of putting the boat up for winter is looming.  So what does someone need to do if they are going to winterize their boat for the winter?  I hope to give you an easy check list for those of us stuck in the north and with no choice, except to put the boat up for another year.

            Let’s begin with the engine.  The heart of your boat is one thing you don’t want to let the winter take its toll on.  In states where freezing weather occurs you don’t want water in your gear case or engine.  When the water freezes it can cause serious problems like a cracked engine block or a cracked gear case.  This can cost serious money to fix or replace. 

There are a few things you will need before you get started.  You will need a flat head screw driver, fogging fog, “ear muffs” or container to run motor in, STA-BIL and lower end gear oil.

            You will need to run your engine when putting it up for the winter.  You can place the lower end in a container of water so you don’t over heat your engine, but I have found that the “ear muff” attachment for a hose works best.  You want to start the motor and disconnect the fuel line.  You are doing this to clear all the gas out of your engine.  You will want to give the carburetors a shot of the fogger.  Before all the gas is used up your motor will begin to run ruff, when this happens give the carburetors a bigger shot of the fog this will help make sure the engine is coated in the fog. 

            Now you want to remove the engine from the container of water or take off the “ear muffs”.  Put the motor strait up and down, this may mean you need to crank your trailer way down or even put the tongue of your trailer on the ground.  Let the water drain from the pick up on your lower end.  Some engines have drain plugs you can open, check your owner’s manual to see if you have one.  You also need to drain the water from the motor itself.  You can hand crank your fly wheel a few times or crank the motor a few times.  Like I said if you live in the north where it freezes this step is critical, if all the water is not out of the motor you could end up with some serious repair bills come spring.

            Once you have removed all the water from your lower end and the motor, you need to remove the spark plugs.  Once you have removed the spark plugs spray the fogger in to each spark plug hole.  Since you have the spark plugs out it is a good time to inspect the spark plugs.  Make sure they are gapped correctly, if the spark plug looks bad take this chance to replace it.  Once you have fogged the spark plug holes and checked over your spark plugs put them back in.

             Now we come to the point in the task that has two theories when dealing with the gear oil in the lower end.  Some say you need to drain the lower end oil and fill it back up all the way.  I, however, was taught that you need to drain the lower end oil and leave it out until spring.  The idea in both theories is that you want no water in the lower end.  By draining the lower end you are removing the water.  Some say that filling up the lower end with gear oil will push any water still in there out.  Like I said I was taught to drain all the oil out and leave the plugs out so any water can run out.

            Now let’s turn our attention to the fuel in your boat.  The most damaging thing that can happen come spring if you take care of winterizing your motor is water in your fuel.  Once again there are two theories on dealing with your fuel when winterizing your boat.  Some will fill the fuel tank all the way up, the idea behind this is that if your gas tank is completely full there is no room for condensation to build up and ruin the gas.  If this is what you chose to do I recommend that you use a fuel additive such as STA-BIL (which can be bought at any auto parts store or boat dealer) to help combat this.  The other option is to drain the fuel tank.  You can take it in and have it done by a professional (safest option) or you can siphon the fuel tank yourself.  Please if you do this yourself be careful.

            From the motor we turn our attention to the boat itself.  First and for most make sure you remove the drain plug from the boat.  You don’t want any water in the haul of your boat.  If it freezes you can develop a crack in the fiber glass and have serious problems.  Make sure that you jack the front of your boat so all the water in the haul runs out the back end of the boat.

            If you live in extremely cold areas of the country you may want to consider bringing your batteries indoors.  You want to make sure your batteries are fully charged.  This is a good time to check the water levels in the batteries and make sure they are full, if not fill them.  If you move your batteries into your house leave them on a trickle charge or don’t charge them at all.  Every so often you can check the batteries and see if they are still charged and if they are not you can charge them.

            When you are putting up your boat for the winter, it’s also a great time to clean out your boat.  Over the summer we all tend to accumulate things in the boat that we don’t need.  So this is a great time to clean out all the unneeded items in your boat.  I also take out all my tackle and store it in the house.  I want to keep it from getting mice in it.  It’s also a good time to go through your tackle and reorganize it (more to come on that subject at a later time).

            The last thing to deal with then winterizing your boat is your trailer.  This is a great time to make sure that the wheels are greased and if the bearings need re packing this is a great time to take care of it.  It also a good time to check your lights and make sure they are working properly, or even need to be replaced.

            I hope if you live in the cold climate these tips will help you so if you take them to heart next spring when you fire up the boat you don’t have an unwanted surprise in the form of a giant repair bill.