Friday, 13 March 2009

Rapala Limited 1st Edition Fishing Santa Figurine 'Tonttu Wader'

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named 'Tonttu Wader'. 'Tonttu Wader' is part of the Angler Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can stand on it's own or on the wooden holder. It stands 7 inches tall not on the wooded holder. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late!


Chain Pickerel,(Esox Niger), are a formidable gamefish, that are actively pursued by some, and despised by others!

Chain Pickerel can be found throughout the Northeast, and down to Florida. In some areas, these are prized as trophies that deserve the same respect as a big largemouth bass, in other areas, such as in Florida, many anglers consider them nothing more than a nuisance.

Many inexperienced anglers mistake this fish for a Northern pike, but there are distinct differences in these two species. The Chain Pickerel is distinguished by it's chain like pattern along it's body. The Chain Pickerel doesn't reach the same proportions as its counterpart, the Northern Pike. Most Chain Pickerel are considered large when they reach 3-4 pounds. A true "TROPHY," is anything above the 4 pound mark. The state record for Chain Pickerel in most states is between 6 and 8 pounds. Each year, in the spring, fall, and winter, large specimens are caught that are in the 4-5 pound range on average, but very few giants over 6 pounds are caught at any time of the year. The Chain Pickerel actually hit the best in the winter and early spring, and start their spawning process as water temperatures climb into the 40's. Unlike most other species, they don't make beds, and they deposit their eggs on strands of vegetation, sometimes mixed with sticks, and other structure. They don't defend their young either, they deposit the eggs and move on, devouring their own young soon after they hatch.

LOCATIONS AND TACTICS:

Chain Pickerel hit well in the winter months, and even through the ice. They usually cruise the same areas as other gamefish such as largemouth bass, crappies, yellow perch, and other panfish.

Pickerel will savagely attack schools of baitfish, or individuals, whatever is the easiest prey at the time. I have caught Chain Pickerel with Catfish lodged in their mouths that were too large to swallow, and they still were attacking other baits. I have even found Chain Pickerel laying dead or dying, on the surface with huge bluegills stuck in their mouths, yet at other times, only want a small bait on or near the bottom.

The best locations for Chain Pickerel in the winter is along points, with drop-offs near deeper water, and areas that contain some underwater cover and vegetation nearby. They will be shallow at times, even in very cold water, but are always near the baitfish, and deeper water escape routes. They can be found by deep water brushpiles also, due to the fact that these same areas hold other types of prey, and panfish, thus the pickerel aren't far away.

Contrary to popular belief, Chain Pickerel can be caught in the dark, but this is more of a rare occurrence than a standard rule of thumb. In the early spring, many of the pickerel will be in water near the shoreline, and emerging grasses, and other vegetation, gorging on baitfish, and preparing to spawn. They can be in water as shallow as a few inches, to a couple of feet. The easiest way to catch chain pickerel is on live bait. They like medium to large shiners, and big minnows. This has always been a standard fare for pickerel. There are other methods though that will take real "Trophies," and not so many of the more common 2-3 pounders.

The best way to catch larger chain pickerel is to use a small jig such as a shad dart, in yellow/red, or yellow/white combinations, in a 1/64 ounce size, up to about an 1/8 ounce. These are really small baits, and a lot of finesse is required to catch chains on these lures. The other bait that works well is a 1/16 to 1/4 ounce brown or brown/black hair jig. Both these jigs should be used first without any other bait, such as minnows attached to them.

You first need to find the areas that will hold the pickerel; drop-offs, near points, humps, vegetation, and other cover. You should rig this jig on 4-6 pound test line. This is what makes the lure have the correct action and depth that trigger some of the bigger fish. It is the same principle as smallmouth fisherman use on Pickwick. They use 6 pound test line, not because the fish can see it, but because it allows the lure to maintain the proper fall, depth, and action, that catch the larger fish.

I like to rig two rods, with a shad dart on one, and a hair jig on the other. I start by letting out about a hundred feet of line, and slowly trolling these baits in wide, 360 degree circles over the chosen areas. You will pick up leaves and grass if you're doing it right, if you don't. slow down. The majority of strikes will feel like nothing more than grass or leaves on the lure, but most of time it's a big Chain Pickerel!

I can't overemphasize the importance of watching the line! If the line moves, or does ANYTHING, that it hasn't been doing, then set the hook. You can't set the hook the same way you do with a bass. It takes a slower short snap in the wrist, while reeling the line up tight, and applying just the right amount of pressure. The drag setting is critical, since you are using such light line, and light equipment.

Most of the time, I take the anti-reverse off, and backreel. They will make some long runs and head to the deeper water on the bottom, and try to wrap you up in the trolling motor, and break you off under the boat as they get close. The only way to get good at landing them, is to catch them. Practice is the only way to get a feel for landing them on this light equipment. If you don't get any takers after working 2 or 3 of your best areas, then add a small minnow to the back of the lures, but go to a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce, in brown/orange or lime green.

Troll them the same way in these areas again, while casting another rod to search the areas, and impart more action to the bait to try to develop a pattern that they want that day. Pickerel are ferocious one day, and finicky the next. They are unpredictable sometimes, so don't give up. On a good day, I have caught 5-7 Chain Pickerel that were all over 4 pounds, and usually 2 or 3 over 5 pounds. I have caught others in some Delaware and New Jersey Lakes, that exceeded 6 pounds. I caught a Chain Pickerel in 2000, that won the Delaware State Sportfishing Tournament for the year, that was 6 pounds, 14 ounces, just a few ounces short of the state record!

EQUIPMENT:

You need 3 or 4 spinning rods for these tactics, in the 5 and 5 1/2 foot range, ultra-light to light action, with a good degree of sensitivity. I like G.Loomis rods, but there are other good light action rods you can use for this as well. They should be paired with a good reel, such as a Shimano or Daiwa, with a great drag, set lightly. But as I mentioned before, backreeling, with the anti-reverse off, is really the best way. I use Stren line in 4-6 pound test for this, as it gives the lures the proper action, and depth. Recently though, I have experimented with some superlines with good results.

BEST LOCATIONS:

Here in the Northeast, (Delaware, New Jersey, and New York), in particular, some of the places that hold the largest chain pickerel are Horsey's Pond, in Lower Delaware, Killens Pond in Dover, and the Nanticoke River, (Broad Creek), in Seaford.

In New York I like Lake Champlain, and in New Jersey, Farrington, Union, Assunpink, and Hopetcong, are among some of the better lakes, although there are many more that produce big chains as well. Employ some of these tactics this winter and in the spring on some of these lakes and I think you will be surprised at the results. You won't catch as many pickerel using some of these methods, but they will be BIG!

Steve vonBrandt sponsored by Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, TTI-Blakemore, Okuma, and Ambush Lures. 1998 BBWC, NAFC Hall Of Fame angler. Reeltimeanglers at http://www.reeltimeanglers.com

shimano fishing

Monday, 9 March 2009

Shimano Tiagra 30 Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.


Specialized reels, to me, are gold out on the water. And what is a specialized reel you ask? Well, a reel with special added tools such as flipping switches fit the category. These reels specialize in flipping, of course, with the added bonus of good quick reeling with high ratios. Line capacity is also a special item because when fishing the Carolina rig or in deep water, for example, the more line the better.

When skipping docks line capacity reels are not important as far as I am concerned. What should be special in this case is the speed of the reel and type. Spinning is best with a 6.0:1 gear ratio because free spooling ease can be had and slack line can be kept at a minimum. These characteristics are what make this type of reel special for skipping.

Certain features are incorporated into reels for a reason. Fast trigger spinning reels like the Spirex from Shimano is a good special tool to have when working crank baits or stick baits. Reel it home, then just simply press the trigger and cast again and again. All one has to do is reel back enough and 'presto', always in the same position. Now try setting the hook on a Bass while dragging a tube with this type of reel and you will have that ever present line of travel to the trigger position. And that could mean the loss of a good fish. It is still, however, a specialized reel, in my opinion.

I know, believe me, specialized reels require special budgets, especially when they are many and the dollars are few. There are many reels that will do many tasks, special or not, and when choosing a reel, keeping things in perspective is key. What will we be doing with this reel? Do we need a high gear ratio or large line capacity reel? Or, better yet, do we specialize in one rig only? Hey, don't knock it! Many tournament anglers I know use jigs and trailers exclusively, and carry two or three of the same specialized combo with the only difference being jig colors. It works for them, so it might work for you too. But for me, well, I am partial to all my specialty combos. I like to be ready for any special circumstance where Bass can be had. I love a good challenge where variety and versatility is constantly utilized!

Now how about specialized rods or combos, fishing line, baits, rigs, the list is endless. But keep in mind that each and every little special item incorporated into fishing products is there for good reason; and that is to put fish in the live well using the best resources and technology available! And that, my Bass angler friends, is a fact!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Wednesday, 4 March 2009

got snook? Men's tee Shirt in 12 colors Small thru 6XL




Top Water fishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is my passion! Its great fun and exciting to watch the bait getting annihilated right before my eyes!

Unlike other Bass fishing techniques, top water fishing is in a 'league' of its own. It is all sight and sound. Taking your eyes off your bait could mean a lost fish. Don't worry; the sound of the water exploding when the Bass engulfs the bait will wake you, pronto!

In my opinion, top water Bass fishing requires two basic rod techniques and two fishing styles- the twelve o'clock and the six o'clock.

The 'twelve o'clock' technique is with the rod in front of you, tip to the sky. The 'twelve' o'clock is great for thick, tough Bass terrain which requires weedless top water baits such as frogs or rats. A medium heavy or heavy 6'6" or 7' rod will suffice. I like the 6'10" Quantum Tour P.T heavy action, but it is the length here that shines for good castability. Cast it out and work it back slowly over the thick of it. Pumping or twitching with this rod technique will help keep the bait free of debris. Walking a weedless cigar shaped bait, such as Snag Proof's Water Demon, will work just as well using the twelve o'clock method. Just remember to twitch front to back while reeling in slack line. Work the Buzz bait with the same rod positioning. The only exception is a medium action 6'6" to 7' rod. You really want elasticity to get the Buzz bait out there and a good back bone to get the fish to the boat.

In the 'six o'clock' rod technique, the rod is in front of you with the tip just above the water surface. This is a great method for open water and somewhat weedless circumstances. 'Chugging' the cup faced baits and 'walking the dog' with cigar baits are a snap with this technique. Hold the rod like a golf club, directly in front of you, with the rod tip down above the water surface. The positioning is comfortable and can save the back from aching afterwards. It requires a smaller rod. How much smaller depends on the height of the angler plus the height of the casting platform from the water surface. For example, I am 5'6" tall and for me a 5' rod is perfect for the 'chugging' or 'walking the dog' of surface baits. A medium action 4'9" Shimano Crucial is a good choice for a rod if your height is in my range.

Working the rod at six o'clock requires just a slight twitch of the wrists for 'walking the dog'. This technique also puts the angler in a good position for power stroking the rod and really pushing water to wake up the Bass. When a fish takes the bait simply pull up to set the hook and bring it home!

Everyone has their own methods and techniques for fishing top water. These simple rod tactics work for me, but whatever feels right for you is what is important here. Through trial and error I have found that the 'twelve' and 'six' o'clock rod positioning gives me the best results. As far as reels go, well, that depends entirely on the individual angler. For my outings, a 6:2:1 gear ratio baitcast is my choice. You be the judge!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Friday, 27 February 2009

Shimano Tiagra 16 Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.


Hi Lee Palm/Red Rooster crew(San Diego - California).. Keep my rail spot cool for me - won't you?

Fishing Report from Nassau Bahamas (8-10-2000)(Thursday)(Air Temperature 92 degrees. Water temp. mid 80s degrees). Clear skies, no wind and burning hot sun. Caught two Yellowfins in the 60-pound range that almost sent me to the hospital.

Caught 2 YFY on Thursday - fishing "solo" aboard my WellCraft Scarab that had just been repowered with two 225 Evinrude fichts (cost was $28,000 including the installation).

Both YFT went about 70#s each (83 pounds of filet). Drift fished with fresh/frozen squid to start. Began fishing at 9:30AM and quit at 2PM.

As I arrived at the US Navys AUTEC buoy 10 miles offshore (a practice area for the US Navys nuclear subs which show up on the surface now and then)(the AUTEC buoy is in 6,000 feet of water) Capt. Robbie New (from Trinidad) of the "Little Trick" was just starting to fish.

For the first hour all I managed was a 2 pound jack that I later used for bait.

Robbie was having no luck either, but we saw several 50# YFTs come high out of the water several times, so that kept us anticipating.

At around 11:00 AM my bow rod with 80 pound test line and 80# green Berkley trilene leader, with a small Mustard circle hook on the end (with a 100# test Sampo swivel in between) went off.

I had just seen a big YFT fly through the area minutes before, and I was thinking I had him or his cousin for sure. The line screamed out, and the fish ran deep. Everything pointed to a YFT, but after about 10 minutes I saw a 25 pound foot shark on my line, hooked right in the mouth with the circle hook.

Leaving the shark on the line in the rodholder, I sat down for a drink of water out of a gallon plastic jug in my cooler.

Cut him loose, I thought to myself. But, then I remembered how many YFTs Id caught using shark as bait, and went to take another look at him. He was a good 4 feet long. Normally too big to bother with, but the fishing was slow, and I decided to take him.

Even though I knew he would thrash about crazy-like when I gaffed him, I decided to go for it, but I missed my 5-foot long fishbox, and watched him go bonkers on my deck, as I hustled to slide him into the Scarabs 2-1/2 foot deep fishbox.

By 12 noon I switched from "squid" to the fresh jack for bait on all three of my poles. By now, the shark was dead, so I dragged him to the stern and started to filet him throwing bits and pieces of shark meat overboard with plenty of blood being washed overboard with my saltwater thru-hull washdown pump.

I filleted one side of the shark, took the skin and cut it into 5 pieces, and through it over the side. All the time washing the blood and guts overboard. I cut the sharks giant liver into small pieces, and watched them float on the surface as I slowly drifted along towards to AUTEC Buoy.

Within 5 minutes of cutting into this shark, the bow line went off "screaming". This time I knew it was probably a YFT. The fish had hit the 80# test trilene line on a 5-1/2 foot Palm Beach tuna rod, held in a Perko side mount rodholder.

I immediately scrambled about for my harness and playmate belt. Several times the YFT would stop his run deep, and Id reel the line in fast to make sure there was no slack in the line, and smiled when I felt his weight again on my pole.

But, it was 95 degrees in the sun, and I was about to expedience something in 8 years of YFT fishing (and over 350 caught and landed), that was going to make this no ordinary day on the water.

After picking up the rod and snapping into the harness, I began the slow process of bringing him to color. I was grateful he had picked the rod with the 80# test line, as the other two reels (Shimano graphite a Penn 30W) had 50# test Trilene (Big Game) line, and fighting a YFT on 50# test line is a completely different ball game.

Fifteen minutes into the struggle, my thumb (on the reel) got an awful cramp, and actually stuck to my palm. I couldnt understand why this was happening, but kept going attempting to shake off the cramp.

A few minutes later the cramps spread to my forearm then up to my biceps. Im 220 pounds, a former HS All American swimmer, and 4 time NY State gold medallist, so Id been through tough workouts, but this was something I never dealt with.

Even my legs were cramping up. There was no wind, no cover from my bimini top, and it was 95 degrees in the shade. It all added up to one thing - "Heat Exhaustion".

To cool off I tried stepped into a 5-gallon bucket of saltwater, but this didnt help one iota. My feet were also too big for the bucket.

In addition, I was getting unusually tired FAST. HEAT EXHAUSTION had set in, and was challenging me like "The old man and the sea".

It took me 55 minutes to land this 70-pound YFT, but I finally got him in the boat. Boy, was I relieved.

Usually I wash all the blood off my boat immediately upon landing a fish, but this time I went to the stern, turned on the saltwater pump, sat on my cooler, and just let that saltwater run over my head for 5 minutes. I finished off about 3/4 of that gallon jug of water too.

As I slowly headed back in the direction of Capt. Robbies "Little Trick", the cool air hitting my Toronto Raptor NBA Jersey (#14 worn by Vince Carter) made me feel much better, but I still wasnt 100%.

By the way, you might want to purchase one of these NBA "Jerseys sometime. Youll know why the NBA uses them. They are 1000 times cooler than anything cotton or other material. I have a Lakers #34 too. My favorite.

I waved at Capt. Robbie, as I passed slowly off his stern, and he shouted "I thought you were fighting 2 YFT, you were gone so long."

Anyway, I set up again to try for another (YFT).

Now Im using white shark chunks on all my hooks, and chunking with the fresh shark as the lines are let out.

About 45 minutes later, the stern line goes off screaming. This is my Penn 30 International with no leader and 50# Trilene line no swivel. Christ, I said to myself, why did this fish do this to me?

The hook on this line was only a #4 Mustard live bait hook - that you can buy 50 to a package for under $10 at Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

This was going to be a whole new "ballgame". Im going to have to be "gentle" on the drag or hell bite through the trilene, or pull the hook.

As it turned out, I eventually got this YFT to color after over one hour. I experienced the same cramps as before, and at one point on this fish I thought about "giving up".

It wasnt the fact that I get $6 a pound for the fillet (from my restaurant friends) that kept me at the rail, but the thought of cutting a YFT off was out of the question.

After gaffing this 70# YFT and pulling him over the gunwale, I trolled by Robbie (who stayed until 7PM and caught not a one) and waved saying Im going home.

True Story.

THE END

Capt. Solo aka Tom Azzara
Boat "the Taxman"
Nassau, Bahamas
British Commonwealth territory
(not part of the "East Coast")

Tom's Fishing Gallery.

http://endtaxes.com/images/gallery.html

Take a break, and check out these pictures from the 6th annual Billabong's fishing tournament held in Nassau, in the sunny, tax free Bahamas.

click onto (or browser it) below....

http://endtaxes.com/images/gallery2.html

From: Lee Palm Long Range Sportfishers

TRIP #14; August 6th to August 11th 5-Day Trip:

The second of the three back-to-back 5-dayers in the Red Rooster III's summer schedule once again provided outstanding fishing for her passengers. Chuck Melber of Agoura CA led the way with a 84.1 lb. bluefin tuna to take the jackpot, followed by a 79.8 lb. bigeye for Justin Christensen of Newbury Park CA and a 73 lb. bluefin for Joe Stickles of Orange CA. "It was good consistent action throughout the trip" noted captain Andy Cates. "Some days seemed wilder than others of course, but looking back on the trip I'd say that there was good consistent fishing the whole way through."

The trip fished as far down as Guadalupe Island for some excellent grade yellowfin, but the albacore grounds closer to home yeilded limits of the longfins and a good take on the bigger bluefin as well. "We had some really exceptional moments," noted co-captain Jeff DeBuys, "but none
quite as surprising as the second-place jackpot bigeye landed by Justin . When we got that puppy to color we knew we had found some quality fishing for our guys. It was definitely a notable fish, and in the end it added nicely to our trophy bluefin count." This, combined with the quality-sized albacore had by all, gave the Rooster yet another in her long string of exceptional long range adventures.

FISH COUNT: LIMITS OF ALBACORE, 52 BLUEFIN TUNA, 49 YELLOWFIN TUNA, 45
YELLOWTAIL AND 1 BIGEYE.

Thomas Azzara
New Providence Estate Planners, Ltd.
54 Sandyport Drive
P.O. Box CB 11552
Nassau, Bahamas
Fax/phone: (242) 327-7359
e-mail: taxman@batelnet.bs

http://www.bahamasbahamas.com/

shimano fishing

Tuesday, 24 February 2009

Shimano® 2-Pc. FX Spinning Rod

Big Shimano quality and sensitivity at a price even the fish can afford! Shimano is the big fish in the pond when it comes to rod construction. And the FX Spinning Rod gives you all their knowledge and experience at a great price. Cast a line on these features: Durable Aeroglass blank construction gives fast-response at a price that's sensitive to your budget; Reinforced aluminum oxide guides for smooth line flow on every cast and retrieve; Solid locking graphite reel seat; Comfortable EVA foam-grip handle. The legendary quality at a no-worries price! State Size. Order Today! Mfr. Number: FXS-50ULB2, Length (ft.): 5', Action: Ultra Light, Line Rating (lbs.): 1-4, Lure Rating (ozs.): 1/32-3/16, Pieces: 2, Foregrip length (in.): 2 in., Reargrip length (in.): 5 in., Guides: Tip+4; Mfr. Number: FXS-56ULB2, Length: 5'6", Action: Ultra Light, Line Rating (lbs.): 2-6, Lure Rating (ozs.): 1/32-3/16, Pieces: 2, Foregrip Length: 2 in., Reargrip Length: 5 in., Guides: Tip+4; Mfr. Number: FXS-60MB2, Length: 6', Action: Medium, Line Rating (lbs.): 6-14, Lure Rating (ozs.): 1/8-1/2, Pieces: 2, Forgrip Length: 2 1/2 in., Reargrip Length: 6 1/2 in., Guides: Tip+4; Mfr. Number: FXS-66MB2, Length: 6'6", Action: Medium, Line Rating (lbs.): 6-14, Lure Rating (ozs.): 1/4-5/8, Pieces: 2, Foregrip Length: 2 1/2 in., Reargrip Length: 7 1/2 in., Guides: Tip+5; Mfr Number: FXS-66MHB2, Length: 6'6", Action: Medium Heavy, Line Rating (lbs.): 8-17, Lure Rating (ozs.): 1/4-3/4, Pieces: 2, Foregr


The Carolina rig is one of the most versatile and fun ways of getting Bass on the end of our lines. And it's not just limited to Largemouth. Smallmouth are just as willing to take a bait Carolina rigged!

By versatile, I mean many different fishing situations can be fished Carolina style. From shore, for example, a Bass angler could use it to cover a lot of real estate in deep or shallow structured water. As a matter of fact, deep water is a Carolina Rig forte! Weights of 1\4 oz. up to and over 1oz. can be used to get the offering out there and down deep. So obviously, a longer rod and a heavier weight can give a shore angler quite an advantage.

As a young shore Bass angler the Carolina rig put many Bass in my 'bucket well'. And I still use it today whether on shore or on the boat. It is simple tactics all packed into one basic rig. All we do with it is rig our weights and hook sizes according to conditions and baits used.

The Carolina rig is made up of 3 components, the main line, weight and a fluorocarbon leader. The main line is threaded through an egg sinker then through a bead and tied to a swivel. The bead ensures the swivel and weight doesn't bind for smooth flowing line; not to mention noise which can be tuned with many different ideas to get the fish's attention. The fluorocarbon is then tied to the swivel with the hook completing the rig. When a Bass takes the bait it shouldn't feel resistance because of the line traveling through the weight as opposed to a stationary weight. This works especially well with fussy Bass. A full-bellied Bass can't resist an easy meal, but if that easy meal comes with restrictions, they will let it go quickly.

In order to achieve no restriction for the Bass a long rod combined with a flipping switch on a bait casting reel is warranted. The longer rod gives us more lineal footage so that when a Bass takes the bait one simply has to drop the rod for that added slack. The flipping switch on bait casting reels such as Quantum's Accurist PT or Shimano's Castaic 200 SF have easy spool disengaging capabilities. Every little thing helps in putting fish in the well.

The technique that goes with Carolina rigging is as basic as the rig itself. Cast it out as far as you can and with the spool still disengaged, let the rig fall vertically to the bottom. Once it reaches its end, engage the spool and start to work the bait home ever so slowly dragging it in and around structure. We should be able to feel every single piece of debris in the baits travel including, the slightest nudge from a Bass. When you feel the Bass, give it slack with either the rod or the reel and then set the hook hard. Smallmouth is the aggressive one of the two species so sometimes there is no time for slack. When you feel the pull set the hook hard and fast.

The best part of Carolina rigging is the fact that there is virtually no plastic out there that can't be fished this way. Also, structure of any type can be fished with total confidence in knowing hang ups are very minimal by rigging the bait Texas. The other advantage is the use of fluorocarbon leaders which is practically invisible to the fish. To the Bass, no strings attached means an easy meal especially when it happens to crawl in front of its face.

Carolina rigging in general is a good all around technique for versatile shore or boat angling. Spooked Bass, finicky Bass, cold front Bass or just leisure Bass will take it. It is the 'cats meow' of Bass catching methods.

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Monday, 16 February 2009

Shimano Tiagra 80 W Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.


A bright hot, sunny August day calls for a certain pattern to put Largemouth in the live well. That's when dunking comes into play. A bay or a whole lake for that matter, matted with weeds could send many of the hearty bass anglers home in frustration, but a true Bass angler welcomes the challenge!

Dunking requires simple tools for simple tactics. The first and most important tool is a long trigger rod. Keep in mind that you will be reaching for pockets in the weed growth so try to use something lengthy, but light and strong. I am 5'6" and a 6'10" or 7' rod is plenty long enough for my arms to hold all day. A good choice would be a heavy action Quantum P.T tour edition trigger rod or a Shimano Crucial heavy action extra fast rod. Both rods are light and tough and you won't tire yourself wrestling with them all day. For reel selection, well, for dunking Largemouth I think it really doesn't matter what type of bait cast reel you use because, as I will explain, it's all in the rod, the line and you!

The Bass hide in the weeds during sunny hot days and keep themselves nice and cool under the canopy of weed growth, so the more weeds the better. Dunking works best in relatively shallow water say, 6 to 8ft. Deeper water can be dunked if one has arms and a rod long enough. The simple trick to dunking is basically freeing up just enough line from the reel so as to touch bottom then engaging it while having your free hand and the rod to do the rest. With your bait on bottom and the rod just above the water give your rod a few tugs to give the bait some life, then without using your reel, pull the bait swiftly out of the water using the length of your rod. At the same time the other hand pulls away the line as opposed to reeling the line in. To submerge the bait keep your rod tip up and your bait dangling about mid rod length and direct it to the next pocket while letting go of the line so that the bait can work its way down to bottom once again. This is done as you're drifting or using the bow mount to move you about. You can imagine how thankful you'll be to for purchasing a light strong rod!

A shore line thick with pencil reeds and bulrush is prime 'dunkin' area too. Sometimes pitching and flipping the inner pockets of these weeds just isn't enough to get the big hogs to take the bait, you have to get deeper and deeper to get to the Bass. Basically extend your arm and rod as far as you can reach then disengage the reel to drop the bait into the thick of it. Engage the reel, and without reeling in line, use the rod, while grasping the line to pull the bait out and drop once again into the next pocket. This method of dunking was responsible for two of the top 4 finishes in a tournament that I will never forget. A 4th place finish left my 'butt' awful sore from me kicking myself over and over again! I was dunking off shore, not in shore for my Bass, but keep in mind that dunking alone was responsible for 3 of the 4 top placements.

We all know that logic is a key factor in any type of fishing. Who would have thought that such an easy method of catching Bass could exist! But believe it or not the simplicity in dunking for Largemouth is just that, 'logical'!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Monday, 26 January 2009

Shimano® Syncopate® Spinning Reel

Shimano Syncopate Spinning Reel packs power, precision and performance in 1 AFFORDABLE PRICE! Well thought-out features with you in mind! Oversized Power Roller II line roller reduces twist from casting and retrieving and is enhanced with a tapered area on the support to help your line get onto the roller quicker. Meanwhile, DynaBlance technology eliminates wobble during the retrieve by counter balancing the rotor to enhance sensitivity and smoothness. That's only part of the story though... ... here's the rest: QuickFire II gives you easy and fast one-handed casting; Die-cast aluminum spool; graphite frame, sideplate and rotor; Flat T-type handle; 4 stainless steel ball bearings for smooth reeling; Pick Model. Order Now! Model No.: SC1000FE, Retrieve per Crank (in.): 24, Wt. (ozs.): 9, Line Rating (lbs./yds.): 2/270, 4/140, 6/110, Max Drag (lbs.): 7, Gear Ratio: 5.2:1; Model No.: SC2500FE, Retrieve per Crank (in.): 26, Wt. (ozs.): 9 1/2, Line Rating (lbs./yds.): 6/170, 8/120, 10/100, Max Drag (lbs.): 7, Gear Ratio: 5.2:1; Model No.: SC4000FE, Retrieve per Crank (in.): 31, Wt. (ozs.): 12, Line Rating (lbs./yds.): 8/240, 10/200, 12/160, Max Drag (lbs.): 13, Gear Ratio: 5.2:1; Shimano Syncopate Spinning Reel


Chain Pickerel,(Esox Niger), are a formidable gamefish, that are actively pursued by some, and despised by others!

Chain Pickerel can be found throughout the Northeast, and down to Florida. In some areas, these are prized as trophies that deserve the same respect as a big largemouth bass, in other areas, such as in Florida, many anglers consider them nothing more than a nuisance.

Many inexperienced anglers mistake this fish for a Northern pike, but there are distinct differences in these two species. The Chain Pickerel is distinguished by it's chain like pattern along it's body. The Chain Pickerel doesn't reach the same proportions as its counterpart, the Northern Pike. Most Chain Pickerel are considered large when they reach 3-4 pounds. A true "TROPHY," is anything above the 4 pound mark. The state record for Chain Pickerel in most states is between 6 and 8 pounds. Each year, in the spring, fall, and winter, large specimens are caught that are in the 4-5 pound range on average, but very few giants over 6 pounds are caught at any time of the year. The Chain Pickerel actually hit the best in the winter and early spring, and start their spawning process as water temperatures climb into the 40's. Unlike most other species, they don't make beds, and they deposit their eggs on strands of vegetation, sometimes mixed with sticks, and other structure. They don't defend their young either, they deposit the eggs and move on, devouring their own young soon after they hatch.

LOCATIONS AND TACTICS:

Chain Pickerel hit well in the winter months, and even through the ice. They usually cruise the same areas as other gamefish such as largemouth bass, crappies, yellow perch, and other panfish.

Pickerel will savagely attack schools of baitfish, or individuals, whatever is the easiest prey at the time. I have caught Chain Pickerel with Catfish lodged in their mouths that were too large to swallow, and they still were attacking other baits. I have even found Chain Pickerel laying dead or dying, on the surface with huge bluegills stuck in their mouths, yet at other times, only want a small bait on or near the bottom.

The best locations for Chain Pickerel in the winter is along points, with drop-offs near deeper water, and areas that contain some underwater cover and vegetation nearby. They will be shallow at times, even in very cold water, but are always near the baitfish, and deeper water escape routes. They can be found by deep water brushpiles also, due to the fact that these same areas hold other types of prey, and panfish, thus the pickerel aren't far away.

Contrary to popular belief, Chain Pickerel can be caught in the dark, but this is more of a rare occurrence than a standard rule of thumb. In the early spring, many of the pickerel will be in water near the shoreline, and emerging grasses, and other vegetation, gorging on baitfish, and preparing to spawn. They can be in water as shallow as a few inches, to a couple of feet. The easiest way to catch chain pickerel is on live bait. They like medium to large shiners, and big minnows. This has always been a standard fare for pickerel. There are other methods though that will take real "Trophies," and not so many of the more common 2-3 pounders.

The best way to catch larger chain pickerel is to use a small jig such as a shad dart, in yellow/red, or yellow/white combinations, in a 1/64 ounce size, up to about an 1/8 ounce. These are really small baits, and a lot of finesse is required to catch chains on these lures. The other bait that works well is a 1/16 to 1/4 ounce brown or brown/black hair jig. Both these jigs should be used first without any other bait, such as minnows attached to them.

You first need to find the areas that will hold the pickerel; drop-offs, near points, humps, vegetation, and other cover. You should rig this jig on 4-6 pound test line. This is what makes the lure have the correct action and depth that trigger some of the bigger fish. It is the same principle as smallmouth fisherman use on Pickwick. They use 6 pound test line, not because the fish can see it, but because it allows the lure to maintain the proper fall, depth, and action, that catch the larger fish.

I like to rig two rods, with a shad dart on one, and a hair jig on the other. I start by letting out about a hundred feet of line, and slowly trolling these baits in wide, 360 degree circles over the chosen areas. You will pick up leaves and grass if you're doing it right, if you don't. slow down. The majority of strikes will feel like nothing more than grass or leaves on the lure, but most of time it's a big Chain Pickerel!

I can't overemphasize the importance of watching the line! If the line moves, or does ANYTHING, that it hasn't been doing, then set the hook. You can't set the hook the same way you do with a bass. It takes a slower short snap in the wrist, while reeling the line up tight, and applying just the right amount of pressure. The drag setting is critical, since you are using such light line, and light equipment.

Most of the time, I take the anti-reverse off, and backreel. They will make some long runs and head to the deeper water on the bottom, and try to wrap you up in the trolling motor, and break you off under the boat as they get close. The only way to get good at landing them, is to catch them. Practice is the only way to get a feel for landing them on this light equipment. If you don't get any takers after working 2 or 3 of your best areas, then add a small minnow to the back of the lures, but go to a 1/8 or 1/4 ounce, in brown/orange or lime green.

Troll them the same way in these areas again, while casting another rod to search the areas, and impart more action to the bait to try to develop a pattern that they want that day. Pickerel are ferocious one day, and finicky the next. They are unpredictable sometimes, so don't give up. On a good day, I have caught 5-7 Chain Pickerel that were all over 4 pounds, and usually 2 or 3 over 5 pounds. I have caught others in some Delaware and New Jersey Lakes, that exceeded 6 pounds. I caught a Chain Pickerel in 2000, that won the Delaware State Sportfishing Tournament for the year, that was 6 pounds, 14 ounces, just a few ounces short of the state record!

EQUIPMENT:

You need 3 or 4 spinning rods for these tactics, in the 5 and 5 1/2 foot range, ultra-light to light action, with a good degree of sensitivity. I like G.Loomis rods, but there are other good light action rods you can use for this as well. They should be paired with a good reel, such as a Shimano or Daiwa, with a great drag, set lightly. But as I mentioned before, backreeling, with the anti-reverse off, is really the best way. I use Stren line in 4-6 pound test for this, as it gives the lures the proper action, and depth. Recently though, I have experimented with some superlines with good results.

BEST LOCATIONS:

Here in the Northeast, (Delaware, New Jersey, and New York), in particular, some of the places that hold the largest chain pickerel are Horsey's Pond, in Lower Delaware, Killens Pond in Dover, and the Nanticoke River, (Broad Creek), in Seaford.

In New York I like Lake Champlain, and in New Jersey, Farrington, Union, Assunpink, and Hopetcong, are among some of the better lakes, although there are many more that produce big chains as well. Employ some of these tactics this winter and in the spring on some of these lakes and I think you will be surprised at the results. You won't catch as many pickerel using some of these methods, but they will be BIG!

Steve vonBrandt sponsored by Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits, TTI-Blakemore, Okuma, and Ambush Lures. 1998 BBWC, NAFC Hall Of Fame angler. Reeltimeanglers at http://www.reeltimeanglers.com

shimano fishing

Tuesday, 20 January 2009

Shimano Tiagra 30 W Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.


Deck the halls with lots of reels! Now that's my idea of a reel Christmas; you bet! Now, which one should I choose, a bait caster or a spinning reel, or both?

For starters, let's consider Shimano brands for now. The Core is a sweet little bait casting reel that is a dream to use. Light weight and strong are its best traits and it will do just fine in every fishing scenario you can throw at it. It's an excellent reel and worth every single penny!

If spinning is your cup of tea, then Shimanos Saros is just the ticket. It will fit any Bass angler's budget and is also a smooth enjoyable spinning reel to use. They come in different sizes for whatever the fishing circumstances. I particularly enjoy using the 1000. It's a good all around size for me. I know the Saros would put a smile on any Bass anglers face come Christmas no matter how many they already have. You can never have enough of a good product!

Quantum has good affordability in their Kinetic spinning reels. For under a hundred dollars this reel is perfect. The Kinetic is a strong solid spinning reel with a dependable drag to pull any hawg out of heavy cover. Yet it is light enough to fit the bill when it comes to finesse fishing or shaky rigging, for example. I have put many Smallmouth Bass in the boat with the Quantum Kinetic and it has not let me down. It is a durable reel that will get the job done!

Another good reel that should fit the Christmas budget is the Six Rivers bait casting reel from Browning. It features good smooth 6.4:1 ratio reeling which is excellent for finessed baits. It can cast effortlessly and has the back bone and speed all in one to help aid us in getting that Bass in the live well.

Speaking of live well, if Santa's listening, I would love my live well full of Bass every outing next season and also another Core, Saros, Kinetic, Six Rivers reel please! Oh, don't forget a Diawa Steez trigger rod to go with every one of my 'newer' reels. "Did I say please?"

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Monday, 19 January 2009

Shimano Fishing License Holder - w/Lanyard

Water-proof & Comes with a Lanyard with Shimano Logo


"If people concentrated on the really important things in life,
there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

- Doug Larson

With a last name like Fischer you'd think I'd know a thing or two about fish and particularly how to land one into your frying pan.But I don't.Never have.Even before giving up the fish-bones-in-yer-teeth diet for a vegetarian one eight years ago, I didn'tpossess much skill in the art of angling.Not for lack of effort, mind you.Oh, I was quite avid about the sport for some time.Avid but despairingly inept.In strictly statistical terms I was lousy.I imagine now that it took me, at best, 200 casts of my line for every fish that I caught(if you can call those little sunfish that look like decorative soap bars fish at all).That works out to a whopping0.5% productivity of catching anything beyond the usual glump of weeds, discarded fishing line, sludge-filled sneakers, or whatever else made up the less than idyllic underworld of Hamilton's Cootes "Paradise" at the western most tip of Lake Ontario.And that's just looking at casting productivity.When I stop to think of my efficiency in terms of time, my success rate at the art of catching my dinner was infinitesimal - say 0.001% of my time.

Yet, as I recall those days, I remember going fishing at any chance I could get.Why?What would possibly possess a guy to meditate over mere possibility from the crack of dawn until dusk most summer evenings?It certainly couldn't have been any great aspiration to become the next Bob Izumi on Saturday afternoon television.I clearly had no future in the sport.It couldn't have been the satisfaction of cooking up my catch - the quantity of which was enough to provide an appetizer at best ("catch of the day on a cracker anyone?")It wasn't even some familial need to perpetuate the long line of fishers in our family - as far as I know, most of us Fischer's were actually agricultural farmers.So why did I "fish" like there was no tomorrow?I guess because, pure and simple, it was a lot of fun!Pure pleasure.Simple pleasure.

There was the deep joy of anticipation, the repose, the whiling away of lazy hours, the solitude, the cheese sandwiches warming in my backpack under a 12 o'clock sun.There was the retreat from life's concerns to contemplate the things I really valued in my life - like freedom, like meaning, like a connection to the greater whole of which I am a mere small fry.There was in "fishing" a time and space for me to slowly acquiesce to the benevolent goodness of this river of life.Fishing, in the final analysis, helped me to say "yes" to my own life.Come to think of it, with my general ineptitude in angling, these other things must have been the real "catch" for me.

Now, as a vegetarian, I don't fish anymore.But maybe I should.I probably wouldn't catch anything anyway.Maybe I should just toss my line into the water with one of my father's lug-nuts on the end the way I used to practice my casting skills in my parents garden, fishing for two foot cucumbers (maybe that's where my vegetarianism started!).With my line snagged under some submerged log, I could reconnect with the seminal joy of those teenaged fishing excursions - my great foil for spiritual awakening.I wonder if I still have that old Shimano fly-casting rod?Maybe I'll dig it out this weekend and instead of packing my tackle box full of hooks and lures and fluorescent gummy worms, I'll fill it with some nice cucumber sandwiches, a soy shake and a copy of Vegetarian Times .How's that for a new angle on the old art? And now if you'll excuse me, I'd rather be fishing - wink, wink.See you on the water.

Peter H. Fischer is a speechwriter living in Vancouver, British Columbia. He can be reached through his website at http://www.fischerspeeches.com

shimano fishing

Thursday, 15 January 2009

Rapala Limited 1st Edition Fishing Santa Figurine 'Tonttu Wader'

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named 'Tonttu Wader'. 'Tonttu Wader' is part of the Angler Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can stand on it's own or on the wooden holder. It stands 7 inches tall not on the wooded holder. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late!


The Split shot rig is a finesse version of a fish finding rig along the lines of but not quite the Carolina Rig. Too many anglers dismiss this method as being too slow or a small fish method. The truth is that it is a deadly finesse method that can cover water as efficiently and as quickly as the Carolina rig. The split shot method also is a great way to catch limits of keeper sized bass. What tournament angler could dispute the success of that? Split shotting is a fairly shallow water finesse technique that works best in depths under 20 feet. It can be worked deeper but the sensitivity decreases as the depth increases. For anglers who arent confident in their worm fishing abilities, the split shot rig is actually nothing like traditional worm fishing.

This method is a cast and crank method that can be more easily compared to crank bait fishing than to worm fishing. The tiny 4inch curly tailed worms are in constant motion on the bottom so it might be even more effective than cranking because the bait stays in the strike zone longer. However simple this may sound, you can increase the effectiveness of the technique by seining the bottom. By this I mean using different casting angles and boat positioning to essentially saturate a grid or area. This way you can potentially present the bait to every fish within a determined area.

Not Just Another Carolina rig

The Split Shot may resemble a Carolina rig but it is different. To tie the rig you must eliminate the bullet sinker. Instead, you just crimp a piece of shot, two or three feet above the Texas rigged bait. I most often distance the shot about 18 to 24 inches above the bait. It is important to use only round shot without the tabs. The tabs will always catch on the weeds and foul the rig. Use size 2 or 4 shot. Make sure you dont fray the line when you crimp the shot down on it. I prefer softer shot to prevent damaging the line. Water Gremlin, makers of weights and sinkers for fishing has introduced its Bull Shot. This is a bullet weight or conical shaped weight with a new twist. Like its famous squeezable split shot weights that crimp on to the line, Bull Shot weights have the same premise. Here you can place your bullet weight above the hook in any desired length. Just squeeze it on and it will stay in place. Gone are the days of multi knot rigs. It is a quick and easy way to rig up your soft plastics. This may be the best alternative if avoiding weeds and snags are your concern. The pointed shape comes through snags with ease and takes this rig to a new dimension.

This is a true finesse rig. Using this rig requires an angler to scale down his/her tackle. A four-inch bait is about the largest an angler should use. Employ a size 1/0 or size 1 Aberdeen style hook. Rig the bait on the seam. This along with the Aberdeen hook is a straight shank style and creates a keel to prevent the bait from rolling thus eliminating line twist. That is the key to the natural swimming motion of this bait. Fine diameter line and light spinning gear are necessary for this technique. I use a 6 or 6-6 foot ML spinning rod and 6lb test for this technique.

Employ the split shot rig when fishing in depths shallower than 20 feet. Any deeper and youll lose contact with the bait. The split shot retrieve is slow and steady. Maximum bottom contact is essential. You simply have to keep the weight in contact with the bottom. This technique is perfect for locating concentrations of bass. Especially when coordinated to cover a specific area from multiple angles. Because the bait is always in motion, wind won't hamper its success. Wind can put a serious damper on regular worm fishing such as a Texas rig. The split shot rig is less affected by wind because you are constantly moving it.

Split shotting is deadly when fishing used water. If I'm fishing behind another boat, chances are that I am throwing a split shot rig to the water that has already been covered by that boat. The split shot method excels in heavily fished waters. That is the beauty of this method. One area in which this method excels is locating fish around uninteresting areas. Most anglers will beat visible cover or structure they see on their LCDs to death. While you can catch fish in these places on split shot rigs, the rig may be better suited for use in boring areas without heavy cover. These boring areas are usually passed over by other anglers and they likely dont receive any exploration because those anglers cant see anything attractive to hold bass.

One particular day I was on an 85 acre pond that was hosting a bass tournament by a local B.A.S.S. chapter. The water was crowded with 15 or so boats and all of the water was used up. Immediately I rigged a split shot worm and I proceeded to catch a limit of decent bass. From what I heard, the participants didnt fair as well. This proved to me how valuable an option this rig is. It took fish in water that was used by skilled anglers. This rig is a good choice when trying to locate fish on an unfamiliar lake. It is often the first tactic I'll try on new waters. When a cold front is passing through the split shot may be the only bait that gets consistent attention from bass.

Anglers must learn to recognize the strike on a split shot rig. It differs from the telltale tap-tap of the Texas rig. The split shot bite tends to feel like a mushy sensation or the feeling of added pressure on the line. Bass do tend to hold onto the bait a bit longer than traditionally rigged worms. The lack of a sliding weight for a bass to feel in its mouth likely is the reason. This set up is just more natural. As with many of the techniques in this book, it might be best to learn what the rig feels like being retrieved unimpeded. Because you will be bumping of bottom with it, you may be in for a tough time recognizing strikes. Just remember that hook sets are free and if you feel anything out of the ordinary, swing on it. One caution with this rig, because you are using light line, try to sweep set the rod sharply to one side of your body. I utilize a set similar to the Slider sweep. You do not want to pop your line by setting too hard with the tiny line. Bass seem to hold on to the bait because of the weightless feeling coupled with the small amount of slack line between the split shot and the bait.

Hand poured worms along with standard grubs, reapers and lizards work well on a split shot rig. One of the best worms for this is the Curly Tail worm from Robo Worm. This is made specifically for the Shot techniques. This is a tiny 4 inch worm that features some wicked hand poured colors. It has a curly tail that is rigged tail down to offset any line twist by being inline with the keel that the Aberdeen hook creates. The worms are scented and salted and bass simply do not drop once they once them up. Ive been using some of the new Cyberflexx baits that really float high off the bottom on this rig. They are very effective and this is a good way to seine the water. The floating bait opens up another dimension to the split shot rig. Now you can cover water above the bottom. This is helpful when fish are suspending a few feet off the bottom.

Anytime is Split Shot time

An angler should recognize the best times to use this method. I use it as a fish finding tool on unfamiliar waters. If you put an easy meal in front of any bass, it is going to tell you something every time. Obviously, if you are simply patterning fish incorrectly, the rig may not be of use to you. If you use it where they live, it will draw a reaction and usually quickly at that. I initially target, sloping primary and secondary points with the rig. From there, I move to small shallow humps, sand bars and depressions, flats and sandy bottom areas. Perhaps one of the best places to utilize the split shot rig is on bare or nothing banks. These areas visually dont look as sweet as say a submerged log jam or weed bed. For this reason, they are often overlooked and passed by most target fishing anglers. The truth of the matter is that bass will be in these areas and often it is because the bottom offers something that the target angler doesnt even know is there. The rig also works well when pulled over shallow flats, sloping points, sandy banks, boat launch ramps and sandbars. Try it in non-traditional fishing spots. Locate bass daily migration routes and try this rig. Many times when fish are spooky, traditional baits wont raise a strike, the split shot rig may be just the ticket to catching a bass with lockjaw. Target spots that other fishermen ignore; bare banks, swimming areas and shallow sandy flats are among the choicest of areas.

Gear Breakdown: Split Shot Rig

Rod: Kistler California Series 6-9 ML Drop Shot rod

Reel: Shimano Sustain 1000FB

Line: Super Silver Thread 6lb

Hook: Gamakatsu size 1 or 1/0 thin wire straight shank

Bait: Robo Worm 4 Curly tail worm

Craig DeFronzo has written over 300 articles that are bass fishing related within the past decade for several of the top bass fishing web sites and periodicals. He is the author of over 12 books and eBooks on bass fishing and is the creator of Micro Munch Tackle. He started a small bait company based on the belief that unique custom tackle would be more appealing to bass that are continuously bombarded by the same commercial baits every day. Custom baits and lighter tackle have helped him achieve success in competition. For more information on custom handmade baits and more articles and Craig's ebooks visit http://micromunchtackle.com/

shimano fishing

Wednesday, 14 January 2009

Rapala Limited 1st Edition Fishing Santa Figurine 'Tonttu Wader'

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named 'Tonttu Wader'. 'Tonttu Wader' is part of the Angler Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can stand on it's own or on the wooden holder. It stands 7 inches tall not on the wooded holder. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late!


There is no doubt, the wacky rig is as simple as it gets when it comes to Bass fishing techniques. The Bass that have been put into tournament live wells are a testament to the wacky rigs performance. Just this past weekend has been an amazing demonstration of its ability to catch Bass when other techniques failed.

My partner and I witnessed two boats fishing a gin clear reed bed that we purposely targeted from studying our maps prior. One of the boats was definitely tournament anglers, probing the reeds like a torpedo. They were obviously pre-fishing for the next day's tournament. They must have had their bow mount at high output because they were moving, obviously site pre-fishing, but never the less fishing just the same! We didn't witness a single Bass taken with their efforts and without notice another boat probed the same waters, but with such a racket that you would swear the Bass should have scattered to oblivion!

Now let me give you some parameters of the situation. The water was anywhere from two to five feet in depth with pencil medium density reeds scattered in gin clear water conditions. Just to prove a point, my partner and I proceeded right into the heart of the highway of travel of the previous boats and boated not one, but two beautiful Largemouth Bass weighing in at five pounds plus each! Now how did we accomplish such a feat you ask? Quite simple really; the wacky rig!

The wacky rig consists of three main components that when combined make a lethal Bass fishing weapon. The bait itself is normally a Senko worm with a Gamakatsu weed less hook in the mid section of the Senko. The hook doesn't necessarily have to be weed less, but with weeds in the mix it's a prerequisite. And to top the rig off we have a ten or twelve pound fluorocarbon leader or main line. The line that shines for me is the Spider Wire Invisi-Braid in ten pound test. It has proven its invisible qualities and superior strength in my outings. So when the wacky rig is ready I have a black Senko Worm with a black Gamakatsu weed less hook and Spider Wire Invisi-Braid line. When this setup is in gin clear water all the Bass see is 'black' and that is the important ingredient!

A good salt impregnated Senko Worm is ideal because it helps in its flutter to the bottom. On the initial cast I like to give the wacky rig plenty of slack line. This is of utmost importance because you want it to look as natural as possible to the Bass. After the cast and its settling to bottom dead stick it by letting it lye still for as long as you can stand it. Then by jerking while retrieving it will give it life by making the bait seem like its swimming away due to the ends swaying back and fourth. Sometimes that's all it takes to get the Bass to strike. A full bellied Bass prefer the dead sticking of the wacky rig and that's how eight out of ten of my Bass are normally caught. It works, period!

Wacky rigging with a Senko worm and hook alone are effective in relatively shallow water, but in deeper water this same rig can be enhanced for the deep dwellers such as the Smallmouth Bass. Smallmouth generally like the deeper water because they like the cooler temperatures. But the deeper staging fish can also be had with the wacky rig by adding nail weights to each end of the Senko. Adding just enough weight to it for a prolonged fall is the ticket. Nail weights can be bought at your nearest tackle shop or you can cut your own from the nearest hardware store. Cast the wacky rig with the nail weights as far as you can and let it fall on its own merit. By using the Spider Wire Invisi-braid one only has to keep an eye on the slack line to detect a Bass. The slightest nudge will be felt and seen so be ready because Smallmouth are notorious for the infamous 'grab and go' in the wink of an eye.

An ideal wacky rig combo would consist of a spinning reel set up. I am partial to my Diawa Steeze 6'8" medium action rod teamed up with the Shimano Sustain 1000. Spinning is a good way to go with wacky rigging, but any spinning reel will do so long as it has a good tough drag system to handle the hook sets. In order to take the Largemouth out of cover or the water dancing Smallmouth on the end of your thumb and forefinger, you need to have a good strong back bone in the rod. As far as the length goes a 6'8" or a 7'2" medium rod will do the trick. We need the elasticity of the tip to get the wacky out there and for distant casts the length helps along with the action.

When you think you have tried everything and are about to give up; have you tried the wacky rig? All I can say is that when rigged properly the wacky rig can up your odds immensely. I am living proof of that because in one day alone I put this rig to a vigorous test with the Steeze, Sustain and Invisi-Braid combo and lipped over 40lbs of Bass. That, my angler friends, is what it's all about. The wacky rig alone out fished many, even a ruckus caused by boat traffic was not enough to steer the Bass away from the effective wacky rig! I can guarantee you that the first and second chance anglers sure turned their heads when I posed for the camera holding both five pound plus prizes!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Tuesday, 13 January 2009

Shimano Fishing License Holder - w/Lanyard

Water-proof & Comes with a Lanyard with Shimano Logo


When summer approaches bringing those summer doldrums a small silver fish called the kissu makes themselves commonly found around beaches, harbors and bays. Since Japan is simply covered with these types of environments fishing for these oishi fish is a great way to spend a day on the beach with family and friends. Kids can easily master how to catch some and it will certainly bring a smile to their faces. As we all know young ones are easily bored if there are no fish being caught and they will soon develop a non interest in sport fishing. So this type of action is great for their self confidence........remember it's not the size that counts for kids it's just the fun in catching them.

Lets get started with some key information you are going to need to start your kissu fishing. The bait is very simple, worms or as we say in Japanese gokae.

The fishing rod can be as simple as you make it. I myself just use a short 7 foot bass rod that is usually used for boat sea bass fishing. Some anglers in Japan like using 10 foot plus rods but I much prefer the light hit and the battle that will persist.

My reel of choice is a Shimano NAVI 4000 series. Now you may wonder why I use such a large reel. The reason is simple, the spool is larger so I can make longer casts. If you use a smaller reel you will not be able to spool off large amounts line as quickly as a larger one. Keep your main line nice and light with some braided line of 10-15lbs.

For the leaders I use store bought ones that are specially designed for this type of fishing. Depending on what type of area you will be fishing you might have to experiment with different types of packaged leaders. In Japanese harisu means leader so choosing the right strength is important. Using a lower numbered one like a 1 or 2 could result in many break offs from puffer fish. (god I hate those things) Puffer fish are your enemy at times because they can bite off your hook or leader in one fowl swoop. Many times you will have the choice between a leader with 2-5 hooks, it's really just personal so choose one that best fits your style. Also in the stores in can be quite confusing, so make sure to just look for the package that has a kissu on it. Do not forget to always ask for help when choosing the right leader package.....it has always worked for me.

Next you are going to need to add a weight and a metal wire rig. For the weight I have become very fond of #8's. They seem to get out far and do not put too much stress on the rod making it perfect for feeling those bites. For the rigs you can choose just about any size but do not go too long.

For technique it is actually quite simple. Let your set up hit the bottom of the beach or sand and slowly reel in. Place your rod on a side ways position ready to slightly twitch when you feel a hit. Try to stay clear of rocky or points that constantly snag you up, if you do run into these problem areas move onto somewhere else where you will not loose your gear every cast.

Some x-tra things that are important are tripod rod holders, a pair of scissors to cut off the heads of those nasty worms, folding plastic buckets, a fish towel, a sun hat, suntan lotion, chairs, a sun umbrella for the wife to keep her cool and happy, a cooler which can filled with ice for 100 yen at just about any fishing port, of course a few beers with the cell phone turned onto manner mode.....and a crazy friend to keep you entertained!

Tight lines, Nigel Paquin.

shimano fishing

Sunday, 11 January 2009

Rapala 1st Edition Fishing Figurine Goin' Upstream

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named Goin' Upstream. Goin' Upstream is part of the Trophy Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can stand on it's own or on the wooden holder. It stands 4 inches tall not on the wooded holder. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late!


France has become an extremely popular destination for the carp angler, especially with so many different carp lakes in France choose from and many that have carp in excess of 40lb to 50lb plus.

However, due to the sheer size of the carp, you do need to have sensible equipment in which to land these fish. Most people recommend at least a 2 and 3/4 test curve rod or more, plus baitrunner reels are a must. We actually use the Shimano 8010GT baitrunner reels, and although there are some more modern ones on the market, we prefer these to anything else. But a lot of people also opt for the large big pit reels that hold a lot more line, as some of the places you may choose to fish could be quite a considerable distance from the bank.

In France there are a lot of privately owned fishing lakes such as Rainbow Lake, L'Etang de Tricherie, L'Etang du Chef de Ville, etc, that hire boats and many other lakes such as Bills Lake and Brittany Mill Lakes that allow you to use your own or hire out bait boats.

Also, many carp fishing lakes do not allow braid and the best option is monofilament line and we have found that Ultima PowerPlus is an excellent quality fishing line, yet a higher breaking strain line is needed when you are carp fishing in France compared to fishing most lakes in the UK.

Some lakes are also extremely strict on the type of tent where it must be a bivvy, but like ourselves where we do this as a family, we have a large tent which is not gaudy in colour but needs a bigger swim than most, so there are certain lakes that we could not go fishing at for this reason, so it is sensible to check out these details prior to booking your carp fishing holiday.

Now bait is something that differs from lake to lake and in some French carp lakes they will only allow specific types of bait and it is necessary to check this before you go, for instance, tiger nuts or certain ground baits are not allowed.

Mobile phones are the norm these days, but apart from these that need charging, you do have to consider things like bait boats if you have one, but there are now plenty of carp fishing lakes in France that do cater for charging different equipment you have, and when it comes to facilities, something you may not have really thought about is the need for a freezer, hang on forget this, what about washing facilities? Well forget this as well, we need the fridge, not just for the bait, but that cold beer or chilled water on a really hot day!

And although we all know the drive and survive aspect, there are now numerous different carp fishing lakes in France that have complete packages available right through from accommodation, to all of your equipment supplied and even lakes that supply a complete service from the flights through to full board, along with exclusive fishing and some of these include Dream Lakes, Croix Blanche, Willow Lake, Lake Juvanze, Brittany Mill Lakes and many more, plus some lakes are also available as an exclusive family holiday.

However, the cost for these and the all inclusive carp fishing packages can be considerably more expensive than making your own arrangements, but it can certainly save you a lot of hassle and keep the Wife happy!

Rules and regulations vary at the numerous carp lakes in France and some allow you to fish with three rods, whereas others are four and night fishing is only allowed if the owner has a permit for this, so again it is always a good idea to check these points prior to booking.

Other points you feel are essential for you, like local bars, restaurants, shops or swimming facilities, etc are also good points to check on, plus most people find that the carp fishing is best during the months from April through to October, but do bear in mind the further down South you go in the height of summer with hot days, most of the action will happen at night when it is cooler, so you had better be prepared for lack of sleep!

On one session near Bordeaux, we were getting up and down to the bite alarms at least two to three times every night and by the time our stay was coming to an end, we pulled our rods in just so that we could get some peace and quiet and catch up with much needed sleep before the long drive back home!

But saying that, when you are catching 40lb plus carp each time, the lack of sleep becomes insignificant and if you want to try catching a fish of a lifetime or just beating your personal best, then a carp fishing holiday in France is definitely for you!

http://www.placesinfrance.com

Martyn Davis European Traveler, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - Fishing Holidays In France

shimano fishing

Saturday, 10 January 2009

Shimano Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Hat Stone M/L New

The smallest necessities are sometimes the most critical for a day of fishing. These products can make a day on the water more comfortable and help you increase your fishing success. # Construction 100% Polyester. Features# Six panel medium profile cap.# Curved sandwich bill# A-Flex head band fits comfortably to your head size.# Padded sweatband for comfort.# Shimano logo embroidered on both front and back.


Selecting the right spinning reel can be a difficult thing to do. That's why I decided to write a quick article on spinning reel selection tips. There are some simple things that you can look for that can make all the difference. Because having a decent spinning reel is great, however having a spinning reel that wont perform properly is a terrible experience. And the last thing that you want is for your spinning reel to malfunction in the middle of fighting a trophy fish. I've had this happen, and the profanity laced tirade that followed would have made a long shore man blush. Use these simple spinning reel selection tips, so that you don't have to go through the same experience.


  1. Match Your Spinning Reel To Your Rod - Whenever a spinning reel is purchased, on the packaging it says what weight it is: ultra light, light, medium, or heavy. You want the weight of the reel to match the weight of the rod, and you want the weight to match the type and size of fish that your fishing for. For example, if you're fishing for trout in small rivers and streams, you want to use an ultra light spinning reel and rod. Light action would be the heaviest in trout fishing situations such as these. This is also a great reason to not buy combination sets with the rod and spinning reel sold together. In most cases these combination sets are made with very cheap rods and spinning reels. It's better to purchase the two separately, so that you can get the feel and balance that you desire, and will work best for you.
  2. Stick With A Quality Manufacturer - Many people attempt to save a little money by choosing an unknown manufacturer. This is not a good idea. Some quality manufacturers would include; Diawa, Pflueger, Okuma, and Shimano. Any one of these manufacturers would be a wonderful choice. And you don't have to break the bank either. In fact, a quality spinning reel should be able to be found for well under 50 bucks.
  3. Pay Attention To The Number Of Ball Bearings - The more ball bearings a spinning reel has, the less play it will have in the crank. This makes a big difference to those of us who like to fish with live bait in the flowing waters of both rivers and streams. I like to have no "play" in my handle. In other words, when I turn the handle, I want the bail to immediately turn. I like to have no "play" at all. This normally means that I want at least 6 ball bearings in my spinning reels. Pflueger makes some quality and affordable spinning reels, for anyone who might be looking?

The bottom line is that these spinning reel selection tips should help you make a very informed decision, as to which spinning reel is right for you. Remember, a quality spinning reel should be able to be found for under fifty bucks. Breaking the bank shouldn't be necessary. Another great tip is to clean your spinning reel before the beginning of every fishing season. Remember, the last thing you want is for your spinning reel to malfunction while fighting a fish.

Trevor Kugler
Co-founder of JRWfishing.com
Trevor has more than 20 years of fishing experience, 15 years of business experience and currently raises his 3-year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country......Montana.

Quality Spinning Reel Choices - http://www.jrwfishing.com/fishing_rods_reels.html

shimano fishing

Thursday, 8 January 2009

got snook? Kids T Shirt 2T thru Youth XL

Great looking 100% cotton shirt. Please refer to our sizing chart for measurements.This design also available as a men's or women's tee shirt, and a men's hoodie and sweat shirt in our other amazon.com listings.


Due to effects of global warming and the massive application of quality nutritional baits, carp and catfish have been growing much bigger than previously ever imagined. When it comes to carp especially, this has caught out many anglers whose perception of the correct tackle to handle much bigger fish is not accurate at all!

The number of big carp hooked in the UK over 40 pounds has really risen noticeably, while in other parts of Europe especially in France, this sized fish is merely regarded as a baby at certain fisheries, where carp can exceed 60 and 70 pounds.

Heres my insights into the effects of using fishing rods which have not been equal to the task for big carp up to 50 pounds and well over this mark for example and for catfish to about one hundred pounds. I say these weights because I have been lucky enough to hook and land quite a number of fish of this size and have direct experience trying to play fish on a variety of different rods.

For me stopping power is the key with big fish. It maybe you can cast 150 yards onto a spot with accuracy, but if youre rod basically means you have no control over a running fish at all and are only dependant on the using the clutch on your reel for control, then you definitely have changed the odds in favour of the really big fish.

This can give you such problems that your fish of a life time will very likely be lost when he turns up one day or night and he will do everything he can to find any weakness in your tackle! Mostly this weakness results in having a massive adrenaline rush, extreme bodily shaking and an extremely sick feeling in your gut as you inspect your broken line. I hope this piece will help prevent this experience for you!

Extremely heavy, big sized fish generate awesome and even unbelievable power. Such forward momentum and weight alone are very tough to slow down when your fish of a lifetime is surging towards the closest snag in the water!

You need real power in the top third and middle part of your rod at least. Without this you are simply playing fish off the butt end and that is risky on most rods because butt ends do not do much! You dont want to be playing fish just off the reel clutch with no control over the fish. Any mistakes using the reel and you may pull out of the fish, break the line (or rod) or end up giving the fish vital extra line or stretch to force their forward momentum and get into the safety of snags etc.

You might argue that you need to play fish differently, be gentler with them and change the rod or line angle for example. Sometimes though you can sense when a fish knows what its primary aim and is going for it no matter what you do to stop it!

With the rod and reel combination some fish just cannot be stopped at all. I had this with a carp at Lac du Salagou in France where the rod was a 2 and 3 quarter pound test curve top and middle action rod and the line was 15 pound test. This fish simply ran in a straight line with the rod beyond its test curve until the line broke when it run out at the reel. And this fish was a carp because it was seen on the surface very early in the fight.

Another example of where power is needed is at Rainbow Lake in France in 2005. Here not only did industrial thickness sized 2 hooks get opened up and 15 pound rated brand new line get easily snapped, but very highly rated rods used, immediately went straight past their test curves and were absolutely useless and powerless to prevent some extremely heavy carp from running into sunken tree snags.

On this water, even where rods were tied to their rests and to the ground and Shimano bait runner reel clutches were screwed up tightly, a couple of runs even at over 200 yards away, were so amazingly powerful, that the rod and clutch still had no initial effect whatsoever in slowing the fish. The rods used were original Rod Hutchinson Dream makers at 13 foot and 3 and a half pound test curve, on 80 pound braid mainline.

It must be added that one fish lost in the last trip was certainly the big one which is now the 87 pound record. This fish made its way into a sunken tree and despite having it actually just 1 foot below the surface, it was impossible to land as the line was angled between 2 branches whose side branches made it impossible to net the fish.

Very possibly, with more powerful rods, the initial run could well have been slowed and those snags would not have been reached. However, most fish know to run directly for cover (dependant on line angles, rod pressure and so on) and know exactly where safety is too! When those carp are over 60 and 70 pounds and more, the right choice of rod is absolutely essential!

A friend of mine who is a much respected rod builder learnt from my lesson and designed his own amazingly powerful reverse taper rods for just this situation. (Fishing near entire sunken trees on a newly discovered Bulgarian big fish water.) His reward was the new lake record at the time, at around 65 pounds, was actually extracted from between whole mature sunken trees in the swim.

It needs stating here of course, that there is a line to be drawn between fishing in near snag situations with the safety of the fish in mind and using fish safe tackle, (like lead release clips for example) and that of fishing at all costs which may result in damage, or suffering to the fish.

In the Rainbow Lake swim situation I felt I had rods powerful enough for the job because I had been able to control pretty swiftly, a string of carp hooked in the UK of over 40 pounds and a good number of catfish too from 50 to over 100 pounds. The feeling was that if the rods could slow a 70 pound catfish on its first run, then they should do the same for carp of the same size when fishing near sunken trees. Was I was totally mistaken or what!!!

(Large water carp tend to move around very much and are in many cases very fit and lean fish compared to smaller water fish. If you have never hooked carp way over 50 pounds then it is rather like a 100 meter champion sprinting away from you with you fishing line attached the initial quickness speed and momentum is not normal!)

The rods used specifically for catfish these days, are to me much more like boat rods for sea fishing and really need to be! The test curves on them and their action require such devastating power, often to counteract the steaming run of a catfish over 7 feet long, but also the possible run of river currents too.

In my humble experience, playing catfish is never the same as playing carp, or most other species as you are up against; a curling backward swimming, bottom hugging, 7 foot long muscle! Therefore its horses for courses. A When hooked from the bank side a giant catfish equals a very physical tug of war. The word playing probably more applies to your fancy footwork and your feet are usually digging at the ground to stop you being pulled over or pulled in!

Its the same with a boat hooked giant catfish. I hooked one in the UK once which took me to every corner of a 6 acre reservoir against a strong wind too and never gave up. This fish has never been netted or banked and its my certain belief that this fish is the biggest in the UK by a very large margin... I landed the 2 of around (or over) 100 pounds from the infamous Oak Lodge and the power of this other fish was in a totally different league...

If you are angling for very big fish and you know your tackle may not be quite adequate, change it immediately. Its just not worth deluding yourself. There are many popular rod brands which are just not up to the job of controlling big fish like 100 pound catfish or crazy fighting 70 pound plus carp. They were never designed for that.

In the States for example, there must be countless waters which could hold new records with extremely big unknown carp and catfish cruising around in them, but because of various tackle issues and lack of angler experience in playing extremely big fish, very, very frequently these occasions when such fish get hooked, theyre lost. Such fish can take on mythical status!

I would look at the tool for the job extremely seriously and if you feel there is no suitable rod available for the situation and size and raw power of fish expected to be encountered then get them custom built. I hooked a fish at Dream Lakes years ago, at a time when a legendary estimated 70 pound carp called the Dolphin existed.

I actually saw it head and shoulder in my swim and very close in too. I nearly fell over backwards as my jaw hit the deck at the size of it! (It was just too big to be real.) I had photographed carp to over 55 pounds previously and had thought that looked big. I noticed it left no ripples at all as it sank. This was one very clever fish.

Just 10 minutes later as I still was wondering if it was a dream, (and still cranking my eyes back in having stuck out on stalks,) I got a take the violence and speed of which Id never experienced until one particularly incredibly powerful one at Rainbow Lake.

The fish just ran so fast and hard it charged head-first through every very heavy weed bed in front of me, for a distance of about 75 yards before changing direction, and leaving the dropped hook in the weed.

The following day, I easily landed the Dream Lake 1 catfish record of a mere 27 pounds. Again, the rod was great for a fish of 20 to 30 odd pounds, but utterly useless when it really mattered with a very seriously big carp!

Various highly skilled individuals and rod companies will do this for you. For example Nick Buss is a leading light in this respect in the UK and has a range of custom built rods which are in the top rank in world performance carp rods.

Top class rods have a vastly superior action and give you incredible control of fish, sensitivity and lightness and greater casting accuracy, and ability to cast great distance while play fish superbly at close range, among many other benefits.

I just wish Id got some before I went to Rainbow Lake, but fishing is a funny game...

The author has many more fishing and bait edges up his sleeve. Every single one can have a huge impact on catches. (Warning: This article is protected by copyright.)

By Tim Richardson.

For the unique and acclaimed new massive expert bait making bible ebook / book:

Tim Richardson is a carp and catfish homemade bait-making expert, and a highly successful big fish angler. His bait making and bait enhancing books / ebooks:

BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS! SEE:

http://www.baitbigfish.com

* Are even used by members of the world elite British Carp Study Group for expert reference. Gain from more understanding, expert bait making experience, powerful insights and cutting edge information; view this dedicated bait making secrets website.

shimano fishing

Wednesday, 7 January 2009

Rapala Collectibles Limited 1st Edition Fishing Figurine 'Jim's Bait'

Rapala Collectible First Edition Figurine named Jim's Bait. Jim's Bait is part of the Tackleshop Series. This figurine comes with it's own Certificate of Authenticity and in it's original box. It can either lat flat or hung on the wall. It is 7 inches wide. This work is issued in a strictly limited edition of 3000 after which the master mold will be destroyed to preserve the integrity of the edition. Get them while you still can, before it's too late! NOTE: THIS DOES NOT COME WITH A DISPLAY STAND (ON THE BACK OF THE BOX IT SAYS IT COMES WITH A STAND BUT IT DOES NOT)


Hi Lee Palm/Red Rooster crew(San Diego - California).. Keep my rail spot cool for me - won't you?

Fishing Report from Nassau Bahamas (8-10-2000)(Thursday)(Air Temperature 92 degrees. Water temp. mid 80s degrees). Clear skies, no wind and burning hot sun. Caught two Yellowfins in the 60-pound range that almost sent me to the hospital.

Caught 2 YFY on Thursday - fishing "solo" aboard my WellCraft Scarab that had just been repowered with two 225 Evinrude fichts (cost was $28,000 including the installation).

Both YFT went about 70#s each (83 pounds of filet). Drift fished with fresh/frozen squid to start. Began fishing at 9:30AM and quit at 2PM.

As I arrived at the US Navys AUTEC buoy 10 miles offshore (a practice area for the US Navys nuclear subs which show up on the surface now and then)(the AUTEC buoy is in 6,000 feet of water) Capt. Robbie New (from Trinidad) of the "Little Trick" was just starting to fish.

For the first hour all I managed was a 2 pound jack that I later used for bait.

Robbie was having no luck either, but we saw several 50# YFTs come high out of the water several times, so that kept us anticipating.

At around 11:00 AM my bow rod with 80 pound test line and 80# green Berkley trilene leader, with a small Mustard circle hook on the end (with a 100# test Sampo swivel in between) went off.

I had just seen a big YFT fly through the area minutes before, and I was thinking I had him or his cousin for sure. The line screamed out, and the fish ran deep. Everything pointed to a YFT, but after about 10 minutes I saw a 25 pound foot shark on my line, hooked right in the mouth with the circle hook.

Leaving the shark on the line in the rodholder, I sat down for a drink of water out of a gallon plastic jug in my cooler.

Cut him loose, I thought to myself. But, then I remembered how many YFTs Id caught using shark as bait, and went to take another look at him. He was a good 4 feet long. Normally too big to bother with, but the fishing was slow, and I decided to take him.

Even though I knew he would thrash about crazy-like when I gaffed him, I decided to go for it, but I missed my 5-foot long fishbox, and watched him go bonkers on my deck, as I hustled to slide him into the Scarabs 2-1/2 foot deep fishbox.

By 12 noon I switched from "squid" to the fresh jack for bait on all three of my poles. By now, the shark was dead, so I dragged him to the stern and started to filet him throwing bits and pieces of shark meat overboard with plenty of blood being washed overboard with my saltwater thru-hull washdown pump.

I filleted one side of the shark, took the skin and cut it into 5 pieces, and through it over the side. All the time washing the blood and guts overboard. I cut the sharks giant liver into small pieces, and watched them float on the surface as I slowly drifted along towards to AUTEC Buoy.

Within 5 minutes of cutting into this shark, the bow line went off "screaming". This time I knew it was probably a YFT. The fish had hit the 80# test trilene line on a 5-1/2 foot Palm Beach tuna rod, held in a Perko side mount rodholder.

I immediately scrambled about for my harness and playmate belt. Several times the YFT would stop his run deep, and Id reel the line in fast to make sure there was no slack in the line, and smiled when I felt his weight again on my pole.

But, it was 95 degrees in the sun, and I was about to expedience something in 8 years of YFT fishing (and over 350 caught and landed), that was going to make this no ordinary day on the water.

After picking up the rod and snapping into the harness, I began the slow process of bringing him to color. I was grateful he had picked the rod with the 80# test line, as the other two reels (Shimano graphite a Penn 30W) had 50# test Trilene (Big Game) line, and fighting a YFT on 50# test line is a completely different ball game.

Fifteen minutes into the struggle, my thumb (on the reel) got an awful cramp, and actually stuck to my palm. I couldnt understand why this was happening, but kept going attempting to shake off the cramp.

A few minutes later the cramps spread to my forearm then up to my biceps. Im 220 pounds, a former HS All American swimmer, and 4 time NY State gold medallist, so Id been through tough workouts, but this was something I never dealt with.

Even my legs were cramping up. There was no wind, no cover from my bimini top, and it was 95 degrees in the shade. It all added up to one thing - "Heat Exhaustion".

To cool off I tried stepped into a 5-gallon bucket of saltwater, but this didnt help one iota. My feet were also too big for the bucket.

In addition, I was getting unusually tired FAST. HEAT EXHAUSTION had set in, and was challenging me like "The old man and the sea".

It took me 55 minutes to land this 70-pound YFT, but I finally got him in the boat. Boy, was I relieved.

Usually I wash all the blood off my boat immediately upon landing a fish, but this time I went to the stern, turned on the saltwater pump, sat on my cooler, and just let that saltwater run over my head for 5 minutes. I finished off about 3/4 of that gallon jug of water too.

As I slowly headed back in the direction of Capt. Robbies "Little Trick", the cool air hitting my Toronto Raptor NBA Jersey (#14 worn by Vince Carter) made me feel much better, but I still wasnt 100%.

By the way, you might want to purchase one of these NBA "Jerseys sometime. Youll know why the NBA uses them. They are 1000 times cooler than anything cotton or other material. I have a Lakers #34 too. My favorite.

I waved at Capt. Robbie, as I passed slowly off his stern, and he shouted "I thought you were fighting 2 YFT, you were gone so long."

Anyway, I set up again to try for another (YFT).

Now Im using white shark chunks on all my hooks, and chunking with the fresh shark as the lines are let out.

About 45 minutes later, the stern line goes off screaming. This is my Penn 30 International with no leader and 50# Trilene line no swivel. Christ, I said to myself, why did this fish do this to me?

The hook on this line was only a #4 Mustard live bait hook - that you can buy 50 to a package for under $10 at Wal-Mart or K-Mart.

This was going to be a whole new "ballgame". Im going to have to be "gentle" on the drag or hell bite through the trilene, or pull the hook.

As it turned out, I eventually got this YFT to color after over one hour. I experienced the same cramps as before, and at one point on this fish I thought about "giving up".

It wasnt the fact that I get $6 a pound for the fillet (from my restaurant friends) that kept me at the rail, but the thought of cutting a YFT off was out of the question.

After gaffing this 70# YFT and pulling him over the gunwale, I trolled by Robbie (who stayed until 7PM and caught not a one) and waved saying Im going home.

True Story.

THE END

Capt. Solo aka Tom Azzara
Boat "the Taxman"
Nassau, Bahamas
British Commonwealth territory
(not part of the "East Coast")

Tom's Fishing Gallery.

http://endtaxes.com/images/gallery.html

Take a break, and check out these pictures from the 6th annual Billabong's fishing tournament held in Nassau, in the sunny, tax free Bahamas.

click onto (or browser it) below....

http://endtaxes.com/images/gallery2.html

From: Lee Palm Long Range Sportfishers

TRIP #14; August 6th to August 11th 5-Day Trip:

The second of the three back-to-back 5-dayers in the Red Rooster III's summer schedule once again provided outstanding fishing for her passengers. Chuck Melber of Agoura CA led the way with a 84.1 lb. bluefin tuna to take the jackpot, followed by a 79.8 lb. bigeye for Justin Christensen of Newbury Park CA and a 73 lb. bluefin for Joe Stickles of Orange CA. "It was good consistent action throughout the trip" noted captain Andy Cates. "Some days seemed wilder than others of course, but looking back on the trip I'd say that there was good consistent fishing the whole way through."

The trip fished as far down as Guadalupe Island for some excellent grade yellowfin, but the albacore grounds closer to home yeilded limits of the longfins and a good take on the bigger bluefin as well. "We had some really exceptional moments," noted co-captain Jeff DeBuys, "but none
quite as surprising as the second-place jackpot bigeye landed by Justin . When we got that puppy to color we knew we had found some quality fishing for our guys. It was definitely a notable fish, and in the end it added nicely to our trophy bluefin count." This, combined with the quality-sized albacore had by all, gave the Rooster yet another in her long string of exceptional long range adventures.

FISH COUNT: LIMITS OF ALBACORE, 52 BLUEFIN TUNA, 49 YELLOWFIN TUNA, 45
YELLOWTAIL AND 1 BIGEYE.

Thomas Azzara
New Providence Estate Planners, Ltd.
54 Sandyport Drive
P.O. Box CB 11552
Nassau, Bahamas
Fax/phone: (242) 327-7359
e-mail: taxman@batelnet.bs

http://www.bahamasbahamas.com/

shimano fishing