October Freshwater Fly of the Month: Fish Skull Forage Fly

October Freshwater Fly of the Month: Fish Skull Forage Fly

The Forage Fly™ combines the unique features of the Fish-Skull™ head with natural body materials and a “frantic tail” to create an incredibly authentic baitfish imitation that is as versatile as it is realistic. While originally designed to target river species, such as trout and smallmouth bass, this pattern has proven itself equally effective at catching a broad range of many other fresh and saltwater species.

The Fish Skull Forage Fly imitates shad, a favorite of predatory fish. This is a perfect streamer pattern for small mouth bass or large trout in big water like the Clinch River, Caney Fork, and Hiwassee with generators running. This fly also has applications for anyone who chases stripers with a fly rod.

“This incredible baitfish imitation is a staple in my repertoire of bass flies and has proven itself time and again as the number one big fish fly on the New River—a world class ‘smallie’ destination. While some anglers may have a tendency to ‘overwork’ the fly by fishing it in short, fast strips much like they might other weighted streamers, the secret is to make long, deliberate strips, allowing the natural action of the pattern to work. Because of the subtle tail motion, the most effective presentation is created by mending the line while sight fishing the fly as it gradually descends in the water column and setting the hook abruptly when it disappears! And, best of all, the Forage Fly works equally well for many other fresh and saltwater species.” – Mike Smith, New River Fly Fishing

• Fish-Skull head

• Natural materials

• Mustad 3366 1/0 hook

October Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bandit 200 Series Chartreuse

October Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bandit 200 Series Chartreuse

Whether you're a pro or just a weekend fisherman, Bandit Lures prides themselves on being able to help take your fishing to the next level.  That's because a Bandit is everything you'll need in a quality crankbait - state of the art molding, premium grade plastics, multi-coat gloss paint.  And, with a complete selection of 51 stock colors, 12 body styles, and twelve different depth ranges, there's a lure to match any fishing condition.  Plus, a Bandit always runs true right out of the box.

 Bandit Crankbaits are some of the most popular crankbaits with experienced anglers for a reason - and it's not just because they are one of the most affordable crankbaits on the market. Featuring a compact shad-shape, with a wide wobble and loud internal rattles, the Bandit Crankbaits have all of the fish attracting features available in a crankbait. Combined with infinite color schemes to match to your local forage, there is a Bandit Crankbait for your situation. Super durable as well, you can bounce it off of every rock, stump or branch you see and it will still look good and swim like it's supposed to. Match up a Bandit Crankbait Series with the depth you want, a color scheme for where you're fishing - and go catch some fish.

About the Bandit Series 200 Crankbait:
Bandit Series 200 Crankbait - The 200 series crankbaits are 2" long and run 4' to 8' deep. This is the best seller of all the Bandit crankbaits. It is an excellent search bait in the spring and fall. It runs as true as any lure made.  

• Premium grade plastics
• Multi-coat gloss paint colors
• State of the art molding
• Dives 4' - 8'

October Saltwater Lure of the Month: Clarkspoons Classic for Game Fish

October Saltwater Lure of the Month: Clarkspoons Classic for Game Fish

"These spoons catch everything ! They work so good it's hard to try anything else love then even for trolling work like magic!! Gotta have them!"

"The standard of the Clarkspoon family"

The Clarkspoon company was founded in America in 1927 and sought to create a series of better saltwater spoons for offshore fishermen.  In the nearly 100 years since the companies inception, the company has created dozens and dozens of innovative new baits, including (of course) the original Clarkspoon, but also Flashspoons, Spoon Squids, Clark Caster, Mackerel Duster, Mackerel Tree, Trolling Sinkers and many others.  Their attention to detail and quality have allowed them to stay ahead of the competition 

The Clark Spoon original is a legendary spoon that has stood the test of time.  With a fast action and strong life like motion designed to be trolled or casted, this bait is a favorite of blues.  It's also a a hands down favorite for Spanish Mackerel, Striper, and other game fish.  They are proven for both salt and freshwater fishing.  

Equipped with special built-in swivel with red bead and reinforced strong, stainless steel hooks, the fast acting lures feature a bright finish and a fast live action flutter.  Rigged Silver Clark Spoon is tied with a 24-ft., 30-lb. test leader and a No. 3 snap swivel. Wound on a 4" wheel.

Available in both chrome and gold.

FEATURES:

• Original Clarkspoons
• Fast-acting with realistic motion
• Great for trolling or casting
• Chrome or gold plated
• Built-in swivel with red beads
• Stainless steel Eagle Claw® hooks
• Clarkspoon

September Saltwater Lure of the Month: Wizard Custom Tackle's Double Header Jigging Spoon

September Saltwater Lure of the Month: Wizard Custom Tackle's Double Header Jigging Spoon

DOUBLE HEADER JIGGING SPOON Hand Made in the U.S.A. The Double Header Jigging Spoon is designed to have two different actions.

1)Head first as packaged works especially well around deep water docks and breakwaters like those normally found at the dam end of most highland reservoirs. The Double Header Jigging Spoon is particularly effective when pitched into the dock wells or along the breakwater and allowed to fall to the desired depth. Then sweep the spoon up and allow it to fall back,producing a reaction strike. The unique design of the Double Header Spoon allows it to swim back under docks and floating breakwaters. Fishing the Double Header with the stinger hook provided can produce two fish at a time action.

2)Switching the hooks to the opposite end creates a more controlled subtle action particularly effective on fish schooled under bait fish. This method is very effective around bridge piling sand standing timber. You can take two at a time when used with the stinger hook provided.

3)The third method can be used with either hook placement. Simply drop the spoon to the bottom and hop or stroke the spoon up, then allow it to fall back. Look for fish on under waterhumps, creek channel bends or points and bluff ends. Strike usually occurs at the top of your lift or as the spoon falls back in all three methods. Follow your spoon as it falls on a slightly slack line to allow the spoon to produce its maximum action. Watch your line for any indication of a strike or hesitation in the spoons fall.STRIKE IMMEDIATELY!TIP: You can affect the spoons rate of fall by changing the line weight you use for example changing the line from 12 lbs test to 17 or 20 lbs test will slow the rate of fall. Going lighter will cause the spoon to fall faster. Effective on all species of game fish.

September Freshwater Fly of the Month: Blue Winged Olive

September Freshwater Fly of the Month: Blue Winged Olive

Any good angler knows that it is important to know the tendencies and seasons of the flies in the area they fish in.  But the blue wing olive mayflies are a unique fly, because you will find them at almost every month of the year, wherever you are.  The blue wing olive mayfly looks like a tiny, greenish gray sailboat on the water to the human eye, but to the trout - that sailboat looking fly with wings that are light gray to black looks like lunch! The olives typically hatch and then swim to the surface.  After swimming to the surface, they split their nymphal shells and emerge as winged insects.  The blue wing olives are prime trout food from fall through spring. This gives anglers a distinct advantage over other anglers, as the flies are a sure shot at rising fish at almost any time of the day (particularly effective during the warmest part of the day).

The key to success is to wade as closely as possible to the rising fish, and then target individual fish (as opposed to shooting into a group of the risers).  By watching the individual fish, you can see what stage of the hatch the fish is keying on and where in the current he is feeding.  Be patient! With careful observation, you can pick out the largest fish in the pool and then specifically target it.  Try to position yourself slightly upstream and across so that you can make a fly first downstream presentation to the trout.  

The Blue Wing Olive Spinner Secret (from Hunting and Fishing Suite 101)

Within 24 hours, the spinners mate and fly to the river's surface to lay eggs and die. On many days, the spinners land on the water's surface at the same time the immature nymphs hatch into duns. Anglers see the upright wings of the duns - and tie on a dry fly with an upright wing.  Most anglers miss the secret part of the blue wing olive hatch. The adult blue wing olives that survive the trout fly off to streamside brush and molt into the sexually mature insect, which is called a spinner. Spinners have bright, clear wings and big eyes.  Few anglers see the spinners - with clear, almost invisible wings - sprawled flat on the surface at the same time.  But the trout - especially the bigger, warier fish - see them just fine, and they lock onto the safer, easier prey.Tie on a spinner - such as a Hackle Spinner - and watch tough trout get much easier!

Fishing Gifts for Fishing Enthusiasts!

www.FishingEnthusiast.com

August Freshwater Lure of the Month: Storm Rockin Shad

August Freshwater Lure of the Month: Storm Rockin Shad

The Classic Thin Fin profile goes lipless with the Strom Rockin’ Shad Lipless Crankbait. Offering a strong vibrating body, the Rockin’ Shad’s multi-ball rattle is raspy and loud when ripped or retrieved. On the fall, the Rockin’ Shad sinks head down with a side to side “Rockin” action, transmitting an intermittent cadence rattle. Graced with external scales and 3D Holographic Eyes, the Rockin’ Shad’s exterior adds a sense of realism. Backed with premium black nickel VMC treble hooks, the Storm Rockin’ Shad means business. Available in a variety of killer colors, the Storm Rockin’ Shad is ready to Rock!

Features:

• Loud rattler with classic Thin Fin profile
• Strong vibrating action with normal retrieve or ripping technique
• On the drop the bait sinks head down with side to side rockin’ action
• Variable dive and depth sinking lure
• Great search bait for bass and pike- throw this on the end of your line and you will surely get bit!

Review from Kevin Bullington:

"Very thick bait.  With a thicker bait, you get a harder rocking crank bait.  So, some people like this because you can feel every bit of it.  Most crankbaits you can feel really well, but with this one there is a little more rock to it, a little more thickness to it.  Generally speaking, lipless crankbaits are great casting baits, and this bait is one of the better if not the top 3 lipless crankbaits for casting performance."

To learn more click below!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAP1FjTKGJA

August Saltwater Lure of the Month: Kinchou Minnow Redhead

August Saltwater Lure of the Month: Kinchou Minnow Redhead

We are very excited at this month's selection for Lure of the Month.  The Matzuo Kinchou Minnow is a newly launched lure from the Matzuo Tournament collection, and boy is it a winner! This new launch has struck a fear in the rest of the hard bait market - especially with the fish!

The New Kinchou Minnow launched it's signature flared bloody red gills, high pitched rattle, and seductive curves and lip to create a frenzied panic in the water that has never been witnessed before.  It is an aggressive diver with maximum wobble action covering the widest range of water depths from four to 20 feet – crank it or deep water troll. 

The Kinchou features the nervousness of an eccentric baitfish with its curved body and incredible wide wobble! Its aggressive wobble action will receive much attention as it swims thru the water. With its wide wobble, it creates a different resonate sound - different from any other baits. Retrieve or Troll - Fast or Slow! The Kinchou creates a high resonating rattle created by the stainless steel bearings chambered inside the body. The pitch of these bearings is highly attractive to both active and neutral fish

The Matzuo company adds: “This distressed beauty is perfectly balanced to float at rest or take off and dive when retrieved. Fish don’t stand a chance!"

 Marianne Huskey, Professional Walleye Angler and the recipient of the prestigious Anglers Insight Marketing Angler of the Year Award for 2012:

“I am very excited to be working with Matzuo America® and their line of innovative fishing products,” Marianne Huskey commented. “I am most excited to start promoting and fishing with the new Matzuo Kinchou Minnow. It is a perfect hardbait for beginners to professional anglers to experience all the excitement that hooking a trophy fish brings.”