August 2013 Freshwater Fly of the MOnth: Gold Bead Hare's Ear Nymph

The Hare's Ear nymph is a fly fishing lure that is fished below the surface. It is thus a wet fly or nymph.  It is an older pattern that imitates a variety of aquatic life, including scuds, sow bugs, mayfly nymphs, and caddis larvae.This month's Freshwater Fly of the Month is a  "bling" version of the famous Hare's Ear with lots of flash, gold bead body and head. This nymph fly pattern is great for prospecting in off color water when you need a little something to get their attention.  Add a gold bead to the popular Hare's Ear nymph, and you have an irresistible combination. A favorite of trout anglers, this pattern has hare's mask guard hairs on the tail and natural hare's ear dubbing on the abdomen. The gold bead adds extra weight, allowing the fly to sink faster, and it adds extra flash. 
A favorite among fly anglers in the bead head version. The shaggy hare ear dubbing and squirell tail gives this fly the "buggy" look.

Along with the Prince and Pheasant Tail nymphs the Bead Head Hare's Ear is one of the vital classic nymph patterns for most trout waters. Hares ear dubbing gives this fly a buggy look that is irresistable to fish looking for drifting mayfly nymphs. Use this Hare's Ear pattern where more robust shaped mayflies are present or simply rely on the attractive properties of this proven fish catcher.

Add a gold bead to the popular Hare's Ear nymph, and you have an irresistible combination. A favorite of trout anglers, this pattern has hare's mask guard hairs on the tail and natural hare's ear dubbing on the abdomen. The gold bead adds extra weight, allowing the fly to sink faster, and it adds extra flash. Per 12. Tactics:When this fly is immersed, the stiff fibers in the dubbing stand out and imitate the legs of an insect. Fish this fly below the surface with or without a small strike indicator and split-shot to help it sink. It is an effective pattern throughout the year because it covers a broad spectrum of prey that are active in every season.

How to Tie

August Saltwater Lure of the Month: Rapala X-Rap XR12 Lures

August Saltwater Lure of the Month: Rapala X-Rap XR12 Lures

The Rapala X-Rap is the dream lure of the 21st century. It is where technical innovation meets Rapala fishing smarts to create a lure like nothing that has hit the water before.

Its premium finish includes prominent scales and lateral line on the fuselage to capture and flash light like a beacon. This Rapala slashbait cuts, darts and slashes its way through the water. Intended for trout and panfish, with an internal long-cast system built in, fishing the X-Rap XR12 will get any angler's adrenaline pumping.
These are suspending baits, whose natural buoyancy suspends the lure during pauses in the retrieve. 

Suspending X-Rap® Saltwater lures are designed to be cast or trolled and display the X-Rap Attitude these baits are known for. Built to withstand saltwater fisheries with Perma Steel 3X hooks, these baits can be cast or trolled. Rip ‘em for xtreme, erratic Slashbait® action or troll for classic Rapala ® “wounded-minnow” action. Prominent scales and lateral line, internal holographic foil for optimum flash combine with internal long-cast system and 3D holographic eyes to create the ultimate fishing lure. Hand-tuned and tank-tested for premium performance right out of the box.

Additional features of these baits include the following:

• Flash foil teaser tail simulates the flash and movement of live forage

• Premium Pyramid Point hooks

• Internal long-cast weight system with large tungsten rattle mechanism

• Stainless steel through-wire construction for superior structural support

• Super strong, rust resistant split rings

• 3D holographic eyes

• Internal holographic foil for optimum flash

• Textured translucent body for life-like presentation

• Slashbait action has hard-cutting, aggressive, darting action

August Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bandit 300 Series Crankbait

August 2013 Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bandit 300 Series Crankbait

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.

There's nothing sneaky about the way these cranks catch fish! Bandit lures always run true right out of the box, and have the ability to steal you a tournament win anytime. Bandit's 300 Series Crankbaits scream for attention and are great for casting parallel to steep rocky shorelines. Producing an extra-wide wobble and offering a loud, fish-attracting rattle, these Bandit 300 Series crankbaits really bring the strikes home!

 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 300 Crankbaits
The 300 series crankbaits are 2 inches long and run 8 to 12 feet deep. This crankbait is primarily designed for deep water fish holding on drops or below bait schools. Great for casting parallel to steep rocky shorelines. The 300 series crankbaits can reach deep fish, yet present a small baitfish profile that can trigger strikes from fish not actively feeding. This lure is also very popular to troll for crappie. 

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  Depth: 8 - 12 ft
  Weight: 3/8 oz
  Length: 2"