December Saltwater Lure of the Month: Boone Sundance Popper

December Saltwater Lure of the Month

Boone Sundance Popper

Over 70 years ago, a young boy in Charleston, South Carolina received a fly-tying kit from his parents.  This boy, Don Boone, had a natural gift for fly tying and was tying beautiful flies by the age of 12.  His father and his father’s friends loved his flies and would pay him small sums to make them flies for their fishing trips.  The more word spread, the more flies young Don would make.  And so, at the ripe age of 15, a business was born.

In 1953, Don moved to Florida and formed the Boone Bait Company.  He joined forces with his wife Vera and his friends Joseph and Arlyne Showalter, with both couples taking equal shares in the company.  Their first factory was an airport hanger on Highway 50 at a small airport in Orlando. The company quickly grew and became appealing to a businessman named Peter Foley from Norwalk, Connecticut who purchased the company and continues to be the president today.  Boone lures are now available in more than 65 countries and hold the distinction of being the first lure company to produce soft plastic baits.

The Boone Sundance Popper is one of Boone’s most popular saltwater poppers today. When worked through the water, it looks like a strobe light because of the mirrors on the body. Thru-wire attached to two triple strength Mustad hooks. The flash from the mirrors triggers the feeding instinct of game fish. The lure is made of solid space-age plastic that will not absorb water and has a stainless steel wire frame. Attached to the frame are added action and color. A Killer lure for Striped Bass.

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December Freshwater Lure of the Month: Dardevle

December 2015

Freshwater Lure of the Month:

DARDEVLE

The creator of the Dardevle, Lou Eppinger, was making his living as a taxidermist in SE Michigan at the end of the 1800’s.  When Eppinger’s business hit somewhat of a slump, he decided to sell lures alongside his taxidermy services in order to help make ends meet.  As the tackle end of his business grew, Eppinger soon began to experiment with lures of his own design.  While on a fishing trip in the Canadian woods, Eppinger took along a spoon he had handcrafted back in Michigan.  He was pleasantly surprised with the results.  Eppinger particularly liked the long distances he could cast his lure—even into a stiff wind.  On top of everything, Eppinger’s prototype actually caught more fish than any other bait he fished on the trip.

After quite a bit of tinkering, Eppinger’s first lure made its official American debut in 1912.  Initially Eppinger called his lure the Osprey.  Eight years later, Eppinger changed the name of his wonder-lure to the Dardevle after the Marines, who had been nicknamed the “Dare Devils” for their feats of bravery in the first World War.  Today, Eppinger’s trademark red-and-white stripped Dardevle is perhaps the most recognizable and omnipresent lures ever to hit the fishing scene.  Alongside his trademark paint scheme, anglers will find dozens of color and size combinations.  Although all the colors have their fans, FE is partial to the classic red-and-white.

Featured lure: Dardevle

Created by: Lou Eppinger

Created: c. 1912

Manufacturer: Eppinger Manufacturing Company

Type: Spoon

Technique:

While this lure is not considered to be the most versatile of all lures, as many anglers will confirm, it’s highly effective when others simply are not.  The Dardevle can be relied upon to be a good selection for a broad number of species when fished with a consistent, moderate to rapid retrieve.  If you haven’t used the Dardevle while trolling, you could be in for a surprise.

December Freshwater Fly of the Month: Hemmingway Caddis

December Freshwater Fly of the Month: Hemmingway Caddis

The Hemingway Caddis is a variation of the Henryville, developed by Mike Lawson, with a Peacock Thorax and a Blue Dun Hackle for both the collar hackle and the palmered rib. It was named for Jack Hemingway, son of Ernest Hemingway, who preferred this variation when he fished the Henry's Fork in Idaho as he thought the Henryville Special was a little too brown in coloration.

The Hemingway Caddis is often used within Sierran streams, particularly Spring Creeks and slow-moving waters. Lawson usually ties the Quill Wings with two segments having the convex sides facing each other with some overlap. This is a quill flatwing style. Often, you will also see this pattern tied with one segment in a "Tent" style similar to the Kings River Caddis.

Either way, the quill wings provide a very good caddis sillouette. The colors of the hackle and body can be matched to the caddis found on the water.

The Hemingway Caddis has a extremely realistic narrow wing profile, is heavily hackled for good skittering and its charcoal color tone matches many real caddis. This is an excellent pattern to pull out when you have a late evening caddis hatch coming off. The darker color really shows up well in flat light and the profile is a dead-on match.

This is a very realistic looking dry caddis. It will float well in both still water and fast bubbling streams. It truly is a pattern Hemingway himself would be proud to fish with.

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!

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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.”

August Freshwater Fly of the Month: Wooly Bugger Bead Head

August Freshwater Fly of the Month: Wooly Bugger Bead Head

The woolly bugger is always listed as one of the top ten flies you should have in your fly box. This is one of the most productive and popular wet flies for a variety of species of fish. The woolly bugger is an awesome sub-surface fly that imitates a variety of baits. Leeches, minnows, nymphs, and sculpins begins the list of what this fly can represent to a hungry trout, steelhead, bass or panfish.

"The Woolly Bugger is so effective, it should be banned from some watersheds. I suspect its effectiveness is due to its resemblance to so many edible creatures in the water--nymphs, leeches, salamanders, or even small sculpins. Its tail undulating behind a fiber, bubble-filled body is just too much for most fish to resist. It just looks like a meal!" – Bill Hunter, The Professionals' Favorite Flies

Trout spend most of their time on the bottom of rivers, near the rocks and in the cover of structure.  The advantage to anglers using bead-head flies, is the fact that the weight of the bead, sinks the fly. Bead-head flies can be especially effective in rivers with fast, deep water. Keeping your hooks around the fish is a sure way to get more strikes, and ultimately, catch more fish. 

Most anglers would agree that a common nymph rig with an indicator and additional weight is perhaps the easiest way to catch fish in moving water. However, many sporting fly fishers also enjoy fishing a large dry fly with a bead-head dropper attached.

Bead-headed flies became popular in the eighties and have been catching fish since then. Bright gold, silver and copper metal beads are most commonly used, but flies that include glass beads are also very effective.

Every conceivable nymph pattern has been tied with a bead at some point. Mayflies, stoneflies, midges, and many more imitations of aquatic species have bead-head variations. Limited only by imagination, beads can be used in many ways to add to the effectiveness of a fly. As the popularity of flies with beads increases, bead manufacturers have begun to increase a fly tier's options with colorfully anodized and painted versions. 

July Freshwater Fly of the Month: Hemmingway Caddis

July Freshwater Fly of the Month: Hemmingway Caddis

The Hemingway Caddis is a variation of the Henryville, developed by Mike Lawson, with a Peacock Thorax and a Blue Dun Hackle for both the collar hackle and the palmered rib. It was named for Jack Hemingway, son of Ernest Hemingway, who preferred this variation when he fished the Henry's Fork in Idaho as he thought the Henryville Special was a little too brown in coloration.

The Hemingway Caddis is often used within Sierran streams, particularly Spring Creeks and slow-moving waters. Lawson usually ties the Quill Wings with two segments having the convex sides facing each other with some overlap. This is a quill flatwing style. Often, you will also see this pattern tied with one segment in a "Tent" style similar to the Kings River Caddis.

Either way, the quill wings provide a very good caddis sillouette. The colors of the hackle and body can be matched to the caddis found on the water.

The Hemingway Caddis has a extremely realistic narrow wing profile, is heavily hackled for good skittering and its charcoal color tone matches many real caddis. This is an excellent pattern to pull out when you have a late evening caddis hatch coming off. The darker color really shows up well in flat light and the profile is a dead-on match.

This is a very realistic looking dry caddis. It will float well in both still water and fast bubbling streams. It truly is a pattern Hemingway himself would be proud to fish with.

July Saltwater Lure of the Month: Boone Needlefish

July Saltwater Lure of the Month: Boone Needlefish

Over 70 years ago, a young boy in Charleston, South Carolina received a fly-tying kit from his parents.  This boy, Don Boone, had a natural gift for fly tying and was tying beautiful flies by the age of 12.  His father and his father’s friends loved his flies and would pay him small sums to make them flies for their fishing trips.  The more word spread, the more flies young Don would make.  And so, at the ripe age of 15, a business was born.

In 1953, Don moved to Florida and formed the Boone Bait Company.  He joined forces with his wife Vera and his friends Joseph and Arlyne Showalter, with both couples taking equal shares in the company.  Their first factory was an airport hanger on Highway 50 at a small airport in Orlando. The company quickly grew and became appealing to a businessman named Peter Foley from Norwalk, Connecticut who purchased the company and continues to be the president today.  Boone lures are now available in more than 65 countries and hold the distinction of being the first lure company to produce soft plastic baits.

Needlefish Jigs™: The Boone Needlefish Jig™ is a cost effective product that produces great results on a variety of bottom fish. Colorful abalone finishes are designed to attract and stimulate bone jarring, aggressive strikes. The slim, long hydrodynamic styling allows the Boone Needlefish Jig to drop quickly through the water column.

Each jig is pre-rigged with a VMC 3X treble hook. Hooks may be replaced with your favorite style and brand. Available in 8 sizes. From three inches long, 3/4 oz to eight inches long and 7 oz.

July Freshwater Lure of the Month: The Booyah Buzz

July Freshwater Lure of the Month: The Booyah Buzz

WARNING: THIS BAIT IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART!

This month's bait is the Booyah Buzz, part of the family of buzzbaits better known as "Heart Attack Lures"!  Why are they called heart attack lures?  The bait is designed to buzz along the water as you slowly trail it behind you.  The bait's gentle hum can lull you into a trance. Everything is so quiet and peaceful.  And then all of the sudden, "WHACK", a big bass has tried to swallow that bait whole.  I guarantee your heat rate will skyrocket! It is truly one of the most exciting baits on the market.

The Booyah Buzz was created by the Booyah Bait Co. Technically, a buzzbait is a metal-headed lure with a rotating propeller on a wire arm, similar to a spinnerbait. This kind of a lure is designed to run along the surface.  When a fisherman casts it out, he then can buzz it over stumps, logs, brush, grass, docks, and other shallow cover.  The sound lures the fish out from underneat.

Professional Angler Bernie Schulz of Gainesville, Florida uses this buzzbait when competing on the Bassmaster tournament trail.  "A buzzbait is good for covering a lot of water in a hurry. I use it when I think bass are feeding on or near the surface. Also, it's good for locating concentrations of bass that may be worked more efficiently with a slower lure like a plastic worm or a Slug-Go."

"And one more thing," Schulz went on. "A buzzbait is a great lure for catching big bass. Tournament fishermen use it for culling smaller fish after they've caught a limit. I don't know why, but a buzzbait definitely produces quality bites."

One final tip on the buzzbait: Rig another rod with a plastic worm or a Slug-Go, and keep it handy. Then, if a bass boils on your buzzbait and misses it, cast back with the buzzbait again. If there's no strike this time, make the next cast with your followup lure, and let it sink. Nine out of 10 times that bass is still there, and he'll inhale a bait that drops by his nose.

Enjoy the Booyah Buzz and Happy Fishing! Let me know what you catch!

David

FishingEnthusiast.com

June Saltwater Lure of the Month: Original MirroLure

June 

Saltwater Lure of the Month

MIRROLURE

The MirrOlure was invented by Harold LeMaster while he was still attending high school during the depth of the Great Depression.  While out walking one afternoon, LeMaster stumbled upon his future in the form of a fallen walnut tree.  Selecting a suitable portion of the tree, LeMaster carved the first version of his MirrOlure using broken glass and scraps of sandpaper.  He brought forth one lure and then dozens more, all carved by hand from the same walnut tree.  As the good word spread about his creation demand for the MirrOlure increased.  LeMaster soon partnered with a close relative to form the L & S Bait Company.  Today, the L& S is still responsible for painstakingly manufacturing this fantastic fish-taker.

Without question, the MirrOlure enclosed was the result of a burst of inspiration from a creative mind, and its handcrafted production was a labor of love.  Much of the hands on attention to the original prototype lives on today.  The L & S Bait Company puts the MirrOlure through no fewer than twenty-seven individual checkpoints in order to assure the highest level of quality possible.  Now primarily known as a productive saltwater lure, a significant segment of the MirrOlure’s market due to the lure’s durability and versatility, many freshwater anglers have rediscovered the MirrOlure.  The MirrOlure is yet another example of a true classic lure still hard at work for today’s anglers in all types of fishing conditions.

Featured Lure: The MirrOlure

Designer: Harold LeMaster

Manufacturer: L & S Bait Company

The Saltwater Lure of the Month Club is a great gift for the loved one in your life.  Sign up the angler in your life for this great fishing gift today!

www.FishingEnthusiast.com

June Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bomber Model A

June Freshwater Lure of the Month: Bomber Model A

If you were limited to only one crankbait, you'd do well making it a Model A Bomber ^TM. A staple crankbait with avid fishermen for decades, the Model A's timeless design, workhorse durability and true running dependability, define the meaning of a "Go To Fishing Lure."

Millions of anglers rely on the Bomber Model A to catch a variety of fish, from largemouth and smallmouth bass to white bass, walleye, stripers and more. With a variety of sizes and running depths, there’s a Model A for every situation. For bass, cast and crank windy points and brushy flats. Troll productive areas for walleyes, white bass and other gamefish.

Crankbaits come and go but few plastic crankbaits have had the run the model A baits have. In a variety of sizes and variations the standard model A is still as popular as ever. They aren't as flashy as newer crankbaits but they are durable, cheap, and they still catch fish. If you were starting a crankbait box you could do alot worst than throwing in a couple model A baits. The 7a is the longtime favorite but all the models catch fish. 

For years the 7a was one of KVDs favorite crankbaits but he switched not because they quit catching fish but because of new sponsors. Because they are so cheap and durable you can thrown model As around cover alot easier on the pocketbook. And rocks and grass are where they excel I think. The hooks are better than ever and the colors improve every year. While it may not be the bait that wows your buddies the Model A baits may be the ones you throw the most. - 

June Freshwater Fly of the Month: Fish Skull Forage Fly

June 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

May Freshwater Fly of the Month: Dry Stone-Stimulator Orange

May Freshwater Fly of the Month: Dry Stone-Stimulator Orange

The Stimulator dry fly is a go-to attractor dry fly, particularly when you're dry fly fishing during a big stone fly hatch or salmon fly hatch. This dry fly sits up high in the water, even in faster water. Its "bugginess" also makes the Stimulator one of the very best dry flies to use as an attractor dry fly pattern "prospecting" for trout when there is no hatch. 

Stimulator Orange. We all know how fruitful a colour orange can be. The Orange Stimulator is no exception. A ruggedly hackled searching dry fly that doubles as a tempting sight indication. I don't know how many times I have tied one of these on  a slower day to experience and immediate rod slamming take. make sure that you keep a wide variety of colours and sizes on you patch at all time, the Orange Stimulator is one pattern you won't want to be without.

This is my go-to prospecting fly for just about any stream/creek/small river. It mimics so many species of insects that trout prey upon it is pretty much universal. Not only can you fish it dry, I have often caught fish while stripping the fly in for another cast. I've compared this fly to other stimulators tied by other online fly stores, and there is no doubt about it. These flies stimulate a strike where others do not. Try it for yourself. These flies last longer and yield more strikes. There's really no substitute.

Although listed under stoneflies, a yelllow or orange Stimulator in size 12 or 14 is my go-to choice for my dry-dropper rigs. In smaller sizes it can imitate a caddis or small hopper. But it really shines as an indicator with a dropper and every so often the Stimulator gets nailed too- especially in broken faster water. Don't fish the dry / dropper on too fine a tippet though or you will just twist yourself into frustration.

• Chemically Sharpened, High Carbon Steel Hook

• Tied with premium materials such as Whiting Hackles

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May Saltwater Lure of the Month: New Shaky Head Jigs

May Saltwater Lure of the Month: New Shaky Head Jigs

Designed using the same style sled head as the popular Punch Jig, you'll get the great stand-up action and the "less Hang-up, More Hook-ups". These jigs are perfect All-Around jigs for panfish, walleye, trout, but even more importantly, they have been deadly on sea trout and other saltwater smaller species.  

Straight tail worms rigged on jigheads have been around since the plastic worm was first invented. In recent years, pro bass anglers have won hundreds of thousands of dollars fishing worms on a new generation of jigheads specifically designed for this application. Termed “shaky heads” because of the way they are fished, these rigs excel at catching limits of keeper sized bass, especially in pressured waters or after cold fronts. Moreover, when Kevin Van Dam caught an 11 lb 13 oz lake record largemouth on Lake Lewisville during a 2005 tournament, anglers quickly realized that shaky heads can produce lunkers too.

Tips for Fishing with Jigs

Jigs can be a highly effective fishing presentation when the proper set-up (rod, reel, line and jig) is used. Unlike a spoon or inline spinner, when a fish strikes the lure and hooks itself, a jig bite most often is very light as the fish inhales the bait usually on the fall when the jig is settling towards the bottom. 

To detect strikes more easily jigs should be fished with stiff (fast action) sensitive rod with enough flex to cast your jig along with using the lightest possible line for the species and fishing conditions. This will help you feel the bite on the retrieve or when the jig is sinking by keeping the line taut. Many expert anglers use the fishing line as a strike indicator, when the jig sinks they watch the line for any subtle twitches signaling a strike or if the line stops indicating a fish is moving upward with the jig. 

To optimize the visual of fishing line jig fisherman prefer to use fluorescent colored line over clear monofilament and wear polarized sunglasses improving the line visibility even more.

Fishing a shaky head is really quite simple, although the best way to retrieve it varies by the day. Basically, work it the same way as you would a Texas rig or a jig. Some days the bass prefer it worked quickly with aggressive hops, while other days slowly dragging it with long pauses or “dead-sticking” works better. And as its name implies, bass can often be triggered by gently shaking the worm while it sits in place. To make your rig dance, gently shake your rod tip with a semi-slack line. This trembling motion will make the worm’s tail pulsate without moving forward. When a fish does strike, a powerful slack line hook set can easily break your line. Rather, reel your line tight and make a smooth sweep set with your rod to get the hook point started and the pull of the bass will drive the thin wire hook the rest of the way through.

May Freshwater Lure of the Month: Fish Hog Roto Head

May Freshwater Lure of the Month: Fish Hog Roto Head

Revolutionary design and action on one of the hottest jig fishing techniques being used today.

Here’s why the Roto Head is better than the rest:

• Split Ring allows for quick change of hooks.
• Molded-in 80# test Power Swivel gives your lure 360 degrees of maximum lure action and less line twist.
• Custom design stand-up head with a recess eye doesn’t hang up like most typical jig head styles.
• Includes a 4/0 or 5/0 Eagle Claw Wide Gap Mag Hook.

Tips for Fishing with Jigs

Jigs can be a highly effective fishing presentation when the proper set-up (rod, reel, line and jig) is used. Unlike a spoon or inline spinner, when a fish strikes the lure and hooks itself, a jig bite most often is very light as the fish inhales the bait usually on the fall when the jig is settling towards the bottom. 

To detect strikes more easily jigs should be fished with stiff (fast action) sensitive rod with enough flex to cast your jig along with using the lightest possible line for the species and fishing conditions. This will help you feel the bite on the retrieve or when the jig is sinking by keeping the line taut. Many expert anglers use the fishing line as a strike indicator, when the jig sinks they watch the line for any subtle twitches signaling a strike or if the line stops indicating a fish is moving upward with the jig. 

To optimize the visual of fishing line jig fisherman prefer to use fluorescent colored line over clear monofilament and wear polarized sunglasses improving the line visibility even more.

5 Star Reviews!

"Great product. I love that you can change the hook out on this style. We all know how no matter what hook you use it can get dull. Plus there are times I want a big Ol hook for throwing a 12 inch worm on ledges. 5 stars for sure!!!!"

April Freshwater Fly of the Month: Crystal Bugger Black Beadhead

April Freshwater Fly of the Month: Crystal Bugger Black Beadhead

The Wooly Bugger fly pattern has to be one of the most productive streamer patterns to ever be created. Over the last few decades the wooly bugger style of flies have without a doubt accounted for more and larger fish being duped than with any other freshwater fly. The main reason for the wooly bugger’s great success is its ability to be adapted to catch virtually any fresh water fish that exists and to be used in all the different water conditions that may occur. From trout to bass, rivers to spring fed lakes the wooly bugger can just about do it all. The Crystal Bugger fly pattern is a relatively new addition to the wooly bugger family. 

Simple enough the crystal bugger boasts a flashy estaz body instead of the traditional chenille to spice things up a bit. This added flash coupled with the undulating action produced by the marabou tail in the water makes this fly a definite steelhead spring time favorite. Another of the key features of this fly is the Spirit River metallic bead head. This bead head provides the fly with the necessary weight to get it down on the bottom of those big deep pools where the big steelies like to hang out.

Fishing the bead head crystal bugger is relatively simple. If you are going to be fishing very cold weather cast this pattern to your target and let it dead drift drag-free down the river. Fish that are in these very cold temperatures become very lackadaisical and will not aggressively search out and chase down prey. Providing a slow subtle presentation with the crystal bugger will help keep your fly in the fish’s strike zone for longer providing you with a better chance of hooking into quality fish. In summer these same lazy fish will now be ready for a more active and rapid approach. Continuously stripping in the wooly pattern will have the head-heavy fly dancing up and down in the water column driving the fish wild.

April Freshwater Lure of the Month: The Lindy Shadling

April Freshwater Lure of the Month: 

The Lindy Shadling

The Lindy Tackle Company dates all the way back to 1968, when it was founded by the members of the Nisswa Guides' League located in the Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota.  Their goal was simple: to create a revolutionary new walleye fishing product that the world had never seen before called the Lindy Rig.   The lure they created was an instant hit.  The Nisswa crew went to demonstrations, fisheries, and seminars in the upper Midwest, soon the Lady Rig by the thousands!  The Lindy Rig has since been joined by the Dingo Jig and the Spin Rig as the top lures produced by the Lindy boys.

Soon Lindy outgrew the ability of it's founders to continue to finance the growth, so it was sold to Ray-O-Vac in 1973.  Ray-O-Vac had just purchased Mille Lacs Mfg., so they merged Lindy and MLM to create their Fishing Tackle Division.  After a few years of experimentation, the tackle division decided to stream line their efforts and focus solely marketing to the fastly growing niche of walleye fishing.  The company is credited with identifying walleye fishing as a market and also with developing many of the walleye fishing methods and products which dominate the arena to this day.

The Lindy Shadling is a lure designed with incredible attention to detail.  The Shadling successfully emulates both the basic patterns and subtle undertones of a variety of common baitifish species.  The secondary hues flash as the shadling swims and triggers savage strikes from all species of gamefish.  Add to that the ultra-realisitc holographic eyes and predators don't mistake the Shadling for anything other than real prey.  Lindy's cutting edge pull-point technology ensures the Shadling will track true out of the package every single time. It's tight wiggling action does not need to be tuned and will reliably perform at the highest trolling speeds needed for gamefish.

April Saltwater Lure of the Month: Logic Lures Scented Tandem Rigs

April Saltwater Lure of the Month: Logic Lures Scented Tandem Rigs

The Logic Lures Pre-Rigged Tandem Rigs feature Logic Lures' patented swivel hook technology, which allowed them to perfectly pair two lifelike PlastiX Flutter Tails, and produce the natural schooling action bass instinctively key in on. The patented Texas Twister Swivel hooks also keep the baits weedless so you can swim them through weeds and around structure, while still preventing line twist and increasing action.

 Each Tandem Rig comes ready to fish, and each bait also comes loaded with Logic Lures’ own Scent Formula iX. Tungsten sound beads provide additional fish attracting sound, while helping to keep the baits down in the strike zone, and 30lb fluorocarbon links it all together. Available in several colors, the Logic Lures Pre-Rigged Tandem Rigs are also completely reusable - just replace your PlastiX Flutter Tails.

It's best to fish this with a slower retrieve and slight movements to attract the fish.  The slightest movements of the rod will help to send the baits side to side across the water, making these even more enticing for the big boys to come after and create that beautiful swimming action that makes this a must have bait.  

Features

• Realistic swimming action
• Pre-rigged with premium 30lb fluorocarbon
• PlastiX  are infused with Logics own Scent Formula iX
• Weedless, rigged with our patented Swivel Hooks
• Tungsten sound beads
• Realistic 3D Eyez
• Bait Clips – baits stay on!
• Reusable rig  - just replace your PlastiX