Your Tackle Box - Does It Have Everything?

Over the past century, fishing tackle has seen tremendous evolution in both design, and usability. So much so, that deciding what to purchase (or create) appears to be a daunting task, at face value. Below is a list of the most widely known types of products and their most common uses.

Fish Plugs - Usually these fishing lures are designed to look like a small fish, or more importantly... a bait-fish of some sort that your target species is readily feeding on. These lures are very popular in the bass fishing industry, and are showing their place in the walleye and pike industry as well. Certainly, there is no short supply of wild designs when it comes to this popular lure, but choosing your weapons doesn't have to be all that difficult. For plugs, typically you want to focus on color, and depth. Action is also a prime objective here, so pay close attention to your plug body designs. First, you'll probably want to pick some common colors, which include firetiger, chartreuse, and some shades of blue (blue is a mystery at this point, as fresh water fish may have trouble seeing this spectrum, given their background. See this article for more info). If you're fishing for bass, then pick at least two or three plug body designs. Then apply those colors to each design (or as much as you can afford). This sort of shot-gun tactic will cover most ground, in about any lake. When your skills improve, you'll be ready to experiment with different fishing techniques using various plug designs, to maximize the fishing in your lake or region.

Casting Spoons - Possibly the worlds oldest fishing lure, the casting spoon has caught countless fish from varied species all over the planet. These tried-n-true fishing lures have graced mans tackle box for a century, and yet, recently these lures have seen less use in the fishing industry. Perhaps the lure has been 'dated', or maybe the rise of bass fishing has stifled it's once prosperous glory. No matter how you look at it, this familiar tackle piece will catch fish, but depending on what species you target may determine how your day ends. The casting spoon is a conclave piece of metal. The base material used can be either steel, nickel, copper, marine brass, or pretty much any metal you can imagine. Paints range from nothing (sheer metal finish) to all the most common combinations of the rainbow known to date. The primary purpose of the lure is to create some sort of side-to-side motion, otherwise known as the 'wobble'. The motion is usually smooth, and steady. This type of movement is best used when targeting species of a slower nature... such as salmon, pike, musky, and especially lake trout (see this article for lake trough fishing). Troll your spoons at 1mph or less. Anything too fast is going to spook, or just lose the fish entirely. The action will probably not be erratic enough to trigger a strike from bass or similar species. Another way of fishing with casting spoons is 'jigging'. If done properly, jigging a spoon through an ice fishing hole, or just off the boat, can make your lure look similar to a dying bait fish. The added flash will help catch the attention of your target. Jigging spoons is a very well known, effective technique.

Spinner Baits - Two styles of baits, all rolled into one single name... even tho they both look very different from one another. First, the in-line spinner bait is just that - 'In-Line'. This lure consists of a single straight wire shaft and a single three point hook at one end. In the middle of the shaft will be, usually, brass bodies (painted or unpainted), and at the top will be a spinner blade. For this rig, the blade is usually a Colorado, Indiana, or French style blade. When pulled through the water, the blade will spin very quickly, making this type of lure a 'trigger' type bait. Very popular in the bass industry, and easy enough to make on your own. Tackle components are sold at most bait shops, and many high-level retail stores.

Safety Pin style spinner baits consist of a v-shaped wire, with a small amount of lead weight on the bottom shaft. (think of a 'V', and turn it on it's side) Wrapped around the lead weight is usually skirting consisting of rubber (most common) or natural hair. The top section of the v-wire contains the spinner blades. For this design, anglers prefer a Willowleaf or Indiana style blade. Again, the principle is the same. Fast moving blades help induce a strike by bass.... tho this lure could be used for many species. In fact, recently anglers have been using rather large versions of this bait for musky and other northern-region fish.

Soft Plastics - Hot in any market is the plastic worm. And more recently, crawfish, minnows, grubs, you name it... soft plastics have it. A person can use these types of fishing lures in any lake, in any region, for any species. A great all around product. But if soft-plastics are so great, then why doesn't EVERY fishermen use just that? Simple - These lures can break easily, wear out, and in some cases... destroy tackle boxes (read more here). A dime a dozen, these lures work well, but expect to run through them like water on some days. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't bother with 'em. Keep a small selection of these lures on hand and you'll do great.

In summary, not every lake will be the same. You'll hear plenty of pro-grade fishermen say they catch fish all the time on this lure, or that lure... but in reality, you should be combining worthwhile knowledge of your target species, with your fishing waters. Every place is going to be different, so feel free to experiment... just take the 'noise' with a grain of salt.

Fishing Lures

Recently I've joined the ranks of the fishing industry, mind you, I lack the necessary knowledge to tackle such a broad-scoped venture. But as with anything else in life, I decided to enter the job with an open mind, and solve problems based on facts presented before me. Little did I know that there seems to be a large lack of evidence supporting claims by most fishing tackle manufacturers. Despite the dastardly claims of this years 'Holy Grail' of new fishing lures, I stepped aside and applied my own personal, rational thought to the process. Not knowing anything about fishing, and a huge fishing trip planned with the boss on Lake Oahe in South Dakota, I geared myself to study a subject that had been tarnished over the past many years by manufacturers trying to make a profit.

Working for a fishing tackle manufacturer like Hagen's would make a great source for the product in question. They offer just about everthing the tackle industry has to offer, so there shouldn't be any shortage of fishing lures, or other tidbits that I could use. Second, we had two boats, and maps for all the good spots known for Walleye fishing.

Early in the first morning, we cast off just as the sun was coming up. A light wind cast a nice 'Walleye Chop' on the water. Indeed, according to my initial research, this would be a perfect day for fishing. Finding our first spot, we threw the float, and started preparing the poles. I prepared my line with a bottom bouncer (commonly used in these parts), and asked for the tackle box to attach my first test lure. However, what I was handed wasn't anything near what I had expected.

Attached to a leader was a small pink plastic bead, and a single hook. Nothing else. I asked my boss where the spoons were, the spinner baits, jigs, weedless, diamond patterns, glow products, scent boosters, brass bodies, line floats.... pretty much anything but this tiny, seemingly worthless little bead, which was completely dwarfed by the time I got the worm on. He simply explained that they don't use those products in these parts. But how could that be? If all these products are proven to catch fish, why are we using something so miniscule?

As we were trolling along, he simply stated thats what has worked for years, and he wasn't about to change. I figured he'd seen too much sun already, and we were heading for a dreadful day on the river. However, he managed to prove me wrong! The entire boat of four people, limited out before noon, using nothing more than a bead for a fishing lure. Yet, for some reason, the second boat was on the river all day and didn't catch anything. Why was this? They were using the same tackle, fishing in the same general area, and both boats were nearly identicle. Already, my first day had handed me unlogical results. Perhaps this was just the luck of the draw. The second boat, with three people, didn't limit out all day and only came home with about six fish.

The second morning arrived. Not to be discouraged by the first days results, I got ready for yet another study of the fishing tackle industry. Again we cast off early, and again we go to the same spot, using the same tackle. This time, people discovered what we had already known, and there were about 15 other boats in the area. So we discreetly made our way to one of the other spots on the map. Rigging up our line, our boat was ready to do the same damage we did the day before.

However, this time the tables had turned. We never caught anything for over two hours, yet the other boat was reeling them in left and right. Discouraged by our bad luck, we left the other boat and found some other hot spots on the river. Cast our lines, and began the hunt. But once again, our fishing results were far less than desirable.

Next we decided to start fishing with plugs. Finally, a change in the tackle selection. After about a half hour, our luck had turned around... but just slightly. We fished the area for a few hours and only got about four fish total. Not a very productive moment considering there were four of us in the boat.

We then moved to a new area, and tried the same combination. Fished with the beads for a bit, and then with the plugs. Neither one proved to be successful, and we we went home far beneath our limit. So what happened? Why was the fishing so different per boat, per day? Even with a tackle change, we didn't seem to procure much more than the other team the day before.

The only sensible conclusion that I could find, was to keep a variety of tackle selections on hand. Shear luck does seem to play a part in fishing, and having multiple options available could change things around. So keep a variety of fishing lures on hand, stick with your basic knowledge, and finally... don't give up.

Next year, I'll be sure to bring my own tackle selection.

Old Lures Are Worth A Mint

Don't toss away your old fishing tackle. Bob Frye from the Pittsburgh Tribune has an excellent article depicting some pricey examples of collectible fishing lures.... some even going for $100,000. So run out to the old shed and go through some tackle. You just might be sitting on something that'll pay for the kids' college tuition!

Florida Offshore & Maine Festival

The TCPalm from off shore to power plant regions, the fishing seems to be good all over. Bites are holding strong and if you're living in the area, the seasonal change should not keep you from the outdoors!


www.keepmecurrent.com has some exciting news for families in the Maine area. Two popular events will be combined this year for one outstanding fun filled family festival. Ice fishing, ice sculpting, snowmobiles, and much MUCH more. Read the article, as it sounds like a great time for everyone involved!

Trouble on the Ice

The Pilot-Independent has an excellent article about how to survive falling through the ice, using some surprisingly simple tools. This is a great article for any sport fishermen planning on braving the icy lakes this year.

The Townsville Bulletin reports that Australian residents are seeing superior fishing, catching anything from lippers to prawn.

Crawfishing & Old Lures

Dayton Daily News has an interesting article showing how old fishing lures shouldn't be forgotten. Even when fishing for picky bass, some old fishing lures just never lose their potential.

The Statesman Journal reports on the many changes Oregon has implemented for the 2007 fishing season. Most notable mention were modifications in crawfishing regulations. This is a must read article for Oregon anglers.

Arkansas Winter Fishing Report

The North Texas E-News provides an excellent article on Arkansas fishing in multiple regions, along with fly fishing patterns, times of day, and more.

Water temperatures are staying consistent with the surrounding areas, at about 50 degrees or so.

Spinner baits are still catching bass, while jigs and spoon-jigs seem to be effective for crappie. The bit appears to be slowing down some, but as winter rolls forward, I imagine we'll see some better fishing as the food sources will become scarce.

Live bait is also effective, so stock up on your minnows.