Some time ago I started using several different types of spinnerbaits that were really freshwater bass models. The design was simply altered with a plastic shrimp or coho tail instead of the standard ribbon like material. I have successfully caught redfish and an occassional trout on these lures. They are easy to cast, but depending on rod weight a little difficult to retrieve....lots of drag. To work a spinnerbait in the LLM, you almost always have to run it shallow. This requires you to have a high speed reel and usually keeping your rod high to avoid the grass. I've used them in the Brownsville ship channel over sand and shell and they will take snook and jacks. Jacks, althought sometimes a pest will readily hit a spinnerbait.
Recently I was sent a brochure on a company out of Brownsboro, Texas. It was for a very unique spinnerbait called Brass-N-Blades. It is a rather large bait, with a solid made brass blade and a unique double hook that should run weedless to a degree.
The double hook should also ensure more hookups. It comes in lots of colors, but I think the gold with white or red will be a sure fire thing in the LLM. I am ready to to hit the water and try these lures. Check them out on line at http://www.brassnblades.com/ or stop by their booth at the Houston Fishing Show next weekend.
Take care.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Rods vs Rods
Well after a long, hard but very profitable day doing our moving sale, here I am writng another somewhat controversial blog. Expensive rods vs less expensive ones. I own several semi expensive rods, Castaways and AllStars that neared the $100 range, but nothing in the $200+ range. I really love the custom made rods that are actually works of art, but once again choose not to buy them. I long ago left the graphite rods and have instead chose to use the titanium hybred models made by American Rodsmiths. These are not the $400 Redfish Series or the Trout Master Series, but the series that Academy has carried for some time. These rods started on the market at around $60. The handles were redesigned several years ago and I love them. These are what I suspect, are rods that American Rodsmiths have produced to supply the masses. It works. I have once again tested this rod against those $400 jobs and find that they perform just as well. I fish about 150 days out of the year and hopefully in 2010 that number will jump due to our relocation in Port Isabel, Texas. I have tournament tested them and this year we will fish the Texas Redfish Series using these $60 rods. Wouldn't it be a surprise if Tean Uno Mas could pull off a couple of top finishes using this "less expensive gear." We might even be given a few more "expensive rods", but I would probably put them up and continue to use what has worked for me!
Do what makes you happy, I like saving my money for other things....like going to Mexico or Alaska to fish!
Take care...
Do what makes you happy, I like saving my money for other things....like going to Mexico or Alaska to fish!
Take care...
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Not Tonight!
We have spent all day sitting up for our moving sale and I am dead tired. I am going to bed! Good Night and Take Care!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Expensive v.s. Less Expensive
I realize that by writing this blog I will probably have a large number of individuals who will disagree with me, but then everyone is free to express their own perspectives. I have a few friends who spend considerable amounts of money on their various rods and reels. Without mentioning brand names, they spend upwards of $600 for a single baitcasting rig. They swear that these rigs will out perform the "cheaper" outfits everytime. Now I firmly agree that those individuals who chase the monsters of the offshore realms need to be well equipped and have reels with the smoothest drags on the market. When you battle a 500lb.tuna or grander marlin you had better have the most expensive gear money can buy. On the other hand for working topwaters and plastics for trout and reds, I want a reel that casts easy, casts long, is light, has a good drag system, and a good warranty. I look at all of these things in my reels, but I also look for deals. You can tell alot about a reel at the counter. First, its ok to try out that reel in the showcase, but just think how many times it has been handled. If it feels right, right shape and weight, ask to see one out of the box. To me a key to any good reel, whether it has five,ten or more bearings, is how easy does the spool spin when you press the release. On your very expensive reels that spool will take off and cruise for multi seconds. There are some not so expensive ones that will do the same. Good examples are H2O, Pflueger, and Daiwa. The Daiwa Coastal Inshore CL153L, Academy's H2O Express Menance, and Pfluegar's Trion Lp and President 2WLP are all great reels that will only sit you back around a hundred bucks. Academy has a warranty that is second to none on their H2O reels. Just take it back with in a year and a new one is in your hands no questions asked.
If you clean and oil these less expensive reels after each trip, they will last a long time and I like the idea of having three reels for the price of one!
Rods are for tommorrow.
Take care.
If you clean and oil these less expensive reels after each trip, they will last a long time and I like the idea of having three reels for the price of one!
Rods are for tommorrow.
Take care.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Moving....A real Pain in the B_ _ _ !
Now that could be butt or back or both! In my case its definitly both. We have lived in one location for 30+ years and it is unreal at the "stuff" we've collected. I alone hold a world record for nuts and bolts. I'm sure that in the many buckets that I have sent to the metal processor there's got to have been 30 year old nuts and bolts. Is there any value in antique nuts and bolts? Didn't think so!
Then the clothes....its embarrassing. Even after donating lots of clothes to places like Dress for Success, Good Will,Salvation Army,and Churches United ans Caring,I still have nore shirts then I can wear in a year! Hopefully by this time next month I can be down to a 1/2 closet full!!
Fishing rods....they're coming out of my ears! After pulling out a dozen of my "best", I still have 34 to sell in our garage sale this weekend.
Oh well, I just was looking for a subject to write about tonight and this came up...really its been coming up for a while now.
The good news is that we are definitly downsizing and that means we gotta get rid of a lot of stuff before we make our move South.
Take care.
Then the clothes....its embarrassing. Even after donating lots of clothes to places like Dress for Success, Good Will,Salvation Army,and Churches United ans Caring,I still have nore shirts then I can wear in a year! Hopefully by this time next month I can be down to a 1/2 closet full!!
Fishing rods....they're coming out of my ears! After pulling out a dozen of my "best", I still have 34 to sell in our garage sale this weekend.
Oh well, I just was looking for a subject to write about tonight and this came up...really its been coming up for a while now.
The good news is that we are definitly downsizing and that means we gotta get rid of a lot of stuff before we make our move South.
Take care.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A ROLL of the DICE!
I like to think of fishing as a game. Sometimes you are on your game and other times you are not. Even though there are lots of scientific factors envolved and lots of personal knowledge, the actual art of catching fish is a true game of chance. Its a roll of the dice! We can up the odds in our favor by studying and practice. I read every article that I can get my hands on to absorb any information that others deem important to the sport. Many times I get new ideas and sometimes not.
An example was today I read an article in SaltWater Sportsman about using topwaters in the Carolinas. The first thing I realized was that what they were writing could just as easy been written for the LLM. The techniques and lures are no different than those used by us in South Texas.
I did see a new idea that just might work down here....fishing topwaters in tandem.
Not really new, but I've never tried it!
How many of you can remember using a poping cork with shrimp tails back in the 60's. I used to have trout blow up on the cork almost as often as on the shrimp tail!
In fact I remenber as a teen fastening a treble on the cork and actually hooking a few trout. I wonder who actually started using topwaters for trout and redfish. It was not something you saw in the 60s or 70s. I'm glad someone did...it continues to be my favorite technique.
I'm going to follow up on the techniques I use with topwaters later.
An example was today I read an article in SaltWater Sportsman about using topwaters in the Carolinas. The first thing I realized was that what they were writing could just as easy been written for the LLM. The techniques and lures are no different than those used by us in South Texas.
I did see a new idea that just might work down here....fishing topwaters in tandem.
Not really new, but I've never tried it!
How many of you can remember using a poping cork with shrimp tails back in the 60's. I used to have trout blow up on the cork almost as often as on the shrimp tail!
In fact I remenber as a teen fastening a treble on the cork and actually hooking a few trout. I wonder who actually started using topwaters for trout and redfish. It was not something you saw in the 60s or 70s. I'm glad someone did...it continues to be my favorite technique.
I'm going to follow up on the techniques I use with topwaters later.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
LIVINGSTON LURES
One thing that all fishermen have in common is always wanting something new to help them catch fish. Just check their tackle box or in my case many boxes!I've got many lures that have never tasted water.
Back in 2009 I was thumbing through the pages of TSJ and suddenly became engrossed with an advertisement about a lure that actually made sounds under water...croaker sounds. If you fish for speckled trout you know what a croaker does for big trout.
I ordered a couple and in the process got in touch with Robert Castaneda, the owner and founder of the company. I immediately liked this individual and a friendship was born. Robert is not only an up and coming businessman in the state, but he has an inventor's mind that never seems to shut down. He and his lovely bride, Bridgette, love to fish. He is constantly thinking of ways to aid fisherman in their quest.
Now back to this very unusual bait. Even though I have used the Croaker style baits, I am mainly a topwater person and Livingston's topwater series are top of the line. They are great out of the box "walk the dog" lures with the added extras of flashing light and sound. Sounds like a lure that was designed to catch fishermen instead of fish? Wrong! They indeed catch fish. I have found the flashing lights are extremely useful at night, early mornings, overcast days, and in muddy water. Even though the sound made is not very audible in the hand, put it in a swimming pool with you and listen underwater...it works!
I worked with Robert in trying to develop another topwater similar to one produced by Walmart sometime ago and since abandoned. I still use this lure with good sucess. It was a "cheap" knockoff of the much more expensive TopDog. Livingston now has one in the works and hopefully it will allow fisherman to purchase a high quality lure at a very affordable price.
Stay tuned...there are lots of new items planned from this new Texas Company.
If you are looking for something different in lures give the Livingston Line a try.
Go to www.livingstonlures.com and check them out.
Back in 2009 I was thumbing through the pages of TSJ and suddenly became engrossed with an advertisement about a lure that actually made sounds under water...croaker sounds. If you fish for speckled trout you know what a croaker does for big trout.
I ordered a couple and in the process got in touch with Robert Castaneda, the owner and founder of the company. I immediately liked this individual and a friendship was born. Robert is not only an up and coming businessman in the state, but he has an inventor's mind that never seems to shut down. He and his lovely bride, Bridgette, love to fish. He is constantly thinking of ways to aid fisherman in their quest.
Now back to this very unusual bait. Even though I have used the Croaker style baits, I am mainly a topwater person and Livingston's topwater series are top of the line. They are great out of the box "walk the dog" lures with the added extras of flashing light and sound. Sounds like a lure that was designed to catch fishermen instead of fish? Wrong! They indeed catch fish. I have found the flashing lights are extremely useful at night, early mornings, overcast days, and in muddy water. Even though the sound made is not very audible in the hand, put it in a swimming pool with you and listen underwater...it works!
I worked with Robert in trying to develop another topwater similar to one produced by Walmart sometime ago and since abandoned. I still use this lure with good sucess. It was a "cheap" knockoff of the much more expensive TopDog. Livingston now has one in the works and hopefully it will allow fisherman to purchase a high quality lure at a very affordable price.
Stay tuned...there are lots of new items planned from this new Texas Company.
If you are looking for something different in lures give the Livingston Line a try.
Go to www.livingstonlures.com and check them out.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Gettin your Boat/Trailer Ready
A Quick Spring Boat Inspection
Before you launch your boat this year, give everything a good inspection.
Author: Frank Ross
It won't be long until boats will find their way out of winter storage, and anglers will be backing them into the water, hoping for a great day of fishing. But if you don't take a little time before you leave the house, you may be back at the dock sooner than you intended. Nothing is more frustrating than a ruined trip, unless it's a trip that got ruined right when the bite turned on. Do yourself a favor and give your boat a thorough going over before it's time to fish. A pre-launch inspection is a very productive way to spend a waning winter day and you'll have time to take care of any problems without having to rush around at the last minute.
This is also a good time to think back to last year's season and remember those things that you were going to add or change before this year - like repositioning rod holders or adding more.
You may need to adapt this list to your own needs, since it covers a wide variety of equipment that you may or may not have. Most of the items on this checklist are things that need a visual inspection, but a few may need more attention.
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH
1. Ensure that the stern drain plug is installed and that the rubber is in good condition, free of cracks and signs of dry rot or deterioration.
2. Inspect all hoses and hose clamps and replace as necessary.
3. Props should be inspected for dings, pitting and distortion. Also, check to make sure the cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft, to see if it is loose. A loose shaft often indicates that a cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.
4. Inboards should have the rudderstock examined to make sure it hasn't been bent.
5. Hulls should be inspected for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
6. Check your engine's water intake strainer to make sure it's free of corrosion and secure.
7. For large inboards, check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, make sure to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.
OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES
1. Inspect the rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried or deteriorated spots. These are often found in the folds. Replace any that are suspect.
2. Check the oil levels of the power steering and power trim reservoirs. Replace worn-out zincs.
3. Inspect the outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion beneath the outer cover. It's wise to be proactive and replace any cables that show signs of deterioration.
ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS
1. Fuel lines should be inspected very closely every spring, including fill and vent hoses. Look for softness, brittleness or cracking. Inspect all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
2. Fuel tanks should also be inspected annually, as well as fuel pumps and filters. Look for leaks or signs of deterioration. All clamps should be snug and free of rust. This is also a good time to clean or replace your fuel filters.
3. Cooling hoses and fittings should be inspected for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Check for a snug fit and double-clamps.
4. Check the exhaust manifold for corrosion.
5. Inspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness, especially both ends of battery cables. It's a good idea to remove the terminals and wire-brush both the battery terminals and the cable ends. Fill cells with distilled water on batteries that are not sealed.
6. Bilge pumps and blower hoses should be checked for leaks. Also check the float switch for operation as well as corrosion.
TRAILERS
1. Inspect your trailer tire's treads and sidewalls, looking for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary.
2. Check the air pressure in your tires and don't forget the spare!
3. Bearings should be inspected and repacked if necessary.
4. Test your taillights, brake lights, turn indicators and back-up lights.
5. Test your trailer's winch to make sure it's working properly and inspect the cable for excessive wear.
6. Inspect your trailer frame for rust and sand/paint to prevent further deterioration.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Flares and fire extinguishers should be inspected for expiration dates. It's also a good idea to turn powder extinguishers upside down and give them a little shake to keep the powder loose.
2. Dock and anchor lines should be inspected for chafing or deterioration and replaced as necessary. Recoil line and stow for ease of use.
3. Examine your charts and waterway guides and update or replace outdated materials.
4. Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
5. Now is a good time to review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
6. Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.
7. Check your landing nets for holes or deterioration of the netting.
8. Sea anchors should be checked for holes or worn fabric.
9. Rod holders should be inspected to make sure they are free of rough edges that will abrade line or damage rods.
10. Check your kill switch to make sure it is functioning properly and that the lanyard is attached.
11. Emergency lights and signal devices should be inspected and have new batteries if appropriate.
12. Running lights should be checked and contacts cleaned if necessary.
13. Inspect livewells for trash or residue and ensure that pumps are working properly.
14. Check your live bait aerators as well as hoses and clamps.
15. Trollers should inspect related gear to make sure that planer boards and other systems are ready to use.
16. Tighten all loose fittings, bolts and screws that may have vibrated loose. Pay special attention to your motor's main mounting bolts, and if you've got a kicker motor check that one as well. A 3/4" socket will snug them down quickly. Many boats are operated for months with loose mounts.
Usually something bad happens that gets your attention, like a kicker motor falling off the transom in heavy weather, which prompts a thorough check from stem to stern. It's far better to give everything an inspection before you're staring down into the water, wondering how to fish a motor off the bottom of the lake.
SPARES
1. Spark plugs & wrench
2. General tool kit
3. Extra Prop
4. Extra shear pin
5. Extra cotter pins
6. Flashlight
7. Starting fluid
8. Extra stern plug
9. First Aid kit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank Ross grew up on a lake in Florida, where fishing and hunting were second nature. He has pursued his passion from the jungles of South America to the northern reaches of the Arctic Circle and most points in between. With a background in newspapers, the wire services and magazines that began in 1970, Frank brings a unique perspective to his work with Cabela's. He is an award-winning photographer with a flair for getting to the bottom line of every story.
Before you launch your boat this year, give everything a good inspection.
Author: Frank Ross
It won't be long until boats will find their way out of winter storage, and anglers will be backing them into the water, hoping for a great day of fishing. But if you don't take a little time before you leave the house, you may be back at the dock sooner than you intended. Nothing is more frustrating than a ruined trip, unless it's a trip that got ruined right when the bite turned on. Do yourself a favor and give your boat a thorough going over before it's time to fish. A pre-launch inspection is a very productive way to spend a waning winter day and you'll have time to take care of any problems without having to rush around at the last minute.
This is also a good time to think back to last year's season and remember those things that you were going to add or change before this year - like repositioning rod holders or adding more.
You may need to adapt this list to your own needs, since it covers a wide variety of equipment that you may or may not have. Most of the items on this checklist are things that need a visual inspection, but a few may need more attention.
BEFORE YOU LAUNCH
1. Ensure that the stern drain plug is installed and that the rubber is in good condition, free of cracks and signs of dry rot or deterioration.
2. Inspect all hoses and hose clamps and replace as necessary.
3. Props should be inspected for dings, pitting and distortion. Also, check to make sure the cotter pins are secure. Grip the prop and try moving the shaft, to see if it is loose. A loose shaft often indicates that a cutlass bearing may need to be replaced.
4. Inboards should have the rudderstock examined to make sure it hasn't been bent.
5. Hulls should be inspected for blisters, distortions and stress cracks.
6. Check your engine's water intake strainer to make sure it's free of corrosion and secure.
7. For large inboards, check the engine shaft and rudder stuffing boxes for looseness. After the boat is launched, make sure to check these as well as through-hulls for leaks.
OUTDRIVES and OUTBOARD ENGINES
1. Inspect the rubber outdrive bellows for cracked, dried or deteriorated spots. These are often found in the folds. Replace any that are suspect.
2. Check the oil levels of the power steering and power trim reservoirs. Replace worn-out zincs.
3. Inspect the outer jacket of control cables. Cracks or swelling indicate corrosion beneath the outer cover. It's wise to be proactive and replace any cables that show signs of deterioration.
ENGINES AND FUEL SYSTEMS
1. Fuel lines should be inspected very closely every spring, including fill and vent hoses. Look for softness, brittleness or cracking. Inspect all joints for leaks and make sure all lines are well supported with non-combustible clips or straps with smooth edges.
2. Fuel tanks should also be inspected annually, as well as fuel pumps and filters. Look for leaks or signs of deterioration. All clamps should be snug and free of rust. This is also a good time to clean or replace your fuel filters.
3. Cooling hoses and fittings should be inspected for stiffness, rot, leaks and/or cracking. Check for a snug fit and double-clamps.
4. Check the exhaust manifold for corrosion.
5. Inspect all electrical connections for cleanliness and tightness, especially both ends of battery cables. It's a good idea to remove the terminals and wire-brush both the battery terminals and the cable ends. Fill cells with distilled water on batteries that are not sealed.
6. Bilge pumps and blower hoses should be checked for leaks. Also check the float switch for operation as well as corrosion.
TRAILERS
1. Inspect your trailer tire's treads and sidewalls, looking for cracks or lack of tread and replace as necessary.
2. Check the air pressure in your tires and don't forget the spare!
3. Bearings should be inspected and repacked if necessary.
4. Test your taillights, brake lights, turn indicators and back-up lights.
5. Test your trailer's winch to make sure it's working properly and inspect the cable for excessive wear.
6. Inspect your trailer frame for rust and sand/paint to prevent further deterioration.
MISCELLANEOUS
1. Flares and fire extinguishers should be inspected for expiration dates. It's also a good idea to turn powder extinguishers upside down and give them a little shake to keep the powder loose.
2. Dock and anchor lines should be inspected for chafing or deterioration and replaced as necessary. Recoil line and stow for ease of use.
3. Examine your charts and waterway guides and update or replace outdated materials.
4. Make sure your boating license and/or registration is up to date. Don't forget your trailer tags.
5. Now is a good time to review your boat insurance policy and update coverage if needed. Be sure you have fuel spill insurance coverage.
6. Make sure you have a properly sized and wearable life jackets in good condition for each passenger, including kids and pets.
7. Check your landing nets for holes or deterioration of the netting.
8. Sea anchors should be checked for holes or worn fabric.
9. Rod holders should be inspected to make sure they are free of rough edges that will abrade line or damage rods.
10. Check your kill switch to make sure it is functioning properly and that the lanyard is attached.
11. Emergency lights and signal devices should be inspected and have new batteries if appropriate.
12. Running lights should be checked and contacts cleaned if necessary.
13. Inspect livewells for trash or residue and ensure that pumps are working properly.
14. Check your live bait aerators as well as hoses and clamps.
15. Trollers should inspect related gear to make sure that planer boards and other systems are ready to use.
16. Tighten all loose fittings, bolts and screws that may have vibrated loose. Pay special attention to your motor's main mounting bolts, and if you've got a kicker motor check that one as well. A 3/4" socket will snug them down quickly. Many boats are operated for months with loose mounts.
Usually something bad happens that gets your attention, like a kicker motor falling off the transom in heavy weather, which prompts a thorough check from stem to stern. It's far better to give everything an inspection before you're staring down into the water, wondering how to fish a motor off the bottom of the lake.
SPARES
1. Spark plugs & wrench
2. General tool kit
3. Extra Prop
4. Extra shear pin
5. Extra cotter pins
6. Flashlight
7. Starting fluid
8. Extra stern plug
9. First Aid kit
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frank Ross grew up on a lake in Florida, where fishing and hunting were second nature. He has pursued his passion from the jungles of South America to the northern reaches of the Arctic Circle and most points in between. With a background in newspapers, the wire services and magazines that began in 1970, Frank brings a unique perspective to his work with Cabela's. He is an award-winning photographer with a flair for getting to the bottom line of every story.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Getting Ready for Spring
Its time to start getting ready to hit the water again full force. The fishing in the LLM never really stops, but does like most winter fishing in Texas...slows down. Nows the time to check out those things that we don't think about until it causes us a problem.
Lures.......this is a great time to wash and change hooks. I like to remove hooks, scrub my hard baits with brillo pads and replace all the trebles with either new ones or single circle hooks. Spoons need to be polished and hooks replaced. Take your soft baits and make sure they haven't mixed with other softs that can cause then to breakdown. Check your jig heads and sharpen hooks. I like to add snap rings and swilves to my jigheads...really helps the action.
Reels........Clean, clean, clean and lubricate. Great time to replace that line...maybe try that new braid you always wanted to use!
Rods..........Check and replace broken, cracked, missing eyes. This is a quick way to lose that trophy fish. Lubricate that reel seat!
Tackle Boxes.......It may be time to downsize! I've found that I have way too much STUFF!
More later!
TRY A LIVINGSTON LURE! http://www.livingstonlures.com/
Lures.......this is a great time to wash and change hooks. I like to remove hooks, scrub my hard baits with brillo pads and replace all the trebles with either new ones or single circle hooks. Spoons need to be polished and hooks replaced. Take your soft baits and make sure they haven't mixed with other softs that can cause then to breakdown. Check your jig heads and sharpen hooks. I like to add snap rings and swilves to my jigheads...really helps the action.
Reels........Clean, clean, clean and lubricate. Great time to replace that line...maybe try that new braid you always wanted to use!
Rods..........Check and replace broken, cracked, missing eyes. This is a quick way to lose that trophy fish. Lubricate that reel seat!
Tackle Boxes.......It may be time to downsize! I've found that I have way too much STUFF!
More later!
TRY A LIVINGSTON LURE! http://www.livingstonlures.com/
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