Product Review: Jackall Lures – Cross Tail Shad

Widely known as the world’s first worm developed specifically for the drop-shot, the Jackall Cross Tail Shad has become an instant favorite with many anglers. Although this bait was developed in 1999 by Lake Police, which later became Jackall Lures (Japan), it is still relatively new to the masses in the North American market.

This may not be a new bait, but from speaking with different people, from recreationists to tournament anglers, there are still a number of anglers out there who have yet to rig one up. Therefore, I thought it would be worthwhile to do a write-up about this little classic.

I have been fishing the Cross Tail Shad for a number of years and in many cases it has become my “go-to” drop-shot bait – especially for smallmouth bass on Lake Erie. That being said, I have caught everything from walleye to largemouth bass on this slender four-inch bait.

To continue reading the full review, check out it out on Rahfish.com: Product Review – Jackall Lures, Cross Tail Shad | Rahfish.com.

Rahfish.com

I am pleased to announce that I have joined the talented team of writers at Rahfish.com. I’m really looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of the site and sharing my passion for bass fishing with a larger audience.

If you haven’t had the chance to see the site already, I would have to say Rahfish.com is arguably one of the hottest new websites out there for bass fishing related content. If you’re into bass fishing go ahead and visit the site, follow them on Twitter (@rah_fish), and  give them a LIKE on Facebook too!

Check out my profile on Rahfish here: Our Writers | Eugene Chong.

Thank you for your continued support!

Product Review: Freedom Tackle – Live Action Hybrid Jigs

A jig is a jig is a jig – or is it? The jig is one of the more popular, and more effective, fish catching tools available to anglers today. Although there have been many developments in the tackle world, fundamentally, the jig has remained relatively the same through the years. That being said, Freedom Tackle Corporation appears to have taken their jig designs to the next level with their Live Action Hybrid Jigs.

Since their debut at the 2012 iCast show Freedom Tackle has gained the attention of a number of anglers with its hybrid jigs, and rightly so, their product is both innovative and eye-catching.

Currently, there are four different models offered in their line up – Hydra, Rogue, Stealth and Zodiac. Looking at each of the models offered you will notice the design of these jigs allow for the hook to swing freely. There are a couple of other companies out there with similar concepts, but what makes the Live Action Hybrid Jigs truly unique is the hook connection that is housed in a brass echo chamber.

To continue reading the full review, check out it out on Rahfish.com: Product Preview – Freedom Tackle, Live Action Hybrid Jigs | Rahfish.com.

Product Review – Pflueger Patriarch | Rahfish.com

At the head of the Pflueger family of reels you will find the aptly named, Patriarch. I have been fortunate enough to add this lightweight spinning reel to my arsenal and have had the pleasure of spending countless number of hours on the water with this reel in hand.

At first glance this reel is, “sexy!” From the deep shade of blue and gunmetal-toned accents to the carbon fiber wrapped arbor and handle – this spinning reel is a work of art in both looks and functionality.

To continue reading the full review, check out it out on Rahfish.com: Product Review – Pflueger Patriarch, Spinning Reel, Fishing Reels | Rahfish.com.

Co-Angler Tip: Details

There are a number of things one can do to help them become a better angler, but one of the best lessons I have learned along the way is — focus on the details! Here are a few things to think about the next time you are preparing for your next trip and/or tournament…

1. Learn How to Read Electronics.

From sonar to side/down imaging units, these tools will help you understand what is happening below. Look closely at the information on the monitor and learn how to exploit all the features of the unit. What you are able to see and do with this tool will help you to figure out a few pieces of the puzzle. There are a number of different features to these units, so get comfortable with what you’re seeing.

2. Keep a Journal or a Log of Your Outings

By keeping a record of your experiences it will help you not only understand what is happening on the water, but how to better prepare yourself for future outings.

Here is a list of details you might want to keep track of the next time you’re on the water:

• Date
• Time
• Body of Water
• Weather: Air Temp, Cloud Cover, Wind Direction and Speed, Barometer, Precipitation
• Water: Water Temp, Clarity, Depth, Bottom Composition, Cover, Structure
• Fish Caught: Species, Size
• Technique
• Lure: Style, Colour

Now, it really depends on how much information you want to track and record –  there are some people who will even note moon phases. Remember the more information you have the more help it will be.

Looking back through the information you have collected soon you will notice patterns with regard to specific bodies of water, types of water, seasons, time of day, so on and so forth. It is important to remember that bass are creatures of habit and this tool will help you to prepare for a tournament or even for a fun day out on the water — let’s face it, it’s always better when you have an idea of what the fish are doing to give yourself the best chance in getting bit.

3. Do Your Research

In this day and age, there is an abundance of information that is available at your finger tips. Use the resources that are available on-line to help you break down the body of water when you are preparing for your trip. Things one might look-up before heading out:

• Different style maps that are available for the body of water (topographical, hydrographic/navigational, etc.) – As much as you want to find fish, it’s also important to eliminate water as well. Looking at the maps, you will be able to breakdown the lake to determine spots that may be more productive than others. Remember: There are a number of different types of maps one can find and each will display different information for the user, so figure out what works for you and mark spots and features on your own map for help on the water.
• Forecast/Weather – Look at the weather leading up to and for the day you’re going to fish. Bass are sensitive to pressure and weather changes, so this will help you determine what it may have done to the bite. Moreover, it will also help you dress appropriately and prepare for the day — if you’re not comfortable it will distract you from your task at hand.
• Tournament results of past events held on the body of water – This information will give you some insight to what you can expect from the fishery. What species were represented in the heavier sacks?
• Look up other sorts of information about the body of water you are planning to fish – Are the water levels of the lake controlled by a dam? Are there areas on the lake that are restricted to certain types of activity? Where are the marinas and/or ramps located around the lake?
• Reviews and/or articles may have been written about the body of water – Such articles may give you some insight to what to expect especially if you have no prior knowledge of the fishery. That being said, it is important to filter the information you come across and note the source — some information can be more harmful than helpful.

4. Pay Attention

Clearly, there are a number of things you can do to help you plan your strategy for the day, but it always important not to forget…pay attention! Focus on what the fish are doing at that specific moment will help you to be more effective while out on the water. You may have a general idea of what the fish might do at any given time and/or day, but given the specific conditions that are presented at the time you are fishing the fish will let you know what they are looking for.  Focus on the bite and it will help you better understand what the fish are doing. Some days you’ll find you have to scrap your game plan and change it up.

Hopefully these tips will help you in your process of becoming a better angler. Remember, it’s all in the details!

Event Preview: 5th Annual Spring Fishing & Boat Show

Widely regarded as “Canada’s Largest Fishing Show,” the 2012 Spring Fishing & Boat Show takes place at the International Centre (Mississauga, ON) from February 17th to the 20th.

With over 200,000 square feet of exhibition space and more than 200 exhibitors this show is definitely geared towards avid anglers. This is by far my favourite show to attend as it breaks me out of a winter funk and gets me excited for the open water season ahead!

The Spring Fishing & Boat Show is a mecca for fishing enthusiasts and “gear-heads” as it brings together a few of the top retailers in Southern Ontario all under one roof. There is an overwhelming amount of gear at the show — if you think your local Bass Pro Shop has a lot of gear, you’re in for a treat!

TIP: It is worthwhile for you to walk around and check out all the vendors before you pulling your wallet out. There are great deals to be had, but you may find better deals around the corner so keep your eyes out.

Although shopping for new gear is always fun, what makes this a great event is the opportunity chat it up with industry professionals and other avid anglers. You will see many top pros giving talks, signing autographs and representing their sponsors.

The line-up of seminar speakers that is expected to present at the show is quite impressive:

• Bob Izumi
• Italo Labignan
• Dave Mercer
• JP DeRose
• “Big” Jim McLaughlin
• Gord Pyzer
• Jim Saric
• Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson
• Paul Powis
• Nick Pujic
• Wil Wegman
• …just to name a few!

In addition to all these great speakers, you will see a number of pro and field staff working at the show for various vendors and brands. So, if you have questions they are there to help.

In order to truly enjoy the experience of the show, plan on spending a few hours there. If you want to get the most out of being at the show, I would encourage you to chat it up with other people while there — you will notice the majority of those who attend the show are just like you!

Here’s a little something to save you a little money on the admission, so it could be better spent on tackle (click on the pic below and print):

Show Details

Show Hours
Friday, February 17: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 18: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 19: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday, February 20: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Admission
Adults: $14.00
Seniors: $12.00 ($6.00 on Friday, February 17)
Juniors: $10.00 (Ages 13 – 17)
Children 12 & Under: FREE*
*(when accompanied by an adult)

Location
International Centre, Halls 3A & 5
6900 Airport Road
Mississauga, ON

If you’re planning on going to the show — drop me a message below. See you at the Spring Fishing & Boat Show!

Food for Thought: B.A.S.S. Imposes One-Lure Rule…

For those of you who haven’t already heard the announcement, BASS announced yesterday (January 17, 2012) that pros competing at the Bassmaster Elite Series and at the Bassmaster Classic will be limited to the use of a single lure during practice and competition. No longer permitted are various techniques that have been in the past, such as: double soft jerkbait rigs, drop shot rigs with jigs used as weights, double topwater setups and other multi-lure rigs, such as “umbrella rigs.”

I have fished many of these techniques in the past with varying degrees of success, but they have never been a game changer for me. However, with the decision to ban the Alabama Rig and other similar umbrella rigs, other “multi-lure” techniques as well found themselves on the chopping block.

With all the success of the Alabama Rig in recent history, it is no surprise to anyone that this is a contentious issue with some. Although I do not disagree with the decision, I do have a couple of thoughts to share:

1. The Alabama Rig has been in the hands of some pros since earlier in the season, but only came to light after Paul Elias’ dominating performance on Lake Guntersville in October. If it really was so easy to use and fish could not help themselves when faced with the rig — why wasn’t it a game changer earlier in the year? When pros were questioned about the rig after Elias’ win, many did not have the opportunity to try it and for the most part was unsure of the rig. Like any new technique there is a learning curve to using it proficiently and I do not think it was given its fair chance at the competition level to see its impact to the sport. To imply that there is no skill to using the rig is not entirely accurate.
2. B.A.S.S. mentions holding the competitors of the Elite Series to a higher standard, as stated by Bruce Akin, B.A.S.S. CEO, ”Our Classic and Elite tournaments simply have a higher standard for the sake of competition.” If this is the case, should we not question the use of electronic feeding simulators, like Biosonix and the HydroWave system (for the science behind the system, visit the HydroWave site here: HydroWave™ Science). “Chumming” is not allowed in sport bass fishing; however, I would argue that this technology is doing pretty much the same thing — attracting and stimulating a feeding frenzy in a school of predatory fish.

I feel the decision to ban the rig may have been made hastily as I am sure not many have had much experience with the presentation to understand it fully. However, if the argument is based on the integrity of the sport then there are certainly other considerations that should be made as well.

Soon people may realize that this isn’t the best thing since sliced bread — I’m not saying it isn’t a great tool, just not the miracle fish-catching machine people make it out to be. I think it is important to remember that the rig is merely a “tool” and a different way of presenting the bait. Ask any successful angler the real skill is in locating fish consistently and determining what technique is best to use in a given situation.

One can throw the Alabama Rig in open water all they want — if there are no fish around all they will be doing is tiring themselves out with the chunking and winding. The rig can get pretty heavy — ask any muskie angler, throwing big baits all day long is exhausting and hard on the body.

The “rig” will continue to be a point of discussion for a while still, but like all fads the hype will soon fade. It will be only be a tool used by some and not by others.

Only time will tell what the real impact of the rig is on our fisheries and to the sport of bass fishing.

Hopefully this decision by B.A.S.S. will not discourage creative anglers in their search for the “next best thing” — because again, this decision applies only to the Elite.

See the official B.A.S.S. communiqué here: B.A.S.S. imposes One-Lure Rule for the Bassmaster Classic and Elite Series