The title says it all. This is one of if not the hottest bait in the bass fishing world today! And guess what, It’s fool proof. Anyone can fish this bait and catch bass. If you are searching for a go-to bait to get fish in the boat this is it! In this article we are going to cover the senko from stem to stern.

” We have’nt had a bite all day”, I overheard from a nearby boat as I was boating my 24th keeper of the day. I smiled to myself and quietly thanked God for that silly looking stick worm dangling from my rod tip. It was the dead of summer and not much action at the local fishing hole. I started out in the morning throwing the normal reaction baits picking up a few fish, but it was not until I picked up my spinning rod with a five inch senko attached to the line that the day went from good to great! Have you ever experienced one of those days where every cast your expecting a bite? That was one of those days and it was all thanks to a little “do nothing worm” called a senko.

A senko is a very common looking bait, it’s not flashy or shinny it just catches motherloads of bass. I have experimented with many different colors and sizes all of which produce very well. You may have your favorite colors for certain fisheries. One of my favorite ways to fish a senko is to let it simply fall to the bottom with a slack line. This lets the senko work it’s magic. The bait will flutter from side to side and quiver all at the same time. This gives the bait a look of distress, which means lunchtime for nearby bass. You may also use this bait with weight, I like a small bullet weight such as a 1/32 oz tungsten model. I have found you will alter the action with the more weight you use. There are situations when you will need weight to punch through grass or drop it tight to cover. My favorite structure for fishing this technique is wood cover or logs. This bait is deadly for fishing log jams. When rigged Texas style this bait will rarely hang up so it’s easy to fish in all types of cover.

Let’s discuss the different rigging options for the senko. Like I said, weightless is my personal favorite if the conditions allow. The Texas rig with a small amount of weight is also really productive. If you like to Carolina rig then this bait should be in your tacklebox also. It’s great for fishing through grass or on ledges with the c-rig. The other technique I use alot is what you call a “wacky rig” this means hooking the bait through the middle of it’s body. This gives the fish a little different look. It will also fall a little slower which can be deadly on pressured fish. These are just some examples of this baits versatility. You may experiment with them all you want. Like the saying goes, “There’s no wrong way to eat a Reese’s”, There is no wrong way to fish a senko!

Let’s talk gear. I recommend a 7′ medium action rod with alot of feel to the tip and a good backbone. You will catch plenty of quality fish on this rig so be prepared with top of the line rods and reels. I recommend a Pinnacle Pro Select, this reel is all metal and really let’s you feel those light bites and bumps. If you plan on flipping or pitching with heavy weight you should beef your rod up to a 7′6″ Heavy action for getting big fish out of cover. The line size may vary with presentation and the cover your fishing. If you are not fishing around heavy cover I recommend using 10lb to 14lb test fluorocarbon. This lets the bait sink well and is hardly visible to fish. In heavy cover I would use at least 20lb test, a good superline such as Spiderwire will work well also. Try and use a tungsten weight this adds sound and will attract fish in low visibility situations. I often use an attractant to enhance the smell of my senko, this helps fish hold on longer to your bait which will enable you to get a better hook set.

I hope this will get you on your way to catching multitudes of fish using this awesome bait. If it were me and I had to pick one bait to use to catch fish with confidence, I would choose a Senko.

Keywords: how to fish a senko | catch bass on a senko

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 GET INTO CONSERVATION, IT’S KEY!

Taking care of your fishing tackle is something we all know how to do.  We all know how important it is too, if we don’t take care of it, none of it will last.  That is the same thing with our lakes, rivers and streams. 

State wildlife agencies do most of that work for us, as they raise  fish for stocking, conduct population surveys, and enforce regulations to prevent overpopulating. 

These agencies do have limited money and limited employees to do all that must be done to protect our waters and our fish.  That is why you and your friends can lend a helping hand. 

Not only can you help make our fisheries better, but will feel better about your self for being apart of the solution, instead of the problem. 

If you are a member of the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, or any other group you can organize and participate in all kinds of helpful activities.  Be sure that adult leaders help you carry out your projects.  Also, you want to be sure that you have approval from the appropriate wildlife agency.

If you are not part of any group you can still get involved.  Here are some ideas that will be fun as well as get the job done!!

Conduct a lake or stream cleanup/cookout.  Spending the day cleaning up will work up an appetite, so cooking out will be fun and give everyone time to fellowship.  You can also have prizes for the group that brings the most trash in. 

Collect spare trees and use them as fish habitat.  Again, you will want to make sure that you clear this with the wildlife agency in your area.  You also want to make sure that you anchor the trees in deep enough so they will remain covered in low water. 

Volunteer to assist with Casting Kids events where you can learn to fish and help others learn about their resources.

Contact a BASS club in your area and ask members to form a youth chapter.  You can also try to find a teacher that loves to fish and see if you can start up a club at school. 

Join a Streams Team.  These are all over the country.  Members stage regular cleanup events, as well as monitor water quality for the streams that they adopt.  Your state wildlife agency can help you find a Stream Team near you.

What ever you do to get involved remember to HAVE FUN, the more we take care of our outdoors, our outdoors will take care of us.
 
Keywords: youth conservation | recycle

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I think that most people will agree that there is nothing better than freshly caught fish, caught and cooked on the spot.  Some of my fondest memories with my husband, son and friends are a day of fishing followed by dinner and fellowship.  Perhaps it is the fresh air, and the thrill of having caught the fish yourself that adds extra zest to the meal, but the finest of seafood restaurants just can’t compete as far as I am concerned.

There are times when a larger catch could be brought home to share with friends and family.  If you want to preserve the fresh caught flavor, treat the fish in the same careful manner that you would with game.  Clean them thoroughly and carefully as soon as feasible, remove any excess moisture after the cleaning process and then keep the fish cool.  Ice, of course is fine and dandy, as long as the fish are not swimming in the water as the ice melts.  Plastic bags are alright, too, as long as they are not punctured. The main thing is to be prepared. 

Fish may be broiled, fried, baked in sauce, stuffed, poached, or grilled.  What ever suits your fancy and the situation at hand.  There is only one rule to be followed without exception, DO NOT OVER COOK!  Even with a large fish to be baked whole, compute your cooking time carefully and have everything else ready, so the meal can be served the minute the fish is done.

Fish rich in fat, such as striped bass, halibut, mackerel, pompano, salmon, tuna, and whitefish, respond well to vinegar, wine, or lemon juice when they are baked or broiled.  The lean fish are often baked, in or served with, a rich sauce.  When broiled, they should be basted frequently to prevent dryness. 

It is almost impossible to cover this subject extensively in one chapter.  I can only set down a few guidelines and let you take it from there, adding your own personal touches, experimenting and substituting as you wish.  Remember HAVE FUN!!!!
The recipes listed in this section are  interchangeable for various fish, both fresh and saltwater.  They are intended only to serve as guides for the fat and lean fish-change and adapt them as you wish-use your imagination.

BAKED:

CAMP BAKED BASS

Trout and Perch are also delicious prepared this way..

BASS
CANNED TOMATOES
SLICED ONION
BASIL AND OREGANO

Grease shallow pan.  Place in it seasoned fish and cover with canned tomatoes, sliced onions and sprinkle basil and oregano, if you have it along. Place in hot reflector oven and bake it until fish flakes easily, basting once in a while with the liquid in the pan.

BROILED:

BROILED FILETS

FISH FILETS
MELTED BUTTER
LEMON JUICE
DILL, MARJORAM, OR CHIVES

Preheat broiler, grease rack or aluminum foil before putting fish in it to broil.  With filets up to 1-inch thick, it is not necessary to turn filets, so place skin side down on the rack and broil 6-10 minutes, basting with melted butter and lemon juice plus seasonings of your choice.  Dill, marjoram, or chives are all good.  When the fish is delicately browned and flakes easily with a fork, rush it to the table.  

FRIED:

This seems to be the favorite method of cooking fish, indoors or even over a campfire.  You have a great deal of latitude within the basic recipe, as well as in the various sauces and garnishes, so that even fried fish need never become monotonous.  Filets, steaks or whole fish are done this way-the cooking time is always brief, but does depend to some extent on the thickness of the fish.  Don’t overcook and don’t let it wait!!  From the frying pan to the plates, with everything else ready and waiting, including the hungry guests.

Fry or saute the fish without any adornment, lightly dredged in seasoned flour or prepared in this way.

Dip the fish first into: (pick one)

MILK
EVAPORATED MILK
EGG BEATEN WITH 2 TABLESPOONS LEMON JUICE OR WHITE WINE
THIN PANCAKE BATTER
SAVORY BOTTLE SALAD DRESSING

Season with salt and pepper.  Dredge in crumbs such as:

DRY BREAD CRUMBS SEASONED
CRACKER MEAL
CORN MEAL
ANY DRY CEREAL, CRUSHED TO FINE CRUMBS
CRUMBLED POTATO CHIPS
PLAIN FLOUR
BISCUIT MIX

Heat oil, shortening or butter in skillet until hot, but not smoking.  If using butter, it should be bubbling but not browned.  Saute quickly over a medium flame until golden on underside 1-2 minutes, turn carefully and repeat.  Place fish on heated platter, quickly add a dash of lemon to the butter in the pan, stir for seconds and pour over the fish.  Garnish with parsley, chipped chives or serve with your favorite tartar sauce in lemon cups.  A number of sauces mentioned in Chapter 10 would be appropriate.

If done properly with a minimum of fat in the pan, there should be no greasiness to the fish, just a lovely crisp crust.  However, in deep-fat frying, fish must be drained thoroughly on paper towels or some such before serving.  If you deep fry, be sure the fat or oil has reached 365 degree F to 370 degree F, before you begin.  Fry only a small amount of fish at one time so the temperature of the fat remains constant.  Otherwise, the crust will not be sealed quickly and the greasy results will have you searching for the bicarbonate of soda.
 

Keywords: fish fillet | recipes made easy

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The Carolina Rig has been around for many years but is still a big producer for anglers all over the world. It serves many purposes that we are going to cover in this article. We will cover the different areas for fishing this technique and also the many different lures that you can utilize. Here is a step by step format you can use to load your boat with good numbers of bass.

First, we will cover the components that are required to get this rig set up. The first component is the weight. You will have to determine a depth and structure type you are fishing. This will determine the size of your weight. You want to always try and get by with the smallest weight possible. I would recommend a 1/4 oz. to a 1/2 oz. size. This enables you to get better hook sets. If the water you are fishing is relatively deep you may need to go to a 3/8 oz. or 1 oz. weight. There are many weight types such as egg sinker, bullet weight, weights with rattles in them and so on. They come in different composites such as lead, brass and tungsten. I would recommend using a bullet weight for getting through the vegetation a lot better. I also recommend using a brass or tungsten weight since many states have outlawed the use of lead.

The next component that will go on the line after the weight are the beads. There are two main reasons for the beads, one is to protect the line tie so the weight does not damage your knot. The second reason is to add a clicking sound when moved along the bottom. This sound mimics craw-fish or shad feeding on the bottom. Most anglers use a glass bead for this application. Thus far we have a weight followed by two glass beads. Let’s move on to the next component.

The next thing you will need is a swivel tied directly to the line below you weight and beads. The swivel of choice is normally a crane swivel. The reason for the crane swivel is to prevent line twist. I try and stick with smaller swivels usually in the 20 to 30lb range.

We are now getting down to the length of leader you will need to use for the type of cover or fish that you are targeting. From the swivel that is tied on the line you will attach a leader. I normally use fluorocarbon line for this application, this makes the bait seem more natural. Although you need to remember that fluorocarbon does sink a little faster than mono-filament. The line spooled to your reel will be heavier than that of your leader. Here is an example, 17lb spooled on your reel and 14lb leader. You may need to use heavier line when fishing abrasive cover. This technique is usually used around grass vegetation which lets you get away with lighter line.

You will want to pay attention to the length of the leader you use. A leader may be from 12 inches to up to four feet. I normally keep my lengths from 24″ to 36″ this will normally cover the water column well. The shorter the leader the faster the bait will fall to the bottom. The longer it is the more natural it will look on the fall. It will also flutter from side to side a little better with a longer leader.

The hook size is up to the size of bait you are using. I like Owner or Gamakatsu 2/0, 3/0 and 4/0 hooks depending on lure size. I will use a variation of lures with this technique. My favorite choice is a Zoom trick worm. This bait looks extremely natural and pulls through almost any type of cover. I also like using a Senko on this rig, it seems to have a motion that you cannot get from other baits. These are just recommendations on lure choice. I am sure you will have many that you can experiment with and try on your next trip to the lake.

Let’s talk about rod and reel choice. I like using a 7′ 6″ rod that I can really feel subtle bites with. Pinnacle makes a great rod for this called a Matrix. It is made from Kevlar and is very sensitive and strong. I also prefer a Pinnacle Pro Select reel for my Carolina rig fishing. This reel is very sensitive and is made with an all metal frame which helps you feel those light bites. A gear ratio of 6.2:1 is a good choice also.

One of the many ways to use this bait is to utilize it as a search bait. This let’s you feel the bottom with you weight and determine the type of structure there. This lets you narrow down bait choice and presentation. The thing that can be challenging at times is setting the hook on long casts with this technique. I prefer to use a sweep hook set by reeling up the slack and sweeping the rod to the side, not up. This usually drives the hook into the corner of the fishes mouth for a good solid hook set. The great thing about the Carolina rig  is that it can be fished shallow or deep depending on where the fish are you are targeting.

If you have not tried this technique before or just gotten away from using it you may be missing out. The next trip you take to your favorite fishing hole have one of these rigs tied on. It may just save the day!

Keywords: carolina rig | how to fish a carolina rig

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“Drop shot fishing just catches small fish,” How many times have I heard that? At first I did’nt believe in drop shots for big bass either, until I tried it. In today’s lakes and rivers fishing pressure is at an all time high. That is why if you are not using this great fish catching technique you may be missing the boat!

This technique originated in Japan where fishing pressure is even heavier than in the U.S. I started out fishing this technique with the usual small finesse type approach. I soon realized that I could use this awesome rig to catch quality fish by up-sizing my baits. Instead of sticking with the proven methods of lightline and a delicate touch I went against the grain and spent a day trying larger baits. It worked. It also gave me a great boost of confidence for future trips. It is a great way to present a lure and a great way to target larger fish. I refer to this rig as a “heavy drop shot rig.” I normally use a little heavier weight when fishing this rig, but a lightweight will also produce. I use the heavier weight when fishing in 4ft of water or more. I also use heavier weight when the wind picks up.

There are two major factors to consider when fishing this drop shot rig. One is the amount of line from your weight to your bait. I try and look at where the fish are holding and at what depth. This will determine the length I use. The second major aspect is the way you work the bait. This technique can be worked very fast or very slow. You will be able to determine this by the activity of the fish. I prefer a slow technique, let the bait fall all the way to the bottom before raising it up. If the fish are active they will normally hit on the first fall. Although there are occasions when you have to raise the bait and drop it several times to entice a strike. One of my favorite ways to fish this bait is to flip or pitch it to cover. This approach is very different to a bass that has been pressured and they will often strike out of reaction. We all like to try something different when it’s on the menu at our favorite restaurant, well a bass feels the same way. It’s also presented in a different water column to a bass, instead of being on the bottom it’s presented in front of their face or above them. A bass is programed to strike from below.

If you want to try heavy drop shotting leave the light spinning reel and 8 pound test line in the rod locker and beef it up to at least 12 to 20lb test line. When casting the heavy drop shot I recommend a 7′rod with a light tip and good backbone. When flipping or pitching the bait you should use a 7′6″ heavy action rod with braid or 20 to 25lb fluorocarbon. Picking the right tackle can also increase your chances of hooking up. Try using a 2/0 to 5/0 straight shank hook or extra wide gap Gamakatsu. I also like the tru tungston weights that give a very distinct sound when making contact with the bottom. Lure choice is up to you and the lake you fish. Try anything you would use normally on a t-rig or Carolina rig.

This technique is not difficult it just takes time to experiment with. Remember to always fish every bait with confidence and your chances will definitely increase. So the next time your on the lake and need a bite try this awesome technique!

Keywords: drop shot rig | how to fish a drop shot rig

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These big baits have been catching lunker bass out West for years. I think it’s time we all get in on the action! Here is why you should be getting your hands on these dynamic lures.

The term “Swimbait” has been around for a long time.  This term means: Any lure that is designed to swim like a fish. All swim baits have three things in common: head, body and tail.  There are many different styles and types of swim baits, when shopping for a swimbait, you should look for one with a 3D look. 

 I believe that one of the most important things to consider when fishing a swimbait is  the to find the type of baitfish that are in the area you are fishing. You want to mimic those baitfish to best of your ability. You will want different styles and sizes for different waters. The thing that turns most of us off of these monster catching machines are the price. I had to make myself spend the money for these baits but I knew what the outcome would be. Whether you fish tournaments or fish for recreation I recommend trying this awesome technique. It very well could catch the fish of a lifetime. There is not another bait made today that catches more big fish time after time than swimbaits. When fishing a swimbait you just need to fish every cast with the mindset of catching a monster bass. Believe in your technique and it will pay off. Confidence and a positive attitude are paramount in fishing.      

Catching huge largemouth bass on 12-inch lures takes two main ingredients, dedication and willingness to give up catching numbers of bass and only look for one or two bites a day, something tough to do when you don’t yet have confidence in the technique your trying. There is no big secret when it comes to where to cast a swim bait. You simply fish the bait in areas that you believe holds fish. I will pick up my swim bait rod when I come to areas where I think a big bass will be sitting. A large fish that sees alot of baits will often react to something large and enticing like a big swim bait. You can fish these baits many different ways. I like fishing them what I call “natural swimming motion”, just a slow roll around cover or ledges. This means making the bait seem undisturbed and calm. This is a great opportunity for a bass to get an easy meal. They are also great for spawning fish. I will almost guarantee you that a big female will not let that bait hang out around that bed for long. Another great way for fishing these baits is to give the bait an erratic look. A stop and go retrieve is good. I just recommend getting out there and try them out for yourself and you will develop your own style and feel for these awesome baits.

When fishing swim baits you will need the right rod and reel for the job. I recommend a 7′6″ Pinnacle Matrix Kevlar rod equipped with a Pinnacle Matrix reel. This is a very good set up for making long casts and fighting large fish. One thing you need to take into consideration when throwing a large bait is the quality of the reel you use. Let’s face it this is time for quality when your dealing with trophy class fish. That’s why I like the Pinnacle Matrix, it’s pure quality, and the Matrix rod offers a soft tip and solid backbone. I also recommend at least 20lb test line. I personally use Berkley vanish fluorocarbon when fishing these big baits. It’s very sensitive and strong for getting big fish out of cover.

The next time you find yourself dreaming about the trophies the other guys are catching, tie on a swim bait and give it a try. It takes both patience and dedication, but given sufficient time you’ll be the one on the dock taking pictures at the end of the day.

Keywords: swimbaits | Big bass on swimbaits

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I have a special place in my heart for the disabled. I am a former Military Police Officer and I have been exposed to many brave soldiers that are now disabled. I do not understand the pain and daily struggles that comes with a disability, but I do posses the same burning desire for the outdoors that many disabled folks experience. The one thing I believe in and stand up for are our rights as an outdoorsman. Because I am truly convinced that everyone should be able to share such a wonderful gift that God has created for us. I know if I awake tomorrow with a disability, I will still have a passion for the things that I enjoy now.

My main goal is to accomplish what Jesus has set out for my life.  Fortunately he has blessed me, so now I have the ability to show people the light of God through the outdoors. I thank him each and every day for the burning passion that I have for his creation. Like I said, I have no first hand knowledge of being disabled, but I want to extend my gratitude for those of you who still pursue the fulfillment that the outdoors has brought me. I also want to give encouragement to those who are discouraged and are on the brink of giving up. Please, be strong! Never give up on your dreams. “You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you”. I know if you take that step for the first time back to the outdoors he will help you the rest of the way. We all need to pull together and persevere so we as outdoorsman can strengthen the passion and desire, that drives us all.

Keywords: courage and perseverance | disabled outdoorsman

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This is my first article,  of hopefully many to come,  and I struggled with what to write about.   I decided to answer some questions I have heard, and have been asked over my nineteen years of hunting. 

One of the questions I’ve been asked is, “How high should you hang your tree stand?”.  I personally try to get my treestands 20 to 25 feet high, sometimes more sometimes less, but it’s up to each person.  You should get as high as you feel comfortable, if you don’t want to get very high, just try to position yourself as concealed as possible, using natural cover, such as limbs or other trees.

“What is the best broadhead?”  I haven’t tried every broadhead on the market, but I have tried several.  The most durable, and by far the toughest broadhead is Muzzy.

“What is the best caliber rifle to hunt with?”  Well this one is just my opinion and every person will have their own preference.  Anything from a .243 to a 7mm will harvest a deer effectively.  The most well rounded caliber would have to be either a .25.06 or a .270.  You have plenty of knock down power and can cover a good distance.  Unlike a .300 mag or .7mm they don’t pack a big punch.

“Can you tell how big a buck is by the size tree he rubs?”  That is a tricky question.  You can’t really tell, but you may be able to get an idea. You can’t go strictly by the size of the tree, a big buck will rub a small tree as well as a bigger tree, but a small buck (99% of the time) will not rub a larger tree.  The more tore up or broken up a tree is, most likely larger the buck.  Look at the tree closely for grooves in the rub , that would most likely be a larger buck rubbing harder, digging their tines in deeper because they are stronger and bigger.

Remember, the more you hunt the more you’ll learn.  We just have to get out there, stay out there, and pay attention.

                                                           God Bless

                                                           Be Safe

                                                           And Just Hunt

                                                           Jim Nichols

Keywords: tree stands | gun calibers

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Fast? You got it! This is the new Peak GS 7.0. If you have been wondering about the latest craze on high speed reels we are about to enlighten you on the subject.

This reel has everything! The feature that seems to fly under the radar a bit is the centrifugal magnetic cast control system. I love this feature, it enables you to cast into the wind with many different lure sizes and weights. If you have it set to the lure you are using it is almost impossible to backlash! It is great for “burning” rat-l-traps and spinnerbaits. This reel also has a 10 ball bearing system. I always hear people talking about bearings, but you have to understand it’s the quality not quantity of the bearing. You also want to take into consideration the comfortability of the reel you use. Whether you fish all day or just a few hours it is paramount that the reel is comfortable in your hand. Another thing to remember is the quality of the frame and durability of the reel. The new Peak GS is all metal and built more durable than comparable reels. You can always bet the better the quality the more bites you are going to feel! The Peak GS is also priced way below comparable reels. In today’s world you need quality at a reasonable price. The Peak GS retails in stores for $130. You can get it here for only $89.99.

If you would like to view more information about the new Peak GS please visit “Reels” under catagories and brands.

Keywords: Pinnacle Peak GS 7.0 | fishing reels

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