As I was growing up I dreamed of flying across the water in a bass boat fishing the lunker filled waters of Florida. I am very fortunate to see that dream come true and being able to live it is an amazing thing for a small town boy from West Virginia. Let’s talk about the bass boats of today and how they make things easy for us as anglers.

A bass boat is not a necessity by any means but it does add alot of opportunity for the angler. I have been able to enjoy fishing areas I once only hoped of fishing and caught fish that I normally would not catch. I am a Triton boat owner and proud to be one the folks at Triton know how to treat their family of boaters. I have had to call them a few times and they met my needs immediately with understanding and willingness to get my problem solved. That’s the kind of backing I need out on the water. I am not cutting any other bass boat manufactures but I am a little partial to Triton.

Let’s discuss how to choose the right Triton bass boat for you and your needs. When I purchased my Triton I took into consideration the amount of tournaments I would be fishing and the hours I would spend on the water. I wanted comfort, stability and dependability and I have yet to be let down on any of the three. Triton has really revolutionized the bass boat with many new features that help anglers to stay focused on their primary objective, catching fish. The livewell systems are fantastic and they are very roomy to provide sufficient oxygen levels. Keeping your catch alive is paramount in tournament style fishing. You want to choose a boat that fits your angling style and character. You will have the availability to choose your electronics and comfort features. Whether you fish for relaxation or your a hardcore tournament angler the Triton bass boat line up will fit you. Triton has many different models to choose from. My personal favorite is the Tr-20X Bassmaster Classic edition. This boat has everything you could ask for. Another favorite is the Tr-186, this boat provides the angler with sufficient room and good fuel economy.

Triton also has a full line of aluminum bass boats that are unmatched in durability and ride. The Triton 186 magnum is a great choice for tournament anglers and the VT series from Triton is also very good. You will have to go and check out the boat of your choice to really define what fits you the boater and your needs. I strongly recommend  Triton bass boats to anyone in search of quality. Check one out today you will not be disappointed!

Keywords:  triton bass boats  |   bassmaster classic 

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I have spent many summer days and nights catfishing and relaxing with friends over the years and have come to believe that catfishing has to be the most relaxing type of freshwater fishing. It does not get much easier than throwing out some chicken liver and letting it soak on the bottom of your favorite catfish hole. Although you better keep a tight watch on your rod and reel they have been known to steal a few combos in their day. Let us look back on catfishing and discuss some of our favorite techniques.

I will have to say that my all time favorite way to catch catfish is banklines. Banklines are an awesome way of covering water and getting baits noticed. You have to make sure the type of tree limbs you use though. I suggest willow limbs for this type catfishing because of the flexibility of the wood. This will hopefully not allow a big catfish to break the limb or straighten your hook. Although I have witnessed some huge catfish take a whole tree in the water! I recommend 250lb nylon rope for fishing this setup. It is easy to use and will not affect your catch ratio. Make sure your hooks are made of a strong steel to help prevent bending. I usaully go with a big creek chub or bluegill when banklining these stay on the hook better than chicken liver or dough bait. A nightcrawler can be a good choice also. Be sure to check your lines every couple of hours to keep them properly baited.

Another way of catching huge catfish is to set “cane poles” or “bamboo poles.” This technique like banklining covers alot of water so you can find the best catfish honey holes. Try using live bait such as creek chubs or nightcrawlers with this technique. I have used cutbait also with good success. A boat is not mandatory here but will really help you check your lines. Remember to keep them baited often and use heavy equipment like we discussed before. This technique can be used with a float to optimize your depth choice.

The most traditional way and most widely used is the old rod and reel catfishing technique. This one is pretty simple and does not require alot of gear. It is also a great way to get kids involved with fishing. All you need here is a good strong rod and reel spooled with a 14lb to 20lb monofilament line. Pick up some sinkers and maybe a float and your set. Bait choice is normally easy also I recommend on the live bait side a small bluegill with the tail cut. If you would rather fish with nightcrawlers you should have good luck with that to.

Whatever technique you choose just have fun and make it relaxing and fun for everyone. Enjoy the time God has given you and remember to take someone along so they to can experience the great outdoors.

Keywords:  catfishing  |   fishing 

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Fishing tournaments have really changed the world of fishing as of late. There are more anglers on the water than ever before and competition is fierce. Let’s discuss how fishing tournaments can either make or break you as an angler.

After my first tournament I was a little spoiled. I was fortunate enough to win the event and take home big fish honors. I was on cloud nine for some time but that does not always happen in fact winning a bass tournament can be a huge accomplishment for an angler. I made myself understand at an early age that winning was not everything. Fishing is learning and being able to put together what you have learned is what makes a great angler. Please do not misunderstand me, I love to win but I also do not let the lesser finishes get me down.

I know alot of fisherman who have tried tournament fishing only to get discouraged and quit. This can really affect the outlook you have on the sport. Remember this is one of the greatest gifts God has given us so don’t let competition take you away from something you love. Fishing tournaments is only one way to enjoy the sport of fishing and is not for everyone. If you are interested in trying tournament fishing I recommend fishing a tournament were everyone is new to the lake you are fishing. This will set a more even playing field. You may join a local club but prepare to get spanked by the locals who know every rock pile, drop off and grass patch in the lake. This is what turns off most new tournament fisherman so do not let this discourage you, these local anglers are pros on their home water. I have found if you take them to a lake or body of water they do not know about they are far less impressive.

If you have your mind set on becoming a good tournament angler the work starts at home. You need to know everything about the body of water you will be fishing. I recommend getting good topo maps that show you in detail the lay of the lake and it’s structure content. This will help you eliminate water that will probably not hold quality fish. You should know exactly where you are going to start fishing before you leave the house. This takes patients and good map reading skills to perfect. You also want to factor in the weather for each location you have chose to fish. This can and will play a vital role in the area holding fish. As an example I have a tournament coming up on Lake Kissimmee and I have not once visited the lake but I already have three areas I will be starting from. This comes from map study.

Once you have your plan of attack mapped out you need to then prepare your tackle. I like taking 8 to 9 rods rigged differently for various fishing techniques. This will save you valuable time on the water. Remember to fish your strengths and fish your confidence baits first. I always have a spinnerbait tied on at least one rod because that’s my confidence bait. It’s my go to technique for boating a fish and sometimes confidence can outweigh skill. Try and use good search baits also like a rat-l-trap or carolina rig. This will give you a good understanding of the lakes underwater layout. If you do catch fish by what I call “prospecting” then you can slow down and fish the area harder.

Here’s one final tip on fishing tournaments always have your tackle handy and at your side the last thing you need to be doing is searching your boat for the one bait you need. If you are fishing with a partner sit down and discuss how you can best work together to get the job done. Make things easy on yourself those long tournament days can take their toll! So if you decide to hit the tournament trail good luck and keep your confidence high.

Keywords:  fishing tournaments  |  tournament fishing 

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Do you want to catch bass one after another and not spend the $30,000 dollars plus for a bass boat to do it? Try your local pond out and you may hit the jackpot on bass. These little holes of water can be bass bonanzas!

To this day my biggest bass was caught in a golf course pond years ago. Many people think that small ponds only house small fish. That can be a huge misunderstanding and could keep you from catching the bass of a lifetime. The three main places to look for these honey holes are golf courses, farm ponds and apartment or townhouse complexes. These are rarely fished and are usually loaded with bass. The only thing you need to make sure you do is get permission to be there, preferably written permission. This will protect you if someone complains that your there. Let’s discuss some sure fire techniques for bass fishing in ponds.

You do not want to be to high tec with these fisheries. Stick to the basics to start with and you will catch fish. I recommend a small tackle bag and a good selection of great pond baits such as a spinnerbait, plastic worms and a few good topwaters to start. This should cover the water column and give you a good idea of what the pond holds. You may then narrow down your selection to your favorites for that particular pond. Alot of ponds have grassy edges or reeds to fish. You will be able to analyze the pond before making the first cast. Take a moment and look at what visible structure you have to fish. Then pick a starting point and get to fishing.

Let’s talk over your gear for fishing small ponds. I recommend two rod and reel combos to start. You will need a good 6′6″ spinning rod with a good spinning reel such as a Pinnacle Extant EX 30. Spool this reel with a good 10lb test fluorocarbon line and this will be your setup for worm fishing. The next setup you should have is a good 7′ medium action rod and a good quality baitcasting reel such as a Pinnacle Pro 10. This will cover your spinnerbait and topwaters. The 7′ rod helps you make longer casts when fishing from the bank and it also helps on those long hooksets. I recommend a line size of 14lb test or greater depending on the amount of shoreline vegetation.

Remember to keep things to a minimum gear wise you may have to walk a long way so take what you will need.  I grew up fishing farm ponds and they really can produce some quality fish. Stay patient and have an open mind usually there is one lure they just can’t resist. Remember to take along a child when you go pond fishing this is a great way to get them started in the outdoors!

Keywords:  bass fishing in ponds  |  Pinnacle Pro 10 

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This is the deal of the week! The New Pinnacle Peak GS 7.0 baitcasting reel which retails for $130.00 in stores is now on sale at www.fishingreeldealz.com for an extremely low price of $85.00!!!!! These awesome fishing reels will not last long so get your New Peak GS while supplies last!

Here are some specifics on the new Pinnacle Peak GS 7.0!

This is the BRAND NEW Peak GS! This reel is one of the hottest reels on the market today. It features a super fast 7.0:1 gear ratio that lets you take in line quick for when you need it most! This reel has an all metal frame that is super tough and it’s great low profile design makes it comfortable to use all day long! If you like to throw a Rat-L-Trap you have to have one of these reels! This reel redefined the way my partner and I fish reaction type baits. This reel is also great for flipping and pitching cover because of it’s ability to get fish out of cover quickly. The super fast 7.0:1 gear ratio gets those fish in the boat before they can get you in trouble around cover. Give a new Peak a try today!

This new Peak GS is ultra smooth as it features a 10 ball bearing system! This high quality reel also features a centrifugal brake system that helps fight off unwanted backlashes. If you have been searching for a super fast reel this is it. These reels are selling fast so don’t wait, pick one up today and feel the Pinnacle difference!

Features:

* Unlimited anti-reverse
* 10 stainless steel ball bearings
* Adjustable dial in six-arm centrifugal brake system
* Cross drilled aluminum spool
* Quick access side plate cover
* Super fast 7.0:1 Gear ratio

ONE OF THE FASTEST REELS ON THE MARKET!
PRICED WAY UNDER IT’S RETAIL OF $130.00!
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 We believe in AFFORDABLE reels!

Keywords:  pinnacle peak gs 7.0  |  fishing reels 

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I have been fortunate enough to fish many different parts of the country and catch many different spieces of fish. I will have to say that one fish really stands out in a crowd and that is the smallmouth bass. Pound for pound it may be the toughest fish swimming! Let’s discuss some smallmouth bass fishing tips.

I first started catching smallmouth bass in small streams and rivers. These fish were extremely hard fighters and would absolutely crush a lure. Most of the streams we would fish were very clear and you could witness your lures being annihilated. This really turned me on to smallmouth bass fishing. I really liked being able to use light line and a small spinning outfit to catch such a strong fish. Here are some of my all-time favorite smallmouth bass fishing tips.

When they seem to be very aggressive and willing to eat almost anything I love to throw an in-line spinner on 6lb. test line with a good spinning combo. I would recommend a Pinnacle Extant EX 30. With a good medium action rod to handle explosive strikes. My lure of choice would have to be a Panther Martin in-line spinner with a gold blade and brown body. This has been one of my best smallmouth bass busters! I also like a common old favorite the Rooster Tail. This lure has been around for many years and is still slamming fish all over the country. I like the rooster tail in black or brown with a gold or silver blade depending on the baitfish or water color. I try to stay with the smaller sizes to really imitate small baitfish profiles. Another good reaction bait for smallies is a crawfish colored crankbait. This really can produce in spring. Also try a Rebel crickhopper for active smallmouth bass.

When the bite dies down you can still get in on some hot action with plastic baits. My all-time favorite plastic bait for smallmouth would have to be a weightless tube. O.K. I know this sounds hard to use especially in the wind but give it a try in shallow water or around rocks. A smallmouth bass cannot stand a tube fluttering by his face. He will eat it! Try this in a Pumpkinseed with a chartreuse tail. This really imitates a dying crawfish. If you need to add weight it’s perfectly fine. A weighted tube is also very deadly on smallmouth. My second go to plastic lure for smallmouth bass would be a 4 inch stick-worm such as a Senko or Kinami Flash. This is a great finesse bait when smallies are inactive. The dying action of the stick-worm should get you some bites.

There are a couple other great smallmouth catchers I would like to mention. You will always want to have a few good jerkbaits in your smallmouth bass arsenal. I recommend a suspending Rapala in a shad pattern. The size you will need to experiment with to find the right one. Another great smallmouth bass bait is a small finesse jig such as a Booyah. Tip this jig with a small plastic chunk and hang on! The smallmouth love it.

Give these smallmouth bass fishing tips a try next time you go fishing for bronzebacks and I guarantee you a good time! Remember to fish safe and always share the outdoors!

Keywords:  smallmouth bass fishing tips  |  smallmouth bass 

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Braided fishing line is one of the few products that totally revolutionized fishing and how we go about it. We are going to discuss how braided line helps our fishing and how it may hurt us.

I can remember when I first started using heavy braided fishing line and how it really helped me get fish out of cover. As I experimented with it more and more the applications for braided line grew. Even today I stick with good heavy braided line when fishing the thick grass mats of Florida. The hydrilla here can really produce some lunker bass. There are a few attributes that braid has that makes it a must for this style of fishing. The knot strength of braid is awesome because it really sinches down on the hooks eye. This will definitely increase your strength in hooksets. I recommend a Palomar knot when fishing braided line.

Braided fishing line also has no stretch which is important when getting fish out of heavy cover. This can prevent the fish from wrapping you up in structure or getting you further in the grass. Many anglers like to tighten their drag completely down when fishing braided line to be able to muscle fish from cover. If you do this make sure your fishing a quality reel that has a metal gear box. You want your reel “guts” to be very durable and strong.

If you are wondering how braided line is made it is pretty much like it sounds, strands of fiber forming a regular diagonal pattern down the entire length of the spool. It is the same concept as braided hair. If you pull on hair that is not braided it is not nearly as strong but if you pull on hair that is braided you can feel the fibers all working together to make it stronger. That’s how braided line works each of the strands work together to make superior line strength.

I have experimented with a few different braided lines such as Spiderwire, Power Pro, and Suffix. Each work very well for their purpose. I stick with these three for all my braided line fishing. I recommend using a line softener such as Line and Lure line conditioner. This will give it better castability and strength.

Although braided line is very good it has some drawbacks. First your braided line is much more visible than say fluorocarbon line. That’s why I recommend using braid in thick cover unless you are using a fluorocarbon leader. I have put this theory to the test on a few occasions and I always get the same result. I get less bites on braid in open water situations such as fishing a spinnerbait or jerkbait. One other thing braid will do easily is frey. You want to keep a close eye on your line for nicks and cuts. This predominately happens within five to six inches of your bait.

I highly recommend you giving braided line a try If you have not already. It will definitely increase your catch ratio in heavy cover. Remember to fish with confidence and good things will happen!

Keywords:  braided fishing line  |  power pro 

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It’s almost here! Hunting season. I cherish this time of year and cannot wait for it to arrive! Don’t get me wrong I love the look of a big bass on the end of my string but seeing a mature buck walking down the trail your watching is another story! Let’s get ready for whitetail deer hunting!

I can remember it like it was yesterday my dad walking in to my room to wake me up for the first day of hunting season just to find me already dressed and ready to go. He looked at me and smiled and said, “We better get some hot breakfast in us.” That was the last thing I was thinking about! I wanted to wrap my hands around a nice big set of antlers!  As I struggled down my biscuits and applesauce (which by the way is awesome for breakfast) I grilled my dad with a thousand questions about hunting and tried to get some last minute tips to help me bag my first deer. As we got to our stand I was throbbing with anticipation of the day to come and what it may hold.  As it all played out I could not have asked for a better ending. With the morning winding down we headed back to the house only to stumble onto a group of deer feeding on a brushy hillside near our rural West Virginia home. The next few moments of my life would fuel a fire that burns brighter and brighter as the days pass. I harvested my first deer that day a nice size doe and a huge trophy to me! 

I now look back and understand it was not the deer that fueled that fire but it was my father who was to thank. He took the time to teach me about hunting and how I should appreciate it. Whitetail deer hunting is not just taking an animal it’s the family bonds that are tied that can never be broken. Even though my dad is not as passionate about hunting as I have become he still suits up every year for rifle season and goes with me and my brother. It means the world to me just to see him out there. My brother and I both have young sons and now we get to share the bond of hunting with them. This is what hunting is all about, Sharing!

One of the most important things to remember is to make it fun for your kids so they will want to keep going and spending that quality time with you. If you teach your kids to hunt you will not have to hunt for your kids! Teach them about conservation and get them involved in shooting and teach them the proper techniques of firearm safety.

I hope you are getting ready for your hunting season and I hope you are getting to share it with someone. I feel it is very important to keep this great time tested tradition of hunting passed down to our younger generation. They control the future of our great outdoors. This article was not written to teach techniques or boast about past harvests the topic we discussed is way more important than that. Take a moment and reflect on your first days in the woods. I am sure a smile will come across your face because those were the days that coated your heart with the passion of hunting!

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I tend to get caught up in the world of bass fishing but there are many other game fish out there to chase. Let’s take a look at a very fun to catch and great eating fish the crappie. We will share some tips and techniques that will have you sharpening your fillet knife!

Ley’s discuss a few deadly ways of catching slab crappie. One way and one of my favorites is vertical jigging. This technique requires the crappie to be deep enough to tolerate a boat over their heads and water clarity also can play a huge role. I recommend this crappie fishing technique for water deeper than 7 ft. The favored technique here is to use what is called a bottom bumping technique. If this does not produce just try a small jig at different depths. This jig technique is also commonly used with a slip bobber. Also make sure you carry along a few marker buoys to stay on the schools of crappie.

Casting is another way of catching good amounts of crappie and is very similar to bass fishing. You will want to stick with a small jig, spinner or small crankbait. My personal favorite is a bait called a Road Runner it is a jig/spinner combo. You will want to make very accurate casts when fishing these baits because the crappie hold tight to cover so you want to tick the edges of the cover their in to get bites. Be prepared to lose a few lures but be thankful they are fairly inexpensive. When casting to submerged cover cast beyond the desired strike zone and let the bait sink to the depth the fish are holding then begin your slow roll retrieve. A 1/16 oz. bait will fall around a foot per second. This can help you determine the depth you are fishing.

The last crappie fishing technique we will discuss is drifting or trolling. This is when the crappie have become scattered and are harder to locate. As long as local laws allow I recommend a technique called spider fishing. You set out as many as twelve rods with different baits and just troll until you come upon a school of fish. Be sure and experiment with different bait styles and depths to really narrow down what the fish are keying on. I recommend using a 6lb. test fluorocarbon line to haul in those big crappie but if you want to make it interesting try using 4lb. test or even 2lb. test.

This can really become exciting when you get on a good school of fish and the bites are consistent. Crappie are a very good fish to eat but only take what you need the next person that catches that fish you released might be a youngster making his or her first big catch!

Keywords:  crappie fishing techniques  |  crappie 

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