War Eagle Jigging Spoon

We have talked about the effectiveness of using spoons to target cold weather bass. We have also talked about the differences between casting and jigging spoons. This is important for the angler in terms of choosing which spoon to use for a particular situation. The vast majority of the time, when we begin our day on the water, we are using a casting spoon.

However, when the fish are relating to the bottom and down deep, our choice moves to a jigging style spoon. One of our favorites is the subject of today’s review. The War Eagle Jiggin’ Spoon. These spoons lend themselves by their design, more to a vertical jigging presentation than casting and retrieving. Why is that you’re wondering?  [Read more…]

Spro McStick

Packaging

Yes it’s still jerkbait weather around here and we have been fishing the new Spro Mcstick 95 every time we have gone. This bait is 3.75 inches long and weighs just 3/8 of an ounce. It is designed to suspend in the 3 – 5 foot range allowing the angler to target some of those shallow or suspended bass.

I realize that getting out on the water when weather conditions are less than optimal has its own challenges, but there is one advantage you aren’t fighting for space on the water! This is enough incentive for us to get out and get to it!


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Terminator Pirk Minnow

Pirk Minnow In Package

This time of year is one that can see changes day to day as far as what the fish are wanting. Of course, with cold water, spoons are always one of the baits that we will start our day with. They allow you to do several things efficiently.

First, this type of bait casts easily on both spinning and casting gear no matter the conditions. Next, you can cover a lot of water quick, fast and in a hurry with spoons. Lastly, as a search tool, they are indispensable. So today, we’re going to look at the Terminator Pirk Minnow Spoon.   [Read more…]

Aqua Vu Fish TV 7 Underwater Viewing System

Here is a product that I believe is one of the coolest things you can have on your boat, or even off the dock, on your next fishing trip. If you’ve never seen the Aqua Vu TV 7, you are really in for a treat the first time you fire it up, and start taking a look around the water.

The picture you will get of what is happening below the surface of the water is, in a word, stunning.

I literally thought it was some kind of demo video loop playing by mistake the first time I saw one—it’s that brilliant. [Read more…]

Zerek Rocker Vib Lipless Crankbait

Zerek Rocker Vib Packaging

Lipless crankbaits are one of those staple lures that we all carry but don’t often think much about in the cold winter months. This can be a mistake though as there are days when the bass, in spite of the chilly weather, will absolutely crush these lures.

With that in mind, we picked up some of the new Zerek Rocker Vib’s to give a go around some of our local waters.  [Read more…]

Minn Kota Fortrex Bow Mount Trolling Motors

What are you looking for in a trolling motor? Are you looking for reliability, power, and ease of use? Are you looking for durability in construction?

You may want to take a look at the Minn Kota Fortrex trolling motors.

I’ve never quite seen this kind of power and precision in such a quiet trolling motor. You barely notice it’s on, yet, you feel it pulling your boat around like nothing else. [Read more…]

Rick Clunn STX Jerk Bait

Rick Clunn STX

Today we are looking at a new offering from Luck “E” Strike, the RC STX Jerk Bait. As you know, cold weather brings the opportunity to fish this style of bait and have productive days on the water. The RC is 4 1/2 inches long and weighs 1/2 oz. We have been fishing the STX for a little while now with some success.   [Read more…]

Carbon Vs. Graphite Rod Blanks

Today I’m going to answer another question that has been on the mind of several of our readers. The question, “Is there a difference between carbon and graphite rods?” My guess is that some of you are looking for your next rod, and have noticed that more manufacturers are using the term “carbon blank” these days.

I guess the only way to answer this question is to start with a little bit of background.  [Read more…]

MVF Bait Of The Year Overall Winner

After a full year of notes, testing, video, research, and more testing, we published our baits of the year in various categories.

Today, we are going to boil that information down, and look at the winner for overall bait of the year—as well as first runner up.

Essentially, these are the two baits that put more bass on more thumbs for the team here at MVF. If you haven’t put these baits in your tackle box yet, it is time you go out and do so.

And the first runner up is… [Read more…]

The MVF Baits Of The Year Awards For 2011

Over the past few weeks, the full team at here at Man Versus Fish has been pouring over notes, reviews, video, and anecdotes looking for an answer.  We wanted to give out our first annual “Baits Of The Year” awards in various categories.

We wanted to let you, the reader know which baits were head and shoulders above the pack—and deserved recognition.

Keep in mind that last year was 2011 and in pondering the answer, we had to think in terms of those baits that were available for use the entire year which necessarily excluded some that came out later or we simply didn’t have the chance to fish until the season was well under way.  [Read more…]