Featured Reviews

One component of fishing that can make a huge difference in everything from angler fatigue to hook up ratio, having the ability to present a bait properly, casting distance and accuracy as well as myriad other concerns is a good, balanced rod. Yes, the stick you’re using can, depending on which one you’re throwing, either… [Continue Reading]

Daiwa Kage Rod Review

Daiwa introduced their Tatula series of reels several years ago beginning with the original Tatula 100 and 100 Type R. We’ve had every major version update since then including the CT Type R and the SV. We obtained the new Tatula 100 some time last year and have been fishing with it ever since.

There are times when big topwater walking baits are key to getting bites while other situations may call for something a little less boisterous. One bait that you can use that still has a decent length to it but presents itself with more subtlety is the Berkley Drift Walker. This bait comes in ten colors… [Continue Reading]

The Rapala Shadow Rap, can it live up to the hype?

IMG_2670I don’t know what y’all have been doing with this cold weather but I know what we’ve been doing, fishin!

As is typical for the early part of the year, jerkbaits have been one of those genre’s of baits that have seen a lot of action the last couple of months.

The new Rapala Shadow Rap has been one in particular that we have focused on. [Read more…]

Daiwa Tatula Type-R Casting Reel, Contender or Pretender?

IMG_2584For any of you who are considering adding a new reel to your arsenal and are thinking in terms of trying a product that is designed utilizing, “outside the box” engineering, the Daiwa Tatula 100 Type-R Casting Reel should be on your list of serious contenders. [Read more…]

Fish Big and Shallow with the Jackall Kawashi Mikey 140

jackall-kawashi-mikey-140One of the trends that we’ve chronicled over the last few years in new fishing equipment introductions is that while rods and reels have been on a steady path to become smaller and lighter, hard bodied lures are becoming larger and heavier.

The Jackall Kawashi Mikey 140 has been around for a couple of years now and could be considered one of those baits that was a catalyst in the early days of this trend. [Read more…]

The Strike King Rage Tail DB Structure Bug, the Best Rage Tail Yet?

IMG_2602Every lure manufacturer has their own version of a creature bait. Some are better than others in our opinion but we are always willing to try a new entrant in this crowded segment.

Why? Cause they catch fish!

The new Strike King Rage Tail DB Structure Bug, (DB being short for Denny Brauer) is the subject of our review today. [Read more…]

Koppers’ LIVETARGET Yearling Baitball Walking Bait

IMG_2530In our humble opinion, top-water bassin’ has to be one of the most exciting ways to catch fish there is.

To see a follow, then the strike and within a split second, feel the weight of the fish … man, there’s nothing quite like it.

You may know the company Koppers’ LIVETARGET for their hollow body frogs which, like all their baits, are produced using ultra-realistic paint schemes to complement the engineering behind the lure. [Read more…]

Going “Old” School with the Berkley Havoc Klein’s Boss Dog

IMG_2424Berkley, through its Havoc line of baits, has come out with some very good value priced soft plastics. Today we’re going to look at a new lizard, the Havoc Klein’s Boss Dog.

This lure was produced with the input of Elite Series Pro Gary Klein.

Some parts of the country tend to use more lizards than others because there are salamanders in the water who, during the spawn, are more than happy to raid nests and gobble down all the eggs they can before either getting run off by a buck or eaten. [Read more…]

Fishing low and slow with the Jackall Spade T.G. Jig

IMG_2421So you’re looking for a jig with a little something different that the bass haven’t seen?

On top of that, you want something that can be used for more than one technique because the waters that you fish have varied structural elements that require more than one approach?

The Jackall Spade T.G. Jig could be the answer for some of these nagging issues. What makes this jig more versatile than many of its competitors?

Let’s run down a quick list of features that Jackall built into the Spade T.G. [Read more…]

Fishing the Missile Baits Fuse 4.4

IMG_2368So your looking for a finesse bait that the bass haven’t seen before that gives you the ability to be rigged several ways without sacrificing the action?

Then here is one that you’ve got to try if you haven’t, the Missile Baits Fuse 4.4.

Okay, so you want a bait that will go from a shakey-head to a drop-shot to a neko rig then turn around on a wacky-head or a Carolina rig or even just a straight Texas rig?

At the risk of being redundant, the Fuse 4.4 may be just what you’re looking for. [Read more…]

Going Wacky with the Gamakatsu G-Finesse Wacky Jig Head

IMG_2398Wacky rigging soft plastics is a mainstay in clear water situations because it catches fish. The terminal tackle, in this case the wacky jig head, has seen several changes over the course of its introduction.

The Gamakatsu G-Finesse Series Wacky Jig Head is one of those products that takes a different slant on this proven technique.

The G-Finesse comes in four sizes, 1/16, 3/32, 1/8 and 3/16. All of these feature the same specially designed hook for the jig head. The recessed line tie sits at about 40 degrees with a pair of titanium weed guards molded securely in the head of the jig.

 

This package of features makes the jig more weedless than a number of its competitors according to Gamakatsu. [Read more…]

Fishing the Field and Stream Sugar Stix Sugar Jerk

IMG_2434Yeah, fall is here in all its glory and with it, some of the baits that you may have put away for a while are back on the table for catching bass.

One of those is soft plastic jerkbaits. If you want to throw  a curve ball pick up a pack of Field and Stream Sugar Stix Sugar Jerk’s.

This is another in the series of sugar infused baits from Field and Stream. Here, they incorporate a proven design for catching bass with their unique sweet twist. [Read more…]