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 Dirty Dozen Carp Flies That Work!

The Golden Ghost

Fly fishing for carp can be a killer rush—but, it can also be incredibly frustrating.

This frustration is quickly compounded if you have a wealth of experience fishing for other species, like trout or bass, because the techniques and equipment will be unfamiliar. This is exactly why you need carp flies that work.

Great carp flies will mimic the way carp eat—which can be very different from the way trout or bass feed. Having the right flies on hand is extremely important, as is using the right techniques.

Before we get into the flies, let’s look at how carp feed. [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…]

Medlock Wins On Okeechobee With A Double Guard Jig…Again!

Brandon Medlock, of Lake Placid, Fl., has done it again.

Over the weekend, he won the FLW Everstart Southeast event on Lake Okeechobee—a feat he accomplished last year. While that may seem interesting in its own right, even more intriguing is the fact that he did it with the exact same lure and technique—something he calls the Double-Guard Jig.

Brandon’s dad is the man responsible for the bait, which is a huge 1 oz. jig, with a 6/0 hook that is “guarded” by two weed guards. The double guards apparently add balance, and of course, extra weed protection. [Read more…]

Chris Lane Posts Huge Total To Win Harris Chain Open

Even though the 2012 Bassmaster Classic is still a month away, the first qualifier for the 2013 Classic is already determined.

Guntersville Alabama native Chris Lane posted a monster 72 lbs., 11 oz. total to win the first event of the Southern Open Series. His closest competitor was Clifford Pirch of Arizona who took second place with 58 lbs., 1 oz.

Lane has now won three Bassmaster events—all of them in Southern Open events, and all of them in Florida.

The berth into the 2013 Classic is provisional. All Lane has to do to finalize the spot is fish the remaining two Southern Open events. [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…]

Fishing In The UK: 30 Years Of Change

This is a guest post by Jamie Hibbert of the UK based Fishing Blog. You can also follow Jamie on Twitter @fishingblog.

I am delighted to be given the chance of writing an article for this website. Despite the fact that I am talking about the common sport of fishing, the US and UK have a very different approach to the subject and language around it. I have been blogging about UK Sea fishing, with the emphasis on UK Sea Bass for the past 6 years.

The aim of the fishing blog  is to pass on the knowledge I have learnt and try to educate a few of my readers into a more holistic approach to angling. “Balanced fishing tackle” is the term I emphasise  to enable people to think out of the box and consider different ways to increase their catch rate, respect the quarry, and get more enjoyment from the sport. [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…]

B.A.S.S. Bans Alabama Rig For 2012 Classic And Elite Events

I do believe I made mention of the Alabama rig being the most controversial bait in all of bass fishing a few days ago.

Well, an announcement was made today that only seems to add validity to my claim.

Originally reported by Bassmaster.com in this article, the BASS rules committee has enacted a “one lure” rule. This rule effectively outlaws the aforementioned Alabama rig, as well as the donkey, or double rig, and a few others. [Read more…]

Three Common Sense Tips For Winter Fly Fishing

I was recently on one of my favorite fly fishing forums, and someone was mentioning how much trouble they were having with winter fly fishing.

Not only did they have a great deal of personal discomfort, but they were also dealing with things like line freeze, and ice on their guides.

Here are three super basic tips that will help you avoid some, if not most of that, while you hit the river in these super cold temperatures. [Read more…]

2012 Bassmaster Classic Preview Pt. 2

Before you read this post, be sure to check out the 2012 Bassmaster classic preview part 1.

Excitement is only building as we get closer and closer to the classic! Today, we are going to take a look at a few of the favorites to take the title, and make a few predictions.

One of the things that makes tournament bass fishing so much fun is on any given weekend, it’s anyone’s game.

At the same time though, you don’t see the same guys at the top of the standings year in and year out by accident! Let’s get up close and personal with a few of our favorites. [Read more…]