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]

Strike King Pro Model 6XD

Let’s look at another summer time bait that has the potential to put a bunch of fish in the boat for you, Strike Kings 6XD crankbait. Yes, this is another collaboration between Strike King and Kevin VanDam and one that KVD used en route to another Angler of the Year title last year.

The 6XD is designed to go deep and elicit the reaction bite. For a long time, the big name in the deep diving crankbait world was the Norman DD22. Will this offering from Strike King supplant the Norman? Who knows. However, it’s another very good tool that is available to anglers for these hot summer months to get down where the fish are and tempt them into striking.

So let’s look at the Strike King 6XD and see what if anything makes this bait unique. [Read more…]

Summer Bass Fishing Tips

It Gets Tough In The Summer

Some of our readers have written in telling us about how incredibly hot it has gotten in their area lately and this has shut down the bass. One gentlemen in particular has asked if there is anything that he can do differently to wake em’ up.

I gotta tell you that we have the same problem here in So-Cal. It’s as though we skipped spring and went from cold, wet days immediately into very hot, clear days. When this happens there are a few things that I have found that generally speaking, will put some fish on your thumb. [Read more…]

5 Places You Have To Fish Before You Die

Heaven Probably Looks Like This

One day, it’s gonna happen to all of us—no one lives forever. I for one plan to make the most of the time we are given on this planet, and I think you should do the same.

The great outdoors are just that, great! I think all of us who are of able mind and body have somewhat of a responsibility to get out there and live life to it’s fullest. For us here at MVF, that means getting out and seeing some incredible parts of the world. [Read more…]

Fly Fishing For Bass By Lefty Kreh And Bob Clouser DVD

[ReviewAZON asin=”B001FOMOFE” display=”inlinepost”] If you’ve read this blog for any length of time, you already know I am a fan of Lefty Kreh and Bob Clouser.

Lefty is simply one of fly fishing’s true all time greats, and Bob Clouser is the genius behind The Clouser Minnow. That fly happens to also be my go to fly for bass fishing on a fly rod, and I have pulled some great looking bass on it. [Read more…]

Get Your Feet Wet With The Simms Pursuit Sandals, A Perfect Solution For Wet Wading

One of the best parts about summer for the fly fisherman is the ability to fish without having to gear all the way up. You don’t need to throw on your waders or layer up the clothes like you do in the winter time.

But you still need to protect your feet! [Read more…]

From Bass Fishing To Fly Fishing

Time For Some Fly Action

Just a quick little blast to let everyone in on my second official fly fishing excursion. We went to Georgia for vacation and of course to do some fishing which included fly-fishing on a couple of “The Kids” favorite river systems.

I wrote about my first experience with this type of fishing when I went to Georgia last November. Ever since then, I have been waiting for another opportunity to try it again if for no other reason, to get out in the woods, off the beaten path and pursue some wild trout. [Read more…]

Fly Fishing For Beginners: Fly Casting Pt. I

Well, it is time in our fly fishing for beginners series to have a look at fly casting. While certainly different from casting standard tackle with a spinning or baitcasting reel, fly casting is not the mystical or magical thing it’s meant to be.

Really it comes down to very simple physics. The rod loads with line, and the line is shot at the target.  [Read more…]

Basstrix Fat Minnow

Today we’re going to look at the Basstrix Fat Minnow. This lure is 4 inches in length with a hollow body and split tail design. Some folks may not recall, but Basstrix was responsible for the whole hollow-body, paddle-tail swimbait craze. In fact, I still know a few folks who simply will not try any other bait in this class.

I remember when they were first introduced and it seems as though they were virtually impossible to get. Outlets would sell out seemingly the same day they got them in. Man was that frustrating! [Read more…]

5 Things To Protect Yourself From Sun Damage This Summer

Sun damage is a real threat

It is now July, and that means the summer is mid way through. It also means the hottest and nastiest days are still ahead of us.

If you have managed to get through this much of your summer without a sun burn, congratulations to you. I for one, have not. I’ve actually been burned twice this year (you would think once was enough, but apparently, not for me!). [Read more…]

Aaron Martin’s Scrounger Head

The Scrounger

Today, let’s look at another piece of terminal tackle that has become the “flavor of the month”, so to speak. The Davis Baits Aaron Martens Fish Swim Jig or scrounger head as it’s known. These jig heads are molded to accept a collar that is made of a flexible clear plastic that when retrieved will impart a subtle side to side motion on fluke style baits. [Read more…]