Fishing-Headquarters Magazine

Photograph by David Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

Fishing-Headquarters Magazine Volume 4. Issue 2 Num. 18

May & June, 2014 Early Summer Edition

• Winter Fish Kills Ravage The Midwest . . . . 13 About Fishing-Headquarters The Fishing-Headquarters began as a small homepage in 2005, featuring a collection of photos and YouTube fishing videos. It even featured a small contingency of misfits and rebellious anglers who were tired of the internet elitism and racism expressed by other websites built by uneducated nonangling entities towards specific groups of anglers and species of freshwater gamefish.

• Back to Basics: Pole and Line Panfish . . . . 25 • Topwater Tactics & Situational Selections . 35 • Flowage Belt Smallmouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . 47

Formally established in January 2007, the FHQ was created for like-minded anglers to share the wealth of information, and enjoy the beauty in diverse fishing. This greatness as we presently know it is multi-species fishing.

• Melting Snow and New Priorities . . . . . . . . 63

Designed and created by posessed and gravely obsessed angler, Andrew Ragas, the website has grown to a large world audience. Our basis as an online media platform is to drop the ego, and catch anything that swims and has fins.

• War Games, Fish With Virtual Reality . . . . 89

• The Lake Game, Flying For Musky . . . . . . . 75

• Tackle Technician Early Summer Reviews . 105

All fish are created as equals. Only to be pursued as opposites.

COVER STORY Important Biz Stuff http://www.fishing-headquarters.com info@fishing-headquarters.com telephone - 708. 256. 2201 Questions or Comments, and if interested in contributing or sponsoring, please contact Andrew Ragas at: andrew@fishing-headquarters.com Magazine layout and design by Ragas Media http://www.ragasmedia.com

Intimidating large playgrounds for musky fly fishers, lakes are underplayed where Esox Masquinongy prowl. According to Chris Willen and friends, fly fishing for musky in still waters can be as effective as it is on rivers and streams.

In this issue (page 75), Chris Willen encourages ALL musky anglers to be openminded to the lake game. We dissect a few notable US musky fisheries and learn about their unique fly angling styles.

Welcome to Issue 18. The Blackout Issue.

Welcome to our movement. A movement unifying anglers, and supporting those who have become victimized by the corporatization of fishing.

Andrew Ragas

Editor In-Chief, Designer, and Owner.

2014 Issue Releases Remaining Schedule

• Issue 19: July 14, 2014 • Issue 20: September 1, 2014 • Issue 21: December 1, 2014

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Anglers of all walks of life who are involved with the fishing industry have, at one point or another, been taken advantage of by industry brands. In protest of certain companies and their unreasonable demands, inconsiderate marketing & advertising tactics, failures to compensate, disinterest to build long term interpersonal relationships, and contracts concerning its independent consultants working for their brands (professional staffs & sponsored anglers), we are the first fishing magazine, online or print, to ever run a blackout issue in support of our friends. As we know, it’s always about the $$$’s. But it shouldn’t be. After a winter of heartbreak and broken promises expressed by anglers we know, we will not tolerate these treatments nor be victimized also. Issue 18 features zero ads.

Throughout the years, Fishing-Headquarters has been blessed by the support and partnerships with its sponsors and industry partners. These are privileges we don’t take for granted and without them, we wouldn’t still be here today. Our partnerships are bonded by integrity, loyalty, respect, and reciprocation. We wish for every company and industry brand to operate by these same values.

Our refusal to showcase advertisements in this issue is in no way a reflection of disrespect towards our partners. This temporary act is a way for us to support our friends and all sponsored anglers who have been taken advantage of by the beast of what is known as the fishing industry. It will not be accepted nor tolerated.

Copyright © 2014 Fishing-Headquarters.

All rights reserved. The usage of articles, excerpts, photographs, and any reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited.

I S S U E 18 F E A T U R E D W R I

Cory Allen

Becky Gardhouse

Jim Gronaw

Issue 18 Editorial Staff • Paul Ragas Contributed Photographs • Marc Cooper • David Graham • Eric Grajewski • Nick Granato • Dana Lee • Frank Weilnhammer Online Contributors • Joseph Alfe • Brian Pentecost • Tyler Uteg Layout and Design By • Ragas Media Designs Sponsors and Advertising Partners • Bearpaw’s Handpoured Baits • Camp Narrows Lodge • CB’s Hawg Sauce • CAST Crew 312 • Cortland Line Company • Dragin Bait Company • Dynamic Lures • Freedom Tackle Corporation • Go-Pro Camera • GNUGEN Lures • Quantum PT Fishing • Ragas Media Designs • Stankx Bait Company

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TERS AND CONTRIBUTORS

Kenny Lookingbill

Josh B. Peacock

Chris Willen

NEWS AND NOTEWORTHY TOPICS. Freedom Tackle Ultra Lite Jigs

Freedom Tackle has out-done themselves with the 2014 introduction of the Ultra Lite series of jigs. The ultra lite series of jigs are downsized, eco-friendly versions of their first generation originals that encompass greater weights. The Zodiac is now available in 1/16 oz, and Hydra in 1/8 oz and 1/4 oz versions. Freedom Tackle has anglers finally covered with a greater selection of sizes for any depth and style of fishing. http://www.freedomlures.com

New Environmentally-Friendly Look for Cortland Line Company Made in the USA, Cortland Line has unveiled a completely new line of product packaging designed to give the brand a streamlined look and be more environmentally friendly. To be used on all Cortland products from the start of 2014, the packaging will feature a cleaner layout and color scheme to catch the consumer’s eye. http://www.cortlandline.com

Spring and Early Summer Fishing Trips with Camp Narrows Lodge, Rainy Lake Ontario

http://www.campnarrows.com

Camp Narrows Lodge offers you the opportunity to experience a unique outdoor fishing and hunting adventure at a boat-in resort, located in beautiful northwestern Ontario. Tom Pearson, your host at Camp Narrows Lodge on Ontario’s Rainy Lake writes that cabins are available and open to bass fishermen this spring, especially during the opening week from May 17th - 24th. For new bookings only, Tom is offering cabins at $400.00 / week / person. 4 cabins are open for the first week, and shorter trips for less than a week can be had at $60/night/person. Contact him and tell him Fishing-Headquarters referred you over!

Fishing-Headquarters Partners with GNUGEN Lures Edmonton, Alberta’s GNUGEN Lures is an up-and-coming company targeting a new breed of multi-species anglers with its smart branding and innovative products that suit well for bass and walleye fishermen. In March, 2014, Fishing-Headquarters and GNUGEN announced a partnership for the 2014 season. Use promo code, FishingHQ to receive 20% off your order throughout the year. http://www.gnugen.com Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

Smallmouth Bass on the Fly Wisconsin River, Oneida County

SOLUNAR CALENDAR May 2014

June 2014

This fishing forecast is based on solar and lunar influences that cycle daily.

The chart shows each hour of the day. For instance the hours with the higher rating, and days shaded the darkest have a greater combination of solar and lunar influence and thus indicate the best times to fish. This chart is a general recommendation and all data has been compiled by Weather & Wildlife.

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LEADING OFF. Video Game Muskies ?

Cory Allen theorizes and proves that Xbox gaming systems can be beneficial training grounds for being alert, ready, and better prepared for the sudden reactionary strikes that are so prevalent in musky fishing. Besides often catching 50 inch muskies, Allen is also an avid gamer. Read on to learn more.

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May / June, 2014

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LEADING OFF. Flowage Belt Smallmouth Bass Roughly 84,000 miles of rivers and streams flow through the state of Wisconsin. Some of its larger waterways are interconnected, and formed by, a series of reservoirs and flowages.

Bass anglers sometimes wonder why certain rivers of Wisconsin’s flowage belt fish best in spring and go unproductive in summer. Understanding the dynamics and little-studied stream migrations between river and reservoir smallmouth bass will help answer these questions. Page 47

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May / June, 2014

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A Natural Phenomenon, Devastating to Anglers and Fisheries Across

WINTER F This fish kill in Eureka Lake, IL, was caused by lingering ice, snow and low temperatures during the harsh winter, experts say. Low oxygen levels were the cause of thousands of deaths as limp fish washed up on the lake’s shores, said Wayne Herndon, district biologist with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The 30-acre lake is estimated to support up to 270,000 pounds of fish.

Photographs by Dana Lee Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

the Upper Midwest.

FISH KILLS

It was an exceptionally harsh winter in northern Illinois, as the Chicagoland area was in the midst of logging one of the coldest winters on record, having already set a record for below zero days. It was also a very snowy winter, with more than 80� of snow, making it the third snowiest winter on record. The thought of winter fish kills began to cross my mind. I remained optimistic though, hoping for a best case scenario with there only being partial fish kills. For some Upper Midwestern regions, I was wrong.

By Kenny Lookingbill

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WINTERKILL REPORT 2014

By: Kenny Lookingbill

A

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

As the area warmed up at a very agonizing slow pace, I started to hear reports of fish kills in central Illinois, particularly Lake Eureka.

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and cover. As ice builds on bodies of water and subsequent snowfalls cover the ice, a couple of things occur. First, there is no air-water contact, meaning no diffusion of oxygen into the water. More importantly, there is no light penetration for the aquatic vegetation resulting in no photosynthesis occurring. With no photosynthesis, the vegetation isn’t producing oxygen as a byproduct and the vegetation starts to die off.

The decomposition process can consume oxygen rapidly and drop dissolved oxygen levels to critical concentrations.

Other factors that play a role in winter fish kills are fish biomass, water volume, and how productive the water is. The more fish that are What causes winter fish kills? present in a body of water in relation to the amount of water present, the A multitude of factors play into higher the chance of a fish kill octhe occurrence and severity of fish curring. This is due to a higher oxykills. The number one factor is ice gen demand because there are more At that point I began to fear the worst. As most of my favorite subdivision ponds began to open up I went out to investigate. The scenes at some of these holes were catastrophic. One pond in particular was hit very hard. As I approached the pond, the one shoreline was lined with seagulls, and I had a bad feeling about what I was about to stumble upon. The seagulls scattered as I approached, and my worst fears were confirmed. Fish of every species and size class were dead, washed up on the bank and strewn across the grass even as much as ten yards from the bank. There were even dead bullfrogs, something I had not seen previously.

May / June, 2014

Photographs by Kenny Lookingbill

fish, and there is more competition for those oxygen resources. Volume of water present is important simply because the more water there is, the more oxygen load the lake has initially before ice cover.

Bigger, deeper lakes have more water, and are more likely to survive

a harsh winter with little or no casualties. Small, shallow bodies of water like ponds have limited oxygen resources to begin with, and therefore cannot withstand longer winters. Water productivity is important because ponds and lakes that tend to be more productive, having more

production at the lower trophic levels like vegetation and zooplankton, tend to experience fish kills. While productive bodies of water tend to produce bigger fish because of the increased production of resources at the lower levels, this is detrimental to ponds during the winter months

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WINTERKILL REPORT 2014

because increased productivity of water requires more oxygen. These same highly eutrophic bodies of water can experience summer kills as well.

What can be done to prevent winter fish kills?

There are no real good ways to prevent a fish kill during the winter months. Some anglers swear by shoveling snow off the ice and drilling holes for light penetration, but this will have very limited effects.

The best thing to do as a pond owner is to turn on the aerator if it has one. Dredging out the pond to make it deeper can also help, but that is very costly. Otherwise winter kills are a just a natural occurrence and there is not much that can be done.

The best thing to do when you Fishing-Headquarters.com

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come across a fish kill of any kind is to alert local DNR officials and tell them how many fish and what sizes so that they can gauge the severity of the kill and what future measures need to be taken. Most of the time there will be limited re-stocking and there are enough fish left in the pond or lake that the fish population will bounce back naturally within a couple of years. In the case of a more severe kill or even in rare cases a complete kill, the pond will need more intensive management and may need a complete re-stocking.

More severe kills will have fish of all species and size classes dead.

Once again, DNR officals can advise you in those situations and re-stock the body of water if it needs it. There are also private organizations that stock fish as well.

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Documented Reports 2014 So far this year, there have been scattered reports of fish kills across upper Midwest, ranging from Lake Eureka in Central Illinois to the clusters of natural lakes of Chippewa County in Northern Wisconsin.

Additionally, unofficial reports from guides and anglers are also coming out of Wisconsin’s Vilas and Oneida counties, especially from shallower, boggy eutrophic lakes that are prone to high weedgrowth and nutrient levels. Locally for me, many ponds in Northern Illinois have also experienced fish kills due to their size and ice cover, some of them catastrophic. The DNR’s of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are already expecting a large spike in winter fish kills. And the situation isn’t getting any better as there is

Photographs by Kenny Lookingbill

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WINTERKILL REPORT 2014 still thick ice cover on most of the lakes along with fresh snow cover.

Science students at a high school in Chippewa County in Northwest Wisconsin were working on a year long project on Horseshoe Lake when they discovered a fish kill after putting an underwater camera to monitor beneath the ice.

A couple of small metro lakes in the Minneapolis area also suffered a heavy winterkill which includes Snail Lake in Shoreview and North Center Lake in Lindstrom. North Center Lake is particularly alarming because the lake has no previous history of winter kills and reaches depths of 40 feet.

Other Minnesota lakes reporting kills are the following: Pelican Lake and the north end of Maple Lake in Wright County; Little Sunrish, Spider, and north Goose Lakes in Chisago County; Centerville Lake in Anoka County; Long Lake, North and South Stanchfield, Francis and Paul’s Lakes in Isanti County.

Unfortunately, reports of fish kills throughout the Upper Midwest will continue to pour in as further ice melts, and there will likely be a few local popular fisheries devastated.

It may take them years to rebound through natural reproduction and restocking efforts. As painful as it is for us to hear, winter fish kills are a natural occurrence and happen every so often. Sometimes, they may even improve certain fisheries by weeding overpopulated stunted fish and allow for faster growth rates and larger gamefish. That is the best that many anglers can hope for on some of their favorite bodies of water in the upcoming seasons.

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Kenny Lookingbill, 25, of Cambridge, Illinois is an avid multi species angler who frequently fishes the Northern Illinois rivers and lakes. A graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in biology, Lookingbill has used his knowledge of fisheries in order to compete in walleye tournaments with his partner, and successfully win a few events with the Illinois Walleye Trail in 2012 and 2013.

May / June, 2014

Photograph by Kenny Lookingbill Fishing Headquarters | Page 20

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Fishing-Headquarters Fishing-Headquarters | | Page Page26 24

BACK TO BASIC

One of the coolest things about the sport of fishing is that it ca there are more advancements, electronics, lures, devices and ite intended to put more fish in the boat or on the bank. But if we simple joys of pole and line fishing.

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September May / June,/2014 October / November, 2013

CS

DEADLY AND EFFECTIVE

Photographs by Jim Gronaw

SIMPLE POLE AND LINE FISHING By Jim Gronaw

an be as complicated, or as simple, as you want to make it. Yes, ems of seemingly great value on today’s angling market. All are look back on it all, there is certainly much to be said about the

Fishing Headquarters | Page 26 Fishing Headquarters | Page 14

POLE AND LINE PANFISH

By: Jim Gronaw

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

M Most of us got our start by fishing with cane poles and a piece of line with a hook and bobber. The game was simple…put the baited hook in front of a likely spot and watch the cork, or bobber, go under. Easy enough? You bet! But was it effective enough for us all?

Sound and hits rivers such as the Yeopmen, Pasquatank and the Perquimens…all dynamite tidal flows for outsized panfish. In researching for an In-Fisherman feature last year, I was surprised as to what Abneys prefered tactics were…a simple telescoping pole of ten feet with a similar length of line and a shrimp jig tipped with bait. The man ‘averages’ 4000 bluegills a year, with between 400 and 700 in excess of ten inches in length…incredible! And a very large percentage of those fish are pole-n-line fish. Along the way, he also lassos largemouth bass over 5 pounds, and powerhouse channel Pole and Line guru Jeffrey Abney, from cats and bowfin in the ten-pound North Carolina, with some nice crappies on jig/minnow combos. bracket. Wow!

Consider this…I have a good friend from Elizabeth City, North Carolina by the name of Jeffrey Abney. Abney specializes in fishing tidal rivers and creeks for monster coppernose bluegills and crappies in and throughout the Albermarle Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

Jeff Abney moves in on panfish structure on Virginia’s North West River. Abundant coppernose bluegills are Abney’s main target in the Carolina blackwater tidal rivers.

Photographs by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters | Page 28

POLE AND LINE PANFISH

At this summer’s Teach Me to Fish program that I instructed at Lake Hashawha, in Westminster, Maryland, we had a total of 279 bluegills and red ear sunfish caught in just five classes…all pole and line catches. And with great joy not only to the children in the program, but to the parents as well. It works!

This year, I picked up a 13foot Cabelas’ Crappie Pole to just fiddle around with for catching bait for catfishing and such. To my great surprise, I have found a new love for this simple way to fish. Easy enough, you tie on a length of monofilament about the same length as the pole, tie on a 1/32 or 1/64th ounce jig, and put a bobber two to three feet about the lure and you’re ready to fish. Tip the lure with a piece of worm and it’s light’s out for the local panfish Fishing-Headquarters.com

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population once the moved shallow in May. Simple and easy, and effective!

I tend to agree with Abneys thoughts on using 10 pound test mono simply because there may be an apex predator in the area that wants to chow down on your bluegill. You’d like to have at least a fighting chance with a decent bass or cattie, hence the heavier line. In the blackwaters and cypress jungles where Abney fishes, you need a little backup. Plus, most of the ponds I fish have at least a couple big bass cruising in them. Be nice to land them on the long pole.

Poles are cheap, $10 to $20 each, and some are somewhat customized with various styles of line keepers and foam handles. Most are telescoping, fiberglass models that

May / June, 2014

break down into a compact length for easy storage. Most simply have eyelets at the very tip of the pole and there is where you would secure your line. Most poles need the line tied to the tip of the rod blank itself and then threaded through the eyelet to secure a better attachment of the line. The premier pole company out there is B&M Pole Company and they make all kinds of crappie and ‘brim’ poles for todays common sense, budget minded panfisherman.

And throughout the Deep South, this is still the preferred method for consistently making good catches of panfish for those fish frys we love so much. Besides, it is a great way to get kids, and even adults, started on a lifetime of fishing fun.

This year, I think I’m going to try some pole and line efforts in the

Poles are cheap, $10 to $20 each, and some are somewhat customized with various styles of line keepers and foam handles. Most are telescoping, fiberglass models that break down into a compact length for easy storage.

Photographs by Jim Gronaw

thick, heavy vegetation of hyacinths and lily pads and sunken shoreline brush. When I fished with Abney back in October of 2013 in the North Carolina blackwaters, he carried an on-board selection of 10 different fiberglass poles with various jig/ float combinations. I was amazed at how quickly he could assess a situation and make the right choice of lure size, bait and jig options and proper depth setting for the intended species of coppernose bluegills, shellcrackers and crappies. His ‘nofear’ attitude to get close to weeds and wood of all kinds showed me clearly how effective pole and line angling can be. It’s not just for kids anymore.

These eating-sized shellcrackers fell for the pole-n-line gig.

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POLE AND LINE PANFISH Throughout the Deep South, pole and line fishing still the preferred method for consistently making good catches of panfish for those fish frys we love so much. Besides, it is a great way to get kids, and even adults, started on a lifetime of fishing fun. We collared quality crappies in the tidal Carolina flows.

Jim Gronaw, 61, is from Westminster, MD, and has been published over 600 times at the local, regional and national level – First published at the age of 17 in Fishing World.

Licensed freshwater fishing guide for Maryland – Maker of RiverCritter Hair Jigs, featured several times in the In-Fisherman. You can read more of Jim’s work at BigBluegill.com, and throughout the Fishing-Headquarters website.

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May / June, 2014

Photographs by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters | Page 32

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TOPWATER TACTI

Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters.com Fishing-Headquarters.com | |

May May//June, June,2014 2014

ICS

Rockpile Lures

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SITUATIONAL SELECTIONS If you love to bass fish, chances are that love affair started with a topwater bait. I can personally recall numerous violent and awesome topwater strikes that happened more than a decade ago. Day dreaming of such events can often evoke goofy ear to ear grins. Try not to do that at work, as people will think you are weird.

By Josh B. Peacock

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TOPWATER TACTICS

By: Josh B. Peacock

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

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I

Photograph by Josh B. Peacock

I have two go-to topwater baits over the course of a fishing season: A Rockpile Lures popper, and a walking bait, something like a Heddon Zara Spook or Lucky Craft Sammy. I have a few general rules of thumb about when, where and how to throw these baits in order to help you boat a few more bass this season.

Photograph by The Bassassins

May / June, 2014

Surface Poppers A few key factors will allow you to excel with a topwater popper. The first is water temperature.

I have caught fish extremely early on this type of bait, in cold water, down to 46 F in late April and early May. Optimal temperatures range from 48-65 F. Your cadence should match the temperature of the water.

Long pauses and subtle slow pops at the bottom end of the temperature scale. The number one thing I see people doing wrong with a popper is working it too fast, especially early on in the season. Cast it out, wait for the rings to disipate, wait a bit longer, then make the first pop, count in your head if you have to. I will do this in a tournament to force myself to slow down, especially when I’m amped up first thing in the morning.

The second facet of popper fishing is presentation. A popper excels with the mindset that it is a finesse technique best suited for vertical presentations and target fishing.

Cast to patches of cabbage weed, laydowns, deadheads, docks, large boulders, and rockpiles, thorougly work that piece of structure, try to keep your bait within a few feet of your target for as long as possible.

Then wind it back to the boat, don’t bother working the open water outside of the structure, your wasting time, and sure to catch a slew of northern pike. I don’t know what it is, but they absolutely devour a popper bait that is worked quickly across the surface! My favourite setup is a St.Croix Avid Series casting rod (AVC66MF)- 6’6 medium action, something with a whippy tip to sling light poppers, with a solid backbone to control fish. I go old school when popper fishing and stll use 12-17 lb Vicioius X.A.C.T

Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters | Page 38

TOPWATER TACTICS monofiliment line, first off it floats and gives the bait a nice action. If you use light line or fluorocarbon the line will sink and the bait will want to dive after each pull, and that’s no good!

Surface Walkers I personally feel that walking baits work best immediately after the spawn and then well into the fall, 65F on up, the warmer the better. Walking baits are notorious for putting big fish in the livewell. Not only smallmouth, but largemouth too. That mesmerizing walk-thedog cadence seems especially effective at coaxing lethargic postspawn female bass. Males may still be up guarding the beds but the females will have since pulled off and are hanging out in the 6 to 12 foot range, despite recovering from the rigors of the spawn they will often absolutely crush a walking bait. Most topwater walking baits come with bare treble hooks. Adding a feather dressed treble hook adds some realism to a bait that doesn’t look very good when not moving and also gives the fish a good target to zone in on.

A walking bait is an exceptional search bait and is made for a horizontal presentation. It allows you to effectively cover large flats and expanses of water. Focus in on points, rockpiles, sand flats, and weed flats or whenever fishing new water. Even if you don’t hook the fish, you will get a good look at it, and can throw a follow up bait like a senko or fluke to catch any short striking fish. Don’t get too hung up on colours, a white bellied baitifsh Fishing-Headquarters.com

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colour is hard to beat. I will switch to a translucent model if it’s a blue bird, sunny day, especially in gin clear water. My equipment for walking baits consists of the St.Croix Legend Tournament Topwater rod (TBC68MXF), paired with 12-14 lb test Vicious monofilmanet line.

Long casts, and a sweeping hookset are key in battling hard fighting smallies back to the net, and this rod allows you to do just that. I prefer the forgiveness of monofilament to subdue a hasty hookset compared to that of braided line. I’ve tried braided line on topwaters and seem to loose or pull away from way too many fish.

Rockpile Lures All of this topwater talk takes me back to one evening after a dynamite day of topwater fishing. I lamented to my buddy Ron Achilles on how such a simple wooden lure could be so effective at catching bass, but also cost so much. At the time Rapala Skitter Pops were all the rage and a company named High Roller was making a high end wooden popper with premium hooks. A teenager at the time, with only enough money to own a handful of baits and lower end rods and reels, I asked Ron “Couldn’t we just make our own? It can’t be that hard…”

I should be clear here; I may have had the idea at the time, but the fabrication, and artistic design, rests solely on the shoulders of my buddy Ron Achilles. I got to do the fun stuff like field test the first Rockpile Lures prototypes on a

May / June, 2014

Photograph by Josh B. Peacock

Walk the dog topwaters work best immediately after the spawn and then well into the fall; 65-degrees on up, the warmer the better. Walking baits are notorious for putting big fish in the livewell. Not only smallmouth, but largemouth too. That mesmerizing walk-the-dog cadence seems especially effective at coaxing lethargic postspawn female bass.

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TOPWATER TACTICS school canoe trip as part of an Outdoor Education course. A bunch of my buddies helped test the first half a dozen baits, including our buddy Eduardo who was our version of Fez from That 70’s Show. He hailed from Argentina and caught a pile of fish that week. We were fishing virgin lakes in the spring, chucking a Rockpile Lures popper to an inflowing waterfall or creek and holding on for our lives because the results were legendary! And the rest as they say is history.

The first ones were pretty crude with plain paint jobs, but they worked. Today’s Rockpile Lures have been field tested through countless hours and thousands of fish.

Handcrafted from cedar, boasting custom expertly airbrushed colours, and hand tied premium dressed treble hooks.

If you are looking to get your hands on one of these unique topwater baits, you can contact Ron directly @ 807-466-1699 or check out the Rockpile Lures Co Facebook page to see more photo evidence and the latest posts and updates!

Born and bred in Northwestern Ontario, Ron Achilles combined his love for fishing, obsession to catch bass on topwater, rock n’ roll lifestyle, and artistic talent to form Rockpile Lures Company. What started off as an experiment to create a hand-made topwater from his garage, has now spawned a cult following of tournament bass and musky anglers. Originally field tested by long time friend and St.Croix Rods Pro Staffer Josh Peacock on an outdoor ed school canoe trip, the results were instantaneous and addictive.

The Origiinal Rockpile Lures popper has been modified, altered, and tournament tested for close to a decade on Lake of the Woods area smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, musky, and even the occasional walleye.

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Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing-Headquarters | Page 42

TOPWATER TACTICS

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May / June, 2014

Josh Peacock, 29, has a diverse background in everything fishing.

He cut his teeth at just 16 years old as a fishing guide on Lake of the Woods. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries Management from Lake Superior State University. His current ‘9 to 5 job’ is a Fisheries Biologist. And if that wasn’t enough, all of his vacation days are dedicated to, and coincide with bass tournaments.

Boasting a list of top 10 tournament finishes in prominent Canadian Bass Tournaments; Josh is always a threat, and downright scary when the ‘long rod’, and flippin’ & pitchin’ bite comes into play. In 2014 he is fishing the FLW circuit as co-angler.

Photograph by Josh B. Peacock Fishing Headquarters | Page 44

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FLOWAGE BELT OBSERVATIONS AND THE SELDOM STUDIED SMALLMOUTH BASS MIGRATIONS BETWEEN RIVER AND RESERVOIR.

By Andrew Ragas

Just Go With The Flow...

Bass anglers sometimes wonder why certain rivers of Wisconsin’s flowage belt fish best in spring and go unproductive in summer. Understanding the dynamics and little-studied stream migrations between river and reservoir smallmouth bass will help answer these questions.

Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

T SMALLMOUTH

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FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS While migrations in spring have been documented to exist, but are only minor in writing, few anglers and even scientists realize how significant in length these migrations can potentially be.

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief

T

andrew@fishing-headquarters.com

Throughout my evolvement as a northwoods bass angler, questions have emerged, often pertaining to the biology of certain fisheries and the movements of certain species. One that often arises is the question of fish migration, especially on the major river systems and their corresponding flowages scattered throughout the Northern and Central regions of Wisconsin.

never understand why these stream smallmouth were in abundance EVERYWHERE during one season and not for three others. Considering I’m always fishing somewhere in between two flowages, and within 5 to 10 miles from either one, the educated angler would think that fish should always be in the area regardless of season.

I knew that biology had played a role in my early season fishing locations and success. But like the

of Wisconsin. Some of its larger waterways are inter-connected, and formed by, a series of reservoirs and flowages. Some of these river systems and flowages, such as the Flambeau, Chippewa, Wisconsin, Peshtigo, and Menominee River systems, contain superb populations of resident smallmouth bass. However, what population percentage of this species is comprised of migrant fish that travel back and forth between the river and its flowages?

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

majority of the angling population, I didn’t realize exactly how much.

In recent years, I’ve been able to pattern some Wisconsin rivers and tributaries and make unique seasonal observations about them concerning smallmouth bass migrations. I think I finally solved my own question and figured it out. As the year progresses, I believe this knowledge will lead to more catching and less floating.

Ten years ago, when I began exploring this region and its many river miles for smallmouth bass, I never understood why some of my favorite pools and sections of the Wisconsin River were most productive during the months of May and June and then went dormant and nearly devoid of fish as the summer weeks progressed. Despite success- Seldom Studied Smallmouth fully floating and wading them for Migrations many miles, and regardless of the Roughly 84,000 miles of rivers excellent habitat and locations I was fishing throughout the year, I could and streams flow through the state

Other than over-wintering movements, little is known about the spring migration patterns of smallmouth bass and the subject of their river travels altogether.

Although mobile predators, most smallmouth bass populations studied by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources on lakes and rivers are not believed to be migratory for reasons other than refuge, cool water sanctuary and seasonal location. In many river systems, “Smallmouth bass are thought to spend most of their lives within five miles of where they hatched.” But if Fishing Headquarters | Page 50

FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS that’s the case, why aren’t I catching smallmouths anywhere within five miles from their spring spawning grounds in summer and later on in the season from most rivers I fish?

Current research is shedding new light on winter habitat and migratory behavior of smallmouth, finding variable behaviors between populations of these fish. On many river systems, namely the Flambeau and Wisconsin, some of its populations are sedentary year round residents, while a majority are nomadic, always on the move for long distances in spring for spawning and autumn for over-wintering.

Comparable to the migrant river walleye, whose river migrations have been extensively documented as they travel upwards of 10 to 20 miles in order to find suitable spawning grounds assuming dams aren’t impeding routes, recent radio telemetry studies have shown that smallmouth bass “Do undertake seasonal

migrations greater than five miles, especially to reach spawning habitats in the spring, and to also reach over-wintering habitats in the fall.”

Migrations of fish species between inter-connected flowages and rivers are common, but maximum distances in river miles without blockades of dams for smallmouth bass are unknown.

On the Wisconsin River sections I predominantly fish, I have navigable sections of free flowing river, upwards of 20 miles before eventually merging with a flowage.

Following ice out, during the early season months of May and June, smallmouth bass are in sheer abundance in the habitat-rich rock and boulder pools where I run my float trips. Catching 30 to 50 fish in a day is possible from these textbook stretches. As the season progresses through summer, however, the population significantly dwindles to a less concentrated number, requir-

floats of several miles through limited productive water and bountiful dead water in order to catch a respectable fish total. Then by fall majority of this river smallmouth population is no longer present in the river, having already migrated back into the deep still water flowages where they spend the winter, remaining in them until repeating the same upstream migration process again the following year.

Stream Observations On the Wisconsin River system, clearly most of its smallmouth population undertakes a migration.

But how far will they travel? Like walleyes, I know they will migrate at great distances, and it can be substantial if the downstream dams of flowages weren’t the end of the line.

As it’s been happening in front of my eyes these last several years on the Wisconsin, I don’t need to con-

Where I fish in Oneida County, the Wisconsin River flows freely for upwards of 20 miles between a series of flowages and dams.

In between this section of river are a few miles of pools with rock, boulder, and hard bottom areas with gradient from the head of a dam followed by several miles of dead, unproductive water leading the way into the downstream flowage. Looks can be deceiving, as this stretch pictured is dead water about 95% of the time.

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Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 52

FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS duct my own homemade telemetry studies in order to figure that one out. Under my nose for almost ten years, I just happened to finally realize it.

Where I fish in Oneida County, the Wisconsin River flows freely for upwards of 20 miles between a series of flowages and dams. In between this section of river are a few miles of pools with rock, boulder, and hard bottom areas with gradient from the head of a dam followed by several miles of dead, unproductive water leading the way into the downstream flowage. Based upon the dynamics of this pool the vast majorities of smallmouth are not sedentary. The fall and winter residents of the downstream flowage will migrate the full distance to spawn within several hundred yards of the upstream dam before returning to where they came from.

Smallmouth bass are more migratory fish species than anglers and state managers believe them to be. Although their seasonal movements are of interest to fishermen, managers don’t know for certain how far smallmouths would migrate without dams. Some studies by the American Fisheries Society suggest that “Northern reaches of the smallmouth bass range exhibit long distance migrations, upwards of 25 to 60 miles in length due to severe winters and extensive high water.”

What nobody has yet researched or published are these long spawning migrations I’ve observed in spring.

river systems aren’t conducive to spawning, but that would be purely uncommon. Most of the state’s flowages are middle aged habitatrich waters remaining less than 100 years old, classified with abundant smallmouth fisheries. Because this spring migration has been repeating itself year-after-year on the upper Wisconsin, factors such as water level, current, forage, and refuge don’t seem to play a role as largely as spawning habitat.

On Wisconsin’s rivers, smallmouth bass spawn in late May through early June. Their nests are often built along the edges of current breaks and eddies. Noticeable Spring Habitat habitats where nests are built include logs, boulders, and deeper Without question, smallmouth shoreline cuts. Hard sandy bottoms bass in spring are migrating for bio- mixed with gravel and loose rocks logical purposes. It’s possible that are common bottom types for excelcertain flowages on Wisconsin’s lent spawning grounds.

Most river smallmouth bass spawn in late May through early June. Their nests are often built along the edges of current breaks and eddies. Noticeable habitats where nests are built include logs, boulders, and deeper shoreline cuts. Hard sandy bottoms mixed with gravel and loose rocks are common bottom types for excellent spawning grounds. Spots like these pictured in the backround are usually the best, and often times loaded with fish for short periods.

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May / June, 2014

Photographs by Andrew Ragas

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FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS

As mentioned, much of my productive spring locations on the Wisconsin River are comprised with long stretches of hard bottom with abundant rock, boulder, and wood cover that’s often separated by even longer stretches of dead water. It seems these rocky areas with boulder fields are usually located within the first five miles of any pool, before the dam. They are often in abundance with fish until they migrate back downstream or disperse throughout the river shortly after post spawn.

Fish + Location + Presentation = Success A warm spring season is noticeably better than a cold season for fishing and prolonged success well into the month of June. Additionally, consistent water levels Fishing-Headquarters.com

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with moderate flow and exceptional clarity yield better results than high water.

The best river smallmouth fishing I’ve experienced in spring obviously depends upon timing and flexibility. Unfortunately, my river fishing calendar is based entirely upon previous history and trip logs dating back to May, 2005.

Unless success is consistently experienced on certain weeks or specific dates and times, patterning the smallmouth calendar for a particular stretch of river is a difficult task. Knowing when and where to float a river on an annual basis is a long-term process and depends entirely upon your pool of river and when it historically fishes best. On the Wisconsin River, my period of fast action and high catch rates usually takes place beginning the third week of May and lasting through

May / June, 2014

the third week of June. Weather, water level, and water temperatures obviously play instrumental roles in dictating whether the migrant smallmouth bass will be present or not, and when they will migrate back downstream.

Catching spring smallmouths during this short window of opportunity on the Wisconsin River is successful by wading the shallow rocky stretches of water. However, since the river is navigable for most watercraft in all of its pools throughout the state, it’s far more effective using a rugged boat that can withstand its treacherous boulders and jagged rock fields, preventing fish from spooking. The objective is to spend time covering water; to eliminate stretches of unproductive water until colonies of fish are found utilizing; and feeding in the hard bottomed areas.

Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 56

FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS The objective is to spend time covering water; to eliminate stretches of unproductive water until colonies of fish are found utilizing; and feeding in the hard bottomed areas. Rugged boats like my 14 foot aluminum jon make the river experiece superb.

Photographs by Andrew Ragas

Because this tale of spring migration isn’t focused on presentation, I will grant you access inside my small river bag of secrets. Crawfish patterned crankbaits, tubes, creature baits and soft plastics always get the first shot to catch fish. My secondary unit is then comprised of swim jigs and spinnerbaits, followed by soft jerkbaits. If all else fails, then the ever so simple twintail grub rigged with ball head jig solves it. Time it right on any river in the state and smallmouth bass will respond positively to almost any logical presentation. If fishing by boat, just toss in a few medium heavy fast action spinning rods and reels equipped with 8 lb line and baitcasting setups with 10 to 12 lb line. Don’t forget your Frabill landing net either, as chances are most fish you will be catching, photographing, and releasing will be large spawner size.

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My Questions are Answered Not all river smallmouth bass undertake spawning migrations as drastic as this, and not all of Wisconsin’s rivers and specific pools within the Flowage Belt behave the same.

In different parts of the state, and even in other states, riverine populations have more complex behaviors relating to their spawning migrations and progressions downstream (sometimes gradual and other times sudden) to wintering habitat.

While migrations in spring have been documented to exist, but are only minor in writing, few anglers and even scientists realize how significant in length these migrations can potentially be. Thanks to my decade of spring fishing and learning the intricacies of my Wisconsin River pools, I believe I have unlocked a passage into the behav-

May / June, 2014

ior and migrations of spring smallmouth bass, and being able to catch them year-after-year.

Stay mobile my friends and hit the rivers by boat when the fish move in each spring.

Productive spring locations on the Wisconsin River are comprised with long stretches of hard bottom with abundant rock, boulder, and wood cover that’s often separated by even longer stretches of dead water. It seems these rocky areas with boulder fields are usually located within the first five miles of any pool, before the dam. They are often in abundance with fish until they migrate back downstream or disperse throughout the river shortly after post spawn.

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FLOWAGE BELT SMALLMOUTHS Current research is shedding new light on winter habitat and migratory behavior of smallmouth, finding variable behaviors between populations of these fish. On many river systems, namely the Flambeau and Wisconsin, some of its populations are sedentary year round residents, while a majority are nomadic, always on the move for long distances in spring for spawning and autumn for over-wintering.

Comparable to the migrant river walleye, whose river migrations have been extensively documented as they travel upwards of 10 to 20 miles in order to find suitable spawning grounds assuming dams aren’t impeding routes, recent radio telemetry studies have shown that smallmouth bass “Do undertake seasonal migrations greater than five miles, especially to reach spawning habitats in the spring, and to also reach over-wintering habitats in the fall.” Migrations of fish species between inter-connected flowages and rivers are common, like this specimen captured from the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage.

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Photograph by Christopher Stolarski Fishing Headquarters | Page 60

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MELTING S The majority of my preseason preparation is gear and tackle related. This includes taking the time to respool reels, making any repairs to rods that got damaged as well as spending countless hours organizing and repacking enough hooks, lures & soft plastics to open up my own tackle shop. However, this year, I have shifted a lot of my focus from my tournament fishing to something that is near and dear to my heart and so very important: Sharing my love of fishing with others.

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By Becky Gardhouse

SNOW

Photographs by Becky Gardhouse

AND NEW PRIORITIES Uncovering What Really Matters.

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MELTING SNOW

By: Becky Gardhouse

W Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

Waiting. Watching. Hoping for warmer weather. Up here in the far north we have experienced one of our most memorable winters in recent history. The chance for us to be out in mid December chasing lunker walleye on the Bay of Quinte yet also being able to venture out to hallowed laker grounds on Lake Simcoe are simply unheard of in recent memory.

anglers begin shifting their thinking to preparing for the upcoming season.

The majority of my preseason preparation is gear and tackle related.

This includes taking the time to re-spool reels, making any repairs to rods that got damaged as well as spending countless hours organizing and repacking enough hooks, lures & soft plastics to open up my own tackle shop. However, this year, I have shifted a lot of my focus from my tournament fishing to something that is near and dear to my heart and so very important: Sharing my love of fishing with others.

When I was younger, I spent far more time staring at red and white bobbers than watching TV. Well, not just bobbers. Digging up my mother’s garden for worms was also a favourite past time of mine in the early years of my fishing addiction. I was notorious for sneaking away from doing farm chores. I would slip down to the river that ran through the back of our property and cast a line to pull up a massive 3” sucker, which I would happily present for “dinner”. As my desire to learn grew, I watched intently at the way topwater baits roughed up glass smooth water in the shadows of morning’s first light. Years later when I moved to Minnesota, I also stared at the cane trolling poles bent with the pulsing, wobbling tug of a big spoon. Basically, I kept my eyes on just about anything that involved the pursuit of fish.

I was lucky to grow up learning from many people who had many years of outdoor experience to call upon, and many of those who couldn’t think of anything better to do with their free time than spend it on the water. Most of the angling skills I have, I picked up by osmosis. Many people however are new to the fishing experience and they find themselves hungry to learn about the joys of our wonderful sport but are unable to find a teacher.

Even after the majority of the seasons closed in March, many of us were still able to venture out on the ice in early April for panfish in order to fulfill our fishing addiction.

But now open water is near and Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Photographs by Becky Gardhouse Fishing Headquarters | Page 66

MELTING SNOW

The Rewards of Teaching and Catching Memories Nothing I will say can substitute time spent on the water with a patient relative or family friend, but here’s my best effort at passing on as much basic fishing information as I can, without making it seem more complicated than it really is.

Whether their aim is to catch a pan full of small perch for a tasty meal, or to eventually pursue the more challenging aspect of trophy fishing, sit back and let’s talk about getting novice anglers interested in fishing.

Probably the most important thing to remember is that patience Fishing-Headquarters.com

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is key when you are taking out a novice angler. Personally, I don’t attempt to fish when I’m taking new anglers out on the water. You really need to be ready and have your hands free. Your day is going to be full of questions, unsnagging lines, potentially baiting hooks and unhooking fish and maybe even controlling the boat. Getting the hang of a new rod or reel and the inevitable bird’s nests or tangles that are bound to happen can be frustrating for everyone involved. Fishing is meant to be an enjoyable experience

May / June, 2014

after all!

Introducing children to fishing can be a rewarding experience.

If your novice angler is a child, be it your son or daughter, grandchild or family friend there are a few key points that you need to remember to for a fun and memorable day on the water. First and foremost, the fishing trip needs to be prepared for long before everyone is loaded in the vehicle heading for your favourite fishing hole. You must put extra time and thought into preparing for unforeseen circumstances that are

Introducing children to fishing can be a rewarding experience. If your novice angler is a child, be it your son or daughter, grandchild or family friend there are a few key points that you need to remember to for a fun and memorable day on the water.

First and foremost, the fishing trip needs to be prepared for long before everyone is loaded in the vehicle heading for your favourite fishing hole.

Photographs by Becky Gardhouse

usually unavoidable with little ones.

Be sure to check the weather reports before you leave and make sure that your new fishing buddy is dressed appropriately. It is imperative to remember to grab a change of clothes especially when there are potentially muddy, wet conditions! Going hand in hand with proper clothing is making sure that you have a well fitted lifejacket and a simple first aid kit along with you whether you are fishing from a boat or from shore.

The extras that are sometimes overlooked when I’m packing for a day on the water such as sunscreen or bug repellant are important articles

to make room for in your tackle box.

Their comfort will make or break the experience.

When you are packing up the tackle box also remember to account for food, drinks and snacks.

A hungry tummy will sometimes end a fun fishing trip before it even begins. It is especially important to pack healthy food and drinks to compliment the weather. Lots of water to stay hydrated is certainly key.

A solid point to make a first fishing trip memorable for everyone, whether its children or adult friends, is to choose a body of water

that you yourself are very familiar and comfortable with and is easy to get to and safe. Be sure to target areas with a high likelihood of success. Being able to continuously catch fish on your first few outings will peak a novice angler’s interest and leave them looking forward to the next trip. Leave unknown waters to another day, as you want to be able to quickly get on the fish and generate excitement. You want to be sure that you can keep them engaged and having fun. Sometimes the joy of catching multiple panfish Fishing Headquarters | Page 68

MELTING SNOW far outweighs the memories of only catching one or two larger fish. Witnessing someone reeling in their first fish is very rewarding and to them a sunfish may provide them the same joy as a 3lb bass! Be prepared for lots of smiles and to take pictures.

I don’t know too many anglers that

ing. I would never dream of trying to explain how to use a baitcaster as I myself know first hand how tedious and frustrating it is to get the hang of it. I personally choose a very simple spinning rod setup and always try and match the size of the rod to the person that will be using it. A me-

them see the bite and know when to set the hook.

In our industry, it is imperative to keep the interest and involvement throughout the generations. The anglers that we teach today will take that knowledge with them and carry it throughout their lives. Sometimes the simplest actions will create the most wonderful memories. By taking the time out of your schedule to introduce people to our wonderful sport, you not only will be able to enjoy the beautiful surroundings we are all so blessed to be able to experience but, who knows, you may just end up with a new fishing buddy for life!

Tight lines everyone!

can’t tell you about their first fish they landed.

One thing that I believe is the most important aspect of first fishing trips is being able to supply the new angler with simple tackle in good working order. When someone has to deal with complicated equipment it can end up being quite discouragFishing-Headquarters.com

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dium action rod is a great choice as you are able to have the sensitivity at the tip for the angler to actually see the bite but also the power to set the hook. Live bait is always a great option and depending on the situation it can increase the chances of catching fish. A simple hook tied on beneath a colourful bobber will help

May / June, 2014

I was lucky to grow up learning from many people who had many years of outdoor experience to call upon, and many of those who couldn’t think of anything better to do with their free time than spend it on the water. Most of the angling skills I have, I picked up by osmosis. Many people however are new to the fishing experience and they find themselves hungry to learn about the joys of our wonderful sport but are unable to find a teacher.

Photographs by Becky Gardhouse

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MELTING SNOW

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Becky Gardhouse is from Schomberg, Ontario. She is 30 years old and has been published in multiple magazines and featured in fishing blogs all over Canada and the US. Becky is a tournament angler who competes in approximately 25 tournaments per year which includes bass, pike, walleye and salmon events.

She is an avid supporter of getting children & women interested in fishing, is a strong supporter of multiple charities, and an enthusiastic public speaker.

You can see more of Becky’s work through connecting on Facebook, Twitter (@chasin_bass), LinkedIn, NationalProStaff.com as well as SheChasesFish.com.

Photographs by Becky Gardhouse Fishing Headquarters | Page 72

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Photograph by Andrew Ragas

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LAKE

Flying For Musk

By Chris Willen

Photograph by Chris Willen

Intimidating large playgrounds for musky fly fishers, lakes are underpl According to Chris Willen and friends, fly fishing for musky in still wat

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GAME

ky

Eric Grajewski, of Saint Clair Shores, MI, with a fly beauty. High-speed burning bucktail techniques employed with the fly rod, which fooled this fish, are best executed with a two-hand retrieve.

layed where Esox Masquinongy prowl. ters can be as effective as it is on rivers and streams.

Photograph by Eric Grajewski Fishing Headquarters | Page 76

THE LAKE GAME

By: Chris Willen

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

W Large lakes are intimidating for musky fly fishers. That really shouldn’t be the case for the musky angler, but in reality it truly is. Fly fishing for musky in still waters can be as effective as it is on rivers and streams. Musky fishing is growing exponentially in terms of participating anglers, establishing fisheries, and techniques. With growth comes more anglers taking advantage of musky fisheries.

Photographs by Chris Willen Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Using the fly as a tool to show the fish different non-mainstream presentations can be a huge advantage, especially on those tough days.

It’s no secret that fish can get conditioned to certain lures. I personally feel that large soft plastics and flies don’t fall into that category. Every musky fisherman can tell you about a Bulldawg or a Medussa, but what can they tell you about flies? They don’t have the answers or solutions like the fly guys do!

That’s where you can really shine on tough days on the water, by fly fishing. Often times, in lakes, you are working your flies much like a big rip style bait. But a fly will give off a different vibration to the fish. So different that these fish might have the urge to take a taste.

They also kick and move differently than large plastics - something different that they haven’t seen 15-20 times already that day. Now that sounds hypocritical since I just said that I don’t feel they get conditioned to plastics. But remember, we’re talking about tough bite days

and maybe, just maybe that one bite that will make your day will come from something that’s just outside the box.

Northern Wisconsin Lake Fisheries Northern Wisconsin has been a destination for musky hunters since man first settled into the Badger State. This is where I spend my spring, summer and fall seasons, guiding musky fly anglers. Much of my personal fishing time is spent on some bigger lakes and flowages in the area such as Namakagon Lake, Holcombe Flowage, and the Dairyland Flowage. Each system is heavily fished for muskies by traditional gear anglers. Despite the angling pressure I’ve found great success chasing musky in either lakes with the fly rod. We’ve had days out on Namakagon where anglers have observed us boating multiple fish. They’re often compelled to

idle over to find out what we were doing differently, mostly because they hadn’t seen a fish all day. To me this means that these high pressured muskies are conditioned to the everyday lures. I’m not fishing different areas than these anglers.

Rather, just with a completely different technique and presentation.

The fly is something these pressured fish have rarely seen before.

If you spend any time on lakes that are heavily fished by other anglers, it would behoove you to pick up a 10 weight fly rod and test this hypothesis. One big fish, one big bite and you’ll be convinced that from time to time you need to stand out from the crowd. I strive to get the traditional gear fisherman to eventually see the fly rod and musky flies as another tool to their fishing.

Musky anglers don’t need to wear a vest and a fedora in order to use a fly rod. Just the mentality that what you’re doing will work and could possibly get you that giant you’ve been hunting your entire life for.

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THE LAKE GAME

Western USA Reservoir Fisheries Nick Granato, of Salt Lake City, Utah, is a tiger musky angler.

He’s a Rainy’s Flies innovator, and has boated a high number of tigers every year. The majority of these fish are taken with the fly rod. It’s no secret that Utah is limited on their reservoirs that support tiger musky. Therefore, the ones that do hold these fish tend to get pressured most often by anglers. Another obstacle to overcome in Western reservoirs is water fluctuation.

“In low water years, baitfish stack up around the large boat docks because a lot of their safe cover areas are exposed and out of the water,” says Granato. “The tigers will stack up right with the baitfish and pick them off as they please. The flies really pay off in these situaFishing-Headquarters.com

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tions,” he says.

Handcrafted articulated flies, unlike a lot of other baits, have the abilities to hang in the strike zone longer. This gives muskies ample time to creep up and get their feed on. The food base of many Western reservoirs is primarily crappie, sunfish, trout, invasives such as carp and illegally stocked goldfish, and other small baitfish. Granato likes to use smaller 4 to 8 inch flies to imitate these food sources. His Ghetto Tramp pattern can be found at several fly shops and is one of his go-to patterns. Fly anglers are known for their “match the hatch” mentality.

When the musky are smaller in size, baitfish oriented flies can really put some fish in the boat.

May / June, 2014

Photographs by Nick Granato

“In low water years, baitfish stack up around the large boat docks because a lot of their safe cover areas are exposed and out of the water. The tigers will stack up right with the baitfish and pick them off as they please.

The flies really pay off in these situations.”

Nick Granato’s Ghetto Tramp

“Ghetto Tramp’s conception came to be one fateful snowy cold day in January on a trip to Cabelas. The reason for the trip was to pilfer the gear section of hooks and a few other odds and ends. The three of us split up and shopped around for a little bit.

After a while we all ended up on the same aisle at the same time… This aisle was home to the now beloved Bass Skirt. It was like they had their own gravitational pull, and there we were, staring at these bass skirts and the wheels started turning. “

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THE LAKE GAME

Great Lakes Fisheries One last lake example comes from my friend, Eric Grajewski, of St. Clair Shores, Michigan. Eric spends a lot of time of Lake St. Clair, chasing musky, just like a lot of other musky anglers do. Over the past few years Lake St. Clair has become busier with boat traffic due to the popularity of muskies and its world class fishery. This doesn’t stop Eric from putting good numbers of musky in the net.

Grajewski primarily fishes flies and admits, “It can get a little discouraging watching the gear guys boating fish when I’m not getting bites. But then the fish seem to change their moods and I’ll be getting eats on flies when those guys are struggling.”

Grajewski will have days on the lake where he boats multiple fish while his friends throwing rubFishing-Headquarters.com

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bers and bucktails or trolling don’t land a fish. “So why not have the fly rod in your arsenal so you can bust it out when nothing else seems to be working for you,” he says.

A technique Grajewski utilizes when the musky are on the highspeed burning bucktail bite will be the two-hand retrieve. This technique is effective when muskies are on that high speed bite. I personally use this technique a lot during the summer months in northern Wisconsin as well. Basically, you cast out the fly and tuck the fly rod up in your armpit and do a hang-overhand retrieve, never stopping the fly.

Burning the fly triggers strikes because the bait is fleeing away from them at a high speed. Sometimes you don’t want those fish to have time to make decisions. Just react.

May / June, 2014

“It can get a little discouraging watching the gear guys boating fish when I’m not getting bites. But then the fish seem to change their moods and I’ll be getting eats on flies when those guys are struggling.

So why not have the fly rod in your arsenal so you can bust it out when nothing else seems to be working for you.”

Over the past few years Lake St. Clair has become busier with boat traffic due to the popularity of muskies and its world class fishery. This doesn’t stop Eric from putting good numbers of musky in the net. A technique Grajewski utilizes when the musky are on the high-speed burning bucktail bite will be the two-hand retrieve.

This technique is effective when muskies are on that high speed bite.

Photographs by Eric Grajewski

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THE LAKE GAME

Open-mindedness Catches Fish No Matter where you’ll be chasing muskies this year, it doesn’t hurt to have options in your boat.

Adding the fly rod to your quiver of tricks will assist you, putting more fish into the boat this season.

Whether you have it for tough days or use it as a tool for converting followers into biters, I feel you’ll be a more well-rounded musky angler if you experiment with the fly rod.

That big musky might just make that mistake of eating a big articulated fly over seeing the same Cowgirl or Bulldawg day after day.

In order to fly fish for lake resident muskies, you don’t need to be a master caster to get the flies in the zone for musky. Just ask FHQ editor, Andrew Ragas. If you’re using the fly rod as a tool to convert lazy following fish, it’s a lethal throwback option. Forty to fifty foot casts is all you need to be in the lake fishing game. With today’s modern fly lines, casting at these moderate distances is easier said than done.

A little practice makes perfect, and you’ve got something unique that a lot of other boats on your favorite musky waters won’t have.

Any musky fisherman can tell you one bite turns the day around.

Expand your arsenal and increase the number of fish in your boat. Trying new techniques is what’s going to help you put five, ten, maybe even fifteen more musky into your boat this year. I said it before and I’ll say it again, it can be done successfully.

Give it shot. You don’t need to be on a river or stream, and in a drift boat, to fly fish for muskies.

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Photographs by Eric Grajewski

A technique Grajewski utilizes when the musky are on the highspeed burning bucktail bite will be the two-hand retrieve. This technique is effective when muskies are on that high speed bite.

I personally use this technique a lot during the summer months in northern Wisconsin as well. Basically, you cast out the fly and tuck the fly rod up in your armpit and do a hang-over-hand retrieve, never stopping the fly. Burning the fly triggers strikes because the bait is fleeing away from them at a high speed.

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Fishing Headquarters | Page 84

THE LAKE GAME

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May / June, 2014

Chris Willen has been musky fishing for well over a decade, from the freestone rivers of the Upper Midwest to the limestone rivers of the Cumberland plateau and most places in between. One of the things he has enjoyed the most is to share the sport of fishing with others. With that, he began his own guide and outfitter service. Chris specializes in hunting wild, native musky in the beautiful lakes, rivers and flowages of northern Wisconsin. A knowledgeable and innovative angler, he can customize a day on the water to match any skill set, from beginning musky fly anglers just getting started in the sport to more experienced anglers looking to sharpen their skills with fresh methods and new approaches. Chris’s guide service offers all-day and half-day float trips on beautiful Northwoods watersheds; he also offers multiple boat trips to accommodate larger groups.

www.chriswillen.com

Photograph by Chris Willen Fishing Headquarters | Page 86

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Photograph by David Graham

WAR GAMES

By Cory Allen

The dinosaurs of angling find themselves generation taking a liking to the water. in an increasingly rapid-paced technologi “experience� while valuable is only as go

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May / June, 2014

s less and less able to stand their ground in the wake of the upcoming Xbox No matter what the species or location, the youth of yesterday brought up ical world take their rite at the forefront and it becomes evident that ood as its ability to be forged into different situations daily.

Fishing Fishing Headquarters Headquarters| |Page Page 9090

WAR GAMES

By: Cory Allen

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

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G

Go play outside. Three words I absolutely abhorred hearing growing up, as I clutched the now poignantly nostalgic rudimentarily ergonomic controller of a Sega Genesis. Since I could push the button on a 303, I had never had the slightest issue with getting my skin tan or hands dirty wading into backwaters of Southern Illinois, chasing snakes and shell crackers with my grandfather...and then going to lengths at times that even as a 28 year old I doubt I’d still have the resolve to do.

May / June, 2014

Yet by moonlight, I burned wax far into the waning dawn by button mashing my way through the budding phenomenon of 2-dimensional cartographers, mapping the course of the future of what would become one of the most influential forms of media to ever exist: The video game. Where names like “Mario” and “Sonic” had become far more universally recognized than Hank Parker or Bill Dance... and they weren’t even real!

At the same time, in a completely different paradigm, still lagging in the land of LCD at that temporal point, was the world of angling, my “day job” if you will. I quickly began to understand that for the “old guard” of angling the advent of self-contained worlds interactive through a small window into an entirely different universe was a threat to the generational heritage of

angling to many, an affront to tradition. But I never saw it that way.

I recall growing up that puzzles I would encounter in a game would demand a level of intense critical thinking and look at things from a different angle or approach to pass the test. If you kept running into the same wall, or shooting fireballs at an enemy that wouldn’t even acknowledge them, then why keep doing it?

Yet I saw such blatant hypocrisy in angling all the time, as if many of them had simply resolved that if the stuff that had worked at some point didn’t work today that “They just ain’t bitin’!”

Yet the lucky anglers are the ones who consistently, day in and day out, utilize creative consumption, problem solving, enhanced senses and reflexes both within the plane of reality and interpretation of the world beneath through lure prob-

ing and electronics, to hit the same problem from different angles figuratively and literally. For instance, the best gamers know that there is always a weakness to every “boss”, and that while once discovered it is usually fairly formulaic. As gaming technology evolves, the AI of the opponents continually becomes more and more reactive to one’s playing style to adapt and exploit its weakness, to the point where it becomes somewhat perturbing thinking of the day when such programming becomes integrated into the war machines of tomorrow.

When Old School Meets Youth Daily, the dinosaurs of angling find themselves less and less able to stand their ground in the wake of the upcoming Xbox generation taking a liking to the water. No mat-

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing Headquarters | Page 92

WAR GAMES

Photographs by Cory Allen

ter what the species or location, the youth of yesterday brought up in an increasingly rapid-paced technological world take their rite at the forefront and it becomes evident that “experience” while valuable is only as good as its ability to be forged into different situations daily. Experience doing the same thing over and over despite it only being a successful tactic a portion of the time leaves an entire swath of possibility to the enterprising. In gaming, such tactics will lead to frustration, broken controllers, and a less than enriching experience, whether its PWNing an online squad of players from across the world or progressing to the next “level” in a linear storyline that rewards effort with Fishing-Headquarters.com

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more abilities, achievements, and the sheer knowledge of understanding another approach.

Even as the age of angling is brought further into the rabbit hole of the 21st century, with near-savant level electronics allowing photo-realistic mapping and GPS positioning. It goes without saying that most who possess these tools basically use them much as a Cro-Magnon man would a modern reel to beat a mollusk open instead of utilizing the maximum of its potential to gain the upper edge.

Due to its permeating presence in today’s society, and the constant barrage from special interest groups that “video games rot your brain” (and like anything abused, sitting on

May / June, 2014

a couch for days doing ANYTHING will....), several studies have been done at academic institutions such as the University of Rochester trying to isolate the negative or positive effects of gaming. Taking information from both experienced gamers and neophytes, both were found to have an enhanced level of subtle reflexes, instinctual manipulation of intricate apparatuses to perform a task, able to process multiple stimuli of visual information simultaneously at a rapid pace, and overall be a sharper edged human being mentally and in the nature of sensitive controls, kinesthetically. Even the military utilizes technology eerily similar to modern gaming controllers in training simulations for both their man

Subtle manipulation, ability to interpret graphic representations of the world either real or entirely simulated, lightning reflexes....sound like appealing traits to possess in fishing? I sure as hell think so. While being an armchair warrior doesn’t give you immediately transferable skill sets into savant angling, I have noticed people who are “gamers” in my boat are MUCH more able to process complex fishing approaches and angles, free from the dogma of industry, and in general derive more “sense” from even the most unconventional of angling approaches.

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WAR GAMES

Even as the age of angling is brought further into the rabbit hole of the 21st century, with near-savant level electronics allowing photo-realistic mapping and GPS positioning. It goes without saying that most who possess these tools basically use them much as a Cro-Magnon man would a modern reel to beat a mollusk open instead of utilizing the maximum of its potential to gain the upper edge.

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May / June, 2014

and remote operated technological devices.

Subtle manipulation, ability to interpret graphic representations of the world either real or entirely simulated, lightning reflexes.... sound like appealing traits to possess in fishing? I sure as hell think so. While being an armchair warrior doesn’t give you immediately transferable skill sets into savant angling, I have noticed people who are “gamers” in my boat are MUCH more able to process complex fishing approaches and angles, free from the dogma of industry, and in general derive more “sense” from even the most unconventional of angling approaches. They don’t see the use of singular tactics such as trolling, casting, jigging, fly etc. as mutually exclusive, but simply circles of a giant Venn diagram all playing a role in the daily struggle of piscivorous problem solving. Such thinking and understanding led me to refer to the art of angling at its purist definition as nothing more than “bio-hacking” or utilizing tools to stimulate artificial responses in nature itself that otherwise would never occur.

If you’re seeking a good primer into gaming that will not only be a rewarding experience in and of itself but also help generate transferable traits, check into some of the many action adventure games that exist, preferably starting with the format of 3-D gaming. The Nintendo 64 is a great place to start with classics such as Zelda: Ocarina of Time, combining both intense problem solving and very tight combat demands with various tools required for each challenge... As well as probably the best fishing simulation ever made buried in the game itself (the Japanese fascination with fishing is no coincidence). Modern titles such as Bio-Shock, Gears of War, Halo, Uncharted, and Dark Souls, all combined many skills into one package with pretty compelling story lines to boot as well as adjustable difficulty settings to accommodate your level of entry.

I know many folks have closed seasons and ice that keeps them from open water fishing. Instead of just roughing it out staring at a hole in the ice, pop a squat in front of the great American boob tube and train your brain and reflexes for the Angling Virtual Simulations upcoming season. I promise, have a joystick in your hands a bit will Ironically, the SINGLE worst make you a better stick on the water thing you can do for your fishing is next year. to play fishing video games. While entertaining at times, most of them for lack of a better term, suck balls, and not only are terribly designed games but also create very unrealistic situations in angling both in attack and expectation, and are simply amplified version of the rather droll state of categorized angling.

A bass game requires conventional bass tactics and nothing more and is ultimately destructive to the psychology of a person seeking skills to Fishing Headquarters | Page 96 take personally back to the water.

WAR GAMES

Subtle manipulation, ability to interpret graphic representations of the world either real or entirely simulated, lightning reflexes....sound like appealing traits to possess in fishing? I sure as hell think so. While being an armchair warrior doesn’t give you immediately transferable skill sets into savant angling, I have noticed people who are “gamers” in my boat are MUCH more able to process complex fishing approaches and angles, free from the dogma of industry, and in general derive more “sense” from even the most unconventional of angling approaches. They don’t see the use of singular tactics such as trolling, casting, jigging, fly etc. as mutually exclusive, but simply circles of a giant Venn diagram all playing a role in the daily struggle of piscivorous problem solving. Such thinking and understanding led me to refer to the art of angling at its purist definition as nothing more than “bio-hacking” or utilizing tools to stimulate artificial responses in nature itself that otherwise would never occur.

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

Fishing Headquarters | Page 98

WAR GAMES I know many folks have closed seasons and ice that keeps them from open water fishing. Instead of just roughing it out staring at a hole in the ice, pop a squat in front of the great American boob tube and train your brain and reflexes for the upcoming season. I promise, have a joystick in your hands a bit will make you a better stick on the water next year.

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

Fishing Headquarters | Page 100

WAR GAMES

Cory Allen, 28, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee is the founder and lead guide of Stone’s Throw Adventures. Cory’s specialty is casting and trolling for muskellunge on the reservoirs and river systems of the south. Allen’s team of guides fish the waters throughout Tennessee and Kentucky, guiding on a year-round basis, and offer their clients a wide variety of boat and wading trips for all species of gamefish. Book your 2014 summer fishing adventure by visiting:

http://www.stonesthrowadventures.com/

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Fishing Headquarters | Page 102

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TACKLE TECHN SUMMER 2014 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

Airrus Rods, Micropuls X

By Brian Pentecost

The Airrus Micropuls series of rods are designed for elite angling and tournament settings. Although I’d like to consider myself an elite angler, I still have some work to do and these rods are going to help me get there. Attractive styling and ergonomic design immediately catch the eye. It is a comfortable and lightweight rod to throw all day and it has the backbone to land the largest fish.

A full line of sizes and styles are available. The is a very Lamborghini styled rod with elite anglers in mind. Airrus likes to say they didn’t create these rods for amateur anglers. I would have to agree with them. The line guides are a new style than I had ever seen before and the split grip is very minimalistic to cut down on unnecessary weight. Comparable to holding a conductor’s wand, I pointed the rod and everything around me reacted appropriately.

Read full review at fishing-headquarters.com

$240 rodsbyairrus.com

F&H Decals Floor & Livewell Measuring Tapes

By Andrew Ragas F&H Decals Hawg Tape is a premium custom measuring decal. When Hawg Tape is placed in the bottom of livewells, near the aerating machine, the fish will naturally gravitate towards the oxygen supply allowing for a quick and easy measurement. Originally designed to specifically go in the bottom of livewells and coolers, anglers and boat owners are finding more creative uses and measuring applications for livewells, coolers, lids, gunnels, kayaks, tackle bags, and in places wherever else a fast measurement is needed. Using a premium vinyl, it can be used in an underwater application as well as a waterproof/ slip-proof application for your boat’s carpeted casting decks. Using e a patent pending process, there are no chemicals released into the water of the livewell, and slime coating of fish. Hawg Tape allows you to personalize the measurement of your fish with multiple designs and sizes.

From $11.95 fhdecals.com Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2014

NICIANS

Gear recommendations, reviews, insights and news (mostly new) from contributors & friends of Fishing-Headquarters.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! STORMR Swell Neoprene Hoodie

By Joseph Alfe

There are few product lines that come out that I can say are home runs in every way. Stormr is the exception to that rule. Stormr is a division of Henderson Sports, the company that makes professional grade wetsuits and flotation gear. The Stormr Swell is a lightweight, oversized hoodie that features a 2mm neoprene exterior and a micro-fleece interior. The rubberized outer shell blocks all wind and water, making this the ultimate rain jacket. It’s warm too, with the neoprene property of retaining core body heat, without the bulk. The Swell has a heavy duty metal front zipper, and cinch cords on both the hood and waist. Rounding out the package are flexible neoprene wrist and waist gaskets to keep wind and water out. In very cold weather, I reach for the 3mm Stryker parka and bibs, which feature a thick micro fleece liner and soft exterior shell. On most other days, however, the Swell gets the nod due to extreme lightness and versatility. This hoodie is ideal for a cold morning blast across the lake, even in summer when warmer temps make the heavier Stryker a bit much. $199.99 stormrusa.com

Read full review at fishing-headquarters.com

TH Kustoms Jerkbaits

By Tyler Uteg I’ve been a big fan of throwing jerkbaits both early and late in the year since I realized how effective they can be. As I’m sure many jerk bait aficionados have noticed, some of those really nice baits can get up to $25. After weighing the cost/benefit, and then meeting throwing some other baits to compare, I’ve become a big proponent of the TH Kustoms jerkbait this year. It’s made with a Megabass blank and painted any color you’d like. All for around half the price of it’s foreign competition. If you want to catch quality fish with works of art, and for less pain in your wallet, go check out thereeltuningandcleaning.com for some TH Kustom baits that’ll keep your livewells full.

From $15-25 threeltuningandcleaning.com Fishing Headquarters | Page 106

TACKLE TECHN SUMMER 2014 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

RoboCup Portable Fishing Caddy

By Andrew Ragas The RoboCup, LLC is a Nevada company that is the manufacturer and exclusive global distributor of the RoboCup. RoboCup is a brand new patented portable caddy that securely holds drinks, fishing rods, tools, gear and marine related personal belongings securely. It’s a unique tool manufactured for fishing, boating, camping and outdoor recreation. For mounting securely to pedestal seats and rails, no tools are required.

Squeeze to open the wide rubberized jaws that operate with two powerful stainless steel springs. The dual jaws instantly clamp to both round and flat surfaces. RoboCup is engineered with a robust design and has UV-inhibitors added to the co-polymer for durability.

From $19.99 therobocup.com

Lews Speed Spool

By Tyler Uteg At the end of last season, I began to suffer some tendonitis in my hand.

In another review, I mentioned my love for Trigger Happy Grips in the last issue and how they’ve helped the issue a ton. Aside from those stellar grips, my pain led me back to a reel brand that I had all but forgotten about while purchasing the newer, and larger, models. What I love about Lews Speed Spool reels is the fact that they are the easiest baitcaster to palm for long days on the water. They’re the smallest I’ve seen, and my hands are left with much less fatigue after a day of fishing.

I can also cast baits a country mile with them. If you ever suffer fatigue, or have hands that require a smaller reel, take a look at the Lews brand.

I’ll be switching the rest of my arsenal over as soon as I can. $99 to $300 lews.com

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May / June, 2014

NICIANS

Gear recommendations, reviews, insights and news (mostly new) from contributors & friends of Fishing-Headquarters.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! Streamside Spirit Breathable Chest Waders

By The Bassassins All waders are created equal is something that we had always thought. The amount of money you spend determines the quality of waders you get...HOWEVER! This is our first season experiencing the Streamside Spirit Breathable Chest Waders - these waders have the smallest of subtle changes but what a difference. They are extremely comfortable, no issues with breath-ability as the waders seem to hug without a suction feeling and the benefits of the extra reinforcement in the knee and ankle is phenomenal. We are able to walk through brush and trek our way on any adventure with much more protection ensuring we stay nice and dry when its time to get in the water - only time will tell but we couldn’t be happier with every step we take. $184 cgemery.com

Plano 4610 Guide Series Worm Wrap

By Andrew Ragas Designed to handle the demands of daily professional use, the Plano Guide Series 4610 Worm Bag is built with an extra-tough exterior and rust-free grommets that are at home in the elements. In addition to being super-tough, the Plano Guide Series 4610 Worm Bag also has tons of storage space, including two large zippered pockets, two small pockets, two open pockets, and 8 worm-proof zip seal bags. On its exterior, the Plano Guide Series Worm Bag is fitted with a convenient carry handle and a waterresistant zip closure that will keep your super-secret plastics from getting soaked. The perfect way to keep baits organized and protected, the Plano Guide Series 4610 Worm Bag is a must-have for any angler, professional or otherwise.

Dimensions: 9.5”L x 1.5”W x 12.5”H $14.99 planomolding.com Fishing Headquarters | Page 108

TACKLE TECHN SUMMER 2014 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

FishBum Outfitters Neck Gators

By The Bassassins UV Protection is the most important feature of the neck gator BUT the selection from Fishbum takes things to a new level. Moisture wicking and dye sublimated these incredibly uniquely designed accessories are an amazing addition to your fishing attire. Believe us when we say they can do way more then save your face from the harmful rays the sun reflects off the water. We have found by having a gator on when you are on the water you can prevent the suns exposure on your skin, which is obviously the most important, but they also work to cool you down when dipped in the water, work as a great bug deflector pulled up when wading through the deepest of slop and add a bit of warmth on those chill mornings holding the heat to your neck. Wearing a gator is a MUST when we are on the water and you won’t see us without ours. $21.99 fishbumoutfitters.com

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NICIANS

Gear recommendations, reviews, insights and news (mostly new) from contributors & friends of Fishing-Headquarters.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! Quantum PTi-D Spinning Reels

By Andrew Ragas New and improved for 2014, and competitively priced for better affordability, the The Quantum Energy PTi series of spinning reels have attained a legendary reputation as a solid performer on the professional tournament trail, and for the weekend angler that knows how to target big fish. With 11 bearings for ultra-smooth cranking and an indestructible titanium bail wire, the Energy D provides durability, lightweight construction, and worry-free fishing when it’s all on the line. These reels are must-have items if you are a trophy smallmouth bass chaser like me. $139.99 quantumfishing.com

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Photographs byAndrew Andrew Ragas Ragas Photograph by

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Photograph by David Graham

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