Fishing-Headquarters Magazine

May & June, 2015 Volume 5. Issue 3. Num 23

On the Cover: Friend and FHQ Web Contrubutor, Matt Lynch with a Watts Bar, TN blue catfish.

BIG BLUE CATFISH

Bottoms Up! Tennessee Blues

FORGOTTEN ESOX Chain Pickerel Plus.... Tackle Technicians Talk

LIGHT LARGEMOUTHS Finessing Small Waters ONTARIO CRAPPIES Poking Around Spring Habitats

RECIPROCAL JERKBAIT STRATEGIES and AGGRESSIVE LARGEMOUTH BASS TACTICS

Photograph by Marc Cooper Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Fishing-Headquarters Magazine Volume 5. Issue 3 Num. 23

May & June, 2015 Early Summer Edition

• The Forgotten Esox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

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.

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.

• Going Light for Largemouth Bass . . . . . . . . . . 27 • Aggressive Tactics for Prespawn Largemouth . 41 • Reciprocal Jerkbait Strategies . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 • Poking Around for Ontario Crappies . . . . . . . 73 • Nooby Traps: Lures for the Neophyte . . . . . . . 87 • Bottoms Up! Big Blue Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 • Tackle Technicians Summer 2015 . . . . . . . 117

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

In Issue 23, we chronicle one of our recent fishing trips as we went on a multi-species adventure to eastern Tennessee. Joined by Matt Lynch and Marc Cooper, who contributed to the piece, blue catfish were on the agenda.

On the cover, Matt Lynch displays a girthy 38 lb. blue catfish from Watts Bar Reservoir, TN. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 2

Fishing-Headquarters Magazine, Issue 23 Everything we do at Fishing-Headquarters centers on our love of multispecies fishing and the ongoing process of educating ourselves and to catch more fish.

In order to accomplish this, we’ve released yet another diverse issue for you.

Andrew Ragas

Editor In-Chief, Designer, and Owner.

2015 Issue Releases Projected Schedule

• Issue 24: July 6, 2015 • Issue 25: September 8, 2015 • Issue 26: December 7, 2015

As I conclude the layout and editing of this latest issue, I sit here and think of how we are rapidly beginning a new season of summer fishing. During the months of May and June, I will be on the road and fishing throughout the northcountry for a total of five weeks. Likewise, our team of writers are experiencing the same good “dillemmas.” As guides, educators, and influential anglers, they too are planning upcoming trips and travels for the summer season for themselves and their clients. As we all make plans, we look forward to gathering another year’s worth of editorial material for the web, and this publication, and to eventually share it all again in future issues.

With great pleasure, I introduce to you issue 23 of Fishing-Headquarters Magazine. This issue encompasses all good things that can be experienced for late spring and early summer fishing adventures and opportunities. I would like to thank our team of writers, friends, and all contributors for allowing us to make this one again possible. We welcome and encourage all anglers with a story to join our annually growing team and its online rotation for this publication, and online at our website, www.fishing-headquarters.com.

Click to Subscribe Copyright © 2015 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 23 F E A T U R E D W R I T E R S A N D C O N

Joseph Alfe

Cory Allen

JP Bushey

Issue 23 Editorial Staff • Paul Ragas Contributed Photographs • Marc Cooper • Matt Lynch • Jacob Priegel Online Contributors • Joseph Alfe • Robert Conley • Robert Fuchs • Matt Lynch • Brian Pentecost • Tyler Uteg Layout and Design By • Ragas Media Designs Sponsors and Advertising Partners • Bearpaw’s Handpoured Baits • Bigtooth Tackle Company • Camp Narrows Lodge • CB’s Hawg Sauce • CAST Crew 312 • Cortland Line Company • Dragin Bait Company • Dynamic Lures • Eagle Claw Fishing Tackle • Freedom Tackle Corporation • Llungen Lures • Quantum PT Fishing • Ragas Media Designs • Stankx Bait Company • Toothy’s Tackle LLC • Trokar Hooks

NTRIBUTORS

David Graham

Our rotation of featured writers with their own stories and unique fish tales.

Jim Gronaw

Andrew Ragas

“When you’re up against fish, fishermen and everything Mother Nature can throw your way, you want every edge you can get.

You want the Ultimate hook. You want TroKar.” - Brent Chapman, 2012 Angler of the Year

the world’s first surgically sharpened hook Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Featuring a wicked point that is so sharp, it penetrates twice as fast as anything else out there.

March / April, 2015

LazerTrokar.com

EAGLE CLAW FISHING TACKLE

Denver, co

SOLUNAR CALENDAR May 2015

June 2015

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.

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 6

LEADING OFF.

I think we’ll need a bigger boat!

Blue catfish may be bottom feeders, but their fight is categorized by deep and powerful runs with bone shaking headshakes. Anglers like Matt Lynch and Marc Cooper are setting the southern catfish world on fire through their stewardship in catfish conservation, education and exposure, and introduction of intricate and artful new age techniques. Last, but not least, they’re helping many deprived catfish anglers pop their first catfish cherries. Read More on page 97 Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 8

LEADING OFF.

Going Light For Largemouth Bass ...... Yes, In Here!

Most of our small lakes and ponds Back East are not crystal clear, and we can get away with slightly heavier line, closer presentations and more ‘angler errors’ than in the gin clear gig. But with lighter line you still have to approach shallow fish in a cautious manner, Wading for largemouths is not something that is talked about much, but I did a bit of shallow wading to get in on fish. As the weather heats up and waters warm, hip waders will become hot and bulky, and wet-wading will take it’s place. Of course, a thorough scanning of your fishing area is required to make an approach. Polarized glasses are needed and wading efforts must be deliberate and soft to approach larger fish that are as shallow as 18 inches of water anyway.

Read More on page 27

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Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 10

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

By David Graham

THE FORGOT Fishing-Headquarters.com

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March May / June, / April, 2015 2015

By Joseph Alfe

Photographs by David Graham

TTEN ESOX

Fishing-Headquarters Fishing-Headquarters| |Page Page 1414

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THE FORGOTTEN ESOX

Reluctantly, I must admit to being a bit of a ‘fair weather’ angler. I think it’s i the successful pursuit of stubborn fish under cold conditions is essential to m have to admit that more often than not, once winter comes along I just stow a and spoiled I sound as a southern angler complaining of temperatures below augers and staying active.

By: David Graham

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

Like anyone else, I have my own preferences in how, where, and when I go fishing. I just prefer shallow water angling under conditions Fishing-Headquarters.com

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where I can detect fish visually and not have to rely on sonar or other equipment to find what I am looking for. This is where I run into problems when water temperatures drop low enough to send my favorite species to deeper waters. This is also where preparation meets opportunity for one species of fish I may have not ordinarily sought. Pickerel not only seem unperturbed by colder weather, they almost relish it, and the relative absence of other predators in these chilly conditions yields opportunity for the pickerel to declare its status as an apex predator.

What pickerel lack in brawn

May / June, 2015

they make up for in tremendous speed and raw aggression. It’s easy for the pickerel to fall to the wayside of their enormous cousins, but make no mistake about it, pickerel possess all of the same sporting qualities as a muskie or pike, just on a dramatically scaled down size. Proportionally scaling down the hardware to pursue these fish makes for a very exciting lightweight pursuit.

The most prevalent of the pickerel is the chain pickerel. Chain pickerel are a very common species in the Eastern United states, ranging from southern portions of Canada all the way down to Florida and as far

important to understand the movement of fish species seasonally, and though my quest of being a ‘complete angler’, I simply cannot stand cold weather! I away the gear and patiently wait for spring. I can only imagine how pathetic w 60 but above 40 being ‘cold’ while the northern boys are digging out the ice

Photographs by David Graham

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters | Page 16

THE FORGOTTEN ESOX West as Texas. Because of their voracious appetite and willingness to aggressively attack artificial lures, most bass anglers have encountered ole chainsides at some point in time. Though they get mixed reviews, most anglers who have experienced the fight of a pickerel contend that this is an exciting species that does put up a respectable fight.

Anglers seeking to specifically pursue pickerel should target shallow grassy margins where a still lying pickerel is nearly impossible to detect. Small prey fish patterns work especially well, but coaxing an unsuspecting pickerel into a bite is not particularly difficult. Pickerel are an ambush predator, and they are tremendously well equipped for this style of hunting. They are supremely camouflaged and their streamlined body shape gives them remarkable speed. Pickerel will often remain in particular areas or territories where they lay motionless until unsuspecting prey, or lures, should cross within close enough proximity to strike out. Pickerel are opportunistic, and will rarely turn down an easy meal. Because of this, it is not uncommon to find these fish with crayfish, smaller fish, frogs, and even other pickerel in their throats when captured.

They will remain active in the shallows at all times of the year, though larger specimens will often retreat to deeper structure during the summer months. Generally, where larger congregations of small sunfish, shiners, or perch are found, the pickerel will not be far behind.

A two pound pickerel can put a furious strain on light spinning tackle and 8 lb. line, and these fish can grow in excess of 5 lbs. Anglers should keep in mind that the mouth of the pickerel is lined with sharp teeth that can compromise lighter line. It is important to examine the lead line for damage after every capture. Even a small pickerel will demonstrate disproportionate power and speed, and though they are no stranger to acrobatics, they will doggedly fight towards the safety of the weedlines, and thus a delicate chess match ensues balancing the fragility of risky light tackle with the necessity of powering the fish from snags. Small swimbaits, inline spinners, and rooster tails are especially effective but anglers should take into consideration the fish’s propensity to hang close to snags. Slow sinking weedless soft plastics are especially effective as pickerel typically remain higher in the water column, just underneath aquatic vegetation and timber. Pitching soft plastics onto weedbeds and slowly Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Normally during the early months of the year I will head out into the shallow weedy backwaters of my home lake, lake Moultrie) where life is seemingly void in the frigid shallows. Looming under the dead vegetation is a unique predator however… the voracious little pickerel. If pike and musky are considered ‘water wolves’, then pickerel are the water chihuahas, what they lack in size they make up for in tenacity and attitude.

Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 18

THE FORGOTTEN ESOX

Photograph by David Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

crawling them over lilly pads and grass can result in violent topwater assaults where even a small fish can send a geiser of water exploding into the air. Casting hardplastic stickbaits, shallow running crankbaits, and spinners paralleling grass lines is perhaps most effective in luring the pickerel out where even the small specimens will quickly kick up a ‘V-wake’ as it closes on your lure. A small pickerel will happily take on a lure half its body length, so lure size is not overly important.

Like their larger cousins, pickerel are tougher in their element than they are outside of it. They are notoriously traumatized by the experience outside of their watery domain and thus it is critically important to return them to the water after admiring their unparalleled physical characteristics. A good pair of needle nosed pliers, and possibly a set of durable gloves should be at the ready to deal with unhooking the toothy mouth of the pickerel.

Pickerel fatigue themselves tremendously during a fight and should not be withheld from the water longer than necessary.

What pickerel lack in brawn they make up for in tremendous speed and raw aggression. It’s easy for the pickerel to fall to the wayside of their enormous cousins, but make no mistake about it, pickerel possess all of the same sporting qualities as a muskie or pike, just on a dramatically scaled down size. Proportionally scaling down the hardware to pursue these fish makes for a very exciting lightweight pursuit.

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THE FORGOTTEN ESOX

A two pound pickerel can put a furious strain on light spinning tackle and 8lb line, and these fish can grow in excess of 5 pounds. Anglers should keep in mind that the mouth of the pickerel is lined with sharp teeth that can compromise lighter line. It is important to examine the lead line for damage after every capture.

Even a small pickerel will demonstrate disproportionate power and speed, and though they are no stranger to acrobatics, they will doggedly fight towards the safety of the weedlines, and thus a delicate chess match ensues balancing the fragility of risky light tackle with the necessity of powering the fish from snags.

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 22

THE FORGOTTEN ESOX

Boundless Pursuit

A non-species specific approach to angling by David Graham, where he craves the soul-stirring magnificence of slipping the bonds of his “to do� list and seeks the quiet places where it is just himself, the water, and big fish to be caught. David is an extreme multi-species angler and featured columnist for Fishing-Headquarters Online Magazine. Follow his monster fish adventures by visiting his blog:

http://www.fishing-headquarters.com/boundlesspursuit/ Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 24

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 24 Fishing-Headquarters | Page 26

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters.com Fishing-Headquarters.com | | May May//June, June,2015 2015

By Jim Gronaw

GOING LIGHT FOR

BASS

B

Bass fishing has been very good to us the past spring seasons of 2014 and 2015. After what seemed like an eternity for some warm weather, we finally got a break around mid April, both years, and the weather then stabilized, keeping water temps in the 60 degree range. This quickly pushed bass up in shallow in preparation for the spawn, but the influx of cold fronts kept temperatures stable, prolonging the pre-spawn bite for larger females. We found that on the nastiest, rainiest and windy days, fish were most active and aggressive. We only picked up a few good fish when the sun came out and it got calm.

Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 28 28 Fishing Headquarters | Page

LIGHT LINE LARGEMOUTH BASS

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

By: Jim Gronaw

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

With bass being shallow and relatively few obstructions to deal with, we found that we could fish lighter than usual line and enjoy excellent sport on fish from three to almost six pounds. We used six foot light action spinning sticks with Sufix Clear Mono in 6 and 8 pound test to fish our favorite stick worms…the Stank X Stix…as bass would cruise shallow flats in anticipation of the upcoming spawn. In a network of a dozen ponds and quarries, we totaled 646 largemouths in spring of 2014 and 2015, with nearly 250 fish in excess of three pounds. No, not the numbers from the tournament guys on the pro circuit, but fish I am certainly happy to catch when bassing close to home, bluecollar style.

As most bass anglers are aware, braid and heavy mono rule the roost in line choice, even when the fish are only a pound and a half. Wood, weeds and tangles require the heavy string to hoist the fish out of structure.

But when open water allows for a lighter presentation, bass numbers, and often big fish numbers, can increase dramatically. Jarrett Edwards, host of his own fishing show on the World Fishing Network, often uses thin line efforts for big bass in California, Nevada and Arizona. These crystal clear lakes require finesse presentations and he has caught many fish from 5 to 10 pounds on lines as light as 4 pound test. By watching Edwards do his thing, it gave me ideas for local waters.

Stankx Bait Company 4.25 Stix

Most of our small lakes and ponds Back East are not crystal clear, and we can get away with slightly heavier line, closer presentations and more ‘angler errors’ than in the gin clear gig. But with lighter line you still have to approach shallow fish in a cautious manner, Wading for largemouths is not something that is talked about much, but I did a bit of shallow wading to get in on fish. As the weather heats up and waters warm, hip waders will become hot and bulky, and wet-wading will take it’s place. Of course, a thorough scanning of your fishing area is required to make an approach.

Polarized glasses are needed and wading efforts must be deliberate and soft to approach larger fish that are as shallow as 18 inches of water anyway.

Fishing Headquarters | Page 30

LIGHT LINE LARGEMOUTH BASS It seems that the best days for light-lining bigmouths were cloudy, overcast days with a slight breeze… typical spring shower events. Dead calm, blue-bird sunny days make it a little tough, as shallow pigs tend to become spooky as the waters clear up. Also, natural colored clothing and camo patterns can aid in getting right on top of fish. Often, you will be fishing a little bit ‘blind’ with the

off-colored waters, not knowing exactly where a pre-spawn gal is cruising, but certainly in the neighborhood. Expect to spook a few hawgs now and again. Likewise, anticipate hooking big fish literally at your feet.

Keep your drag adjusted properly as big bass on a short lease will challenge your fish playing skills.

Our weapon of choice was the stick worm rigged wacky style, with

the 2/0 Owner offset worm hook right through the middle. There are a hundred stick worms out there, but for my money the premier bait is currently the Stank X Stix made by Travis Crosman of Portage, Michigan.

We like the 4.25-inch Stix in Camo or Bluegilla. This is a great multi-purpose finesse bait that just fishes better and catches more and bigger bass for me than the big-name brands. Check

Most of our small lakes and ponds Back East are not crystal clear, and we can get away with slightly heavier line, closer presentations and more ‘angler errors’ than in the gin clear gig. But with lighter line you still have to approach shallow fish in a cautious manner, Wading for largemouths is not something that is talked about much, but I did a bit of shallow wading to get in on fish. At right, Matt Gronaw holds a 5.25” Stankx Stix pig.

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Jim Gronaw

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing Headquarters | Page 32

LIGHT LINE LARGEMOUTH BASS

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Jim Gronaw

‘em out at stankxbaitco.com.

We fished the Stix with no weight, as early spring sun had caused a large bloom of algae and we didn’t need to get deep when fishing in 2 feet of water anyway. The worm would splash down softly and a series of slight twitches would get the attention of the fish. Sure…dinks in the 10 to 12 inch range would take the bait, but that speaks for the aggressive nature of the bass. Many of our fish went from 2 to 3 pounds, making them perfect for the light tackle. With larger fish you would just have to take your time and play them out. Casts were short and we set hooks right after we felt the ‘tap’ and felt the weight of the fish. Only one fish died as a result of a deep hookset.

There are times to fish for bass with light line and times when you don’t, even in the same body of water. Once the summer heat comes on, we will switch to heavier braid

and fish at nighttime and low light periods, landing fish quickly as not to exhaust them. We want to release our fish, especially the big fish, and a furious battle in high water temperatures could lead to delayed mortality in some fish. For sure, midsummer is NOT the time, or place, to catch bass on such fine diameter lines. Boat, canoe or kayak fishermen can hook fish, then ease away from structure as they play the fish out, although this does not always have a happy ending. But before the weeds get to their summer growth peak, light-lining for bass can be exciting and productive, with big fish options available. Land the fish, get the pictures, then release them back to fight again. Most anglers think it’s crazy…I think it’s fun!

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LIGHT LINE LARGEMOUTH BASS

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May / June, 2015

It seems that the best days for light-lining bigmouths were cloudy, overcast days with a slight breeze…typical spring shower events. Dead calm, blue-bird sunny days make it a little tough, as shallow pigs tend to become spooky as the waters clear up. Also, natural colored clothing and camo patterns can aid in getting right on top of fish.

Often, you will be fishing a little bit ‘blind’ with the off-colored waters, not knowing exactly where a pre-spawn gal is cruising, but certainly in the neighborhood. Expect to spook a few hawgs now and again. Likewise, anticipate hooking big fish literally at your feet. Keep your drag adjusted properly as big bass on a short lease will challenge your fish playing skills.

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing Headquarters | Page 36

LIGHT LINE LARGEMOUTH BASS

Photographs by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Jim Gronaw, 63, 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 FishingHeadquarters website.

Fishing Headquarters | Page 38

Photograph by The Bassassins

AGGRESSIVE TAC PRESPAWN LARG Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May June, 2015 July // August, 2014

By Joseph Alfe

CTICS GEMOUTH BASS Photograph by Joseph Alfe

Fishing Headquarters | Page 42 Fishing Headquarters | Page 90

AGGRESSIVE BASS TACTICS Team Airrus members Joseph Alfe and Tim King with Bass caught on the lay down rattlebait

Photograph by Joseph Alfe Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

A

As the water warms into the low 50 degree range across the upper Midwest, largemouth bass will shift into a more aggressive pre spawn stance. Gangs of bass will begin massing and patrolling just outside likely spawning areas, such as the mouths of smaller bays and along the shallow first breaks. Weather is a factor here too, and the frequent mid spring cold snaps will push fish off the first break into deeper water.

Rattlebaits

By: Joseph Alfe

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

Do not be put off by these weather downturns, because they can concentrate fish. Case in point: After a week of near 70-degree temperatures, we endured a sudden and profound cold snap that sent daytime temps back into the 30’s and 40’s.

This served to concentrate fish into the deepest water, which was about 9 feet, near the mouth of a spawning bay in a small local body of water. Once located, they were readily caught using a few techniques I will describe shortly. This produced a day to remember, as nearly 3-dozen bass, some in the 5 lb. range came to the boat.

There is no secret that rattlebaits produce once the water warms into the upper 40’s. There is no wrong way to fish these baits, but many anglers limit themselves to two techniques: Burning and the Yo-Yo and no doubt these will produce, but when they don’t, it’s time to modify.

During the cold snap, bass were lethargic, and this is when conventional wisdom would direct us to throw a suspending jerkbait, and we did with some success, but we caught more and bigger fish using a modified Yo-Yo style retrieve with large rattlebaits. What we have found is that it is sometimes effective to lay your rattlebait down.

What I mean is this: Cast out the bait and tight line it down to the bottom. Bass will sometimes hit the bait on the fall, so pay attention. Watch your line, and once the bait settles on the bottom, keep your rod high and line tight just as you Fishing Headquarters | Page 44

AGGRESSIVE BASS TACTICS

There is no secret that rattlebaits produce once the water warms into the upper 40’s. There is no wrong way to fish these baits, but many anglers limit themselves to two techniques: Burning and the Yo-Yo and no doubt these will produce, but when they don’t, it’s time to modify. Pictured is the Strike King Sexy Shad.

would while working a jig. Start by making your upward snaps, experimenting how fast and far you rip upwards. Let the fish tell you.

On this day, we found a 2-3 ft. rip best. At the top of the rip, tight line the bait back down and let it settle momentarily on the bottom.

This is where the majority of the strikes will occur, as bass pin the bait against the bottom. Watching your line is critical here. Bass also struck at the beginning of the next rip, and there was oftentimes a bass already on when the rip started upward. A longer rod with a heavier action and fast tip is preferable here, as the rattlebaits we were using were larger than what is normally thrown. In fact, this works best with baits of at least ½ ounce, all the way up to muskie sized 1 oz.

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baits. The set up I used was an Airrus 7’3” X-Entity MHF, which is as powerful as most brands heavy action rods yet extremely sensitive, an uncommon combination. For the bigger baits, I uses the Airrus XEntity 7’3” XHXF, a rod I normally use for swimbaits. A high speed reel assists on line retrieval as baits are ripped, and I spooled my Daiwa T3 8.1:1 speed reel with 16# Sunline Supernatural Nylon line for strength and low stretch.

made with these articulated baits in the west and south, but few use them in the Midwest. This is a mistake and one that is costing you big fish. First, we will discuss the different types of hard swimbaits.

There are three major categories of hard swimbaits: Gliders, multijointed, and lipped.

Gliders

This is my favorite category, especially in colder water, and the Speaking of one I will concentrate on in this article. These are single jointed swimbaits… baits that, when straight retrieved slowly, swim in an exaggerated SThe second technique I will motion. When paused or twitched, discuss is the use of large, glider these baits glide off to the side, and type hard swimbaits. Much ado has will switch ends if tapped correctly. been made of the outsize catches

May / June, 2015

Photograph by Joseph Alfe Fishing Headquarters | Page 46

AGGRESSIVE BASS TACTICS A swimbait featuring a natural S-Action swimming motion, River2Sea’s S-Waver will seductively wake the surface and call big gamefish in for a closer look. Featuring a natural “S–Action” swimming motion, S–Waver will seductively wake the surface and call big gamefish in for a closer look. Hold your rod tip up and S– Waver is a surface lure, allow the bait to slowly sink and the S–Action continues under water.

This is a deadly maneuver to entice following fish. I find that a slow, steady retrieve interspersed with pauses and taps works best. The things bass do to these baits are unreal, and they will select for the biggest bass. Do not be afraid to throw large baits, even into the 8” range, and a 5 lb. bass will have no trouble inhaling one of these.

My favorite is the River 2 Sea S-Waver, which is a well balanced, finely detailed bait that casts well and is nearly fool proof to work.

These baits can get expensive, with Gan-Craft and Roman made, two premium Japanese glide baits fetching hundreds of dollars. The River 2 Sea is reasonably priced as tested at Fishing-Headquarters.com

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This is a deadly maneuver to entice following fish. I find that a slow, steady retrieve interspersed with pauses and taps works best. The things bass do to these baits are unreal, and they will select for the biggest bass. Do not be afraid to throw large baits, even into the 8” range, and a 5 lb. bass will have no trouble inhaling one of these.

My favorite is the River 2 Sea S-Waver, which is a well balanced,

May / June, 2015

finely detailed bait that casts well and is nearly fool proof to work.

These baits can get expensive, with Gan-Craft and Roman made, two premium Japanese glide baits fetching hundreds of dollars. The River 2 Sea is reasonably priced as tested at $15.99 for the 120 4 ¾” to $45.99 for the 200 8” model at Tacklewarehouse.com. A word to the wise is to invest in tieable leader material such as Knot 2 Kinky to protect against the toothy critters who love these baits too, which is subject of another article. I use a very light 15# stranded wire direct ties to my mainline and a crosslock snap. I do not like leaders with swivels as the added weight kills action.

For main line I like 20#+ high quality fluorocarbon such as Sunline Structure FC, or a slick braid of at least 50#, such as Sunline FX2.

A long, stout rod is in order, but one

with a fast, light tip to work the bait.

Broomsticks aren’t good here. I use the Airrus 7’3” X-Entity XHXF.

Articulated These baist have more than two joints, sometimes with as many as four. They are straight swimmers with a tight, wiggling action, and are designed to settle on the bottom in an upright position when stopped, a deadly tactic for mondo size bass in western reservoirs feeding on stocked Trout. Spro’s Bill Seimantel’s BBZ-1 or the Triton Bull Shad exaggerate swimming action, or for are good examples of an articulated use as a wake bait, a deadly option bait. once the water warms.

So there you have it, two additional techniques to add to your Lipped arsenal. Many of you will, without These are basically articulated any doubt, add my rattlebait option, baits with and added lip that helps but will still fear big swimbaits.

Photograph by Joseph Alfe

Don’t. You will be leaving big bass on the table if you do. Just tie one on and make the decision to fish it, even if you go days without action, because when it happens, you will be glad that you did.

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AGGRESSIVE BASS TACTICS

During the cold snap, bass were lethargic, and this is when conventional wisdom would direct us to throw a suspending jerkbait, and we did with some success, but we caught more and bigger fish using a modified Yo-Yo style retrieve with large rattlebaits. What we have found is that it is sometimes effective to lay your rattlebait down. What I mean is this: Cast out the bait and tight line it down to the bottom. Bass will sometimes hit the bait on the fall, so pay attention. Watch your line, and once the bait settles on the bottom, keep your rod high and line tight just as you would while working a jig. Start by making your upward snaps, experimenting how fast and far you rip upwards. Let the fish tell you.

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Joseph Alfe Fishing Headquarters | Page 50

AGGRESSIVE BASS TACTICS

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May / June, 2015

Joseph Alfe, a resident of Northern Illinois has spent his whole life in pursuit of angling and outdoors knowledge. As a Pro Staffer and brand rep for various industry and outdoors companies, he promotes and shares products that he believes in and that can make you a better fisherman and outdoorsman. For him, it’s all about education. Joe’s true passion is bringing relevant and fresh fishing industry news and techniques to his readers through his promotional website:

AnglerZconnection.com

Photograph by Joseph Alfe Fishing Headquarters | Page 52

RECIPROCA

By Andrew Ragas Photograph by Mark Walton Fishing-Headquarters.com

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March May / June, / April, 2015 2015

AL JERKBAIT s e i g e t a r t S

Springing for smallmouths with jerkbaits hard and soft, and analyzing the situations that call for reciprocation.

Springtime conjures the thoughts of warming weather and water temperatures. In return, abundant schools of pre-spawn smallmouth bass invade the shallows to stage for spawn.

This magnificent period of the year for fishing makes me forget winter, and neglect all other responsibilities for the upcoming weeks that follow.

Photograph Mark Walton Photograph byby Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 56

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief

andrew@fishing-headquarters.com

Each spring is different, and while the annual movement of bass from deep to shallow is inviting, the fish themselves don’t always follow our prescribed patterns faithfully.

Just because they may be shallow and vulnerable doesn’t always mean they’re apt to strike. They still must somehow be triggered, but the question is how?

Most smallmouth anglers have used a jerkbait at some point. It’s a lure choice that plays a huge role in my winning spring strategy. Suspending jerkbaits in the form of hard baits and soft baits catch early spring smallmouths better than most other lure choices I throw. Part of it is through technique while most of it is due to their capability to freeze in space and hover in the faces of fish.

Since jerkbaits outfish most other artificial baits by a wide margin in spring, their suspense and triggering effects are what smallmouths focus on the most, as is their heavy baitfish diet.

With my bass season opener taking place the first week of May, the usage and reciprocation of hard and soft jerkbaits is a key tool during spring, and one of my most effective and deadliest fish catching presentations. It is important to understand the nuances and situations for when to use both simultaneously.

When and Where to Reciprocate The waters of Northern Wisconsin contain some of the best inland smallmouth bass fisheries in the entire upper Midwest. What set our fisheries apart from other inland waters and northern states are the diversity of lake types, fish population densities that vary lake by lake, and the availability of trophy bass that are accessible and protected by catch and release regulations during this time of year. Three and four

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RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

Smallmouths undertake their structural migrations from deep overwintering habitats to shallower staging locations. These locations may range from rock shoals to large main lake flats used for a combination of both feeding and spawning. However, spots that are more unique for their physical features, accompanying a mixture of rock and wood habitats, and larger size of the flat are often the best. pounders are so common that they rarely come up in discussion unless it’s a day of unbelievable numbers.

Meanwhile, five and six pounders are the ones we target most, and catching a few of this size is possible on any given day.

Beginning shortly after ice out, once water temperatures reach 45 degrees, smallmouths undertake their structural migrations from deep overwintering habitats to shallower staging locations.

These areas will be often associated within close proximity to spawning Fishing-Headquarters.com

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grounds, with heavy concentrations of fish usually schooled and stacked in large groups along the edges of structural elements. This spring movement will last until water temperatures reach 55 to 58 degrees – so this window of opportunity can be for up to four weeks depending upon weather and the fish’s biological clock. These locations may range from rock shoals to large main lake flats used for a combination of both feeding and spawning. However, spots that are more unique for their physical features, accompanying a

May / June, 2015

mixture of rock and wood habitats, and larger size of the flat are often the best. Mix these areas along with main lake areas with avenues to deep open water and the spring smallmouth spots get even better.

Herky Quirky and Kind of Jerky The use of suspending jerkbaits largely rose to prominence through tournament fishing and the modifications that ensued. During

The use of suspending jerkbaits largely rose to prominence through tournament fishing and the modifications that ensued. Now, we have more options and opportunities before us thanks to the soft plastic and hard bait manufacturers specializing in the production of suspending minnows.

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 60

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS the infancy of suspending jerkbaits, anglers often customized floating minnowbaits and soft fluke styled plastics to slowly sink and run deeper, and hang motionless to draw strikes from curious smallmouths.

Since then, we now have more options and opportunities before us thanks to the soft plastic and hard bait manufacturers specializing in the production of suspending minnows.

Selecting between a hard jerkbait and a soft jerkbait, realize first that you will need both lure types followed by patience when prospecting for spring smallmouths.

Rapala X-Rap 08 and 10

4 in. Matzuo Phantom Minnow

HARD JERKBAITS For me, finding smallmouths with these techniques often means speed in presentation, following through with my milk-run of spots, and efficiency in locating concentrations of fish and ultimately camping on them. As I typically dissect multiple lakes per day, a quickly presented hard jerkbait such as the Rapala X-Rap 08 on spinning gear, and size 10 with baitcasting gear, allows me to move quickly and eliminate water while remaining efficient and locating smallmouths. By combating smallmouths with a power fishing approach like this, I’m able to target the most aggressive fish within the concentrated group first.

After showcasing these quick presentations with X-Raps, I then turn to more subtle and slower jerkbaits when I know I will be camping out at the spot and a nice concentration of smallmouths has been located. Enter the 4 in. Matzuo Phantom Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

3.5” Dynamic Lures J-Spec

4” Dynamic Lures Travado

Rapala Shadow Rap 11

Photograph by Erik Lennartz

Minnow, Dynamic Lures J-Spec and Travado, and the all new Rapala Shadow Rap 11. Each of these is fished slower and offers a greater level of noise, suspense, and hang time in strike zones.

SOFT JERKBAITS Considering how smallmouths at this point haven’t seen a lure for months, nearly all fish initially encountered will be aggressively feeding. However, a handful within the population is stubborn. As these staging spots with concentrations of smallmouths get pounded and fish end up seeing multiple casts thrown their way, a number of fish may refuse to strike, or attempt to only push or nudge the bait avoiding hooks altogether. This is where I follow up with the soft jerkbait to clean house.

Equally effective for smallmouths, and sometimes even better depending on fish activity levels, soft jerkbaits in the fluke style like the 4.25 inch Jerx by Stankx Bait Company can be fished with the same cadence as a hard jerkbait to draw strikes. It draws strikes from aggressive fish, but also triggers reluctant strikes from wary and conditioned fish. Soft jerkbaits like this and many other brands including Bass Assassin, and Strike King Caffeine Shad, will produce when the hardbait won’t. It’s important to work a soft jerkbait just as you would a hard jerkbait. Rigged weightless with a 3/0 Eagle Claw Trokar MagWorm with plastic barb keeper, which keeps it honest and gives it a slow sink, I make sure to pop the bait with a few upwards jerks and let it hang and glide slowly down a few feet in the water column. When it’s their time to be

Stankx Bait Co. 4.75 Jerx (Diablo)

Stankx Bait Co. 4.75 Jerx (Goldielox)

Trokar Barbed Mag Worm Hook 3/0 Stankx Bait Co. 4.75 Jerx (Ayuzilla)

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing Headquarters | Page 62

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS used, soft jerkbaits offer a greater hang time in strike zones and will always sink at a slow minimal rate.

Additionally, they will offer livelier finesse action which I believe is what tempts conditioned fish and big and old experienced bronzebacks to strike. The soft jerkbait will often catch smallmouths from the same spots where the hardbait blew past them moments earlier.

my bites occur on slack line while the hardbait is suspending or softbait is on the glide downward, I always keep my eyes fixated on the top six inches of my rod throughout the entire retrieve. Regardless of light penetration and weather, it’s important to keep a watch on your line and the rod tip.

For fishing jerkbaits in this reciprocal manner, I always keep multiple rods and reels rigged with an array of hard and soft baits. For inTag Teaming stance, one 6 ft. 9 in. medium heavy Smallmouths fast action baitcasting rod with 10 lb. copolymer line will be rigged Finding and catching small- with a size 10 Rapala X-Rap or 4 mouths with hard and soft jerkbaits in. Dynamic Lures Travado. Anothisn’t only a visual presentation for er rod, a 7 ft. 2 in. medium heavy fish, but it’s also a visual experience spinning rod with 8 lb. copolymer for anglers. Because the majority of line fished with a size 30 Quantum

Energy PTi-D spinning reel, will be handling a 4 in. Matzuo Phantom Minnow. A third rod, a 7 ft. medium heavy spinning rod with 8 lb. copolymer line will then handle size 08 Rapala X-Raps and 3.5 in. Dynamic Lures J-Specs. Finally, my last spinning rod, a 7 ft. medium heavy fast action spooled with 8 lb. copolymer line will handle the weightless soft jerkbait.

For most jerkbait applications I strongly recommend a spinning rod and reel over a baitcasting set-up.

Line is also important. I exclusively fish with a low stretch copolymer line. Some fishermen will use braided superlines with fluorocarbon leader material but I am vehemently against it. The name of this game is suspending the bait and keeping it

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 64

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS within 5 ft. below the surface at all times. Braided lines float and fluorocarbon leaders sink, offering zero line control. They also don’t offer any stretch which is needed for really good hook sets. I’ve seen anglers lose more fish and miss many more opportunities fishing this way than they would with copolymer lines.

If you’ve noticed by now, this piece has nothing to do with color selection or presence of baitfish.

That’s right, because neither variables matter once you locate staging smallmouths! A well presented bait with perfect execution in the retrieve, and the angler’s feel for strikes and patience is what matters most.

I’ve caught hundreds of spring smallmouths with this reciprocal

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technique in warm and calm sunny conditions, and equally in cold windy snowy conditions. I have no such proof that weather conditions and water temperatures have a role in this style of fishing.

The success of reciprocating between hard and soft jerkbaits and interchanging them on smallmouths all has to do with smallmouths staging and being congregated near spawning grounds, their feeding moods, level of conditioning, and the angler cleaning up on his missed strikes. Learn to tag team smallmouths with a combination of hard and soft jerkbaits. By doing so, you’re going to have a hard time getting off the water this spring.

May / June, 2015

Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 66

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS

Most smallmouth anglers have used a jerkbait at some point. It’s a lure choice that plays a huge role in my winning spring strategy. Suspending jerkbaits in the form of hard baits and soft baits catch early spring smallmouths better than most other lure choices I throw.

Part of it is through technique while most of it is due to their capability to freeze in space and hover in the faces of fish. Since jerkbaits outfish most other artificial baits by a wide margin in spring, their suspense and triggering effects are what smallmouths focus on the most, as is their heavy baitfish diet.

With my bass season opener taking place the first week of May, the usage and reciprocation of hard and soft jerkbaits is a key tool during spring, and one of my most effective and deadliest fish catching presentations. It is important to understand the nuances and situations for when to use both simultaneously.

Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 68

RECIPROCAL JERKBAITS

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May / June, 2015

The success of reciprocating between hard and soft jerkbaits and interchanging them on smallmouths all has to do with smallmouths staging and being congregated near spawning grounds, their feeding moods, level of conditioning, and the angler cleaning up on his missed strikes. Learn to tag team smallmouths with a combination of hard and soft jerkbaits. By doing so, you’re going to have a hard time getting off the water this spring.

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing Headquarters | Page 70

Photograph by JP Bushey

Inline spinners and tiny plugs are both winners for weaving around, over old, rotted weedbeds. In a lot of northern lakes, last year’s mixed, dead weeds are the only game in town in April and May. Trolling with Mini Planers helps avoid spooking fish in less than ten feet of water and no special tackle is needed to run them.

Trolling has rocketed to the top of many professional crappie tours, for good reason.

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May / June, 2015

By JP Bushey

POKING AROUND

ONTARIO CRAPPIES Successful crappie hunting this time of season ‘up north’ is usually two scoops of an open mind with a pinch of simple presentations.

Fish early on will use some oddball spots. Here’s a few to check.

L

Looking at the big picture, black crappie in Ontario’s north really aren’t that different from the ones swimming in a Texas reservoir, a glacial pothole in the Dakotas or a Florida backwater. Without fail, they’ll feed, move and spawn, every year. Where things kind of branch off up here, is with respect to early season locations. The reality is that crappie are highly adaptable, successful spawners and able to get a foothold no matter what type of system they’re found in. They’ve taken off in a wide range of lakes and rivers up here. In a lot of cases, crappie simply don’t have much of the ‘classic’ spring stuff to use. Some of the places we find them make good sense. Others are pretty off the wall.

Fish are catchable in both.

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ONTARIO CRAPPIES

Photograph by JP Bushey Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

By: JP Bushey

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

Like you’ll find anywhere in crappie country, spring weather has the biggest impact on where these fish wind up, what they eat and what kind of attitude they have. Most places up here, ice-out ranges from mid to late April. The timing of ice-out isn’t nearly as critical as the overnight temperatures, winds, sunlight and rain leading up to those first few weeks of open-water fishing. Spring’s what I’d call a ‘swing period,’ just like fall.

It’s a period of rapid change over a fairly short period of time. Between the end of June and Labour Day, we can pretty reliably forecast air temperatures and the weather in general. It’s not going to snow, no bays will skim over with ice at night, and other than a gradual uptick in water temperatures, conditions always stay within a pretty predictable range. You can leave the dock anytime all summer with a rainsuit, hooded sweatshirt and a baseball hat and fish in anything. April and May in northern Ontario aren’t like that, at all. Huge, huge fluctuations in air temperatures are the norm, from baking hot to below freezing. Rain and run-off from snow melt varies wildly. On some early-season crappie hunts, we’ve got abydouble propane Photograph Roy Vivian burner running in the boat all day, with freezing, sloppy sleet or wet snow caking everything. Other years, it’s flip flops, sunburns and eating those first nasty hatches of blackflies, in summer-like conditions. You just never know. One of the biggest reasons for my discovery of alternative—sometimes weird—spring crappie locations is because I’ve fished in such a huge range of weather at this time of year.

Looking around at what’s available in terms of cover and structure, locking down the depth range crappie like in spring isn’t hard (save one special case, which we’ll look at later). Early on, much of the lake isn’t a factor. The fishing takes place in sheltered areas that are cut off from deeper, open basins. These warm fast, hold lots of food and allow crappie to make nests and drop eggs. The deep weedlines, suspended, basin fish and all those other summer, fall or winter patterns are off the table. The game is played in specific, clearly defined zones on the lake. So in that sense, finding stuff to fish is easier, in spring. Crappies are bunched up and only found in specific places. That’s not the case at other times of year. So with all that said, let’s dive right in and look at a couple reliable locational options that have proven themselves year after year, up here.

Deep Current Areas These are a mainstay up here during late, cold, drawn out springs with high water. The last two springs up here, we’ve had a ton of snow to melt off, thick ice that took extra time to break up and cold, windy fishing weather right through the month of April. By ‘deep,’ I mean water from 15 to 30 feet. I’d class the crappie in these areas as pre-spawn, and a long way off from making those mass moves into the shallows. I bring this scenario up first, because it was the first situation where I got into good numbers of big crappie many years ago. I’d love to give a flattering, detailed explanation for me fishing these areas based on homework or fishing skill, but I can’t. At the time, it was 100% dumb luck. We were working a classic, Fishing Headquarters | Page 76

ONTARIO CRAPPIES

early May walleye pattern: simple ballhead jigs with two and three inch minnows along the slower-water seams and eddies, outside inflowing rapids and river mouths. Big crappie were right in the thick of things down there, often out-hustling the walleye for our jigs. The bottom in these areas is plastered with current-washed rubble piles and brush.

Anywhere the current would slow or divert, big crappies would stack up. In years with less current and water temps past 50F, this pattern is non-existent. Plenty of runoff for heavy current and cold water temps is what keeps fish in these areas.

Fishing vertically is the only viable method, with so much junk on the bottom. Anytime your line angle opens up and the jig starts to drag, you’ll hang up. Walleyeweight braided lines and 6 to 6’6 spinning rods are best for keeping jigs on a short leash, right under the boat. The trick is being able to hop, lift or walk over the rocks and wood, Fishing-Headquarters.com

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rather than slide into it, from an angle. Over time, we’ve also come to love dropshot rigging these fish, using both live minnows and plastics. One of the biggest differences between the walleye and crappie close to current areas is a crappies willingness to feed upwards. This is a trait they seem to exhibit no matter what. The beauty of the dropshot is being able to set your bait just over the snags. We find far fewer walleye willing to move up to baits set 18-24” high. But crappie love them. To tell the truth, dropshotting is probably the biggest refinement we’ve made for targeting crappie on these spots. As always, less is more, as far as moving the rod or actively working your lure. Year in and year out, these deep crappie seem to be locked onto baitfish. Walleye or smallmouth-sized finnesse minnows really are our aces. Bass Magnet’s Panfish Stinger is another great one, with a grubby body and thin, tapered tail.

May / June, 2015

Maybe moreso than anywhere else we fish, sonar work is just huge in deeper current areas. Crappies will mark as layered, vertical towers and are almost always in the slowest water, closest to the gnarliest brush and rock. There’s really no point in dropping a jig or a dropshot until you start marking good clumps of fish. It’s a slow, slow technique and covering water takes forever.

But what they lack in speed, these vertical presentations make up for in precision, hooking percentage and efficiency overall. When we find good pods of crappie, the fishing is typically non-stop. Expect to pick off several fish from individual schools before reloading and hunting for another.

Banks With ‘Super Trees’ Wood—in any form—will always be a top pick for spring crap-

Photograph by Jim Gronaw

pie. I really believe that crappie are drawn to types of wood cover based simply on which types are most abundant. Lakes with lots of shallow docks will draw the lion’s share or the fish, if docks are the most abundant feature. If there’s acres of standing timber or stumps, crappies naturally gravitate to these. Most of the lakes I fish are sparsely populated and don’t have a ton of fishable docks and flooded, standing wood is pretty scarce, too. But, there’s tons of laydowns. Some of the biggest pines, cedars and hardwoods take the worst of the wind and winter snow weight and wind up toppling into the water. Most of the downed trees we fish are just massive.

The ‘super’ part of the tree equation not only means huge trees, but also the fact that being so tall and expansive, they’re often flopped out over a huge range of depths, from the shoreline spawning shallows out to much deeper water. This makes them great not only in spring, but all year round. One of the most interesting aspects of these spots is the

sheer volume of cover and food for crappie. We find lots of nesting fish near the trunks over soft bottom, pre and post-spawn fish in the midsections and off the outer tips, too.

It certainly seems likely that crappies in the north do things in waves, like drop eggs, recover and disburse. These big, tangled messes of wood cover fish from the shoreline out into deeper water and really do attract and service crappie in more than one phase of their spring transitions. The deep current game is a lot more fleeting, conditions-dependent and short-lived. Super Trees are one of the most consistent and reliable options we fish. Spawning crappie use them and so do those waiting to move in. So do fish recovering and feeding hard.

Warm weather, steadily rising water temperatures and good weather all around supercharges our tree fishing. They get hotter and hotter as April’s mood swings level out and we start getting in the groove, through May and early June. Under these conditions, food really

becomes the big draw. These spots hold huge schools of baby panfish, golden shiners and especially, dace minnows. All three are a shallow water, inshore type of baitfish.

They’re right at home in the wood, slop and shorelines. Bait like emerald shiners or smelts live a totally different life. Dace are a smaller baitfish that school tightly and mill around the branches in dense balls, almost like tadpoles. Crappie will push them up into the shorelines and against the tree trunks, gorging.

Insect life takes off on wood first.

Long before the deep mudflats or amongst the shallow pebbles, trees kick out the year’s first big waves of bugs. Insects hatch here also also fall into the water, from above.

It’s awfully tough to beat small jigs fished under slip bobbers for prodding through the trees. We always honour a crappie’s upward feeding attitude, and rarely set our jigs more than four or five feet deep, even out off the deeper treetops. In Fishing Headquarters | Page 78

ONTARIO CRAPPIES tight, a foot or less between bobber and jig is common. Plunk the bobber in, and let the jig settle below it for several seconds. Throw in a jiggle or pop, and let it settle again. Slowly swim it a few feet, and begin the process again. That’s really all there is to it. Look for dark holes, gaps in the branches or anything irregular.

Fish your way along the length of each tree, from the shoreline all the way out. You’ll find the fish on the same stuff as you hop from tree to tree, most days. Take your time, be methodical and make accurate little pitches. Bug-looking jig bodies are fantastic for tree fishing. Stubbier profiles in white, brown, black or smoke are just too easy for crappie to swim up to and suck back. They just love plastics. I could comfortably dunk the trees all spring with a Custom Jigs ‘n Spins Shrimpo, Mister Twister Nympth or one inch tube.

Tungsten jigheads really have taken off for all our wood fishing. Being so heavy for their size, they’re compact and get down fast, two big keys for staying out of trouble in the trees. They’re also great for clearer water, or anytime Photograph by JP Bushey you want to show crappie a small package. Little 10mm Chekais and Marjums from Custom Jigs ‘n Spins have a tiny, needle sharp hook that’s Tungsten jigs have become a real go-to in any kind of float fishing perfect for a Wedgee Tail or a few around heavy cover. Diminutive in size, heads like the Chekai (top) and artificial maggots. Finesse-type rubMarjum swing back under the float quickly, for beating hang-ups. With ber like Shrimpos and Wedgees are their tiny size, they’re easy for crappies to suck in and can be tricked super sleek and precision cut, with paper thin tails. They never really out with any manner of finesse plastics, like Shrimpo or Wedgee Tails. stop quivering under the bobber.

Nothing looks more like crappie food.

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Jim Gronaw

Dead Weeds Everything you hear or read about spring fishing, for any species, always talks about finding and fishing fresh, crispy weeds.

Up north, not only are many of our lakes devoid of classic weed varieties like cabbage or coontail, but any new weed growth available is a long, long way from sprouting in April and May. Most of the weeds we fish early are last fall’s die off.

Dead weeds repelling fish is a total myth and in lots of lakes, they offer the season’s first viable cover option for crappie. Not only standing varieties, but old lily pads and rushes.

If a crappie can post up on something this time of season in shallow, warmer water, it will.

Large, inshore flats from three to six or seven feet deep hold a ton of old, rotted weeds in early spring. Other than the odd hole or bare patch, there’s really no defined edges or strong features to run, like

later in summer. Areas are typically large, and crappies have plenty of room to spread out. We often find this stuff rimming the bottom ends of big bays or tucked in the lee of islands, in shallow water. Gentle bends in river systems are worth checking, too. With lots of ground to cover and plenty of water over the tops of the dead weeds, trolling has become our top method for finding crappies.

Trolling gets tougher in the shallows as the weeds slowly fill in and stand up, closer to the surface. But right now, most of the cover is flattened down and there’s enough room to run baits over top.

If you think trolling’s not a crappie method, I’d urge you to check the leader boards at many of America’s top crappie trail events. From the praries to the south, it’s a killer technique. My buddy Tommy Skarlis wrote the book on trolling for crappies and it spread like wild fire. Flatlining straight behind the

boat is nowhere near as productive as spreading lines out to the sides, using small, inline trolling boards.

Off Shore Tackle’s Mini Board isn’t much bigger than the average garage door opener, but carries your lures outside the boat’s path. It offers next to no water resistance and can be trolled with any light spinning outfit you’re already jigging or bobber fishing with. Creep-crawling along using your bowmount electric towing a set of ‘boards is perfect for the dead weed flats.

Short leads behind the ‘board, from twenty feet all the way down to four or five, is the way to rig up.

Inline spinners and small, floating crankbaits are our two top choices, year after year. Inline spinners get less and less love in fishing media every year, but they’re outstanding crappie lures, believe me. A little, whirring blade ahead of a treble dressed in hair, feathers of plastic is Fishing Headquarters | Page 80

ONTARIO CRAPPIES

A selection of downsized slip floats and plastics for plunking onto crappie in wood. Both insect and baitfish profiles are right at home in the thick stuff, with a clear edge going to bug-style jigs after extended periods of warm weather. Small tubes are one of the best across northern Ontario year after year. a dead-ringer for any number of insects. Size 00 to 2 spinners are ideal for crappie. There’s no law saying you can’t add in a small chunk or nightcrawler, either. For trolling spinners, use a high-end, ballbearing swivel a foot or so up the line, to minimize line twist. The black-onblack Mepps Xtra Deep in 1/12oz looks as much like a bug as anything in the box.

Of course, small minnow and crankbaits are perfect for running over the old slop, too. Panfish verFishing-Headquarters.com

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sions of the Reef Runner Ripstick, Rapala Floater or Cordell Big O have all the right moves for crappie in these situations. To this day, one of the biggest northern crappies I ever caught blasted a five inch Husky Jerk over dead weeds while pike fishing many years ago. Applying hard baits over these types of areas was a natural progression for me. Crappie typically crack plugs hard. One of a planer board’s biggest assets is the visual nature of the strike. A twelve or thirteen inch

May / June, 2015

crappie will pin a board hard and it’s awesome to watch. Slip along at 0.5 to 1.5mph and watch for your board to get buried. With lures that sink, like spinners, shorten your leads way up and troll slightly faster. Floating crankbaits can be fished further back and lower speeds keep them running higher. You won’t rip free of dead weeds and keep trolling along. They’re soft and mushy and will foul your baits right away. Setting your running depth to stay out of trouble is key. Weed contact isn’t

Photograph by JP Bushey

good, in this case. When you look at the size of these weed flats and how shallow the crappie like to be, planer trolling makes total sense.

And there we have it. Three places we consistently find our spring crappie in Ontario’s northern lakes. The take home message is having a range of spots to suit a wild range of weather conditions. It’s really that simple. Fish what’s most abundant, in terms of cover and always be on the lookout for spots that can host crappie based on fluctuating water levels and temperatures. The tackle really

isn’t that complicated. Fish in shallower water are really prone to wild swings in conditions, and at no time is this more common than in the weeks following ice-out. Hopefully, you’ve now got a few new areas on your lakes to try!

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ONTARIO CRAPPIES

A large tree off a good bank is a natural magnet for spring crappie. This fish ate a purple Shrimpo about 18 inches under a float tight to shore. ‘Super Trees,’ as we call them, draw and hold crappies in most weather conditions all spring. The trick is fishing what part of the trees the fish are using and making short, accurate pitches to your targets. Warm weather usually kick starts a lot of insect life in trees and compact, naturallooking jig bodies are best.

Photograph by JP Bushey Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

JP Bushey is a multi-season, multi-species writer from Barrie, Ontario. Northcentral Ontario’s ‘big water’ is where he spends his time, including Georgian Bay, Lake Nipissing, The French River and The Bay of Quinte. He does speaking engagements, manufactures lures and takes pride in helping people improve their fishing success.You can follow his fishing adventures on Facebook at The Bushey Angle, and on the web at www.thebusheyangle.com

Fishing Headquarters | Page 84

“She came to me for weight loss advice. 49.5” ate a custom Llungen double 9 at dusk. A solid weight PR baby! She even got my snag out for me, ate it off a limb I was trying to twitch off.” - Jake Priegel

NOOBY TRA Photograph by Jake Priegel

Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

APS

By Cory Allen

A

All too often in guiding, or just being a magnanimous steward into musky angling, we face the difficulty of finding lures that allow those with minimal experience to have a maximum opportunity at witnessing the awe of a muskellunge doing what it does best: #%^^ing shit up.

Lures for the Neophyte Fishing Headquarters | Page 88

MUSKIE NOOBY TRAPS possessing the "English" it takes to enact the more nuanced abilities some musky lures withhold to only the more creative sticks.

minutes later a 50.5" behemoth that responded to the same presentation to hit the net. The proof is in the pudding.

Savage Gear 4-Play: "Here, Johnny...reel it; then pause it..."

By: Cory Allen

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

Over the years of taking kids from 1 to 92 out on the water, I've assembled a small contingency of fail safe baits that when in doubt, even Steven Hawking could catch a fish on given the right guidance and placement. I chose these weapons by their absolute ease of use and versatility in the hands of those not

Johnny Edenfield was a cantankerous but motivated older gentleman from Atlanta when he hopped in my boat. His age admittedly limited the kinesthetic and power required to utilize some of the more agro baits. But this little gem? It took nothing but a couple handle cranks, and a short reprieve, all while comfortably seated in the middle of the Tuffy, to trigger a mid 40" that shook at the boat, and 10

Photograph by Jake Priegel Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

The ThunderBeast’s large profile and exaggerated underwater action target the biggest predators in the water. This monster-sized lure is designed with through-wire construction, heavy-duty hardware, and a hard integral core to resist tearing and withstand strike after strike from underwater giants. Its huge, thumping tail creates maximum water disturbance to provoke strikes from any nearby fish and its soft body entices those fish to hold on as long as possible.

Storm thunderbeast Llungen Nutbuster Jr. Double Colorado: I was specific in blade arrangement in this. EVERY Llungen nutbuster model is a good tool for the beginner and the expert, but this particular little doll does a dance the others cannot. From the first time I saw a prototype fall in a perfectly cadenced, directly controlled slow roll fall of indeterminate length until the bottom or the angler halts its descent. Most blades, any blades, require motion of the ocean to make them function. Yet, this one? I've had fish literally take it as it fell on the end of a cast before I even engage the reel.

It is worthy of mention that after many unsuccessful forays, Marc Cooper – a catfish guru, landed several musky on this exact presentation with me the first time he utilized it in my boat. That's about as

This durable lure is agile enough to be retrieved in a variety of ways. A straight retrieve causes the tail to swim in a wide arc with lots of vibration. A jerking retrieve creates a level track and gliding action with added body roll.

The ThunderBeast sinks slowly on the pause, head down with tail swimming in wide, pulsating arcs, making it irresistible to large underwater bullies. Perfect color combinations add to the ThunderBeast’s authentic profile. Comes equipped with a pair of premium VMC treble hooks for positive sets every time.

good as an endorsement can come

Storm Thunderbeast: The proverbial diamond in the rough, I first saw this bait in a magazine, and dismissed it because everyone else seemed to. Then my friend Ian Swenson brought one down to fish with me in Tennessee a couple years ago, and I will never forget the first time I saw it glisten into the side of the boat, tail seductively undulating to a slow creep as the motion halted, an ever so slightly hesitation, then a perfect tilt downward at 30 degrees, a small rocking combined with the tantalizing twist of the tail as it fell at a perfectly controlled rate. I immediately knew this one was different. I also knew, I’d just found a lure that not only had the level of control a savant could Fishing-Headquarters | Page 90

MUSKIE NOOBY TRAPS manipulate to different means, but could be clipped on the leader of a new musky angler's first cast, and whether or not they reel, pause, stop to scratch their ass, or stare at a bird in the tree, that bait will always be doing something that could easily trigger a strike. Combine that with the inherent ability to fish at literally any depth (and I’ve tested trolling up to 8 mph. without incidence or roll out) and I never leave the

dock either on a solo scouting run or with clients in the boat without a complement of these in the box (or in my case, most likely scattered in disarray on the deck like a tsunami aftermath).

This is just a short list, and I must admit I've grown a bit more frugal with my "secrets" nowadays, but the keen eye will perceive the inherently similarities between these baits that qualified them as such.

Just because they are perfectly suited for soft hands doesn't mean the calloused grip of a seasoned veteran can't appreciate and utilize even further those same virtues. It is their level of inherent control: From full forward reckless motion as simple as cranking a handle, to a dead stop, these baits all perform. No matter what you do, these balls are always in play.

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Photograph by Cory Allen

MUSKIE NOOBY TRAPS

Cory Allen, 29, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee is the founder and lead guide of Tennessee Valley Muskie Authority - the most comprehensive fishing resource and guide team in Tennessee. 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, guiding on a year-round basis, and offer their clients a wide variety of boat and wading trips. Book your 2014 summer and 2015 winter fishing adventure by visiting:

http://www.tennesseevalleymuskieauthority.com

Photograph by Jake Priegel Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 94

BOTTOMS UP! BI

Tricks of the Tennessee catfish trade, with southern hospitality, on the intricate art of baiting for big blue behemoths in southern fisheries.

Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

IG BLUE CATFISH

By Andrew Ragas With Marc Cooper and Matt Lynch

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 98

BLUE CATFISH

By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief

andrew@fishing-headquarters.com

Photograph by Marc Cooper Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

S

Spending most of my time on the waters up north, our lakes and reservoirs aren’t as diversified with fish species as what’s found down south. A big fish adventure I’ve never gotten to experience up until last month is the pursuit of blue catfish. A recent late March adventure to Eastern Tennessee for multi-species treated me to this memorable first time experience.

Fish of all shapes and sizes fight differently. Catfish are fat, muscular, and laced with power.

What I discovered on the gargantuan waters of Watts Bar, Tennessee, is when the largest North American catfish species, blue catfish, vacuums up the circle-hooked cut bait from 40 feet below; the ensuing battle becomes an exercise. It’s like pumping iron in the gym, but it gets better. This workout is best experienced by rod and reel.

“This fish isn’t helping my sprained shoulder heal from winter basketball season!” I yelled to my friends and guides, Matt Lynch and Marc Cooper, as I corralled an average sized Watts Bar blue catfish into the boat. Down deep, and even with our heavy saltwater rods and reels, the experience still felt like hooking into the ‘Free Willy’ of fish, regardless of being a 25 pounder.

So how much bigger can these species and the fight actually get?

Let these southern boys and their hospitality tell you.

Fishing with Southern Hospitality “Fighting a blue catfish is like fighting with a bull, at least in terms of the intensity of the conflict,” says Matt Lynch, a Tennessee outdoor

Photograph by Matt Lynch Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 100

BLUE CATFISH Fish of all shapes and sizes fight differently. Catfish are fat, muscular, and laced with power. What I discovered on the gargantuan waters of Watts Bar, Tennessee, is when the largest North American catfish species, blue catfish, vacuums up the circle-hooked cut bait from 40 feet below; the ensuing battle becomes an exercise. It’s like pumping iron in the gym, but it gets better. This workout is best experienced by rod and reel.

Photograph by Matt Lynch Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

writer, part-time fishing guide, and frequent contributor to numerous catfish publications. “Look at the physical builds of catfish: In Watts Bar, they are the hulking titans of the river and their bodies are one big muscle. When a blue catfish is feeding, nothing stands in its way.”

“A blue catfish is like an M1 Abrams tank of the deep,” adds Cooper. “Hook into one and you’ll see what I’m talking about!”

Marc Cooper, 20, and Matt Lynch, 29, are passionately driven by monster catfish. As I witnessed in their approach, their obsessions and angling styles parallel and compliment each other’s. With Cooper’s expertise in electronics and Lynch’s precision baiting techniques, together they form a bright and dynamic duo that has caught and released upwards of 400 lbs. of blue catfish in a single day.

Founder of the Collegiate Catfishing Association, a growing national fishing organization, and president of the University of Tennessee Catfishing Club, Cooper takes pride in helping anglers like me catch the largest catfish of their lives. On this day, his mission was accomplished.

With the potential to surpass weights of 100 lbs., blue catfish are North America’s largest catfish species. The Tennessee state record stands at 112 lbs., and both Lynch and Cooper have obsessive aspirations to someday break it. According to them, Watts Bar is a blue catfish paradise.

Watts Bar Situated in the heart of the Tennessee River Valley at the confluence of the Emory, Clinch, and Ten-

nessee rivers, Watts Bar reservoir encompasses 39,000 acres of water.

Rich in deep rock, ledge habitat, and abundant forage species to support a thriving fishery that isn’t heavily pressured, blue catfish are the clear kings of Kingston, Tennessee.

Cooper and Lynch have helped anglers and their guests catch several personal bests, with specimens surpassing 65 lbs. However, what drives them most is the realistic chance at wrangling with a historic 100 pounder, and to continue breaking their own personal boat records.

“Fishing Watts Bar on a good day will leave anglers at a loss, like when Cooper and I recently hauled Photograph by Andrew Ragas in an epic 420 lbs. of catfish in mid March,” says Lynch. Staggering numbers and a large average size of adult fish between 25 to 50 lbs. sets this southern reservoir above all others, and it’s easy to see why.

Photograph by Matt Lynch Fishing-Headquarters | Page 102

BLUE CATFISH Watts Bar has shown Lynch and Cooper its glory and potential. Cooper and Lynch have yet to haul in less than 120 lbs. from Watts Bar on any of their excursions. “On a bad day, you can still catch 100+ lbs. of fish. We have never caught below this amount on any Watts Bar outing,� says Cooper. On the miserably cold windy day I joined these two friends of mine, we easily surpassed that number, catching a handful of blues up to 38 lbs, with this pictured 25 pounder now being my largest ever.

Photograph by Matt Lynch Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

“Looking back, we wrecked the fishery!” he concludes.

Watts Bar has shown both anglers its glory and potential. Cooper and Lynch have yet to haul in less than 120 lbs. from Watts Bar on any of their excursions. “On a bad day, you can still catch 100+ lbs. of fish.

We have never caught below this amount on any Watts Bar outing,” repeats Cooper. On the miserably cold windy day I joined these two friends of mine, we easily surpassed that number, catching a handful of blues up to 38 lbs.

Beating the Blues Blue catfish can be sought at any time of the year, but some specific seasonal periods “Can provide a little more weight under their belts,” says Lynch.

Much of the Watts Bar ecosystem is driven by the output of the Kingston Steam Plant. When it’s generating power, an influx of baitfish species turns this waterway into prime big fish feeding grounds. Anglers must also give consideration to the annual shad die-offs too, which allows hungry cats to gorge themselves on another abundant food source. With these two feeding events, Lynch and Cooper favor the late winter through spring period.

Locating the food isn’t the only thing that yields best fishing success. Current and flow rates have a lot to do with high catch rates as well.

Anglers have a realistic chance of catching a giant year round, but the likelihood of that catch varies by season. “Cat fishing success and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) current flows are usually in direct correlation,” says Cooper. “Fish expend energy, like humans on a workout regimen, and the caloric

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 104

BLUE CATFISH

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

expenditure requires fish to feed in order to compensate for that. Anglers should follow the TVA release schedule like a stock market broker and his investments,” he quips.

Lynch and Cooper both have a strong personal preference to fish deep water and use it as their starting points in locating big catfish.

Utilizing the Buck Perry mentality, “Blue Catfish follow structure like a road map,” says Lynch. “Looking at a key spot means it has to have immediate access to deep water. A great-looking spot without it will not be productive, because without prominent structure they have no road signs to guide them to these locations.”

“You can never go wrong with a steep channel breakline,” adds Cooper. Main lake structure relative to deep water is his favorite form of topography to target for trophy catfish.

Prior to wetting the lines, Lynch and Cooper spend hours studying topographic maps and their Navionics Platinum chips to determine productive spots and eliminating dead water. “Bends in the channel, humps, ledges and channel confluences, current breaks, and holes all provide key areas for us,” says Lynch. “It’s all a matter of breaking it down even further when on the water with electronics,” he concludes.

As fish are in a state of migration, electronics are heavily employed as Lynch and Cooper locate schools with a Lowrance HDS unit equipped with down-imaging and structure-scan. Run and gun with Lynch’s 17 ft Lowe Roughneck with 30 hp. Yamaha jet becomes their preferable tactic, seeking the active fish, and when found they will usually still be schooling up. On 2-dimensional screens, blue catfish tend

to appear as a bulky ¾ arch. When using Lynch’s structure-scan, the shape of the catfish becomes obvious with its thicker muscular shape.

During the spring season, blue catfish are still holding deep, but will make short movements into the shallows to feed. Couple this with unpredictable weather and you will see why Lynch and Cooper both prefer to fish the deepest waters.

“Not only do we fall back on deep water being the home of big fish, but it offers them stability in the early parts of the season,” says Lynch. He affirms, “For this reason, deep holes will be their sanctuaries, and once water temperatures rise into the 50’s, fish will begin migrating upriver towards the headwaters and smaller rivers to spawn.” Blue catfish do not tend to follow a ba-

Photograph by Marc Cooper Fishing-Headquarters | Page 106

BLUE CATFISH For most of their cat fishing, cut bait is the overwhelming bait of choice. Due to their abundance in the Clinch and Tennessee River systems, skipjack herring is often the best catfish bait when properly prepared.

sic migratory spawn movement like most other species, but when schools are located, they will be concentrated.

By late spring through summer, Lynch and Cooper turn their attention to river stretches and current seams feeding into the main lake. “We focus a lot on the tailwater areas of many reservoirs, and drifting can be the most effective technique for covering an endless East Tennessee Reservoir like Watts Bar because fish will disperse,” says Cooper. Throughout summer and into early fall, catfish will still relate to the same forms of structure and Fishing-Headquarters.com

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cover before a reverse migration ly caught 4.28 lb specimen. “They takes place in late fall, leading them grow to large sizes and are in abunback to their wintering holes. dance, which is why they are a key target for predation,” adds Lynch.

Skipjacks can be caught from The Blues Brothers Battle any of the local steam plants by For most of their cat fishing, ultra-light hook and line methods. cut bait is the overwhelming bait Lynch and Cooper insist that for of choice. Due to their abundance best preparation, the skipjack must in the Clinch and Tennessee River be immediately thrown on ice and systems, skipjack herring is often vacuum sealed for freezing. When the best catfish bait when properly prepared this way, the head and mid sections are tempting bloody mess prepared.

“Skipjack herring is an inher- to cats when rigged properly.

For rigging, Lynch and Cooently bloody and extremely oily fish,” says Cooper, who is a new per rig their entire six rod spread in world record holder with a recent- Carolina style fashion with sinker

May / June, 2015

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

bumpers, slides, and 6 to 8 ounces of No Roll bank weights poured by Lynch himself. This package is then attached to a snelled Team Catfish 8/0 circle hook that is presented in both single and double-hook versions that are dictated by the size of cut skipjacks.

Lynch and Cooper use a multitude of heavy saltwater gear built to tackle large fish. For most of their cut bait fishing, their preference is to use 8 foot Okuma Battle Cat rods. “New to the market, they have wonderful traits ranging from sensitivity and backbone to the handle design,� says Lynch, believing they are superior to the competition. As for reels, size 300 to 500 Quantum Irons, Abu

Photograph by Marc Cooper Fishing-Headquarters | Page 108

BLUE CATFISH

Lynch’s jet boat features an elaborate custom welded removable overhead rod holder system equipped with Monster Rod Holders that effectively spreads out lines and keeps them angled perfectly above the surface, engaged with current. “I don’t see a lot of people employing the bar set-up that I use, however most people may not seek catfish with such diligence like us,” says Lynch. “It allows a better rod spread off the stern, and allows the bait to work and disperse a scent trail with the current,” he concludes.

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Garcia Ambassadeurs, and Okuma Komodo reels equipped with loud bait clickers and strong drag systems are the preferred choice. Most importantly, the reel too must have a huge line capacity to support 50 lb. high-vis Trilene Big Game monofilament.

Rod holders are the quintessential part of a catfish boat. “If anchoring or control drifting, rod holders are required,” says Cooper.

Lynch’s jet boat features an elaborate custom welded removable overhead rod holder system equipped with Monster Rod Holders that effectively spreads out lines and keeps them angled perfectly above the surface, engaged with current. “I don’t see a lot of people employing the bar set-up that I use, however most people may not seek catfish with such diligence like us,” says Lynch. “It allows a better rod spread off the stern, and allows the bait to work and disperse a scent trail with the current,” he concludes.

“This setup is my preferred method,” says Lynch. “I love doing anchored sets with my Cat River anchors, bow faced into the current, and just kicking back and waiting…… watching for any line jiggles and the drags to scream.”

Blue catfish may be bottom feeders, but their fight is categorized by deep and powerful runs with bone shaking headshakes. Anglers like Matt Lynch and Marc Cooper are setting the southern catfish world on fire through their stewardship in catfish conservation, education and exposure, and introduction of intricate and artful new age techniques.

Last, but not least, they’re helping many deprived catfish anglers like me pop their first catfish cherries.

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 110

BLUE CATFISH

Photograph by Matt Lynch Fishing-Headquarters.com

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His freshman year, Marc Cooper got hooked on catfishing. Though an experienced trout and bass fisher, he was never drawn to the sport until an impromptu trip inspired him to create the first and only college catfishing club in America. Cooper, a junior at the University of Tennessee is President of the Collegiate Catfishing Association - the first national organization of its kind for catfish.

The club is currently in the process of networking with other universities to establish competitive, collegiate level catfishing. While they currently compete in local tournaments, placing second in the East Tennessee Catfish Anglers Tournament Series last year, they are reaching out to such universities as Tennessee Tech and Middle Tennessee State University to help establish clubs on their campuses. Eventually, they hope to travel to universities in other states and expand collegiate catfishing to the entire Southeastern Conference.

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 112

BLUE CATFISH

Prior to wetting the lines, Lynch and Cooper spend hours studying topographic maps and their Navionics Platinum chips to determine productive spots and eliminating dead water.

“Bends in the channel, humps, ledges and channel confluences, current breaks, and holes all provide key areas for us,” says Lynch. “It’s all a matter of breaking it down even further when on the water with electronics,” he concludes.

As fish are in a state of migration, electronics are heavily employed as Lynch and Cooper locate schools with a Lowrance HDS unit equipped with down-imaging and structure-scan. Run and gun with Lynch’s 17 ft Lowe Roughneck with 30 hp. Yamaha jet becomes their preferable tactic, seeking the active fish, and when found they will usually still be schooling up. On 2-dimensional screens, blue catfish tend to appear as a bulky ¾ arch. When using Lynch’s structure-scan, the shape of the catfish becomes obvious with its thicker muscular shape.

During the spring season, blue catfish are still holding deep, but will make short movements into the shallows to feed. Couple this with unpredictable weather and you will see why Lynch and Cooper both prefer to fish the deepest waters.

Photograph by Marc Cooper Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 114

Photographs byAndrew Andrew Ragas Ragas Photograph by

TACKLE TECHN SUMMER 2015 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

Quantum Smoke PT Speed Freak Spinning Reel

By Andrew Ragas Smoke the competition with the new Quantum Smoke Spinning Reels. Featuring an advanced Performance Tuned bearing system, the Smoke delivers ultra smooth performance well beyond its price range. Available in a blazing fast 6.2:1 gear ratio, its Aluminum frame and gear side cover keep it lightweight, while forming a rigid foundation that minimizes flex even under heavy loads.

Quantum’s exclusive CSC drag system takes advantage of stainless steel, carbon fiber and ceramic washers to deliver one of the smoothest drags in the industry. Its double-anodized MaxCast II spool delivers long distance casting capabilities, and combined with the indestructible Titanium bail wire, helps mitigate any line management issues. Perfect for a range of finesse and light line applications, the Quantum Smoke Spinning Reels looks as good as it performs. $179.99 quantumfishing.com

Okuma Battle Cat Rods

By Matt Lynch Available in 7’6, 8, and 10 lengths I chose the 7’6 so as to facilitate fitting in my rod racks in the house. The blank is factory rated for 1-8 oz. and 15-60 lb. line, which is standard across all the models of Battle Cat. Okuma included a very thoughtful fluorescent orange wrap just below the tip to aid in low light visibility along with double footed stainless guides for maximum life and durability. No cracked ceramic guides to be found on the Okuma Battle Cat series! There isn’t much I can add without repetition to this review but if you are in the market for a new catfish rod or dozen, please check these rods out. I’m glad I did! $99.99 okumafishing.com Photograph by Johnny Amato Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

NICIANS

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

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! Troll Eze

By Tyler Uteg

When I’m not at the front of the boat on a trolling motor, I’m likely sitting in a chair or on a couch with poor posture. This has led to a life of pretty consistent back pain. Recently, I was able to improve one of my fishing-related causes of pain with the purchase of a Troll Eze recessed trolling motor tray. After getting through the initial fear of cutting a decent sized hole in my boat, I managed to install it myself and haven’t looked back. People told me it was one of the best things to do to a boat, and I can now say that I firmly agree. If you have regular lower back pain, or just want to be more comfortable at the front of the boat all day, get yourself aTroll Eze as soon as you can. $99.99 tacklewarehouse.com

Okuma Komodo 350 Low Profile Reel

By Marc Cooper Like the vast majority of Okuma reels, the Komodo 350 is built to last with solid internals made up of stainless steel gearing and shafts, aluminum side plates and frame, along with a non-disengaging level wind system, and a solid power handle for cranking in large catfish. I will touch on these points independently as you move through this review. To say this reel is simply just a bottom bouncing reel would be a gross understatement of its overall capabilities. Over the course of two months I personally have used this reel for musky, striper, and catfishing duties. Several nice blue catfish have been landed on this reel without any complications whatsoever, and it seems to be much easier for new people to catfishing in general to use effectively. $189.99 okumafishing.com

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 118

TACKLE TECHN SUMMER 2015 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

LifeProof LifeJacket Float for iPhone

By Andrew Ragas When the action gets wet and wild, nothing dampens the good times like a waterlogged iPhone 5/5s/5c Even if it is protected inside the waterproof LifeProof Case, your smartphone still sinks like a dumb rock if accidentally dropped in the drink.

Of course, there’s one way to buoy both your spirits and your iPhone 5/5s/5c – the LifeProof LifeJacket. Molded from soft, buoyant foam, the LifeJacket for the iPhone 5/5s/5c Case preserves the life of your device, no matter how wet it gets.

The form-fitting design slips right over your case, and comes off just as quickly.

And, even if a trip to Davy Jones’ Locker isn’t a threat, the LifeJacket adds an additional layer of shock protection to your LifeProof Case. Featuring the high-vis bright orange color of a classic life jacket, the LifeProof LifeJacket keeps your phone afloat and in sight. And, the included lanyard and wrist strap keeps it in hand. So, whether you’re rafting, sailing, fishing or swimming, don the LifeJacket and take the plunge! $39.99 lifeproof.com

Stankx Bait Company 5.25” Stix

By Jim Gronaw There are a hundred stick worms out there, but for my money the premier bait is currently the Stank X Stix made by Travis Crosman of Portage, Michigan.

We like the 4.25-inch Stix in Camo or Bluegilla. This is a great multi-purpose finesse bait that just fishes better and catches more and bigger bass for me than the big-name brands. With bass being shallow and relatively few obstructions to deal with, we found that we could fish lighter than usual line and enjoy excellent sport on fish from three to almost six pounds. We used six foot light action spinning sticks with Sufix Clear Mono in 6 and 8 pound test to fish our favorite stick worms…the Stank X Stix…as bass would cruise shallow flats in anticipation of the upcoming spawn.

From $5.29 to $6.79 stankxbaitco.com Fishing-Headquarters.com

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May / June, 2015

NICIANS

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

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! River2Sea S-Waver

By Joseph Alfe

The River2Sea S-Waver is a finely detailed bait that casts well and is nearly fool proof to work. These baits can get expensive, with GanCraft and Roman made, two premium Japanese glide baits fetching hundreds of dollars. The River 2 Sea is reasonably priced as tested at $15.99 for the 120 4 ¾” to $45.99 for the 200 A8”swimbait model. featuring a natural S-Action swimming motion, River2Sea’s S-Waver will seductively wake the surface and call big gamefish in for a closer look. Featuring a natural “S–Action” swimming motion, S–Waver will seductively wake the surface and call big gamefish in for a closer look. Hold your rod tip up and S–Waver is a surface lure, allow the bait to slowly sink and the S–Action continues under water. $15.99 to $45.99 river2sea.com

Viking Marine Ripcord

By Tyler Uteg I’ve seen several different after-market trolling motor cords, but what intrigued me most about the Viking Marine Ripcord was the fact that you’re able to use your existing handle. At less than 20 bucks it’s a steal compared to it’s competitors. That being said, I was a little skeptical when deciding to purchase it to replace my stock Minnkota cord. Once I installed the teflon-coated stainless steel cord I could tell how how durable, and surprisingly flexible it was for something so strong. It also made it much easier to lift and stow my motor. When your stock cord inevitably breaks on your beloved trolling motor, make sure you take a hard look at the less-expensive, yet extremely durable, Viking Marine Ripcord. $19.99 tacklewarehouse.com Fishing Headquarters | Page 120

Llungen Lures designer, Chad Cain.

Photographs byAndrew Andrew Ragas Ragas Photograph by

www.llungenlures.com

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