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Bill Dance Signature Lakes O er Impactful Improvements to Tennessee’s Fishing Waters
Frdom
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ‘MEDIA FISHING INDUSTRY’
By David Haggard & Heather Lose
LBy Ben Martin, Editor in Chief
et me !rst say that I am in no way a historian, nor has this material been researched to ensure its accuracy. is is simply my observations and my humble opinion of how and when the sport of !shing gained its foothold toward becoming America’s favorite pastime. Certainly, !shing had been a popular sport prior to its initial media welcoming in the 1960’s, but in my opinion its explosive growth can be traced to three events that catapulted it into its current National appeal.
Event #1 — ABC’s Wide World of Sports carries a marlin shing episode. Curt Goudy and Jim McKay hosted ABC’s Wide World of Sports and its popularity with a wide range of sports enthusiasts was viewed as a major success. However, by the sixth episode it was apparent that the show needed fresh material to keep their audience engaged so they put their cameras on a 62 . Hatteras to capture footage of a marlin catch and the world opened to the beautiful and extreme nature of o shore !shing. Viewers said to themselves, “I want to do that!”
Representatives from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Tennessee State Parks celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Bill Dance Signature Lakes project at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville on March 25, along with the project’s namesake. Photo Courtesy of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development:
Event #2 — e Walker’s Cay Chronicles with Flip Pallot
Avid angler and creator of Hell’s Bay Ski s, Flip Pallot, developed a series of television shows called e Walker’s Cay Chronicles. In each episode Flip would narrate the pursuit of bill!shing in the Bahamas. His colorful description of “the shimmering waters” helped to romanticize the allure of sport!shing as something akin to an art form and, once again, people said to themselves, “I want to do that!”
Event #3 — Bill Dance begins lming his bass shing and tournament successes and becomes a national celebrity. And, one more time, people said to themselves, “I want to do that!”
e inertia that these three media events created caused an explosion in the !shing industry. e manufacturing and media industries jumped in to !ll the demand and meet the needs of a rapidly growing national pastime. Both entities have ever since been inextricably linked in a symbiotic relationship that has experienced continued rapid growth and a constantly growing demand for new products and new media outlets. And for that, Coastal Angler Magazine and e Angler Magazine salute ABC, Flip Pallot and Bill Dance, catalysts for making !shing America’s most popular pastime.
Check out some of the new products featured in this holiday edition of Coastal Angler Magazine and e Angler Magazine for gi ideas for your favorite angler.
Happy holidays!
HOLIDAY FOR ANGLERS GIFTS
Reel in the Perfect Holiday Gifts for Anglers and Outdoor Enthusiasts!
The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by showing the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life that you truly understand their passion? Finding the right gift can feel as tricky as reeling in a trophy fsh, but fear not! We’ve got some fantastic ideas that will have them casting their lines with glee.
As the holiday season rolls around, remember that the best gifts come from the heart. Whether it’s a high-tech fshing gadget, some fshing apparel or even a new boat or motor, these thoughtful presents are sure to delight the anglers and outdoor enthusiasts in your life. So, cast your line into the sea of gift ideas...you’re bound to reel in something special!
DRESSED TO KILL & FULLY LOADED
The quest to find the ultimate men’s watch has traditionally been a difficult one in the world of fashion. A timepiece with the perfect look and functionality has long been the goal of both watch designers and enthusiasts alike.
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The three sub-dials provide a precise timekeeping function. The sports silicone band is durable yet comfortable, providing a secure fit that won’t slide around on your wrist. The band is also easy to clean and maintain, making it perfect for everyday wear. The watch’s 30 Metre Water Resistance rating ensures that it has you covered whatever the occasion.
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At the amazingly low price of just $99 plus S&H, this watch is an absolute steal. Don’t miss out on the chance to own the Renegade Blue and Rose Gold Chronograph Men’s Watch - order yours today!
A FISHING CHARTER IS THE PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT
If you’re searching for the ultimate holiday gi! for an angler, consider giving them a shing charter experience with a professional guide or charter captain. is gi! goes beyond typical shing gear; it’s an opportunity for adventure, skill-building, and unforgettable memories on the water.
A guided shing charter o ers the chance to sh in prime locations, o!en with access to secret spots that only locals know about. A professional guide or captain will lead the way, providing expert knowledge on local sh species, seasonal patterns, and specialized techniques. For anglers who love the thrill of landing big sh or are eager to explore new waters, this experience can be transformative.
Fishing charters also provide top-of-theline equipment and tackle, making it easy for anglers to focus on catching sh rather than gathering gear. Guides are well-versed in local regulations, making it a hassle-free experience without the worries of permits and licensing.
Whether the angler in your life is a seasoned pro or just starting out, a shing charter can be tailored to any skill level. It’s a personalized gi! that brings both relaxation and adventure, combining nature’s beauty with the excitement of a shing quest. is Christmas, give the gi! of a shing charter from one of our vetted Coastal Angler Magazine/ e Angler Magazine writers and you’ll be gi!ing an unforgettable experience every angler will cherish.
For more details, visit coastalanglermag. com or theanglermag.com and select the region where you’d like to sh, or you can easily nd a local captain’s contact info inside our print publication below their monthly shing forecast.
TRACY PATTERSON
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FIRED UP FISHING CHARTERS
SOUTH CAROLINA
After The Storm
By Scott Norton
Nothing will shut you down like a major storm, such as Hurricane Helene. After the dust settled, having plans for a lake trip was a nonstarter. The safety of running a boat on the lakes with debris was not good either. Some of the lakes in higher elevation were in better shape due to the lack of runoff. After getting reports that some lakes were good to fish, I made a plan to check it out.
I heard from the fishing guides that lakes in Jackson County were ok. I chose to visit Lake Glenville and felt it was a good place to start. When I got there it looked as if the lake never got hit. The fishing was great and the water temperatures were still warm. Bass were in their fall pattern for sure. I found them off of the secondary points in coves. They were into moving baits and I really like to power, as most anglers do. The wind was moving good and the weather was warm.
I was doing good, with a small, 7 gram spinnerbait since the forage was small. I found them in open water, chasing shad, as well as hanging around hard cover in the shallows. Also, I would inspect brush piles, down deep, this time of year.
Coming into December, the weather has been unusually warm. I remember about 8 years ago we had a warming trend in the winter months, and fishing was hot that year because of that. If that happens this year, I would expect the same thing based off those findings. I would say jerk baits will be on fire. Same for swim baits and crank baits.
During deer hunting season, the lack of competition is to be
expected as well. Lots of opportunities are there for a fun plan. The local fishing guides are hard at work and have plenty of openings. If you are looking to have a vacation around this time, the locals could use the business after the storm.
Norton is a Western North Carolina native. Born in Asheville, N.C., he is a long-time hunter, angler and weekend warrior.
Scott
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA GREAT SMOKIES
Too Cold to Fish
By Jim Mize
Forty years ago I began to collect data on fishing in the cold. Not that I ever minded cold weather, but somewhere there must be a lower limit where good sense prevails, if a person has good sense. So I began to wonder where to draw that horizontal line across my yard thermometer.
The first clue came to me on a February troutfishing trip in the mountains of Virginia. When we arrived at streamside, ice fringed the banks and the thermometer would have said sixteen degrees, had it not been shivering too hard to do more than stutter.
This trip took place in my ultra-light days. I had a little fiberglass twig of a rod outfitted with fourpound-test mono. Looking back, the spinning reel I’d improvised onto the rod made it heavy in the handle, but I balanced it by holding the reel seat in my hand.
The stream we picked tumbled from the bottom of a deep lake with water leaving the dam at about forty-five degrees, which helped keep the trout active through the winter. Knowing the fish were warmer than I was brought no consolation.
Not an hour into the morning, I cast into an overhanging alder across the river. Giving my rod a quick jerk, I heard a snap closer than
I’d expected and found myself still hung but my one-piece rod now had two pieces. Frozen fiberglass apparently has less forgiveness than warm fiberglass.
Snapping a rod in half does have a warming effect, though it’s not a comforting sort of warmth.
Popping the line by hand, I reeled in and headed back to the car to salvage the morning. As I walked the trail by the stream, a flash caught my eye. At the bottom of a deep pool, a bronze flash repeated, obviously the tipping belly of a big brown.
Without thinking, something I apparently do frequently, I retied with an inviting offer, held the broken rod tip in my right hand as if leading an orchestra, and flipped a cast. My line drifted through the pool and stopped where the fish was. Holding the two pieces together now with my right hand, the reel handle in my left and the rod butt wedged between my wading belt and my belly, I jerked and met resistance.
At that precise moment, I had an inkling that perhaps this was a mismatched fight, something along the lines of Ali boxing Elmer Fudd. But without a referee, all I could do was wait to see if the fish had any mercy in him. At least I had a prime seat for the event.
Slowly, as if annoyed, a brown that would have qualified for The
Biggest Loser rose to the surface. His curled lower lip protruded in a snarl. Methodically, he began bulldogging his head as if throwing body punches to my ribs. I watched helplessly as he raked those sharp teeth across my four-pound mono until it lay limp on the surface.
I concluded with the observation that sixteen degrees may be too cold for fiberglass, but it is not too cold to fish. Perhaps, however, there were other variables to consider.
A few years later, I found myself gathering data in the Rockies. I’d been watching ice fishermen on a Colorado mountain lake and wondered if a person really had to fish through a little hole in the ice. With a little effort, I found my answer.
Where the main stream flowed into the lake the turbulence prevented a total freeze. At that seam, a person could drift a line up under the ice. I never checked a thermometer, but with the lake frozen over and almost four feet of powder back in the woods (judging by the snow line on my chest), I guessed the temperature might be in single digits.
Fumbling with rod, line and rag wool mittens, I surmised I might not waste much time on midwinter fishing in the Rockies. To my surprise, however, I soon learned that rainbows do feed in such conditions and those who are hungry probably line up where the stream dumps in.
The bite was timid, almost as if the fish didn’t want to waste a lot of energy. The ensuing fight, however, was spirited and eventually I slid a three-pound rainbow up onto the snow. Being a conservationist but not a preservationist, I decided to hold this one for dinner. I stuck my arm into the snow, poked the trout in head-first, and covered him with just his tail protruding.
Warmed with the excitement of the moment, I must have kept fishing for a while. By the time I retrieved my fish, I had to chip him out. Holding him by the tail, he was stiff as a fish-cicle and only after thawing it back at the cabin was I able to filet two shrimp-pink slabs off for dinner.
Winter Bass Attack Fish
By Ronnie Parris
Hey folks hope you’re staying warm. The fishing has been on fire we are catching a mixed bag on our trolling trips. with the majority being spotted bass. I’ve had some great trips casting live minnows, working the shoreline and fishing deep schools. Most of the bass have been from five to 40 feet deep but it seems like there moving a lot because every trip is different. Catching some good yellow perch mixed in too.
My best days have been overcast with light breeze. Every once in a while we will get a good surface feed, and when we see this, you just can’t beat an ex rap jerk bait or a kytech fished slow. This is the best time of year to really watch your fish finder. Most days, you’re better off covering a lot of water, scanning for big schools.
This probably isn’t going to be the best time to take kids, as it’s been really cold early in the morning. If you do, bundle them up good, and if they get cold, consider cutting the trip short.
Be safe, and when you catch a warm day, take a kid fishing!
Ronnie Parris is owner and head guide of Smoky Mountain Outdoors Unlimited-Fontana Lake Fishing Guides, headquartered in Bryson City, N.C., heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, www. smokymountainoutdoorsunlimited.com; (828) 488-9711.
Once again, cold as it was, it was not too cold to fish, only too cold to clean fish.
Since then, I’ve fished northern latitudes and higher elevations collecting more cold-weather data. I’ve fished rivers with chunks of ice floating in them in between sections totally frozen over. Countless times the eyes on my fly rod have iced over and had to be chipped out every few minutes. I’ve mumbled multiple epithets regarding the inventor of fingerless gloves. And I own at least a dozen pair of wool socks, still searching for some bold enough to defend my old toes from the cold.
Rods have improved and I’ve not broken one from the cold in several decades. I rarely keep trout anymore, so I’ve had no need to thaw fish frozen in snow banks. Only recently have I collected any data that would suggest it can be too cold to fish.
Over the Christmas holidays, I started suffering from cabin fever and needed to wet a few flies. A snow storm had dumped six inches of fresh snow in the North Carolina mountains, so I knew the river I had in mind would be peaceful and scenic. Or, in other words, what fool besides me would pick such a day to fish?
My four-wheel-drive pickup made the first set of tracks down the turn-off to the section I planned to fish. My waders left the only set of footprints in the snow from the pull-off to the stream. Not even critters were moving much, the only evidence being a few bird tracks where they hopped in search of food or a warmer roost.
The water gurgled low and clear. I tied on a pre-rigged stonefly with a pheasant-tail dropper, a combination that normally produces in the winter. A glob of snow plopped into the pool in front of me, shaken loose by the breeze that was picking up.
Seasonal Turnover
By Capt. James McManus
Tis the season! Not even talking about holidays as much as the annual return of really good fishing.
With our warm October and November, the lake turnover was a little later this year, so the first of last month we were having mediocre days. Not so now, fish are awake and, even better, they are looking up for their meals. Lots of top water action for those that love to see as well as feel a bite.
I have talked to some folks that are seeing breaks but can’t buy a bite. Here’s what to do:
Not sure exactly about the fish science behind my observation, but
there are hordes of bait schools in Fontana, my home lake. There have been days, when trolling, I would never get to a place where no bait showed up; it was thick all over the upper part of the lake. Most clouds were threadfins, but bluebacks were mixed in, or their adults were. Some clouds were also baby blues, I’m sure. I just know there was bait everywhere.
My understanding is that shad can spawn every full moon til it gets really cold. With very warm fall weather I suspect they spawned into October, and that’s why most fish I caught in November were spitting up three quarter to one inch shad; fish had bellies swollen with them. To use the old phrase “match the hatch” that meant throw small offerings. Nothing is more fun than throwing a big spook but if they aren’t biting it, just go smaller.
Lighter line and lighter rods will let you throw small poppers, jerk baits or my favorite, jigs. One way to get hits is to tie a leader yoke, one arm 12” and the other about 20”. This, with eighth oz jigs attached, gives you enough weight to cast good distances and they hardly ever tangle. You are also liable to get doubles throwing into schools of spots.
Well lighten up. Stay warm if it ever gets cold. And thank the Big Guy for all our beautiful lakes. Enjoy the season and give me a call if you want to catch a few.
Capt. James McManus owns 153 Charters. Give him a call for a great day on the water at (828) 421-8125
As the storm had passed and the clouds cleared, the temperature fell steadily. The wind whispered through the hemlock tops and the trees groaned, as they were too cold to sway. I groaned with them.
After a couple of fishless hours, I slipped cold fingers into an inside pocket and pulled out a chunk of peppered beef jerky. Short of a Saint Bernard with a brandy keg under its neck, I’ll take spicy jerky to get my blood flowing. Because at that moment, I’d lost all feeling in my feet.
Thinking this a relevant observation, I looked at the low stream flow, all the snow that wasn’t melting, and I knew this was cold water, probably just far enough above freezing to flow. Not even that warm on the edges where pockets lay beneath a crust of ice.
I thought back forty years to that February in Virginia when it had been sixteen degrees in the air but remembered the water had been in the forties. Then, in Colorado, when my slab-sided rainbow had frozen on the bank, he’d obviously been just fine under the ice. That’s when it became clear that for all these decades I’d been asking the wrong question.
The question isn’t, “When is it too cold for me to fish?” The real question is, “When is it too cold for the fish?”
Knee-deep in a North Carolina trout stream, with no feeling in my toes, snow glistening in the hemlocks, and not a trout to my credit, that last question I could answer at least for this day. It’s too cold to fish when the fish say so.
“Too Cold to Fish” is an excerpt from Jim’s award-winning book, A Creek Trickles Through It. You can find the book online or order autographed copies from www.acreektricklesthroughit.com.
Jim Mize e-mail: Jimmize1@cs.com One-Time Publication rights
Awarded First Place in the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association Excellence in Craft Competition
Award-winning author, Jim Mize, has written a humorous book specifically for fly fishermen. Titled, A Creek Trickles Through It, this collection delves into such topics as carnivorous trees, persnickety trout, and the dangers of fly-tying. This book was awarded first place in the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association’s Excellence in Craft competition. Whether you are an arm-chair fisherman or one with well-earned leaky waders, it will be a welcome addition to your fishing library.
Jim has received over eighty Excellence-In-Craft awards including one for his first book, The Winter of Our Discount Tent. His articles have appeared in Gray’s Sporting Journal, Fly Fisherman Magazine, Fly Fishing & Tying Journal, as well as many conservation publications. You may order copies through Amazon or get autographed copies from his website at www. acreektricklesthroughit.com
Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year !
From all of us at The Angler Magazine
TENNESSEE/KENTUCKY/ALABAMA
CAPTAIN JIM DURHAM FISHING
KY / TN FISHING REPORT
Provided by Captain Jim Durham, Owner, StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye, Bass, Crappie and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and much more DATE OF REPORT: December 2024
Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well! COME VISIT BEAUTIFUL THE BEAUTIFUL
CUMBERLAND RIVER FOR FABULOUS WINTERTIME FISHING TRIPS – CALL EARLY WHILE WE STILL HAVE DATES AVAILABLE! MONSTER TROUT FISHING BELOW THE LAKE CUMBERLAND DAM!:
Captain Jim Fishing offers trout charters December through April below the Lake Cumberland Wolf Creek Dam in Kentucky! This type of fishing is both “drift fishing” jigging bait (for huge rainbow and brown Trout up to 13 pounds!) and casting small lures on ultralight rods and reels to catch “schooling” smaller (1 to 3 pounders) rainbows. You will love this new and exciting type of fishing!
CUMBERLAND RIVER WALLEYE AND SAUGER—HOLSTON, POWELL AND CLINCH WALLEYE:
Tennessee Walleye Charters stays busy fishing for walleye and sauger on the Cumberland River near Gainesboro, Tennessee all winter long—December running through the end of March! The beautiful flowing waters of the Cumberland River is loaded full of big fish. The Cumberland River is a world class sauger and walleye destination (fishing for 2 people only on the Cumberland River)!
We also offer walleye charters on the Holston, Powell or Clinch Rivers in Eastern TN.
The Fishing for the Clinch River is year around and the Holston and Powell River fishing begins December 15, running through the end of March! Be sure to book your December through March Walleye and sauger trips on the Cumberland River and walleye trips on the Powell, Holston or Clinch Rivers in Eastern TN! You are really going to love this exciting way to fish these beautiful rivers!
It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you can enjoy the freedoms you do! Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!
With full State licensing and insurance, all Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides (19 guides on 18 waterways fishing 9 different species of fish) can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services as well as our exclusive “online” store at www.striperfun.com or call 931-403-2501 to make reservations today.
Winter Fly Fishing Tactics
By David and Becky Hulsey
Fly Fishing in the colder times of the year requires a whole different mindset than in the warmer easy-going seasons of spring, summer and fall. When the water is icy cold, fishing at best becomes a game of inches. Trout and bass, for that matter, usually aren’t interested in chasing down a fast-fleeing baitfish or large streamers. Slower and accurate presentations in cold conditions normally win the day. Getting the fly right in the fish’s face may be necessary to entice a strike when conditions require.
When it’s a sunny day, with the usual crystal-clear water of winter, I like to stalk upriver looking for trout before even making a cast. Overhead sun, or getting the sun at your back, aids in spotting fish quietly finning in deeper pools or shallow, slow moving riffles. Depending on the depth the fish is at, I like to use tungsten beaded flies and fluorocarbon to adjust the presentation and get the flies to drift on the exact level of or slightly above the trout’s head. The strike zone may be the size of a ping pong ball so precise adjustments are essential to getting a bite.
Watching the fly requires focus and concentration along with a great pair of glasses. Amber lenses really work great for spotting fish in rivers. Watch the fish for any sudden movements, no matter how slight, and set quickly. Using yarn or a dry fly for an indicator will be more sensitive to any strike
that occurs when the fish or fly is not visible. Getting close to the fish in the leafless forest can be difficult. Clothing coloration that blends in with the background is a good idea—think great blue heron.
I’ll see you on the river!
Give David Hulsey a call at (770) 639-4001 to book a class or a guided trout trip. See his website at www.hulseyflyfishing.com
Watts Bar Tournament Results
By Perry Hensley and Matt Xenos
Fall is back in Tennessee. The morning started chilly with anglers showing up in bibs and jackets. However, with the bluebird skies and sunshine, it warmed up quickly. The launch was delayed slightly for two reasons: fog and Helene with all the debris floating in the lake. With most of the lake covered in bionic mud, it sent anglers looking for clean water. Some found it and some stayed in the muddy water.
The team that was able to find the largest bag today was the team of Joel Nash and Skeeter Hayes, with a bag of 12.63 Lbs. They also won the Sniper Marine LLC big fish pot with a fish weighing 1.97 Lbs. Congratulations to the duo on a great sack of fish.
In second place with a bag of 10.55 Lbs was Matt Xenos. Congratulations, sir. Awesome fish.
In third place with a bag of 8.43 Lbs was the team of George Hamby and Tom Claxton. Awesome bag guys, way to go.
Big thanks to all our sponsors for donating the prizes for our roll the dice giveaway. Gary and Jessie Cline won the Litewire Hooks jig heads. Dave Williams and Jason King won the knife gift card. Alan Wetzel and Daniel Holt won the two ACC Crappie Stix rods. Congrats to all the anglers who participated in the event. It was great seeing you all there. Our next tournament will be Nov 16th on Chickamauga, out of Harrison Bay. See you all there!!
Thumping is a Proven Technique
CAM/TAM Angler Magazine Staff
We have all heard “Shhhhhh, don’t make noise in the boat!” Thumping, a method used to attract fish to your boat is just the opposite. You want to make noise that can be extremely effective. Especially for schooling fish like striped bass, hybrids & white bass. I have seen a pool cue, boat paddle or the handle of a fishing net used to beat on the bottom of a boat to create the thumping sound, mimicking a school of bait fish that attracts these predator fish.
Changing the speed and loudness of the thump can not only attract fish but will also help keep fish under your boat longer. By watching your sonar, and with some practice, you will learn what works best. Just like selecting a fishing lure, you may need to change the tempo to trigger a bite. depending on conditions. For example, in calm shallow water, less than 20 feet deep, I use a slower & softer cadence. You may also find a sweet spot on your boat where thumping gives you better results. When I see fish further from my boat, for example on side scan I increase volume & or speed.
I use thumping year-round when targeting stripers & hybrids, and I have friends that use this method when fishing for white bass in the spring. I start out searching for bait fish or a handful of my target
species, over river channels, main lake points & flats. Remember if you are using traditional 2D sonar you only see approximately 1/3 of the depth of the water. If you are in 30 feet of water you are seeing a 10’ width of the water column on your screen.
While moving at idle speed I use the thumping technique to attract fish closer to the boat. Then, when I find a group of 5 or more fish, I use spot lock or just drift if there is very little wind. Remember, since you are only seeing a narrow water column under the boat there is a good chance more fish are close by. Your sonar screen will tell you how the fish are reacting to what you are doing.
I drop down lines with live bait or use a jigging spoon to try to trigger a bite. If I don’t get a bite in 10 minutes, I move on to find more fish that are more active. If you are using side-
scan you can see further off to the side of the boat, but remember, if you set your range at 100 feet and you are in 60 foot of water you are seeing 40 feet on each side of the boat. The first 60 feet is below the boat and you can verify that because the screen will be black on the screen which is the water column directly under the boat.
Thumping has been proven to be an effective technique, but just like anything else it takes practice and time spent on the water to build up your confidence.
Jack Becker is the co-inventor of the electronic Mini Thumper. www.minithumper.com
THE BEAN POLE: AMiniRodforBigAdventures
Who doesn’t love a good challenge? !at’s what draws so many anglers to light tackle for catching big sh. Mini rod shing takes it up a notch, turning the thrill of landing a monster into an even more rewarding experience. Mini-rod shing is all about having fun and enjoying the thrill of the catch!
At just 33 inches total, the Bean Pole isn’t just a mini in size, it’s the real deal in the world of shing. With a new edition released every year with cool colors and features, this little rod combines style, functionality, and fun all in one sleek package.
!e beauty of the Bean Pole is in its convenience. Slip it into your car, backpack, or even your kayak, and you’re ready to chase sh wherever the road takes you. Perfect for spontaneous road trips or shing in those hard-to-reach spots, this mini rod is your trusty sidekick for any adventure. While there are other “mini” rods on the market, ones over 36 inches fall more into the slow-pitch jigging category and are not considered real mini rods. !e Bean Pole, on the other hand, is a true mini rod at 33 inches. It’s designed for nimble casting and quick action, making it perfect for those who want a genuine mini experience without the extra length. Made from pure carbon ber, the Bean Pole is as lightweight as it is strong.
Don’t let its size fool you; this rod packs a punch! It’s designed to tackle everything from giant bull sharks to he y goliath groupers and, yes, it’s just as e ective at reeling in smaller species like snook and yellowtail snapper, giving it a ton of versatility!
e Bean Pole retails for $65 and is available at beansport shing.com.
SUZUKI MARINE’S DF2.5: Small in size but big in features. Weighing just 30 pounds, the portable and versatile DF 2.5HP outboard motor is the lightest Suzuki Marine USA 4-stroke motor ever built. This smooth, quiet engine is water-cooled for increased dependability, features a digital CDI, and its anti corrosion system ensures the aluminum propeller stays durable in marine conditions.
TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY… FA LA LA LA LA
Christmas week, in my opinion, is the peak of bottom shing season, and there are plenty of reasons why. One of the biggest factors is the congregation of bait schools, like cigar minnows and sardines, which are some of the best baits available. Other reasons include the spawning aggregations and the cooler water temperatures. Speaking of bait, grouper (and American red snapper) can’t resist a few others if presented right: pin sh, sailor’s choice, and even small beeliners and other little snappers. !ese baits are so tempting because larger sh like grouper and snapper see them as egg-eaters. !ey devour them not only as a food source but also to protect their future o spring from these egg thieves. If you present these baits correctly—and avoid using bulky tackle— they’re simply too enticing to resist.
intelligent. Not all grouper species are equal in terms of smarts: red grouper are pretty naive, scamps are sharper, and gags are the brightest. !ey don’t become males, or black bellies, by being careless. Like other animals, sh learn to avoid obvious traps. !ey recognize mono, threeway swivels, heavy bank sinkers clanking on the bottom, and so on. It’s time to step up your game and target their instincts.
Personally, I use my weight as a “decoy,” making it resemble a crab or squid. !is setup involves a 4-foot piece of oro, a small 130-pound Spro swivel, and 50-pound braided line. I also color the rst 5 or 6 feet of high-vis (yellow) braid red with a Sharpie. (See my video on YouTube for a demo.) All these details matter for the overall presentation. !e
Let’s talk tackle. Forget mono lament altogether! I’ve spent a lot of time observing my tackle underwater, and mono is much more visible than uorocarbon. Compared to mono, oro is nearly invisible, which makes a di erence. Next, think carefully about the weight and terminal tackle you use to get bait to the bottom. While three-way rigs were a classic for years and will still catch younger (female) grouper, it’s a di erent story when they grow up. Once female grouper mature, they undergo a transformation and become males. When these gag grouper turn male, they also reach a size where we call them “black bellies.” !ese male grouper—especially black bellies—are
“Decoy Jig” is like psychological warfare; it taps into the sh’s hardwired drive to attack struggling or injured prey. !e Crab Decoy Jig, for example, looks like a crab holding on to a struggling snapper. To a wary grouper or big snapper, that’s an irresistible “Happy Meal.” I came up with the Crab Decoy Jig a er gutting thousands of grouper and realizing that their diet mostly consists of small red and reddish-brown crabs, tiny snappers, cigar minnows and sardines.
!e gag grouper and American red snapper populations are stronger than they’ve been in years—just ask any diver! But to catch them consistently, you need to improve your presentation. If you’re not catching gags and scamps with your old “chicken rig,” it doesn’t mean there aren’t any grouper around. !ey’re just not falling for poorly presented bait.
For a closer look at my setup, visit my YouTube channel.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
See more from Tim Barefoot at www.barefootcatsandtackle.com and on YouTube @timbarefoot5698.
Tim Barefoot
ANGLERS LAND NEW IGFA WORLD RECORDS
The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) tracks record sh catches around the globe. Here are a few highlights from their newly approved world records.
To see all newly approved IGFA world records go to igfa.org.
Shapiro’s Red Drum
On July 8, 2024, Shawn Shapiro was shing the Chesapeake Bay out of Norfolk, VA, when he landed this massive 45.7-inch red drum. Shawn was shing with a live croaker aboard his father’s boat “Sea Mes” when this record red sh struck. With this sh Shawn has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. A er recording the length and snapping a few photos, he was able to release the sh safely.
Martin’s
Brown Trout
On May 17, 2024, Vicki Martin landed a stunning 4-pound brown trout while shing the White River in Arkansas. !is catch has earned Vicki the IGFA Women’s 2 lb. Line Class World Record for the species. With the help of guide Craig Yowell, Vicki landed the record trout a er a six-minute ght.
Fox’s Northern Pike
On June 29, 2024, Peter Fox was shing out of Brabant Lodge in Northwest Territories, Canada when he landed this impressive northern pike. Peter was using a prop y when the pike struck and was able to boat the sh a er an intense ght. !e sh measured 43.3 inches, earning Peter the IGFA All-Tackle Length Fly World Record for the species.
Gredysa’s Summer Flounder
On May 12, 2024, Jan Gredysa was Shinnecock, NY, when he landed this 22.4-inch summer ounder. With this has set the IGFA All-Tackle Length Junior World Record for the species. Jan was casting a Fin-S lure when this record ounder struck and was able to land the sh a minute ght.
Te Gold Rush of 2024
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