CONTENTS PG.3
CRANK IT UP THIS SUMMER
FLW Tour Pro, David Dudley, walks us through the two most crucial aspects of fishing crankbaits in the summer…choosing the right crankbait and the right areas. FISHHOUND BREAKDOWN:
PG.5
LIVINGSTON DIVE MASTER 14
Our Editors breakdown the Livingston Dive Master 14, a killer mid-size crankbait that is perfect for hitting shallow ledges and breaklines.
PG.7
TOP 5 SUMMER TECHNIQUES LTB’s top YouTubers talk about why these 5 summer techniques are all you need to use when targeting bass in the warmest months of the year. 3 BEST WAYS TO RIG RIOT BAITS’
PG.9
MINI FUZZY BEAVER Riot Baits has downsized their popular Fuzzy Beaver bait and it’s perfect for those finicky fish. Learn three ways to rig this excellent bite-sized plastic!
TEAM LUCKY PROFILES:
PG.11
6 SOCIAL FEEDS TO FOLLOW Find out who LTB’s social media movers and shakers are this month and who you need to be following online.
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CRANK IT UP THIS SUMMER FOR MORE BASS by Andrew Schadegg
Summer is here! Time for flip flops, shorts and bikinis, jet-skiers that run too close to your boat and long, hot, sunny days. It also means bass are going to be in one of three places – shade, current or deep. If the deep fish are your target during those dog days of summer, a crankbait will quickly become your best friend. Depending on the body of water you’re fishing, the bass will tend to sit either in the mid-depth 10-15 foot range or the deeper 15-20 foot range. For the mid-depth bass, you’re typically looking to find the first break line off the bank from shallow water. This first ledge will almost always hold a population of bass year-round, but they will really school up there when the water temp starts climbing up past 70 degrees.
Use the Right Crankbait When the bass are lethargic in the summertime, they tend to only move around when they see an easy meal or when something comes over them erratically that instigates a reaction. The former is more of a slow, worm or jig approach (also very effective in the summer), but the latter is what crankbaits are built for. When choosing a crankbait, make sure you pick one that is the right diving depth. For all crankbaits, you want to make sure it is maintaining contact with the bottom for as much of the cast as possible. The Livingston Lures Dive Master 14 (included in the June LTB Box) is a perfect option for that 8-14 foot range, but there are many brands that have a mid-diving crankbait that will get down to that depth. Bounce it off of rocks, stumps or other structure to really trigger those fish to bite. FLW 3-time Angler of the Year, David Dudley says that sound is key as well, “When I’m cranking those breaks or ledges, I want to make sure that I have every advantage possible. What I like about the Livingston Dive Master 14, is that it not only has great action and deflects cover well, but it also has the [EBS] baitfish sound technology that adds that extra attraction. It brings the natural to the unnatural.”
Target the Right Areas A lake may have hundreds of miles of shoreline with ledges and break lines in the depth range that you’re looking for. However, only about 10 percent of those ledges will be holding fish. So it’s extremely important to eliminate dead water and only target those areas that hold fish. If you own a boat, good electronics can be really helpful, but if you don’t have all the latest technology there are some things you can look for that will help you determine a good area to start in. “It’s really not as complicated as some make it seem,” explains Dudley. “If there is a cove, a point and an inlet on the shore, most of the time there is a cove, a point and an inlet underwater as well. Target those areas.” Start shallow and work your way out, making sure to maintain that bottom contact. If you start to lose contact with the bottom, switch to a deeper crankbait until you find the fish. Once you have an area that is holding fish, many times you can make the same cast over and over again, catching multiple off of one spot. Summer fishing can be difficult and slow at times, but with the right crankbait in the right area you can put a lot of fish in the boat in a big hurry.
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FISHHOUND BREAKDOWN:
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FH | 9
THREE BEST WAYS TO RIG
THE MINI FUZZY BEAVER Written by Andrew Schadegg
Yet another brand new product has been premiered in Lucky Tackle Box for the month of June! The Mini Fuzzy Beaver from Riot Baits just released to the market and is a fantastic compact flipping option that will definitely get you more bites. There’s a few different ways to throw the Mini Fuzzy Beaver. Let’s break them down!
Traditional Texas Rig This is the most basic way to catch fish on the Fuzzy Beaver. Since it’s a smaller, more finesse option, get a light wire offset EWG hook in a 2/0 size. Pair that with a 1/4 ounce bullet weight. You could go a little heavier if the cover dictates or lighter if the fish are inactive and you need that slower fall. This can be a deadly technique for throwing around rocks for smallmouth or spotted bass, but also light flipping around structure and cover like brush and docks. This option is best with 12-15 pound test or even lighter with a spinning rod setup.
Light Punching Rig If you want to beef up this setup and use it as a smaller punching option, you can do it! This may not be the best bait for the thickest of the thickest cover, but for the outside edges of the heavy stuff, it’s perfect. Up your weight to 1/2 ounce to 3/4 ounce and pump up the line to 15-17 pound test. Get a straight shank hook, something like the 2/0 Mustad Grip Pin Max would be a great option. Also, don’t forget to peg your weight to make sure the bait and weight fall through the cover together and more smoothly. If you’d like, you can include a punch skirt to add bulk, but trim it down to fit the smaller bait.
Wacky Nail Rig This is a bit of an underground technique when it comes to small beavers and creature baits, but we’re going to let the cat out of the bag. You rig this in similar fashion to a wacky rigged stick bait, like a Senko. First, put a small nail weight in the head of the bait. Probably 1/16th or lighter would be best for the slow fall presentation you want to have. Tungsten is best, as it is more compact and will go in the head easier. Second, slide an o-ring up the bait until it gets almost to the middle and then lastly, insert a circle hook under the o-ring band. This rig gives a really unique presentation that can be tossed around any cover.
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SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT
6 SOCIAL FEEDS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW! by Fishhound Staff
Since it was founded, Lucky Tackle Box has been partnering with some of the biggest and best social media influencers in the fishing industry. The game is changing and anglers around the world are using their online platforms to post amazing pictures, talk about new products and discuss all things fishing. Whether it’s anglers catching giant bass in Florida, walleye in Wisconsin or a flycaught Rainbow from a river in Idaho, each month the Fishhound Magazine will be introducing you to the best of the best Instagram pages and YouTube channels that you should already be following and if you’re not, you better start!
Alex Rudd
Amber Marchant
Age: 23 From: Knoxville, TN How did you get into fishing? My Dad, he took me fishing from the time I was big enough to walk! Fun Facts: My favorite techniques are frog fishing & deep cranking. I love fishing Cherokee Lake. I’ve been creating videos for 2 years. I’m working on my teaching degree. I live within 30 min. from 6 lakes.
Age: 26 From: Key West, FL How did you get into fishing? I grew up fishing off of the docks with my Dad and I’ve always had a passion for the ocean. Fun Facts: I’ve been swimming with sharks but I’m afraid of bugs. Arts & crafts are my thing. I’m a hopeless romantic. I have “haircut anxiety.” I can eat an entire package of Oreos in a sitting (I can’t have just one).
Follow Alex on Social Media! @alexruddfishing
Follow Amber on Social Media! @islandbaby4life /Amber Marchant
Andrey Sokyrko
Benjamin Nowak
Age: 17 From: Sacramento, CA How did you get into fishing? I began fishing for bluegill, carp, and catfish as a toddler with my gramps. Fun Facts: I was born in Lviv, Ukraine. I used to play the piano. I’ve been bass fishing for 4 years. The 2 biggest fish of my life were caught less than a week from each other, coming in at 6.8lbs and 7.2lbs. My nickname is “Drey.”
Age: 25 From: Midland, MI How did you get into fishing? I was introduced to fishing by my parents and grandparents at a young age. Fun Facts: Personal Best Smallmouth is 6lbs 9oz. First Boat was a 14ft Sylvan Sport Troller. I love to fish offshore structure for bass. I love fishing the Great Lakes. My favorite types of music are country and lyrical rap.
Follow Andrey on Social Media! @Live2.Fish /Live 2 Fish
Follow Benjamin on Social Media! @BRNowak_Fishing
Brandon Jordan
Nicole Delio
Age: 22 From: Columbus, GA How did you get into fishing? My father got me into it when I was really young. Fun Facts: I’m a cheerleader. I enjoy free diving. I’m addicted to Red Bull. I’m a college student. I drive a Mustang GT and put a kayak on top of it!
Age: 33 From: Upstate NY How did you get into fishing? I got into fishing after suffering an injury on the job at the Sheriffs Department. Fun Facts: I have my own paranormal investigating team. I was a high school prom queen. I play violin, piano, & guitar. I’m a sheriff’s deputy. I’m a HUGE Green Bay Packer fan.
Follow Brandon on Social Media! @BrandonMJordan Brandon1024 /Jiggin With Jordan
Follow Nicole on Social Media! @bassfinatic432 /bassfinatic432
FOLLOW US: @LuckyTackleBox
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SHOP&SAVE
Promo Code: LTBSAVESQ1 www.fishhound.com/tw $10 minimum purchase required.
BETTER FISHING TIMES USING THE SUN/MOON TO CATCH MORE FISH What are Astro tables and how does it work? Astro Tables are far more effective than moon tables because they take into account critical solar energies as well as lunar. PrimeTime data is based on solar/lunar research at a leading college of astrophysics and our own research pond/wildlife area. Annual data is supplied by the U.S. Naval Observatory. All lunar times are adjusted to the center of your time zone and for Daylight Saving Time.
VALUE
2017
LUNAR PERIODS
BEST DAYS POOR FAIR GOOD EXCL
JUL
TIMES OCCURRING AT NIGHT ARE SHADED MOON RISE
Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
48 39 36 34 42 50 60 65
1:58 pm
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
56 46 38 36 39 42 50
8:52 pm
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
63 57 54 57 69 81 89
12:35 am
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
93 80 67 52 44 41 43
6:30 am
12:44 pm
Sun 30 Mon 31
50 37
10:28 pm 2:35 pm
25 50 75
AVERAGE
For more, visit primetimes2.com
2:54 pm 3:48 pm 4:42 pm 5:36 pm 6:28 pm 7:19 pm
8:07 pm
9:34 pm
10:14 pm 10:50 pm 11:26 pm
12:01 am
1:12 am 1:52 am 2:36 am 3:26 am 4:22 am 5:24 am
7:37 am 8:43 am 9:47 am
10:48 am 11:47 am
1:40 pm
PRIMARY
MOON OVERHEAD
6:59 pm - 8:572pm 7:49 pm - 9:352pm 8:40 pm - 10:12 pm 9:30 pm - 10:52 pm 10:18 pm - 11:34 pm 11:09 pm - 12:17 am 11:57 pm - Midnight Midnight - 1:05 am 12:46 am - 1:54 am 1:33 am - 2:45 am 2:18 am - 3:36 am 3:01 am - 4:29 am 3:41 am - 5:23 am 4:21 am - 6:17 am 5:02 am - 7:10 am
MOON SET
1:21 am 1:53 am 2:25 am 2:59 am 3:35 am 4:15 am 4:57 am
5:44 am 6:34 am 7:27 am 8:23 am 9:20 am
10:18 am 11:18 am
12:19 pm
5:42 am - 8:08 am 6:24 am - 9:06 am 7:11 am - 10:07 am 8:02 am - 11:08 am 8:56 am - 12:12 pm 9:56 am - 1:16 pm 10:59 am - 2:15 pm
1:21 pm
12:02 pm - 3:14 pm 1:04 pm - 4:06 pm 2:04 pm - 4:54 pm 3:03 pm - 5:35 pm 3:58 pm - 6:16 pm 4:52 pm - 6:54 pm 5:44 pm - 7:32 pm
8:41 pm
6:34 pm - 8:10 pm 7:24 pm - 8:50 pm
2:26 pm 3:32 pm 4:39 pm 5:46 pm 6:50 pm
7:49 pm
9:27 pm
10:08 pm 10:45 pm 11:20 pm 11:53 pm
12:26 am
PRIMARY
MOON UNDERFOOT
6:33 am - 8:45 am 7:24 am - 9:22 am 8:14 am - 10:00 am 9:05 am - 10:37 am 9:55 am - 11:17 am 10:43 am - 11:59 am 11:34 am - 12:42 pm 12:22 pm - 1:30 pm
Apogee LOW FULL
1:11 pm - 2:19 pm 1:58 pm - 3:10 pm 2:43 pm - 4:01 pm 3:26 pm - 4:54 pm 4:06 pm - 5:48 pm 4:46 pm - 6:42 pm 5:27 pm - 7:35 pm 6:07 pm - 8:33 pm 6:49 pm - 9:31 pm 7:36 pm - 10:32 pm 8:27 pm - 11:33 pm 9:21 pm - 12:37 am 10:21 pm - 1:41 am 11:24 pm - Midnight
HALF
Perigee HIGH
Midnight - 2:40 am 12:27 am - 3:39 am 1:29 am - 4:31 am 2:29 am - 5:19 am 3:28 am - 6:00 am 4:23 am - 6:41 am 5:17 am - 7:19 am
NEW
6:09 am - 7:57 am
HALF
6:59 am - 8:35 am 12:59 am ANY LUNAR PERIOD IS ENHANCED WHEN IT OVERLAPS A KEY SOLAR PERIOD. THE BEST OF THESE OVERLAPS ARE DESIGNATED BY THE SUN SYMBOLS: = HIGH NOON = DAWN = DUSK
WHILE THE LESSER MOONRISE AND -SET OVERLAPS (ABOUT 30 MIN. BEFORE AND AFTER THE LISTED TIME) ARE DESIGNATED BY BOLD BLACK TYPE.
For more information and samples of PrimeTimes products, visit www.primetimes2.com
NEW