Entries by Rod Reel

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Best Bass Lures (Updated)

Bass fishing techniques change all the time.

So do the lures used to catch these prize fish

Have you got the right kit in your tackle bag?

Well let's have a look...

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Like everything in life things change, modern technology and advances move in and help make things a little bit easier for all of us.

Bass lures are no exception and they have become so sophisticated and realistic that fish cannot resist them.

Does this take some of the fun out of fishing? You tell me.

But answer the question after you land an 8 pounder...

Lets take a look at the best Bass fishing lures that are catching prize fish today.

Strike King 10XD - Best DIVING Crankbait

One Bass lure that really hooks monsters is the Strike King 10XD. Used by Kevin VanDam at the Bassmaster Elite series in Toledo Bend in 2016 this lure attracts some monster fish.

To highlight the effectiveness of this lure KVD was sitting on 29lbs 5oz of Bass after only day 1, 5lbs ahead of the rest of the field.

Rose Kuli Hard Bass Lure - Best Hard Bodied Lure

The Rose Kuli Bass lure is one of the most realistic and effective lures on the market today. The hard bodied lure is so life-like it's as if you have a real live swim bait on your line.

This lure has great action in the water and can be fished at multiple depths.

Crank in the lure quickly and it tilts slightly in the water which mimics an injured fish

It is available in multiple patterns and colours. Great lure for Bass and other predatory fish.

Can be fished from the shore or from the deck of a boat.

There has been a lot of chatter and rave reviews about this lure, the majority of which are positive. The only fault we could find was with the quality of the treble hooks. You may want to switch them out to your preferred hooks before you fire this into the water.

Pros

Cons

  • Unbelievably realistic in the water
  • Great swimming action at multiple depths
  • Lure finish and overall quality
  • A few people have complained about the hook quality.

Bico Jig - Best All Year Round Bass Lure

If you are an all-year-rounder then you are going to want to get yourself a Bico Jig. These lures are super effective and will coax even the most nervous Bass out from it's hiding place any time of the year.

This lure comes equipped with top-quality OWNER hooks, giving you additional strength and durability which lead to secure hooksets.

The lead-free heads provide increased size which allows for a nice skipping action without the added weight.

The flat head design presents your bass lure in a nice upright position when it hits the river or lake bed.

Made in the USA.

While Jig fishing can be the most productive method of lure fishing for Bass it is one of the harder ways to fish. It takes a fair bit of practice to get everything right, but with a bit of practice you will be hauling in monster bass in no time at all. Great for fishing all types of water especially a river system with weeds as the lure simple skips over them.

We especially like the stiffened weed guard on this particular jig. When you first look at it you may think it's a bit 'too' stiff but the design of the hook allows for perfect hook sets every time a bass decides to take a lunge at this lure. 

    • This is our top choice for Bass Jigs so make sure you have one in your tackle bag...

Pros

Cons

  • Quality - Overall this is a superbly made lure
  • Action - Flat bottomed design makes for great action in the water
  • Utilised the awesome Owner hook range
  • Requires a bit of getting used to

If you are looking for more info on Jig Fishing for Bass then who better to explain to you all about them than Scott Martin. Check out his video below.

Rapala Rattlin 05 - Best Rattle Lure

The Rapala Rattlin 05 fishing lure sings the same tune as Bass... The rattle noise will draw out the monsters lurking in the deep dark corners of every river or lake.

Great swimming action at both fast and slow retrieval. 

The built-in rattle attracts even the most stubborn of fish.

Equipped with two razor sharp treble hooks to ensure a nice hook-up every time.

These long casting bass lures are superb in any fishing conditions. The rattle heightens curiosity in the fish and attracts even the most stubborn predators. Couple this 'rattle' with the legendary Rapala wobble and you have a lure the fish can't resist.

This crank-bait lure can be used by beginners as well as seasoned professionals. Most of the better fishermen will have on in their bag anyway... Just remember that when fishing this lure it will sink to the bottom as soon as you stop reeling it in so you may want to avoid very weedy areas.

    • Great build quality from Rapala that should last you through plenty of exciting fishing trips.

Pros

Cons

  • Action - Great at both slow and fast retrieval
  • Quality - Well built and long lasting lure
  • Awesome lure for catching Bass
  • Nothing to report

Check out the official Rapala video below to get a few insights and tips from the pro's

Strike King - Best Spinnerbait for Bass

The Strike King spinnerbait is the king of all spinnerbaits. -  Try saying that with a mouth full of chips...

The most popular spinner bait for light rods and tackle.

Works great on smaller fish and waters that have been fished all the time.

So easy to use even a beginner can master it in a very short time.

The Colorado provides great action and movement in the water. Great for drawing in the fish.

Can be used to catch largemouth, smallmouth, rock bass, as well as crappie and bluegill.

One of the best things about using spinnerbaits to catch bass is their versatility. Extremely easy to fish with and great for beginners and kids to get started with. Don't be put off by this if you are a seasoned fisherman as they will always perform no matter the conditions.

  • The dark lure shown here is superb for catching large bass. Another popular and effective pattern is the all white spinnerbait.

Pros

Cons

  • Usability - Perfect for even beginners
  • Action - Simple to cast and use in all conditions
  • Quality. Solid enough lure and well made
  • Nothing to report

Rapala Shad Rap

Another option for an excellent Bass lure is the Rapala Shad Rap. This lure is dynamite for Bass fishing.

Mimics a wounded baitfish which is irresistible to hungry Bass.

Excellent lure for casting or trolling behind your boat.

Can be reeled in lightning quick or a slow retrieve - doesn't matter as the fish will attack it anyway.

Nice action with this lure. Swims deep and well through the water. It can be fished with a slow retrieval or at a more rapid pace - depends on your fishing style really. May be a bit light for some fishermen due to it's balsa makeup. Well finished and deadly for Bass.

Pros

Cons

  • Bass love this lure and it works time and time again
  • Action - Swims deep and tracks well
  • Quality. Superb - It's a Rapala!
  • May be a bit light for long casters

There are any number of other ways to catch a prize Bass and a wide variety of lure designers out there. You could try fishing with a rubber worm or soft plastics like the yamamoto senko, using topwater frogs and flipping into the weeds, onto a lily pad or into thick cover to lure out a nice fish. Soft plastic lures can be deadly in the right conditions...

Catching big bass is not an easy pastime - you need to understand your lures and stick to one that will trigger strikes time and time again.

Conditions also play a big part on your lure selection. Are you fishing deep water and need a deep diving lure or a diving crankbait into cold water, are you fishing from boat docks or farm ponds and need a lure that is dragged across the bottom of the water column to tease out the bigger fish? Are you suspending jerkbaits or using a lure with a shaky head?

Are you trying to mimmick a dying baitfish? Something luke a redeye shad perhaps?

Somethimes a lure with plenty of flash and vibration is needed if you are fishing murky waters. Sometimes you need to enhance your existing lures and perhaps add in a curly tail or tail grubs to get the fish to bite.

On warmer days when the fish are surface feeding, in shallow water or a couple of feet deep you should be using topwater lures or maybe a lipless crankbait to catch fish.

We have a great infographic on another page that shows you how to setup a bass jig for carolina rigging, texas rig or how to configure a wacky rig and plenty of tips to catch largemouth bass and smallmouth fishing on bass lakes.

Whatever lure you settle on it's all about trying to trigger strikes and setting the hook. If you cant do that then enjoy the sunshine because the fishing ani't going to be up to much.

You also have to consider what type of fishing rod you use, the rod tip - is is stiff and firm for flipping big lures or are you looking for slow rolled presentation. 

Are you trying to walk the dog with a topwater green pumpkin lure or flip the strike king kvd lure far out into the swim? Have you a tackle box that can accommodate your bigger lures? Last thing you want is to be trying to remove treble hooks from your fishing pack when you should be fishing...

Your fishing gear, outside of just your lures is all critical to landing a trophy bass

We would love to hear your thoughts on this review. We picked our best bass lures from the hundreds of lures available. What lure can you not leave home without? Let us know in the comments below.

Tight lines.​

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Abu Garcia Revo SX-HS Baitcast Reel Review

Abu Garcia’s REVO SX Low Profile Bait Cast Reel If you are looking for a fishing reel the Abu Garcia REVO SX might be just what you need. This is a right-hand reel that some have dubbed the Abu Garcia “workhorse”. It does look good with its matte black finish and strategically placed red highlights […]

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KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel Review

There has been a lot of hype and discussion about the Kastking Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel so I decided to get myself one and see what all the fuss was about.

After unpacking the reel and loading it up with some Spiderwire braid it was off to the river to test it out.​​

All I can say is - What a Reel.​​

This is an awesome baitcasting reel for the money​.​​


KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

4,310 Reviews


KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

  • ​THE KASTKING ROYALE FAMILY - Select a low profile versatile KastKing Royale Legend 7.0:1 or WhiteMax 5.3:1 Low Gear Ratio baitcaster, and match it to a peak performance carbon graphite KastKing Royale Legend fishing rod for a fantastic KastKing Baitcasting Combo!
  • UNMATCHED - Precision cut brass gear structure and carbon fiber drag system delivering 17.5LBs/ 8KG of drag offer the ultimate in a high performance low maintenance baitcasting reel package.
  • PROVEN - We use only the highest quality, anti-corrosion shielded ball bearings to produce the smoothest, quietest casting reel you’ve ever held in your hand. These 11 ball bearings combined with our instant-stop one way bearing clutch delivers long, accurate casts and lightning fast hook sets.
  • TOURNAMENT READY - Experts and pro anglers will appreciate the multi-level, dual brake system for fine tuning and obtaining the longest possible casts. Anglers new to casting reels will rely on the dual brake to avoid over runs and lost fishing time. Our dual brake system utilizes a 4 pin, internal friction brake that when combined with our powerful 7-magnet, externally adjustable magnetic brake, provides for the ultimate in fine casting control over a wide range of baits and conditions.
  • Performance Defined - Only the finest components are used to deliver professional level performance. Hard forged brass, aircraft grade aluminum spool, high grade comfortable EVA knobs and braid resistant ceramic line guide insert ensure that these casting reels will be your trusted partner every time you hit the water.

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Update

After fishing with this reel for a few months now I have to admit that it is brilliant. Given the price point there is nothing that can touch it in terms of quality and usability. 

The drag settings once adjusted have saved me from the usual birds nesting and by using braided line on a nice Abu Garcia rod I always feel in control and have landed some nice fish. Even pulled in a Pike a week or so ago in Ireland​ which was great sport. 

The only thing you need to worry about it getting the drag right if you are using light lures. Now this could just be my technique which I need to work on but I found sometimes I wasn't getting the distance on my casts that I normally get.​

Quality wise there is no faults at all with the baitcaster. Spool is running free, no noise from the gear and paint etc is still perfect. It is nice and light and have had some marathon fishing sessions without any issues at all.

So what do you get?

​The first thing you notice about this reel is the looks. 

The sleek low profile style in black with the chrome features and red inlay really makes this reel stand out.

You also get a nice reel cover in the box - made from the same stuff wetsuits are made of so you can keep it covered when not in use. A nice touch I was not expecting as it wasn't mentioned anywhere when I was doing my research.

There is a full set of instructions complete with an exploded view of the reel showing all the moving parts.

The final thing that came in the box was a $10 voucher off your next purchase from Kastking. Another nice touch. Maybe this will be used to buy some of their excellent line in the near future.​

royal legend reel from kastking
baitcasting reel
baitcasting reel cover

This Kastking Royale reel is far from your average fishing reel. It’s actually a very solid built reel and performs flawlessly. The baitcasting reel is made lightweight for anyone who’s going to be fishing for the whole day and fits perfectly in your hands. The smooth action with multiple drag points let you very quickly tune your fishing and drop your lure exactly where you want it to go – every time.

It comes complete with 3 different drag options so you can really tune in your casts and avoid backlash and ​bird-nesting your line. As mentioned above I decided to load up the reel with braided line. We have a full review on the best braided line over on this page.

When I arrived at the river I tied on a heavy enough lure just to get the feel of this first. I set the drag fairly stiff and fired off a few casts - each time I backed off on the drag a bit until I got used to the reel action.

I then changed lures and tied on a Rapala F5 which weighs next to nothing to see how that would perform. I was on a trout river and they love this lure so, even ​though I was just practicing there was a chance that a nice brownie could have taken the lure and gone on a run.

In order to set the drag this time I backed off nearly all the drag until the just the weight of the lure is enough to pull the line from the spool when the reel is set to open. Now note this is a very light lure made from balsa so be careful. At this setting if you force the cast you will definitely end up with a birds nest...

I flipped the lure into the river with a few easy casts - not pushing for distance but just letting the lure weight carry it as far as it would go.

A small bit of tweaking of the magnetic drag settings and everything was set.​

The magnetic drag is great for tuning the final stages of your cast - just when the lure is starting to slow down before it hits the water.​

magnetic drag baitcasting reel

​Setting The Drag System on your Baitcasting Reel

The first couple of times I tried casting a baitcasting reel I made a complete mess of the line. I spent more time untangling things that day that I actually spent fishing. To avoid that happening again I spent a fair bit of time working through all of the settings on my reel to make sure I was good to go.

There are three main drag settings on any good baitcasting reel and the Kasting Royale is no exception.​

​1. Spool Tension Setup

The Spool tension avoids line tangles after the lure hits the water

​Spool tension is the small nob that is inline with your spool. This always sits on the same side as the handle of your reel and is used to adjust the tension on the spool itself. It is used mainly to control the speed at which the spool runs when you cast. Open it up fully and the spool will freewheel out of control but once you get this set up to suit the weight of your lure you can leave it alone and enjoy hassle free casting all day long.

The best way to tune your spool tension is to first tighten up the tension fully, tie on your lure and hold the rod out horizontally. With the tension set to tight the lure should not move at all.

Slowly adjust the tension nob until the lure drops to the ground but keep an eye on your spool. When the lure hits the ground the spool should sop straight away. If it doesn't then you will end up with tangles in your line when you cast. You might have to have a few runs at this but trust me it's worth it.

In summary the tension screw stop you getting overruns on your spool when the lure hits the water. The next drag setting we want to talk about is magnetic braking.

Magnetic Braking Setup​

The Magnetic Braking Drag avoids line tangles while the lure is in the air.

When you first start fishing with a reel like this it is always advisable to set the magnetic drag to high.

You will notice that your casts while smooth are fairly short but controlled. The reason for this is the magnetic drag on the reel. The spool tensioner is controlling the spool until the lure hits the water but the magnetic drag is holding things back a bit.

I normally start with the magnetic drag on full and after a cast or two I back it off a step or two. The Kasting King reel has setting from 0 to 9 so start at 9 to be on the safe side.

After about three or four casts I will end up with the reel sitting on number 6. The first thing you will notice after adjusting this drag is that your lure will cast further each time but the line will stay in situ on the reel. Back it off too much and you will end up with the dreaded bird's nest.

There is no exact science to this setup and it varies with each lure but it's something you must do before you go fishing. ​

You can’t talk about the braking system without talking about the line-retrieve system of the Kastking royal which is pegged at an impressive 7.0.1.

Value for Money

The Kastking Royale Legend doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, unlike several big names in the baitcasting industry, so you don’t need to worry about spending a lot of money to enjoy your favorite hobby.

This reel is sure to be your go-to choice with which to fish for the entire day, and you will not run into any issues with it. It has an over-sized flat-sided EVA foam soft grip reel handle which makes it a lot softer and reduces fatigue. The comfortable non-slip grip will make sure that even under wet conditions you will still be able to reel in those monster fish.

The Royal Legend fishing reel is best used with a KastKing baitcasting rod, although just about any quality rod will do. I have mine paired with an Abu Garcia rod at the moment and this makes for a very lightweight setup that can handle up to 20 lb. line. It is also a notch higher than its predecessor in regards to speed, power, and even that professional look.

The KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel is incredibly lightweight. Its low-profile design makes it easy to fit in your hand. The removable side plate can easily be accessed and quickly removed at any time. This reel includes 11 + 1 shielded MaxiDur ball bearings, 17.5 lbs. of carbon fiber drag, and heaps of other features that you will come to love.

Features

  • Low-profile design bait caster with a super silent high speed 7.0:1-line retrieve for the best performance
  • Unmatched precision cut brass gear structure and carbon fibre drag system which gives you 17.5 lbs. of drag while remaining low maintenance
  • Proven 11 + 1 shielded MaxiDur corrosion-resistant ball bearings which make this fishing reel ready for smooth casing, retrieve and long life
  • It is tournament ready, thanks to its state-of-the-art dual brakes, which gives you a quick and easy way to fine tune the reliable centrifugal and magnetic brake systems used for its casting control

​

Pros

One of the key selling points of the KastKing Royal reel is the pricing. Set at a very reasonable price, you can’t afford not to consider the Legend as your go-to reel.

The KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel is one of the best tournament-ready models available on the market right now. This powerful baitcasting fishing reel gives you a lot of features that you will definitely need to keep up a high level of performance. Rest assured your fishing will be fast, controlled and precise with this reel.

The performance of the KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel is unparalleled. It is a low-profile design bait caster, which means that you do not have to worry about any sounds bothering your focus, especially during tournaments. It runs with a super silent high speed 7.0:1-line retrieve.

This simply cannot be matched thanks to its precision cut brass gear structure and the carbon fiber drag system that gives you a maximum of 17.5 lbs. for support.

Cons

A little maintenance is needed to keep this reel in prime condition, but that’s not uncommon with any reel to be honest. Look after your kit and it will look after you. A quick check to make sure that everything is in tip-top condition every time before going on your fishing trip.


KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

4,310 Reviews


KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

  • ​THE KASTKING ROYALE FAMILY - Select a low profile versatile KastKing Royale Legend 7.0:1 or WhiteMax 5.3:1 Low Gear Ratio baitcaster, and match it to a peak performance carbon graphite KastKing Royale Legend fishing rod for a fantastic KastKing Baitcasting Combo!
  • UNMATCHED - Precision cut brass gear structure and carbon fiber drag system delivering 17.5LBs/ 8KG of drag offer the ultimate in a high performance low maintenance baitcasting reel package.
  • PROVEN - We use only the highest quality, anti-corrosion shielded ball bearings to produce the smoothest, quietest casting reel you’ve ever held in your hand. These 11 ball bearings combined with our instant-stop one way bearing clutch delivers long, accurate casts and lightning fast hook sets.
  • TOURNAMENT READY - Experts and pro anglers will appreciate the multi-level, dual brake system for fine tuning and obtaining the longest possible casts. Anglers new to casting reels will rely on the dual brake to avoid over runs and lost fishing time. Our dual brake system utilizes a 4 pin, internal friction brake that when combined with our powerful 7-magnet, externally adjustable magnetic brake, provides for the ultimate in fine casting control over a wide range of baits and conditions.
  • Performance Defined - Only the finest components are used to deliver professional level performance. Hard forged brass, aircraft grade aluminum spool, high grade comfortable EVA knobs and braid resistant ceramic line guide insert ensure that these casting reels will be your trusted partner every time you hit the water.

CHECK TODAY'S PRICE

​

Conclusion

The Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel is one of the best models you can find if you have an eye for detail to catch any faulty components. You have a lot of features to take advantage of with this reel, and the low price of it makes it an affordable alternative to those high-end baitcasting fishing reels. The magnetic braking system and the speed of line retrieving are some important details not to miss out on. If you are serious about going fishing for bass or carp, or some other aquatic creature with fins and gills, you should consider opting for one of these fishing reels.

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Plastic Worms | The Best Bass Worms

There is no better bait to fish with than a lure that imitates real food to bass. Rubber worms have been around in some shape or form for as long as I can remember and the beauty of them is you don’t have to dig them up before you head out fishing…

Every tackle shop you go into these days has rows of different types of bass worms, and for a very good reason - they are dynamite for catching big bass. A great way to gauge the effectiveness of any lure is to see what the Pro’s are using and I guarantee you this - they will all stick a rubber worm on their hook when they need a hook up.

Effective all year round rubber bass worms are a must have for any serious bass fisherman.

best bass worms

So lets take a quick look at some of the best bass worms out there and then follow on with how you rig these up to catch your next trophy bass.

This worm is great for both Largemouth and Smallmouth bass and you should always have a selection in your tackle bag. When all else fails out on the water stick a rubber worm on your hook and hold on tight.​

Senko Worm - Best Bass Worms Ever

To be honest if you are going out fishing for bass with rubber worms then the holy grail of all bass worms is the Senko by Gary Yamamoto.


Yamamoto Senko 4', Blue Black Large Chartreuse, (375022)

10 Reviews


Yamamoto Senko 4", Blue Black Large Chartreuse, (375022)

  • 4" SENKO BLUE/BLACK W/ LARGE CHARTREUSE FLAKE (10 PACK)
  • 4" SENKO BLUE/BLACK W/ LARGE CHARTREUSE FLAKE (10 PACK)
  • 4" SENKO BLUE/BLACK W/ LARGE CHARTREUSE FLAKE (10 PACK)
  • 4" SENKO BLUE/BLACK W/ LARGE CHARTREUSE FLAKE (10 PACK)
  • 4" SENKO BLUE/BLACK W/ LARGE CHARTREUSE FLAKE (10 PACK)

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The Senko worm was where it all started and today it still stands out as the top bass worm on the market. Certainly our favourite this salt loaded rubber worm catches our best fish all day long.

Super versatile, you can rig up this worm in many different ways which we cover further down the post.

From looking at this bait you wouldn’t think too much of it but it actually has great action in the water and a slow undulating retrieve with pitching and letting it drop proves irresistible to bass.

Our preference is black as thats the colour we have caught the best fish on but there is a huge range of options to choose from especially if you are fishing dirty or cloudy water.​

Plastic worm techniques vary for the Senko but we like to use a Texas Rig or to Wacky Rig these worms.​

How To Fish Rubber Worms For Bass

Fishing with rubber worms is very effective but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

First thing to look at is rigging up your rubber worm​. There are three main methods which we cover in more detail below on how to rig a soft plastic worm:

1. Wacky Rigging Rubber Worms​

The easiest way to rig up your rubber bass worm is to use a wacky rig.

Take the worm and stick a wide gap hook through the middle of it.

This lets the worm wiggle about in it’s most natural form as it sinks into the water.

bass worms wacky rig

The best way to fish this is weightless. Just cast it out into your swim and let it sink to the bottom. Every so often lift the rod tip and move the worm off the bottom and let it sink again. Most bass trikes come when the worm is sinking down again.

Make sure you keep a bit of tension on the line because when fishing with a Senko the bite pattern is not the same as a normal lure. There is no sudden strike - the bass usually suck the worm into their mouths so you need to be ready to strike and set the hook before they spit it out again.

If you want to add some weight to your worm to get it deeper into the swim quicker then add a few small spit shot weights (lead free if possible) and away you go.

Another thing to note is that this type of fishing can cause twists in your line so we recommend using a small swivel about 18 inches up the line.​

We would also recommend using weedless hooks like the ones below to keep you from getting caught up if you are fishing in water prone to weeds.


Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky Hook-(

189 Reviews


Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky Hook-(

  • Significantly increase you chances of Landing the catch
  • Made environmentally friendly
  • Used by professional anglers worldwide
  • Color is black.
  • features a durable, hand-tied weed guard to provide necessary snag protection

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​

One challenge you get with wacky rigging worms is the fish tend to tear your worms up fairly quickly. I saw a guy using o-rings before where he ran the point of the hook through an o-ring and tightened this around the worm - thus avoiding the hook tearing through the worm.

Here is a great video from LunkersTV showing you how to fish plastic worms and the different styles used. Check it out...

​

Texas Rig For Big Bass On Worms

If you have challenges with weeds in your swim then you should consider using the Texas Rig.

This 100% weedless technique can save you a fortune on lost tackle.

We like to fish these when faced with deep cover on the lake and need to get the bait down to the bait without getting caught up all the time.

texas rig bass worms

You simply stick the hook point through the head of the rubber worm and push the worm up the shaft of the hook to the head. Pierce the worm and expose the hook curve so only the straight staff of the hook is covered.

Spin the hook around and stick the point back into the worm but leave it covered. This protects the hook point from getting snapped up in the weeds when you cast it out.

Cast out the worm and let it sink to the bottom through the weeds. Every now and again twitch or lift the rod tip and let the bait sink again. You are sort of dancing it across the lake or stream bed.

The best bites usually come on the drop and the bite pattern is like a small tap. Strike the rod, set the hook and hold on.

If you need to add some additional weight to the bait then use a sliding sinker straight through on the line. This will give you additional casting distance but also help the bait get through the weeds and down to the fish. When the Bass grabs the worm the sinker slides up the line out of the way and doesn't bother the Bass.

During the summer months the fish tend to hang about under weed cover out of the heat so this is where the Texas Rig comes into it’s own.

Kit wise you are going to need the following to get your texas rigs setup:


Zoom Bait Magnum II Worm-Pack of 20 (Plum, 9-Inch), One Size (009-004)

904 Reviews


Zoom Bait Magnum II Worm-Pack of 20 (Plum, 9-Inch), One Size (009-004)

  • Country Of Origin : United States
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 1.52 Centimeters
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 21.84 Centimeters
  • The Package Width Of The Product Is 14.48 Centimeters

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Gamakatsu 25 Pack EWG Offset Worm Hook (Black, 3/0) (58413-25)

1,611 Reviews


Gamakatsu 25 Pack EWG Offset Worm Hook (Black, 3/0) (58413-25)

  • Sport Type: Boating
  • Closed eye
  • EWG-Extra Wide Gap
  • Barbed
  • Forged

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Bullet Weights Sinker Kits 60 Piece kit, Multicolored, One Size, (USBWK-6)

161 Reviews


Bullet Weights Sinker Kits 60 Piece kit, Multicolored, One Size, (USBWK-6)

  • Longer lasting Ultra Steel; Retains its shape better,
  • Less oxidized build-up; Improved snag resistance
  • Less bulk than other non-lead materials
  • Clean chamfered holes;
  • Color: Natural; Kit contains a total of 60 pieces: (24) 1/16 ounce; (12) 1/8 ounce; (9) 3/16 ounce; (9) 1/4 ounce; (4) 3/8 ounce; (2) 1/2 ounce

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Carolina Rig - Cover More Ground 

Another rig setup for plastic bass worms is the Carolina Rig. Similar in style and basic setup to the Texas Rig except you attach at swivel ti the line and set your barrel weight above it.

By using this setup your worm has a more natural action in the water. Each time you cast out the weight will drop straight to the bottom but the worm will sink much slower on the fall.

carolina rig setup rubber worms

When you start to retrieve the bait you lift your rod tip and then let the weight pull it back down again slowly reeling in the slack line.

Fishing this method show be slow and steady but it does allow you to cover more ground and fish at a quicker pace that the standard Texas Rig.

Choosing The Right Plastic Worm For Bass​

When you start looking around at all the different types of rubber bass worms you will get a bit overwhelmed.​ In order to help you out with this we will now take a look at worm types, colour, weight and fishing action to help you get out there fishing.

What Color Worm Should You Use?​

We often get asked what color worms for bass and this depends a lot on the water you are fishing.​

Clear Water​

We tend to use dark worms when fishing clear water. Something black like the standard Senko with perhaps a coloured fleck through it works well all the time. Think about it - if the water is clear then the Bass are going to be able to see your bait from a distance.

It doesn’t need to be bright and glowing, just the normal dark colours work best in these conditions. Keep the colour as close to the natural bait of the Bass and you will do very well. A tailless worm works amazing when the water is clear.

Stained Water​

When the water is stained or murky then you are going to need to use something that stands out a bit more.

We opt for plastic worms with tails like these ones in this scenario because it has a more lively action in the water and attracts even the biggest of fish. You can mix and match here with dark works with bright tails or brighter worms in general work well.

Worm Weight & Size​

Because of all the options available to you here are some rules we go by when selecting plastic worm sizes and the weight we used for our rigs.

Size Matters​

If you are fishing clearer water then you are going to want to opt for a small more natural looking worm​. The size effects the sink rate of the worm so this is where you may want to add in some weight to get the bait down to the fish, or through the weeds quicker.

In colored or stained water you should go for a bigger worm as you need a more enticing stand out bait to attract the fish​. You may also need additional weight on the rig here because the bigger the worm the slower it sinks.

Fishing with a wiggle tail is one of the best bass worms out there when the water is mirky but whatever conditions you are faced with plastic worms will deliver every time.

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Snake Proof Boots Buying Guide and Review 2018

Being the outdoorsy type, I have hiked, fished and camped all over. This stretches from the Amazon Rain Forest in Brazil, the sandy deserts of Africa to the Outback of Australia. Do you know what all these places have in common? Venomous Snakes!

My experience with these creatures for the last few years has been nothing but a downward spiral. Albeit most have been near misses, a few instances involved hospitalization and in one tragic incident with a bushmaster I was almost sent to my maker. Were it not for this nifty hiking gear I’m about to share with you; I would have done away with the trade altogether.

Best Snake Proof Boots - Quick Look

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​

Why should I invest in snake-proof boots and not ordinary boots?

​I love to fish in areas that are a bit off the beaten track. I do this for a number of reasons and probably the main one is you are fishing in spots that have never been fished before. These unknown spots can be amazing sport but because you have to hike in through sometimes very rough bush you need to make sure you are protected on the way in...

Unlike your run of the mill cowboy boots, hunting shoes, or even a quality muck boot, a good pair of snake-proof boots can fend off bites from snakes and this feature alone could save your life.

Take it from someone who has endured the agony of a snake bite. The fangs will feel like hot long pointy steel nails when sinking into your soft, supple flesh. If you don't don these boots to protect yourself from the blood clotting or thinning effects of the venom, then please do it to save yourself from the excruciating sting.

Keep in mind that snake-proof boots are an all inclusive package. In addition to keeping your beating heart going, it will shield you from prickly thorns, rugged terrain, and hold you firm on the ground on dicey slippery slopes.

The catch is to spot a winner.

What makes a winner?

Material

The bare minimum would be a sturdy material -like leather and nylon- well equipped to handle the venomous strike of snakes. But for a snake proof boot to be crowned the best it has to surpass this. For misty and muddy conditions you’ll need one reinforced with vulcanized rubber. They are engineered by adding sulfur to rubber in the face of extreme heat essentially rendering it impervious to water while tripling its durability.

At the height of summer, you can still go for a relatively lightweight option without compromising on functionality. Kangaroo skin has proven to be soft, light yet still sturdy. This can also double as a hiking boot owing to the increased flexibility of movement it offers.

Length of boots

As a rule of thumb, the longer the boots, the better. The shortest length that is deemed acceptable is one reaching mid-calf but never ankle height. Most snakes strike between the ankle and knee, so a knee length size is a safer choice.

Fit and feel

Marrying comfort and function is the ultimate judge of what boot reigns supreme. It should fit you to a tee. Good brands will have a collection of sizes as opposed to a one fits all mindset.

As for feel, it should offer more support on your feet and ankles. This added comfort will allow you to move easier and for longer.

​

1. Lacrosse Men’s Venom Scent APG HD Snake Proof Boots

Are you looking for the toughest snake proof boots, with an ability to cover grueling terrain? Look no further than these boots from Lacrosse. On top of having an excellent camouflage design, they are practical and comfortable.

What are their Features & Benefits?

Lacrosse snake proof boots are made from the toughest rubber out there. Neoprene is coupled with the rubber guaranteeing insulation to your feet.

Air circulation inside the boot is terrific with the company’s Aircirc technology in use. Having sweaty and smelly feet won’t happen to you again.

These boots are waterproof, leaving you with no fear of venturing into wet or marshy areas. The high-ankle design assures you of maximum protection, and that is sure-fire to protect you against snake bites.

Getting in and out of the boots is easy with a side zip. Unlike in other boots you do not have to untie the laces all the way down. I found this to be convenient.

The high-quality rubber used to make the boots helps maintain grip once you are on the rocky or unstable ground. Furthermore, a unique contour ankle design works to help maintain your stability.

What is more these boots are extremely durable due to the high quality of materials used to make them? To be fair, you cannot go wrong with these boots.

Any downside?

Zippers on the boots are tight making it cumbersome to use for the first few occasions. After prolonged use, the zipper gets easier to use.

You will find the boots heavy; this could be as a result of the materials used to make them.

2. MuckBoots Men’s Pursuit Snake Proof Hunting Boot

Comfort during trip outdoors is what you yearn for, right? You have nothing to worry as these boots' construction incorporates high-quality material that does not compromise on comfort.

Construction of the boots uses synthetic rubber; snake fangs can bite on them all they want, nothing goes through them.

What are their features & benefits?

While out in the woods the temperatures can change in the blink of an eye. That is why these boots have a neoprene layer guaranteed to insulate you. What’s more, they are fitted with Xpresscool technology, meant to safeguard you against sweat.

Slip-on boots are a handy feature; this is an add-on fitting to these boots. It is time-wasting and cumbersome to have to tie and untie the laces.

The durability of the boots is not in question due to the high quality of constituent materials. You could easily pass them on to your kid; yep they are that good!

The boots are tall and meant to protect your lower limb from fangs lurking in the woods. Synthetic rubber is great at providing physical resistance once you experience a bite.

Last but not the least, the boots are waterproof. No leakages more leakages as you wade into marshy areas of the woods.

Any downside?

I did not like the narrow design of the boot. It makes it hard to take the boot off if you have wide feet.

3. Rocky Men's Prolight Snake Boot Mossy Oak Breakup

What you get from these boots is fantastic protection from snake bites, with camouflage as a bonus.

They are also lightweight and comfortable; experiencing the outdoors has never been this easy.

snake proof boots

What are their features and benefits?

They are lace-up boots, which means fitting around the calf and ankle is comfortable. The lace-up also allows you to lace up tightly or loosely depending on your preference and comfort.

Having a lightweight boot is great. It lets you venture into the woods as much as you can with no fear of getting tired of the boots. These boots are lightweight, with no compromise taken for your safety. A thick layer inside the boot maximizes protection in case of snake bites.

The exceptional design of the sole prevents materials from getting stuck at the bottom. You won’t have to stop every few minutes to remove items lodged at the bottom.

The camouflage design of the boot also helps to keep you safe; if they can’t see you, they can’t bite you.

It provides excellent traction in areas with rocky or uneven surfaces. This prevents any accidents or mishaps happening, due to slipping.

Any downside?

Something to take away from the boots is that they are not waterproof. You would have to treat them with a waterproofing spray to protect yourself from leakages.

4. Danner Men’s Pronghorn Snake Side-Zip Hunting Boot

Are you looking for a high-quality boot with a great design too? If the answer is yes, you have come to the right place.

Not only that, this boot is entirely made of leather. Durability and reliability just went up a notch higher.

What are their features & benefits?

You would be shocked to learn how lightweight these boots are. Their lightweight nature enables you to venture into the wild with no fear of getting tired. What is more, you can wear these boots daily.

A zipper design on the boots allows you to slip the boots on and off with minimal fuss. Unlike other boots, the zipper is easy to use and holds up over long periods.

Rubber makes up the boots' soles. What this means is you can use them over any terrain, since the grip is assured.

Inside the boots is a Gore—Tex lining. Once you purchase these bad boys, your feet are moisture free and odor free. In addition to which the leather fabric is breathable, meant to help you remain cool inside the boots.

Apart from guaranteeing durability, the leather material provides safety in case of snake bites. The snake fangs can dig in and not a scratch will be left on these boots.

Any downside?

A bummer about these boots is that they are relatively high priced compared to other boots. It is also disappointing they are not waterproof; you have to use a waterproofing spray.

5. Justin Original Work Boots Men’s Stampede Snake Work Boot

When buying the ultimate snake proof boots, quality of material and design feature heavily. You would not be disappointed with these boots.

The design and tailoring is a blend of synthetic rubber and leather. The ultimate Kevlar against snake bites.

What are their features and benefits?

Unsteady ground, uneven terrain will all be conquered by these boots. This is down to the rubber soles that enhances maximum grip to the ground. What’s more quality leather makes up the shaft of the boot, assuring maximum protection against snake bites?

A zipper closure on the boot makes taking them on and off a hustle free task. What’s more, you don’t have to contend with cumbersome shoe laces as the boot is lace-free.

Inside the boot are comfortable insoles that allow you to move around in maximum comfort. You could easily have these boots as your everyday kind of shoe.

Due to the great design and high quality of material used, these boots are also suitable for winter. An annoying feature of other boots is, once winter arrives you have to get other boots. These boots will keep you warm during winter while still protecting you.

Durability will never be an issue with these boots, and you could easily pass them onto your loved ones.

Any downside?

Nothing to report.

6. Danner Men’s Jackal II 45764 Snake Hunting Boot

At first glance, the thing that strikes you about this boot is the fact its designer had stealth in mind.

They have a camouflage appearance that is great once you venture out in the wild, letting you blend into your surroundings and acting as protection.

What are their features and benefits?

A high shaft on a boot is great since snakes tend to bite on the lower limb. With that in mind, this boot has a 17” shaft that provides maximum protection.

The boots' constituent material is nylon. A guarantee when it comes to protection against water damage. An assurance with this boot is you can walk out into marshy and swampy areas without fears of water leakages.

As a Danner men boot, it comes fitted with Gore-Tex technology. A sure bet against sweaty and smelly feet. It instead keeps your feet dry and odorless.

A rubber sole promises to maximize traction and grip in rocky and uneven surfaces. You don’t have to fear about slipping once you strap on these boots.

A lace-up design allows you strap on the boots to your comfort or preference. Inside the boot is a comfort lining. It is meant to maximize your comfort while out and about in the wild. There is extra padding on the footbeds; this goes a long way in guaranteeing your comfort.

The boot is also lightweight, meant to allow you freedom in roaming the woods. Honestly, you could walk in these boots a whole day, with no discomfort.

Any downside?

A shame about these boots is the fact they are relatively high priced compared to other similar boots.

7. Chippewa Men’s 23913 17″ Pull-On Snake Boot

What you have here is a great mixture of fabric and leather. The result is comfort with no bargain on your security.

In addition to which these boots can be used for a variety of other activities apart from hiking such as casual wear.

What are their features and benefits?

You will be at first in awe of how simple but beautiful the boot’s design is. It has a 17” shaft that shows it means business about protecting you from snake bites. The leather wrapping is great since no snake fangs can pierce them. Inside the boot is cloth fabric that works to insulate your feet, keeping you warm during cold seasons.

Two straps are on the boot, meant to allow removing and wearing the boot undemanding. There are no annoying laces on this boot that waste your time when tying or undoing them.

A Vibram sole haves you confident of tackling jagged surfaces. The sole gives assurance of grip and traction.

You can wade into shallow waters with no fear of getting wet. Waterproof technology on this boots secures you against water damage and leaks.

Last but not least the boots are durable due to the high-quality materials used to make them. I can guarantee you won’t have to buy another pair of these boots for a while.

Any downside?

The drawback to these boots is they don’t fit properly around the ankle area. They feel a tad large, probably due to being made for people with large feet.

8. Lacrosse Men’s Alpha Mudlite Snake Hunting Boot

I'm sure once you hear hand-crafted your mind switches to high quality, right? If your answer is yes, you would be right.

The rubber exterior on this boot is handcrafted to maximize protection against snake bites to scratches and mud.

What are their features & benefits?

What you have on the interior of this boot is a layer of neoprene. Intended to act as an insulating agent, it works to keep you warm and dry. You no longer have to fear sweaty feet once you remove the boot.

Lacrosse has also incorporated their Aircirc technology inside the boot to allow free movement of air inside the boot. Smelly feet are a thing of the past once you slip into these boots.

What’s more, the boot has a slip-on design. This allows you to wear or remove the boot with minimal effort. A strap is fitted behind the calf allowing you to adjust the boot’s fitting to your comfort.

The camouflage design on the boot allows you to venture into the wild with an added layer of protection.

In addition to that, the boot is waterproof, guaranteeing your comfort when wading through wet areas.

Slip-resistant rubber soles are fitted with the boots, assuring your safety in rough areas.

Any downside?

I would say the boots are stiff once you put them on, with flexibility at a bare minimum.

9. Rocky ProLight 16″ Snake Proof Boot

As the name suggests, these boots are ultralight once you strap them on.

You might as well be wearing sandals; yep they are that lightweight! Camouflage appearance on the boots helps in case you are an avid hunter.

What are its features and benefits?

The boots fit snugly since they have laces allowing you to tie them to your preferences. On top of that, the shaft on the boot is 16” high, a sure sign that they mean business when it comes to protecting you.

Durable nylon is used to make the boot. These bad boys can be worn every single day and still show no signs of giving up.

Not only that, Gore-Tex technology is on hand to confirm they are waterproof. Fear of venturing into wet areas or rain should not hinder you anymore.

Snakes can bite all they want the light but the tough exterior is on hand to protect you.

The sole features creation with Prolight Biomech allowing you traverse rocky or uneven surfaces with no fear of slipping.

You could live in these boots due to how comfortable they are. These are ideal winter boots, so, no more purchases when winter kicks in.

Any downside?

The only problem I noticed is you have to buy your boots a size larger so as to wear socks comfortably. Wearing your regular size will feel tight on your ankles.

10. Lacrosse Men’s Adder Scent 18″ HD Snake Boot

I know having slip-on or lace boots is cumbersome and tiresome sometimes. That is why Lacrosse has come up with this boots that you simply pull on.

What’s more, they have a 17” shaft; protection doesn’t get higher than this.

What are their features & benefits?

A camouflage fabric on the boot acts to protect you. The fabric is coupled with leather to maximize protection against snake bites.

The unique fabric making up the boot keeps you warm and dry. It will protect you from smelly and sweaty feet. In addition to that, the fabric is waterproof; you are allowed to venture into wet areas.

The durability of the boot is not in question due to its superior build quality and high-quality constituent materials.

Once you pull up the boots, there is a pull loop that allows for easy removal. On top of that, there is a gusset at the back allowing for an adjustable, secure fit of the boot.

Any downside?

If worn over long periods they start to split at the seams. Bummer!

So there you have it folks. If you are looking for a good quality pair of snake proof boots then we are sure you will find something in our review. If you have a pair of boots you bring along on every trip, fishing or hunting then let us know in the comments and we will take a look.

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White Bass Lures and Sand Bass Fishing Tips

Often called Sand Bass, White Bass can be found in most water systems across the States.

These small fish are great sport and when you find a feeding shoal you can literally flip them out of the water one after the other.​

That sounds great...

White Bass fishing in the Spring can be electric because small Shads and minnows are starting to make their way upstream. This doesn't go unnoticed by schools of hungry Bass...

Pro TIP: You will very often see birds diving into the water to whip up a handy lunch of Shad and you can be guaranteed that the Bass are picking them off under the water as well. The Shads will be going crazy and jumping out of the water trying to escape.

This is your chance to bag a few nice fish for yourself, but on a good day you could fill your boat as the Bass will be in a feeding frenzy and lunge at anything that looks remotely like a Shad.​

You can fish with topwater lures or shallow swimmers like the ​Rapala Jointed Shallow Shad, jigheads trailing a soft plastic or use any of the spinners from the Mepps range and you are good to go.

But what lures should you definitely have in your tackle box to catch White Bass?

Best White Bass Lures


Storm WildEye Swim Shad 03 (Baby Bass, Size- 3)

680 Reviews


Storm WildEye Swim Shad 03 (Baby Bass, Size- 3)

  • These ultra-realistic swim shad baits feature super-soft hand-poured bodies that are so lifelike, you might be tempted to take a bite yourself
  • Sporting strong soft bodies with internal lead heads and bio-salt impregnated tails
  • These durable baits are pre-rigged with a superior VMC needle point hooks. 3 per pack
  • 0.25 Oz
  • An excellent holographic swimmin’ foil finish and crazy 3-D WildEye stare

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Mepps Black Fury Dressed Bass Fishing Lure Pocket Pack

239 Reviews


Mepps Black Fury Dressed Bass Fishing Lure Pocket Pack

  • Black Fury Bass Drsd Kit,
  • All Mepps Black Furies feature solid brass bodies and blades
  • Mepps #3 Black Fury - White Dot
  • All three of these lures are ideal for trophy bass

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Rapala Shallow Shad Rap 07 Fishing lure (Shad, Size- 2.75)

165 Reviews


Rapala Shallow Shad Rap 07 Fishing lure (Shad, Size- 2.75)

  • Balsa wood construction under incredible finishes make this the lure big fish find irresistible.
  • Shallow Running Lip Design
  • Classic Rapala "wounded-minnow" wobble
  • Built tough with hard-diving lips and sharp treble hooks, these legendary lures have the power to survive even the toughest fights.
  • The Shallow Shad Rap is perfect for fishing skinny water

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Mister Twister 3'' Sassy Shad, White Pearl (3SA10-1P)

53 Reviews


Mister Twister 3"" Sassy Shad, White Pearl (3SA10-1P)

  • Country Of Origin : United States
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 0.76 Centimeters
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 8.64 Centimeters
  • The Package Width Of The Product Is 6.6 Centimeters

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Berkley Flicker Shad, Black Silver, 2in - 3/16 oz

744 Reviews


Berkley Flicker Shad, Black Silver, 2in - 3/16 oz

  • Flicker Shad Black Silver 3/16 oz
  • Flicker Shad Black Silver 3/16 oz
  • Flicker Shad Black Silver 3/16 oz
  • Flicker Shad Black Silver 3/16 oz
  • Flicker Shad Black Silver 3/16 oz

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​

My Favorite White Bass Lure - The Sassy Shad

The Sassy shad is made by Mr Twister and is dynamite on a school of Bass chasing jumpers. Just cast it straight into the swim and hold on tight. The realistic swimming style of this particular lure is irresistible to hungry White Bass.

Couple these with a jog head and thats it, time to fill the boat. I prefer white or similar to mimmic the Shads in the water.

They are a great all rounder lure for this type of fishing and because of the hook setup you can fish them near weeds without worrying to much about getting snagged.

​


Mister Twister 3SA10-31 Sassy Shad Swimbait, 3', 1/4 oz, White, One Size

35 Reviews


Mister Twister 3SA10-31 Sassy Shad Swimbait, 3", 1/4 oz, White, One Size

  • 3" Sassy Shad, White Pearl,Black Back

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Don't forget to pick yourself up a few jig heads to go with the soft lures. They ain't much good without them...

The best bait for White Bass has to be live minnows, if you have the time is to net yourself some. Fishing live bait is second to none if you come across a school of White Bass . You are essentially using exactly what they are feeding on to catch them. Grab yourself a minnow net and stock up.

If the fish are on you will need plenty so we recommend getting yourself something like the Eagle Claw minnow net. ​

Preview Product Rating

Eagle Claw Minnow Trap Black, 9-Inch x 16-1/2-Inch
 		Eagle Claw Minnow Trap Black, 9-Inch x 16-1/2-Inch
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​

How To Catch White Bass​

One technique for catching Sand Bass that works every time for us is to watch the water for 'jumpers' and feeding birds. Usually seen on lakes and wide river systems this is a sure sign that the Bass are on.​

They will be feeding on the small baitfish migrating upstream. When you see this head up towards the feeding area and cast your lure straight into the middle of it. The bites and fish will come quick and hard.

Fishing for White Bass with lures or live bait is the most common method of catching these predatory fish who mainly feed on live bait.​ A live minnow hooked through the lip or a soft plastic on a jig head work without fail.

When the fishing slows or stops completely then it's time to have another look around and start spotting for jumpers again. Move your boat close to the action and cast into the middle of it all again.

The only challenge you will have on the day is keeping you boat afloat because it will be weighed down with fish!​

We have been asked how to catch white bass in the summer. Well the standard answer is always the same. You won't have the usual run of small bait fish but use an affordable fish finder and you will be able to locate the fish - the rest is fishing as usual.​

Here is a great video by Fle Fly fishing giving you plenty of tips and tricks for catching White Bass. They are using a Fle Fly Go Go Minnow which is performing brilliantly for them. Well worth putting a few in your tackle box.​ You should also check out their bendable minnow. This is also an awesome lure.

​So that's it for this quick look at the best white bass lures we use to catch these great fish time and time again. If you are after common bass then you should check out this review: best bass lures of 2017

Have you a go-to lure that you use and catch great fish? Let us know in the comments.​

Tight Lines...

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Reel Grips for your Baitcasting and Spinning Reels

Have you ever lost a fish because your hand slipped off the reel handle.

Sounds like a great excuse for losing an award winning fish - the one that got away etc..

But it does happen.


baitcasting reel grips

Fishing in wet conditions or on a boat where the swell splashes up over the bow will cause your gear to get wet and in most cases this means the grips on your reels - regardless of model or type will also get wet and slippy.

Reel Grip have come up with an ingenious way to prevent slippage and for the cost involved you would be mad not to invest in at least one set.

The original idea came about by avid Bass angler Mark Schull in 2005 who partnered with Dan Broadbent and Angelo Savakis to develop the idea and bring it to market. Reel Grips were first launched at the ​Bassmaster Classic in Pitsburg and the company have grown in strength since that day.

Originally designed for baitcasting reels the company have expanded their range of reel grips to give you the edge on multiple reel types.

Baitcaster Reel Grip​s


Reel Grip 1145 Reel Handle Cover, Black and Red Tie Dye Finish

Reel Grip 1145 Reel Handle Cover, Black and Red Tie Dye Finish

Fishing reel handle cover in a black and red tie dye finish; The latest fishing tackle accessory


Reel Grip 1149 Reel Handle Cover, Blue and White Tie Dye Finish

Reel Grip 1149 Reel Handle Cover, Blue and White Tie Dye Finish

Fishing reel handle cover in a blue and white tie dye finish; The latest fishing tackle accessory


Reel Grip 1148 Reel Handle Cover, Black and White Tie Dye Finish

Reel Grip 1148 Reel Handle Cover, Black and White Tie Dye Finish

Fishing reel handle cover in a black and white tie dye finish; The latest fishing tackle accessory

Spinning Reel Grips​

Reel Grip also make grips for spinning reel handles - The Reel Grip X is the latest in their line of innovative products to help you on your quest for superior fishing.​


Reel Grip X, Red

8 Reviews


Reel Grip X, Red

  • Fishing reel handle cover
  • The latest fishing tackle accessory
  • Adds comfort and grip to your existing reel handles
  • Made of a soft rubber composite
  • Easily slide over your existing bait cast reel handles

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Sure you may still loose fish, but it won't be because you hand slipped off the grip of your reel handle.

Check out a few videos by guys using these to give you an idea of the advantages of using grips on your baitcasting and spinning reels.

Installing Reel Grips​

Installing Reel Grips is very straightforward. Use a damp rag to wet up your reel handles and simply slip on the grips. 

Advantages of Reel Grips on your Baitcasters

Here is another video showing a quick advantage of using reel grips on your various baitcasters. If like me you have several similar setups - similar rod and reels with different line etc. then a great way to differentiate each setup is to use various coloured grips on your baitcasters. That way you know straight away which is which. I tend to fish different line strength for certain lures and this is an easy way to quickly see whats what.

So there you go... A nice neat upgrade. Add some reel handle grips to your baitcast reel or spinning reel and off you go.

Happy fishing...

 

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Different Types Of Fishing Reels | Reviews and Guides

When I started out fishing as a young lad I fished with whatever I could get my hands on.

I have very fond memories of handline fishing off the pier with a length of orange builders line and a recycled piece of mono line that was teased out of an unfortunate tangled mess I found on the beach.

Skip forward 10, 20, 30, a lot of years ​and I have amassed a collection of different types of fishing reels.

Each with it's own uses and characteristics. ​

Today I wanted to go through an overview of each type of reel that I have and where you could use it in the swim.

What are the different types of fishing reels?

(Click on the handy links below to jump to that particular reel section.)

Spincast Reels | Spinning Reels | Baitrunner Reels | Baitcasting Reels

Spincast Reel | Beginners or Kids first fishing reel.

First up I want to talk about is the spincast reel. These particular reels are great for somebody just starting out in the sport of fishing or if you want to introduce your kids to fishing.

Simple to use and very little that can go wrong with it, the spincast reel is probably the easiest of all reel types to master.

A simple press of the button on the back of the reel releases the line, which is fed onto the rod through a centre hole in the from cone of the reel.​ Make your cast and once the lure or bait has hit the water crank the handle to re-engage the spool and start retrieving your line.


types of fishing reels

Go into any fishing store anywhere in the world and you will spot these reels a mile off - especially if you have kids with you as they inevitably head straight for them.

Clever marketing on the part of the manufacturers because they are usually decorated as Spiderman or Barbie ​styles.

Can you land decent sized fish with them? That's part of the challenge. They are great for small fish and just mucking around but if you happen to hook into something a bit bigger you will find they struggle. The drag system is basic enough.

You can view a good range of well priced spincast reels [easyazon_link keywords="spincast reels" locale="US" nw="y" nf="y" tag="rdreel-20"]here[/easyazon_link] on Amazon.

If you wanted a handy guide on how to cast a spincast reel then check out the video below form Shakespeare.

​Most of the big reel manufacturers like Shakespeare, Zebco, Abu Garcia, Pflueger and Daiwa make spincast reels so have a look around and find one that suits you. Price wise they are all very reasonable and great to get you started.

Overall a good beginner reel ​or perfect for the kids to get them started. Once you get 'hooked' on fishing you will most definitely upgrade to something a bit bigger.

This brings us on to our next reel type which is the common spinning reel.​

Spinning Reel | Best all round Fishing Reel

Fish for any length of time and you will have a spinning reel. This will most likely be the first reel you ever buy. The beauty of this type of reel is that it can be used for every type of fishing.

Flipping lures into a river or lake, live bait fishing in open water or just have a leisurely ​days fishing on a riverbank, the spinning reel will do the job for all.

Once you get the hang of fishing with a spinning reel it's a bit like riding a bike. You will fish away all day and not even notice you are using one.


spinning reel overview

Rigging up a spinning reel couldn't be more straight forward. ​Fix you line to the spool with an Arbor Knot, thread the line through the rod eyes, attach a hook and a sinker, a bit of bait, and away you go.

Some people (me included) use braided line for fishing so when rigging up new line to your spinning reel you should spool up a good length of monofilament line as backing for the braid first.​ This gives you the additional strength and feel with zero stretch braided line when you are chasing light touch fish.

PRO TIP: When adding line to your spinning reel make sure to fill the spool fully. I always see people fishing with spinning reels and have the spool only half loaded. This really hampers your casting as the line drags on the spool when you cast out. ​

How to use a spinning reel

To cast your bait or lure into the water with a spinning reel you grip the line to the rod shaft with your index finger and open the bail arm (5 in the image above) and pull back the rod behind you. Your other hand will be near the butt of the rod with a solid grip ready to cast. The next stage is to fire the rod in a forward action and just as the rod tip reaches you desired target location release your index finger holding the line.

When the lure or bait hits the water you can flick back over the bail arm or crank the reel handle and this will lock the line and spool back into position for reeling in.

I could write 1000 words on this topic but lets look at a quick video from  Gene Ellison to see how to cast a spinning reel properly.

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Baitrunner Reel | Great for predatory fish that run...

I fished for Snapper and sharks a fair bit when I lived in Australia and one of the most popular fishing reels at the time was the Baitrunner reel. Baitrunner reels are very similar to tradional spinning reels but have a switch on the back of the reel that releases the spool into sort of a free mode. 

This is very handy when you are fishing sharks and other large predatory fish who like to 'run' with your bait before they swallow the hook.

This type of fishing is great sport. You could be sitting for ages with no action and then suddenly you hear the whizzing sound of your spool nearly melting off the ​reel as a large fish has taken your bait and made a run for the hills.


baitrunner fishing reel

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Once the fish has had it's fun it's time to strike the rod and set your hook. The rest of the process is similar to a normal spinning reel. If i had to compare a spinning reel v's a baitrunner I would choose the baitrunner for sea fishing but keep to a normal spinning reel for inland river or lake fishing as the baitrunner action is not really needed.

If you are interested in seeing a baitrunner reel in action check out the video below where Birdy lands a monster Cod on light tackle. Quality fish on quality Shimano gear.​

​Kastking make a great budget baitrunner reel which you should take a look at. I fished with a Shimano Baitrunner reel in Oz that lasted me about 7 years before I lost it. A great baitrunner reel for the money at the time.

The reel in the video is the Shimano 6000OC and you can find their latest model here on Amazon

Baitcasting Reel | Best Lure Fishing Reel For Bass

The next reel we want to cover and my personal favorite is the Baitcasting reel. These particular style of reels are very popular with Bass fishermen because of their unique casting action.

Great for casting lures and flipping jigs, baitcaster reels, unique in their styling, ​are a top choice reel for Pro fishermen all over the world - Especially tournament Bass hunters.

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Designed primarily for lure fishing the baitcaster series of reels are ideal for lures like the Biko Jig or spinner baits.

One of the primary advantages of baitcasting reels over spinning reels has to do with the cast. When you cast a baitcaster you can control the speed at which the line peels off the reel​. This is great for fishing close to banks, weeds or fallen trees in the water.

PRO TIP: When adding line to your baitcasting reel (braided fishing line) make sure to use a monofilament backing first. In some cases you will get line slip if you tie your braid straight to the spool.

The reel I use has combatted this issue by providing small holes in the spool that you can thread the braid through before you load the spool.

I use the Abu Garcia Revo SX (read our Abu Garcia Revo Reel review here) and I have it loaded with ​top quality braided line - Moss Green by Spiderwire and it has caught me some crackin' fish over the past while. This is my go-to rig when I go lure fishing for freshwater species.

Below is a great overview of the Revo SX Baitcasting reel from the Abu Garcia ​team. Well worth a look if you are thinking about buying one of these reels

Pair this up with a decent spinning rod and you are good to go.​ One thing to note about this particular reel and all the reels we mention in this post it to make sure they are treated for Saltwater use as well as freshwater.

Thats it for now. We hope you find the information provided here on the different types of fishing reels of value. Next time around we will be discussing fly reels as we spend al lot of time during the summer evenings fishing for big trout on the Fly.

Tights lines everyone and if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment and I'll get back to you asap.

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When I started out fishing as a young lad I fished with whatever I could get my hands on. I have very fond memories of handline fishing off the pier with a length of orange builders line and a recycled piece of mono line that was teased out of an unfortunate tangled mess I found on […]

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Trout Worms. How To Fish Plastic Worms

Virtually everyone knows that fishing plastic worms have become one of the most effective techniques ever created. There is variety of types, sizes, and colors to choose from often leaving the average angler digging deeper into their wallets to find the perfect combination. If you prefer normal lure fishing check out our page on the […]

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Smallmouth Bass Fish Sizing Chart

We have often wondered how some guys can pretty much tell the exact weight of a fish by length or just by looking at it. 

A unique skill that gives way to some creative 'accounting' when it comes to bragging rights on the size of your catch. To set the record straight and help novice anglers train themselves in this art we came up with this sizing chart for Smallmouth Bass.

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Length          Weight
10 8 oz.
10.5 9 oz.
11 10 oz.
11.5 11 oz.
12 13 oz.
12.5 15 oz.
13 1 lb. 1 oz.
13.5 1 lb. 3 oz.
14 1 lb. 5 oz.
14.5 1 lb. 7 oz.
15 1 lb. 10 oz.
15.5 1 lb. 12 oz.
16 1 lb. 15 oz.
16.5 2 lb. 2 oz.
17 2 lb. 6 oz.
17.5 2 lb. 9 oz.

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Length      Weight
18 2 lb. 13 oz.
18.5 3 lb. 1 oz.
19 3 lb. 5 oz.
19.5 3 lb. 9 oz.
20 3 lb. 14 oz.
20.5 4 lb. 3 oz.
21 4 lb. 8 oz.
21.5 4 lb. 13 oz.
22 5 lb. 3 oz.
22.5 5 lb. 8 oz.
23 5 lb. 15 oz.
23.5 6 lb. 5 oz.
24 6 lb. 12 oz.
24.5 7 lb. 3 oz.
25 7 lb. 10 oz.

You can download a copy of the fish sizing chart here to print off and keep in your tackle bag and pull it out the next time on of the guys chances his arm...

With the world record sitting at 11lb. 15 oz. and 27" long are you going to be next to break the Smallmouth Bass World Record. (source)


World Record Smallmouth Bass
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