Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
Fishing Sunny Days
Fishing sunny days can be tough. Some times, it appears as if the lake has gone dead. When fishing on sunny days you need to understand a few things. First of all fish require three basic things to survive, oxygen, food, and safety. Secondly, the sun makes it easier to see in the water.
Fish need oxygen to live. Now that's a basic understanding of life. However, fish will get sluggish when oxygen levels fall. Warmer water holds less oxygen. Thus, the fish tend to go deeper on hot sunny days. There's another reason fish go deeper too. On bright sunny days fish know they are vulnerable from above. Fish know they can be seen by all types of predators on sunny days, so they go deeper or find cover to hide. The fish are less likely to stray far from their cover to chase your lure too. But fear not, the fish still want to eat (unless oxygen levels are too low.)
So what can you do?
The trick on a sunny day is to find the fish. Look for cover. Where would a fish hide. Every lake, river, or stream is different. Once you've found the spot you think the fish are hanging out, you've got to get your bait right into that spot. This can be tricky. But remember, on bright sunny days that fish may not stray far from the cover to chase a meal. Yes, the old lunker wants to eat, but she doesn't want to be eaten!
You can see into the water a lot better on sunny days. So too can the fish. The fish can see every detail on your lure. If it doesn't look like a meal, they aren't going to bite it. Try to use some real looking baits. Realistic flies, or high quality soft plastics. Personally I like to use the Northland Tackle Dip Stick Worms. They sink realistic and are flavored and scented. I have had success on sunny days with these baits. I think the biggest reason is that I can put them where I want them. Once the worm is there you don't need to do much with it. I like to twitch it a bit and do just about anything to make it tease and tempt. If I have to go deep, I can put a Northland Sling Shot Worm Weight on it and get it down deeper. You might also consider going to a lighter pound test monofilament. The fish may be able to see the larger diameter sizes and get spooked.
Other Considerations:
I think it's best to try different presentations on sunny days, but the most important aspect will be to find where the fish are hanging out. Even on prime fishing days in the best of conditions only 20% of any body of water will hold fish. On sunny days that percentage may very well start to shrink as fish are less likely to come out.
Have fun with it. Sometimes it is frustrating, but if fishing was easy and predictable it wouldn't be any fun. Just being outdoors is a wonderful break from life.
A true story:
One very sunny hot humid day, I went to the lake with my two children. When we got to the lake they both wanted to fish. At the time they were into pan fish, blue gills to be exact. When my two kids fished for bluegills, daddy didn't do much fishing. I literally took a fish off a hook roughly every two minutes!
It just so happened that my rod had a Jitterbug on it. That's right, a top water Jitterbug. I was too lazy to switch to something more appropriate for a sunny day. I cast it out, it hit the water and one of my children was asking me to take a tiny little bluegill off the hook when BAM! The biggest large mouth bass I have ever caught in this small lake nailed that top water Jitterbug (The bass weighed just about 5 lbs. I have to stress this is a small body of water in New England!). Now, that Jitterbug was nowhere near cover! It just goes to show you that you never know. It's hard to predict fish behavior. I have now caught two large large mouth bass on a Jitterbug on bright sunny afternoons. Both times I was being lazy fishing with my kids. So try something new, you never know!
Jax Cat Tackle
Fish need oxygen to live. Now that's a basic understanding of life. However, fish will get sluggish when oxygen levels fall. Warmer water holds less oxygen. Thus, the fish tend to go deeper on hot sunny days. There's another reason fish go deeper too. On bright sunny days fish know they are vulnerable from above. Fish know they can be seen by all types of predators on sunny days, so they go deeper or find cover to hide. The fish are less likely to stray far from their cover to chase your lure too. But fear not, the fish still want to eat (unless oxygen levels are too low.)
So what can you do?
The trick on a sunny day is to find the fish. Look for cover. Where would a fish hide. Every lake, river, or stream is different. Once you've found the spot you think the fish are hanging out, you've got to get your bait right into that spot. This can be tricky. But remember, on bright sunny days that fish may not stray far from the cover to chase a meal. Yes, the old lunker wants to eat, but she doesn't want to be eaten!
You can see into the water a lot better on sunny days. So too can the fish. The fish can see every detail on your lure. If it doesn't look like a meal, they aren't going to bite it. Try to use some real looking baits. Realistic flies, or high quality soft plastics. Personally I like to use the Northland Tackle Dip Stick Worms. They sink realistic and are flavored and scented. I have had success on sunny days with these baits. I think the biggest reason is that I can put them where I want them. Once the worm is there you don't need to do much with it. I like to twitch it a bit and do just about anything to make it tease and tempt. If I have to go deep, I can put a Northland Sling Shot Worm Weight on it and get it down deeper. You might also consider going to a lighter pound test monofilament. The fish may be able to see the larger diameter sizes and get spooked.
Other Considerations:
I think it's best to try different presentations on sunny days, but the most important aspect will be to find where the fish are hanging out. Even on prime fishing days in the best of conditions only 20% of any body of water will hold fish. On sunny days that percentage may very well start to shrink as fish are less likely to come out.
Have fun with it. Sometimes it is frustrating, but if fishing was easy and predictable it wouldn't be any fun. Just being outdoors is a wonderful break from life.
A true story:
One very sunny hot humid day, I went to the lake with my two children. When we got to the lake they both wanted to fish. At the time they were into pan fish, blue gills to be exact. When my two kids fished for bluegills, daddy didn't do much fishing. I literally took a fish off a hook roughly every two minutes!
It just so happened that my rod had a Jitterbug on it. That's right, a top water Jitterbug. I was too lazy to switch to something more appropriate for a sunny day. I cast it out, it hit the water and one of my children was asking me to take a tiny little bluegill off the hook when BAM! The biggest large mouth bass I have ever caught in this small lake nailed that top water Jitterbug (The bass weighed just about 5 lbs. I have to stress this is a small body of water in New England!). Now, that Jitterbug was nowhere near cover! It just goes to show you that you never know. It's hard to predict fish behavior. I have now caught two large large mouth bass on a Jitterbug on bright sunny afternoons. Both times I was being lazy fishing with my kids. So try something new, you never know!
Jax Cat Tackle
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Northland Tackle Dip-Stick Worms!
The Northland Tackle Dip-Stick Worm is an excellent bait for catching bass. If you're hooked on the Senkos you should try the Dip-Sticks. The Dip-sticks sink quickly as they are impregnated with heavy salt. They sink quick, yet so natural. I love watching these things sink, they just look so real and lifelike.
What do you catch with them? These will catch a wide variety of predatory fish. We have caught pickeral and the occasional perch (big too!). The fish we are going for when usingthe dip stick worms are bass. Bass just love these things! Not sure if it's the Sow Sauce, the fish flakes, the natural look, or the cool colors. These just catch fish.
The Dip-Sticks shown come with two Mustad ultra Point Rigging Hooks with rigging instructions.
You can see our listing at Jax Cat Tackle here.
With the Dip-Stick Worm, you should also consider the Sling Shot Worm Weight. This weight is revolutionary. You can change the weight without cutting your line. With a twist of the wrist you can change the weight. Works great with any plastic worm.Check these out here!
Check out Jax Cat Tackle for your fishing gear today!
Use our Free Shipping Code to get free shipping on orders over $50! The code is 50freeship
The code expires on june 30, 2009.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thomas Spinning Lures
The Thomas Spinning Lure Company has been making spoons for more than 60 years! The company started manufacturing their lures in 1948. At first the company copied European spoons. The company quickly began producing its own designs. The company's first original patent came in 1946 with the Buoyant Spoon.The Buoyant Spoon has been widely popular. The spoon can be retrieved or trolled with exceptional results. Many trout anglers swear by the Thomas Buoyant Spoon. There is no doubt that the spoon will catch, even the most finicky trout. The bait has over 60 years of production! Not many lures can make this claim.
Today the company manufacturers its spoons in the same building it started in. The major difference today is the modernization of the facilities. Producing well over 500,000 lures per year, the company has remained true to it's original roots. They produce top quality lures! The biggest difference today are the colors offered. The buoyant comes in a wide variety of color patterns in order to meet the demands of today's anglers worldwide.
If you are interested in catching trout, you've simply got to give this spoon a try! Not only are these spoons effective, they are also easy on the pocket. Check these out at Jax Cat Tackle today! Click Here to see the Thomas Buoyant Spoons.
Jax Cat Tackle
Monday, April 13, 2009
The Month of April is quickly approaching its end. Get in on this deal before the prices increase! This is an absolute bargain on a top quality mono-filament fishing line. Sufix fishing line is a high performance fishing line that has superior strength and durability. The most impressive aspect of this line is its near zero memory quality. What are we talking about?
Most fishing lines will "remember" the shape they had while on the spool or on your reel spool. Have you ever cast and noticed the cork screw appearance of your line? Has your line ever tangled up due to this? Well, that same quality of lower performance line will also impede your ability to cast accurately and reduce your distance. That is what line memory is and that is why it's bad. The Sufix brand of fishing line goes through a precision spooling process that nearly eliminates line memory. This means that when the line comes of the spool and into your reel, the line will just sit in your reel spool with no memory of being on the original spool! Each cast can be farther and more accurate because you won't be fighting with your line.
I have Sufix Elite on two of my rods. I really do like it. every year I seem to try something new. This year I am re-spooling these two rods with Sufix Elite again. I liked it that much. I am sticking with it.
Please feel free to comment. Every angler is different. we all have different likes and dislikes. What's your favorite fishing line?
Sufix fishing line can be purchased at Jax Cat Tackle. The price is so low, we can't post it here. Sale ends April 30, 2009 at 11:59 PM.
Best of luck with all your fishing!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The all new Rapala Clackin' Rap is here! Although I have not been able to use this fantastic new lure, because the ice still covers the lakes, I have had the opportunity to talk to a Rapala representative about the new bait design. The lipless crankbait made a strong first impression on me.First of all, the clacking sound the lure makes is really impressive. Inside the lure is a single stainless steel ball. As the lure wiggles through the water it's side to side motion makes the stainless steel ball contact the stainless steel metal discs on the outside of the lure. The sound is great. I have used other high tech baits, such as HiTek Tackle's XR50, and I have to say that the Rapala Clackin Rap simply has the better sound. Of course, I am not a fish, so we will have to put the lure through some real fishing to see if they like it. I have a suspicion that fish like bass, are going to love this thing.
What is just as impressive are the colors and eyes of this lure. The eyes are very lifelike.The colors of the lures are both striking and flashy. The lures have a translucent textured body with an internal holographic flash foil. The lure just looks good.
This crank bait is 3-1/8" long and weighs in at 7/8 oz. There is no doubt in my mind that this lure will cast like a bullet. You'll be able to get this thing out there with relative ease.
In addition, the lures come with the VMC Sure Set hooks on the belly. If your wondering what Sure Set hooks do... Sure Set hooks are made to hook those fish that miss. If you've been fishing long enough you know what I am saying. Sometimes the fish misjudge their srike. The Sure Set hook has the ability to hook these near miss fish.
At Jax Cat Tackle, we carry a wide variety of Clackin' Raps. Check them out by clicking here!
If you have used a Clackin' Rap please leave your comments and opinions so others will learn about this new offering from rapala.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
This month at Jax Cat Tackle:
What's new?
Just in! Woodstock fishing lines. We are proud to carry the Woodstock brand of fishing line. Woodstock has been in business for over 60 years. This family owned company makes braided lines. They make specialty lines for fly fishing, trolling, and casting applications.
What types of line?
Spectra Braided Line: The Woodstock braided Spectra line is simply a top rate line. How does it compare to Power Pro? In independent test it Woodstock Spectra line was stronger than Power pro by 10%. This line comes of the spool really well too.
Lead Core: Lead core fishing line is used by deep water anglers who troll. The point of lead core is that its weight allows the angler to get the line and hence the bait down deep. The bait will stay down too!
Copper Trolling Wire: Copper trolling works similar to the lead core. The concept is to use the heavy weight of the copper to get your line down deep fast. Some anglers prefer the copper over the lead core.
It does not really matter what your application is, Woodstock makes a line for it. You can check all these lines out at Jax Cat Tackle. Just click here!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Fishing the Vingla
The Bay De Noc Lure Company makes several quality brass lures. The lures made by Bay De Noc are all made in the USA from quality components. The company makes the Swedish Pimples which are very popular in the ice fishing arena. Today, let's discuss the merits of the company's Vingla series lures.The Vingla is a version of the Swedish Pimple. The major difference is that the Vingla has a unique wing design. This wing design helps the lure flutter and spin through the water. The lures have sharp colors and high flash. These lures work really good for casting and trolling applications.
To cast a vingla:
Simply cast as you would any other spoon. Work on your retrieve as you don't want it to go too fast. This bait mimics a forage minnow, which is every predator's favorite food. We suggest that you switch out the treble hook and replace it with the single hook provided. Install the single hook so that the point rides upright. This will reduce snagging up in weeds or bottom structure.
Pattern cast the bait. In this type of fishing you cast the lure out maybe 6-8 feet on your first cast. Retrieve your bait. You then cast 6-8 feet but roughly 5-6 feet to your right or left. After you have covered the area, cast out 10-12 feet. Again after each retrieve make your next cast 5-6 feet to the right or left. The idea is to fully cover an area before you move on to another spot.
The retrieve is very important. As with any lure, you want to vary your retrieve. Go slow, fast, and stop. Stopping is really critical. Let that lure fall again (Lures rise as they are retrieved). I have often caught the fish on the fall. I think the fall may trigger the predatory response in the fish. Be patient with it. Every lure has its own unique features. You really have to fish with it. Watch the lure coming in to see what it's doing. How is the lure working through the water? If you were a fish would you strike it? It has to appear real.
When you get the strike put the rod tip up. Don't tear the hook out! Keep your rod tip up and reel that fish in.
Trolling:
Trolling the Vingla is easy and effective. It is recommended by Bay De Noc that you use, at least, 10 pound test line. Bay De Noc also recommends that you keep the rod tips low. You definitely want to run these at a slow troll and with a lot of line out. On the strike get that rod tip up.
jig:
You can also jig the Vingla. We often jig it from a boat or a dock. The Vingla will flutter away from the baot as it sinks (roughly 2-1/2 feet for every 10 feet in the water. Your line weight and the currents will obviously affect this to a great degree.)
Type of fish:
With our focus this week on trout, it is no surprise that the Vingla is an absolute trout catcher. These catch brook, browns and rainbows in lakes, streams, and rivers. We usually recommend the smaller Vinglas for trout. These are the size 2V and 3V. Of course, there's always an exception, but these sizes appear to work best for these species.
Of course other predatory fish will also attack a Vingla. You can catch Bass (both large and Small mouth), walleye, perch, crappie, and more.
The Vingla is an incredibly versatile lure. Put several colors and sizes in your tackle box. Try to match the colors to what the fish are eating.
Where to buy:
Jax Cat Tackle
Best of luck
Jax Cat Tackle
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Spring Fishing!
There are some things in life that can rejuvenate the soul. Spring fishing is one of these things. To be out in the country air as the last snow spots melt away is so refreshing. I can't help but be awe inspired at the way nature cleans and heals as it changes with each season.
There is nothing quite like that first season cast. You throw that bait into the water with such high hopes. You cast, retrieve and repeat. If the fish are biting it's even better.
So now that we are all geared up to fish this spring. The looming question might be what do we use for bait? That's a tough question to answer as it largely depends on where you are and what species of fish you are targeting. Today, let's focus on trout.
Water: First make sure the water is ready. Trout are cold blooded. like other cold blooded creatures, trout will be rather dormant if the water table is too cold. A good rule of thumb is to check the temperature of the water. Some experts use the 44 degree rule. If the water is not 44 degrees they say skip the fishing. However, many people report catching trout in water that registered as low as 39-40 degrees. So don't be too quick to put that rod back in the car. You drove or walked there, take some casts to see what might be there.
During springtime rainbow and lake trout tend to be within the first 20 feet of the water column. It is a good rule of thumb to look around the lake. Is there ice cover? If there is ice, trout can often be found hiding just along the edges, ie. where the ice has melted away and meets the water (Please do not walk out onto thin ice). This is because many trout, like rainbows like to stay just under the ice during the winter. If there is no ice on the lake your best bet is to get that bait between the first 20 feet of the water column.
What to use: The obvious is live bait. For smaller trout use trout worms or night crawlers (night crawlers may be too big). Spoons may also be great. We often use the smaller Swedish Pimples. Some people use the Pimples only during the winter months. It's unfortunate, because these anglers are missing out on a really effective bait. For trout, we usually use the smaller Swedish Pimples. The smaller Pimples are sizes 2 and 3. We have customers who fish the Great lakes and they often order larger Pimples, such as sizes 5 and 6, for the large lakers they are after.
Other jigs may also do the trick. Northland Tackle makes a nift little jig called the Forage Minnow Jig. These have holographic baitfish images and flash like crazy. If jigged correctly, not too fast, these look realistic to the trout.
Best of luck to you.
Jax Cat Tackle
jaxcattackle.com
There is nothing quite like that first season cast. You throw that bait into the water with such high hopes. You cast, retrieve and repeat. If the fish are biting it's even better.
So now that we are all geared up to fish this spring. The looming question might be what do we use for bait? That's a tough question to answer as it largely depends on where you are and what species of fish you are targeting. Today, let's focus on trout.
Water: First make sure the water is ready. Trout are cold blooded. like other cold blooded creatures, trout will be rather dormant if the water table is too cold. A good rule of thumb is to check the temperature of the water. Some experts use the 44 degree rule. If the water is not 44 degrees they say skip the fishing. However, many people report catching trout in water that registered as low as 39-40 degrees. So don't be too quick to put that rod back in the car. You drove or walked there, take some casts to see what might be there.
During springtime rainbow and lake trout tend to be within the first 20 feet of the water column. It is a good rule of thumb to look around the lake. Is there ice cover? If there is ice, trout can often be found hiding just along the edges, ie. where the ice has melted away and meets the water (Please do not walk out onto thin ice). This is because many trout, like rainbows like to stay just under the ice during the winter. If there is no ice on the lake your best bet is to get that bait between the first 20 feet of the water column.
What to use: The obvious is live bait. For smaller trout use trout worms or night crawlers (night crawlers may be too big). Spoons may also be great. We often use the smaller Swedish Pimples. Some people use the Pimples only during the winter months. It's unfortunate, because these anglers are missing out on a really effective bait. For trout, we usually use the smaller Swedish Pimples. The smaller Pimples are sizes 2 and 3. We have customers who fish the Great lakes and they often order larger Pimples, such as sizes 5 and 6, for the large lakers they are after.
Other jigs may also do the trick. Northland Tackle makes a nift little jig called the Forage Minnow Jig. These have holographic baitfish images and flash like crazy. If jigged correctly, not too fast, these look realistic to the trout.
Best of luck to you.
Jax Cat Tackle
jaxcattackle.com
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