It's not often people use the terms power fishing and finesse fishing together but here is one time it definitely applies.
The folks at Z-man Fishing came up with a new twist on their original chatterbait to be used any time bass are chasing smaller forage as bass pro Stephen Browning discusses below!
I can think of several applications where this will shine this season...
Do you ever have moments when you're looking for a different power presentation around shallow or submerged grass?
I know I have and there is one type of bait that I have never even thought of using even though it's been around for decades.
The wakebait is one lure that can definitely "fit the bill".
And since you normally fish it on a steady or slightly erratic retrieve, it's almost like you're surface cranking for bass :)
Take a moment and listen to bass pro John Cox explain how he uses a wakebait to trigger explosive strikes as he probes the grass flats...
Ready to try the wakebait for shallow cranking?
Rig one up on your favorite rod & braided line, cast around shallow cover, start cranking and hold on!
Springtime can be a great time to catch lots of decent size bass as they begin there move across the flats in search of their spawning areas. Spring is also a time when lots of weather fronts cross our favorite bassin' lakes sending our prey in search of deeper water.
Man-made ditches, natural drains & creek channels traversing across the flats often provide that deeper water haven front-shocked bass seek.
Finding the key areas along the depression's path and probing those spots with yo-yo'd lipless crankbaits can often mean the difference between a day of just fishing or catching bass.
Take a moment, watch the following video and see what I mean :)
The first time I saw a spinnerbait (a McCollum's Bush Hog), I thought it was one of the strangest baits I had ever seen. After a little research however, I bought a few and it quickly became my go to lure during my early bassin' days.
After years of research and experimentation, I learned many of the details of different spinnerbait components and construction that have helped make it one of the more versatile baits in the box.
I only wish one of the early spinnerbait experts provided a synopsis of that info so my learning processed was quicker.
It just so happens bass pro Jason Christie has done just that creating a fantastic video breaking down all aspects of the spinnerbait including:
Why is the Rapala Shad Rap often referred to as the king of winter crankbaits?
One of the oldest bass fishing lures around is the good ole hair jig.
Over the years numerous versions of hair jigs, ranging from micro jigs used for float n fly rigs to large bucktail versions employed when probing ledges for summer bass, have been developed to catch bass under a variety of conditions.
Despite the wide range of jigs available, traditional hair jigs in sizes from 1/16th to 1/4 oz with full bodies tied using either deer, bear, rabbit, fox fur; marabou or modern synthetics excel when chasing bass in the late winter through pre-spawn period.
Take a few moments and listen to bass pro Mike "Ike" Ianconelli give his thoughts on hair jig fishing for cold water bass...
My favorite hair jigs include an 1/8 oz minnow-style head in either black, brown, perch or shiner patterns.
What's your favorite?
Given the multitude of options for vertically-oriented (jigs, soft plastics, etc.) bass lures, a little professional advice is always welcome.
This is especially true when considering the rapidly changing conditions from early spring and into the summer.
Take a couple of minutes and listen to bass pro Denny Brauer's thoughts on how he selects the best bait as water temperatures climb from the low 50s and into the 70s...
The introduction of fluorocarbon fishing lines was a great advancement in bass fishing since it provides anglers with more abrasion resistance, less stretch and lower line visibility over monofilament and braided lines.
Even with all these advantages, fluorocarbon lines weren't without issues especially when it came to finding knots with great knot strength and that did not allow the line to slip and untie.
Take a few moments and listen to bass pro Shaw Grigsby demonstrate how to tie two of his favorite fluoro knots, the double pitzen and double improved clinch knots:
It appears G-man likes a version of the pitzen just with a few more twists as he describes below :)
In today's ever-changing world of hi-tech bassin' gear there's one advanced tool that may or may not appropriate for many bass anglers.
When it comes to tools like electric trolling motors, GPS enhanced sonar units or shallow water anchor systems (like Power Pole), it may easy to justify their addition to your fishing tool box.
But what about underwater camera systems like those developed by Aquavu?
For many anglers the jury maybe still out but if it's one of the additions you are considering, here are some thoughts and tips by bass pro Jeff Gustafson that you may find helpful...
For those bass anglers fortunate enough to fish open water for bass in the winter, many rely on the staple baits for winter bassin' like
Getting antsy for warmer weather and the new bass season?
Is all your gear prepped and ready to join you on the water when the weather breaks?
Most bass folks know enough to prep our rods n reels, as well as reorganize/replenish our bait boxes but have you also prepped your favorite hardbaits for the new season?
There are two consistent things about winter bass fishing. First and foremost, winter bass moods tend to be sluggish with very short but intense periods of feeding.
Though winter bass fishing can be tough, winter is also a season that produces some of the biggest bass of the season.
One of the best baits for imitating groups of baitfish is the Alabama rig (A-rig) and here are several tips for using it to produce a winter trophy bass...
All bass anglers encounter tough jig bite days that has us trying every trailer option on our box.
But there is one soft plastic bait that most of us may never think t try!
What is it?
How do you present it?
What's the best hookset to use when you get bit?
Take a moment and let bass pro Jamie Hartman explain his tricks for fooling finicky bass into biting:
Burning a crankbait along rocky banks for cold water, winter bass, really?
Yes indeed or it's an option bass pro Clent Davis' uses through out the winter months.
When normal slow winding retrieves aren't working, Davis claims that speed cranking a smaller, baitfish-pattern crankbait can often produce reaction bites slow cranking won't...
Take a moment, watch the video and see what he means:
Tokyo rig?
What is a Tokyo rig?
How and when would you use a Tokyo rig?
What's the best rod and reel setup when using a Tokyo rig?
Will the Tokyo rig work on spring bass?
Don't know the answer to these questions and want to learn more?
Watch the following video as Rapala/VMC pro Dan Quinn answer these questions and more...
Most bass anglers spend part of their time on the water trying to lure bass hiding beneath grass beds.
When many bass anglers think of lipless crankbaits, the image of either a Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap or Cordell Spot usually pops into our heads. These baits were two of the earliest, baitfish-shaped, rattling lipless cranks in a market where nearly every hardbait manufacturer has introduced their own version.
So you might wonder... Is the knocking version really any better?
Listen to Strike King pro angler Greg Hackney provide his thoughts on how the SK Red Eye Shad Tungsten 2 Tap provides options to his lipless crankbait toolbox...
Lipless crankbaits can be one of your best cold water bass catching tools starting in the fall through the pre-spawn season.
One of the most popular finesse bass catching methods over the last several years is the Ned rig; a relatively short plastic bait, often a worm or short stickbait rigged on a light mushroom-shaped jighead with a light wire hook.
Though their are many ways to fish a Ned Rig correctly, ZMan bass pro Miles Burghoff has compiled a list of 6 different mistakes he often sees budding Ned rig anglers make as he lists in the following video...
We all run into those days when moving baits only produce the occasional bass strike. Often using finesse type presentations like the Ned rig will not only produce a few more bites but enough bites to "load the boat" as they say.
Properly modifying a soft stickbait and matching it to the right style and size Ned-head can be the key to optimal fishing success.
Take a few minutes and listen as bass pro Ott Defoe explains his approach to different fishing conditions
Tips for fishing the wacky rig that is 😁
When most people see the wacky rig for the first time, they often scoff at it as something a novice would rig because they didn't know better. Matter of fact, I avoided trying for years until the day when my back-seater catch 5 bass to everyone I would catch. When I switched, I quickly narrowed the gap and have been a fan ever since.
One of the best baits for springtime bass fishing is undoubtedly the spinnerbait. With bass moving shallow and seeking cover as ambush spots for cruising bait, the weedless nature of a spinnerbait, combined with the ability to fish it from the top to bottom of the water column make it the perfect springtime bass bait.
Bass pro Jason Christie is a well known spinnerbait expert that loves chunkin' the old spinner for shallow water, springtime bass.
Take a few moments and watch Christie's on the water springtime spinnerbait clinic, you'll be glad you did!
Christie is also a pro for Booyah Baits and recently helped them design the new Covert spinnerbait series in a variety of fish catching spinnerbait configurations to match a wide variety of water clarity and temp conditions.
They also provide a great interactive graphic designed to identify the best for specific water conditions which can be accessed via the following link:
Covert Series Spinnerbait Chart
We hope this advice helps up your springtime spinnerbait success!
When it’s time to go fishing on the ice, you’ll need to pay special attention to ice fishing clothing options. Ice fishing conditions are very cold and it’s important that you do all you can to protect your body from harmful temperatures.
First, begin with dressing in layers. You’ll want to have several layers so that you can adjust what you’re wearing. Remember, you can always take a layer off if you get too hot, but you can only add on what you have with you.
Begin with a bottom layer that’s worn closest to your skin. This layer of clothing needs to always remain dry. You may want to choose a type of thermal underwear. This will insulate your body and protect it from cold.
Then you can begin layering your clothing on top of the under layer. On the outside of your body you’ll want to focus on clothing that is water repellent and wind resistant. The most dangerous part of ice fishing is the cold wind. This can cause problems with hypothermia and frostbite quickly.
Ice fishing suits are available that encompass all you need in order to stay dry and warm. You can always remove this layer if you become too hot or conditions are calm, but it’s important to have it when things are windy, wet, and cold.
You’ll also need to protect your extremities. Hands and feet are the first places on the body that become damaged in cold temperatures. For your feet, you’ll want to wear socks that are made for cold conditions and wear insulated, waterproof boots for protection. It is important that your socks never get wet – wet socks cannot keep you warm.
Wearing ice fishing gloves will also protect your fingers and hands. Many people choose to wear wool finger gloves. These are gloves that allow you to still use your fingers for baiting your hook, but keep the rest of your hands warm.
The wool material is safer if it gets wet than other materials. In addition, you can wear a glove over the finger gloves to keep your fingertips warm when you don’t need them. By wearing two sets of gloves, you guarantee better protection from the cold.
Finally, you need to protect your head and face. You’ll want to look for a hat that is warm, has flaps that cover your ears, and offers a visor for protection from the sun and the wind. With the appropriate ice fishing clothing you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Check out Omnia Fishing's ice gear by clicking on the link below!
There are two types of ice fishing houses. One type is a temporary, portable shelter and is the most common. This is perfect if you’re interested in the sport, but you’re on a budget or if you’re new to ice fishing and not ready to make a big investment.
The second type of ice fishing house is an RV style house that has amenities such as a kitchen, bathroom, beds, and built in ice fishing holes. These are usually on a trailer that can be pulled to your fishing site.
One of the first considerations when shopping for an ice fishing house is budget. There’s a wide range of costs associated with these shelters and the features you’ll get will depend on how much you’re willing to spend. In general, you’ll find that shelters cost between $150 and $1000. The RV style house will cost several thousand dollars. Here we will focus on the temporary shelter.
Once you’ve narrowed your budget, you’ll want to look for features that improve your experience. For example, you’ll want a shelter that’s quick and easy to set up and take down. You don’t want to spend your whole time on the ice setting up your shelter when you could be fishing instead.
You’ll want your shelter to be wind resistant and water resistant. Obviously the point of having a shelter is to protect you from the elements. It will do you no good to have a shelter that still allows the elements to come in.
Next you’ll need to decide how many doors and windows you’d like for your shelter. That’s a matter of personal preference. Ice fishing houses usually have two to six windows inside them. This allows you to peak outside and to have a source of natural light. The number of doors will depend on how many people are in your group.
It’s important to make sure your shelter as a strong anchoring system to protect you when you’re experiencing high winds. Some shelters have extra features such as areas that secure your gear, floors, and insulation that protects you from the elements even further. When looking for an ice fishing house, you’ll need to consider the features you need and the price you can afford.
Check out the ice fishing gear available via Omnia Fishing by clicking on the link below:
If you’re new to ice fishing, you probably have many questions about ice fishing tackle. Being a newbie in a sport can be intimidating, but here are a few basic tips to help you get started with building up your own supply of tackle.
First, tackle is the term that refers to fishing gear. While some people use the word tackle to refer to terminal tackle such as bait and hooks, it can really be applied to any type of gear. Ice fishing tackle can include rods, reels, hooks, lines, sinkers, and bait.
When going ice fishing, you’ll need to have at least the minimum amount of tackle in order to enjoy your experience and succeed at catching fish. Let’s take a look at some of the most important equipment for an ice fisherman.
You’ll need to be able to create a hole. To do this, you’ll need an ice auger. This is a tool that helps you to drill a hole in the ice. You’ll also need a skimmer to help remove ice chips from the hole and allow access to fish.
You may not think about this, but you’ll need a seat of some kind. There seats you can buy from a sporting goods store that are portable and allow comfort for a long day on the ice. You’ll need a bait bucket and a dip net as well. The dip net will allow you to get out bait without getting your hands wet. In cold temperatures, staying dry is the most important consideration.
You’ll obviously need a fishing rod in order to catch fish. The type of rod you choose depends on the type of fish you’re going to try to catch. You’ll want to talk to local fisherman about what type of fish are common in your area so you’ll know what type of rod you need.
After deciding on a rod, you’ll need the appropriate line for your rod. You’ll also need hooks, leaders, jigs, and lures. All of these items can be purchased when you’ve made your choice of a rod. Online sites are good at offering special kits that include all you need at a discounted price.
In addition to ice fishing tackle, you need to make sure you’re prepared to stay warm in icy cold conditions. You’ll need to have appropriate clothing that can keep you not only warm, but also dry. Having the proper attire along with ice fishing tackle can make your sport fun and safe.
Check out the geat ice fishing gear selection at Omnia Fishing vis the following link:
In today’s ice angling world, ice fishing rods have become very sophisticated. When it comes to purchasing one, you have a lot of choices and options. First, you’ll need to consider the type of fish you’re trying to catch. This makes all the difference in what type of rod you’ll need.
Rods come classified, in general, as ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy. This refers to the amount of power the rod has in relation to the fish you’re trying to catch. Smaller fish require lighter rods and larger fish need heavier rods. You’ll want to get the lightest rod possible for the type of fish that you want to catch.
The type of fish will be determined by what’s available in your area. Do a little homework by talking to other fisherman in your area about what they catch. You can also contact your local fish and wildlife department to get ideas.
The type of material that the rod’s blank is made of is also a big consideration. Some of the top choices include fiberglass and graphite. There are also composite materials available. These are all produced so well that it just really depends on your personal choice.
You’ll also want to look at the number of line guides on your rod. These are also called eyes. They help determine the performance of the rod and the more you have the better. You’ll want to choose a rod that has five or six line guides. Four is acceptable, but you wouldn’t want to go with any fewer.
The handle material also impacts your fishing experience. There are many possible choices including foam, cork, plastic, and even graphite. The goal is to have a handle that warms easily when held and is also sensitive to the vibrations of the fish.
Cost is another major consideration. If you’re new to ice fishing, you may not want to buy the most expensive equipment. It might be better to get economical equipment until you’ve decided you’re going to continue the sport. Once you know you want to practice ice fishing long term, you can invest more money into your gear.
Once you’ve looked at all the factors, it’s time to buy your rod. Your best bet for choosing a quality rod at a good price is by looking online. Many online retailers offer a wide variety of choices and make shopping for an ice fishing rod as simple as a few clicks of the mouse.
Check out the great selection of ice fishing gear available at Omnia Fishing by clicking on the following link:
If you’re looking for ice fishing gear, there are several options for buying it. The top two options are brick and mortar sporting goods stores and online retailers. There are pros and cons to each, but you’ll find that purchasing online will get you the most variety and the best deals.
When you go to a brick and mortar store you’ll be able to see products first hand. However, you’ll be limited to what the store has in stock. If you make a special order for an item to be shipped to the store you’ll generally have a lengthy wait and you’ll need to make a return trip to pick up your merchandise.
Brick and mortar retailers also have higher priced items. This is simply because they have more overhead. They have to pay for a building, utilities, and staff. This cost is all built in to the products that you buy from them.
The benefit of going to a brick and mortar store is that you can actually see and handle merchandise first hand before you buy it. Some people prefer to know exactly what they’re getting ahead of time.
When you choose an online retailer, you’ll find that there are many benefits. First, you’ll find a huge variety of items can be purchased online. If you’re looking for an ice fishing shelter, rods, line, hooks, and bait you’ll find hundreds of options when you begin to search online. You won’t be limited by what you can physically find in your area.
Shopping online will also give you multiple stores where you can have a greater selection. If you wanted to price compare at brick and mortar stores you’d find yourself driving around all day. Online shopping requires just a few clicks.
Online retailers often offer deep discounts on products because their overhead is so low. In addition, items will be shipped directly to your door. That means less work on your end to get your items – no trips back and forth to the store.
When you shop online for ice fishing gear, you’ll also find that you can see what others thought of the product. Looking at reviews- both good and bad – can help you to decide what product is best for you and avoid pitfalls that others have faced.
Whether you’re new to ice fishing or a seasoned pro, you’ll find that online purchasing of ice fishing gear can stretch your dollar further and be very convenient.
Check out a great online vendor for ice fishing gear by clicking on the following link:
Fishing during the winter can result in catching some truly huge bass…
As long as you can find them that is 
So how can you increase your chances of catching more winter bass and possibly even your personal best for the year?
Take a few moments and listen to Matt Allen of Tactical Bassin’ explain key areas and approaches to locate bass wintering areas…
Enjoy 