Fishing Tackle

Park Falls, WI (March 4, 2013) - Angling for different species calls for diverse techniques, each technique typically requiring a unique rod. But acquiring "specialty" poles for every ploy can be out of budget's reach. For that reason, the rod designers at St. Croix created the Triumph series of spinning and casting rods - all made with the thoughtfulness and integrity that is St. Croix.

Four new Triumph spinning models join the lineup for 2013, including a medium-heavy
7-footer and three potent 7-foot 6-inchers that span the action-gamut from medium-light to medium-heavy.

For anglers residing in the northern states or parts of Canada, the white stuff is blanketing the ground in many places. Fishing rods are seeing very little use these days, unless it is those made specifically for the ice.

Here are a few DIY tricks for getting your rods back to store-bought shape. Ideal for those of us in winterization mode. Or for those more southern brethren that have a little spare time between catching fish in your more favourable climes.

Tackle the Grip

We were fishing together, yet we were fishing in two different boats. Neither of us wanted to fish from the back of another angler's boat — both of us wanted to fish from the bow. Our solution has always been to take two boats. Someone asked me one time why we took two boats. My answer was — because we can!

Newcomers to the freshwater angling world usually find spinning gear easier to use than baitcasters. Learning to operate and cast with a spinning rod and reel is relatively painless and free from the frustration caused by backlashes. Subsequently, spinning reels are what most anglers use as they begin to learn how to fish.

The other day I was re-organizing some gear, getting ready for another busy guide season that will be here quicker than I sometimes realize. I picked up one of my St.Croix spinning rod/Shimano spinning reel combos and was reminded what a splendid setup this has proven to be.

In this gear review I want to share one of the best year-round lures in my angling arsenal, the Northland Fishing Tackle Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon. Retailing for between $4.50 to $5.50 and available in 1/16-, 1/8-, 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2- and 3/4-ounce sizes, this lure catches a multitude of species. Classified a jigging spoon, the Buck-Shot shines in straight-down scenarios for a variety of reasons.

In recent years, for many anglers fishing has become a year-round activity. So what if it's winter out. So what if its threatening snow and ice freezes in your rod guides and beard and your coffee gets cold the minute you pour it. 

If there's a fish to be caught, or even a chance one might be caught, these intrepid anglers are out there.

On the other hand, if you're a more casual, fair-weather angler, you might want to take a look at your tackle now, before you break it out later this spring.

Don’t be afraid to change baits when fishing slows down. Giving fish a new look is sometimes all it takes to put several of them in your boat.

Say, for example, you fish an area that is holding good fish and you catch one or two on a crankbait. Before moving on, work the area again with a crankbait that has a different action or maybe one that will run a little deeper or shallower.

This is an exceptionally strong loop when tied correctly. But be sure to use the right number of turns and tighten your knot very carefully.

The time for some of the most amazing bass fishing is just around the corner. Those that are in-the-know with current trends know what I am talking about. IT IS ALABAMA RIG TIME!!!