Lure retrievers are a necessity that every angler needs. On the boat or the bank, from cheap to expensive lures, this is a must have. If you have one, use it! Lure retrievers can be a pain to use, but will save your gear in damage and complete loss.
I look back at fishing since I was a kid and think about all the lures I could have saved from being lost to snags on the bottom, or how many hooks could have not been bent from me pulling hard. I remember fishing as a kid on my boat. The lake was crystal clear and I lost one of my favorite lures on a log. The lure was in 15 plus feet of water and there was nothing I could do to get it back. Snap! My line broke and the lure will be part of that log for a long time.
It wasn’t till I recently got into throwing big swimbaits that I realized that I needed a lure retriever. When I started buying some of the more expensive lures, I was really hesitant on using them for the fear of losing one or snagging. I watch several people talk about lure retrievers on Facebook groups. I knew I needed one. I just wished I would have remember when I snagged one of my custom swimbaits.
I want to hear your story, tell me when you should have used one or the big bait you lost! Or, are you still on the fence about getting one? Actually, show everyone your favorite store bought or custom made lure retrievers below or on my Facebook group “SWIMBAIT MAYHEM”
I’ve always been looking for the best deal on batteries for my boats and I’ve actually been faithful to one battery since my first one. Wal-Mart deep cycle batteries are always affordable, available with great warranties. We all know how easy it is to return something to Wal-Mart so that always helps.
These three particular batteries were bought back in the summer of 2013 and used heavily. I fish trolling motor only lakes predominantly and thus the need for three. I can burn through all three with two trolling motors in about 8 hours of fishing on these lakes.
At the time of this review, I’ve had these batteries almost 4 years and used them heavily. Here is the part I’m not proud of, but glad you can see the quality of these batteries due to my abuse. Now, I could get even more time out of them had I followed proper guide lines for maintenance. But…..things happen.
I left these batteries in the back of my truck during cold and scorching days, and they repeatedly were tossed and bumped around for weeks at a time. Let’s just say, these batteries took a beating. I drained these batteries beyond use on so many occasions I could never keep track of. I consistently brought them home and never charged them until days or the day before a fishing trip.
I did absolutely everything you are not supposed to do to a battery and these batteries have lasted over four years and should go to year five.
If you are in the market for a reasonably priced battery that will last, the Wal-Mart EverStart deep cycle batteries are a great choice. If they can take the abuse I subjected them to and on trolling motor only lakes they will work on any boat.
Please comment and below and let me know your impression and questions.
Being frustrated is just one aspect of learning the art of throwing big swimbaits, staying committed is the key to becoming successful with these huge and detailed baits. This has hands down been the most frustrating fishing adventure I have been on.
Staying committed is a long term and short term thing in the swimbait world. The short term is staying committed to the individual cast. This video is dedicated to that frustration. More importantly, this leads to staying committed to swimbait fishing in general. If you get frustrated with just one day or one cast, you will eventually become frustrated and may just completely give up.
I absolutely refuse to give up on things that I start and I’m committed to becoming a proficient swimbait angler. Don’t ever give up on learning how to throw swimbaits. If you have been in this situation before, how did you get through the hard parts? Are you going through the same frustrations? Are you just getting started or thinking about getting started? Let everyone know below and share your experiences.
Please take a moment to watch the video and let me know your thoughts. I have also started a Facebook Group: Swimbait Mayhem – Beginners Group, head over and join the conversation.
Let me know what you think! Click Here for the video
Waterproof GoPro Camera Storage: This waterproof Plano tackle box keeps cameras and accessories organized on and off the water.
As an angler and amateur filmmaker, I need a waterproof camera storage solution that fits the needs of a filmmaker and an angler. This waterproof Plano tackle box is the ideal solution for me to keep my cameras and accessories organized on and off the water.
Starting off with one camera storage was never really a concern for me. Especially since my first camera for shooting YouTube videos was around $75. I slowly started to add cameras, batteries, cables, and accessories to my collection. I routinely found myself out fishing and forgetting something at home or just not being able to find it at all.
I decided I needed to find a solution to keep everything safe and dry. Even though some of the cameras are waterproof, not everything is though. So waterproof was a top priority to find a storage solution. I quickly found that I could use material that is commonly use as underlayment for hardwood and laminate flooring, plus it helps blocks out some light to keep the contents cooler.
I chose the waterproof Plano 1-3 tackle box to keep my cameras and gear organized. The biggest plus for me using this particular box is the fact it fits perfectly in my tackle box.
If you have any suggestions or ideas, please share them below.
Throwing big baits brings a new set of problems, especially the combination of big swimbaits and bait casting reels. Adjusting your reel properly will save you a lot of grief and problems with backlashes. These are the simple steps that I follow to keep me fishing and avoiding problems on the water. Adjusting your reel for swimbaits is getting the proper setting of brakes and spool tension.
The first step is the brakes. I set the brakes at a ¾ setting and this helps with the control of the spool once your lure hits the water. The spool brake is the next part of your reel that needs to be adjusted and the most important step, due to the heavy nature of big baits. I set the brake at the point, that when you release the spool the lure doesn’t move. I then slowly adjust the brake to a slow controlled fall. In this fall the spool should stop spinning when the lure reaches the water or the ground. At that point, I release the brake just a little more to fairly quick fall. This is the ideal fall rate for me when throwing big baits.
This is by far not the only way to do adjust your reel for swimbaits or big baits, but it is one that works for me. Comment below if it helps or not. Also, if you have a different way, please share so we can all learn! As always, if you ever have any questions ask below.
Just this year I got started back into big baits. Especially swimbaits, and I’ve seen so much discussion on getting a starter rod that won’t break the bank. This is really hard for the hardcore swimbait throwers out there. I get the idea, “you get, what you pay for”, but for people on a limited budget and trying to figure out if this is something for you. Well, this rod is the cheapest I could find and it’s really growing on me. I’m also going to use this rod for catfishing as well. So, if you buy this rod and don’t like it for big baits or throwing big baits is not for you…well then you have a perfectly good catfishing rod to use!
This is also a part of my series Swimbait and Big bait Mayhem. Follow along with me as I learn a new fishing technique. Have ideas for new articles or videos, please comment below!
A few years ago, I bought my first swimbait and later on, my first 12 in worm for fishing. However, I didn’t have the correct gear to throw such big baits. This year I’ve gotten back into throwing big baits to include swimbaits, glidebaits, big worms, big jigs, well you get the point. I use social media to gain a lot of information when I starting something new. However, the sources of information are lacking and some social media groups are not for beginners. I’ve decided to start a few “Projects” to document how I start something new.
So what is the “Project”? It’s just that a project on how I’m starting something new and documenting how I’m getting started. You can learn along the way with me or go back and see how I got started. I’m also going to build a Facebook group specifically for talking about getting started in something new. This Facebook group will cater to those people getting started and I will keep it from getting extremely negative like some groups.
My first two “Projects” are kind of related. So I will be launching “Project” Swimbait Mayhem and “Project” Big Bait Mayhem. So why two different ones, swimbaits are in their own world while you use the same gear to throw other big baits as well. To me, I think they are different so I will keep them separated. I will only have one Facebook Group and two separate blog section for each.
Still thinking about being a PRO-STAFF member or think it’s a waste of your time? Well, see what I’ve done in just a matter of months!
A few months ago I wrote an article detailing the difference between be a “PRO-STAFF” and “SPONSORED” angler working for a company and how they differed. I do find a little entertainment in the fact that people still don’t understand the benefits of being a “PRO-STAFF” and what it can do for your wallet and career.
Being a “PRO-STAFF” is more than just a discount or a free t-shirt, it’s having the ability to professionalize your hobby and putting that first foot in the door. It’s exposure to other anglers and brands. It’s an internship and a chance to prove what you really have to support a company and demonstrate your commitment. It’s a game changer for those who never would have thought it was possible to start a career in the fishing industry.
I took the opportunity to work with Ardent Outdoors and ran with it. In my mind, it was my time to show people how I could really help them out, without even asking for a single thing in return. I’m not a tournament angler and needed to take advantage of my website and my understanding of Social Media and go to work.
Doing “PRO-STAFF” work for a company you get access to sales and sometimes giveaways and contest. Ardent just happened to run a recruiting event and was giving away $1000 in free gear. Yes, a $1000 in free rods and reels! I put my website and social media skills to work and for the month of November 2016, I was the winner!
I walked away with 5 brand new Ardent reels and 3 brand new Ardent rods to add to my arsenal. Winning that contest freed up much-needed money that I could apply to other needs. If you are not part of a “PRO-STAFF” team, then you are not taking advantage!
Speaking of “TEAM” you get access to thousands of other anglers in the various “PRO-STAFF” teams. I’ve made countless connections that will last my career in the fishing industry. So what are you really waiting for?
If you want to take the step and join the Team Ardent Tournament Anglers PRO-STAFF program and get your career started. Contact me today for details.
UPDATE TO MY FIRST ARTICLE, AS I’VE FINALLY KEYED INTO CATCHING FISHING AROUND THE BRIDGES OF THE FLORIDA KEYS!
On my latest trip to the Florida Keys, I wasn’t afforded a lot of time to fish while I was working. I was able to sneak in a few hours after my flight arrived and one late evening after work. I took the lessons from my first trip and put them to work the first day. It resulted in some small fish and even some that I have never seen before. The one thing I was missing was weight to get down and stay down in the currents.
My last night in the Keys I checked out the bridge going from Key West to Fleming Key. You do need a government ID to access this bridge. However, you can use the same technique at the many Key bridges along the way.
One thing I wish I would have changed was heavier and more durable line. The line I was testing out was extremely strong, but it was not very abrasion resistant. So I lost all my lures and all but one fish!
The thing I learned on the final night was getting down deep out in the main current out in front of the bridge. I used 2oz jigs with Z-MAN Diezel Minnowz and metal blade baits. I hooked up with quite a few fish and broke most off. I was able to land this nice Mangrove Snapper that evening. On a final note, the only saving grace, I brought my new Ardent C-Forcereel. The C-Force has plenty of drag to fight some pretty big saltwater fish!
Today, with social media and the internet the average angler can play a huge role in promoting companies without being a tournament angler, having a website, or a tv show. The “Average Joe Fisherman” can now serve a role in a fishing company’s publicity! When it comes to promoting a fishing company there are two types “Sponsored” and “Pro Staff” and they both mean different things.
Actions are also associated with each and help you identify which one you most affiliate with.
SPONSORED usually means that a company is reaching out to you. You have something they want and they are giving you either financial, product or both in return for using and promoting the company. These anglers are well-known tournament anglers or have a unique niche with a huge following.
PRO STAFF means the angler reaches out the company. You want something they have either through being a fan of their product or maybe it’s something new you want to try.
Focusing on the benefits of being a Pro Staff member for a particular company and how it can help you get started working for, supporting, and promoting a company. If you haven’t developed a following or made it big yet on a tournament trail this can be important. Maybe you are just a weekend fisherman and you have a great social media following. Being a Pro Staff can help you out.
Benefits of being a Pro Staff:
Discount on merchandise, I’ve seen on average a company will give you between 30-50% off retail prices for being a Pro Staff. Let’s be honest, if you need help getting started, having this discount can be huge.
Occasionally a company will give you an initial load-out of gear. They might give you a few pieces of merchandise to get you started as a good gesture. Don’t always count on this, though. It also doesn’t hurt to ask either for this if not offered.
Access to the companies social media feeds and followers. Most people starting out may at most have several thousand “likes” or “followers” on any particular social media platform. By using a company and tagging them in the post you access their following for even greater exposure. If you make a great post, picture, or video they may even feature it.
Responsibilities of being a Pro Staff:
Use the products frequently and maximize exposure on your social media. Take great pictures/videos and be honest! Incorporate the logo on the merchandise to make things less tacky.
Learn how to tag the company in any given social media platform, it helps the company and yourself!
Don’t just get something and run, I promise this is a small world and word will get around.
Exclusivity and Pro Staff:
I’m torn when it comes to exclusivity clauses with Pro Staff opportunities. I’m grateful for the opportunity to support a company and receive a discount and potentially some gear to boot. But, the only way I would exclusively promote a company is if a contract was signed and I was paid by the company. If you are ok with exclusively promoting say just one reel company then go for it.
There are some things you can do as a Pro Staff member to help you out when asking for discounts, merchandise or monetary compensation in the future.
Keep track of the following information and build a strong social media presence.
If you don’t have a website, at least start a Facebook Page to keep track of your post. This also allows you to write short blog posts.
If you are into video getting a cheap action camera and promoting on YouTube and Vimeo is a great idea, plus you can earn a little money on the side as well.
Don’t forget Twitter, Instagram, Fishidy, and Fishbrain as well.
Keep a log of the following information; Posts, Views, Shares, Impressions, and Clicks. This is great info to show a company what you have done for them and the exposure you have created in exchange for your gear or discount. This helps when going back to the table to ask for more.
In the end, being a Pro Staff for a company is a great way of getting started in the fishing industry, I’m currently a Pro Staff for Ardent Outdoors and Rayjus Outdoors.
ARDENT is actively seeking Pro Staff! Email me at thenationalangler@gmail.com for more information!
Let me know what you think and if you have questions, please feel free to ask below! Always willing to help out!
Semper Fish!
Joe, The National Angler
This is by far not the only way to do adjust your reel for swimbaits or big baits, but it is one that works for me. Comment below if it helps or not. Also, if you have a different way, please share so we can all learn! As always, if you ever have any questions ask below.
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