Category: The National Angler

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Travel Rods

Travel Rods

Travel rods are probably one of the most overlooked items an angler could have in his or her arsenal.  However, if you have one or two, I promise you will use them. They come in handy at multiple times and at any time you think, “man I wish I had a rod”, those are the time you will want a travel rod. I keep my travel rods and backup reels in my truck. I also take them on every flight I take. You just never know when you might have the chance to fish. So always keep a travel rod, backup reel and a small assortment of tackle ready.

I went on the hunt several years ago for travel rods when I went out to Northern California for training one summer. Went to the local Bass Pro and found the only travel rod they had was the Browning Safari spinning model. It was medium light and thought it would do well. That was almost 3 years ago and I have taken that rod on a half dozen trips.  That rod has been used in lakes and rivers of Northern California, Texas Hill Country streams, and the clear water of the Florida Keys. Being a medium light rod and 4 pieces, I can say it’s one tough rod.

Just this year, I wanted a casting travel rod. Unfortunately, the local Bass Pro didn’t have any travel rods. On a recent trip to Texas, I went to another Bass Pro and thankfully found a Heavy model of the same rod, just a casting model. It had the exact same specs as the Bass Pro saltwater travel rod. So again, I went with the Browning Safari. This rod isn’t rated as high for lure weight as I wanted. However, it works great and I really can’t complain.

So, if you are on the hunt for a travel rod. Seriously, take a look at the Bass Pro Browning Safari travel rods. Under a $100 and well worth the investment to always have a rod handy. If you have any questions, ask below!

Bass Pro Browning Safari Travel Rod Casting http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/browning-fishing-safari-travel-casting-rod-3-piece

Bass Pro Browning Safari Travel Rod Spinning http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/browning-fishing-safari-travel-spinning-rod-1407030701442-1

 

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

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Fishing Tips & Tricks Swimbait Mayhem The National Angler

Lure Retrievers, they work!

LURE RETRIEVERS

Lure Retrievers, they work!

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.

Check out my video on YouTube here 

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” 

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Anglerlure retriever in action

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Reviews The National Angler

Wal-Mart EverStart MAXX Battery Review

Wal-Mart EverStart MAXX Battery Review

Wal-Mart EverStart MAXX Battery Review

Wal-Mart EverStart Batteries are a great economical option for anglers at all levels and using all types of boats.

Check out my video review! Click Here!

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.

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

 

 

EverStart Deep Cycle

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Fishing Tips & Tricks The National Angler

Waterproof GoPro Camera Storage

Waterproof GoPro Camera Storage

Waterproof GoPro Camera Storage

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.

Waterproof GoPro Camera Storage Tackle Box

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.

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

Categories
Blog The National Angler

Introducing The National Angler “Projects”

"Project"

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. 

Check back soon as I launch both projects. 

Semper Fish,

Joe, The National Angler

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Blog The National Angler

FISHING PRO STAFF PART 2

Fishing Pro Staff

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.

Email  joe@thenationalangler.com

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler

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Blog The National Angler

FISHING PRO STAFF

FISHING PRO STAFF

 

Fishing Pro Staff

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. Learn how to tag the company in any given social media platform, it helps the company and yourself!
  3. 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. 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Don’t forget Twitter, Instagram, Fishidy, and Fishbrain as well.
  4. 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 Reels

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

Categories
Blog The National Angler

SKUNKED WITH A VALUABLE LESSON

​

Three times in one year i’ve been skunked in an area that can be extremely productive at time. It seems to go from non-stop action to absolute barren landscape with very little signs of life in the gin clear waters of the lower Susquehanna River on the Upper Chesapeake Bay.  This past weekend, I was once again skunked and left wondering how such productive little stretch can change so much. On the ride home, the light bulb went off as a came to realize that all the days I was skunked on the this particular river had one thing in common. It was the change in tide and lack of water release from the Conowingo Dam.  

Want the rest of the story check out my blog atwww.thenationalangler.com

More than i’ve seen on the tidal Potomac River, the outgoing tide really pushes the baitfish out and down the Susquehanna more than I would have ever expected. On an outgoing tide the clear water is almost void of life with the exception of some extremely large shad, handful of catfish and a few stray smallies, there are no fish to be found. The change in tide and the flood of water back into the river or a water release from the dam cause an explosion in baitfish and bass activity

The goal now is find out where all the fish and bait push to on an outgoing tide and capitalzie on the new information that I have gained and become more productive

— 


Semper Fish!

Joe Carrigan, The National Angler

www.thenationalangler.com


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Blog The National Angler

BASS FISHING WITH A SURF ROD, YOU BET!

bass-fishing-with-a-surf-rod

Now that Bassmaster Tournament Trail has changed the rules about rod lengths, does my idea below become more relevant. How many new techniques can come out of this rule change. Comment below if you have any thoughts!

Fishing the Tidal Potomac and Susquehanna in Maryland on the weekends can be daunting. Dealing with weather and tides also comes major pressure from countless; fisherman, commercial fisherman, and pleasure boats. Starting early in the year, the influx of tournaments that are almost every weekend. All those factors combined, can put strain on the fishing conditions and not to mention the abundance of heavy weeds. Following behind fisherman has helped me learn a few things and I figured if I could catch what they missed I must be doing something right.

Finesse fishing in heavy cover seemed to be the trick for me. However, throwing light finesse style lures on big heavy flipping and pitching gear just wasn’t working for me. The light bulb went off and I decided I needed a heavy duty spinning rod to match my heavy duty casting gear.

What I settled for was a 7’6″ Heavy Action surf rod, one with a thin profile. This rod affords me the same rod qualities as a great flipping a pitching rod. I chose a high-speed spinning reel to match it with braided line and occasionally a mono or flouro leader.

What did this setup get me? Now I have the ability to throw extremely light lures in places I would normally heavier lures. I will say, I’m not trying to punch through the weed mates. I’m just finesse fishing around heavy cover with smaller lightweight lures. The rod provides plenty of power for hauling fish from the structure and the high-speed spinning reel quickly picks up the line. The spinning rod allows me to throw light lures without worry about potential  back lash. I can pitch a small finesse worm a huge distance, which couldn’t be done by “most” fisherman.

What do you think, want to give the short surf rod a try? Tell me your thoughts below or on social media.

Semper Fish!

Joe, The Nationa Angler

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Social Media Fishing The National Angler

FINDING FISHING LOCATIONS WITH INSIGHT GENESIS – SOCIAL CONTOUR MAPS

Social Mapping Fishing Locations

Contour maps to me were usually found on the most popular and productive fishing lakes in a given area. As a kid growing up I remember finding an Iowa Hotspots fishing book loaded with contour maps of lakes across Iowa. Now, these maps did not have precision contours noted; however, they were a great start to finding structure. I’ve always found myself fishing the smaller bodies of water and even down to local ponds. These are ignored frequently so really understanding the bottom is hard.

Today, you will find more info on lakes and even more contour information than ever before. Now, there is a new tool available for anglers across the world and its the first of its kind, social mapping.

This new tool can be found at gofreemarine.com and once you create a free account and log in you will have access to thousands of shared topo maps by other users. This site is updated frequently and I have found that most maps are updated with even more accurate bottom contour information.

So how do you use the topo maps found on Insight Genesis, besides the normal use of loading them onto your Lowrance, Simrad, and B&G unit. Boat anglers that don’t have the previously listed marine electronics can print off copies for on the water use. The big one is for shore fisherman, now you can compare the fishing location which you found on either Bing or Google Maps. Now you can see the bottom contours of the shore location and see if they fit the needs of what you are trying to fish. Go create an account and find a new body of water in your area, or structure on your favorite lake that you didn’t know existed.

You will be shocked to see the number of lakes already mapped nearby your location, so go take a look!

GO FREE MARINE INSIGHT GENESIS LINK

If you haven’t already, please check out the other articles related to finding fishing locations through Social Media, and the Internet on the site. Any questions, please ask below!

Semper Fish!

Joe, The National Angler