Category Archives: Fishing Tackle

Rods and reels to live bait

Alternative Ned Rigs

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By Ted Pilgrim
from The Fishing Wire

Alternative Ned Rigs elevate your finesse game


The legendary Ned Kehde isn’t likely to utter the phrase that’s made him famous; the term for the rig that’s forever transformed the bass fishing landscape. Actually, the chances of Kehde going third-person like some Prima donna wide receiver are roughly the same as his odds of playing in the NFL. That’s just Ned being Ned: the fact the humble Hall of Fame angler would rather credit those other fathers of finesse—Chuck Woods, Guido Hibdon, Harold Ensley, etc.—than acknowledge his own momentous role in bass fishing’s backstory.


Such modesty can be misinterpreted, but in Kehde’s case simply underscores the exceptional skill with which he practices the method known more broadly as ‘Midwest Finesse.’ Friend and former NASCAR driver Terry Bevins says, “Ned’s one of the best finesse anglers in the country. Put him in the back of the boat with one of his finesse jigs, and he’s likely to whoop your butt.”

To hear Kehde tell it, the bass-catching power of his “little jig” is so great there’s simply no reason to change it. “In years past, we’ve experimented with just about every new rigging refinement you can think of.” notes Kehde. “In the shallow impoundments we fish, none have been so fruitful as an exposed-hook, mushroom-style jig dressed with half a ZinkerZ or other finesse worm. Day after day, season after season, it inveigles dozens and dozens and dozens of bass.”

The Ned-Miki

The ‘Ned-Miki Rig’ has scored big bags of largemouth, spotted and striped bass for pro angler and guide, Joey Nania

Interestingly, the same simple motivation to catch more bass has inspired anglers across America to create unique and individualized versions of the Ned Rig framework—both in retrieve and the way they fasten a finesse bait to a hook.Longtime Ned Rig fan Joey Nania, professional angler and Alabama based fishing guide, has devised a couple key mods to the presentation. Recently, he’s guided clients to loads of spotted, largemouth and striped bass, wielding a concoction he calls the Ned-Miki Rig.

“As bass fans know, the Damiki Rig has been a money presentation for enticing shad-focused bass suspended in 15 to 30 feet,” says Nania. “But you need a really well-balanced, 90-degree jighead and a compact shad-shaped bait to pull it off. Having fished the Z-Man NedlockZ HD jighead for a lot of my regular Ned Rig fishing, I realized this head would really shine for ‘video-game’ fishing—working individual bass on sonar, vertically, playing cat-and-mouse. It’s versatile enough that you can cast the bait to suspended fish, too, just letting it glide and pendulum as you work it back to the boat.

“The Ned-Miki Rig: NedlockZ HD jighead and StreakZ 3.75A 1/10- or 1/6-ounce NedlockZ HD, says Nania, melds perfectly with a Z-Man StreakZ 3.75, a bait he calls “one of the best small shad imitations ever. And because it’s made from ElaZtech, the bait’s super buoyant. When you pause and let the Ned-Miki soak, the bait maintains a natural horizontal posture. Similar fluke-style baits aren’t buoyant, making them ride tail-down, rather than hovering horizontal like a live shad.

“Northern anglers fish a similar method, keying on suspended or rock-hugging smallmouth bass. The Ned-Miki has even evolved into a superlative substitute for a dropshot rig, which isn’t quite so precise for big sluggish smallmouths hunkered down between boulders.”Watch the bait drop on the sonar screen until it’s about 1 foot above the fish’s head,” Nania explains. “Hold the bait still. When a bass begins to rise and chase, lift the bait to take it away. Sometimes, a bass will chase the Ned-Miki up 15 or 20 feet, absolutely crushing it on an intercept course. Other times, you have to entice them a little, using the bait’s super-soft, high-action tail to close the deal. Almost like a dropshot, but even more dead-on.

“All-Terrain NedGoing where no Ned Rig has gone before, Nania is ecstatic when he mentions another new finesse device. “What can I say about the Finesse BulletZ, man? This jighead is off-the-charts cool. Rig one with a Finesse TRD, MinnowZ or TRD CrawZ and fish simply can’t tear it off. I’ve had the same bait on the same jighead for the past week, and dozens of bass later, it’s still going strong.

“Made to snake Ned Rig style ElaZtech baits through the thickest cover, the Finesse BulletZ sports a subtle bullet-shaped head and a slender keel weight molded precisely onto a custom, heavy-duty size 1 VMC EWG hook. “People look at this jig and wonder how the heck you rig a bait without tearing it. It’s funny because it’s actually a non-issue with ElaZtech, which is pretty much tear-proof. And once the bait’s in place, it’s there until you take it off.

“Goes without saying that the bait’s weedless,” says Nania. “But I’m also just discovering how well the little jig skips under docks,” he adds. “Regardless of the cover— rocks, brush, grass, manmade structures, etc.—this is one incredible jig-bait combo for finessing big bass in places you couldn’t previously throw a Ned Rig.”I like to rig a 1/10-ouncer with a TRD MinnowZ—Smelt and Hot Snakes are two of my favorite patterns—and skip it under docks. Rigging the same bait on a 1/6-ounce Finesse BulletZjig also shines for casting into deeper schools of bass.

“Nania notes how the jig’s keel weight makes the bait glide and slide horizontally, rather than nose-down. “It’s like some radical, improved version of the slider head, except this jig perfectly matches 2- to 4-inch finesse-style baits. And you can pull it right through the thickest brush piles with no problem at all.”From southern impoundments to northern lakes and rivers, the Finesse BulletZ jig may be at its best when rigged with Z-Man’s authentic mini-crayfish bait, the 2.5-inch TRD CrawZ.

“The TRD CrawZ is a subtle, unassuming little critter,” says professional angler Luke Clausen. “But rigged with the Finesse BulletZ jig, the bait rides in this freakishly lifelike, claws-up posture. Put it in the water and its buoyant little claws flap and wave, virtually taunting bass to bite—and they do,” Clausen laughs.

Ned-Neko Rig

Blurring boundaries between Ned-style and other finesse presentations, creative anglers have concocted what we’ll call the Ned-Neko Rig.

Coupling a Finesse TRD, Hula StickZ or other buoyant finesse bait with a Neko hook and Neko weight yields astonishing action, and an intriguing underwater posture.Hooking configurations depend on cover and bass activity level. The simplest is to Texas-rig your chosen finesse bait onto a #1 to 2/0 Neko style hook. Finish the Neko-Ned Rig by inserting a 1/32- to 1/8-ounce Neko weight into the bait’s tail-end, resulting in a compelling pogo-stick-action along bottom.

Also effective is a drag-and-deadstick retrieve, particularly in small, high-percentage zones.Or, you can get extra wacky (pun intended), and hook the worm right through the middle, leaving the Neko weight in the tail. The toughness of ElaZtech even eliminates the need for an O-ring; just a 1/0 Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap hook, your favorite TRD and another alluring look bass can’t say no to. Ned inspired. Ned approved.

St Croix Rods for 2022

Best Rods on Earth® Better than Ever
Available now, new-for-2022 St. Croix series and models combine new materials, technologies and ergonomics to deliver anglers more performance and more satisfaction on the water
PARK FALLS, WISC. (November 3, 2021) – St. Croix Rod of Park Falls, Wisconsin – America’s premier, family-owned fishing rod manufacturer for nearly 75 years – makes it its mission to provide every angler with the tools they need to maintain the upper hand in any fishing situation. The most-recent results of this mission were showcased to the fishing industry at last July’s ICAST show, where St. Croix introduced three all-new rod series – Victory, Seage Surf, and Tundra Ice – along with four completely reimagined and expanded rod series – BassX, Eyecon, Panfish, and Trout – and two all-new Legend Xtreme freshwater models.

Today, all of these new, handcrafted, high-performance fishing rods are available to anglers, online at stcroixrods.com, and at St. Croix dealers worldwide.

Most of these new rods are crafted from all-new materials, feature new technologies or new combinations of technologies, and incorporate improved ergonomics. All of them exemplify Best Rods on Earth, and anglers can trust and expect them to deliver new levels of performance and satisfaction on the water, wherever and however they fish.

NEW St. Croix Victory Series Models Available NowConceived for tournament anglers competing at the highest level, passionate recreational bassers, or anyone in between, St. Croix’s all-new Victory Series of high-performance American-made technique-specific bass rods are poised to deliver more wins on the water – however they’re defined. The NEW Victory 17 expands St. Croix’s landmark Victory series to 25 total models, giving bass anglers of all levels unprecedented choice in selecting the proper tools for a complete range of bass presentations. From finesse techniques; bombing hair jigs and spy baits; to crankbaits; chatterbaits; flippin’, pitching and punching; to heaving and retrieving 8-ounce swimbaits, it’s all there in this complete and balanced assortment of high-performance, technology-laden, American-crafted rods – backed by a 15-year transferrable warranty – that cost a fraction of other “elite-level” rods in the marketplace. 
Handcrafted from scratch in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA from an all-new, sensitive and durable SCIII+ material and incorporating St. Croix’s top technologies (FRS, ARTTM, IPC®, and TET), each distinct Victory spinning and casting model is purpose-engineered and built to excel in its intended applications. Combining lightweight and balanced performance with top-tier ergonomics and uncompromising durability, Victory rods are accessible to all at a sweet mid-range retail price. Victory rods retail between $180 and $260, and 19 of the 25 models cost $200 or less.
St. Croix Victory Series Models*
Tactical / VTS68MXF – 6’8” M power, XF action spinning – Retail $180 Lite-Weight / VTS610MLXF – 6’10” ML power, XF action spinning – Retail $180Finesse / VTS71MF – 7’1” M power, F action spinning – Retail $190*
Max Finesse / VTS71MHF – 7’1” MH power, F action spinning – Retail $190*Max Lite Weight / VTS73MLXF – 7’3” ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $200 Max-Tactical / VTS73MXF – 7’3” M power, XF action spinning / Retail $200*
Crosshair / VTS710MLXF – 7’10” ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $200*Open Water / VTS73MLXF – 7’3” M power, MF action spinning / Retail $200*The Jerk / VTC68MXF – 6’8” M power, XF action casting / Retail $180
The Grunt / VTC71MHF – 7’1” MH power, F action casting / Retail $190*
Cranker / VTC72MHMF – 7’2”” MH power, MF action casting / Retail $190Power Target Cranker / VTC72MHM – 7’2” MH power, M action casting / Retail $190*
Rip’N Chatter / VTC72HM – 7’2” H power, M action casting / Retail $190Full Contact Finesse / VTC73HXF – 7’3” H power, XF action casting / Retail $200The Marshal / VTC73MHF – 7’3” MH power, F action casting / Retail $200*
Flip’N / VTC7HMF – 7’3” H power, MF action casting / Retail $200Full Contact / VTC74HF – 7’4” H power, F action casting / Retail $200*
Max Marshal / VTC75MHF – 7’5” MH power, F action casting / Retail $200*Power Flip’N / VTC76HMF – 7’6” H power, MF action casting / Retail $200*Mid-Cranker / VTC710HM – 7’10”, H power, M action casting / Retail $220*Max-Cranker / VTC710XHM – 7’10”, XH power, M action casting / Retail $230*S.B. Ranger / VTC710HF – 7’10”, H power, F action casting / Retail $250*S.B. Avenger / VTC710XHF – 7’10”, XH power, F action casting / Retail $260*S.B. Brutus / VTC710XXHF – 7’10”, XXH power, F action casting / Retail $260*Knockout / VTC711HMF – 7’11”, H power, MF action casting / Retail $230*All-new model
Reimagined and Expanded St. Croix BassX Series Available NowDriven to continually improve and heighten the angling experience, St. Croix resolved to take what it has learned from recent product introductions – Legend Xtreme, Victory, and others – and put that intel to work in improving its angler-favorite BassX Series. The result is a new lineup of BassX rods for 2022 that are stronger, lighter, and more comfortable, with sizzling new aesthetics and more choices for new presentations than ever before, while retaining and compounding their exceptional value in the $120 to $150 retail-price range. Headlined by a trio of powerful, all-new swimbait models, St. Croix’s redesigned and comprehensive BassX Series expands from 14 to 16 models for 2022, setting a new standard in affordable, high-performance bass rods. Retail prices range from $120-$150 with a five-year warranty.
The BassX transformation begins in the blank itself. Crafted from a brand-new formulation of premium SCII carbon that increases flexural strength while reducing weight, new BassX is then made even stronger with the addition of St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology. “Our use of FRS in the new BassX Series in combination with our new, lighter and stronger SCII material represents a quantum leap forward with respect to performance,” says St. Croix Product Manager, Ryan Teach.

“For the BassX angler, it ultimately means they’re buying a rod that is lighter than ever with all-new levels of strength and durability. Our engineering team has proven and validated these performance enhancements in testing.”Those critical attributes are further enhanced in new BassX models by an all-new hybrid guide train combining SeaGuide® Aluminum Oxide guides with SeaGuide® Atlas Performance stainless steel guides for reduced weight, improved balance and greater performance with braided line. New SeaGuide reel seats integrate with all-new handle designs, optimized by model, for improved ergonomics and better balance.
St. Croix BassX ModelsBAS68MXF – 6’8”, M power, XF action spinning / Retail $120BAS610MLXF – 6’10”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $120BAS71MF – 7’1”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $120BAS71MHF – 7’1”, MH power, F action, spinning / Retail $120BAC66MF – 6’6”, M power, F action, casting / Retail $120BAC66MHF – 6’6”, MH power, F action, casting / Retail $120BAC68MXF – 6’8”, M power, XF action, casting / Retail $120BAC71MF – 7’1”, M power, F action casting / Retail $120BAC71MHF – 7’1”, MH power, F action casting / Retail $120BAC72MHM – 7’2”, MH power, M action casting / Retail $120BAC74MHMF – 7’4”, MH power, MF action casting / Retail $130BAC74HF – 7’4”, H power, F action casting / Retail $130BAC710HF – 7’10”, H power, F action casting / Retail $150BAC710XHF* – 7’10”, XH power, F action casting / Retail $150BAC710XXHF* – 7’10”, XXH power, F action casting / Retail $150BAC711HMF – 7’11”, H power, MF action casting / Retail $130*All-new model
NEW St. Croix Seage Surf Series Available NowSt. Croix’s all-new tech-forward Seage Surf Series includes 12 two-piece spinning rods, handcrafted for unparalleled strength and durability in a slim and lightweight design. Seage models range from 7’ to 12’ with medium-light to heavy powers and retail between $210 and $380 with a 15-year warranty.
New Seage rods begin with a brand-new formulation of premium, light, and sensitive SCII carbon material, which increases flexural strength while reducing weight. From there, St. Croix adds ARTTM and all-new Veil technology. ART is an exotic carbon fiber material that adds a significant magnitude of hoop strength to keep the rod section from ovaling under load with virtually no increases in blank diameter or weight. Veil is a tri-blend of carbon fiber, fiberglass and explicit resin, combined to exponentially reduce the effects of impact on blank integrity. Veil protects rods from bumps, lure knocks and other impacts that could otherwise cause damage and lead to rod failure. For the surf angler, all of this means they can enjoy fishing a slim, lightweight, and sensitive Seage rod, which also maintains extreme, next-level strength and durability.In addition to slim, lightweight performance, extreme strength and rock-solid durability, surf anglers will notice an all-new handle design on new Seage surf rods comprised of X-Flock-covered slim-diameter handles and Winn® comfort-focused foregrips which are minimalistic, sleek, and tech-forward. X-Flock is essentially a textured shrink tube that St. Croix forms directly over the blank. This gives the handle a slim profile with a very grippy and tacky feel, combined with slight compression for added comfort. Meanwhile, comfort-focused Winn polymer foregrips reduce hand fatigue for longer, more-comfortable fishing.The 12 distinct models in the all-new Seage Series lineup cover the most popular lengths, powers, and actions, as well as some new configurations surf anglers were specifically requesting. Some of the 7’ to 9’ models were engineered and delivered to meet the unique needs of the Western coastal markets, where surf anglers have been asking for new rods better suited for smaller species, lighter lures, and fish closer to the beach. These smaller two-piece models give anglers the 50/50 splits they requested. At the other end of the spectrum, the new Seage Series also includes a 12’ heavy power model that’s capable of bombing a full one-pound payload beyond the bar. Longer Seage two-piece models feature angler-preferred 60/40 or 70/30 offsets.
All-New St. Croix Seage Series ModelsSES70MLMF – 7’0”, ML power, MF action spinning / Retail $210SES70MMF – 7’0”, M power, MF action spinning / Retail $220SES80MMF – 8’0”, M power, MF action spinning / Retail $230SES90MLMF2 – 9’0”, ML power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $290SES90MM2 – 9’0”, M power, M action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $290SES90MMF2 – 9’0”, M power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $290SES100MMF2 – 10’0”, M power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $300SES106MLMF2 – 10’6”, ML power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $300SES106MM2 – 10’6”, M power, M action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $300SES106MHMF2 – 10’6”, MH power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $300SES110MHMF2 – 11’0”, MH power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $320SES120HMF2 – 12’0”, H power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $380
NEW St. Croix Tundra Ice Series Available NowThe exciting new, semi-custom Tundra Ice Series is a culmination of ice-centric features and technologies wrapped in an extremely durable package at a retail-price range of $100 to $130 with a five-year warranty. Featuring nine distinct spinning models ranging from 26” to 36” in light to medium-heavy power, new fast and extra-fast action Tundra Series rods offer anglers different blanks and thoughtfully designed handle configurations for optimized comfort and performance in multiple ice presentations.
Extra-fast action, light-power Tundra models get strong, Xtreme-Flex solid glass blanks with supple, hi-vis strike-indicating tips. Fast action, medium-light through medium-heavy models are built on crisp and powerful Precision-Taper solid carbon blanks for trophy-landing performance. All Tundra blanks are matte finished in a new and covert Glacial Gray color.Handle designs are customized per model. Light and medium-light power Tundras are equipped with angler-preferred premium cork split-grip handles for optimal control and maximum versatility in panfish presentations.Medium and medium-heavy power models are equipped with premium full-cork handles by angler demand. With the exception of the medium-heavy model which includes a SeaGuide NPS reel seat for peace-of-mind and extra security while doing battle with heavy predators, all other Tundra ice rods are designed without reel seats to allow precise and balanced, custom reel placement in accordance with individual angler preference.The guide trains on new Tundra Series rods have been engineered and executed to be durable, lightweight and trouble-free in the most-demanding conditions. A strong REC Recoil® stripper guide meets SeaGuide® light-wire running guides that reduce surface area to minimize ice buildup. Tip-tops are SeaGuide® stainless steel with a slick PVD coating.
All-New St. Croix Tundra Ice ModelsSCT26LXF – 26”, L power, XF action spinning / Retail $100SCT30LXF – 30”, L power, XF action spinning / Retail $100SCT34LXF – 34”, L power, XF action spinning / Retail $100SCT27MLF – 27”, ML power, F action spinning / Retail $115SCT27MF – 27”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $115SCT30MLF – 30”, ML power, F action spinning / Retail $120SCT30MF – 30”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $120SCT36MF – 36”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $130SCT36MHF – 36”, MH power, F action spinning / Retail $130
Reimagined and Expanded St. Croix Eyecon Series Available NowDurability and angler comfort define this improved, comprehensive walleye series. The totally reimagined Eyecon Series features heightened performance, improved technique-specific comfort and ergonomics, and all-new aesthetics. The angler-favorite walleye series also grows by two with the addition of industry-first Jig-N-Rap and Rip-N-Rap models for a total of 18 distinct choices. Retail prices range from $140-$160 with a five-year warranty.
Eyecon’s premium SCII carbon blanks get even stronger and more durable for 2022. The SCII material itself is a new formulation, featuring both increased flexural strength and reduced weight over St. Croix’s previous-generation SCII carbon. From there, new Eyecon rods are made even stronger with the addition of St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology. “We know that walleye anglers often employ aggressive jigging tactics that not all rods can stand up to,” says St. Croix Product Manager, Ryan Teach. “Our all-new SCII carbon material combined with FRS takes the performance of these new-generation Eyecon rods to the next level. In addition to being stronger and more durable, they also fish noticeably lighter than previous Eyecons.”Aggressive techniques demand more than superior strength. They also require carefully considered ergonomics that minimize angler fatigue. New Eyecon rods bring versatility and comfort to any walleye angler’s arsenal without compromise; all-new hybrid split-grip handle designs and lengths are designed to optimize comfort with the intended technique, helping anglers fish longer without getting sloppy in their presentations. “The new modified split grips on these new Eyecon spinning rods take the best features of split grips and full-cork handles and marry them in a hybrid design that optimizes comfort and performance on each specific model,” says Teach. “No matter which model you choose, you’ll notice great balance and comfort, as well as an overall handle length and foregrip that are right-sized so walleye anglers can fish longer without the fatigue that can cause presentations to turn sloppy.”New Eyecon Series (non-trolling) rods also get a new hybrid guide train that decreases weight, increases overall durability, and reduces the noise and disruption that often comes from fishing braided line. They employ durable Sea Guide Atlas Performance stainless steel guides in the upper portions of the rods to eliminate the troubling possibility of loose or dislodged inserts and SeaGuide Aluminum Oxide models with black frames at the lower ends to minimize noise and knot disruption. Guide spacing is optimized on each model per technique.For the first time ever, all-new, dedicated 7’1” medium power, moderate-fast action Jig-N-Rap and 7’1” medium power, fast action Rip-N-Rap Eyecon models allow walleye anglers to fish these two popular techniques without compromise to handle design, length, power, or action.
New St. Croix Eyecon ModelsHEAVY METAL / EYS58HF – 5’8”, H power, F action spinning / Retail $150VERTICAL JIG / EYS63MLXF – 6’3”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $150VERTICAL JIG / EYS63MXF – 6’3”, M power, XF action spinning / Retail $150JIG-N-RIG / EYS66MLF – 6’6”, ML power, F action spinning / Retail $140JIG-N-RIG / EYS66MLF2 – 6’6”, ML power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $150BIG WATER / EYS66MF – 6’6”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $140BIG WATER / EYS66MF2 – 6’6”, M power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $150SNAP JIG / EYS68MXF – 6’8”, M power, XF action spinning / Retail $150FINESSE / EYS70LF – 7’0”, L power, F action spinning / Retail $150RIGGIN’ / EYS70MLF – 7’0”, ML power, F action spinning / Retail $150RIGGIN’ / EYS70MLF2 – 7’0”, ML power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $160CRANKIN’ / EYS70MM – 7’0”, M power, M action spinning / Retail $150JIG-N-RAP* / EYS71MMF – 7’1”, M power, MF action spinning / Retail $150RIP-N-RAP* / EYS71MF – 7’1”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $150SLIP-N-RIG / EYS76MLXF – 7’6”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $150SLIP-N-RIG / EYS76MLXF2 – 7’6”, ML power, XF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $160DRIFT-N-FLOAT / EYS80MLF2 – 8’0”, ML power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $160BOUNCE-N-TROLL / EYC70MHM – 7’0”, MH power, M action casting / Retail $140*All-new model
Reimagined and Expanded St. Croix Panfish Series Available NowAnswering anglers’ calls for more high-performance options for panfish presentations, St. Croix’s lighter and stronger, reimagined Panfish Series expands to 10 models for 2022 with two all-new medium-light models for power presentations. Retail prices range from $115 to $175 and include a five-year warranty.
St. Croix Panfish Series rod blanks are now crafted from a new formulation of premium SCII carbon that increases flexural strength while reducing weight, combined with strategically placed super-high-modulus SCVI carbon fiber reinforcements, providing the basis for crisp actions, improved strength and durability, and lightweight sensitivity. These new rods are made even stronger with the addition St. Croix’s Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology, which combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens that provide improved temperature and time management through all stages of the critical curing cycle. This prevents micro-buckling of individual carbon fibers by keeping them in proper alignment.Ultimately, the all-new SCII material with FRS results in Panfish Series rods that are lighter and more durable, performance attributes that have been proven and quantified by St. Croix’s engineering team in testing.Anglers will also notice that new Panfish Series rods feel better balanced and more sensitive, thanks to carefully considered new handle designs, reel seats and guide trains.New Panfish Series rods receive all-new Sea Guide® Atlas Performance guides with stainless steel rings and frames and a PVD coated tip top. These are lightweight, durable, and trouble-free guide trains designed to maximize performance in light-line applications, while minimizing noise and disruption from knotted-line rigs used in many panfish presentations. They also wear durable and slim, Sea Guide NPS reel seats with an integrated rear nut – a design component proven to excel in supporting micro techniques on St. Croix Legend Black Ice and Premier Ice rods.New Panfish Series rods now employ angler-preferred premium-grade split grip handles on all models except the 8’ and 9’ models, which retain premium-grade full cork handles and foregrips. “With the increase in popularity and transposition of bass anglers to crappie anglers, may panfish anglers indicate preference for the bass-centric styling of skeleton-type reel seats and split grip handles,” says St. Croix Product Manager, Ryan Teach. “Our new Panfish Series rods reflect this trend and look more than ever like miniaturized bass rods. Style preferences aside, the performance benefits are real, as we’ve designed them to shed weight, improve balance, and aid in increasing sensitivity. They’re a pure joy to fish with.”In keeping with current trends, cosmetically, new Panfish Series rods also receive new label designs and an attractive, new Copper Slab color to differentiate the series.
St. Croix Panfish Series ModelsPNS50ULM – 5’0”, UL power, M action spinning / Retail $115PNS54ULF – 5’4”, UL power, F action spinning / Retail $125PNS60ULF – 6’0”, UL power, F action spinning / Retail $125PNS64LF – 6’4”, L power, F action spinning / Retail $135PNS69ULF – 6’9”, UL power, F action spinning / Retail $135PNS70LXF – 7’0”, L power, XF action spinning / Retail $135PNS70MLXF* – 7’0”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $135PNS73MLXF* – 7’3”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $135PNS80LMF2 – 8’0”, L power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $165PNS90LMF2 – 9’0”, L power, MF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $175*All-new model
Reimagined and Expanded St. Croix Trout Series and Trout Pack Models Available NowFor 2022, St. Croix has improved and expanded its popular Trout Series. The light-line centric collection is now stronger, lighter, and more comfortable, supplemented with new lengths, powers and actions that support an even wider range of trout techniques, including several all-new two- and three-piece Trout Pack models. Retail prices range from $115 to $180 with a five-year warranty.
Thanks to a new formulation of premium SCII carbon material with strategically placed super-high-modulus SCVI carbon fiber reinforcements and FRS, Trout Series rods are now lighter and more durable than before. Anglers will also notice that new Trout Series rods feel better balanced and more sensitive, with carefully crafted new handle designs, reel seats and guide trains.New Trout Series rods receive all-new Sea Guide® Atlas Performance guides with stainless steel rings and frames and a PVD coated tip top. These are lightweight, durable, and trouble-free guide trains designed to maximize performance in light-line applications, while minimizing noise and disruption from the knotted-line rigs used in many trout presentations. They also wear durable and slim, Sea Guide NPS reel seats with an integrated rear nut – a design component proven to excel in supporting micro techniques on St. Croix Legend Black Ice and Premier Ice rods.New Trout Series rods now feature split-grip handle configurations crafted from comfortable, lightweight, and durable EVA. “The premium EVA material we selected for the new Trout Series perfectly complements their new split-grip handle designs,” says St. Croix Product Manager, Ryan Teach. “Balance and control are the keys to making accurate finesse presentations to selective trout, and both are enhanced by the design and materials of these new handles.”A stealthy new Ebony Twilight color completes the Trout Series’ aesthetic transformation and will resonate with trout anglers who need to fly under the radar in clear-water intimate-stream settings.St. Croix’s refined Trout Series grows by eight to include a total of 14 spinning models, including two, all-new three-piece Trout Pack models (TFS66MLXF3 and TFS73MLXF3), two all-new light-power models (TFS510LF and TFS66LF2), three all-new medium-light power choices (TFS66MLXF2, TFS66MLF2, and TFS69MLXF2), and an all-new medium power model (TFS70MXF2).“Our expanded Trout Series brings an array of lengths, powers, and specific actions to anglers looking for sensitivity, controlled performance and casting accuracy with a range of light lures, from inline spinners to crankbaits to single egg imitations,” says Teach. “Casting accuracy is supreme with all of these highly controllable rods, and we’re offering an unprecedented range of choices for anglers to match to the specific conditions and presentations they encounter.”All Trout Series rods feature fast or extra-fast actions for accurate casting with light baits and are stronger and more durable than ever with no increase in weight. Powers range from ultra-light to medium, giving trout anglers crisp performance with ample backbone to control big trout on light line. New models for 2022 focus primarily on an expanded offering of versatile two- and three-piece selections.“Our new three-piece Trout Pack spinning models are handcrafted for one-piece performance and allow adventurous trout anglers to get in and out of remote locations and streams,” continues Teach. “They feature slender profile split grip configurations and – like our two-piece models – use slim ferrule connections to marry multi-piece convenience with one-piece performance.”
St. Croix Trout Series ModelsTFS410ULF – 4’10”, UL power, F action spinning / Retail $115TFS54ULF – 5’4”, UL power, F action spinning / Retail $125TFS56ULF2 – 5’6”, UL power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $135TFS510LF* – 5’10”, L power, F action spinning / Retail $135TFS60ULF2 – 6’0”, UL power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS64LF2 – 6’4”, L power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS66LF2* – 6’6”, L power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS66MLXF2* – 6’6”, ML power, XF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS66MLXF3* – 6’6”, ML power, XF action, 3-piece spinning / Retail $170TFS66MLF2* – 6’6”, ML power, F action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS69MLXF2* – 6’9”, ML power, XF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $145TFS70LXF2 – 7’0”, L power, XF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $155TFS73MLXF3* – 7’3”, ML power, XF action, 3-piece spinning / Retail $180TFS70MXF2* – 7’0”, M power, XF action, 2-piece spinning / Retail $155*All-new model
Two NEW St. Croix Legend Xtreme Series Models Available NowHandcrafted in the USA for extreme sensitivity using St. Croix’s most exotic materials and technologies, the Legend Xtreme Freshwater Series grows for 2022 with a new 7’3” MLXF spinning model and a new 7’6” MHMF casting model. Retail prices are $660 and $670 respectively and include a 15-year warranty.
The reengineered SCV carbon found in Legend Xtreme rods is an example of St. Croix’s constant drive to obtain the unimaginable – proven Xtreme durability with proven, unprecedented sensitivity – so anglers can fish without compromise. Engineered as a result of a new proprietary manufacturing processes, Legend Xtreme employs a resin that significantly increases strength in compression during the hookset, as well as flexural strength when the rod is under load. The new SCV carbon construction also incorporates an improved, overlaid ART (Advanced Reinforcing Technology) to yield the highest levels of carbon fiber density found on any fishing rod on earth. Simply put, Legend Xtreme offers an unquestionably pure and dense carbon, to transmit the slightest vibration through a Daiwa AGS carbon fiber guide train and proprietary Gen2 Xtreme-SkinTM handle.The expanded Legend Xtreme freshwater series now includes 13 rods – six spinning models and seven casting models – supporting anglers in an even wider range of freshwater presentations and techniques with pinnacle St. Croix performance.Rated for use with 12-25-pound line and lures from 3/8 to 1-1/4 oz., the new Legend Xtreme XFC76MHMFis designed and handcrafted for versatility and is ideal for presenting football jigs, Carolina rigs and more. The new Legend Xtreme XFS73MLXF is rated for 6-10-pound line and 1/8 to ½-oz. lures and is ideal for Ned rigs, wacky rigs, and other finesse presentations.
St. Croix Legend Xtreme ModelsXFS63MXF* – 6’3”, M power, XF action spinning / Retail $650XFS68MXF – 6’8”, M power, XF action spinning / Retail $650XFS610MLXF – 6’10”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $650XFS70MF – 7’, M power, F action spinning / Retail $650*XFS73MLXF – 7’3”, ML power, XF action spinning / Retail $660XFS76MF* – 7’6”, M power, F action spinning / Retail $670XFC68MF* – 6’8”, M power, F action casting / Retail $650XFS68MXF* – 6’8”, M power, XF action casting / Retail $650XFC70MF – 7’, M power, F action casting / Retail $660XFC70MHF – 7’, MH power, F action casting / Retail $660XFC71MHXF – 7’1”, MH power, XF action casting / Retail $660*XFC76MHMF – 7’6”, MH power, MF action casting / Retail $670XFC74HF – 7’4”, H power, F action casting / Retail $670* All-new model
You’ve heard about them; now you can make them your own. St. Croix’s new-for-2022 rod series and models are here, poised to help all anglers earn more success and satisfaction on the water with all-new combinations of materials, technologies, and handcrafted St. Croix performance. Wherever and however you fish, an elevated experience awaits at your local St. Croix dealer, or online at stcroixrods.com.
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Time To Throw Sticks at Bambi in Georgia

It’s time to throw sticks at Bambi! Archery season for deer opens Saturday, September 11 at thirty minutes before sunrise. Be sure to wear tick repellant – it is still hot and lots of ticks are very active.

Like everything else, archery equipment has come a long way in my lifetime. I got my first bow, a 40-pound straight limb bow, in 1963. At 40 pounds, it was barely legal for hunting. I practiced with it a lot and got where I thought I could hit a deer – at a maximum of about 20 yards!

Hours were spent honing two or three blade broadheads with a file. I found the two blade heads did not fly like my practice points, they seemed to
“plane” in the air, but three blade ones were better, and easier to sharpen to me. And they were on heavy fiberglass shafts, lowering my range with the weak bow.

I broke stings often. They tended to wear out at then nocks after a short time. No matter how much I waxed them and took care of them, it seemed they did not last long.

I carried that bow hunting two or three times and shot at one doe as it ran by my stand, but never hit one.

In 1965 I stepped up to a 50-pound recurve bow and aluminum arrows. I practiced a lot and got decent with it out to about 30 yards. Then I bought pin sights, a bar with five adjustable pins for different ranges. With them I got to be a more consistent shot and felt comfortable out to about 45 yards.

I hunted a good bit with that bow but was not very good at picking stands or staying still. I shot one deer with that bow, a doe that walked directly under my stand in 1970 and I hit her between the shoulders. She ran off and I waited as long as I could to track her before dark.

There was a good blood trail for about 50 yards through thick brush, then a big pool of blood with the top half my arrow lying in it. But no deer. And no matter how many times I circled, even on my hands and knees, I never found a drop of blood leading away from the pool where she laid down.

I guess I probably followed too quickly, but I cannot believe a deer bled that much and was able to run off. I looked till dark then went back the next morning at daylight but never found a sign of her. I was hunting on a public hunting area near Athens and there were a lot of others in the woods, so I have always wondered.

When I moved to Griffin in 1972 I continued to practice but didn’t hunt much, especially after I got started fishing in the Sportsman Club. I got too fanatical about fishing and hunted just enough to keep two or three deer in the freezer to eat.

Also, I started to have shoulder problems. Every time I shot my recurve my right shoulder would pinch and ache. Compound bows were common by then but I never got one since it hurt to pull the sting back.

I found out I could get a letter from my doctor and get a permit to hunt with a crossbow. They were not legal back then for the general population but if you had a handicap that kept you from shooting a regular bow you could get a special permit.

I applied and got one, then bought an 80-pound crossbow from Berry’s Sporting Goods. After putting a 4X power BB gun scope on it, I could put every bolt in a six-inch circle out to 60 yards, almost as accurate as my .30-.30! But I never hunted with it.

Compound bows look nothing like my old straight limb bow with their cam wheels and steel cables. And they are much more powerful Before compounds, a 50 to 60-pound bow was about all anyone could hold back and be accurate. Now pull weights of 70 pounds are not uncommon, since you hold back about one tenth of the draw weight, only seven to ten pounds.

Bow sights are amazing now, too. You can get all kinds of lighted sights and look through a peephole on the string almost like lining up rear and front sights on a rifle. And some sights even automatically adjust to distance, a critical component of hitting a deer with an arrow!

And crossbows are even compound now. Broadheads come in a bewildering assortment, from the old two blade ones to ones that open on impact, and some have removable razor blades so you don’t have to sharpen them.

I have not been able to shoot my rifle the last three years since I have a port in my right shoulder from chemotherapy treatments. I got out my crossbow last year and practiced with it and can still hit a target consistently.

Since baiting it now legal, I could easily get within 20 yards of a deer and shoot it with my crossbow. But I have horrible memories of that blood pool and no deer from 1970 and just can not make myself go with a crossbow.

Fortunately, several friends have shot deer for me the past three years, keeping my freezer full of good meat to eat. I better contact them for this season soon!

Joel Nelson’s Favorite Summer Jigs and Rigs

JOEL NELSON’S FAVORITE SUMMER JIGS AND RIGS will help you catch fish
from The Fishing Wire

JUNE 22, 20211

CAtch big bluegill on jigs


Part of being an effective angler is putting together a pattern. Knowing a bit about a specific species, its seasonal movements, and biology throughout the year. It also helps to have some locational information on where they like to spend their time. Rocks, weeds, mid-depths to shallow shoals, all can be fishy during certain months. That said, presentation, as-in the types of baits we put in those places and how, can really make a difference throughout all seasons. That classic Fish + Location + Presentation = Success formula that the Lindner’s devised those decades ago is still the basis for putting together a great day on the way.

Here are some jigs and rigs that have proven themselves to me again and again, year over year forgetting me bit during the summer calendar period.

Panfish Jigs

Thumper Crappie King Jig – It’s really a crappie go-to during the summer for trolling. I can pull tube jigs and they work well. So do your average curly-tail or boot-tail plastics. The Crappie Thumper King adds some vibration and shine to the presentation that really draws crappies
when jig-trolling. It’s like a finesse crankbait of sorts that fish just love.
Impulse Bloodworm – If you fish gills, call this a standard in your tackle box. In shallow, pitch it on a tight line as it swings down and gets popped by hungry fish. Out deeper, use it with a slip bobber to put it right on big bluegills’ doorstep. That could be an inside turn on a weedline or just off a shelf where they suspend.

Walleye/Bass Jigs

Fireball Jig – Probably the #1 selling jig of all time, this is just a staple again. For fishing vertically with livebait, I’ll pair a 1/16 oz. or 1/8 oz. fireball with a leech below a bobber. Or I’ll use heavy ones to bomb the depths on big water like Lake of the Woods or Winnie. Find fish on electronics and drop these on them, it can really be that simple for most of the summer.
Deep Vee Jig – This jig design could be one of the more revolutionary adaptations I’ve seen in some time. For a river guy, these baits track true when you’re dragging, and are setup for livebait and plastics both with the wire keeper. On lakes and reservoirs, they’re an incredible jig for pitching plastics. The keel keeps them running well, and great hooks paired with big eyes and hard paint make them a quality jig that will last.
Mimic Minnow Limber Leech – My boys came back from the river a few weeks ago with some trout they caught exclusively on limber leeches, adding to the already growing list of species we’ve caught on these baits. Everything eats a leech and especially on river systems, this is a very life-like and effective mimic.
Mimic Minnow Critter Craw – For bass, both smallies and largemouth alike, I’m always happy to throw this bait. Especially in rocky environments, I like how it works across the bottom without getting hung up and have had fish in river systems and lakes alike really select for these things. Like leeches, crayfish are just such a large food source for so many fish species, and this is a great imitation.
Mimic Minnow Shad – Few baits are as throw and go as these. For my kids, it’s been nice to have them tie something on that’ll attract a variety of fish and do so well in so many conditions. That versatility makes them extremely popular and at times, hard to find on store shelves so I like to stock up when I find the colors and sizes I like.

Rigs

Butterfly Blades – It’s hard to beat a butterfly blade in all of its configurations to trick moderate to neutral fish into eating. The Wingnut and standard varieties, with a smattering of crawlers on Super Death hooks, or simple leeches on a single hook are all good multiple looks to offer fish on finicky days. I love how I can really drop the boat speed and just hover over fish with these, as
the blades spin at speeds even slower than 0.5mph. What’s surprising to most people is that I pull these for panfish too. I use the smallest sizes with a chunk of crawler to catch mega gills and cover water near weed beds. That also tends to yield walleyes in the right lakes, and definitely plenty of bass. If you simply want to put a bend in the rod, these are great rigs to do it with.

Baitfish Series Spinner Rigs – There are times often in clear water where fish are more selective on color, yet still want the thump of a traditional metal blade. It’s on waters like Mille Lacs, Winnie, and Lake of the Woods that I’ll pull larger blades in the Baitfish series to put out some vibration, while allowing finesse color presentation both. These are very lifelike blades, and when imitating perch (firetiger, gold perch) or during a bug hatch (gold shiner, clown), I feel like I can dial in their preferences really well. Even in extremely clear water and on a down bite, these spinners coax fish.

Camping and Fishing West Point and Bartletts Ferry

I arrived on Tuesday and set up camp, then got up Wednesday morning and drove 30 minutes to West Point Lake to practice for the Potato Creek Saturday tournament. I found some bushes with a Mayfly hatch and caught a four pounder on a buzzbait in the shade of them, so I thought I had found something.

I marked some more Mayfly bushes and some deep-water places that looked good the rest of that day. I went back on Thursday and found some more, so I felt pretty good about catching fish in the tournament.

On Friday I put in at Bartletts Ferry to check things out there for the Sportsman Club Sunday tournament. It was a week early due to Father’s Day this weekend. The limb I shook the Sunday before and released a cloud of Mayflies was still full of them. When I shook the same limb they flew around me so thick I had to breathe thought my nose to keep from eating one!

That gave me hope since I had caught a four pounder there in the Flint River tournament. I spent a few hours looking for more bushes full of Mayflies and found many, and marked some good looking cover on points before a thunderstorm ran me off the lake at 2:00.

Last Saturday 24 members of the Potato Creek Bassmasters fished our June tournament at West Point. After nine hours of casting, we brought 68 keeper bass weighing about 118 pounds to the scales. There were ten five-bass limits and three people did not weigh in a fish.

Caleb Delay won big with five weighing 14.15 pounds and his 4.82 pound largemouth was big fish. Edward Folker was second with five at 9.92 pounds, Kwong Yu was third with five weighing 9.90 pounds and Mitchell Cardell came in fourth with five at 8.77 pounds.

My practice didn’t really help me. I landed one on a buzzbait near a Mayfly hatch, one on a Carolina Rig on an old roadbed I found and one on a whacky rigged Senko that hit near some Mayflies. I did lose two nice two-pound fish that I got right to the boat and they just pulled off, one on a shaky head worm and one on a jig and pig.

At Bartletts Ferry Sunday ten members of the Spalding County Sportsman Club fished our June tournament. After nine hot hours in our boats, we brough 30 keepers weighing about 39 pounds to the scales. There were two five fish limits and one person didn’t weigh in a fish.

Jay Gerson had a limit weighing 10.51 pounds for first and his 4.14 pound largemouth was big fish. Raymond English had five weighing 7.02 pounds for second, my three weighing 6.02 pounds was third and Glenn Anderson had four weighing 6.09 pounds for fourth. He actually beat me but he had a dead fish that cost him a .2 pound penalty.

Practice didn’t really help here, either. I did catch one keeper on a buzzbait on the same seawall where I caught one the week before, and caught my biggest fish, a 3.48 pounder that hit a weightless Trick worm on another seawall. My third fish came out of some deep brush where I had caught one the weekend before, and my partner Chris Davies got two keepers there and another one off a dock.

Z-MAN® TURBO FATTYZ™: BEAST MODE FOR BIG BASS

Z-Man® Turbo FattyZ™: Beast Mode for Big Bass
from The Fishing Wire

New fropm ZMan


Ladson, SC – Pro Z-Man angler Miles “Sonar” Burghoff is stoked to break out his hottest bass trick. For months, the Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit angler has been tinkering with a hot bait under the radar, conceiving cool ways to catch bass. The bait’s good, no doubt. Different in all the ways that matter, too. The ‘trick’ dangling from Burghoff’s rod tip, however, seems to have put some crazy ideas in his head. As in, saying he’s actually excited to hit up those places where parades of other lures have already chopped the shallow water salad into mixed greens.

You’d assume even an ace like Burghoff would dread rehashing used water. Instead, the friendly professional angler relishes these scenarios— and it’s all because he’s seen what can happen when he shows his new soft swimming worm to the local largemouth population.

“You can go in right after other anglers’ have tossed bladed jigs and traditional surface baits and really clean house,” exclaims Burghoff, with a nod to Z-Man’s new Turbo FattyZ. “This is a softbait that can go places where wire baits and other lures can’t, such as the thickest matted grass. Or, I can pitch and skip the Turbo FattyZ way up beneath overhangs and docks and pull big bites. On the surface, the bait’s buoyant paddletail spits and sputters water. And when you kill it, the worm has this killer waggling action as it slowly flutters.”

As Burghoff will tell you, though, working shallow grass merely skims the surface of the versatile new bait’s talents. But first, a few details . . .

Weighing in with its robust, yet extra soft swim-worm physique, the 6-inch Turbo FattyZ hangs like a substantial bass chunk at the end of your line. The softbait’s stout, segmented torso transitions to a razor-thin, high-action posterior. Propelled by an intelligently-conceived convex paddle tail, the bait hums along with a pulsing, gliding action on a slow to moderate retrieve. The entire tail section is speckled with micro-protrusions for an appetizing appearance and texture. Providing near-neutral buoyancy, a dosage of 15-percent impregnated salt also increases density for easy casts, even when fished unweighted.

“For several years, I searched for a high-performance swimming worm, but just couldn’t find one that clicked,” recalls Burghoff. “I wanted something with extra bulk and weight; a bait with some natural, neutral buoyancy that could be fished a bunch of different ways. So I was really stoked when my friends at Z-Man listened to my wishes, and helped me design the Turbo FattyZ.”

Burghoff’s essential presentation with the bait— a surface and near-surface swimming worm— employs a lightly weighted 3/16-ounce EWG or 1/6-ounce, 4/0 ChinlockZ SWS™ hook, Texas rigged. “Love the way this worm spits and sputters on the surface. Slides right over and through the thickest pads and matted grass. Pause it in pockets and let its tail slowly waggle as the whole worm glides and entices bites. Throw this bait in any of Florida’s big bass lakes or a ton of other shallow cover, big fish situations. You’ll be a happy angler. The Turbo FattyZ is just a really sweet bait for working shallow cover, especially areas that’ve been worked hard by other lures.”

Moving from surface swimmer to other bass apps, Burghoff now calls the Turbo FattyZ his “go-to swim jig trailer.”

“I’ll trim an inch or two off the bait’s head and thread it onto a CrossEyeZ™ Snakehead Swim Jig. The subtle profile and refined tail-kicking action of the Turbo FattyZ especially shine in slower-retrieve swim jig situations. When a faster swim jig retrieve and more thump and action is needed, such as in dirtier water, I’ll switch to the double tailed GOAT™, which displaces even more water.”

Highlighting a trifecta of presentations, Burghoff says the Turbo FattyZ on a Carolina rig remains one of his aces in the hole. “Put the Turbo FattyZ on a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hook and you’ve got perhaps the ultimate Carolina rig bait for covering water and getting bit,” he explains. “Go with a ¾-ounce tungsten bullet weight and work right over those hard bottom structures—shell beds, patches of smaller rock and gravel. You’ll find those zones all over the Great Lakes, as well as southern lakes like Eufaula and TVA impoundments. So many good places with amazing Carolina rig potential—and almost no one throws it these days.”

Burghoff continues: “The Turbo FattyZ is the perfect complement to a heavy Carolina sinker. You get a great read on bottom composition. And you’re putting a confidence bait down there in front of the bass—an almost neutrally buoyant soft worm that swims and thumps as you drag it behind the sinker. On the pause the bait flutters seductively and then almost hovers in place.

“Every time I cast the Turbo FattyZ on a Carolina or any other rig, it makes me want to keep this little trick to myself,” Burghoff laughs.

To grab your own packs of Turbo FattyZ, check your local fishing tackle stores or online retailers beginning in August. Crafted at Z-Man’s South Carolina headquarters, the Z-Man 6-inch Turbo FattyZ features 10X Tough ElaZtech® for extreme softness and durability. The new swimming worm comes in eight pro-selected colors. MSRP $5.99 per 5-pack. For more information, visit www.zmanfishing.com.

GEORGIA DNR EXPLAINS LAKE “TURNOVER”

from The Fishing Wire

“Lake turnover” is a term that is often used incorrectly to describe one period of the annual cycle of lake stratification (layering), which affects the water quality of Southeastern reservoirs. Throughout the year at Georgia’s latitudes and elevations, reservoirs go through a fairly predictable annual cycle. I will address the annual cycle of Lake Lanier and its impact on water quality downstream in the Chattahoochee River. In general this pattern is similar through the Carolinas, Tennessee and most other reservoirs that do not freeze, or are not in tropical climates. Sunlight, air and water temperatures and the density of water at different temperatures drive this annual cycle.

During the cold winter months Lake Lanier’s water is generally the same temperature from the top to the bottom. The lake’s water is cold (around 45–50 degrees F) and clear. Water on the top and bottom of the reservoir has similar densities. Wind action on the surface water rolls the lake and surface water mixes with the bottom water. The exposure that all of the lake water has to the surface allows the lake to have plenty of oxygen from top to bottom. In winter, water temperature and oxygen concentration do not limit fish movement in the lake. Lake water, which is released from the bottom of the lake into the Chattahoochee River below the dam, is cold, oxygenated and clear.

State Record Brown Trout
State Record Brown Trout (20 lb, 14 oz),
caught on Chattahoochee River (7/27/14)

During spring and early summer the lake begins to gain heat and stratify into three somewhat distinct layers: the surface layer called the epilimnion, a bottom layer called the hypolimnion, and a layer between the two called the metalimnion or, as anglers know it, the thermocline, which is how I will refer to it as well.

During the warm months, high air temperatures and more sunlight heat the lake surface faster than the lake can mix. The warm water, which is less dense, floats to the surface and becomes the epilimnion. This warm layer is fairly uniform in temperature and varies from 15 to 30 feet thick throughout the summer. It is full of oxygen from wind action and from oxygen production by microscopic algae, called phytoplankton, via photosynthesis.

The hypolimnion, the cold (45–55 degrees F) bottom layer, becomes isolated and no longer mixes with the warm, oxygenated epilimnion. Oxygen is not produced in the hypolimnion, because this cold, deep layer does not receive sunlight and is devoid of phytoplankton production. Early in the lake stratification process the hypolimnion still contains some oxygen and fish movement is not restricted, but dissolved oxygen levels decline through summer as biological and chemical processes consume oxygen. That is, oxygen is used up in the decomposition of organic matter (nutrients). The amount of nutrients entering the lake from its watershed is called nutrient loading. Water released into the Chattahoochee River from the dam comes from this deep-water zone. Native river species could not adjust to the changed conditions created by Buford Dam, but the cold river water, once re-oxygenated by running over shoals, was a great new habitat for trout.

Between the epilimnion and hypolimnion layers is a layer of rapid temperature change (at least 2 degrees F per yard), called the thermocline. The thermocline, usually 20 to 30 feet thick, does not mix with the surface layer and has little sunlight reaching it. Therefore, oxygen production in the thermocline begins to decline after the lake stratifies.

By summer’s end, the lake is strongly stratified. The epilimnion is warm; it receives sunlight and has plenty of oxygen. Water temperature and oxygen concentrations within the thermocline are both lower, but still often provide acceptable habitat for cool water fish species like stripers and walleye.

In the hypolimnion (deeper than 60 feet), the water is stagnant, cold, and low in oxygen (less than 3 parts per million or ppm). Fish cannot survive in this deepest layer when dissolved oxygen drops much below 3 ppm. As the oxygen concentrations get low, some metals and sulfides in the lake sediments become soluble. These dissolve in the water and are passed downstream as water leaves Lake Lanier and enters the river. This is first noticeable in late September or early October, when these metals and sulfides give the river water its distinctive fall colors and a rotten egg smell. Although these are stressors for the river fish, low oxygen concentrations and high metal and sulfide concentrations are very rarely associated with fish mortality in the river. The river water becomes re-aerated quickly as it flows downstream, and fish in the river avoid water with low dissolved oxygen by finding seeps, springs or feeder streams that have higher dissolved oxygen and lower metal and sulfide concentrations. However, trout fishing in the river near the dam suffers in the fall, because of these water quality conditions.

Prior to the 1980s, oxygen concentrations (greater than 5 ppm) and temperatures in the thermocline of Lake Lanier, a young reservoir at that time, were adequate to allow trout to survive. Since then, organic matter entering the lake has increased, and the oxygen needs of trout can no longer be met. There just isn’t enough oxygen to keep trout alive through this critical summer period. Today striped bass still find enough oxygen and adequate cool water habitat in the lake’s thermocline to survive the summer; however, they can be stressed by low oxygen conditions (2–4 ppm).

In the fall, as air temperatures drop, the lake begins to lose heat, and the process of de-stratification begins. The warm water of the epilimnion cools and becomes deeper and denser. It still has lots of oxygen. As the epilimnions density approaches the density of the hypolimnion, mixing of the layers can take place. When this happens the stratification is broken and the bottom water mixes with the surface water, and the lake is no longer stratified. This event is called “Lake Turnover, and generally occurs around Christmas each year. After the mixing there are no layers, and the entire lake will have high oxygen concentrations. Within a few days after lake turnover, the dissolved metals become insoluble and settle to the bottom. This leaves the lake water clear from the top to bottom, and the river water clears as well. Metals that have settled on the river bottom are eventually washed downstream by the daily generations.

With the warming of spring, the stratification process will repeat itself, and the plankton, fish, and other aquatic wildlife will react to these changes in their habitat.

Berkley Pros Will Give Free Seminars at the Bassmasters Classic – and You Can Get Free Line!!

Berkley Pros to Compete and Give Seminars at the Academy Sports + Outdoors 2021 Bassmaster Classic and Bassmaster Outdoors Expo

COLUMBIA, S.C. (June 7, 2021) –– As the bass fishing world turns its attention to the Academy Sports + Outdoors 2021 Bassmaster Classic, professional bass fishing fans attending the events can expect to see Berkley pros on and off the water. Nine Berkley pros will compete for the Classic title with additional Berkley pros conducting seminars throughout the three-day run of the Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo. 

Berkley fans who attend the event can cheer on fan-favorite competitors including defending Bassmaster Classic champion Hank Cherry as well as childhood friends John Cox and Keith Carson as they compete for the $300,000 purse on Lake Ray Roberts. Additional Berkley pros competing in the event include Brandon Cobb, Shane LeHew, Bryan New, Luke Palmer, Matt Robertson and Hunter Shryock.

Prior to each day’s Classic weigh in, fans will be able to attend seminars inside the Berkley booth inside the Outdoors Expo conducted by Hank Parker, Jordan Lee and many others, as well as get insights from Berkley scientists who will break down the fish-catching science behind Berkley baits. 

Attendees who purchase reels or rod-and-reel combos at the Classic Outdoors Expo can visit the Berkley booth to have those reels spooled for free with leading Berkley monofilament, fluorocarbon or braided line (limit three reels and 1,000 yards max). 

To learn more about Berkley products and the company’s legacy for research and innovation, go to https://www.berkley-fishing.com/. 

About Pure Fishing

Pure Fishing, Inc. is a leading global provider of fishing tackle, lures, rods and reels with a portfolio ofbrands that includes Abu Garcia®, All Star®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Fin-Nor®, Frabill®, Greys®, Hardy®, Hodgman®, Johnson®, JRC®, Mitchell®, Penn®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Sebile®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Stren®, Ugly Stik®, and Van Staal®.

Top 5 Saltwater Shrimp and Jerkbaits


Own these and you are outfitted for every region, condition, and inshore species that swims
from The Fishing Wire

Open the lid of any saltwater tackle box and you are certain to see a menagerie of shapes, sizes, and colors that is more dynamic than a confectionary (for all you kids, that means a candy shop). You might have to rub off some rust to appreciate the brilliant rainbow of colors, but trust it’s there.To more fully grasp the eye-popping selection of available colors and schemes, sans rust, meander down the aisles of any well-stocked tackle shop. The Willy Wonka sights can easily overwhelm the senses; making actual selections can turn into an exercise in extended head-scratching. So, to simplify shopping, we’ve amassed a Top-5 list of inshore saltwater shrimp lures and jerkbaits with input from some of saltwater fishing’s brightest minds.

SHRIMP BAITS

Every legitimate saltwater fishery in the world is home to one or more species of shrimp. And the better news? Every gamefish worth its salt preys on this ubiquitous forage. Moreover, shrimp imitations are simple to fish.The only thing better than the perfectly shaped shrimp softbait is one that’s internally weighted and adjustable. Z-Man’s anatomically accurate 3-1/2” Rigged EZ ShrimpZ bears an internal, notched ¼-ounce weight that can be pinched off all the way down to 1/8 ounce. The weight is ideally keeled, too, yielding a level drop and upright posture when it rests on the bottom. Genius.

More about its physique… The durable ElaZtech® Rigged EZ ShrimpZ features a segmented body, giving it lifelike looks and a natural action. Its thin, short appendages proffer a realistic quivering movement and improved wind resistance for increased castability.Made in the USA, the Rigged EZ ShrimpZ contains a 2/0 Mustad® hook and come in ready-to-fish two packs. Replacement bodies are also available.Operation is simple: cast it out and work the bait back with short snaps, letting it freefall to the bottom, or near bottom, between pops. Certainly, alter retrieval speed and aggressiveness of the snaps based on fish responses. Sometimes, all you need to do is slowly drag it across the bottom. If you’re dogged about realism, squeeze Pro-Cure Super Gel in the pack and let the baits baste in the savory concoction.

Z-Man’s Rigged EZ ShrimpZ is the perfect companion to a popping cork, too, often outfishing real shrimp – and without the worry of bait tearing away on the cast or pops. Pesky pinfish and other small marauders can’t dismember it, either. And being available in a multitude of colors, you can broker change, matching indigenous shrimp or tendering eye-catching colors in stained water.

VETARGET Fleeing Shrimp
Along with the aforementioned, LIVETARGET’s Fleeing Shrimp is the only other shrimp imitation you’ll ever need. It’s the most anatomically and visually precise shrimp bait ever designed. In fact, the Fleeing Shrimp won the prestigious Best New Saltwater Lure at ICAST in 2018, as voted on by the industry.The LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp seamlessly combines a biologically precise shrimp profile and anatomy, a dynamic color palette, biomimetic action and robust saltwater components to synthesize a soft lure that uniquely replicates the appearance, action, sound, and even the scent of a living shrimp. 

The action-packed LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp is, at its heart, a soft lure, but one that uniquely replicates a natural shrimp’s appearance. A portion of this biomimetic perfection stems from having a body size and shape that accurately recalls a living shrimp, bristling with three-dimensional anatomical features including tail and thorax segmentation, eyes, antennae, and more. A custom-designed jighead sporting an extra-strong corrosion-resistant hook blends seamlessly with the Fleeing Shrimp’s soft body, accentuating the lure’s ultra-natural profile. A broad spectrum of eight color patterns completes the visual deception.

The LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp truly comes to life when the angler imparts action, either popping it along the bottom or swimming it beneath the surface. The Fleeing Shrimp’s proprietary skirt masterfully emulates a living shrimp’s front legs, both in motion and at rest. When the shrimp is “fleeing” in a natural, backwards direction, the skirt folds together like the front legs of a living shrimp. When the shrimp comes to rest on the bottom, it stands perfectly upright with the head tipped slightly upward, while the skirt material fans outward and gently flows up and down, creating a subtle, lifelike action that will entice a bite and not spook wary fish.

Artistry meets engineering in the LIVETARGET Fleeing Shrimp. This standard in shrimp lures comes in two lengths and weights (2-3/4” and ¼ oz, or 3-1/2” and 3/8 oz) and eight ultra-realistic color patterns. And if you need to downsize weight, take the included extra body and rig it with a lighter Z-Man Trout Eye™ or longer shanked Redfish Eye™ jighead.

HARDBODY JERKBAITS

Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow
There’s no shortage of retailer peg-hooks draped with Yo-Zuri hardbody jerkbaits, and for good reason – they are deadly. The Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow, specifically, is a perennial saltwater fish catcher.

The lure’s patented and proprietary Internal 3D Prism Finish reflects all subsurface light, even in the murkiest water. The results of the dynamic flash will be evidenced by the fish chilling in your ice box. Accentuating the visual bursts, the Crystal 3D Minnow’s erratic side-to-side swimming action drives fish off the deep end.

The Crystal 3D Minnow attracts sonically as well with its internal rattle ball sound system. Saltwater-grade tin hooks, durable ABS resin body and stainless-steel split-rings complete the masterfully designed baitfish imitator.

Fishing one is simple as well. Cast and twitch, experimenting with pause times and forcefulness. Oftentimes, twitches mutate into hooksets, as inshore species regularly smash the bait while it’s stationary or just pulling away.Available in 14 unique patterns, there is a Yo-Zuri Crystal 3D Minnow to match your fishing situation, water clarity and targeted species.

Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow
Shallow does not necessarily mean fishing small. Inshore predators like redfish, snook, and seatrout eat big stuff, especially during the summer months when juvenile bait like mullet are developing into young adults.

In said situations, nothing begs to be bitten like Daiwa’s Salt Pro Minnow. Another effective hardbody jerkbait, the popular Salt Pro Minnow was engineered for versatility and casting great distances, which is a must in clear water. An internal weight-transfer system propels the lure amazing distances and cuts inshore winds to the quick. This, while heavy-duty saltwater hooks promote longevity and fight rust.Cosmetically, its realistic scale pattern and 3D eyes dare fish to prove it is not real. To that, the Salt Pro Minnow is available in a whopping 32 color patterns, catering to anything the ocean desires.The suggested 5-1/8” size dives to just three feet, making it fully functionable in most inshore situations. Twitch and pause, like any run-of-the-mill jerkbait, but expect improved results. Fish love to hate this thing.

Rapala X-Rap Salter
Rapala’s greater X-Rap® series is synonymous with success… the Suspending X-Rap® Saltwater, specifically, when saltwater species are involved. Categorized as a Slashbait® for its vigorous, darting action, the lure’s locomotion is unique to hardbody jerkbaits. And the fish notice.Visually speaking, the iconoclastic lure features prominent scales, a legit lateral line, internal holographic foil for optimum flash, textured translucent body and 3D holographic eyes. Aggregated, these traits present a realism that fish want to get to know better.Promoting tape-measure casts, the Suspending X-Rap Saltwater jerkbait houses a long-cast mechanism that flat-out works. VMC® Perma Steel® Hooks finalize the package.

And like all Rapala premium baits, every X-Rap Saltwater jerkbait is hand tuned and tank tested, so don’t be thrown off by any water droplet residue on the packaging. It means Rapala cares.Rapala’s X-Rap Saltwater is available in four sizes and a dozen surefire colors.If you’re looking for top-producing saltwater shrimp and hardbody jerkbaits, don’t be the kid in the candy store.

Take our advice and stock up the top 5… and be ready for a fight.

Fishing License Sales On the Rise as Manufacturers Adjust to New Climate


(Editor’s Note: Today’s feature comes from Joe Sills at our companion publication, Fishing Tackle Retailer.)
By Joe Sills, Fishing Tackle Retailer
from The Fishing Wire

In Minnesota, fishing license sales are up 45% on the year. In Vermont, fishing license sales rise have climbed 62%. In South Carolina, sales of resident freshwater licenses have risen by about 20%. And in Kansas, license sales are up about 15%—all since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak. And though some tackle stores remain closed across the country, one message seems to be ringing loud and clear from coast to coast: people are fishing.

Washington State was an early epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in America, shouldering 841 deaths to date. Much of the state was closed to outdoor recreation in March, and April fishing license sales were down an estimated 70 to 80%; however, after Gov. Jay Inslee announced a partial reopening of activities including fishing on April 27, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reported $300,000 of license sales in a single day, according to the Chinook Observer.

“Outdoor activity is up across the board,” says Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Chief of Outreach and Communications Jennifer Wisniewski. “Before COVID-19, people would go out to eat, go to the mall, to kids ballgames and pro ballgames, you name it. All of those things aren’t happening, and what else is there to do? Those who own a boat and are off work or working from home have more time to get to the lake. Of course, we are really encouraging people to get out and discover or rediscover hunting and fishing.”Wisniewski adds that fishing license sales in the Volunteer State are also up over last year’s figures, though nonresident sales have decreased. In total, Tennessee has sold 697,418 hunting and fishing licenses this year—an increase of more than 100,000 from 2019. According to Wisniewski, the state agency does not know if sales figures are due to increased participation or the result of people getting back into outdoor sports after Tennessee’s shelter-in-place orders expired on May 1.

Impact on Tackle Sales
Gary Harsel runs Live Bait Vending, a Pennsylvania-based business that builds vending machines for tackle stores meant to be filled with live bait. While many tackle stores around the country remain closed, Harsel says they are looking to his machines to provide new anglers with bait while their doors are locked.“It’s almost embarrassing to say this with what is going on,” says Harsel. “Right now, we are the busiest that we have been in 22 years. Why? Because in a lot of places you’re allowed to go to Lowe’s or Walmart, but not a bait shop. In order to sell their product, people are buying our vending machines. It is sad to be busy because of this. I really hope it is over soon, but we will take it.”Harsel says that his machines—which generate an average of $300 to $400 per weekend for retailers—have been one of the few sources of income for some stores, and his numbers back that up. Live Bait Vending sold more machines in April than it did in all of 2019. Three times, Harsel has had to order new machines from his Des Moines, Iowa manufacturing facility. “My biggest customer has 76 machines, and he told me that he’s never had a better opener,” he adds.

American Made and Stimulus Supplied
In Park Falls, Wisconsin, St. Croix Rods Director of Marketing Jesse Simpkins says his company has seen an uptick in sales in recent weeks. “We are not sure that is due to stimulus checks or more people being focused on U.S.-built products, but we have indeed seen a nice increase,” Simpkins tells. “We have seen more questions about which series are produced here in Park Falls in the past two or three weeks than almost any other question.”

Bullet Weights CEO Joe Crumrine says terminal tackle sales to distributors are up. “I believe there are more people going fishing right now than in years past, based on the orders we are receiving,” adds Crumrine. “We are seeing most of our customers ordering more than forecasted.

”On March 26, Z-Man became one of the first manufacturers to halt operations for employee safety as COVID-19 began to sweep the nation. President Daniel Nussbaum says Z-Man began reopening with a five-person skeleton crew in late April and has now brought all of its employees back online in staggered shifts. “We’re requiring face masks, cleaning work surfaces and common areas at two hour intervals, and enforcing social distancing.” he says.

“It’s a lot of work, but probably the new normal for a while.”According to Nussbaum, sales tapered off quickly six weeks ago; however, he says the situation has improved weekly. “We’re pretty much swamped right now. A big part of that is that we got behind while running a skeleton crew, but for the most part, people seem to be using this downtime to get on the water and fish. The weather has been great this spring in most parts of the country, and many of our distributors, dealers and sales reps report that business has been great.”Like many manufacturers, Z-Man is facing supply chain disruptions domestically and abroad. However, Nussbaum now has reason to remain optimistic about the season.

The apparel category was hit particularly hard by COVID-19. AFTCO CEO Casey Shedd says the story of one of the nation’s most popular apparel brands is a tale of two worlds. “The wholesale business has not rebounded yet on our end,” explains Shedd. “It experienced very dramatic declines in March and April as retailers understandably pulled back. So far, in May we have seen a slowing of the wholesale decline, but we aren’t yet to what I’d call recovery. We do a lot of business with apparel-only stores in more densely populated areas, and many of those stores are starting to open up just this week. Some are still not open.”Shedd contrasts his wholesale business with a success story from the online side.

“Our own web business and the web business of many of our customers has remained strong throughout the period. Unlike many other clothing companies, we didn’t rely on AFTCO.com in-season discounts to accomplish that. This helped our accounts sell product through their own websites, as they didn’t need to compete with us.”Shedd says his customers have specifically cited stimulus checks as a reason for purchases, recounting one California resident—a hospitality worker that hadn’t had time to fish in years—that used his check to purchase soft plastics, a new rod-and-reel combo and an AFTCO performance shirt.

For retailers, increased demand at a time when their brick and mortar space largely sits empty presents a unique challenge. Those who can are adapting to curbside pickup and delivery service. Others are relying on machines like Harsel’s to stem the bleeding. And soon, many will be among the first guinea pigs for relaxed social distancing restrictions that will allow customers back into their aisles.