The light-to-medium variety is ingrained in the pursuit shallow-water fish — perfect for casting a shrimp, a small crab, a pilchard, or a tiny jig. Great for battling bonefish, permit, redfish, snook, tarpon and plenty more. Here, as we see it, are major milestone developments over the past 50 years that we believe helped make spinning tackle today’s go-to gear for skinny water fishing.

Mid-1970s

The Daiwa Silver spinning reels integrated popular innovations like skirted spools that shed water and resisted corrosion, convertible handles to accommodate right-handers and southpaws, a nearly infallible bail-trip system, and higher retrieve speeds to working lures more quickly than ever. The light models such as the 1500 were an instant success.  

Late-1970s

Fenwick’s contribution come in the form of graphite spinning rods. Eagle and HMG rod lines brought the advantages of light weight, quick recoil and lots of power — attributes that made them ideal for casting and battling species like bonefish and redfish. The early versions were slightly prone to breakage, but a solid warranty meant replacements were easy to come by.

1980s

Fishing big baits in the surf or skinny water sometimes means letting the fish run a bit before coming tight. The innovative Shimano “bait running” feature enabled anglers to do just this without opening the bait. When you’re ready, turn the handle to engage the reel and go to work. The Shimano Baitrunner’s introduction spawned a host of me-too models from other major brands.

Early 1990s

Spinning reels had trouble matching the drag pressure of conventional reels needed for powerful species such as tarpon. Shimano’s Stella series changed that with its dual-drag system with washers supporting the spool from both top and bottom. Other innovations: a heat sink to reduce drag fade and strengthened spool support to reduce flex, plus deliver consistent drag pressure.   

1990s

SpiderWire’s introduction of thin-diameter braided line, quickly followed by other brands, proved a game changer for spinning reels, exponentially increasing line capacity for spinning reels, making it possible endure sustained runs by species such as cobia, sharks and tarpon.

Early-2000s

Slowly oscillating spinning reels mechanisms such as that on the Shimano Stella spooled line on more uniformly to prevent piling up line, reducing tangles and increasing casting distance. 

2000s

The subtle tap of bonefish inhaling shrimp or a sheepshead crushing a crab were enhanced with introduction of exposed black reel seats for light-tackle spinning rods such as Fuji.

Late-2000s

Braid line has a downside, especially with spinning gear. It sometimes results in wind knots that are nearly impossible to untangle. Fuji came to the rescue with its tangle-free guides to dramatically reduced wind knots when fishing braided line with spinning gear.

Read Next: The Best New Spinning Reels

Mid-2010s

Many associate IPX waterproofing with Shimano spinning reels, but Penn was the first to offer this in its Slammer and Torque models. The IPX6 rating they enjoy means they protect against a high-pressure water stream from any angle.   

Early 2020s

While major spinning reel brands have had power handles with large grips and longer handles for years, the early 2020s have seen company in the aftermarket offer these as retrofits. Power handles from companies such as Gomexus provide extra leverage for battling giant trevally, sharks, and tarpon that you might hook in shallow water.

The post The Evolution of Spinning Tackle appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Richard Root burned his lure back to the boat, eager to entice a strike from a marauding wahoo. The wahoo bomb’s hook held securely to a black swivel and split ring, connected to a hexed blade spinning faster than a tornado. Flash and speed proved too enticing, and he soon pulled tight to a beastly wahoo.

Root’s success with a blade wasn’t a fluke; it proves that blades aren’t just for guys with carpet in their boats. Root was fishing far offshore in Baja Mexico’s Pacific waters when the ’hoo hit.

Flashy lures and modifications for saltwater anglers are diverse and widespread. The flash of a blade whirling, just like a silver-sided baitfish reflecting sunlight, often tips the odds in your favor. Whether a coastal or offshore fisherman, chances are you probably don’t have a single lure with a blade in your tackle bag. Not enough anglers take advantage of this simple lure component. Here’s why you should.

Bladed Baits for Inshore Fishing

Where bladed soft baits truly shine are the coastal off-colored bays, rivers and marshes.

“There are very few venues where bladed baits don’t excel,” says Capt. C.A. Richardson, of Tampa Bay, Florida, and host of Flats Class TV. “Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. At night, snook and big seatrout have always hit spoons in dim ­conditions. That’s a great time to throw soft ­plastics with a blade.”

Low light is key, along with cloudy waters and the presence of baitfish. “On a crystal-clear flat with few baitfish present, I’ll use a spoon or ‘naked’ soft plastic,” says Richardson. “But if I’m fishing in the marsh where there are plenty of pogies and mullet, I want my bait to stand out. I want something that looks different, something that’s aggressive with a bigger profile. Alpha fish want that type of bait, one that throws a bigger wake.”

Bladed soft baits have other ­advantages, including casting farther than lightweight plastics, so they’re ideal as prospect or search baits when blind-casting. Plus, the blade itself provides a weedless element.

“I’ll throw bladed baits on top of oysters and spartina grass, and then slowly pull the baits off the structure in front of redfish,” says Richardson. “A spoon or soft plastic goes right through the grass, getting stuck; I want to make a subtle presentation that doesn’t blow out the fish.”

Richardson will throw bladed soft baits in 1 to 8 feet of water. Too shallow and he opts for a simple spoon, but in deeper depths he’ll stick with bladed soft baits such as the Z-Man DieZel Spin. “Use a half-ounce head and slow-roll the bait deeper,” he says. “It’s perfect for fish that drop off a flat and hang in the deeper channel waters. There’s not as much light down there.”

Top soft baits with blades include Z-Man’s DieZel ChatterBait and Spin, Terminator’s Snagless In-line Spinner, and Castaic’s Lynch Mob, among others. Of course, you can take one of these baits, or others, and modify it with your favorite soft tails.

“Try adding an artificial-shrimp trailer to a spinnerbait for areas where marsh drains out, especially during the outgoing tide,” he says. “I use a ‘­helicopter retrieve,’ letting the bait bounce up and down. New penny is a perfect color in the turbid waters.”

Score Offshore

Metal jigs, and even plugs and poppers, benefit from blade modifications. Sport Fishing editor Doug Olander alters all three, at times, with ­additional bling.

“I prefer the metallic colors (gold and silver) or white blades,” says Olander. “For jigs, I favor smaller rather than larger blades, figuring the small blades still offer good flash without hindering free flutter much.”

As Olander points out, the trick is to add flash and attraction without altering the lure’s presentation, increasing bites from your target species. He’s not particular about the fish species or depth; he’s had luck with most fish that commonly attack metal.

“Though I rarely put them on poppers, when I have, I swapped out the rear treble with a big single hook and the front treble with a blade,” says Olander. “For deep-diving lures, I might add a blade at the back split ring. Blades and hooks are easy to swap out with split-ring pliers.”

Olander gladly admits to ­experimenting with different sizes, shapes and colors of blades. That’s all part of the fun, he says. Possible ­attachment points include replacing either of the hooks with blades, adding a smaller blade to a split ring that’s also occupied by a hook, or adding a blade to the leader in front of the lure.

How to Modify Lures to Add Blades

“Blades are application specific,” says Rollie Vallin, national sales manager for the Worth Company, makers of blades, split rings and clevises. “You probably won’t use a size 0 for barracuda, but there really are no limiting factors. It’s completely up to the angler how he wants to build.”

Still, it pays to have an idea of what’s available, including the different types of blades. “The width of the blade determines how fast the blade rotates in correlation to its length,” says Vallin.

A wide and short blade such as a Colorado blade turns slower but has more vibration. Willow blades are much thinner and spin faster, but they don’t exude as much pulsation. Indiana blades are a mix between the two, shaped almost like a pear. Worth sells all different types of blades, with popular finishes in gold, nickel, silver and copper, says Vallin.

“The best action for a straight, steady retrieve is a Colorado blade,” says Richardson, “for that deep ­vibration and thump, thump retrieve.”

Clevis fasteners, like those used on spinnerbaits, allow anglers to add a blade to the leader in front of the lure itself. Worth’s Clip N Spin clevis handles most blade sizes and is easy to use, says Vallin.

Using a clevis is much better than threading a leader straight through the hole of the blade, discovered Olander. “I liked the idea of a blade spinning in front of the lure, with the leader running through the blade,” he said. “But I had enough ‘mysterious’ breakoffs that I stopped doing that.”

To attach a blade to a lure, ­sometimes it’s as easy as using the available split rings or adding your own rings to the lure. Channel your inner mad scientist to see what works. Add a blade to the front or rear hook eye of a hard bait, and then cast it out. Does it swim true? Similarly, test a blade at the top or bottom points of a speed jig.

“It’s all about research,” says Vallin. “Always test it out. Cast it out there in real-life conditions to see what makes the best fish trap.”

The post Add Blades to Your Fishing Lures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

AFTCO Ocean Bound Printed LS Performance Shirt

AFTCO’s Ocean Bound Printed LS Performance Shirt is aimed for anglers who spend extended days outside. This UV Protection fishing shirt shields dad from the sun’s harsh rays, allowing him to concentrate on fishing and boating. This performance fit shirt features a mint shoreline camo design equipped with advanced quick dry properties, UPF 40 sun protection and thumb loops to help keep the sleeves in place. The Ocean Bound LS Performance Shirt is knit with 65% REPREVE Our Ocean recycled polyester made from ocean-bound plastic bottles.

Astral Loyak M’s

The Astral Loyak M’s are minimalist, high performance shoes providing durability, exceptional grip and sensational ground feel on both land and water. These shoes feature balanced geometry for increasing balance and stability, and their Rubber + Flex Grip outsoles provide exceptional grip on wet and dry surfaces. Loyak M’s are lightweight and quick draining, while reducing the entry of sand. Complete with the outdoor industry’s first drop-in midsole, dad can expect durability on his feet.

Bajio SIGS

This is the year to get dad some quality shades for his fishing trips. Named after Sigsbee Park, an area north of Key West that’s famous for its flats fishing, Bajio SIGS are sunglasses fit for both style and utility. These medium fit, full wrap shades with narrow temples offer stealthy sun protection with built in Sun Ledge technology – blocking rays while not being visible from the outside. They’re customizable with different frame colors and polarized lenses that utilize LAPIS technology to block 95% of bad blue light, 90% of harsh yellow light and 100% UV light.

Battery Tender 12V 4 AMP Power Tender Battery Charger

Keep dad going with the Battery Tender 12V 4 AMP Power Tender Battery Charger. This reliable and efficient unit maintains a battery at its ideal storage voltage level. Unlike trickle chargers, it won’t cause any damaging effects to the battery. Charging speeds can reach up to 4 AMPs, making this battery perfect for automotive, marine and powersport batteries. It is suitable for both short-term and long-term charging use, and it is compatible with 6-volt and 12-volt lithium, AGM, flooded, and gel batteries. The Power Tender Battery Charger is 12V or 6V switchable.

Berkley Gulp! Saltwater Surf Bytes Sand Fleas

Go beach fishing this Father’s Day with the scented Gulp! Saltwater Surf Bytes Sand Fleas from Berkley. This surf fishing bait combines the extreme scent dispersion of Gulp! with added durability and a bright colored sand flea profile. The Sand Flea is tough enough to withstand hard surf conditions and pesky bait stealers. Choose from five vivid, easy to see colors.

Columbia Men’s PFG Solar Stream Elite Hoodie

This is a winner of a fishing shirt for the dad who spends long days on his boat. The Columbia PFG Solar Stream Elite Hoodie is lightweight, sun safe and breathable with sweat-wicking fabric and broad-spectrum UV protection that blocks harmful rays. Of note, a hoodie keeps the sun off dad’s head, neck and ears during those afternoon scorchers. Thumb holes allow dad to protect the back of his hands to block out additional harsh rays. This primo shirt is available in 7 different colors and features Omni-Wick technology to keep him dry and cool by pulling moisture to the fabric’s surface to evaporate.

Costa Keramas

Costa Keramas sunglasses are an excellent Father’s Day gift for dad who doesn’t always want that fishing-style frame. These shades are equipped with a wide lens front designed to cover a greater portion of the face. They are built with premium Polarized 580 Lenses that filter reflective glare found frequently on the water, and they offer 100% UV light protection. Keramas have a C-Wall coating that provides extra scratch resistance and a barrier that repels water, oil and sweat for easy cleaning. These shades are inspired by a life near the water with colors, patterns and textures that capture salty vibes.

Daiwa 24 Steez SV

For those looking to go all out for Father’s Day, the Daiwa 24 Steez SV fishing reel is meant for inshore or bass anglers. The baitcaster features a new compact body design for comfort and durability. Its Hyper Drive Design maximizes power and efficiency, while the A7075 SV BOOST Spool reduces spool inertia and enhances casting accuracy. The updated T-Wing System minimizes line friction, preventing frustrating tangles during casting and retrieval. Crafted with a magnesium frame and sideplate, the Daiwa Steez SV strikes the perfect balance between strength and weight, making it plenty capable but impressively lightweight.

Fenwick Elite Inshore Spinning Rod

The Fenwick Elite Inshore spinning rod is unlike any other fishing rod in the company’s 70 years of rod building. This new Elite design was rebuilt from scratch from a blend of 36- and 30-ton graphite along with Fenwick’s proprietary reinforcing resin, resulting in an incredibly sensitive yet powerful rod. Fenwick-designed soft touch reel seats fit naturally in hand and boost anglers’ ability to detect changes in structure, lure movement and bites. This 1-piece rod is available in several rod lengths and actions for flats and heavier applications. 

G. Loomis IMX Pro Offshore

G. Loomis forged the all-new IMX Pro Offshore series of fishing rods to be as tough as the anglers that wield them. This lineup of purpose-built 20- to 80-pound-class rods are equipped with actions designed for West Coast techniques. We’re talking SoCal fishing at its finest. Available in a wide variety of models, these rods are equipped with G. Loomis’ Multi-Taper design technology to add material where the blank is likely to fail and subtracts material where it won’t. Other features include a SeaGuide Guide Train, Fuji Reel Seat and BattleOn Grip, all handcrafted in Woodland, Washington, to create an unstoppable fishing rod.

HUK A1A Performance Collection

The HUK (pronounced “hook”) A1A Performance Collection of outdoor apparel is a great option for the hardcore fishing dad. Inspired by the iconic Florida highway known for its access to coveted fishing spots, this collection’s designs enhance every angler’s experience on the water. The A1A Performance Crew stands out with its exceptional UPF rating, which offers anglers major protection against the sun’s harmful rays while keeping them cool. The A1A Performance Hoodie is crafted with a full-mesh fabric to boost breathability, while the hood and built-in face gaiter provide protection.

Island Optics Mako XL

The Island Optics Mako XL sunglasses are meant for that dad who always jokes about having a huge noggin. Available OX2-P (Polycarbonate) or OX2-G (Mineral Glass) lenses, these polarized glasses will cut glare, allowing an angler to actually look into the water. The shades feature gator grip anti-slip technology on the nose pads and temples of the frame so they won’t fall off easily. A unique venting system keeps the steam and fog out when the temperatures reach the 80s and 90s. They also have hydrophobic and anti-reflective coatings for increased optical clarity.

Korkers Wade Lite

Get him some boots that’ll inspire confidence while wading water this Father’s Day. The Korkers Wade Lite Wading Boot Collection features two new boot styles, Chrome Lite and Stealth Sneaker, with compatible XTRA-BITE screw-in carbide cleats. These boots are designed with ultra-light performance and durability in mind while being tough as nails. Their Kling-On Rock performance outsole is light, flexible and provides positive grip on both dry and wet rock. Their Macro-Lug design allows for solid performance on softer terrain, while the razor-siped tread sheds water and provides sure-footed confidence with every step.

Magellan Outdoors Pro Pedal Drive Kayak

Dads searching for adventure deserve to experience the Magellan Outdoors Pro Pedal Drive Kayak. And the price is not as substantial as pedal models from other manufacturers. This kayak boasts a sturdy yet manageable weight of 88 pounds and an impressive weight capacity of 400 pounds. Equipped with a pedal drive system and steerable rudder system, navigating through waters becomes extremely smooth. The ‘yak features a large front storage hatch, multiple modular accessory rails, adjustable elevated seat, large rear tankwell storage and seat utility tackle storage – making it a kayak worthy of most bays, rivers and creeks. 

Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest

The Minn Kota Riptide Instinct Quest is the gift for that boating dad. This motor is designed to thrive in big water elements. With available shaft lengths up to 100 inches and an extremely dependable automatic stow and deploy, Instinct comes ready to go where other trolling motors won’t. The new QUEST series of dual 24/36 volt brushless trolling motors was designed for anglers who demand quality and reliability. It features a reinforced motor and mount, more advanced GPS functionality than ever, and an “eco-mode” to extend battery life.

Pelagic Vaportek

Have your dad stand out in a crowd. True fishermen will understand this unique design. The Pelagic Vaportek Fishing Shirt features full length, fine-mesh vented panels which allow for optimal airflow to pass through the lightweight fabric. Built for beating the heat and humidity, this long sleeve is a go-to in tropical conditions. The shirt offers 50-plus UPF Protection, is water resistant and stain repellent, and utilizes an ultralight proprietary fabric made with 100 percent polyester. All this, combined with a sonar print, design makes for a great gift for dad this Father’s Day.

Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reel

The Penn Spinfisher VII Spinning Reel is a solid, saltwater resistant powerhouse of a reel that’ll help dad fight most species. Its HT-100 drag washers are housed in a fully sealed spool to give it sufficient stopping power needed for large saltwater sportfish. A full metal body and sideplate keep the CNC Gear System in precise alignment under heavy loads. The Penn Spinfisher VII is available in standard, Live Liner and Long Cast models with a variety of gear ratio and reel size options.

Salt Life Sandbar Sunday Volley Short

You just can’t go wrong gifting dad a nice pair of swim trunks. The Salt Life Sandbar Sunday Volley swim shorts are made from SLX-QD 4-way Vapor stretch fabric offering great functionality and comfort. These aqua trunks provide a garment that is quick drying and comfortable, perfect for wearing in and out of the water. The elastic waist and draw cord keep a guy’s waist happy, but also include a back pocket. Available in three colors: Aruba Blue, Blue and Midnight.

Shimano Stradic FM

The Stradic has been a mainstay at Shimano for years. Maybe it’s time for dad to fish the next generation of spinner? The all-new Shimano Stradic FM spinning reel showcases multi-generational reel technologies combined with InfinityXross for strong durability and synergy. HAGANE gearing for added strength, along with the refinement of MicroModule II, make for the ultimate reeling experience. The addition of InfinityDrive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, and Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and water-channeling labyrinth construction ensure dependable performance. The Stradic FM is available in multiple sizes with different specs for gear ratio, max drag, and line capacity.

Seviin GSW Series

The Seviin GSW saltwater series of fishing reels is another solid option for Father’s Day. Haven’t heard of Seviin? It’s the spinning reel produced by St. Croix. IPX5 sealing keeps saltwater away from internal components so your dad can spend time fighting fish without worrying about the guts in his reel. With critical bearings and components machined from stainless steel and an aluminum body and side cover, dad will be able to outlast the most stubborn saltwater fish. An over-sized, carbon-fiber drag delivers fish-stopping power even with heavier braided lines. The Seviin GSW Saltwater Series includes a variety of different reel models with specs to fit his fishing needs.

Simms Pursuit Shoe

On deck or in the water, the Simms Pursuit Shoe is dad’s ultimate wet-wading cross trainer. The Pursuit’s powerful outsole grip allows for slip resistance on wet surfaces. The shoe is constructed with an ultra-breathable and quick-draining mesh. Plus, it’s equipped with a quick-lacing system for easy fit adjustment. The Simms Pursuit Shoe comes in most men’s sizes to be worn barefoot or with a thin-liner sock.

Toadfish Ultimate Grill Set and Case

Does dad have all the clothing and accessories he needs? Get him some nice outdoor grill tools with the Toadfish Ultimate Grill Set and Case. This set includes an ultimate spatula, tongs and grill fork all packaged nicely in a hard case metal storage box equipped with two hinge closures. Each piece in this set is a reimagination of traditional designs with new innovative features that will elevate dad’s grilling game. Created with stainless steel and soft-touch inlays to sit securely in the hand, this complete set of grilling essentials is a great gift for catching and cooking.

Watershed Big Creek Drybag

Ever wade a little deeper than you intended? Yeah, us too. Fortunately, the Big Creek drybag from Watershed has your back. This waterproof wonder offers 1,280 cubic inches of protection for delicate electronics, fishing gear, and extra layers. Plus, this has one of the easiest to use seals we’ve ever encountered on a drybag, closing just like the Ziplock you stashed your sandwich in to offer protection without having to roll the top down. Oh, and the suspension is pretty comfortable too; we wore it all day fishing the Chandeleur Islands and hardly noticed it despite a sizeable load.

XTRATUF Riptide Sandal

Built for life on and off the boat, the all new XTRATUF Riptide Sandal is a one-piece slip-on sneaker that’s a perfect fit for dad. With draining holes throughout the upper, and a textured footbed for added traction, this shoe is made for all day wear wherever he goes. Need to hop in the water? Walking on a rocky beach? No problem, these shoes dry out fast. The Riptide is made with BioLite, an eco-friendly high-performance EVA plastic. These kicks are available in most sizes along with several different colors and designs.

Zero Fit Cold Skin V-Neck

Keep dad cool during the hot summer season with the Zero Fit Cold Skin V-Neck. This shirt gives a cool feeling, disperses sweat quickly and provides sun protection as a base layer. Cold Skin has sewn-in thin and lightweight fabrics that disperse sweat from heating so he can exercise without discomfort during hot weather. Innovative fibers immediately absorb heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. With the maximum UPF50+ rating, this Zero Fit base layer for warm weather can provide maximum ultraviolet rays protection. Available in black and white colors and all sizes.

Z-Man Mulletron LT

He could always use a better bait, so why not get him Z-Man’s award-winning Mulletron LT swimbait? Z-Man’s first hyper realistic line-through swimbait, the Mulletron LT features another ElaZtech breakthrough: incredibly-detailed, photo-print baitfish patterning. Equipped with a reinforced line-through harness, the Mulletron LT slides effortlessly up the line after a hookset, erasing the fish’s ability to leverage lure weight to throw hooks. Two sizes, a 4.5-inch and 6-inch, each offer a moderately fast rate-of-fall. The Mulletron LT is available in six baitfish patterns for various water conditions.

The post Best Father’s Day Gifts for Fishermen appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Deciding when to use braided fishing line vs. monofilament fishing line might seem intuitive in most cases. Not so fast! One pro advocates braided line for all bottom fishing applications, while another says braid inhibits bites in clear water, even with a fluorocarbon leader. One says monofilament offers more abrasion resistance; another says braided line does.

As usual — easy ain’t easy in the braid vs. mono equation. And questions like “why use braided fishing line” or asking “when to use braided fishing line” all of a sudden becomes a lot harder to answer. Most fishing pros agree on the following basic generalizations for the best fishing line in specific situations — with a few caveats:

• Trolling: mono
• Live-bait fishing: mono
• Kite-fishing: mono
• Bottomfishing/jigging: braid
• Fishing structure: braid
• Casting plugs/lures (especially with spin tackle): braid
• Fishing kelp: braid

When to Use Braided Fishing Line

Redfish tournament pros often use braid because it doesn’t stretch yet improves casting distance. A lot of fish on shallow flats, in places such as Florida’s west coast, remain spooky and wary. Anglers need to cast as far as possible so the bait stays away from the boat. With a bait that far away, the taut, no-give braid can better drive home the hook point. Just how much farther braid casts remains debatable, but its smaller diameter compared with mono means it flies through the air and cuts through water more easily.

When is the best time to use braided fishing line? Lighter braid in the 10-pound class works well on open flats. Switch to heavier braid — 40- to 50-pound — reels when fishing around structure such as mangroves. The stronger braid allows anglers to pull fish from structure quickly where mono might give the fish time and distance to wrap a few roots.

Braid’s sensitivity makes it a great line for working plugs and lures, particularly crankbaits or spinnerbaits that have movement. Bottom fishermen have almost all gravitated toward braid fishing line. The angler can feel a bite or piece of grass on the line, and braid creates better contact with a hooked fish.

Braid also offers more strength compared with line diameter, which means anglers can pack more line onto smaller reels — an advantage for long-range tuna fishermen off Southern California. SoCal yellowtail anglers prefer braid because it quickly slices through kelp, a favorite hiding place for those Pacific brawlers.

But while braid’s strength creates confidence, its knot-failure rate means connections must be tried and tested. When you tie mono and braid together, braid will win. Pros know how to make the best connections between braid and mono, and while they use braid for a main line, they also rig long top shots and wind-on leaders offshore to add stretch and subtract visibility.

The evolution of braided lines in recent years has helped to eliminate early issues with wind knotting and tip wrapping. Monofilament has also come a long way, as the formulas now include multiple ingredients to focus on lowering stretch and memory and improving tensile strength. The current manufacturing trend seems to be combining the best attributes of the two.

When to Use Monofilament Fishing Line

What mono and fluorocarbon bring to the table is stretch, which can be a positive and a negative. If you use too much drag or too heavy a rod, mono might accommodate the shock from a quick hit or surging fish, where braid might snap at the knot.

Mono’s stretch becomes especially critical when anglers go big-game trolling, where a fish weighing hundreds of pounds can hit with devastating force. Most offshore anglers also use mono for safety reasons. Take a wrap past the leader with braid, and you could lose a finger if a big fish struggles boat-side.

Mono holds knots better and costs less than braid. It also works better on smaller bait-casting reels because light braid can dig into itself. Florida sailfish and dolphin anglers still use a lot of mono on the troll, and some use it for kite lines because it runs through the clips better.

Mono also helps prevent possible cutoffs when using kites. A fish that takes off with a kite bait fished on braid, crossing other lines, could inadvertently sever them. In fact, there’s still a huge demand for mono, especially for use in clear water — whether you’re trying to get a snapper bite or casting to a bonefish.

In some cases, mono isn’t quite good enough. Kingfish tournament anglers sometimes use fluorocarbon as mainline. Yes, that’s expensive, but fluoro can offer the angler better feel when fighting the fish, and with a trace of wire leader, the rig stays intact. Fluorocarbon features average tensile strength, but its knot strength rates below that of nylon. It does offer good abrasion resistance, better than mono, and some say better than braid.

Braid’s main strength is straight up and down. When its fibers abrade, the line can sometimes become compromised, but in general, it’s still much stronger than mono at the same diameter.

The Features of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Even though fluorocarbon can seem too expensive a mainline choice for offshore anglers, inshore fishermen often do use it because of its higher shock strength. Its primary drawback besides price: susceptibility to friction.

Anglers must also take extra care when tying knots. Some knots, such as the Palomar, don’t do well when tied in fluoro. Follow some general guidelines when choosing mono or braid, and you should increase your hookups and suffer fewer cutoffs.

The post Braid vs. Mono Fishing Line appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

What is the minimum size boat for offshore fishing? The answer depends on who you ask. The challenge and your budget are the two biggest reasons for fishing from a small offshore boat. Many cite the unique satisfaction of taking on the ocean to fish it on their own terms, knowing they have the boat, the knowledge and the ability to get out there, catch some good fish and get back.

“There’s definitely the excitement of being out there in a small boat where you’re in control and doing your own thing,” said Angelo Cuanang, a West Coast offshore fishing writer and expert who regularly fishes off San Francisco Bay. He’s done so for many years — all in a 17-foot Boston Whaler Montauk. Being unsinkable, the Whaler is one of the best small boats for ocean fishing.

One school of thought from skilled mariners actually considers a smaller hull advantageous in large swells. Tom King, once a professional mate in Massachusetts, for years made the 20-plus-mile run to fish Stellwagen Bank aboard his 19-foot Midland (“a Nova Scotia-style hull,” he said, with a very high bow and very low freeboard). “We came home riding on top of the big seas like an eggshell, while much bigger sport-fishing boats were having a tough time rolling in the swells.”

For purposes of this discussion, let’s focus on saltwater fishing boats with a minimum size ranging from 17 to 22 feet in length overall (LOA). A boat this size has an element of responsiveness that much larger hulls lose. In addition to being a criterion for offshore fishing, this size range also offers the best small boats for rough seas. Of course, rough seas are relative, and distance from shore often dictates the decision to go or not go.

Offshore Boating Benefits of Small Fishing Boats

Besides the challenge, downsized boats are less expensive and easy to tow on the road than king-size boats. Small boats can also be easier to handle and dock in tight quarters, though features such as joystick controls on larger boats are making low-speed maneuvers easier for skippers of large boats.

Start comparing costs of purchase, insurance, moorage or storage, maintenance and so on for a 30-foot center-console with those of a 22-footer. Then of course there are fuel costs. At today’s prices, a day fishing a 30-footer with twin 300 hp outboards can cost you in the high hundreds of dollars, if not more than $1,000. But you can run offshore and troll all day in a boat such as the Robalo R222 (21 feet 6 inches LOA) or Sea Chaser 22 HFC (21 feet 9 inches LOA) with a single 200 or 250 hp outboard for a few hundred or less.

Lots of anglers trailer their boats 50 to 100 miles at the drop of a hat. Compare hauling a double- or triple-axle trailer behind a ¾- to 1-ton pickup versus a lighter, single- or double-axle trailer behind a half-ton pickup — and there’s even more economy.

Small-Boat Knowledge, Ability and Common Sense

There’s no federal regulation stating that “Thou shalt not take thy boat and go (offshore),” and in fact the Coast Guard only has authority in a few places to prevent boaters from going where they want, a Coast Guard spokesman said. To go or not to go is not the question. Rather, focus on knowing your small boat, recognizing when to go or not, and with what gear and preparation.

Accident reports often retell scenarios where anglers in small boats perished before the Coast Guard could reach them. Often these are cases where knowing the boat and having the right equipment could have saved lives. Experience often makes a major difference when it comes to safety. Anglers who know what the ocean can dish out and respect that power choose to err on the side of caution, and do not scrimp on safety gear.

Many who skipper such mighty mites far from land tend to be independent by nature. Still, many make it a point to travel offshore with another boat — known as “buddy boating”— when possible, small or large, which in effect offers a second engine.

Whether or not you have a buddy going with you, be sure to file a float plan before you leave. That can be as simple as making sure someone back on land knows when you plan to depart and return, and where — in general — you expect to fish.

The Right Boat: Moderate Vees and Hard Chines

What is the best small boat for offshore fishing? There are plenty of 17- to 22-footers for fishing bays, channels or flats. But if you plan to run offshore, you’ll need to investigate construction, quality and design.

That said, some bay boats such as the Pathfinder 2200 TE (22 feet 2 inches LOA) or Sea Born FX22 Bay Sport (21 foot 9 inches LOA) offer offshore fishing capability, as well as the ability to sneak into shallow inshore waters.

Still, there can be no doubt that with the specialized demands of offshore fishing, not all small hulls are created equal. When it comes to hull design, opinions vary — suggesting competent small hulls might come in more than one style.

A modified V rather than the deep V common on larger center consoles ranks as the top choice among experts looking for the optimal small planing hull for big water. While the steeper deadrise angle of up to 26 degrees at the transom offers the softest ride through waves, an angle in the 17- to 20-degree range proves more stable. That way you still get some damping effect from the V but also get some benefit of lateral stability.

Fuel capacity becomes a serious consideration for any small boat heading offshore. On the minus side: Many small boats have built-in tanks and some provide space only for portables. On the plus side: Light boats with small outboards can go all day on amazingly little fuel. Once you pick a boat, know its range and always allow for at least a 15 percent reserve.

A small but important point: marine battery placement. Batteries should ride forward, beneath the console, rather than at the transom, where they can get wet and add unnecessary weight.

One other essential element of small boat construction that becomes particularly important offshore is flotation. Positive flotation is required for certification by the National Marine Manufacturers Association in boats less than 20 feet, but the best hulls are fully filled with foam, and the reasons should be obvious. In an emergency, water can force air out of a hull or sides but not out of foam. A light hull gains little weight (always a factor) but considerable strength and rigidity from foam.

Water In, Water Out

A small boat easily takes on spray and, on rough days, some green water as well. That’s when scuppers become critical. (This assumes that no angler without a death wish would be offshore in a boat that’s not self-bailing.) The scuppers must be able to drain water as fast as it comes into the hull — if not, you’ll soon be playing submarine.

Transom height and design also play key roles in keeping water out of small boats. A small outboard-powered boat faces trouble fast once enough ocean water enters and runs to one side or the other in heavy seas. To help avoid that, look for small offshore boats with a full transom. A cut-out transom might work with a really good, generous motorwell. Worst case for offshore: a low, cut-out transom with no well. If that describes your boat, stick to the bay.

The Right Offshore Boating Equipment

No small boat, however seaworthy and stable, belongs offshore — ever — if it’s not properly equipped. The most major piece of equipment to consider is your outboard engine. A traditional preference among blue-water anglers has been twin or even triple outboards for safety. However, adding a second engine for the small boater might be either cost-, design- or weight-prohibitive. Fortunately, today’s outboard engines are more reliable than ever.

When feasible, a small auxiliary engine (aka kicker) is a great addition since it can get you home in a pinch — but, again, it may not be worth the additional weight on the stern of a 17- to 22-footer.

Additional key safety equipment to carry when fishing offshore includes the following:

Fixed-Mount VHF Radio — Fundamental and essential. Fixed-mount radios offer a range of 15 to 20 miles while handhelds only reach out 3 to 8 miles. All new VHFs, by law, come with Digital Selective Calling, which instantly sends a distress call to authorities anywhere in the world. Be sure that you set up your DSC calling feature before leaving port. Cell phones are popular everywhere, including offshore, and offer some backup. But these can’t substitute for a VHF in a pinch since users might not find coverage in all areas offshore, and a phone call does not immediately summon on-water help. Mate your VHF radio to a tall (8-foot) VHF antenna for the range necessary when fishing offshore.

GPS Plotter/Sounder — As critical for navigation as for fishing. Separate units are fine, but a single unit (capable of showing both chart plotter and sounder reading on screen simultaneously) maximizes limited space on small consoles.

Compass — With a good nautical chart, a compass will keep you headed in the right direction if your GPS fails. Amazingly, some small boaters venture far offshore with neither radio nor compass, according to the Coast Guard.

Extra Battery — Any boat fishing offshore should have a dual-battery system with a selector switch. This allows you to keep one battery in reserve in case one goes dead.

Emergency Beacons — An EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon) and a PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) are good ideas for any boat fishing offshore. Once activated, an encoded digital message is received by satellites, and is then transmitted back to ground-based search and rescue authorities. This signal provides information to assist in the search. Assuming you have properly registered the EPIRB or PLB, it tells rescuers who you are, your boat type and size, where you are, and other important data, including emergency contact information. An EPIRB is registered to the boat and is usually mounted on deck, while a PLB is registered to an individual and is carried by that person.

Life Jackets — Going offshore without them would not only be illegal but insane. Make sure your jackets are Coast Guard rated for offshore use (Type I). It is a good idea to wear a life jacket at all times, especially if fishing alone.

Emergency Kit — including flare gun and flares, cyalume sticks and waterproof strobe lights. (I also make sure my boat’s running lights are in good working order.) Don’t forget a good flashlight and extra sunscreen.

Emergency Food and Water — At least a half-gallon of water, some granola bars and beef jerky or canned meat can get you through a day or two.

Anchor and Lots of Line — Even if you don’t anchor to fish, you might find an anchor valuable, and plenty of heavy line is a must if you need to be towed.

Sea Anchor — Space might preclude stowing a small sea anchor, but make sure you have at least a bucket or, in a pinch, even a spare life jacket. Most boats tend to drift stern-to — the worst situation in a building sea. Your odds of staying afloat when broken down and adrift go up by a big chunk if you can keep the bow into the waves, and any sort of sea anchor will help accomplish this.

Pick the Right Fishing Weather

Given a seaworthy boat, properly equipped, everything else comes down to common sense. And nowhere can the small boater better demonstrate that than by reading the weather before and during a trip.

Starting out the morning in a 3-foot sea is a mere irritant to a 30-footer, but for the mini-boater who has his head screwed on right, it means a canceled trip. Many mornings I’ve arisen to find the weather service data revised from the previous evening’s 5- to 10-knot wind forecast to one of 10 to 20 knots. Anyone hoping to go offshore in a 17- to 22-footer has to realize his fishing days will be limited.

Look for periods between frontal systems, particularly in fall, winter and spring when dead-calm days sneak in between blows. During the summer, high pressure systems often bring many successive days of calm weather, particularly in the morning. The run home in many regions might mean a moderate but manageable chop, thanks to afternoon sea breezes.

Just be sure you know the marine forecast for the day, before you head out. When the forecast calls for light breezes all day and into the night, boating anglers with small boats can usually venture forth into offshore ocean waters with peace of mind. Otherwise, the best rule of thumb is a simple one: When in doubt, don’t go out.

The post Small Boats for Offshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Forward facing sonar (FFS), or what I like to call live sonar, stands as one of the most revolutionary new technologies in angling. Offered by brands such as Garmin, Humminbird and Lowrance, FFS paints real-time, ultrasound-like screen images of structure and fish as far as 500 feet from the boat. Popularized largely by freshwater tournament bass anglers, FFS opens new opportunities to target big fish and determine how they are behaving before wetting a line.

Forward facing sonar is definitely changing the nature of angling. I will let you be the judge if that’s a good change or not. But no matter how you feel, the genie is already out of the bottle. That being the case, Berkley is matching this dramatic technology trend with three lines of remarkable lures designed specifically for fishing with FFS.

Quicklook: Best Berkley Forward Facing Sonar Lures

• Krej: Uniquely engineered jerk bait with an upside-down bill and backward darting action
• Finisher: A hovering hard bait designed to maximize hang time within the FFS sonar beam
• Power Switch: Soft-plastic bait with an internal leadhead that offers a tantalizing action when twitched, and reflects sonar signals exceedingly well

Breaking Down Berkley’s Lures for Forward Facing Sonar

“Berkley is the leader in science-based bait development, and we take pride in providing anglers with the best solution to help them catch fish in any environment,” says Jon Schlosser, Berkley’s chief brand and product officer. “We’ve known that forward-facing sonar was coming and have spent the past few years learning about the trend in anticipation of it catching on.

“Berkley Labs has been able to create some truly special baits that are proven to catch more fish with FFS,” Schlosser adds. “It’s exciting to see how revolutionary these baits are, not only in their design, but in how they enable anglers to manipulate their baits in ways that have never been done before.”

Krej

This odd name is actually “jerk” spelled backward, which is fitting since the Krej sports an upside-down bill and works its way upward and backslides toward fish chasing this hard bait. This not only entices fish to bite, but also keeps the lure in the live-sonar beam strike zone for extended periods of time, providing anglers with more chances to see how fish are responding and tease them into biting.

“The Krej is a bait that performs like no other hard bait, especially when paired with forward-facing sonar,” says Dan Spengler, senior project engineer of bait and terminal tackle for Berkley. “Over two years to develop, the bait’s upturned bill gives anglers several ways to manipulate it, providing a solution to the current gaps when using forward-facing sonar.” The 100 mm bait sinks at a foot per second and is available in 10 color patterns. $14.99 – Shop now

Finisher

The Finisher hard bait optimizes time in the FFS sonar beam by “hovering” and moving laterally in the water column with minimal retrieve progression. This lets the angler effectively maneuver the bait based on how the fish is reacting to it, as observed on the live-sonar display. The fin-less glide bait’s weight-forward design also allows for precision casts, fast drop-ins, and a wide range of actions, according to Berkley. The perpendicular line-tie maintains knot position at all times.

“What makes this bait unique is that it has no fin structure, which can allow it to do a multitude of actions,” Spengler says. Its flat bottom lets it hover or hang in the water column, enabling anglers to control how the lure is interacting with fish spotted on FFS, he explains. The Finisher comes with two Fusion19 treble hooks, and is available in 500, 700 and 900 mm sizes and 20 color patterns. $8.99 to $10.99 – Shop now

PowerBait Power Switch

The Berkley PowerBait Power Switch gives anglers the control to quickly switch techniques (hence the name) in response to how the fish are behaving as observed on FFS.

When a fish is located on FFS, the window to catch the fish can close fast. Power Switch lets anglers present their bait as quickly and precisely as possible with an internal leadhead that creates strong sonar returns. The weight-forward design of this soft-plastic bait allows for precision casts, fast fall rates and a wide range of actions. Packed with PowerBait flavor and pre-rigged with a Fusion19 hook, Power Switch appeals to a wide range of species, according to Berkley. 

“This bait can sink fast, hover at the angler’s desired water column, with each action working together in one profile,” says Kyle Peterson, project engineer for Berkley. “It gives anglers everything they need to best interact with fish, especially when paired with forward-facing sonar.” The Power Switch features a natural baitfish profile and 3D eyes, and comes in 1.75-, 2.5, 3-, 4.25 and 5-inch versions. It is available in standard, HD Tru Color and holographic “wizard” colors—14 color patterns in all. $9.99 – View all the options

FAQ

The post 3 Specialized Lures for Forward Facing Sonar appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Spring arrives with new gear and revamped favorites for the fishing season ahead. To meet the needs of ever-changing tactics, new products featuring the latest tech keep up with ambitious anglers pushing the envelope of the sport. At the same time, classic gear and iconic designs have been reimagined with modern style. We all know that one angler waiting impatiently for the next generation of a favorite piece of gear! As the weather warms and the days get longer, anglers have plenty to look forward to with this season’s latest gear. Products are listed in alphabetical order.

Bajio Rigolet Sunglasses

Full-wrap sunglasses don’t have to leave a raccoon-eyes sunburn on your face. Bajio’s Rigolet sunglasses provide the same glare-blocking coverage in a slimmer design for small faces, including men and women. Available in polycarbonate or glass, Bajio’s patent pending lenses cut out bad light and enhance good light for the best balance of protection and definition. The environmentally friendly bio-resin frames have glare-blocking side panels that are vented to release heat and moisture. Best of all, the Rigolet is available in eight lens colors to match every possible fishing condition from open-ocean bright sun to backwater cloudy skies. Prices start at $209

Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina Sunglasses 

Forty years ago, Costa Del Mar released the Grand Catalina sunglasses with their industry changing color enhancing polarized lenses and iconic glacier-glasses side-shields straight out of the ‘80s. This year, Costa dropped a Grand Catalina reboot updated for the 21st century. The new model combines Costa’s famous color-balanced glass lenses with classic aviator frames featuring modern sweat channels, air vents and adjustable nose pad. While the Grand Catalina’s removable side-shields are a throwback to the 1980s, the bio-resin frame and 100% recyclable materials are designed for the future. Prices start at $204

Daiwa 24 Blackline Surf Rods

Epic New England striped bass blitzes inspired the new 24 Blackline Surf rods from Daiwa. Seven spinning rod models cover lengths from nine to 11 feet with power to throw up to 6 ounces, a perfect formula for slinging lures from shore. During those long days or nights with a thousand casts, Blackline’s super light and sensitive carbon-fiber construction pays off. Daiwa gave the rod their best carbon-fiber reel seat to eliminate sharp edges and increase sensitivity. Casting a big plug with a long fishing rod, and then besting a possible 50-pound striper in the surf, puts incredible pressure on the rod blank. The Blackline uses a special cross weave carbon fiber matrix and nano particles in the resin for a solid backbone that won’t twist under pressure. Prices start at $399.99

ePropulsion eLite Electric Outboard Motor

Epropulsion stormed onto the scene with its new eLite electric motor winning “Best New Electric Motor” at the Miami International Boat Show. The eLite electric outboard includes motor, battery and throttle control in one unit and weighs less than 15 pounds. The tiller folds to provide a convenient carry handle, and a unique mounting bracket connects the eLite to a flat transom in seconds. Designed to power a small tender or dingy, the eLite is also a perfect fit for anglers looking to add a little kick to their fishing kayak. Despite its small size, the eLite packs 500 watts of power to propel a small boat four mph for about 90 minutes. Prices start at $999

Fenwick Elite Inshore Rods

You can’t just got through the motions and call yourself elite. That’s the attitude Fenwick took when creating the new Elite series fishing rods. To wear the name Elite, Fenwick outfitted its nine new inshore rods with features for pro-level anglers to fish all day. The difference is sensitivity and comfort. The Elite series rods use ergonomic grips and a reel seat that integrate seamlessly for a softer feel and more control. To improve sensitivity, the reel seat exposes the rod blank so an angler feels the lightest bite. For casting distance and fighting power, the Elite series uses line guides with titanium frames and super-thin zirconium rings. The end product is a rod an angler can use to win an inshore tournament or an everyday diehard busts out to fish harder and longer. Prices start at 249.95

Fish Monkey Stubby Gloves

Everyone loves utility gloves with a knit back and silicone palm — they come in handy for everything from working on the boat to cleaning fish. Fish Monkey takes the concept to a performance fishing glove, combining the non-slip grip of silicone with the UP 50+ protection of a breathable and stretchy fabric. The half-finger gloves are beefed up with reinforced seams and trim to last years on the water. Wear the Stubby gloves for protection from the sun and salt while providing reliable grip on slippery surfaces. Prices start at $28.95

HUK ICON Performance Shirt

Back when performance fishing shirts were a new thing, Huk (pronounced “hook”) stormed onto the scene with the lightweight and durable ICON. To celebrate a decade of technological advancement in performance fabrics, Huk has updated the legendary fishing shirt with the new ICON. Featuring the same aggressive look and comfortable fit, the ICON includes modern updates like odor-resistant, breathability, and cooling fabric with 50+ UPF sun protection. Available in a short sleeve, long sleeve and hoodie, the ICON is designed with super-flexible raglan sleeves and a moisture-wicking mesh back panel. The new design keeps sweat and spray from soaking your shirt. Prices start at $45

Orvis Helios Fly Rod

When the wind is blowing sideways and a grey ghost appears just below the water’s surface, an angler needs laser accuracy to land a fly in range. It is not an easy task. Orvis’ new Helios F and D models take the job seriously. Through meticulous, science-based development and rigorous pro-staff testing, Orvis produced a rod with significantly reduced vibration and increased hoop strength to be more accurate (4X more) than their previous models. The Helios rods are available in sizes from tiny brook trout to 14-weights for blue marlin. Fly anglers should feel confident when the heat is on to make the cast. Prices start at $1,098

Penn Slammer IV Spinning Reel

The Penn Slammer spinning reels earned a reputation as a workhorse with reliable performance at a reasonable price. The new Slammer IV continues to build on the reputation with Penn’s bullet-proof sealed full-metal body, CNC precision cut gears and corrosion-resistant stainless bearings. The Slammer IV is available in 12 models with sizes from 2500 to 10500 to target everything from speckled trout to bluefin tuna. When a speckled trout thumps a twitch bait, the reel needs to get cranking in an instant. The 2500 models employ a carbon fiber drag for super smooth start up to maintain even pressure with soft-mouth fish. To beat bigger fish, the larger reels are available with a sealed drag and beefy EVA handle. At the top end of the product line, models above 6500 have a manual bail to provide better line control when casting large lures. Prices start at $259.95

Shimano Ocea Jigger 2500 LD Reel

To meet the extreme demands of slow-pitch jigging in deep water, Shimano’s Ocea Jigger 2500 LD packs both power and finesse. Boasting 44 pounds of jaw breaking drag in a palm-sized reel, the Jigger is tuned with a micro adjustable lever to dial in the perfect balance of give and take. The drag is designed to reduce side pressure on the plates for 30-percent smoother pick-up even under heavy pressure and high heat. Working a jig hundreds of feet below the boat is strenuous, and then hooking a tuna with a light rod and compact reel will put you into overtime, so the Ocea Jigger doesn’t forget about comfort. The compact reel and oversized handle is easy on the hands to ensure the fish gives up before the angler. Prices start at $599.99

Simrad NSX ULTRAWIDE Multi-Function Display

Remember switching from a standard television to a wide-screen TV? Now, imagine a wide-screen television for your marine electronics. Simrad’s new NSX ULTRAWIDE is the first multi-function display with a screen 63-percent wider than standard multi-function displays. The wider screen allows the owner to replace two MFDs to one screen and still display plenty of information. Configure the new display to show fishfinder, radar, digital dashboard and navigation charts in one place. To maintain high-resolution images across a wider field of view, Simrad optimized their premium charts. In addition to the technical and interface advantages, the wide-screen display looks pretty darn cool. Prices start at $2,749 (12-inch) and $3,399 (15-inch)

SITKA Gear Radiant Hoody

On the bow of a bay boat under a cloudless sky, the only shade comes from a sun shirt with a hood. But the system won’t work if the wind constantly blows down your hood. SITKA Gear’s Radiant Hoody has three-panel hood construction to fit over a ball cap with a lightweight string to cinch the hood in place. No matter how hard the wind blows, the spray flies and the boat pounds, the hoody stays in place. The shirt’s soft, breathable and odor resistant fabric feels soft and light as a cotton t-shirt. Prices start at $79

The post March Madness: Gear to Kick off the Fishing Season appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Recipes are great for both cooking and fishing — follow this set of instructions, and you’ll get that desired result. Professional chefs, however, understand which flavors combine well to create their own delectable dishes. Charter captains, who fish many days consecutively, through varied weather, temperature and tides, similarly understand how a lure’s specific characteristics — its flavor, if you will — mix with given water conditions to convince fish to take a bite.

With that in mind, I asked 11 striped bass experts to pick their favorite striper lure and explain when and how they fish it. I also asked each why he believed that particular lure to be so mouthwatering to striped bass in those circumstances. Sure, pro anglers typically name as their go-to striped bass lure one made by a manufacturer who sponsors them. But knowing it has proved consistently effective for them, then understanding why — both their “recipe” (what to fish, when and how — as well as their reasoning) — will help all striper enthusiasts increase their success. Here are the best striped bass lures you can buy today.

Quicklook: Best Fishing Lures for Striped Bass

• Hard Baits
  • Gibbs Danny Surface Swimmer
  • Rapala Skitter Walk
  • Sebile Magic Swimmer
  • Rebel Jumping Minnow
  • Shimano ColtSniper Jerkbait
  • Strategic Angler Cruiser
  • Tsunami Talkin’ Popper
  • Yo-Zuri Mag Darter
• Soft Baits
  • RonZ Original Series
  • Lunker City Slug-Go
  • Storm WildEye Swim Shad
  • Berkley Gulp! Shads and PowerBaits (for East and West Coast Fishing)

Hard Baits

Gibbs Danny Surface Swimmer

Where, When and Who Along Long Island on New York’s southwestern coast, from Jones Inlet to Fire Island, Capt. Al Lorenzetti targets striped bass on current edges along inshore sandbars from late May through mid-July, and then again in October and November.

Lure Choice and Conditions “When I’m anchored ahead of a rip, the blunt tip of the Danny, plus that metal lip, gives it a wobble that stripers want to pounce on, even with minimal forward motion through the water. Just the current makes the plug work.”

Read Next: Striped Bass Fishing in New England

How and Why “One angler on one side of the boat just holds the lure right in front of the edge of the rip. Another angler on the other side casts behind the rip and reels right up to it. The most experienced angler in a group of three then throws between the two and reels the plug right along the rip line, just fast enough to make it wobble. It lays over side to side and looks like the slow-moving bunker or shad that frequent those rips.”

Size and Color 3½-ounce in yellow (which is intended to resemble bunker)

Unique Rig Bend the metal lip down, not quite to 90 degrees, to keep the lure on top, where it’s easier to keep an eye on it as well as see spectacular striper surface bites.

When to Switch “Casting into the wind, the line tends to foul the Danny’s front hook, and if I can’t get close, like at a breaking inlet bar, it doesn’t cast far enough.” At such times, Lorenzetti goes with Gibbs’ Polaris Popper. “It doesn’t foul, and I can throw it a country mile.”

-Lorenzetti is a pro staffer for Gibbs.

Rapala Skitter Walk

Where, When and Who North Carolina sounds — really, one huge, shallow inland sea — provide stripers year-round, with “dynamite action from late April through November,” says Capt. Gary Dubiel.

Lure Choice and Conditions If he knows where to cast, and stripers are either in shallow water or actively feeding on top, Dubiel says the distinct, loud rattle of the Skitter Walk attracts bigger fish than most other lures will.

How and Why “Use a lot of rod tip and reel slowly” — the classic walk-the-dog, Dubiel says. “Rock the bait aggressively side to side to move that big rattle inside, and keep it moving toward you with slow momentum. The rhythmic noise and motion seem to trigger fish.”

Size and Colors 4 3/8-inch with a white or chartreuse belly, or — in particularly dark, tannic water — a model in orange hues

When to Switch In choppy water that muffles noise, or when fish are deeper or more scattered, Dubiel prefers the louder sound and heartier surface action of Storm’s Rattlin’ Chug Bug, a cup-faced popper, which he says is also easier for many anglers to fish properly.

-Dubiel is a pro staffer for Rapala.

Rebel Jumping Minnow

Where, When and Who Beginning in May, striped bass show up on bars and along marsh edges on the Merrimack River, just south of the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, says Capt. Chris Valakatgis.

Lure Choice and Conditions “On a calm day, you see the Jumping Minnow on top, even if it stops, and you hear the rattle. That helps get you into a rhythm and adjust your retrieve until you find the cadence that entices bites.”

How and Why “Start with a slow walk-the-dog motion, then use slow twitches of the rod tip to make the bait swing out wider to the side. If stripers are breaking on the surface, try speeding up the cadence and tightening the zigzag.”

Size and Color 4½-inch in bone

Unique Rig Replace original hooks with larger No. 1 or No. 2 trebles to handle 40-inch fish, but crush barbs to aid releasing smaller schoolies.

When to Switch “The Jumping Minnow is so light, it’s hard to cast in any wind, and if it’s choppy, you need a lure with more surface commotion to stand out,” Valakatgis says, so in those conditions, he switches to the rear-weighted Cordell Pencil Popper for better casting and heartier action.

Sebile Magic Swimmer

Where, When and Who After spawning in the Hudson and Delaware rivers, stripers return to the coast beginning late in March and hang there through June, says Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, Capt. John Luchka.

Lure Choice and Conditions “When adult bunker are around, the fast-sinking Magic Swimmer targets fish on the surface, midwater and all the way to the bottom,” Luchka says. Stripers are drawn to the vibration the jointed body creates and, the guide says, it looks like an injured fish once the fish get close.

How and Why “They’re not super ­aggressive until they’ve had a few meals. Cast the lure outside the edge of the bait school so it looks like a wounded bait separated from the school. Let it sink, then bring it in slowly a couple of cranks and pause, a couple more cranks, and pause. They crush it on that pause.” A faster retrieve entices those same fish after they’ve eaten and become more aggressive.

Size and Colors 7½-inch, 3-ounce fast-sinking in bunker, or the brighter American shad color in murky water

When to Switch When smaller prey are prevalent, Luchka prefers “Sebile’s Stick Shadd, which is a bit rounder, and better matches the body shape of peanut bunker.”

-Luchka was a pro staffer for Sebile, back when the company was producing lures.

Shimano ColtSniper Jerkbait

Where, When and Who Chris Fox’s flexible schedule gets him on the lower Chesapeake Bay as regularly as many pro captains where, from October through early December, he parlays that expertise into frequent striper, trout and redfish slams, all from one lure.

Lure Choice and Conditions Near the mouth of the York and James rivers, green shrimp — which are actually white — show up thick in shallow water near man-made structure such as old pier pilings. “The ColtSniper‘s lip drives the lure underwater a foot or two, where the long, skinny body and white color match the shrimp.”

How and Why From deeper water, “cast it up on a flat and just reel it in slowly. It flashes white as it wobbles and rolls side to side. The fish usually hammer it right at that drop-off,” he says. As the water temperature falls below 50 degrees, “I slow the retrieve drastically, almost to the point of boredom,” he says — until a 40-inch striped bass piles on.

Size and Colors 140 mm (5.5 inches) in bone color with pink highlights underneath

When to Switch When the fish hang deeper than the ColtSniper will reach, “I switch to a sinking version of Hayward Tackle’s Genesis and twitch it for a walk‑the‑dog action.”

Strategic Angler Cruiser

Where, When and Who Along Cape Cod’s eastern shore and north past Cape Ann, Massachusetts, from mid-May through mid-July, tremendous currents from 12-foot tides over bottom with minimal structure to hide behind force striped bass into huge, roaming packs. They’re “more like open-water pelagics” — not their normal ambush hunting style, says Capt. Dom Petrarca.

Lure Choice and Conditions For about an hour on either side of slack tide, Petrarca says, “the stripers push the mackerel to the surface and attack from underneath. The long, wide Cruiser makes a lot of surface noise and offers the mackerel profile that bass are keyed in to.”

How and Why “Every couple of cranks, give a light twitch to the left [for spinners with the handle on the left side]. The wide body is weighted so the narrow nose digs in and it kicks out to the side, then comes back in an S pattern,” Petrarca says, which mimics the quick lateral movements of ­mackerel fleeing predators.

Size and Color 10-inch in a blue- or green-mackerel pattern

Unique Rig Owner Stinger 3/0 treble hook plus a Gamakatsu 8/0 live-bait hook at the tail

When to Switch During ripping currents between high and low tides, striped bass change hunting tactics. “They stack up, looking like a long wave on the fish finder in the middle of the water column.” That huge wall of striper mouths swimming with the current sucks up any unfortunate prey it rolls across. “Get in front of the school, and drop a 3- or 4-ounce jig.”

-Petrarca is a pro staffer for Strategic Angler.

Tsunami Talkin’ Popper

Where, When and Who Capt. Scott Leonard starts his season in May on Long Island, New York’s central south shore, and he moves to Montauk and beyond as the fish migrate east from July through September.

Lure Choice and Conditions “The Talkin’ Popper fishes really well when it’s flat or fairly calm — 12 knots of wind or less. It casts well too when stripers are up tight to the beach and hard to get to.”

How and Why “Cast along the outer edges of the bunker school, where big bass tend to be. Pop it, let it settle, then pop it again, while reeling nice and slow. The slower the better for bigger fish,” he says. “The way it splashes, it looks like a wounded bunker separated from the school, and stripers climb right onto it.”

Size and Colors 3½-ounce in yellow, to mimic ­prevalent bunker

When to Switch “When conditions are rougher, with a lot of surface commotion already, I’ll go with a surface swimmer like the Gibbs Danny.”

-Leonard is a pro staffer for Tsunami.

Yo-Zuri Mag Darter

Where, When and Who Capt. Carter Andrews fishes far and wide for The Obsession of Carter Andrews television show, but he often returns to New England during peak early‑summer striper fishing.

Lure Choice and Conditions The Mag Darter fishes really well in strong New England currents. “It doesn’t roll to the side like a true lipped lure,” he says. “With the magnetic weight-transfer system, super-long casts maximize my opportunities farther from the boat.”

How and Why “With just a slow, steady, straight wind, it darts really well side to side,” which he says entices striped bass in most conditions. To spice it up, though, “on every second or third crank, I give it just a little twitch.”

Size and Colors 6½-inch in bronze or bone, or, at times, holographic pink

When to Switch “When I’m up the rivers, in calmer conditions with less current, I can throw the 5-inch Mag Minnow like a dart,” he says, to more accurately target specific points and pockets of marsh grass where striped bass might lie.

-Andrews is a pro staffer for Yo-Zuri.

Soft Baits

Hard baits require specific angler actions to convince stripers they’re a natural food source. “Soft baits already look and feel real,” says Rhode Island charter captain Jack Sprengel, who offers several hot tickets.

RonZ Original Series

Early in July, as fish move into deeper water off Block Island, Sprengel says, “they’re often using current breaks behind structure to carry feeding opportunities to them. The original RonZ series lure’s tapered body swims just from water moving across its body.” Simply drop a 6- to 8-inch lure from a drifting boat, choosing the weighted head based on drift speed. Alternately, “cast into the direction of the drift and let it sink to the bottom, then slowly jig it all the way back to the surface.”

-Sprengel is a pro staffer for RonZ.

Lunker City Slug-Go

Beginning in May in Narragansett Bay, “when they’re in shallow water and easily spooked, it’s tough to beat a soft-landing, slow-moving bait like the original Slug-Go, presented at or just below the surface,” Sprengel says. A 6- to 10-inch bait should be rigged with a single-hook head. “Less is more. Don’t botch the presentation by adding too much input. If the strike doesn’t come right after it lands, retrieve any slack, give it two sharp twitches, pause, and repeat.”

Storm WildEye Swim Shad

Regarding another favorite of Sprengel’s, he says: “Near a jetty or pier, a weighted paddle-tail shad with tight but erratic action, such as Storm’s swim shad, sinks quickly down into the strike zone along and between structure contours.” Start small, 4 to 6 inches, or as large as 9 inches to target large stripers. “Reel slowly and let the paddle tail do its job.” Sprengel favors these swim shad in bright colors on bright days and darker colors on dark, overcast days. “Hold the lure over your head,” he suggests, “and see how it contrasts with the sky — as fish will see it.”

Berkeley Gulp! Shads and PowerBaits (East and West Coast)

With a West Coast spin on striper fishing, widely known Northern California fishing journalist Steve Carson says: “On major rivers, the 8-inch black PowerBait Maxscent Kingtail rigged on a ½- to ¾-ounce jig head replicates local eels. In the California Delta, Berkley’s 4-inch Havoc Sick Fish and 4- or 5-inch PowerBait Ripple Shad are good for blind-casting at known holding areas, or cast the Gulp! 5-inch or 6-inch Saltwater Jerk Shads into visible boils. Carson adds, “Shad- or trout-replicating colors are usually best, though chartreuse can be very effective in dirty water.”

-Carson is a pro staffer for Berkley.

Back on the East Coast, pro tournament fisherman Capt. Seth Funt (@teamthreebuoys) says, “The fish in Long Island Sound in March and April are tuned in to worms and small sand eels,” so he opts for a ½- or ¾-ounce Spro Prime Bucktail Jig in pearl, tipped with a 4- or 6-inch Gulp! Power Worm in pumpkin color. “It gives them a big, fat sand eel to get excited about. Just twitch, twitch, pull, and then let it fall a little. Worms and juvenile eels don’t swim along like baitfish; they just move with the current, so present it the same way.”

Try Them Out for Yourself

No matter your preferred striper lure, the key is to match it to the seasonal patterns and feeding behaviors of the striped bass you’re targeting. With the right lures and some well-timed casts, you’ll be hooking into plenty of these hard-fighting fish in no time. So get rigged up with some proven striped bass lures and get out on the water — the next trophy is waiting for you.

The post Best Striped Bass Lures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Tarpon are smart, or stubborn — I’m not sure which. Maybe both? No matter what, a tarpon’s lack of appetite some days makes for frustrating fishing. What I’ve learned over the years is that figuring out the best tarpon lures and understanding which ones work best for your area can go a long way.

I remember one summer trip off a Florida beach when school after school of tarpon swam underneath the boat, completely ignoring our best presentations. Dozens of tarpon patrolled just below and at the surface, often gulping air in defiance to our offerings.

There’s no better way to get out of that tarpon rut than by switching tactics, as my friends and I learned later that month. A local guide let slip that the tarpon were biting white, oversize jerk baits rigged to appropriate-size jig heads. For the rest of the summer, we jumped and released plenty of tarpon along the beaches. I say “jumped” because tarpon are tough to catch, and getting jumps and long runs out of them is still fun fishing, even if they never make it to the boat.

While there can never be 100 percent certainty what tarpon will chew (even if they devoured it last season or last month) I surveyed top captains, fishing-show hosts, tackle shops and lure manufacturers to find the best tarpon lures. To list every valuable tarpon lure would fill an entire book, so we kept it to a mix of 10 hard and soft baits, listed in no particular order.

Quicklook: 10 Best Lures for Tarpon

• Bomber: Badonk-A-Donk High Pitch
• D.O.A. Lures: Terror Eyz
• Hogy Lures: Original Hogy
• Z-Man Lures: Z-Man Streakz
• Yo-Zuri: Crystal 3-D Minnow Magnum
• Rapala: Glidin’ Rap 12
• MirrOlure: Series III Suspending Twitchbait
• Sebile: Magic Swimmer Fast Sinking 145
• Live Target: Scaled Sardine Wakebait
• Storm Lures: WildEye Swim Shad

Bomber

Expert: Capt. Chris O’Neill, Englewood, Florida

Weapon of Choice: Badonk-A-Donk High Pitch (4.75 inches)

Color: Depending on the sky conditions, O’Neill’s first choices are silver mullet or speckled trout. If the sky is bright and the water’s flat, he’ll use a color with a bone- or orange-colored throat.

Fishing Conditions: O’Neill prefers the water’s surface to be lightly choppy or flat calm, though such conditions are not absolutely necessary. Look for signs of tarpon rolling at the surface or feeding on mullet or ladyfish. In the waters around Boca Grande, Florida, O’Neill prefers fishing from August through October. There’s zero pressure that time of the year, and migrating fish are happy throughout the estuary, he says. They are far more willing to take a topwater lure.

Technique: Spot the tarpon and try to get ahead of the pod quietly. Work the bait down-current of the fish, just as Mother Nature would, says O’Neill. Baitfish do not swim against current, toward a school of hungry tarpon. Use a twitch-twitch-pause retrieve — and boom! — expect to get hit, says O’Neill.

Rigging: O’Neill, who’s a Penn pro, prefers an 8-foot Penn Legion rod armed with a Penn Spinfisher 6500 spinning reel. He uses 50-pound braided main line, connected to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader with an Albright knot. But before he ties on the Badonk-A-Donk with a loop knot, he replaces the treble hooks with stout short-shank hooks to increase hookup ratios and minimize potential damage to the fish.

D.O.A. Lures

Expert: Capt. Ed Zyak; Jensen Beach, Florida

Weapon of Choice: Terror Eyz (regular size; “I have caught more tarpon on this lure than all others combined,” Zyak says.)

Color: Root beer

Fishing Conditions: The lure works great on the beach in clear water, as well as the stained waters of backcountry rivers.

Technique: When using the Terror Eyz, Zyak ­typically casts to rolling fish — long, accurate casts are a must. Cast 4 to 6 feet in front of a rolling fish, and let the lure sink freely for a three- to four-second count, he says. Then use a steady, slow retrieve with no jigging movement at all. The bite is usually very light, but make sure to set the hook hard, says Zyak.

Rigging: Zyak prefers a 5,000-size Shimano Stella spinning reel on a 7- or 7½ -foot, medium-heavy rod. He spools with 30-pound braid and 50-pound ­fluorocarbon leader. The line-to-line connection is a double uni-knot, and the Terror Eyz gets a loop knot at the eye. This setup gives the best balance of distance and accuracy, plus great drag and power from the rod, the guide says.

Go Ballistic

Hogy Lures

Expert: Capt. Aaron Snell; Key West, Florida

Weapon of Choice: Original Hogy (10 inches)

Color: Snell prefers bone, followed by bubble gum. He’ll use black in low light or in off-colored waters.

Fishing Conditions: Snell prefers to sight-fish for tarpon over crystal-clear flats. For fishing around bridges, Ross Gallagher, director of retail sales at Hogy, recommends a black Hogy rigged to a jig head. More and more Keys captains bounce the jig along the bottom to catch tarpon in deeper waters, he says.

Technique: When flats fishing, get the lure in the water well ahead of the fish. Retrieve the bait with light twitches right into the fish’s strike zone. Vary the retrieval speed to the fish’s cruising speed, says Snell. Then set the hook down and to the side as soon as you feel the pop, he says. If the tarpon is swimming toward the boat, make sure it turns away before striking.

Rigging: Snell uses an 8-foot, ­medium- to ­fast-action ­spinning rod coupled with a reel that handles 30-pound braid. He ties a Bimini twist into the braid, and then uses a ninja or double slim knot to attach 2 feet of 60-pound fluorocarbon. Sometimes he’ll incorporate a section of furled nylon to add stretch. He rigs the Hogy to a weightless, 10/0 swimbait hook. Leader-to-hook connection is a Homer Rhode loop.

Single Serving

Z-Man Lures

Expert: Capt. Andrew Bostick; Marco Island, Florida

Weapon of Choice: Z-Man Streakz (5 or 8 inches)

Color: Black or white

Fishing Conditions: Bostick covers the waters from Marco Island to Everglades National Park on the southwest coast of Florida. He searches for tarpon feeding high in the water in both clear and tannic conditions. Since the lure is up in the water column, he says, it’s exciting to see the strikes.

Technique: Bostick fishes the soft bait when sight‑casting to rolling fish or blind-casting in a productive area. During the retrieve, he jerks the bait 6 to 8 inches, lets it sit for a second or two, and repeats. It’s important to wait for the fish to turn after it eats because anglers set the hook too fast at times.

Rigging: Bostick rigs the 5-inch Streakz with an Owner 4/0 Aki hook; the 8-inch is rigged with a 7/0. He uses a medium-heavy setup spooled with 20-pound braid, ending with 60- to 80-pound leader. Super glue the ElaZTech material of the Streakz to the hook, recommends Bostick. Once glued, the bait lasts longer than other soft plastics and has an impressive lifelike look.

Yo-Zuri

Expert: George Large, general manager, Yo-Zuri America

Weapon of Choice: Crystal 3-D Minnow Magnum

Color: In clear water, Large uses the holographic sardine color; in tannic water, he uses the holographic bunker; and in dirty water, he chooses holographic chartreuse.

Fishing Conditions: Spring and fall are the best times of the year, especially around new moons and during flood tides, says Large. As far as water conditions go, the lures work well in most waters, but tannic tints really set off the ultraviolet colors.

Technique: It’s as simple as casting and retrieving. Work the lure with a consistent retrieve — fast or slow, says Large. The tarpon will let you know what they prefer. Sometimes incorporate intermittent pause-jerk-pause actions to increase strikes, he says.

Rigging: It’s really up to the user, says Large. He uses a medium-heavy rod rigged with 60- to 80-pound braid, paired with a strong baitcasting or spinning reel. Large ties 80- to 130-pound ­fluorocarbon leader to a heavy-duty split ring attached to the lure’s line tie.

Gulp

Rapala

Expert: Capt. Rick Murphy, host of the Chevy Florida Insider Fishing Report and Sportsman’s Adventures

Weapon of Choice: Glidin’ Rap 12

Color: Gold shiner

Fishing Conditions: Capt. Rick Murphy spends plenty of time fishing Everglades National Park in South Florida for the silver king. He targets laid-up tarpon in the back bays, swirling with clear to tannic-brown waters, during the prime months of May to October.

Technique: Murphy prefers blind- or sight-casting to rolling fish with shallow-running lures that feature strong side-to-side action. He casts out in front of the tarpon and twitches the rod tip to give the lure a walk-the-dog presentation, a forced zigzag motion that many lure anglers are familiar with. Often, tarpon hit the lure during the pause. So far, his largest lure-caught tarpon is 140 pounds.

Rigging: Murphy prefers plug tackle, opting for a 7-foot rod paired with a 400-size baitcasting reel. He rigs up with 20-pound braid main line tied to 60-pound fluorocarbon leader. All line connections use the time-tested uni-knot.

Wide-Eyed

MirrOlure

Expert: Capt. Rhett Morris; Port Charlotte, Florida

Weapon of Choice: Series III Suspending Twitchbait (S25MR)

Color: Morris prefers chartreuse, red-head-and-white back, or apple-red-and-gold

Fishing Conditions: The best time of year to catch tarpon is April through June, as well as in fall, says Morris. He looks for glass-calm waters so the lure leaves a surface wake while being worked toward the boat. Still, the suspending twitchbait works in choppier waters too, so don’t fret when waters aren’t dead calm.

Technique: Cast the lure 10 feet in front of a rolling fish, then slowly work it with a series of twitches. Morris tries to follow a one-second pause with a three-second pause. He’ll change to a one-two count when retrieving the lure more erratically. Try hard to make the bait look like injured, easy prey, says Morris.

Rigging: Morris removes the front hook of the MirroLure and replaces the back treble with a 3x-strong Owner treble hook. That single, rear hook has a better hookup ratio, he says. He attaches the plug to 6 feet of 60-pound leader with a no-name loop knot. Make sure to use at least a 7½-foot rod that can handle 50-pound braid and an 8,000-size reel, he says.

Pretty in Pink

Sebile

Expert: Patrick Sebile, founder of Sebile Lures

Weapon of Choice: Magic Swimmer Fast Sinking 145

Color: A natural shiny color for the daytime. At night, Sebile chooses white so he can see the lure in the water.

Fishing Conditions: The best time of the year is during spring and fall, or anytime tarpon are active in shallow waters.

Technique: Sebile rigs his lures to fish in a number of ways. Cast and reel in the lure with a straight retrieve, or slow-troll the lure behind the boat. If anchored, let the bait sit still so the “Magic Swimmer can do its magic,” says Sebile. The natural wobble of the Magic Swimmer in the current draws strikes from tarpon.

Rigging: Sebile developed this rig years ago when guiding for monster tarpon in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Sebile connects a circle hook to a swivel, holding the hook onto the swivel with a rubber stopper. On the other end of the swivel, a split ring attaches to the lure. The rig allows anglers to change sizes and models but still allows total freedom for the lure to swim, he says. Once the fish is hooked, there’s no leverage on the lure’s body and less of a chance to break off. The hook lips the tarpon when they swallow it, minimizing intrusion of the hook in the fish’s mouth, Sebile says.

Live Target

Expert: Henry Waszczuk, host of Fishing the Flats

Weapon of Choice: Scaled Sardine Wakebait (4½ inches)

Color: Ghost amber

Fishing Conditions: Waszczuk prefers stained water, where tarpon can’t overanalyze his presentation. He targets fish in Florida Keys backcountry waters near tide rips, mangroves and other holding areas, plus near bridge structure.

Technique: Tarpon are notorious for keying in on live baits such as crabs, threadfin herring or scaled sardines, so it’s no surprise that Waszczuk recommends twitchbaits, swimbaits and wakebaits that mimic them. Waszczuk makes long casts to the tarpon, staying as far away as he can from the pods, and then utilizes a quick-pause erratic retrieve. The height of the rod tip off the water dictates the various depths your lure swims, he says.

Rigging: A medium-heavy rod matched to your favorite spinning reel is all that’s necessary. Waszczuk uses braid in the 40- to 50-pound class but recommends the angler determine the line weight based on the size of tarpon in the area. Tie a fluoro leader to the terminal end, and then add the plug. Waszczuk works the bait with the rod tip for the best action.

Head Turner

Storm Lures

Expert: Robert Lugiewicz, manager at Fishin’ Franks tackle shop in Charlotte Harbor, Florida

Weapon of Choice: WildEye Swim Shad (4 to 6 inches)

Color: Lugiewicz prefers bunker or mullet colors but says the best color changes from year to year.

Fishing Conditions: Sight-or drift-fishing in the harbor or along the beaches offers the best of both worlds in summer. Lugiewicz prefers a bit of a breeze and some chop on the water, and looks for schools of mullet or threadfin schools. In Charlotte Harbor, he’ll search out deeper holes, ranging from 6 to 20 feet deep.

Technique: Besides casting in front of tarpon schools and letting the bait sink, Lugiewicz offers a tip you might not have considered. Put a float above a swimbait, cast it out, and stick the rod in an ­out-of-the-way holder while drifting. Forget about it while casting to other fish in the area. He’s caught countless tarpon this way, he says — Rodney the Rod Holder to the rescue.

Rigging: Rigging is a cinch with the line-to-­swimbait connection using a basic uni-knot (no leader). Lugiewicz uses an 8-foot rod, such as a Shimano Teramar, and pairs it with a Penn Battle spooled with 50-pound braid. (He’s not affiliated with either manufacturer.) Leader strength is 60- to 80-pound fluorocarbon.

Take this Lure Out of Your Tackle Box

The post 10 Best Tarpon Lures appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

We’ve rounded up a collection of current and new tackle, apparel and other gear for women anglers who anticipate new adventures as the weather warms.

Quicklook: Best Spring Gear for Women Anglers

• Best Bib: Grundens Pisces Bib
• Best Conventional Reel: Shimano Speedmaster II
• Best Stain-repellent Clothing: Columbia Airgill Shirt and Cast & Release Pants
• Best Hybrid Performance/Lifestyle Sunglasses: Costa Mayfly and Aleta
• Best Emerging Fishing Gear Line: Academy H2OX
• Best Lightweight Performance Clothing: Salt Life Tectonic Hoodie and Transcend Fishing Shorts
• Best Inshore Rods for Affordability: Ugly Stik Spinning and Casting Rods
• Best Bug-protectant Clothing: Simms BugStopper Leggings and SolarFlex Hoodie
• Best Sunglasses for Diverse Colors & Lenses: Fin-Nor Cleat and Tillies Bank
• Best Lightweight Inshore Spinning Rod: G. Loomis NRX Inshore 883S MR
• Best Breathable Sun Hoodie: AFTCO Air-O-Mesh
• Best Shorts for Comfort: Marsh Wear Prime Shorts
• Best Sunglasses for Small Faces: Bajio Ozello and Eldora
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reel: Penn Authority Reel
• Best Tank and Shorts Combo: Huk Waypoint Flow Tank and Next Level Short

Grundens Pisces Bibs

Is this a great invention or what? Finally a set of breathable, durable bibs that give women an easy outlet, so to speak, for relieving themselves on the water. The suspenders stay put while the lower bib unzips and swings away. The nylon shell fabric features 10K waterproof performance. Grundens also included a zippered chest storage pocket, corrosion-resistant YKK zippers and hardware, and hook-and-loop adjustable lower cuffs. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, the bibs cost $169.99.

Shimano Speedmaster II

The Speedmaster II lineup just added two new sizes — 8 and 10 — providing reliable options for nearshore and bottom-fishing. The lever-drag reels offer a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio and can retrieve 38 inches of line per crank. Their rigid Hagane bodies prevent misalignment of moving parts under the heaviest loads. The LD 8II holds 200 yards of 20-pound mono or 440 yards of 40-pound braid. The LD 10II holds 215 yards of 25-pound mono or 440 yards of 50-pound braid. The reels can deliver 18 pounds of max drag and cost $229.99 to $239.99. Shop now

Columbia Cool Release Airgill Shirt, Cast and Release Stretch Pant

Offering Omni-Freeze Zero sweat-activated cooling, UPF 50 sun protection and water-and-stain repellency, this long-sleeve tech shirt is 100 percent polyester. Airgill comes with vents, zippered hand pockets, a sunglass cleaning patch and rollup sleeves with snap holders. It comes in pink pop or Gulf Stream (pictured) in sizes XS through 2XL and costs $90. The Cast and Release pants are 95 percent nylon and 5 percent elastane and deliver UPF 50 sun protection as well as advanced stain repellency. The pants come with a reinforced pliers pocket, utility loop, drop-in phone pocket and a 27-inch inseam. Available in cool grey (pictured) or black and in sizes 2 through 16, they cost $80.

Costa Aleta, Mayfly Sunglasses

Costa says that while both of these women’s frames are performance/lifestyle hybrids, the Mayfly (bottom) was intentionally designed for technical use on the water, with input from female pro staffers. The frames feature fully adjustable and vented nose pads, top and side shielding, sweat channels and eye drains, and they start at $193. Aleta sunglasses employ lightweight bio-resin and double-injected Hyrdolite for a better grip. Micro shields and hooding keep excess light out. The Aleta starts at $182.

Academy H2OX

How about a new fishing brand from Academy Sports + Outdoors? The new H2OX line has evolved from the H2O Express brand and includes rods, reels, combos, hard baits, soft plastics, tackle storage, terminal tackle and line, pliers, knives, nets and even more. The gear is designed to hit all angler-experience levels beginning with the Premier Series for entry-level anglers to the Ethos Series, which mixes elevated features and value, and the Evo Series, designed with elite-angler input for premium technology and innovation.

Salt Life Tectonic Lightweight Performance Hoodie, Transcend Fishing Shorts

Made with perforated mesh, flatlock seams and thumbholes, Salt Life’s Tectonic hoodie delivers UV 30 sun protection while wicking away moisture. The lightweight shirt is made from polyester and Spandex, comes in sizes S through XL and in light Aruba, coastal blue (pictured) or grey; it costs $54. Transcend shorts feature four-way stretch fabric, a 4-inch inseam, front slant pockets, mesh pocket bags and an inner waistband, and notched leg slits. Available in sizes 0 through 14, the shorts come in washed navy (pictured) or charcoal and cost $48.

Ugly Stik Carbon Inshore Rods

These new spinning and casting rods are built on 24-ton graphite blanks with graphite tips for lightweight balance, crisp action and increased sensitivity. Ugly Tuff stainless-steel guides eliminate insert pop outs. The nine-rod series also features either cork or shrink-tube foregrips and shrink-tube rear grips. The seafoam ocean-blue rods come with medium-light, medium or medium-heavy power ratings with fast or extra-fast actions in a variety of lengths. They cost $99.95.

Simms BugStopper Leggings, SolarFlex Hoodie

Simms BugStopper Leggings are made from a polyester-spandex, insect-repellent knit blend with a high-waisted fit and wide waistband. Insect Shield protects from mosquitoes, ticks, chiggers and other biting bugs. Available in sizes XS through 2XL, the leggings ($109.95) feature a 28-inch inseam and a thigh pocket and come in sapphire daze (pictured), black, or woodland camo storm. The hoodie ($94.95) comes in bay leaf and bluegrass heather, in sizes XS through 2XL.

Fin-Nor Cleat, Tillies Bank Sunglasses

Depending upon the style of frames you prefer and the size of your face, two of Fin-Nor’s recent sunglass offerings might fit your needs. The Cleat (top left) is described as a male-oriented 8-base frame, but this wide-arm style blocks light and helps reduce glare on the water. Cleat also comes with a venting system, spring hinges, and an adjustable nose pad—to comfortably fit a variety of face shapes. Frame colors include matte blue wave and matte black; various colors of glass and polycarbonate lenses are available. Cleats cost $189. Tillies Bank’s 6-base frame is female-targeted. It comes with spring hinges and is available in flats pool tort, matte deep shallow blue, and honey ripple fade with a range of lenses. Tillies Banks cost $179.

G. Loomis NRX Inshore 883S MR

G. Loomis designed this 7-foot-4-inch inshore spinning rod with an increased rate of tip recovery for maximum casting range and accuracy. Super light, sensitive and strong, this rod features the nano-silica resin system that allows Loomis to use less material without losing strength. The company also uses titanium-framed SIC K-frame stripper guides to keep braided line from tangling on the frames at the stiffest point of the rod. After the first three K-frame guides, Loomis added nickel-titanium RECOIL guides to reduce weight and increase that tip recovery rate. The 883S MR has a split-grip handle, medium-heavy power, and fast action, and is rated for 15- to 40-pound braid. It costs $626.

AFTCO Air-O-Mesh Sun Hoodie

The Air-O-Mesh fabric is highly breathable and made from polyester and spandex. It offers UPF 50 sun protection and is quick drying and stain resistant. The long-sleeve shirt comes in sizes XS through XL and in two colors: eventide heather (pictured) and moonlight jade heather. It costs $55.

Marsh Wear Prime Shorts

AFTCO partner Marsh Wear offers the redesigned Prime Shorts, now with a thinner waistband. The high-rise style shorts have a 4-inch inseam and are made from stretch fabric that provides UPF 40 sun protection. Other features include front slant pockets and a back zippered pocket. The shorts come in sizes XS through XL and in two colors: antler (pictured) and smoke. They cost $55.

Bajio Ozello, Eldora Sunglasses

For spring, Bajio offers these two new women’s frames — Ozello (top left) and Eldora. Ozello is a small-fit frame that’s part of the classic-fishing Wide Body family while Eldora is part of the Tight Lines collection, also sized small but built to transition from boat to bar. Ozello features a non-slip nose pad and rubber temple tips and is made from a plant-based material. Eldora features vented rubber side shields, ergo rubber nose pads and temples, and flex hinges. Both frames are available in three colors with seven lens-color options. Ozellos and Eldoras with polycarbonate lenses cost $209 each; glass costs $259.

Penn Authority Reel

“Authority” aptly describes Penn’s line of high-performance saltwater spinning reels that debuted last summer. The Authority line comes in sizes ranging from 2500 to 10500 and features an IPX8 waterproof-rated sealed body and spool, CNC Gear technology with a stainless-steel gear train and pinion gear, and the Leveline slow oscillation system. The 12+1 bearing system delivers a smooth retrieve, and the Dura-Drag generates maximum drag pressure. The reels cost $499.95 to $599.95. Shop now

Read Next: Women in Fishing

Huk Waypoint Flow Tank, Next Level Short

The Waypoint Flow tank top is made with recycled polyester, rayon and Spandex. The fabric also offers 50+ UPF sun protection. It comes in sizes XS through XL and in crystal blue, Wedgewood, winsome orchid and coral reef (pictured); it costs $60. The top-selling men’s Next Level Short has been redesigned for women. Features include an adjustable waistband, side and back pockets and a 5-inch inseam. The material is cotton, polyester and Spandex. Available in XS through 2XL, and in night owl, new khaki and Sargasso Sea (pictured), the shorts cost $65.

The post Spring Gear Guide for Women Anglers appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.