Monthly Archives: January 2015

Eel Jar

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Eels are to striped bass as salt is to sea water. Seasoned Surfcasters have been exploiting eels to seduce trophy striped bass for many a tide. The two most widely used methods to transport eels whilst fishing the surf is mess bags and soft coolers. The Eel Jar is a new method that is starting to become widely adopted in the surfcasting community.

Eel_Jar_575_450

Making your very own eel jar is easy. First, get a large plastic container with a screw on top. For example, a recycled 64 oz jar of Helman’s Mayonaise works really well. Second, secure a lanyard to the container’s screw on lip. Third, secure two stainless steel D-rings and the other end of the lanyard to the neck of the container via zip-tie. Forth, snap on a shoulder strap to the two D-rings. I prefer to clip my eel jar to my AquaSkinz belt using a single D-Ring and clip.

The eel jar transports eels as effectively as mesh bags, without the complimentary eel slime streak running the side of your leg. The Eel Jar can also transport eels as effectively as soft coolers, without breaking the bank. Now that’s fishconomic!

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Jack Traps Tip Ups

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The first time that I went ice fishing I only had two Jack Traps tip ups. Yes. Two. I did not know at the time that I could fish with five! So, during that trip, I borrowed a few tip-ups from my new friends on the ice. They worked. But, I found the tip ups “wobally” and difficult to work with. I now fish Jack Traps exclusively. Why?

Jack Traps Tip Up

First, I like the simple design of the tip ups. I can open and set them up in seconds. Second, the quality of the materials and construction are second to none. Third, I am confident that they will work when I have a trophy fish on the business end of my line. This confidence is priceless. And lastly, I like the fact that they are made in Maine. 😉

If you are new to ice fishing, participate in an ice fishing tournament. This is a great way to learn and field test lots of different gear. If you get hooked like I did, then invest in a set of Jack Traps.

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IF4 ~ 2015

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I attended the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4) at the Fly Fishing Show for the first time. WOW!

The quality and quantity of content of this year’s IF4 is awesome! There are eight films:

  1. In Search of Grande
  2. Distracted
  3. Recapture
  4. Bermuda Love Triagle
  5. No Man’s Land
  6. Secrets
  7. Liquid Gold
  8. Sensei

I enjoyed all the films that I saw. Each one was unique and great. “Sensei” had me laughing from the first cast to the last cast. And “In Search of Grande” had me hooked from the first cast to the last cast.

Prior to the start of IF4 and during the intermission, the show coordinators gave out free shirts, hats, and lines. Two anglers won fly rods. And 50 anglers won free subscriptions to Fly Fusion magazine. I got lucky and intercepted an Airflow 5wt Super Dri line with an elite trout taper as it was flying through the air three times the speed to required to defy gravity.

Fish360 Air Flo Fly Line

Attending IF4 was well worth the price of admission. If you can attend a showing, OMG…go! 😉

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Fishy Blogs

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I started blogging seven years ago because the recreational fishing literature that I was reading at the time was not publishing on topics or gear that interested me. Monthly magazines like On The Water have taken the recreational fishing literature to a new level. But, I am still blogging. Why? Because I enjoy field testing gear, building gear, discovering new patterns, developing novel techniques, and sharing my experiences with the recreational fishing community. Along these seven years, I have come across other fishy blogs. Some good. Some bad. And some wicked fishy!

Fish360 Blog

Jimmy Fee and Kevin Blinkoff from On The Water have some wicked fishy blogs. Their writing style is clear and approachable. Be sure to cast into their blogs. You will be surprised what you reel in!

Why Knot Fishing is a welcomed new comer to recreational fishing. They are absolutely fanatical anglers! They target all species using all methods. Their blogs are worth reading. Hint…hint!

I have recently discovered Freshwater Girl’s blog. This blog is honest and real. It’s really refreshing to read Donna’s blog articles. If you fish for striped bass, subscribe to her blog for new articles and project updates! ;-).

For the foreseable years to come, I will continue to read great publications like On The Water. I will continue blogging. And I will continue to read and search other fishy blogs.

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Rockingham Fishing and Hunting Expo ~ 2015

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The Rockingham Fishing and Hunting Expo is THE show for anglers in Southern Maine, New Hampshire, and Northern Massachusetts. This year, there will be 160+ exhibitors and 40+ seminars. If you hunt or fish, then you must attend! 😉

Rockingham Fishing and Hunting Expo ~ 2015

I am personally looking forward to attending the some of the fishy seminars and presenting “Skishing: eXtreme Surfcasting” on Sunday, January 11th at 11:00 AM.

Skishing: eXtreme Surfcasting

In between seminars, I will troll the aisles and anchor up at some of the fishy booths. This is a wicked fishy show! When you stop by, be sure to visit the Fish360.NET both! 😉

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DeLorme InReach

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Last year I added a new tool to my fishing arsenal: Delorme InReach. The InReach is a handheld satellite tracking device.

DeLorme InReach

The unit only weights only 6.7 ounces, but packed with a tonne of features!

  • SOS Messaging
  • Global Tracking at 10 minute intervals via Iridum (the furthest-reaching satellite communications network)
  • Digital Compass
  • Barometric Altimeter
  • Accelerometer
  • Maps via blue tooth pairing with smartphone and tables
  • Email

Technically speaking, the InReach has passed submersion tests (one meter below the water’s surface for 30 minutes). But, there is nothing more extreme than skishing. Hence, I use a medium “Whanganui” AquaPac to transport and protect my InReach.

Delorme InReach Skishing

Delorme has several monthly plans available starting as low as $11.95 per month. What is the cost for the peace of mind knowing that help is an SOS button away? Priceless!

My InReach performed well during my skishing trips last year. This winter season I will be using my InReach whilst ice fishing remote ponds and lakes in the Maine wilderness. And in the spring and summer, I will also be using my InReach on my boat and kayak.

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