We are exhibiting at the MSBA Annual Sport Fishing Expo! Stop by to see the Fish360 Journal and it’s new wicked fishy features!! We also love to just talk fish!!! 😉
Monthly Archives: March 2016
Grainger Pottery Sandwich
Many moons ago whilst walking through the halls of knowledge at my college, I had the selfish privilege of studying art. Philosophical arguments aside, art for me is something that is conceived in a person’s imagination and crafted into form to be viewed and enjoyed by others. Art is personal. Art connects with the viewer and makes him or her feel something. Lauren Grainer and Caroline Grainger create such works of art in their shop on Sandwich, Massachusetts.
Lauren and Caroline, yes they are sisters, answered their vocation four years ago. Their passion and energy for their craft is reflected in the 100+ amazing aquatic species from 3.5 inches to 42 inches. They are always working on something new. For example, they are currently working on a smaller Dolphinfish and Sand dollar. Clearly, they are artists. But, they also do responsible “stuff” like pay bills (when necessary).
Each sculpture in Grainger Pottery Sandwich is life-like and bursting with color. So much so that the fish look like they are swimming the wall! My artistic appreciation is infinite. But, buy funds are finite. So I chose the fish that I connected with most: cod. Why? Well. It’s delicious! All joking aside, cod has strong cultural significance in my Portuguese heritage and to Massachusetts, which I call my home.
When I bought my cod from Lauren and Caroline at the New England Saltwater fishing show, I had no idea where I was going to hang it! Really!! No idea!!! Well, I can now say with confidence that a fish out of water looks at home in the kitchen. But, do not take my word for it. Just ask my envious friends.
Do you have a fish in your kitchen? Do you have a fish in your man cave? If not, I can help you select one. First, are you Portuguese? If yes, then cod. Second, do you live in Massachusetts? If yes, then cod (striped bass, sea bass, albie, bonito, sea bass, or tuna). Third, are you Portuguese and live in Massachusetts? If yes, then drop Lauren and Carolyn a line today! The cod are swimming out of the shop!!!
DIY Kayak Pole Anchor
Kayak pole anchors for shallow water anglers are available on the market. Â They are not inexpensive and typically have a length of 8 feet. You can buy one or your build a custom shallow water kayak pole anchor between 6 and 10 feet.
Building your own custom pole anchor is easy. All you need is some inexpensive materials and basic tools. The build procedure only has four steps!
Materials
- 3/4″ PVC Pipe (thin walls)
- 3/4″ Copper Pipe
- One 3/4″ PVC T Fitting
- Two 3/4″ PVC End Cap Fittings
- 3/8″ x 2 1/2″ Stainless Steel Hex Bolt
- 3/8″ Stainless Steel Washer
- 3/8″ Stainless Steel Nut
- PVC Primer
- PVC Cement
Tools
- Power Miter Saw
- Tape Measure
- Fine Point Permanent Marker
- Safety Glasses
- Power Drill
- 3/8″ Drill Bit
- Adjustable Wrench
- Copper Pipe Cutter
The first step is to build the shaft. Cut the 3/4″ copper pipe and 3/4″ PVC pipe to your desired length. Insert the copper pipe into the PVC pipe.
The second step is to build the handle. Cut two 1 1/2″ lengths from the left over length of 3/4″ PVC pipe. Prime and glue these two lengths to the ends of the T fitting. Glue the two end caps to the protruding ends of the two lengths.
The third step is to build the tip. Insert the stainless steel bolt into the tapered 3/4″ PVC fitting and secure it with a stainless steel washer and nut. Â For a water tight seal, cover the head of the bolt inside the fitting with a generous amount of PVC cement.
The forth and final step is to join the shaft to the handle and tip. Prime both ends of the shaft. Glue the handle to one end.
Then glue the tip to the other end of the shaft.
The commercial pole anchors work. No question. But, I prefer my custom 10′ anchor, which allows me to fish up to 9 feet of water. Once anchored, I can paddle around the pole until my kayak is in the exact angle that I need to fish the respective structure. During my field test, I literally turned my kayak 180 degrees while anchored.  My DIY kayak pole anchor costs 75% less than a commercial pole anchor, but it’s value is priceless. 😉
Got tail?
Do you fish swimming plugs? Do you fish metal? Do you fish long range lures like Roberts Lures? I do! But, not with naked tail hooks!! I like to dress my presentations with custom tied hooks!!!
My hook of choice is the VMC open eye siwash hook in 6/0 (model number: 9171 PS). Why? For three reasons. First, this is a strong hook. Second, it has a sharp point. Third, I can secure it to the tail end of my presentation (metal, plug, or jig) without any additional hardware.
I like to match or complement the colors of my presentation. I have found that a simplified Lefty Deceiver pattern works really well. By “simplified”, I mean a Lefty Deceiver pattern minus the feathers.
Tackle shops tend to stock dressed tail hooks. But, the hooks, hook sizes, and colors can be limited. I prefer to tie my own during the hours I cannot fish.
