I am an all species, all methods angler. I make all my own leaders and rigs based on the species and method I am fishing. I have plug leaders, chunking rigs, eels rigs, carp rigs, Texas rigs, Caralina rigs, and fly teasers, to name a few. I keep them all organized with the Bass Pro Shops Tackle Binders.

The Bass Pro Shops Tackle Binder comes in three sizes: 7″ x 6″, 7″ x 9″, and 8″x10″. I prefer the 7″ x 6″ size. It comes with 10 PVC-reinforced resealable binder bags. I order two at a time along with a set of a set of 10 extra bags. I insert 5 extra bags into each tackle binder. Why? I target trophy fish. I never use the same leader for more than one fish— particularly toothy predators.

The Bass Pro Shops Tackle Binder is cost effective and functions wells. I have yet to run out of leaders during a fishing trip! 😉

I have fished a multitude of plastic minnow swimmers in the surf. None of them have found a permanent home in my surf bag. That is until I fished the new Bomber Saltwater Grade Long Cast Minnows!

These plugs come in three sizes: 5″ (3/4 oz), 6″ (13/16 oz), and 7″ (1 3/4 oz). I fish the 7″ model in the surf with my 11′ CTS S7 rod. I can cast these plugs a country mile because of their aerodynamic shape and the internal weight that rolls to the tail end during the cast.

These plugs are available in a wide spectrum of bait fish mimicking colors. Their colors are enhance by the wide-wobble action as they swim through the water column (2 – 4′ casting and 4 – 8′ trolling). Bottom line, these plugs look like wounded baitfish, which predatory fish cannot resist.

A plug that has great castability, looks, and action will hook fish. No question. But! If you want to land trophy fish, the plug needs strong hardware. Out of the box, these plugs are dressed with strong split rings and salt water hooks (4/0 trebles on the 7″ model).

When I am surfcasting, do I have Bomber Saltwater Grade Lost Cast Minnows in my AquaSkinz Cobra surf bag? Do fish swim? 😉

I fish for all species using all methods. I thus exploit a variety of products and methods to manage my tackle. The Plano 2-3620-01 and the Plano 2-3600-01 boxes manage 80% of the saltwater and freshwater tackle that I fish.

Out of the box, so to speak, the 2-3620-01 can accomadate 4 presentations up to 10.5″ in length. The 2-3600-01 can accomadate 6 presentations up to 7″ in length. Both of these models can be sub-divided in a multitude of ways to accomodate a variety of tackle.

Keeping your tackle organized will help you get out on the water faster. Keeping your lures organized will allow you to select the right lure for the conditions and structure you are fishing in seconds, instead of minutes. Bottom line, the Plano 2-3620-01 and the Plano 2-3600-01 boxes are great tackle management solutions that will help you catch more fish at a cost that will not break the bank. Now that’s fishconomic!

The Texas rig is a weedless soft plastic rig that has been catching fish for 60+ years. The weight in a Texas Rig is free to travel on your leader or line. Typically, this is not a problem. But, there are times that “pegging” (i.e. preventing the weight from traveling) is required. Commonly, this is done by using the tip of a toothpick. I prefer to secure the weight using the tag of an improved clinch knot.

Securing the weight using the tag end of an improved clinch knot is easy. First, tie an improved clinch knot to the extra wide gap (EWG) hook using a extra long tag end. Second, slide the leader and the tag end thought the weight. Third, pass the tag end around and through the weight two more times. Fourth, tie an overhand knot on the tag end as close to the top of the weight as possible.

Based on my field tests, this method does not negatively impact the action. In fact, I have found it to enhance the action of the soft plastic. The fish agree!! 😉

Members of the Plum Island Surfcasters have been using Charlie Graves tins to catch striped bass for years. These lures are difficult to find. But, they available in various sizes and styles at Surfland Bait and Tackle.

I am a big fan of flies on metals. I dress my Charlie Graves tins with my custom Lefty Deceiver flies. I use Tactical Anglers power clips to secure the fly to the tin. Why? Two reasons. First, they give the fly more action! Second, they make fly exchanges quick and easy!!

Charlie Graves tins are available with and without a keel. They are also available in tin and non-tin. I use the models with a keel in high current areas and the models without a keel in the surf. The tin and non-tin models function the same. But, I have a basis for the tin models.

If you fish the surf, then carry some Charlie Graves tins in your plug bag! Post your fish pics with #CharlieGravesTins. 😉

Fishing kayaks have come a long way in the last decade. This has benefited anglers. But, it has also made selecting a fishing kayak more challenging. There are now so many options! But, with three decisions, you can select a fishing kayak that is optimal for you! 😉

The first decision you need to make is on the type of kayak. For fishing, I would recommend a sit-on-top (SOT) and not a sit-in-kayak (SIK). Why? SOTs have functional decks that can be configured to your fishing style and needs. SOTs are also less likely to fill with water. If you select a SIK, then get a manual bilge pump!

The second decision you need to make is on your kayak’s drive-train: paddle, peddle, or motor? A paddle driven kayak will catch as many fish as a peddle or motor driven kayak, but at a lower cost. Peddle and motor driven kayaks give you “hands free” fishing. The Hobbie peddle system will propel your kayak in a forward direction. The Native peddle system will propel your kayak forwards and backwards. In either case, you still need a paddle to turn your kayak left and right. The electric motors (e.g. Ocean Kayak or BassYaks) made for kayaks are limited by the capacity of the battery; they also add weight to the kayak. Bottom line, this decision is a matter of economics and personal preference.

The third decision is on the length of your kayak. Fishing kayaks are available in lengths between 10 and 16 feet. Shorter kayaks are lighter, easier to carry, and provide quick maneuverability on the water. The longer kayaks track and handle rough conditions well; but are heavier and more difficult to carry. A 12 or 13 foot kayak is a great all-around size that will cover nearly all the conditions that you would want to fish via kayak.

I personally like the fishing kayaks by Wilderness Systems. I own a Tarpon 100, a Ride 115, and a Ride 135. I like the quality and features of these kayaks: they have great stability; comfortable seats; well designed decks; and tracks that fit YakAttack mounts and accessories.

Lead (Pb) is a naturally occurring element in nature. The regulations regarding the use lead sinkers and jigs in freshwater fishing vary state by state. Science and politics aside, if you fish freshwater, it’s easier to simply use non-lead sinkers and jigs than wading through each state’s regulations. There are several non-lead sinkers on the market made from tin, steel, and tungsten (W). But, non-lead jigs are more challenging to find. That is until I met Shaun Vando from from Mags Lure Company at the Rocking Fishing and Hunting Expo this past January.

Shaun and his fishing / business partner developed a non-lead swim jig and football jig. The jig heads are made from molten pewter, a metal allow. They feature heavy duty Mustad hooks with bleeding sharp points and star flash round skirts. The strong paint finish, 3D eyes, and weed guard really enhance the jig’s fish catching ability.

The swim/flipping jigs are available in 11 different colors and the football jigs are available in 8 different colors. If you like to tie your own hair jigs (a.k.a. bucktails), then you can buy just the jig heads or the diamond jig heads in 4 standard colors. Custom colors are available upon request. 😉

When it comes to quality, to say that I am critical and discriminating, is an understatement. I can say without hesitation that the quality and craftsmanship of the lead free bass jigs from Mags Lure Company exceeds my expectations. If you fish freshwater and you want to work the entire water column horizontally and vertically without breaking the law, then pick up some fish seducing jigs from Mags Lure Company. 😉

Fishing kayaks have come a long way in recent years. The days of drilling holes to install rod holders have passed. YakAttack makes tracks that can accommodate rod holders and other accessories. Some fishing kayaks (e.g. Wilderness Systems) have tracks pre-installed. There are several quality kayak rod holders on the market. But, the one that hooked my attention was the YakAttack Zooka Tube rod holder.

I like the simple multi-functional design of the YakAttack Zooka Tube rod holder. The rod holder supports spinning and bait casting rods and has two different pedestal options: a rigid post mount with a MightyMount base or the flexible ball mount. The rigid post pedestal with a MightyMount base is ideal for trolling applications; particullary large predatory species.

The flexible ball pedestal allows you to quickly position your rod to the optimal angle for what you are doing at any given time. The ball mount is strong; you can certainly use it for light trolling (e.g. fish less than 10 lbs).

If you plan to troll and cast, and you had to pick one rod holder, I would suggest the YakAttack Zooka Tube rod holder with the rigid post pedestal and MightyMount base. If you are planning to cast and do some light trolling, then I would suggests the YakAttack Zooka Tube rod holder with the flexible ball pedestal. If you fish saltwater and freshwater, then get both. 😉

Metal lures cast far and have incredible action as they move through the water column. Flies cast near and imitate bait fish color, length, and profile. Metals catch fish. Flies catch fish. Why not fish metals and flies?

Adding a fly to a metal lure extends the length of your presentation. A fly also enhances the color profile and provides additional action. I like to match the color of my fly to the metal.

What metals? When selecting a metal, I consider three things: color, weight, and geometry. I select the color based on the time of day, conditions, and water clarity. Then I select a metal with the geometry and weight that will penetrate the water column at the depth that I want to fish.

What fly? My go-to fly pattern is the Lefty Deceiver. This proven pattern has seduced countless saltwater and freshwater fish. Whatever pattern you choose, be sure to go with a strong hook that has a bleeding sharp point. I use Owner Aki hooks in 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 or 5/0.

There are many quality metal lures on the market. Buy some. Dress them with colorful flies. When you start catching fish, don’t blame me! 😉

Ice fishing requires an auger. An auger powered by human or fuel. I like to make holes as efficiently as possible. No priming, flooding or mixing fluids increases efficiency. Hence, my two options were a manual auger or a propane powered auger. I chose the latter. My next decision was to choose between the Jiffy Pro4 or the Eskimo HC40. I chose the Jiffy Pro4 because it has been field proven for several seasons.

I field tested my Jiffy Pro4 during the coldest and windiest day of this winter season. It’s performance was unaffected. I cut the first five holes through 16″ of ice in less time then it would have taken me to drill one hole with a manual auger. The cutting power of the Jiffy Pro4 is due it’s 49 CC 4 stoke engine, heavy duty clutch, and gears working synchronously to generate maximum torque.

In theory, a 34 lb auger sounds “heavy”. But, in practice, I found it “balanced”. I had no issue pulling it on my sled or caring it around the ice. In fact, I would not reduce weight by replacing metal components with plastics ones! 😉

Are you in the market for a power auger? If you are, I would recommend the Jiffy Pro4 Propane powered auger because of it’s design, performance, and warranty: 2 year engine, 2 year transmission, and 2 year blades.