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Fishing Equipment

FishingFishing Equipment

Best Spinning Reel – Best Saltwater Spinning Reel – Spinning Reel Combo

spinning_reel

Saltwater spinning reels were once primarily the domain of small- and medium-game fishing, but recent innovations in metallurgy and design have made them a player in big-game fishing as well. Advances in drag systems, gearing and line capacities mean your spinner can win encounters with wahoo, amberjack, grouper, sailfish and other big game while still shining during the surf fishing and jigging they’re best known for.

Spinning reels are designed for ease of use and also practicality. With the ability to hold plenty of line, get a good casting distance and also to have a quick retrieve ratio for high speed spinning. Not only are they great for casting and retrieving lures but they can also be used for trolling, bottom fishing and also surf fishing. With a massive range of sizes to choose from there is sure to be one that will suit your fishing style and budget.

Our spinning reels are made from quality metals such as aluminum, stainless steel and brass, with precision-machined single-piece frames. Choose from low speed reels for bass and redfish, high speed reels for game fish, and even two speed reels to rapidly recover slack line if a big fish makes a quick turn. Spinning reels can be found for using monofilament line, braided line or both, with varying length and test strength capacities. As a longtime family-operated business, we have the personal fishing tackle knowledge to help you select the saltwater spinning reel right for your unique needs and budget.

The Best-Selling Fishing Reels on the Market – Spinning reels are the best-selling category because they are simple to use and give you remarkable diversity – it’s not complicated.

Superior Quality at Affordable Prices – Affordability is another reason why you need to get a spinning reel. Here at the Fishing Tackle Shop, we stock a massive range of sizes and brands of spin fishing reels at astonishing prices.

A World-Class Selection of Fishing Reels – We take great pride in the range of spinning reel models we stock at Fishing Tackle Shop. The list of brands we offer is a who’s who of the finest producers of fishing gear in the world.

Meet the Producers – Shimano spinning reels are among the most highly regarded on the market, not to mention the excellent Daiwa spinning reels. We also stock Penn spinning reels as well as models from Fin-Nor, Okuma, Pflueger, Quantum, Rovex and Van Staal which ties up most of the major fishing brands. You’ll only find the best fishing reels here at FishingTackleShop.com.au.

Making the Right Choice is Easy -In-depth descriptions and specifications are available for all of our fishing products. With so many spinning reels available on the market, we want to help guide you toward the most suitable choice of spinning reel for you to make fishing a breeze.

Browse our wide selection of top brand name spinning reel seats including Fuji, Pacific Bay, American Tackle, Mud Hole for all your custom rod building projects. Whether you are looking for a comfortable aero grip, throwing live bait, or looking to hurl huge weights past the surf, we are confident we have a reel seat for your specific fishing application.

 

How to Cast a Spinning Reel

Beginners new to the art of attempting to catch fish will likely have their first experience with a standard spinning reel and rod. It’s an ideal set-up to go after the type of fish typically found in freshwater lakes and rivers, and it offers a lot of versatility when considering what types of tackle you’d like to put at the end of your line. But even if you do your homework to get the right bait or lure on your line, it won’t do you any good if you can’t cast it properly. Learn the fundamentals of properly casting a spinning reel and you’ll find that migrating to other styles of fishing, like fly fishing, is far easier.

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Fishing Equipment

Using and Selecting the Best Spinnerbait

spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits attract and catch bass in a more unique style than any other bass lure. At first glance they don’t appear like they would be an effective lure because theres really nothing natural looking about them. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Spinnerbaits have been catching bass for decades using blades that flash and leverage the sensitivity of a basses lateral line through vibration.

They’re one of the most popular lures used in bass fishing, from weekend anglers to tournament fishermen. One reason for their popularity is how versatile these lures are. A single spinnerbait can effectively cover just about any area in a body of water. They’re semi-weedless too so they can be fished in and around cover in deep or shallow water.

 

Using Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait fishing lures have metal blades that spin like a propeller when the lure is in motion, creating varying degrees of flash and vibration in the water. Spinnerbaits are used principally for catching predatory fish such as perch, pike and bass, and are particularly helpful in attracting fish as you begin your day out on the lake.

Selecting a Spinnerbait

The two most important factors you need to consider first when selecting a spinnerbait is the speed and depth you’re looking to fish it. The speed of retrieval is heavily based on the style and number of blades you choose. Naturally the heavier the weighted head is the faster it is going to sink down in the water column, but the blade style and/or combination of blades on the bait is going to play a major role in the running depth as well.

 

Size

Spinnerbaits are available in a range of sizes from micro to maxi models. The largest ones, from 1 to 2 ounces, are used for northern pike and muskie fishing, and sport two large blades, a big skirt, and often a large soft-plastic trailer on the hook. One-quarter- to ⅝-ounce models are typical for bass, pickerel, ​and small pike, in varying blade and skirt-trailer combinations.

The lightest spinnerbaits, in 1/16- to 3/16-ounce sizes, are used with light or thin-diameter line and light spinning tackle, primarily for bluegills and crappie, but also for smaller specimens of largemouth and smallmouth bass, plus white bass.

Small spinnerbaits usually feature a single blade on the overhead shaft and a soft grub-shaped body rather than a multi-tentacled skirt. For the most part, these are fished in shallow areas and near the surface.

 

Weight

In large part, the weight of a spinnerbait is determined by the size of the head on the lower shaft.

This is essentially a lead jig head and is usually forward-tapered to facilitate passage through the water and around obstructions. On small spinnerbaits, that head may be rounded, like a ball-head jig, but for most bass models, it is shaped more like a cone or bullet. Some heads may be turned up slightly to resist diving and enhance upward or shallow movement, especially on a fast retrieve.

 

Blade Styles and Function

Spinnerbaits principally feature Colorado, Indiana, and willowleaf design blades, or hybrid versions of these basic styles. The Colorado is between round and pear shaped and is generally believed to produce the most vibration, although this is a function of how much it is cupped. The more cupping there is to the blade, the greater the vibration. The common size is No. 4, which is roughly the size of a quarter, but the range is from No. 2 to the magnum No. 8. Colorado blades are often found on single-blade spinnerbaits. They are good for slow retrieves, murky water, and dark conditions. A small Colorado may precede a larger willowleaf blade on a tandem spinnerbait.

Indiana blades are teardrop-shaped and produce good vibration, too, though they spin faster, and work well on tandem-blade lures.

They, too, are used in combination with other blade types, either in front of a willowleaf or behind a Colorado. Willowleaf blades are shaped as the name implies and come to a sharply tapered tail point. These long blades are mainly used on a tandem rig with a big No. 4 or 5 willowleaf, usually in silver or copper, behind a smaller Indiana blade; however, willowleaf blades can be used in tandem, or as a single, and are preferred in the magnum sizes (up to No. 8) for big fish. The willowleaf doesn’t offer as much vibration as other blade styles, but it revolves freely and produces a lot of flash. It is an attention getter, especially when hammered or fluted or spiced with light-bouncing colors.

The style or combination of blades to use may be a reflection of where and how you fish. Tandem-blade spinnerbaits are generally meant for speedy retrieval.

A twin willowleaf combination is the best for quick retrieving, and a willowleaf-Colorado combination is for more intermediate retrieval. To get a slow retrieve, especially in shallow water, you need a blade that grabs a lot of water and spins well. This might be a Colorado combination, or more likely a single Colorado blade, perhaps of large size.

Although some anglers use tandem blades for deep fishing, this lure’s effectiveness there is primarily when being retrieved rather than when falling, because the blades usually get tangled on the drop and don’t rotate. Try spinnerbaits that produce more vibration when the water is turbid or when it is cold, and spinnerbaits that produce more flash when the water is clear or when it is warm.

 

The Ultimate Spinnerbait

Built using Freedom’s revolutionary hybrid head design, the Freedom Live Action Spinnerbait grabs fishes’ attention with a lethal combination of free-swinging action and vivid flash. For maximum movement, the hook on the Freedom Live Action Spinnerbait is attached using their advanced interchangeable hook design which gives trailers a natural swimming presentation.

In addition, this hook release system allows for quick and easy replacement, so anglers can pre-rig a variety of trailers and switch them out without ever having to retie. Also, the revolutionary design keeps fish from using the lure as leverage to spit the hook, resulting in more landed fish.

From end-to-end, the Freedom Live Action Spinnerbait features premium components, including a super bright Willow/Colorado blade combo, top-of-the-line swivel, and a spring lock trailer keeper. Finished with a hardened epoxy finish for long-lasting durability, the Freedom Live Action Spinnerbait delivers a bright, highly attractive presentation that will help trigger strikes from otherwise uninspired fish.

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Fishing Equipment

How to Find the Right Fishing Waders for You

fishing_waders

Wading is where fishing gets serious! Today’s breathable chest waders offer comfort and the best performance for the modern fly fisher. Most prefer the stocking foot style with separate lightweight wading boots, but we also sell many boot foot waders.

Sometimes you need fishing waders just so you can cast your fly to a fish, which makes waders an indispensable tool for fly fishing, especially for fly fishing beginners who don’t cast well yet. Some rivers are lined with brushy banks and the only way to cast is to wade out into the river. Some lakes have shallow bottoms and you need to wade out to get where the fish are. Some streams are just more fun when you scramble around in them or even just cross over to the far bank where fewer people go. Fly fishing waders make you more effective and can make fishing more fun, plain and simple.

 

Protection

Wade into the quiet of the stream in a pair of high-quality, durable fishing waders. Adjustable suspenders help ensure a snug fit to help keep you dry while out in the water. Choose between stocking-foot waders that can fit into wading boots or waders with boots built-in for maximum security against cold water & terrain. Whatever style you prefer, you can find an excellent pair of fly-fishing waders or chest waders in this selection. Look through our entire selection of waders and accessories for other options and items that can help you get the most out of your fishing trip.

 

Storage

Keep your fishing gear safe and away from the water until it’s needed with the storage pockets found on these fishing waders. Many of these fishing waders are made with chest pockets to keep fishing essentials easily accessible. Some are even waterproof and can be removed for easy filling or passing off to a fellow fisherman or fisherwoman. With a good accessory pocket on a pair of waders, you can have the equipment you need just a zipper-pull or button-click away. See what’s available in this diverse selection and find the right fishing apparel for your next outing.

 

A pair of quality waders can help you take on the great outdoors.

Anglers, bird hunters and outdoor adventurers of all types can trek through watery terrain in quality chest waders, hip waders and waist waders. The latest waders are crafted of quality material to provide lightweight warmth and complete water protection, while never hindering your movement in the field.

Anglers can find chest waders, with built-in boots that provide total traction on slick rocks beneath the water’s surface. Easily carry lures, tackle and more with you in a chest wader built with a lightweight but stable fold-out table.

For less coverage, turn to waist waders or hip waders that are built with an articulated leg for total mobility. Safely stash away gear in a fishing vest designed with convenient pockets and ample ventilation to keep you cool and dry as you fish.

Grip rocks in the water and slippery terrain with ease in fishing wading shoes built with durable full-grain uppers and reinforced stitching. Expect quality from top brands like Pro Line®, Field & Stream®, Korkers®, Patagonia® and many more.

Waders should provide warmth and weather protection, but still be lightweight enough to enable you to move without restriction. To combat water seepage, look for waders with fully stitched or taped seams.

You can choose between chest waders that come with built-in boots or with stocking-feet bottoms that are paired with your favorite fishing or hunting boots.

Your wading boots should be amphibious—traction-ready for walking in streams but comfortable for trekking distances on land. Choose wader boots designed with cleated outsoles or deep lugs. Lightweight cushioning in the midsole of your shoe provides extra comfort for long days in the great outdoors. A reinforced toe box in your wader shoes gives you the protection you need.

Pockets and compartments give you a spot to stash small essentials. Look for features such as detachable bottoms that convert into short fly vests. Ensure that pockets and compartments are secure for holding extra hooks, lines and lures. Choose a vest with ventilation panels for maximizing airflow and a lightweight construction, so you move easily on the water.

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Fishing Equipment

A Guide for Selecting the Best Fishing Reel Types

fishing_reels

Find new and replacement fishing reels for all types of rods and fishing trips here. All of our equipment has been designed and manufactured by top brands to ensure that you have the very best fishing reels for the job wherever you choose to fish. If you’re looking to find something lighter than your current reel or with the capacity for a longer line then you’re in the right place. We’ve got a choice of fishing reels for anglers of all abilities and levels of experience, with budget-friendly and high quality options available to buy today. Browse the collection in our online store now to find the perfect reel for you to help you land a whopper!

There are countless categories of fishermen in this world, all with their own intensity and skill level. Whether young or old, amateur or pro, freshwater or saltwater, or casual or serious, every angler has one thing in common: using a reel to cast bait out on a line.

There are many different reel styles that cater to different fishing practices. This article will review the best fishing reels available for ice fishing, fly fishing, salt and freshwater fishing, and more.

Bring in Your Catch: Learn More about Fishing Reels

Make the most of your day by the water. Shop fishing reels and bring home your next trophy catch.

From freshwater fishing to a day on an iced-over pond, finding the right fishing reel is critical for your outing. Select from a variety of different constructions, materials and features for the reel that matches you. Explore the collection:

  • Freshwater Reels
  • Saltwater Reels
  • Fly Fishing Reels
  • Ice Fishing Reels

Shop top-rated brands like Shimano, PENN or Shakespeare.

Line capacity: Is vital for selecting a reel. Reels can handle as little as 15 yards to as much as 900 yards. The amount of fishing line you’ll need depends on your fishing. For example, fishing in a pond or stream will require only minimal line capacity. If you plan on fishing in a lake, you may need more line capacity to handle the water’s depth and the type of fish that may run with your line.

 

Gear ratio

With a fishing reel, turning the handle on the reel engages gears that turn a shaft on the spool. The faster the handle is turned, the faster the spool rotates. Lower ratios provide more power for bringing fish from deeper depths, while higher gear ratios benefit when pulling fish from closer to the surface.

 

Ball bearings

Ball bearings are used to help reels work more smoothly by supporting the moving parts; the more ball bearings, the smoother the reel works, especially under pressure.

Shop fishing reels or waders for your next day on the water. Learn more about how to buy a fishing reel from PRO TIPS.

What type of environment will you be fishing in? Whether you’re after a scrappy trout or largemouth bass, finding the right reel improves your chances of making that catch.

Baitcasting and conventional reels work with the weight of a bait or lure as it pulls on a line, and turns the spool to release more line. These are typically preferred by more experienced anglers, especially when using heavier lures and lines designed for bigger fish—like a salmon or steelhead.

Most baitcasting reels now incorporate a drag system designed to adjust the resistance or drag on the spool to control how much resistance is needed to pull the right amount of line off the spool.

Many fishermen prefer baitcasting for fighting bigger, stronger fish over an extended period, especially big game fish in saltwater. Baitcasting reels are offered in one-piece designs, which lessen the corrosive effects of saltwater.

Spinning reels mount on the underside of a spinning rod. The spool on a spinning reel is parallel to the rod and does not rotate when you cast, reducing the chances of tangles to almost zero. Beginners and less experienced fishermen appreciate the lack of complexity that spinning reels offer.

Spincasting reels are well-suited for beginners fishing in freshwater environments. These devices feature a closed-face, button-operated reel, which sits on top of a casting rod. Spincasting reels feature a line that comes off the top of the spool when casting. The spool remains stationary until you use a thumb button to cast. When you release the button, your bait or lure propel your line.

 

Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing Reels

We carry a wide variety of fishing reels to choose from, including reels for Spinning, Baitcasting (Low-Profile & Round), Fly, Lever & Star Drag, and Line Counter reels. Whether you are fly fishing for Brookies, running spoons deep for Lake Trout, or chunking for Sharks, we have a fishing reel that will perfectly match any freshwater or saltwater fishing application.

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FishingFishing Equipment

A Guide for Choosing the Best Fishing Pole & Rods

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In determining a fishing rod and reel one must consider the species you are fishing for along with the type of fishing lure or live bait to be used. For instance your rod and reel set-up should match the fishing presentation. If you’re pursuing panfish using light lures or small minnows your outfit should be lightweight for casting and detecting bites, not a heavy baitcaster for pike or bass.

There are five main basic categories of fishing rod and reel combinations, and within each there are multiple sub-categories of specialty types of outfits used for specific fishing applications, for example Walleye fisherman use rod and reel set-ups for slip bobber, slip sinker, jigging and trolling. Bass fisherman carry pitchin’, flippin’, crank baiting, and soft plastics combo’s.

Muskie anglers have bucktail, jerk bait and top water outfits. In short, fishing rods and reels have come a long way over time, with new space age materials having been developed for rod construction making them longer and much lighter as well as reels with multiple ball bearings and one piece alloy and graphite frames.

Keep in mind rod materials when making your selection. The construction of your rod impacts its action and should be designed for your skill level:

Fiberglass Rods: This brand of rod is geared towards beginners. These rods need little maintenance, have an average weight and solid rod strength. Keep in mind, if you are fishing larger game, you’ll need a heavy, durable rod.

Graphite Rods: These are typically preferred by advanced anglers due to their superior strength and lightness. Graphite provides a blend of optimal sensitivity and fighting power.

Bamboo Rods: This material produces a smooth, fluid backcast and offers excellent flex and feel.

Shop top fishing poles & fishing rods from St. Croix, PENN, Shakespeare and more.

You should consider your level of fishing experience, game fish and environment when choosing your new fishing rod. Learn more about the different models at DICK’S Sporting Goods:

Casting/Conventional Rods: Designed to have the reel and guides on the top, casting rods are most effective for anglers looking to cast several hundred times during a fishing trip.

Generally match up best with baitcasting reels.

Most casting rods can handle heavy line and fish in dense cover and water vegetation.

Spinning Rods: Ranging in length from 5 to 8 feet, this model positions the reel and guides on the bottom of the pole to provide smooth, accurate casts.

Longer spinning rods with elongated grip handles for two-handed casting are frequently used for saltwater or steelhead and salmon fishing.

Spinning rods are also widely used for trolling and still fishing with live bait.

The handle length is balanced against the rod’s length.

Saltwater Casting/Conventional Rods: The reel and line are located on top of the rod, and the trigger grip lets you securely clutch the rod while releasing the thumb bar.

Designed with a quick taper at the rod tip for accuracy and a large backbone at the lower portion of the rod for stability.

Saltwater bait-casting rods can be made from fiberglass or graphite.

Fiberglass is more durable and has greater lifting power than graphite, which makes it a preference for larger fish such as tuna and yellowtail.

Graphite rods are more bait sensitive and work well for surf fishing and open water, where bait may be cast over a greater distance.

Power and action are two essential functions of your new fishing rod:

Power: A rod’s resistance to flexing is known as its power. This ranges from ultra-light to ultra-heavy or other similar classifications. If you’re after larger game fish, you may need a rod with more power.

Action: This impacts your casting distance and accuracy. The smaller the fish, the lighter the action that you’ll need, while the heavier the fish, the heavier the action.

 

Fishing Rods Construction And Features

Fishing poles have only become more specialized over time. There are many different fishing rods to choose from, made from different kinds of materials, such as fiberglass, graphite, carbon and various composites. In order to select the best possible fishing rod and reel system for the type of angling you plan to do, you’ll need to do a bit of research. For instance, pay attention to how much flex and action you’ll require. Most anglers opt for moderate fishing rods, which will bend starting at the halfway point, but you should choose a fast rod if it’s important for you to be able to feel any light bite or nibble on the line. A fishing pole’s backbone depends on its construction and thickness, as the rod’s strength makes a difference in the fish you attempt to catch and the lines you’ll need to purchase. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered at Academy.com.

 

Different Fishing Poles For Different Types Of Angling

Our assortment includes standard casting rods and others specially made for baitcasting. A spinning rod is perfect for those fishing with lighter weights, looking to snag perch, crappies and walleyes. Fly fishing can be an intensive endeavor, so finding the proper fly rod is important. Make sure you have a fishing pole that will allow you to false cast, haul cast, curve cast, tuck cast and roll cast with precision every time. With fishing poles made by top brands like Abu Garcia, Shakespeare, All Star Rods and H2O Express, we’re sure to have one that meets your needs, whether that means angling the afternoon away on a pier with a boat and surf rod or relaxing on a boat fishing for bluegill with a panfish rod. Explore Academy.com for all of the essential fishing gear to meet your demands.

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FishingFishing Equipment

Finding the Best Fishing Net – Fly Fishing, Rubber, Large

fishing_net

Find the perfect fishing net for your next angling adventure. With a variety of shapes, styles and materials to choose from, these landing nets meet all of your angling needs. Different styles of fishing require different types of landing nets. These styles range from long-handled boat nets to compact wade-fishing nets. Our line of landing nets offer nets with wooden or composite handles as well as deep rubber baskets to land your next trophy. Also be sure to keep your landing net secure with our line of net retractors and magnetic holders. These net accessories are a must-have for anglers on the move. So whether you are fishing from a boat or stalking trout on a small stream, our selection of landing nets has you covered.

People who fish for trout to eat or who do catch-and-release trout fishing will always be on the lookout for a good trout net. These can be made of many materials, such as wood, aluminum, or rubber. The nets themselves are made out of rubber, nylon mesh, or other materials.

Getting the trout into the net can be a tricky bit of work. You want to be comfortable with the net you have, and able to maneuver it while holding the fish on your line. You need to use the tip of your rod to angle the fish so that it will fit into the net, but do this gently so as not to break the tip of your rod. Then you pull the fish gently, head first into the net, and at the same time, flick up the rim of the net to land the fish at the bottom of the net.

Clearly, having the right net for you is going to be important, so we have reviewed a few of the better nets available for trout fishers.

 

A Guide to Choosing Which Fly Fishing Net

A premier quality net is without a shadow of a doubt one of the most important pieces of tackle that you can own. Not only is a net the only safe way you can transport your fish from the water to the bank, but owning a good quality net is a vital aspect of fish care. This is why all the fly fishing nets we stock have been designed by tackle companies who really understand both the needs of the angler and the needs of the fish. We stock nets in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can pick the perfect net for your needs. Many of our nets are manufactured to complement the shape of the fish, thus providing the most support for the fish as you lift it out of the water. They type of handle you have on a net is also important, and we stock nets with a shorter handle that are designed to fit compactly inside a boat, as well as nets with telescopic handles that you can extend to you ideal length. Angling Direct has always said that fishing isn’t only our business, it’s our passion too, which is why you’ll only ever find products that we’re proud to use in our own angling on our shelves.

 

Which net for trout?

There are several types of net in common use for landing trout. These include:-

Collapsible nets where the frame folds in on itself. These can be clipped to your back or waist to allow you to walk around without leaving the net on the ground. They can also be carried in a scabbard to stop brambles catching on the netting. The net will normally click into ‘action stations’ mode with a flick of the wrist.

Fixed frame and handle nets – these are most commonly used by boats fishers who leave the net ready to go in the bottom of the boat.

Scoop nets are popular with anglers that wade rivers and are normally attached to a retractor with a magnetic release that keeps the net in place high on the anglers back away from vegetation. These are usually not suited to large fish but fine for river trout and grayling. These are often built around a wooden frame and are both and practical.

You also need to think about how long the handle needs to be – if you fish from high banks a net with a long or telescopic handle is the answer.

 

Which net for salmon?

The choice for salmon is not so wide and anglers will generally go for a gye fishing net. This is a net with a fixed frame that slides on a handle shaft. Generally these have a sling that is fixed to the net allowing the net to be carried on your back. Please be careful if you are deep wading on a fast flowing river. A net fixed to your back could cause a fatal accident if it catches on a rock underwater or interferes with the deployment of a lifejacket.

The net needs to be big enough to accommodate your catch – my preference is for the Mclean Salmon Weigh nets that make it easy to weigh a fish with the minimum of handling prior to its return. They are also great for big pike.

 

Rubber Landing Nets: Better for Fish and Fishing

If you are a hook and cook’em person, it doesn’t much matter to the fish what type of landing net you use. But if you are a catch and release angler, you need a rubber net.

Another reason you should use a rubber net is to save time. Many of us fish with more than one hook as droppers or as tags. After a fish is netted, the second hook almost always gets tangled in the net. It takes time to untangle the mess, which means it takes longer to release the fish and it takes longer for you to start fishing again. This is a big problem with string and nylon net bags, but is not a big problem with a rubber net. If there is one thing I have learned from spending time with my fishing buddy/coach, the professionals spend less time messing around with gear and more time fishing.

Sure the rubber nets cost a little more, but they are better for the fish because they are easier on the skin and fish are released faster and you can get back after the next fish faster. And unless you have a habit of losing or breaking nets, a rubber net will last for many years.

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Fishing Equipment

Fishing Hat – Fly Fishing, Bass fishing, The Best Fishing Hat

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Fishing provides an excellent opportunity for us to go out on the water and get in touch with nature, breathing in the invigorating fresh air and listening to the rustle of the wind and the chirps of the birds. Make a backpack ready and go for fishing.

Fishing also gives us the chance to relax after a long week and evaluate how we are doing, and if you are super lucky you can get to haul in a catch while you are at it.

It can take long hours of dedication to finally land that prize trophy fish, and during that time, the sun can start to cause painful burning on your face and neck. Pick up a MAGELLAN OUTDOORS gaiter that provides SPF 50 protection from the sun while also adding a stylish camo accent to your look, and check out neck gaiters made of sweat-wicking materials that can move moisture away from your skin to keep you feeling comfortable and cool as you reel in the big one. If you’re looking for an eye-catching addition to your fishing apparel, a Columbia Sportswear gaiter with a head-turning pattern can give you something to talk about between bites. Be sure to pick up SPF-rated fishing shirts for even more protection against harsh midday UV rays.

The Best Fishing Hats For Sale

Fishing hats are another way to stay protect against extended exposure to the sun. An Under Armour ball cap helps shield your eyes against glare from the water while providing a sporty appearance that looks great just about anywhere you go, or if you’re headed to the links after a few hours of fishing, try wearing a Costa Del Mar visor that fits in as well at the golf course as it does at the lake. A bucket hat can give a relaxed, casual look as you fish or take care of backyard chores.

 

Head Protection from the Sun

Be the talk of the pond by wearing one of our snazzy fishing hats and other fishing apparel from Academy Sports + Outdoors. Don’t let the sun blind your view while you’re trying to hunt down that fabled catch of the season. Our hats are made from a variety of materials, like cotton, polyester and mesh, providing you with ample protection from harsh sunlight over UPF 50. Our array of fishing hat options are designed to be breathable, preventing sweat buildup on your head and face.

Find Your Fisherman Cap

Let us help you find a fishing hat that best suits your angling trip and personal style. Academy Sports + Outdoors offers the best fishing gear, and multiple types of hats, like fly fishing hats, bucket hats, trucker hats, sailing hats and even neck gaiters. We can help you decide on a hat that offers the amount of protection you need as well as a comfortable fit on your head. Our trucker hats and fly fishing hats are lightweight and promote airflow, while our sail hats and bucket hats give you greater shade from the sun. Complement your new fishing hat with a quality fishing shirt or pair of fishing pants to ensure your whole body is protected from the elements.

Things To Consider Before Buying

In market different types of best fishing hat models are available for any gender and any age. You need to select the right fishing cap that will fit your head perfectly well. This can be achieved by measuring the size of your head so that you can get a fishing hat that corresponds with your head size measurements. A good fishing hat should be comfortable, convenient and durable.

 

Fishing Hats For Every Angler

Protect yourself from the sun with fishing hats. Choose from an impressive array of mesh hats, fishing visors, trucker hats, bucket hats and other popular styles for your outing.

You’ll find fishing hats in an assortment of bright colors, understated neutral tones and camo patterns from leading brands like Costa Del Mar®, Field & Stream®, Flying Fisherman®, Salt Life®, and Under Armour®.

Whether you’re looking for a wide-brimmed hat for maximum sun protection or a warm knit stocking cap to keep you warm on ice-fishing trips, you’ll find today’s best fishing hats.

Whether you’re buying a hat for yourself or looking for a unique gift for a friend or family member, you’ll find fishing hats in a rainbow of colors with graphic logos, amusing phrases and other designs to suit any personal taste.

We offers many different fishing hat styles including boonie hats, trucker hats and visors. Boonie hats provide a traditional fisherman look and great protection from the sun, while trucker fishing hats are stylish and available from tons of top brands.

A quality fishing hat can help you stay cool in hot weather and help you brave the elements on colder days. If you’re shopping for a new fishing hat, keep the following considerations in mind:

If you want to maximize your protection from harmful UV rays while you’re on the water, consider a cachalot hat with an attached a neck shade, which can shield your neck and upper back as well as your face. Check out collection of sun protective clothing which includes UV-protective hats.

Fishing visors are a popular choice with people who want to keep sun out of their eyes without the full head coverage that a standard hat provides.

Remember to consider function & style when buying a fishing hat.

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Fishing Equipment

Fishing Gear – Ice, Fly, Saltwater – Buying Guide

fishing_gear

It’s your day by the water. Make the most of your next catch with the gear experienced anglers trust.

Discover fishing rods engineered for both remarkable strength and lightweight feel. At the pond or lake, fresh water fishers find performance in any condition with a variety of spincasting, baitcasting, or trolling rods, reels and combos. Fly anglers love fly fishing rods designed for absolute precision and a delicate cast that fools any fish.

Whether you’re after large-mouth bass or trout. Pick from hard baits and lures, flies, saltwater lures and more. Stow away tackle, lures, hooks and fishing line in tackle boxes and bags that simplify organization by the water.

Maximize utility with long and short-sleeved tactical shirts, fishing vests and lightweight jackets. Wade in with bibs and waders that provide the right blend of warmth and flexibility. Pull on boots that give you absolute traction on slippery rocks beneath the water’s surface.

When you can’t make it to the water, try a fishing T-shirt that lets you wear your love of the sport on your sleeve. Shop fishing gear and apparel for men, women and kids.

From crabbing and clamming to bowfishing gear and ice fishing equipment, find the tools it takes to get the job done. Pick up nets, knives, racks and more. Hit the water with kayaks, canoes and boating accessories. Expect quality you can’t beat from brands like St. Croix®, Field & Stream®, Columbia® and more.

From beginner’s fishing rods that are ideal for children and beginners who are just getting into the sport, to strong and powerful professional rods capable of helping experienced anglers land the biggest catches. If it’s fishing clothing you are looking for, then we have a great range which includes fishing jackets from Prologic and Ron Thompson, to fishing hats, gloves, fishing socks and camouflage clothing.

Our match rods and poles from the likes of Shakespeare and Leeda offer great value for money, while our floats, hooks and incredible variety of baits will ensure you stand the best possible chance of a successful day out. Buy all of your fishing equipment with confidence.

Like most fishers, I’m not able to carry, store, or afford a different rod and reel for every species of fish or method of fishing. So I picked an affordable, high-quality spinning-rod-and-reel combo that can work in as many fishing conditions and settings as possible—including saltwater and freshwater. This spinning-rod-and-reel setup is approachable enough for a novice to learn on, yet it performs well enough for a seasoned veteran to depend on.

In researching and testing, I prioritized attributes such as durability and build quality—features that anyone, regardless of skill level and intended use, can appreciate—over more specialized features such as multiple-geared reels for using live bait or especially stiff rods that can handle big fish but not smaller ones. In other words, the Ugly Stik GX2 and Daiwa BG SW combo is what I’d recommend if someone were to ask me, “What fishing pole should I get if I don’t know what I want?”

 

How to Pack Reels

Since reels don’t have any dangerous parts, you shouldn’t have problems with reels from a security standpoint. If space permits, take your reels with you in your carry-on pack to prevent potential loss or damage. Pack them in their original case, padded with a few socks or pairs of underwear, or buy a travel reel-case for additional protection. Trolling reels will rarely fit into your carry-on luggage, so be sure to pad them well in your check-in bag.

Update – please be aware of the fact that some airlines may require line to be removed from reels before taking them on the plane as hand luggage. In order to avoid this situation, consider packing line separate in hold baggage.

 

Other equipment

Use common sense when packing: knives, liquid fly floatant and metal rod holders are definitely a no-no. Be sure to check these in. If you’re carrying lots of weird equipment, show up at the airport an hour earlier than you normally would, to allow for extra time if they make you check-in anything. Above all, don’t argue with the security staff. Be pleasant and tell a few fishing stories. They DO have the power to ban you from a flight. Another thing I often forget to do in the midst of pre-trip euphoria is to check my fly vest’s pockets for any leftover equipment.

Since 9-11, it’s been almost impossible to take dinghies and kayaks with you, checked in or not. If you are staying at a 4+ star resort during your holiday, you will most likely have kayaks or pedal-boats available freely or at a reasonable hourly rate.

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Fishing Equipment

A Guide to Catch Fish with the Best Fishing Bait

fishing_bait

There’s many variables in fishing bait and often no absolutes. Many things you’ll encounter when fishing for will leave you with more questions that answers and leave you spending more time trying to learn more.

 

Carp Fishing Bait

Over the years I’ve used most of the baits you can find in a tackle shop, and more besides. I have spent many hours mixing up many noxious-smelling products in my kitchen, many hours boiling up different types of particles and seeds, and many hours mixing obscure flavours in an attempt to find the ultimate carp bait.

Some of these baits have been highly successful, others have failed miserably. In fact, some of the baits I’ve made over the years have been more successful at actually repelling carp than attracting them!

 

Vitalin

Vitalin is a dog food made from maize meal, meat and bone meal (among other things).

I’ve put it in at No7 because I’ve caught many fish over the years using it, especially during the winter months. My most successful winter campaign ever was based around Vitalin.

 

HEMP

All the hype you see and read about this seed is true. Carp absolutely love hemp. In fact, they think it tastes fantastic. Even a very small handful of the stuff can keep fish digging in the lake bed, looking for food, for hours and hours. I’ve actually stopped carp in their tracks by throwing individual grains of hemp in front of them.

 

Fluoro Pop-Ups

The fact I’ve put fluoro pop-ups at No5 might surprise some people. However, I love these little beauties!

Fluorescent pop-ups definitely seem to attract carp. Used on their own or as part of a more complicated trap, I have caught many carp in the last three years on fluoro hook baits.

 

Regular Boilies

Boilies catch the vast majority of carp across England every year. There are hundreds of excellent boilie types available to buy from tackle shops and bait companies across the country.

Out of all the boilies on the market, my advice would be to choose a fishmeal-based bait in the spring, summer and autumn. Also, frozen readymades tend to be better because they’re of a higher quality than the shelf life baits you can find in shops, so I’d recommend them over anything else.

 

Pellets

Pellets have been around for a very long time. In fact, Dick Walker used to mash trout pellets up and use them as a paste in the 1950s, I think! If he’d dropped them in a PVA bag and whacked them into Redmire, he’d have caned the place – there would have been wet, hessian sacks hanging from every tree!

 

Tiger Nuts

Tiger nuts are brilliant baits. They give off a great smell and the fish love eating them.

I once did an experiment with some tanked carp and some tigers. I placed a handful of the nuts in an old sock, so the carp couldn’t see them, and suspended the sock in the surface of the water. The carp couldn’t see what was in the sock, neither could they get hold of the bait.

 

Bass Fishing Bait

Selecting and collecting bass lures is almost as enjoyable as fishing them. But which lures catch the most bass? We broke down the top 5 best bass lures based on their proven ability to catch bass, their versatility, and the opinions of many professional bass fishermen.

 

Plastic Worms

Undoubtedly, number one is the rubber worm. No other bass lure is as versatile or more attractive to bass than a soft plastic worm. This is because they are so lifelike, and when engulfed by bass they feel like natural food. There are endless designs and dimensions, so you can choose the best size, style, and color for the conditions you’re fishing.

 

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits come in at number two because of their unique ability to attract bass while covering a lot of water at the same time. The fact that they are fairly weedless gives them a bump in the ranks as well.

 

Crankbaits

Crankbaits come in various sizes, shapes, weights, and running depths. The correct selection of specifications depends mainly on the depth of water you’re fishing. More so than with other bass lures, making the right crankbait choice plays an important role in determining fishing success.

 

Jigs

While bass jigs are highly effective all year round, being successful with them requires a higher skill level compared to most other lures. Jigs are not the easiest bait to fish but they produce too many trophy-sized bass to not be in the top five. In fact, jigs are very well known for being the best lure for catching big bass.

 

Topwater Lures

In bass fishing, little can compare to the enjoyment an angler gets when seeing a bass leap out of the water in an attempt to engulf their bait. Topwater lures are not only effective but extremely fun to use, which are two reasons they make the top five.

These lures are designed to ripple the water’s surface, causing popping and splashing sounds as the lure is retrieved. The purpose is to create the appearance of prey in distress in other words–, an easy meal.

 

The Only 6 Baits You Need to Catch (Almost) Any Fish

Although you may covet a tackle box stuffed with lures, these essential baits will fool (almost) every fish that swims. Clear out your tackle box and cast these super six baits.

 

Heddon Zara Spook

Although it’s a very small part of the design of this lure, the line-tie is very important. Positioned beneath the nose, a twitch on slack line makes it dart to the side, which has proved irresistible to any fish that will eat bait on the surface, from large and smallmouth bass to tarpon.

 

Acme Little Cleo

The cup of a spoon dictates its action to a large degree. A shallow-cupped spoon will have a slight wobble, while a deep one will wobble like crazy and have an erratic action.

 

Curly Tail Grub

Although it looks a little dull in hand, once that tail is pulled through the water, it comes to life, seeming to propel the lure forward. Size: To target panfish, use the tiny 1-inch version with a 1/32-ounce jighead. When jigging for cobia, opt for an 8-inch grub with an 8-ounce head.

 

Rapala Original Floating Minnow

The action of the Floating Minnow is created by how its lip is positioned in relation to the body of the lure. The bait is designed to imitate injured baitfish, and the lip is responsible for creating this action. Size: When fishing for small species, opt for the 1 ½-inch, 1/16-ounce bait, the most diminutive of the series. When hunting for big fish, throw the 7-inch, 1 1/16-ounce model.

 

Spro Hair Jig

There are a lot of hair options to choose from. Marabou, rabbit, and squirrel are all popular. Deer hair, however, is perhaps the most durable and widely available.

Mister Twister Sassy Shad

This bait is precisely the dimensions of threadfin shad…and menhaden. Match the hatch, baby. Fish-fooling Feature: The boot-shaped tail section of this lure is where the magic happens. The narrow piece of plastic that leads to the bulky, wide tail creates a very lifelike swimming action.

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Fishing Equipment

Guide to Choosing the Best Crankbait

crankbait

Any fish that routinely eats smaller fish can be targeted with crankbaits. A lure with a plastic lip that causes a bait to dive underwater can be classified as a crankbait. The depth ranges vary from just below the surface down to 20 feet or even deeper.

A crankbait tops the choices of many bass anglers who need a lure to cover water quickly and explore various depth zones.

Today’s crankbaits come in a variety of body shapes and widths, but the lure’s bill is the key feature defining a crankbait as a shallow-, medium- or deep-diving plug.  Crankbaits with square bills are best for running in the shallows from 1 to 4 feet, while a plug with a 1-inch bill will dive to about 10 feet deep.  Crankbaits featuring longer bills have the potential to reach depths down to 30 feet.

 

Using Crankbait

Crankbaits are one of the most commonly used bass lures. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but all crankbaits have a few things in common. First, they have a lip or bill on the front that is designed to plane through the water and get the lure down in the water column. The diving depth of the lure can be roughly determined by the size of the bill: the bigger and longer, the deeper it will dive. Second, there are usually two big treble hooks hanging from the bottom that make it look like it will hang up on the first piece of wood or weed it encounters. While crankbaits often do get fouled in this kind of cover, the attitude or position that the lure travels is bill first and head down, thereby protecting the hooks from snagging.

Crankbaits are relatively simple to fish and can be very effective when used in the right situations. Gene Ellison provides some insights and quick tips into the right situations for using crankbait.

 

Squarebills and Shallow Divers

The shallowest-diving crankbaits – including the popular squarebill crankbaits – work best around shallow cover. Ideal places to throw shallow crankbaits are around rocks, docks, submerged wood, and shallow grass lines. The key with shallow-diving crankbaits is to fish them with no regard to getting them hung up. While this may seem crazy for a lure that has two treble hooks attached, shallow-divers actually do not hang up often if you reel them in fast enough. When a lure deflects off a hard object, it is often the best time to catch a fish, as it causes a reaction from the fish as the lure changes direction. The body and lip of the crankbait will absorb the impact, causing the deflection, and the hooks will rarely penetrate the cover at high speeds.

 

Medium Divers

Medium-diving crankbaits work well in water that is shallower than 10 feet, even when they dive deeper than the water’s depth. A crankbait that dives 10 feet, for example, will be excellent in shallower water, as it will dig into the bottom and cause a disturbance. Like shallow-diving crankbaits, a deflection also triggers strikes, and a short pause after a deflection often results in a strike.

 

Deep Divers

A deep crankbait works well for fishing off shore structures like rock piles, creek channels, and ledges. It takes more effort to get these crankbaits down deep and to make them stay there. Like the shallower styles, bottom contact is important, and any deflection or change in the retrieve will trigger a bite.

 

Line Type, Size, and Diameter

Selecting fishing line is one of the most overlooked aspects of crankbait fishing. Line size and diameter greatly affect how deep your baits will dive and what action they will have. Simply put, the thinner the diameter is, the deeper a bait will dive.

In addition to the line diameter, the type of line will affect the diving depths of your crankbaits. Monofilament and braid will float, and fluorocarbon will sink. Braided line will also have the least stretch, making it the least attractive option for crankbait fishing. The lack of stretch will tend to pull hooks out of the mouth of a fish, resulting in more lost fish.

Monofilament and fluorocarbon are the top choices for crankbaits. Monofilament is ideal for shallow crankbaits, especially when you are fishing around grass, as it will not hang up as often as the sinking fluorocarbon.

Fluorocarbon is a great all-around line for crankbait fishing; it has minimal stretch, and the sinking properties will allow a crankbait to dive deeper.

 

5 Common Crankbait Fishing Mistakes

Crankbait fishing is a lot more than just mindlessly reeling a lure, however. There are several important caveats that, when considered, will take your cranking game to a whole new level.

 

Robot mode

As much as we’d love to experience hot and heavy action each time we hit the water, it’s simply not practical. Regardless of your preferred technique, you’ll often fish for hours without a single bite. This lack of action can create a bad habit for crankbait fishermen.

Crankbait fishing is all about making the fish react, which often means making your lure do something different or erratic. Pay close attention the next time you see a school of shallow baitfish—they rarely swim in a straight line. They’re extremely fidgety and every few seconds they’ll dart or dash to the side.

 

Fishing too quickly

There’s no doubt that crankbaits are an effective tool for quickly covering large expanses of water. They allow for long casts, quick retrieves and they spend a lot of time in the optimal strike zone.

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t thoroughly saturate a key piece of cover.

I’d say that 99 percent of my crankbait catches over 5 pounds have come after several identical casts to the same piece of cover. I started keying in on this several years ago and since then, I’ve enjoyed a lot of success whether I’m tournament fishing, guiding or fun fishing.

I’m no biologist, but here’s what I think it comes down to: The biggest bass on a body of water are both smart and lazy. I don’t think most people catch big bass because they find some magic honey hole. In my personal experience, most of it comes down to ticking them off and making those suckers bite.

 

Improper rod angles

When most of us started fishing, we were tought to set the hook with an upward motion. It’s just the most natural feeling and for most bass fishing techniques, it works just fine. But when you’re crankbait fishing, you should never set the hook upward.

Proper hookset mechanics begin with the appropriate rod angle throughout your retrieve. Not only will it increase sensitivity, but you’ll also be in prime position when it comes time to set the hook.

 

Using a rod that’s too stiff

If any bass fishing technique calls for a specialty rod in your collection, it’s crankbait fishing. I see so many people who have perfect mechanics constantly lose crankbait fish. It’s honestly not their fault—it’s the rod’s fault.

I like to use a pretty wimpy rod for crankbait fishing. For shallow-running flat-sides up to 1.5-size crankbaits, I like to use a 7-foot medium-action rod. It doesn’t have much backbone, but its tip is what I’m most concerned with.

 

Squarebills aren’t a cure-all to snags

There’s a lot to be said for squarebill crankbaits; they’re essentially the four-wheel drive of reaction lures. Their lips are designed to allow them to glance off of hard cover while protecting the hooks, thus reducing annoying hang-ups.

But let me be very clear: You can’t just smash ‘em into cover and expect them to make it through unscathed. They’re not the magic pill that will end all snags. It takes some work on our part to maximize their effectiveness.

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