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How To Select Tackle
May 04, 2013
Artificial Lures for Catching Snook
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Many anglers find that catching fish using man-made artificial lures adds flavor and challenge to the adventure of catching fish – especially the snook many anglers in Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico, and in most of the world's sub- and tropical waters love to catch. People pay a lot of attention to snook, and there are almost as many lures for snook as there are people fishing for them. But once you understand a few… Read More
February 25, 2013
Snook Fishing Tackle: What are the best rods to use?
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First, remember there are no rules in fishing and all these suggestions are interchangeable. Meaning: there are times and conditions that will require using rods outside the general rule of thumb. You will learn when these changes apply by continually coming to and reading The Online Fisherman. Fishing Rods for Snook Here are the basics for snook fishing rods: Snook Rod One: 7 foot spinning or casting rods – medium power… Read More
February 10, 2013
Picking the Right Lure
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Picking the right lure is easy for some people. "Topwater works great on snook on those grass flats!" says one popular guy on the forums. He's known as a snook hunter par excellent. He catches them on days when nobody else does, and if the guy says to use a topwater tomorrow on the grass flats outside Neighborhood-A (wherever that is), you use a topwater. It's a matter of relying on proven knowledge; of drawing from his… Read More
December 19, 2012
The Perfect Tackle Box
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If you fish only once every couple of weeks, it makes you think about carrying only as much tackle as you need, or at least carrying the right tackle for the right fish. Do you think about the Perfect Tackle Box? What would it have in it? This article could come in two flavors – one for saltwater enthusiasts and one for those fishing in the sweet freshwater of our beautiful nation – but there are basics you need to… Read More
August 09, 2012
Picking Fly line
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Flylines aren't that much different than finely-braided nylon inside the equivalent of a soft PVC pipe. Nylon wrapped with PVC tends to remember its shape. Flyline remembers its shape; those of you that use long rods most of the time call it "memory". Loop it around a reel fairly tightly and it remembers the shape of the reel. Adding to the issue of shape memory: cold flyline is stiffer than warm flyline. If you take a… Read More
August 02, 2012
How to Cast Net
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Having written the book Skinny: How to Fish in Shallow Saltwater with Captain Mel Berman, we had to talk a great deal about castnets -- how they work and how to throw them. I wish the copy I wrote for that very popular book was as good as what Captain David Rieumont wrote for Mr. Lee of Lee Fisher Castnets. It's not :) Wherever you may fish, live bait is always the best lure. To save time and money, you need to keep live… Read More
July 25, 2012
Our Favorite Lures from iCast 2012
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OK, so going to iCast is like putting a kid not in a candy store, but in the place where owners of every candy store on the earth go to find out exactly what candy's hot and what candy's not-so-hot in the upcoming year. They arrive in cars, planes, and trains to glance at, touch, and wish they could buy right-there every lure, rod and reel, navigation equipment, video equipment, photographic equipment specially designed… Read More
May 24, 2012
The Three Best Fishing Lures
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I once had a friend with a radio show called the Captain Mel Berman show. It was a Saturday morning call-in format broadcast on local AM that at-its-peak was drawing some 60,000 listeners between the hours of 6 and 10am. Over the years, the show became the cornerstone of our local sport fishing community, and being close friends with him allowed me to watch how he put the show together. We would often fish on Mondays,… Read More
February 12, 2012
The History of Fishing Reels
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A fishing reel is a device used for the sport of angling. In more scientific terms, a fishing reel “deploys and retrieves fishing line by using a spool mounted on an axle”. They are most often (but not always) used in conjunction with a fishing rod. The first use of a fishing reel can be seen in Chinese paintings from around 1195 A.D. In these paintings the fishing reels were hand wound, much like a simple fly reel… Read More
November 07, 2011
Fishing with a Kite
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"Why the heck would I want to use a kite to fish?" Reach. The answer to the obvious question is reach. By putting a clip in the kite line, and learning to use that clip to carry your bait (dead, alive, or man-made) into the air just below the kite itself, you can successfully reach fish you would never have had a chance to catch. Professionals and serious amateurs have been using kites for years to catch sailfish on live… Read More
March 19, 2011
WaveShield 1 Waterproof Gloves
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I would like to share some information with you about PRECISIONPAK’s new kayak gloves. The new WaveShield 1 waterproof Neoprene gloves are very comfortable and flexible. I found it easy to pick up small objects with them on. In addition the WaveShield 1 gloves have a very nice Kevlar palm and fingers for added grip when wet. Read More
March 19, 2011
Plano Guide Series Waterproof Case
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Have you ever had your cell phone get water damaged while enjoying your favorite outdoor adventure? How about your camera or even your electronic lock-fob on your car keys? As a fly fishing guide I have managed to dunk just about everything electronic at one time or another and I can tell you that it is not something you want to do. It is very inconvenient and an outright bummer when you can’t get back into your car or… Read More
March 17, 2011
The Captain Dave Cast Net Chart
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This chart shows which castnet works best for the bait you're targeting. One of the primary factors in picking the right net is the depth of the water in which you expect to find the bait. Oftentimes the bait we're looking for is found close to the large bridges in our bays; the water's deep and moves hard. To get the net deep fast, it has to be heavy. The same bait on a four-foot grass flat can be caught much easier --… Read More
March 06, 2011
Trolley Set Up
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Black Tip Shark Venice Pier, Florida Well, you know Spring has sprung when everything from small sharks show up at El Jobean to big Black Tips and Kingfish are starting to make a presence at Sharky's on the Pier, in Venice. We have been fishing everywhere this week with the exception of the freshwater action; to which we will do some ultra-light spin tackle Bass fishing on Tuesday morning and kite angling from the beach… Read More
January 24, 2011
The Retail Fish Trade
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When asked last week what we did for Christmas, I said "eat". If you're family's anything like mine, the holidays bring with them something much more important than gifts, trees, holly, mistletoe, or signs on the side of a bus that tell me what an idiot I am for believing that there are Divine forces at play in the Universe that make me look like a thread on an old garment. Which I am by now. Christmas brings with it… Read More
December 04, 2010
FishClippers
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"You need more fishing stuff like you need a wart." Coming from the mouth of my lovely wife, it's one of those strings of audio vibrations men (and women with non-fishy husbands and significant others) learn early to let come into one ear and out the other. If we didn't have that capacity when it comes to fishing stuff, we would drown quickly, much like a featherless duck. We don't do the kind of reviews you see on most… Read More
September 12, 2010
Reel Cleaning with Captain Steve Betz; Reel Advice
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Having spent over twenty years as an automotive technician and then another fifteen years as a handyman servicing homeowners around the Tampa Bay area one of he main things I have learned is how to repair things and not replace them. This is something I was taught by the owner of the first auto repair shop I ever worked at in Tampa. My mentor and the owner of the shop Ed Wittliff was a true blue German that believed in… Read More
September 11, 2010
The Hybrid Flurry
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I have used lots of baits throughout my life. You name it and I’ve tried it, but like a lot of our fellow anglers, I am partial to top water dog walkers. Recently, I was introduced to a new, soft swim bait by Edge Products called The Hybrid Flurry. Now I know what you’re thinking -- all swim baits are the same. I don't believe that's true. The Hybrid Flurry has a larger button tail, which gives it lots of vibration; so… Read More
August 23, 2010
SHIMANO BEST OF SHOW!
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Shimano's Waxwing Sub-Surface Swimming Jig won for "Best Hard Lure." Hydrodynamic body design Upper Wing makes the jig swim in zigzag motion Lower Wing makes the jig prevent rolling Owner Tin-coated double hook Stainless Wire-through construction UV reactive paint on lateral line Available sizes: 88mm/118mm 14 available colors MSRP: 88mm $17.99, 118mm $19.99 SHIMANO BEST OF SHOW "Best of Show" at fishing's annual ICAST… Read More
August 23, 2010
Shein's Book: Kayak Fishing
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This review comes courtesy of the people at No Bananas and Captain Pat Horrigan. You can learn a lot from Captain Pat, and if you want to touch the sport of fly fishing in a way that few men can help you do, call him and visit his web site. This review is about Jon Shein's book Kayak Fishing. You'll see Jon routinly on his web site (KayakFishingMagazine.net). Jon's a very cool guy, and dedicated fisherman. He's also an… Read More
August 21, 2010
DOA Lures Hosts Writers and Guides
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If you've followed this column over the years you've heard me talk often of DOA Lures and its charismatic designer Mark Nichols. Nichols didn't start DOA with seed money or a public offering. He started his company with an idea, the most rudimentary of materials and most importantly an indomitable spirit. Oh, and yes, the fact that he had a "nose" for fish didn't hurt. Nichols didn't ask you to believe him, he was… Read More
August 13, 2010
Center Pin reels
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First I want to make it clear that I do not claim to be an expert on center pin reels. This is my first season fishing with one and I do not even have a matching rod for mine yet. Let me start by telling you two things that center pin reels are not. They are not new technology; nor do then tend to be inexpensive. Center pin reels, or a version of them, were likely the first reels ever made. In there simplest form they… Read More
August 08, 2010
How new's that braided line?
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This next edition of our "Fishy Spot" trip maps Feature is going to focus on an area of Tampa where Teddy Roosevelt camped with his manliest of manly "Rough Riders". And no -- the Rough Riders aren't simply a bunch of drunks who -- along with the Krewe of Gasparilla -- started the invasion and excuse-to-drink and throw-beads-at-babes parade for which our city has become internationally (in?)famous. The Rough Riders were… Read More
June 28, 2010
Built from the ground up
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This article is part of a series we're going to be providing our readers about boats. Fishing boats, to be specific. Although the article's falls under "Product Reviews", we've decided that you can't really review a boat. I mean how do you review boats? It's sort of like being the judge at the "Cannabis Cup" in Amsterdam. After being on three or four beautiful, essentially-custom boats built from the drawings up to be… Read More
May 19, 2010
How to Choose a Fishing Rod; Part 2
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We know the basics of rods now. How to choose a rod for specific needs, we know power, length, and action and how they affect the rods we use. If you don't already know check out our article "How to Choose a Rod Basics." We are going to talk about more advance rod technology including: Rod Materials (blank), Tapers, guides, and reel seats. Choosing the Right Rod Blank This is the framework for the entire rod, consider it… Read More
May 19, 2010
How to Choose a Rod Basics
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Fishing poles are an important piece of the puzzle to catch fish. In its simplest form they are used to throw the line out with a hook at the end of it. Rods have been used ever since man has figured out it is a better way to fish than just holding a line... technology advances and we now have more options than ever for us to pick. Fishing rods will vary in length, taper, action (also known as flexibility) and power. The… Read More
May 15, 2010
Casting a Spinning Reel
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Casting a Spinning Reel Spinning reels are easier to use than casting reels. You will have a good grasp on how to use them within a few minutes and cast well with a few hours of practice. To cast a spinning reel grab the line with your index finger just above the bail, flip the bail open which releases the line from the spool then move the rod and reel behind your head keep your eye on the location that you are aiming… Read More
May 15, 2010
Choosing the Correct Reel
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Reely Simple Basics Although there are 3 different types of reels, spinning, bait casting, and fly. We will just cover the two major types casting and spinning. Fly rods are in a league of their own taking more physical effort and good conditions to use effectively (ever try using one in 20 knot winds?) The all serve the same two basic functions hold the line and provide power (in drag) to fight the fish. The general… Read More
May 12, 2010
Why We Kayak Fish
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When you think about fishing you realize that there are many forms of the sport. Sight fishing is by far the most challenging approach to be taken. In order to be successful in sight fishing, you must have a stealthy approach or you will do nothing more than spook your quarry. Wade fishing has its’ place for sure but it can be a long walk and as you tire, you are naturally noisier by default. Using a flats boat is very… Read More
May 12, 2010
The Art of Selecting a New Fly Rod
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The art of selecting a new fly rod is just that, an art. So much so as the art of fly fishing being an art. If you don’t understand the art, you can’t partake in the art effectively. Man that sounds snooty, but it’s true. Let’s talk about what you need to know about your upcoming selection Picasso. For the sake of this conversation we are talking about saltwater fly rods. First and foremost, you need to decide on what… Read More
May 12, 2010
The Science of Selecting the Right Fly Reel
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To begin with, this discussion is directed at saltwater fly reels. There are many manufacturers of saltwater fly reels today and that is great in the sense of direction. On the other hand it not only can be confusing to someone new to the sport, it opens the window to making a purchase of the wrong reel. When you hookup with a very powerful, trophy saltwater fish and he cooks your new reel, you have purchased the wrong… Read More
May 12, 2010
FlyGlasses
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If you add up how much you have spent on your entire cache fly fishing gear and effluvia over the years you would probably be shocked. In our defense, all of us know that golfers spend way more money than we fly anglers could ever hope to achieve in unnecessary miscellany. Can you imagine having a fly caddy? Jarvis hand me a number eight Clouser, or Jarvis, the 9 wt please. Really, that’s all too much. Wait that kind of… Read More
April 30, 2010
Is this a game to you?
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If you fish as much as we do -- or spend as much time talking,writing, and thinking about fishing as we do, it can hardly be called a game. We take fishing very seriously. Since publishing is our business, and we publish a fishing magazine, to us it's work, pure and simple. Fun, but work. We're among that blessed group of individuals in the world that do something they love, and end up getting paid for it. This Fishing… Read More
April 26, 2010
Cast Net Use
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Choosing the proper cast net is of the utmost importance if you are to be successful when trying to catch bait. These few tips along with the chart below will help you enormously in your bait catching efforts. Cast nets come in all different lengths, mesh sizes and weights. First and foremost the two most important questions you have to ask before you purchase a cast net is: 1) The size of the bait your trying to catch.… Read More
April 24, 2010
Dreads as artwork
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When we first started the site, we saw products as one of three things. First, rods and reels. Regardless of the genre of your spouse, unless they're equally addicted to our favorite sport, you spend time once, twice, or eighteen times a year explaining the subtleness of rod design and a specific combination's target-accuracy in being able to cast perfectly and result in a winning struggle time after time. Why? So you… Read More
April 11, 2010
Fishing Tech 101
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Coming soon to a classroom near you... One of the things I wrote about in Mel Berman's book Skinny: How to Fish in Shallow Saltwater was how to use GoogleEarth to improve the odds you'll catch fish. More accurately, what I talked about was using GoogleEarth to better identify structure -- regardless of where you were on the planet. The impact technology has on the world of sportfishing goes far beyond simply using… Read More
March 24, 2010
Drag Systems
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You can't see your drag system. You can only feel it. And either make good use of it in your fishing or no idea at all of how to use it. This article will attempt to let you see beneath the engine to understand how drag systems function. A drag system is basically a brake pad, designed to keep your line from breaking. The pad is positioned so it presses against a series of washers and pads, which then press on the spool.… Read More
March 24, 2010
Penn Reel
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Original Penn Squidder #140 - Mint Condition. $40.00 H - 727-943-5011 - C - 727-204-9723 Read More
March 21, 2010
Get a Grip
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It wasn’t long ago that the now-famous Boga Grip made its entry into the saltwater fishing arena. The ability to quickly and easily grab a fish without imparting serious damage to them was made simple. At the cost of a mere $129 for the smallest in the range (and an astonishing $259 at Cabela’s online web store where we checked first), the tool not only grabs a fish quickly, but it lets it go as soon as you’ve… Read More
March 18, 2010
Hooks
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7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1/0 2/0 3/0 4/0 5/0 6/0 7/0 Above is the hook scale (and above that is a picture of two hooks -- one an old and somewhat rusty 'J' hook and the other a less-but-still-rusty circle hook). Don't ask me; I got the picture from the collection of images we have laying around. They might be too rusty to use on a big snook, but for purposes of this article they were fine :) Â Read More
