shimano fishing

shimano fishing

The Split shot rig is a finesse version of a fish finding rig along the lines of but not quite the Carolina Rig. Too many anglers dismiss this method as being too slow or a small fish method. The truth is that it is a deadly finesse method that can cover water as efficiently and as quickly as the Carolina rig. The split shot method also is a great way to catch limits of keeper sized bass. What tournament angler could dispute the success of that? Split shotting is a fairly shallow water finesse technique that works best in depths under 20 feet. It can be worked deeper but the sensitivity decreases as the depth increases. For anglers who arent confident in their worm fishing abilities, the split shot rig is actually nothing like traditional worm fishing.

This method is a cast and crank method that can be more easily compared to crank bait fishing than to worm fishing. The tiny 4inch curly tailed worms are in constant motion on the bottom so it might be even more effective than cranking because the bait stays in the strike zone longer. However simple this may sound, you can increase the effectiveness of the technique by seining the bottom. By this I mean using different casting angles and boat positioning to essentially saturate a grid or area. This way you can potentially present the bait to every fish within a determined area.

Not Just Another Carolina rig

The Split Shot may resemble a Carolina rig but it is different. To tie the rig you must eliminate the bullet sinker. Instead, you just crimp a piece of shot, two or three feet above the Texas rigged bait. I most often distance the shot about 18 to 24 inches above the bait. It is important to use only round shot without the tabs. The tabs will always catch on the weeds and foul the rig. Use size 2 or 4 shot. Make sure you dont fray the line when you crimp the shot down on it. I prefer softer shot to prevent damaging the line. Water Gremlin, makers of weights and sinkers for fishing has introduced its Bull Shot. This is a bullet weight or conical shaped weight with a new twist. Like its famous squeezable split shot weights that crimp on to the line, Bull Shot weights have the same premise. Here you can place your bullet weight above the hook in any desired length. Just squeeze it on and it will stay in place. Gone are the days of multi knot rigs. It is a quick and easy way to rig up your soft plastics. This may be the best alternative if avoiding weeds and snags are your concern. The pointed shape comes through snags with ease and takes this rig to a new dimension.

This is a true finesse rig. Using this rig requires an angler to scale down his/her tackle. A four-inch bait is about the largest an angler should use. Employ a size 1/0 or size 1 Aberdeen style hook. Rig the bait on the seam. This along with the Aberdeen hook is a straight shank style and creates a keel to prevent the bait from rolling thus eliminating line twist. That is the key to the natural swimming motion of this bait. Fine diameter line and light spinning gear are necessary for this technique. I use a 6 or 6-6 foot ML spinning rod and 6lb test for this technique.

Employ the split shot rig when fishing in depths shallower than 20 feet. Any deeper and youll lose contact with the bait. The split shot retrieve is slow and steady. Maximum bottom contact is essential. You simply have to keep the weight in contact with the bottom. This technique is perfect for locating concentrations of bass. Especially when coordinated to cover a specific area from multiple angles. Because the bait is always in motion, wind won't hamper its success. Wind can put a serious damper on regular worm fishing such as a Texas rig. The split shot rig is less affected by wind because you are constantly moving it.

Split shotting is deadly when fishing used water. If I'm fishing behind another boat, chances are that I am throwing a split shot rig to the water that has already been covered by that boat. The split shot method excels in heavily fished waters. That is the beauty of this method. One area in which this method excels is locating fish around uninteresting areas. Most anglers will beat visible cover or structure they see on their LCDs to death. While you can catch fish in these places on split shot rigs, the rig may be better suited for use in boring areas without heavy cover. These boring areas are usually passed over by other anglers and they likely dont receive any exploration because those anglers cant see anything attractive to hold bass.

One particular day I was on an 85 acre pond that was hosting a bass tournament by a local B.A.S.S. chapter. The water was crowded with 15 or so boats and all of the water was used up. Immediately I rigged a split shot worm and I proceeded to catch a limit of decent bass. From what I heard, the participants didnt fair as well. This proved to me how valuable an option this rig is. It took fish in water that was used by skilled anglers. This rig is a good choice when trying to locate fish on an unfamiliar lake. It is often the first tactic I'll try on new waters. When a cold front is passing through the split shot may be the only bait that gets consistent attention from bass.

Anglers must learn to recognize the strike on a split shot rig. It differs from the telltale tap-tap of the Texas rig. The split shot bite tends to feel like a mushy sensation or the feeling of added pressure on the line. Bass do tend to hold onto the bait a bit longer than traditionally rigged worms. The lack of a sliding weight for a bass to feel in its mouth likely is the reason. This set up is just more natural. As with many of the techniques in this book, it might be best to learn what the rig feels like being retrieved unimpeded. Because you will be bumping of bottom with it, you may be in for a tough time recognizing strikes. Just remember that hook sets are free and if you feel anything out of the ordinary, swing on it. One caution with this rig, because you are using light line, try to sweep set the rod sharply to one side of your body. I utilize a set similar to the Slider sweep. You do not want to pop your line by setting too hard with the tiny line. Bass seem to hold on to the bait because of the weightless feeling coupled with the small amount of slack line between the split shot and the bait.

Hand poured worms along with standard grubs, reapers and lizards work well on a split shot rig. One of the best worms for this is the Curly Tail worm from Robo Worm. This is made specifically for the Shot techniques. This is a tiny 4 inch worm that features some wicked hand poured colors. It has a curly tail that is rigged tail down to offset any line twist by being inline with the keel that the Aberdeen hook creates. The worms are scented and salted and bass simply do not drop once they once them up. Ive been using some of the new Cyberflexx baits that really float high off the bottom on this rig. They are very effective and this is a good way to seine the water. The floating bait opens up another dimension to the split shot rig. Now you can cover water above the bottom. This is helpful when fish are suspending a few feet off the bottom.

Anytime is Split Shot time

An angler should recognize the best times to use this method. I use it as a fish finding tool on unfamiliar waters. If you put an easy meal in front of any bass, it is going to tell you something every time. Obviously, if you are simply patterning fish incorrectly, the rig may not be of use to you. If you use it where they live, it will draw a reaction and usually quickly at that. I initially target, sloping primary and secondary points with the rig. From there, I move to small shallow humps, sand bars and depressions, flats and sandy bottom areas. Perhaps one of the best places to utilize the split shot rig is on bare or nothing banks. These areas visually dont look as sweet as say a submerged log jam or weed bed. For this reason, they are often overlooked and passed by most target fishing anglers. The truth of the matter is that bass will be in these areas and often it is because the bottom offers something that the target angler doesnt even know is there. The rig also works well when pulled over shallow flats, sloping points, sandy banks, boat launch ramps and sandbars. Try it in non-traditional fishing spots. Locate bass daily migration routes and try this rig. Many times when fish are spooky, traditional baits wont raise a strike, the split shot rig may be just the ticket to catching a bass with lockjaw. Target spots that other fishermen ignore; bare banks, swimming areas and shallow sandy flats are among the choicest of areas.

Gear Breakdown: Split Shot Rig

Rod: Kistler California Series 6-9 ML Drop Shot rod

Reel: Shimano Sustain 1000FB

Line: Super Silver Thread 6lb

Hook: Gamakatsu size 1 or 1/0 thin wire straight shank

Bait: Robo Worm 4 Curly tail worm

Craig DeFronzo has written over 300 articles that are bass fishing related within the past decade for several of the top bass fishing web sites and periodicals. He is the author of over 12 books and eBooks on bass fishing and is the creator of Micro Munch Tackle. He started a small bait company based on the belief that unique custom tackle would be more appealing to bass that are continuously bombarded by the same commercial baits every day. Custom baits and lighter tackle have helped him achieve success in competition. For more information on custom handmade baits and more articles and Craig's ebooks visit http://micromunchtackle.com/

shimano fishing

Shimano Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Hat Stone M/L New

The smallest necessities are sometimes the most critical for a day of fishing. These products can make a day on the water more comfortable and help you increase your fishing success. # Construction 100% Polyester. Features# Six panel medium profile cap.# Curved sandwich bill# A-Flex head band fits comfortably to your head size.# Padded sweatband for comfort.# Shimano logo embroidered on both front and back.

Specialized reels, to me, are gold out on the water. And what is a specialized reel you ask? Well, a reel with special added tools such as flipping switches fit the category. These reels specialize in flipping, of course, with the added bonus of good quick reeling with high ratios. Line capacity is also a special item because when fishing the Carolina rig or in deep water, for example, the more line the better.

When skipping docks line capacity reels are not important as far as I am concerned. What should be special in this case is the speed of the reel and type. Spinning is best with a 6.0:1 gear ratio because free spooling ease can be had and slack line can be kept at a minimum. These characteristics are what make this type of reel special for skipping.

Certain features are incorporated into reels for a reason. Fast trigger spinning reels like the Spirex from Shimano is a good special tool to have when working crank baits or stick baits. Reel it home, then just simply press the trigger and cast again and again. All one has to do is reel back enough and 'presto', always in the same position. Now try setting the hook on a Bass while dragging a tube with this type of reel and you will have that ever present line of travel to the trigger position. And that could mean the loss of a good fish. It is still, however, a specialized reel, in my opinion.

I know, believe me, specialized reels require special budgets, especially when they are many and the dollars are few. There are many reels that will do many tasks, special or not, and when choosing a reel, keeping things in perspective is key. What will we be doing with this reel? Do we need a high gear ratio or large line capacity reel? Or, better yet, do we specialize in one rig only? Hey, don't knock it! Many tournament anglers I know use jigs and trailers exclusively, and carry two or three of the same specialized combo with the only difference being jig colors. It works for them, so it might work for you too. But for me, well, I am partial to all my specialty combos. I like to be ready for any special circumstance where Bass can be had. I love a good challenge where variety and versatility is constantly utilized!

Now how about specialized rods or combos, fishing line, baits, rigs, the list is endless. But keep in mind that each and every little special item incorporated into fishing products is there for good reason; and that is to put fish in the live well using the best resources and technology available! And that, my Bass angler friends, is a fact!

Visit Nic DiGravio at http://www.probassfishing.ca

shimano fishing

Shimano Tiagra 30 Big Game Fishing Reel Cover New

Keeping your tackle safe and secure is very important to fisherman. This gear was designed to help you prevent any unnecessary loss of tackle during a day on the water. Protect your reels with Shiamno's new neoprene reel covers. All sides made of neoprene to help absorb the bumps and scratches. Design allows for reel covers to be mounted while the reel is on or off the rod. All sides made out of 5mm neoprene # Gold logo and stitches over shiny black fabric match the color of Tiagra reels and Tallus rods.# All reel covers fit perfectly to specific size of Tiagra reels.

One the most frustrating things I need to do is figure out what to get my dad and brother for Christmas. They are so hard to buy for not only for Christmas but also for their birthdays. My dad is getting up there in years and has just about everything you can think of and my brother is fairly successful and seems to have everything a guy would want. So I started a little search to see what was out there for me to get for them.

I started thinking maybe a nice new watch like a Citizen Eco-Drive Men's Watch. That sounded pretty good, not to high priced, not some cheap seen on TV thingy and it is an Eco-Drive. I found some great online sites for watches and saw some exciting outdoorsman type watches for the brother.

Then I got to thinking that since they both could fish all day long and are always searching for the right tackle and fishing gear maybe a new fishing rod and reel. Once again a little search for Bass fishing equipment on the internet turned up numerous sites to look through. And since I enjoy fishing with the men I pretty much knew what kinds of gear they like the best.

Well to make a long story short I figured out what top get my dad and brother for Christmas. I got my dad the Citizen Eco-Drive Men's Watch and my brother a fantastic Shimano Bait casting rod and reel combo. Of course they may both fight over the other's present but that is their problem. Dad will be able to use his right away but the brother will need to wait until the snow melts to use his-or is that him practicing in the back yard? Now what do I get my husband is the next question.

Becky has found a great site for Christmas gift giving. http://menswatches4u.com for a great selection of men's watches of all makes and models.

shimano fishing

got snook? Kids T Shirt 2T thru Youth XL

Great looking 100% cotton shirt. Please refer to our sizing chart for measurements.This design also available as a men's or women's tee shirt, and a men's hoodie and sweat shirt in our other amazon.com listings.

"If people concentrated on the really important things in life,
there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

- Doug Larson

With a last name like Fischer you'd think I'd know a thing or two about fish and particularly how to land one into your frying pan.But I don't.Never have.Even before giving up the fish-bones-in-yer-teeth diet for a vegetarian one eight years ago, I didn'tpossess much skill in the art of angling.Not for lack of effort, mind you.Oh, I was quite avid about the sport for some time.Avid but despairingly inept.In strictly statistical terms I was lousy.I imagine now that it took me, at best, 200 casts of my line for every fish that I caught(if you can call those little sunfish that look like decorative soap bars fish at all).That works out to a whopping0.5% productivity of catching anything beyond the usual glump of weeds, discarded fishing line, sludge-filled sneakers, or whatever else made up the less than idyllic underworld of Hamilton's Cootes "Paradise" at the western most tip of Lake Ontario.And that's just looking at casting productivity.When I stop to think of my efficiency in terms of time, my success rate at the art of catching my dinner was infinitesimal - say 0.001% of my time.

Yet, as I recall those days, I remember going fishing at any chance I could get.Why?What would possibly possess a guy to meditate over mere possibility from the crack of dawn until dusk most summer evenings?It certainly couldn't have been any great aspiration to become the next Bob Izumi on Saturday afternoon television.I clearly had no future in the sport.It couldn't have been the satisfaction of cooking up my catch - the quantity of which was enough to provide an appetizer at best ("catch of the day on a cracker anyone?")It wasn't even some familial need to perpetuate the long line of fishers in our family - as far as I know, most of us Fischer's were actually agricultural farmers.So why did I "fish" like there was no tomorrow?I guess because, pure and simple, it was a lot of fun!Pure pleasure.Simple pleasure.

There was the deep joy of anticipation, the repose, the whiling away of lazy hours, the solitude, the cheese sandwiches warming in my backpack under a 12 o'clock sun.There was the retreat from life's concerns to contemplate the things I really valued in my life - like freedom, like meaning, like a connection to the greater whole of which I am a mere small fry.There was in "fishing" a time and space for me to slowly acquiesce to the benevolent goodness of this river of life.Fishing, in the final analysis, helped me to say "yes" to my own life.Come to think of it, with my general ineptitude in angling, these other things must have been the real "catch" for me.

Now, as a vegetarian, I don't fish anymore.But maybe I should.I probably wouldn't catch anything anyway.Maybe I should just toss my line into the water with one of my father's lug-nuts on the end the way I used to practice my casting skills in my parents garden, fishing for two foot cucumbers (maybe that's where my vegetarianism started!).With my line snagged under some submerged log, I could reconnect with the seminal joy of those teenaged fishing excursions - my great foil for spiritual awakening.I wonder if I still have that old Shimano fly-casting rod?Maybe I'll dig it out this weekend and instead of packing my tackle box full of hooks and lures and fluorescent gummy worms, I'll fill it with some nice cucumber sandwiches, a soy shake and a copy of Vegetarian Times .How's that for a new angle on the old art? And now if you'll excuse me, I'd rather be fishing - wink, wink.See you on the water.

Peter H. Fischer is a speechwriter living in Vancouver, British Columbia. He can be reached through his website at http://www.fischerspeeches.com

shimano fishing

Shimano Fishing License Holder - w/Lanyard

Water-proof & Comes with a Lanyard with Shimano Logo

If you are interested in having an authentic Dutch experience while visiting Amsterdam, then you will want to rent a bike to get around on instead of a car. Bicycling is the best way to tour Amsterdam, and fortunately, Amsterdam is a very bicycle friendly city. In fact, about half of the traffic on Amsterdams streets is made up of bicycles.

While you may never consider renting a bike to get around Los Angeles or New York, Amsterdam is set up for bicycle traffic. There are special bike lanes, plenty of places to park your bike and motorists are very accommodating to bicyclists. However, while you may be surprised to find that the Dutch generally dont wear bicycle helmets, there are other safety tips that you will want to follow. First of all you will want to lock up your bike when you stop to visit a site or to shop. Amsterdam has a high theft rate for bicycles. Next you will want to use a light if you ride around at night. You will also want to make sure that you follow all traffic signals and laws. Finally, when you enter a pedestrian zone, get off your bike and walk it.

When you first arrive in Amsterdam you will want to locate a bike rental company. Typically you will be able to rent a bike for about 8 Euros a day. However, you can get cheaper rates if you rent the bike for a week or more, or if you rent several bikes at once.

MacBike is one company that you can rent a bike from. They have locations in Leidesepleir, Visserplein and Central Station. They not only rent bikes out, but they also offer guided tours. Bike City is another shop that rents bike. Their shop is set up in Jordaan and they are open Monday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. However, they are not open between December 20 and February 21.

If you are interested in touring areas outside of the city then there are several side trips that you can take on your bike. The first destination that you can tour on bike is North Amsterdam. Here you can visit the farming village of Broek-in-Waterland, a fishing village and the eastern dyke. Muiden is another great biking destination. This bike trip will take your to the Muiderslot Castle and to the fortified city of Naarden. If you are interested in a bike tour that takes you to the coast then you will want to plan a bike trip to Aekmaar. Here you can see beaches, sand dunes, wildlife, beautiful scenery and amazing Dutch mansions.

Tandem bicycle is a fun way to share the biking experience with someone you care about, as a well as a great biking option for people with vision impairments. Learn all about tandem bicycles, recumbent bicycles and folding tandems here. Bicycle enthusiasts have several items to choose from to collect. They can collect classic bicycles, classic tandem bicycles, or they can even collect vintage bicycle posters. The recumbent bike is the recliner of the biking world. It has many advantages over the upright bike model, however, it has not experienced the same acceptance in the bicycle world as its upright cousin has.

shimano fishing

Shimano Freshwater Saltwater Fishing Hat Stone M/L New

The smallest necessities are sometimes the most critical for a day of fishing. These products can make a day on the water more comfortable and help you increase your fishing success. # Construction 100% Polyester. Features# Six panel medium profile cap.# Curved sandwich bill# A-Flex head band fits comfortably to your head size.# Padded sweatband for comfort.# Shimano logo embroidered on both front and back.

The state of Maryland has a river called the Sassafras located in Georgetown, and connects with several other rivers, the Northeast, the Bohemia, and then to the Chesapeake bay. From Wilmington, Delaware, take I-95 south, until you see the Route 1 exit, by the Christina mall,(exit4), follow Route 1 south over the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal bridge, and exit at the bottom of the bridge before the toll gate. Follow route 13 south to Boyd's Corner, and turn right on route 301 south, follow the road 3 miles to the intersection of 301 and 71, Summit Bridge Road, and turn left at the light. Follow 301 south, towards the Bay Bridge. Follow this all the way to exit 290, Chestertown-Galena exit. Turn right on 290, and follow it about 4 miles into the town of Galena. Make a right at the light onto 213 north, by the Citgo gas station. Go about 2 miles down the road, and cross the drawbridge in Georgetown, at the Georgetown Yacht Basin marina. As soon as you cross the drawbridge, make your first left at George Street. Follow George Street past the Marina towards the Granary Restaurant. The launching ramp is open to the public and accommodates about 10-12 vehicles with trailers. It is on the left hand side of Sassafras Street, right before the restaurant. The ramp is good, but shallow at low tide.

Another launching ramp is available, but requires a Maryland launch ramp permit, and it is hard to obtain. Most anglers use the public ramp. There are several marinas with gas located on the river, with a towboat service if you should ever need it. There are no-wake restrictions in the marinas, and a six mile per hour speed limit on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, which are clearly marked in the channel.

ESTABLISHING A PATTERN

Duffy Creek is a good place to start first. It is by the restaurant, and you should quickly work the docks and wood with spinnerbaits and buzzbaits for any active fish. If this doesn't produce, then go back over the same area with a black and blue jig and a 4 or 5 "Senko, and cast as close to the moored boats and docks as possible, making a quiet entry with the bait. Flipping and pitching are good techniques to know here. Work them well, but don't waste too much time here if they don't produce. Try to present the baits at several different angles before moving on.

The next move is up the river about a mile to Hall Creek. Work the wood even in the very shallow areas at all angles with a white/chartreuse 3/8 ounce "Terminator" spinnerbait or a "Rat-L-Trap". Several six pound bass were caught here on these lures. Check your line frequently for abrasions and nicks, as the cover will fray it easily. If these areas don't produce, move up to McGill Creek, and work the pads in there with a 1/2 ounce "Tournament Frog" in Black or Brown. First work them slowly, and if you don't get ant strikes, work them quickly through the pads pausing only once on the way back to the boat. Many times this draws some reaction strikes when they don't hit it worked slowly.

Just a short distance up the river from McGill Creek, on the left hand side of the river is Freeman Creek. This can be an excellent area. Be sure to work the pads in here with a Tournament Frog and a buzzbait. Many days, we pulled a 15 pound limit right out of here, without ever leaving. If the pads don't work, move directly across the creek, and flip the docks with a jig, small worm, or a "Senko". Don't overlook Turner's Creek near the beach, or the pads and grass by the point and in the back. These areas have all produced bass at times in excess of 5 pounds. Stripers are also caught in this same area. Use your depth finder to locate the water that is from 4-6 feet deep, and move along slowly, looking for the grass beds and weed edges along the drop-offs and bluffs. Many 4-5 pounders were caught by casting a spinnerbait, small worm, and a buzzbait, while staying in about 4-6 feet of water, and casting to the pockets of thinner grass.

EQUIPMENT

Some of the things you should have are a spinning rod in 6 to 6 1/2 foot, with a medium action for smaller baits, such as grubs, 4" Senkos, and French Fry worms. I like to use 8-10 pound test Stren line with a good quality reel like a Shimano or Daiwa. You should also have a Heavy-action baitcaster with 20-30 pound test for working the pads. These 5 and 6 pound river fish will really tie you up in here, and you need to be able to muscle them out. I also like to have a good 7 foot rod, such as BPS, or a Lews, or G.Loomis Cranking stick for the buzzbait.

BEST TIMES

The best times to fish is a few days before, and up to a full moon, and the first hour and a half of the incoming tide, and the last 2 hours of the outgoing tide are best. During periods of slack water, move a little off shore and work the grass flats with a small grub, and a 4" worm, dropped into the pockets.

WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS

The Sassafras River can be exciting most of the time, but when it turns off, it really turns off! If this happens, try running back towards the marina, and head up under the drawbridge, and work all the fallen docks with a "Senko" rigged weightless, on 8-10 pound test, try wacky-rigging it if it doesn't produce any takers the conventional way. Work all the real shallow wood in here also, with a spinnerbait presented repetitiously, from many different angles.

Maps of the Sassafras River are available from "Mare's Marine" in Fredericktown, Maryland, and at sporting goods stores and marinas in the area. You can also use our MAP SERVICE right here on the site.

The new website for Steve vonBrandt is http://www.freewebs.com/stevevonbrandt

shimano fishing