Fishing Tips - Prodigy Fishing

Spinning Rods Vs Baitcasting Rods

March 21, 2020March 21, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

You might be thinking that every fishing rod is basically the same except for materials but there are actually two distinct types of fishing rods; spinning rods and casting rods. How to choose between one or the other really depends on what kind of fishing you’ll be doing and how experienced of an angler you are.

In this article we’ll look at the fundamental differences between these two types of fishing rods and make sure you can easily make the right choice for your fishing style.

The Specifications and Features of a Spinning Rod

The spinning rod comes in a different variety of lengths, materials, and weights which can be quite overwhelming for a beginner angler. One of the key differences is that eyelets that feed the fishing line from the spinning reel to the end of the rod are all pointed downwards towards the water. The reel itself is also positioned differently than a casting rod, sitting underneath the rod instead of on top.

Spinning Rod Materials

Almost all modern spinning rods you will see in a store today are made out of fiberglass or carbon fiber, but it is still possible to find an old school wood or bamboo rod. The great thing about both a carbon fiber or fiberglass spinning rod is they will both be very lightweight and easy to handle.

Fiberglass spinning rods are a little stiffer than a carbon fiber rod, and therefor less sensitive to the fish hitting your bait. The one advantage is they are typically stronger and can handle bigger fish and a stronger line. Carbon fiber spinning rods on the other hand are very sensitive and sometimes you’ll even feel the fish just nibbling at your bait before he latches on. These rods are designed for a higher flex, so won’t be able to handle huge fish or a really heavy duty line.

Spinning Rod Length

Choosing the right spinning rod length is really dependent on how you’ll be fishing and not so much what you’ll be fishing for. If you’re going to be casting from a boat or shoreline, a longer rod will help you get more distance on your cast and increase your chances of catching a fish. When using a longer spinning rod, it is more important to consider where the rod is designed to bend, near the middle or towards the tip. A rod designed to bend at the middle will be able to handle bigger fish, while a rod designed to bend at the tip is better for smaller fish.

A shorter spinning rod is great for fishing from a dock or smaller ponds / rivers. With a shorter spinning rod, where the rod bends isn’t as much of a factor with the shorter length. You will have more accuracy on your casts but less length, and these are designed for smaller fish.

Spinning Rod Weight

When you think of spinning rod weight, you should really be thinking of the strength of the rod itself. Weight is definitely something to consider when thinking about who is going to be using the rod for ease of use, especially if it is for a child. Lighter rods will be easier to handle and are especially good for beginner fisherman, but a heavier rod will be able to cast further and handle bigger fish. If you’re buying your first fishing rod, we definitely recommend going for something lighter as you will learn the fundamentals of casting and landing fish a lot quicker!

Why Should You Choose A Spinning Rod

The best part about going with a spinning rod when you’re new to fishing, is they’re extremely easy and simple to use. They are built to prevent line tangling, and making casting quicker and easier. The spinning reel works by holding a fixed reel for your line, with a wheeling that spins your line perfectly around when you’re bringing in a fish. To cast your line out, you flip the wheel off the line and allow your lure or bait to take your line out!

Advantages of Spinning Rods

Perfect for kids or beginner anglers
Best choice for lightweight lures or smaller fish
Less line tangling
Better for precision casting and is ideal for freshwater fishing

The Specifications and Features of a Casting Rod

To know more about a casting rod, you need to transform everything you know about spinning rods. When the fish bites, the rod is bent while the eyelets are facing up. For novices, this can be quite confusing and

When looking at a casting rod, the key difference from a spinning rod is the eyelets for the fishing line are facing up. For anglers that are new to the sport or looking for their first casting rod, this can be a confusing thing to wrap your head around. One of the reasons the eyelets face upwards is casting rods are generally used for bigger fish, so when you have one on the hook the force of the fishing line pushes down on the eyelets and the rod. This helps ensure a big fish with a lot of fight will not pull the eyelets right off the rod. The connection of the eyelet to the rod is the weakest point, so it is more likely to break than the fishing rod or line itself.

Casting Rod Materials

There is really nothing different about the materials used in a casting rod that wasn’t discussed above with spinning rods. The one thing to consider is the type of fishing you’ll be doing, is you plan on casting a more sensitive carbon fiber rod might be idea, but if you’re trolling or fishing over the side of the boat a fiberglass rod is a solid choice.

Casting Rod Length

Casting rods come in a variety of lengths, and the longer casting rods are typically longer than the longest spinning rods. The longer a rod, the bigger the fish it will typically be able to handle which is why these are the choice of saltwater fisherman or professionals. If you’re looking to do more casting, a shorter ride might be ideal if you require more accuracy.

Casting Rod Weight

Similar to spinning rods, instead of thinking of how heavy is the rod you want to think about how strong the rod is. If you’re looking to bring in a monster blue fin tuna, a light rod just isn’t going to cut it. If you’re looking to do a lot of saltwater fishing for things like tuna, halibut, and even salmon its recommended to go with a heavier rod. If you’re just using your casting rod for bass or lake trout, a lighter rod should do just fine!

Why Should You Choose A Casting Rod

If you’re planning on doing a lot of saltwater fishing or landing some bigger lake fish, this is definitely the rod and reel combination for you. Casting rods are commonly used by professional anglers or experienced anglers that do a lot of boat fishing in the ocean for fish line Tuna, Salmon, Catfish, and sometimes even Striped Bass. If you prefer fishing with heavier lines or lures, a casting rod might also offer better control than a spinning rod would as they are designed to handle bigger tackle.

Advantages of Casting Rods

Great for saltwater fishing and catching bigger fish
Casting Reels have a more extensive range of gear ratios for every situation
Supports higher line capacities and better overall strength
A must have for experienced anglers looking to level up their gear

Wrapping Up Spinning Rods vs Casting Rods

There isn’t going to be just one fishing rod for every angler, almost any you talk to will have an arsenal of different rod and reel combinations. This is because a spinning rod is good for some situations, while a casting rod has advantages in others. A lot of this is dependent on the skill of the angler and what type of fish you are looking to catch.

The biggest takeaway from this article is that a spinning rod and reel combination is best for beginner anglers or smaller fish with precision casting. A casting rod on the other hand, is perfect for saltwater fishing and commonly used by experienced and professional anglers. We hope this article was everything you’d hope for in breaking down the differences in casting and spinning rods, feel free to drop us a comment with your thoughts!

The Ultimate Guide to Fishing a Chatterbait Lure

March 8, 2020February 23, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

Looking for one of the best fishing lures for bass? Then you should definitely give Chatterbait lures a look if they aren’t already a staple in your tacklebox. A Chatterbait is a very popular and exceptionally effective bass fishing lure. This lure has plenty of vibration and action in order to attract bass out of hiding and onto your hook.

Chatterbaits are a popular lure among anglers as they are versatile; thus they can be used in a variety of bass fishing environments. However, for plenty of fishermen out there, they may seem a bit enigmatic. If you’re thinking about using chatterbait for fishing for bass, but you aren’t quite sure how or where to use them, then you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need about Chatterbait in order to make your fishing experience productive and fun. Hopefully once you’re done reading the article, you will be able to have amazing time bass fishing with the help of a chatterbait lure!

What is a Chatterbait Lure?

Chatterbaits are lures with a lead head, colored skirt, and a hexagonal blade. In looks, a chatterbait is quite similar to a spinnerbait. It is basically a jighead and a colored skirt at its backend.

If you have used jigs, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits before, you’d probably be wondering right that what makes chatterbaits different from the other lures present in the market?

Chatterbaits have a sound component to them, which distinguishes them from other baits. The blade attached to them is crafted in such a way that it bounces off of the lead head and reverses it. This enables the lure to pulsate in the current without the angler having to jig it.

Why use a Chatterbait Lure for Bass Fishing

Bass fish usually tend to hide under cover of weeds, grass etc. The chatterbait blasts through the grass and vegetation, with its blade helping to keep the hook clean and not snag on anything. Especially in the prespawn period, chatterbaits are highly effective in luring bass out of the heavy cover. The way it looks as well as the way it vibrates attract bass in a variety of different conditions. The wobbling action along with their weedless nature helps lure more bass out of hiding and entice them to bite your hook. If a lure is covered in grass, bass fish usually shy away from it. However, with the real vibrations that the chatterbait creates along with the fact that they slice through the grass and other debris, make them the ultimate lure for bass fishing.

When Should You Fish a Chatterbait Lure

Chatterbaits are highly effective when the bass are in shallow water and are more active. The pattern of bass movement is predictable during the various seasons, such as from spring to summer and from summer to fall. Here’s how you should fish chatterbait according to the seasons.

Pre-Spawn Season

As the water becomes warm towards the start of spring, the bass fish tend to move towards spawning flats and the coves. Chatterbaits are excellent lures to target the female bass that are getting ready to spawn.

Spawning Season

When there is a lot of grass cover or the water is stained, you can’t see for yourself where the fish are. These are the conditions when the fish are on the bed. Chatterbaits really helps in these situations.

Post-Spawn Season

After the spawning period, the female bass moves out from the spawning areas toward their summer places. They don’t move very far and will try to find the first possible cover. This is also a nice time to fish bass with the help of chatterbait.

Summer

As the summer sets in, the grass fills in, and other types of baits can’t be used effectively. However, since chatterbaits can pull back the weeds and grass, they are highly effective.

Fall

In the fall, the bait fishes move towards the shallow waters once again, and the bass fish follow. Grass dies off, and we are left with grass and weed floating over the surface of the water. In this situation, chatterbaits help catch bass again.

The Best Spots to Fish a Chatterbait Lure

Chatterbaits are versatile. However, there are certain places where they shouldn’t be used like bushes and rocks. Let’s take a look at the places which are perfect for fishing a chatterbait.

1. Shallow / Mid-Depth Grass

Submerged grass which is almost 1-6 ft. deep is perfect for using chatterbaits. Even if the grass is pretty thick, you can use the chatterbait on the top of the weeds. Scattered weed growth areas are also excellent for fishing a chatterbait.

The ripping technique works with grass. Allow the chatterbait to hit the top of the grass and rip it out. Bass are attracted to the tripping movement as they use vegetation such as grass as ambush points.

2. Docks

Chatterbaits are perfect to be used as dock baits. Wherever there is any growth around the docks, just tie on a chatterbait and go out to fish. The bass is near the docks before and after spawning. Docks are full of bass during early summer and spring. Plenty of bait fish are present here and bass come in the hoping of fattening up for the spawn in the spring. If the dock has grass nearby, that’d be a bonus for you.

3. Wood Targets

Wood targets such as stumps and laydowns are good areas to be fished with chatterbaits. The only trick is to make sure that you don’t snag the bait on the wood.

Bass hide in fallen trees or stumps along the shore and wait for their prey to swim by. Thus, these places are ideal spots to fish a chatterbait.

4. Shell Beds

Mussels beds are famous for attracting bass specially in the summer. Just move the chatterbait slowly across the shell bed, and you are bound to get a strike pretty soon.

Chatterbait Fishing Methods and Techniques

When you’re fishing, you need to know which casting and retrieval method you’re going to use. This depends on various factors, such as the season and fishing methods. Let’s take a look at the chatterbait fishing techniques various people use and for what purpose.

The Chunk and Wind

It is a traditional casting and retrieval method which you learn as a beginner. It works well with chatterbaits. You can cast parallel to the shore. After that, you’ve to move the chatterbait up and down the shore until you get to the strike zone. If you bring the line in parallel, it will optimize the amount of time your lure stays in the area where the bass is striking.

The Pause Technique

The purpose of all the fishing techniques is to attract bass towards the lure. One of the best ways to attract fish is to pause mid-retrieval. Pause for a while, then start to retrieve the line. When you paused, the skirt of the chatterbait pulsated and gained the attention of the fish. As the lure moves again, the fish will be enticed by the moving blades and try to take a little nibble.

The Yo-Yo Technique

In this technique, you cast your line out and allow the line to fall to the bottom of the lake. Once the line touches the bottom, you have to lift the rod and the lure and then wait for the lure to hit bottom again. You should keep the line tight when you bring the rod back to the initial position. Keep repeating until you get a strike.

Slow Your Roll

If you’re fishing in winter, slow rolling is an effective method. What you need to do is to cast the line, allowing the lure to hit bottom. Slowly, reel in the line. The trick with this technique is to reel the line in so slowly that you barely feel the blade movement at all. With the help of a heavy chatterbait and this technique, you can catch plenty of fish specially in the winter when the bass is sluggish.

The Burning Technique

Burning is entirely opposite to the rolling technique. In this technique, you cast the bait and then reel it in pretty quickly. It looks like a baitfish trying to get away, and the bass fish strike very quickly.

The Bump and Grind

In this technique, you cast the line and allow the chatterbait to hit bottom. As you reel in the line, you should let the lure bump into anything such as rocks, tree stumps, etc. Pause after each bump. This erratic movement will attract more bass fish.

Switching it Up

You can use your own fishing techniques as well. You should keep switching things up. Keep switching the fishing techniques and pay attention to the conditions you’re fishing in. Change the tools as per the circumstances.

Chatterbait Rod and Reel Considerations

The gear that you choose to use in order to fish also play an important role when fishing with a chatterbait lure. There are options for gear that work great with a chatterbait lure to give you the best possible chance at landing a nice fat bass!

1. Fishing Rod

The rod which works best with chatterbait is a longer model, 7 ft in length with a fast tip and medium action. If the chatterbait you’re using is light then a shorter fishing rod could also work. Otherwise, a 7 ft. long rod provides you with the versatility you’re looking for. With it, you’ll have enough length to be used in different retrieval techniques and pull the fish from thick grass.

2. Fishing Reel

The perfect rod needs the perfect reel. A good choice would be to use a reel with a gear ratio of 6.3:1 or more. A baitcasting reel would be ideal for getting the most out of your lure.

3. Fishing Line

Another thing you should consider is the line you’re using. Different types of lines can be used under different water conditions. However, if you stick with a 30lb braided line, it would be great. Flourocarbon options also work well with chatterbaits.

Five Common Mistakes when Fishing a Chatterbait

Fishing is something that you learn over time and with practice. When you are learning to use chatterbait, you are bound to make some mistakes in the beginning. Instead of making mistakes and then rectifying them, we are to tell you the common mistakes people make so that you can avoid them.

1. Not Using a Chatterbait Lure in Clear Water

It is the most common mistake that shallow-water fishermen make. If the water is clear, you should still use a chatterbait instead of a crankbait. Chatterbait works well in clear waters and provides you with excellent results.

2. Mistaking Grass Bumps for Bass Bites

Chatterbaits work wonders around the grass. But there is a catch. When you bump into the grass, you might mistake it for a bass bite. If you bump into a bit of grass and jerk the line thinking that it is a bass bite, and miss the actual bass bite, that can be an issue. So instead of jerking when you feel a bump, reel in quickly about 5-6 turns of the handle, and the load of the rod will tell you whether you have a bass on the hook or not.

3. Not Changing Retrieval Techniques

You will definitely catch some bass using standard, traditional retrieves. But, if you add some action into your retrieve, you’ll definitely get more action. Don’t get robotic with your retrieval techniques. Move the chatterbait around, pause for a bit, give it a little shake, move it around, do something with your bait rather than letting it sit around, and then reeling in when you get a strike.

4. Not Keeping Your Trailer Fixed

The biggest mistake that even professionals make is not keeping the trailer snug. When it slides down the shank of your hook, it creates issues. You can use super-glue to fix the head of the trailer to the Chatterbait. It merely takes 5 seconds and provides peace throughout your fishing experience. You can fish for hours without the trailer constantly sliding down.

5. Investing Too Much in Color

Color does play an important role in catching a fish, but it isn’t everything. With chatterbait, you can keep the colors simple. Experiment with various colors, yes, but don’t invest too much money into colors.

The color of chatterbaits is something you should consider in combination with the time of day and water conditions you are fishing in. Black and blue chatterbaits are good for dark waters, and low light conditions as the fish are able to see the silhouette in a better way. Green pumpkin is a color which works all year around. If you only have this one color of chatterbait, you will be set for life. If the water is clear, yellow and, green colors work well as Bass are typically attracted to them.

Wrapping Up Fishing with Chatterbait Lures

Chatterbaits can be used in any situation to catch bass easily. Even in the situation when crankbaits and other lures fail, chatterbaits are there to save the day. In this article, we have explained to you what a chatterbait is, how and why it is good for catching bass, along with a few things that you need to know when using chatterbait for fishing.

Chatterbaits work great for fish that are hiding under cover of weed and grass. Their movement seems like that of an injured bait fish and bass are highly attracted to it, making it is easy to use and produce great results!

If you use a chatterbait, you’re bound to catch plenty of bass, not only in summer and fall but with the help of correct techniques, all throughout the year!

Here’s to an awesome fishing adventure!

How To Fish In A Kayak

February 23, 2020February 23, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

Gliding over the water stealthily, reaching a hidden spot where a big fish is hiding can be an amazing experience. With the help of kayaks, you can access places where motorboats can’t go, and shoreline fishing isn’t possible. Moreover, the affordability and ease of use of kayaks are huge draws!

If you are new to kayaking, the huge variety of gear choices as well as learning how to kayak can seems quite daunting. However, once you get to know the ropes, you would learn how easy and beneficial kayaking is especially for fishing. In this article we’re going to help you figure out the ins and outs of fishing in a kayak from essential gear and casting from a kayak!

Let’s get fishing!

Advantages of Fishing from a Kayak

If you’re on the fence about getting a Kayak for fishing or just want some more detail into why experienced anglers are opting to use a Kayak instead of a boat? Let’s take a look at some advantages that kayaks have over motorboats and hope that this will help you come to a decision!

1. Maneuverability

With a kayak, you can go almost anywhere on the water. You can slide through tree stumps, hug banks, cruise through various lily pads, and go anywhere you think the bass fish might be lurking. Places, where there are sudden changes in depth, submerged objects such as tree stumps, aquatic vegetation, etc., are all places where the bass hide and you can easily go there on your kayak as compared to a large and bulky motorboat. They’re able to turn and adjust much quicker and easier than compared to a boat.

2. Stealth

When compared to a boat, there is no question that a kayak is less noticeable and a lot quieter. Since kayaks don’t have a trolling motor, the only real sound a kayak will make in the water is when you’re padding. The bow of a motorboat will create ripples even when the trolling motor isn’t being used while a kayak will slip into the water without the fish even noticing that you are there. This enables a good angler to constantly change spots and not have to worry about disturbing the fish.

3. Better Casting Angles

If you are fishing from a boat, the majority of your casts are most likely going to be perpendicular to the shore, and the lure tends to swim from the shallow water towards the deep water. When you fish from a kayak, you can adjust everything to get the exact casting angle you need for the specific spot. For example, you can place the kayak directly along the edge of some marshy grass so you will retrieve the lure along the grass and you aren’t trying to cast over it or into it. Doing this keeps the bait in the red zone for a longer period of time. Bass fish tend to hide under marshy and weedy patches in the lakes. This increases the number of strikes you get and the fish you catch!

4. More Action

When you are catching fish in a kayak, it gives you an incredible feeling as you watch the fish circle your boat and then finally catch the lure. Moreover, with the modern and comfortable seats that kayaks have on them nowadays, it feels as if you are fishing while sitting on your couch. The challenge of landing in a fish is also a bit different than how you’d do it in a boat, so you have to be swift and agile with your net and paddle for everything to go smoothly!

Kayak Fishing Setup - The Essentials

The first thing that you would need to fish in a kayak is a kayak itself. In recent years, the design and technology used to build kayaks solely for the purpose of fishing has seen many changes. When you are out searching for a kayak to fish in, there are a few essential things you need outside of the kayak and your fishing rod / tackle.

Paddle
Rod Holders
Paddle Holders
Dry Hatch or Dry Bag for storage
GPS
Personal Flotation Device

If you have the proper kayak fishing setup, it will ensure you spend all your time fishing and not fiddling around with your kayak and gear. Thus, it is very important to select the correct fishing gear and setup you kayak correctly. Let’s take a brief look at the things that are going to help you fish better in a kayak.

1. Choosing The Right Fishing Technique

The conditions you are going to fish in are going to change especially if you’re on a lake or river you aren’t familiar with so you don’t know the spot you’ll be fishing in. Sometimes you will have to fish on open lakes, while at times, you might want to maneuver your kayak through a narrow ford in a river. Instead of wasting time to rig your fishing rod according to a particular technique, one way is to keep a few rods ready to fly and all rigged up. This might be having one rod rigged up using a top water lure and another rod ready to go with a drop shot rig. This makes it so you won’t be fooling around changing rigs on the kayak. Seven-foot long rods are great for kayak fishing. If you are a newbie, then you should get a spinning reel instead of a baitcasting one as it will be a lot easier to use.

When it comes to kayak fishing, the most popular species of fish to go after are bass. In order to target bass, you should pack a tackle box with a number of lures that bass can’t resist. Use various types of lures that allow you to fish in different water sections and using different techniques. Topwater lures are great to fish along the surface in shallow water while crankbaits or spinners can go to your desired depth. Soft baits such as worms can be used in various movements and situations like jigging, diving, suspending, etc

2. Size and Weight of the Kayak

Usually, anglers get kayaks that are 12 feet in length. However, the general rule is that thin and long kayaks are used if you are looking for fast speeds. Wide and short kayaks are not that fast, but they have greater stability which is normally what you want when you’re using the kayak mainly for fishing. You don’t want to carry a heavy kayak when you are tired from fishing all day or if you need to trek a long distance through rough terrain. You want to look for a kayak that is light in weight, but not so light you sacrifice the strength of the kayak. Since you’ll be going to the hard to reach places, you’re more likely to scrap bottom and bump into rocks so you want a durable kayak.

3. Paddle Selection

Choosing the right paddle is as important as choosing the kayak itself, but is typically overlooked. When you are looking at different styles of paddles, one of the most important things to consider is the length. The length of the paddle should be such that it reaches the water comfortably, but it shouldn’t be very long so that it becomes uncomfortable or difficult to maneuver. The length depends on your height, paddling style, and the width of your boat. However, a paddle that is approximately 8 ft. in length would work fine for most people.

Some anglers also prefer to get paddles that are collapsable for easier transportation and so you can tuck them away in the kayak when they aren’t needed. This makes it easy to just stick in a backpack while you’re carrying your kayak and its just one less piece of gear you need to worry about.

4. Kayak Rod Holders

There are various rod holders with several features and functionalities available in the market. Some are a little bulkier and give you better strength if you’re catching bigger fish while other rod holders provide you with a quick release movement at the time when the fish is biting. Rod holders are important in your kayak fishing setup especially if you want to fish to lines at once. They give you the ability to paddle and maneuver your kayak while your line is in the water so you don’t have to reel in every time you want to make a small adjustment with your kayak.

5. Fish Finder / GPS / Sonar

Depending on your budget, you’ll want a fish finder / GPS combo or just a Sonar if you’re looking to save a bit of cash. These go a long way in figuring out what depth you’re at and mapping your route so you don’t get lost trying to get home. The fish finder is particularly useful if you’re at a new lake and want to figure out exactly where the fish are to get that immediate success. These are not required for your kayak fishing setup, but are definitely in the nice to have category as they’ll make your fishing life quite a bit easier.

Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners

When you are fishing from a kayak, there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as how to paddle, how to cast, and how to land a fish in a kayak. Let’s take a brief look at them so that you can learn how to do them on your own easily.

1. Casting From a Kayak

When you cast from a kayak for the very first time, it is going to be slightly awkward and there is really no getting around that. The kayak will wobble around for a bit, and you might get worried that it will flip. But you have to relax and trust that the kayak will do the job it was meant to do, plus kayaks are much harder to tip than you might think!

A kayak is designed with initial stability and secondary stability. Initial stability allows a boat to sit flat in the water when you are paddling around. Secondary stability keeps the kayak safe when you make a sudden movement, and the boat leans. You have to trust this stability of the kayak but it may take a few times out on the water to get completely comfortable with.

When we tell you to relax, we mean to say that you have to let the lower half of your body stay loose and let the boat roll slowly. Try to get comfortable with this motion and ease up on your casting. Practice staying relaxed and loose inside the boat. Then try to land a lure in the water while staying at ease.

If you are not comfortable standing up and casting, you can cast while you are sitting. This will hinder the casting distance and reduce your line of sight, but you don’t have to worry about balance or the stability of the kayak as much. If you are standing, remember that you have to bend your knees and keep your feet apart so you’re as sturdy as possible in the kayak. Make sure that you keep your legs relaxed and at ease, and try to hold your core as steady as possible when you’re casting the lure!

2. Paddling in a Kayak

Paddling on a kayak is fun as well as challenging. Proper strokes with your paddle will help you get your kayak to the destination easily and quickly, especially when you are going against the current or there is a strong wind. Moreover, paddling in the correct way will help you conserve your energy for when you are trying to reel in the fish.
On a kayak, you will mostly use the forward stroke. Here are a few tips that will help you when you are using forward stroke:

Keep looking towards your destination
Keep the blade of the paddle near your toes while it is in the water. You don’t have to exert yourself over though. If you can’t place it near your toes, then place it as far as you can comfortably
Submerge the blade completely in the water, then pull it back.
When you pull the blade in the water, you shouldn’t use the smaller muscles in your arms. Try to use the torso muscles for applying the force. This way, you will be able to paddle for quite some time before getting tired.

3. Landing a Fishing in a Kayak

The gulp as the fish strikes when using a topwater lure or the bending of your rod as the bass bite down on a chatterbait under the surface of the water makes the heart of angler race. It is gratifying when a fish bites down on your lure, and your line starts to sizzle. With a balance of luck and skills, the moment arrives when you are ready to land a nice big bass. That’s when you realize that it is quite tricky to land a fish in a kayak. Worry not, we have all been through this.

If you know what to do, it’s a pretty easy task. Keep reeling until you have approximately one foot of the line away from the tip of your fishing rod to the bass. Keep your fishing rod in the hand which is farthest from the fish. Keep the tension on the fishing line, and draw the fishing rod slightly up and away from the fish, across your body. With your free hand, you’ll want to use a fishing net to land in a kayak so its not flopping around on top or around your feet!

Kayak Safety Essentials

Nothing is more important than your personal safety. When you are out fishing on a kayak, you need to be sure that you are following all the safety protocols, as there is nothing cool about being unsafe. One tip is to never anchor the kayak in a swift current. There is a high risk of your kayak flipping if it turns the wrong way. Attach a float to one end of the fishing line when you anchor. Let’s take a brief look at the things you should do in order to ensure that you will stay safe and sound while fishing on a kayak.

1. Getting A Personal Flotation Device

A personal flotation device such as a life jacket is very necessary when you are using a kayak, and really anytime you are out on the water. Sometimes you may want to get in the water while you are using fishing out of your kayak, so it is better that you have a PFD. Some PFDs have small pockets that are perfect for keeping small packets of lures, hooks, etc.
No matter how well you swim, you should always wear a life jacket. You should get a PFD that is specific to kayaking. The PFDs, which are specifically are made for kayak fishing, have a thin back for more comfort. Moreover, they are breathable.

2. Dress for the weather

When you are out kayaking, you will be fully exposed to natural elements. This means that you need to be dressed accordingly and you should look at the weather forecast before going kayak fishing. If you are fishing in areas with a lot of heat and sun, you should wear a hat, long-sleeves shirt, and sunglasses in order to minimize the exposure to the sun rays. They will beat down on you from above and reflect off the water so this is a big thing to remember.

Shell pants, gloves as well as neck gaiters are used in order to get more protection. You should not forget to pack sunscreen and drinking water. Most of the time, the water temperatures are low so if you get wet landing a fish or you decide to get in the water and do a bit of shore casting from a nice secluded spot this can cool you right down. Getting hypothermia while fishing in a kayak is a long shot unless you flip, but it is important to consider regardless.

3. Keep a Knife on you

You should have a straight knife with you, and every experienced angler wouldn’t fish without a knife nearby. Keep it in your PFD or on your seat. If your fishing line or your anchor gets caught in something, it will be very crucial to have a straight blade handy. Look for a blade that has a blunt tip and can be used quickly where you don’t have to worry about poking yourself with the sharp end.

4. Always Bring a Compass as Backup

You should always keep a compass with you in case your GPS stops working for whatever reason. You should never head out without knowing which direction you came from and you can’t always rely on your phone as a backup in case it dies or gets wet.

A few other things you should keep with you for safety but aren’t truly essential are:

Waterproof torch
Strobe light
Flares
First aid kit
Spare batteries

Wrapping Up How To Fish In A Kayak

If you fish smartly, it will help you catch more fish with less work. Kayaks are super versatile and they allow you to fish anywhere you want. After you try out a kayak for fishing you’ll see that the kind of access to water that is not possible with motorboats seems to end up in you catching more fish. You can paddle quietly and catch the fish without them even being aware of your presence.

In this article, we have explained to you how fishing in a kayak has advantages over fishing in a boat, things you need to do while fishing in a kayak, the safety measures you need to take while you are fishing in a kayak, and a lot more. We hope that after reading this article, you will be equipped with knowledge that helps you when you are out there fishing in a kayak.

Happy Fishing and Paddling Folks!

What Is Ice Fishing – The Ultimate Guide

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

Back in the day, people used to cut holes into the frozen great lakes in search of food to eat. Early anglers would lie flat on the ice, ready to spear and stab any approaching prey that they find underneath the surface. While their hunting goals were mainly driven by a hungry stomach, modern ice fishing is mainly done as a sport or a hobby; although some anglers do eat what they catch.

We have come a long way since the spear fishing days. Nowadays, anglers are equipped with high tech gadgets and fancy rods to give them an edge when fishing on ice. So if you’re looking for some information on how you can step up your ice fishing game, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we’ll be covering ice fishing safety, equipment checklists, and tips and tricks to ensure that you will be successful in your ice fishing adventure.

Let’s go ice fishing!

What To Do When Ice Fishing

Before you go out onto the ice, make sure to check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources for information on ice fishing, rules, and regulations. It is your responsibility to follow the regulations set out by local authorities to prevent over fishing and to preserve your local lake’s ecosystems. Now that you’re up to date, it’s time to do some ice fishing – assuming you have your fishing license handy. (if not, jump online and register. It is easy to acquire a license nowadays)

There are 3 different methods you can use to catch fish on top of the ice.

Light-Rod Fishing

In general, ice fishing rods are half the size of your regular fishing rods. Unlike fishing on open waters, you won’t be doing any casting with your fishing rod when it comes to ice fishing. The rods are used for vertical jigging, or gently bouncing the bait in the water to attract fish. Most anglers use live minnows or wax worms for ice fishing.

Tip-Up Fishing

When you get tired of jigging a rod and watching the bobber float around the hole, consider using a tip-up instead. A tip-up is a contraption that sits on top of the hole in the ice, it generally has a flag that flips up when a fish bites the lure suspended underneath it. The best part about using a tip-up is not having to babysit and wait around for a fish to bite. You can gather with friends and family at the hut after setting up the trap and watch out for each other’s flags. In the meantime, feel free to cook some lunch, drink some beer and have great conversations while waiting for someone to yell out those magic words “FLAG UP!”

Spear Fishing

Ice fishing trips can be as spartan or as fancy as you wish. If you choose to go full spartan, spear fishing can be an extremely rewarding experience. This method of fishing requires a lot of focus and patience. Start by throwing some blended up minnow or other baitfish into the hole to attract passing fish to pop their heads out of the water. This is where you strike by throwing your multi-pronged spear at the unsuspecting fish, be sure to have a string attached to your spear so you can retrieve your spear in case you miss.

How to Choose a Spot to Ice Fish

When it comes to ice fishing, it all begins with cutting holes in the ice. You will be needing an ice saw, an ice chisel, or an auger (either manual/electric/gas powered). As a rule of thumb, a 6-inch hole will be fine for most fishing, 8-inch augers are the most popular choice among anglers, or you can use a 10-inch auger if you’re fishing on a lake that has huge fish in it.

In general, the best depth to fish is about 2 – 4 feet from the bottom of the lake. It is best to try and figure out what lies beneath the surface of the water before it freezes over. Be sure to avoid drilling close to high underwater rocks, stumps or extremely weedy areas as you’ll come up shy in the fish catching department.

Savvy anglers usually start scouting during the regular fishing season, making notes on maps, gps or in their minds about certain areas they should visit when the water freezes over. Alternatively, you could skip the scouting and use fish finders and portable sonar devices instead if your budget allows it, as they can be quite expensive.

Regardless which way you choose, both ways will work well with the right preparations.

Ice Fishing Essentials

Ice Fishing may seem like a relatively easy hobby to pick up, and its not complicated as long as you have the correct gear. We’re going to break down your essential ice fishing gear plus a few luxury items that you can get if you plan on going frequently, or if your budget allows!

Equipment Checklist for Ice Fishing

Proper Clothing

Beginners to winter sports or activities tend to under dress, especially when it’s a sunny day. The coldest days of the year are typically when the sun is out and there is not cloud cover to keep the head in the atmosphere. Save yourself from catching a cold or worse – Hypothermia. Layer up appropriately and always be aware of the weather forecast and the potential for winter storms.

Sunglasses

The reflection of the sun on ice or snow will blind you and cause a higher chance of you tripping or falling on the ice. Protect your eyes with some polarized sun glasses.

Fishing Gloves

With any kind of fishing, your hands are going to get wet at some point whether its bringing in a fish or setting your line. In the winter, its especially important to have gloves that are well insulated and waterproof, as your hands are one of the first things to get frostbite.

Ice Auger

In order to get a hole in the ice, you’re going to need some kind of an ice auger or saw. If you know the area and lake well and you think you can find a relatively fresh hole without a thick layer of ice, you can bring a shovel and clear out the fresh ice.

Ice Chip Scoop

If you’re on the ice fishing for a long period of time, your hole will start to get slushy and form ice chips. It is important to get rid of these throughout the day as they have the potential to cut your line!

Ice Fishing Gear

Aside from the essentials, you definitely need ice fishing gear or you’re just going to be sitting on a lake drinking beer. The must haves are a proper ice fishing rod, line, and hooks or lures.

Fishing Bait

This is always a must have if you’re using a hook and not a lure, the most popular kind of bait for ice fishing are minnows and wax worms.

Optional Gear for Ice Fishing

Fishing Hut / Tent

This is a luxury to get protection from the wind and make the ice fishing experience a little more enjoyable. If you have a lake where you can leave the shanty on it year round, these are a great investment for people that ice fish more than just a few times a season. If you like to do weekend trips, these can also be a worthy investment as you can sleep right on the ice!

Ice Shanty Heater

If you’ve made the investment for a ice fishing hut, then getting a heater is almost a given. These will ensure you can fish without feeling cold, and will even be layering down throughout the day as your ice fishing hut warms up. If you plan on sleeping in the hut, these are great as you don’t need heavy duty sleeping bags or gear to prevent you from freezing!

Smart Sonar / Depth Finder

Definitely not a requirement, but if you’re serious about catching fish a depth finder or a sonar can go a long way. Depth finders will allow you to pick the ideal spots on the lake where the depth is the range you know the fish like to hang around at. A Sonar basically takes the guessing game out, as you’ll be able to detect and see fish if they’re swimming by where you have it set up!

Underwater Fishing Camera

If you want to track the fishes movements or simply want a better look at the enviroment you’re about to drop your hook into, these are a super cool gadget that are gaining in popularity in the ice fishing community!

Ice Fishing Safety Tips

Ice fishing can be dangerous if you don’t do it right. Injury reports have shown that ice fishing injuries are generally more severe than regular fishing injuries. Therefore, safety should always be your number 1 priority whenever you’re heading out onto the ice.

When it comes to the dangers of ice fishing, most people have an inner fear of falling through the ice and into the ice cold water below. Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that over half of all ice fishing injuries are caused by trauma from falling on the slippery ice. According to the Mayo Clinic’s research, there were significantly more cases of broken bones, sprains, bruising and strains from slipping reported than people actually falling through the ice.

Buying a good pair of winter boots combined with ice cleats goes a long way. It can provide the extra traction needed to prevent injuries from falling on the ice.

Surprisingly, burn injuries are just as common as people falling through the ice when it comes to ice fishing. This is largely due to intoxicated accidents combined with irresponsible use of rudimentary heaters. So keep an eye out when using heating systems in the huts and make sure you have good ventilation. A poorly ventilated hut can cause carbon-monoxide poisoning to its users.

We recommend all anglers to go ice fishing with a friend. At the very least, you’ll have good company when fishing. And in the event where you fall through the ice or hurt yourself from falling on the ice, they can throw you a rope and pull you to safety or call 911 during an emergency.

With ice fishing’s rising popularity within the angler community, we must place more focus on safety by raising our awareness of potential dangers and being well-prepared. It is always better to be safe than sorry when things go awry.

Ideal Ice Thickness for Walking/Driving

As a rule of thumb, the clearer the ice, the stronger it is. Keep in mind that the ice will never be 100% safe, as the thickness can change very quickly depending on the situation and where you are on the lake. You should use a depth indicator to measure the ice thickness after drilling as ice fishing requires a great deal of precision for your own safety.

Below is a quick guide on ice thickness and the weight it can hold.

2″ Ice Thickness or Less – Stay off the ice. This is not safe for anyone to walk on and you could be in danger of falling through the ice.

4″ Ice Thickness – Ideal ice conditions for ice fishing and walking.

5″ Ice Thickness – Suitable for snowmobiles or ATV.

8″ – 12″ Ice Thickness – Suitable for driving a car or a small pickup.

12″ – 15″ Ice Thickness – Suitable for a medium truck.

What To Do If You Fall in the Water

In the event where you fall through the ice, knowing the following techniques on self-rescue and having the right equipment handy will greatly increase your chances of survival.

1. Brace Yourself

The water is going to be very cold and your body will go into shock in response. Panicking will only worsen your fate, so try and force yourself to stay calm in this situation and control your breathing as much as you can.

2. Keep Your Head Above Water

You need to stay afloat, so try to remove objects or heavy clothing that are weighing you down to make it easier for yourself.

3. Focus On Getting Out of the Water

The longer you stay in the water, the lower your chances are of survival. Your muscles will feel weaker as time goes on. Your best bet is to head back to the part of the ice you were walking on as the edges will probably be strong enough for you to hold on to and attempt to pull yourself out.

4. Stay Horizontal

After swimming towards the edge of the ice, try to stay as horizontal as you can by getting most of your body out of the water, prop yourself up with your elbows and forearms and let the water drain off for a few seconds to reduce your weight. Afterward, kick as hard as you can to help you get out of the water.

5. Start Rolling Across the Ice

Once you’re out of the ice, do not stand up immediately, just in case you fall through again. Distribute your weight evenly by rolling across the ice towards more solid ground.

6. What If You Can't Get Out?

If you can’t get out on your own after 10 minutes of trying, it is best to stop exhausting yourself at this point and conserve energy. Hypothermia will begin to set in and you won’t be able to use your muscles soon. Conserve your energy by moving as little as you can, keep your legs crossed to conserve your body heat while you wait for help.

Keep a pair of floating ice pick handy at all times. If you fall through the ice, the ice pick will help you stab into the ice, giving you enough leverage to pull yourself out of the water. It would be extremely tragic if you accidentally dropped your ice pick into the water in a panic, so make sure you purchase one that floats, just in case.

Final Thoughts

The best part about ice fishing, is the chance to kick back and enjoy the company of friends and family in the beautiful winter environment. With a bit of financial investment, you can further enhance the experience with all the new technology available today; or just go old-school and do some spear fishing. Regardless of which way you choose, both ways work well with the right preparations and offer a fun experience for kids and adults alike. And if you do it right, chances are, you’ll be catching instead of fishing this winter.

Advantages Of Underwater Fishing Lights

February 20, 2020February 20, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

Have you heard other anglers raving about fishing at night with underwater fishing lights and wondered what it’s all about?

Or maybe you already know that the light works and you’re just doing your own research before purchasing one yourself.

You’ve come to the right place for information.

Night fishing has become very popular as an option because of these underwater fishing lights. There are lots of benefits to fishing at night – You can’t get sunburnt. Plus, you will usually have your favourite fishing spots all to yourself at two o’clock in the morning. Some may even argue that fishes are more active at night due to the change in water temperatures – also known as the thermocline effect.

While it is true that the underwater fishing light works well to attract sport fishes like magic. The reasoning behind why it works may come as a surprise to you.

Read on to find out more about the underwater fishing lights and how they work.

How Do Underwater Light Attract Fish?

When it comes to fishing with artificial light at night. The old timers used to think that the light attracted bugs, which in turn attracted fish that wanted to eat them. Although technically correct – as it did attract a lot of bugs. That line of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth.

Newer technology in the market has done a lot to disprove the old ways of thinking. Since the introduction of underwater fishing lights, we now know that the reason fish are attracted to the light is because of mother nature’s food-chain pyramid effect.

The underwater fishing light attracts microscopic creatures called zooplankton, which then attracts bait fishes for an easy feast. Over time, the water around the light will start getting foggy due to the swirling masses of microorganisms and bait fishes surrounding it.

When the predator fish start to learn that they can find their prey easily around the glow of the light, they too will come and hang around.

And finally, with you sitting at the top of that food-chain (literally), it is now time to catch game fish!

Underwater Lights for Boat Fishing

After the sun goes down, you can set yourself up for a big catch by putting your own underwater fishing lights to the test. Grab a hold of your fishing gear and boat because it’s time for you to visit your favourite fishing spot.

Read on to find out how you can use your underwater fishing light to its maximum fish-attracting-potential.

Tips and Techniques for Fishing with Underwater Boat Lights

1. Anchor Your Boat

It is highly recommended that you anchor the boat when you find your favourite spot for the night. Planktons and bait-fish won’t be able to crowd around if your boat is drifting around, that completely negates the food-chain effect from the underwater lights.

2. Location, Location, Location

Having an idea where your fish have chosen to spawn and finding these locations will lead to a better result at the end of the night. Make sure to do your research on the best fishing spots around your area as it will go a long way in you catching more fish and not searching for locations all night!

3. Check the Weather

While you can catch fish in any weather conditions, an overcast sky has been known to produce better results. This is especially true since the moon won’t be lighting up the water, so your boat will be the only source of light and are more likely to attract more bait for the fish.

What Colors Work the Best?

Underwater fishing lights come in two primary colours – white and green. These two lights are most attractive in the eyes of our little planktons in the water, as they need light for reproduction. You need these planktons to crowd around the light source so that they attract bait fish, which in turns attract game fish looking for an easy meal.

In most cases, green works best compared to white light – that is why manufacturers of underwater fishing lights generally use the color green.

If you have both options available to use, you can try switching the lights around to see which color light is attracting the most bait-fish at that particular area.

How Many Lights Do You Need?

This all depends on the size of your boat. The bigger the boat, the more light you will need.

In general, we recommend having at least 2 light sources (white & green) so that you can switch the colours around to see which light attracts more bait-fish where you are on the water. The more lights you have is proportional to the amount of plankton you can attract if they are placed strategically around your boat.

Where Should You Set Up Your Boat Lights?

Keep in mind that – “10% of the water in any lake holds 100% of the fish. The rest of the lake is dead water… with or without a light.” Sure – having the best lures and boats makes life easier when it comes to fishing, but it won’t matter when you’re not fishing in an area that has fish.

Attracting bait fish is a must when fishing. So if you don’t see any bait fish crowding around the light within the first 30 minutes after setting your underwater lights. It is time to move to another spot.

Underwater Lights for Dock Fishing

For younger anglers who don’t have the financial resources to purchase a boat (yet), you don’t have to keep fantasizing about night fishing in the wide open sea. You might be surprised by some of the distinct benefits of fishing from the dock, and underwater lights go a long way to enhance this experience!

Night fishing on the dock is much easier to manage compared to a boat. No hassle, and no worrying about all the time-consuming stuff that comes with boat ownership. Plus, using an underwater fishing light at your favourite dock consistently will result in large baitfish schools learning the location of the light, they will show up to your dock night after night, bringing along those predator fish that you so want to catch. Within a few weeks, your favorite dock could become the regular feeding ground for your local fish populations.

If fishing isn’t your thing, underwater lights for a dock is a great way to attract fish and entertain your kids and family all night watching them!

How To Set Up Your Underwater Dock Lights?

It is best to place your underwater light a little further away from the dock. Dock fishing is all about being stealthy, so make long casts from the docks for best results. If you want to be able to see the baitfish and are looking for underwater dock lights more for entertainment, attaching them right below on the sides is the best bet!

How Many Lights Should You Use?

In general, we recommend having at least 2 light sources (white & green) so that you can switch the colors around to see which light attracts more bait-fish where you are on the water. For people with a bigger dock that want to make it easier for more people to fish at the same time, we recommend setting up two lights at the end of your dock, and a few on the sides. If it is possible to set up the lights further into the water from your dock, that is the best option for catching more fish.

Why are Underwater Lights Better Than Above Water Lights?

Above water lights work well at attracting bugs to your favourite spot, whereas underwater lights work well at attracting game fish. Which one would you choose?

Underwater lights also illuminate the water so that you can actually see the bait fish crowding around, you can use it to figure out if you’re in a good fishing spot by the amount of bait fish are attracted to the light source.

Conclusion

Many of you have heard the expression “Luck is where preparation and opportunity come together.” By utilizing underwater lights on your next fishing adventure, you are essentially making your own luck through your own preparation and creating a great opportunity for you to catch lots of fish at night.

So, the next time you hear an amateur saying “fishing is all about luck”. Feel free to point them to this article to get educated!

How To Fish A Carolina Rig

February 10, 2020February 10, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

When it comes to fishing, using the right kind of baits, lures, and fishing techniques is very important. Carolina rig setup is easy enough to learn if you are a beginner. For pros, it is appealing because it offers a lot of action.

If you have never fished with a Carolina rig before, it is important to know how it works and what makes it a great fishing setup to catch bass. Even if you are not new to Carolina rig, improving your knowledge and understanding on how it works will undoubtedly help you catch more fish. That’s where we come. In this article, we will tell you all you need to know about Carolina rig in order to make your fishing experience a better and memorable one!

What Is A Carolina Rig?

Carolina rig is a plastic bait rig. Instead of sliding the weight down the hook, in the Carolina rig, weight is fixed above it. The Carolina rig is specifically designed to catch bass.

When the bait attached to the Carolina rig is placed in the water, it tends to have a circular motion. Bass fish are attracted to this circular motion, and thus they tend to bite the lure. The Carolina rig is also useful for winter. The weight on the rig lets the bait reach down into the deep waters, where the fish generally stay during the winter.

What Do You Need To Fish A Carolina Rig?

If you don’t know how to set up a Carolina rig, don’t worry. It is very easy to learn how to set it up quickly. The things which you need for a Carolina rig are:

1. Fishing Rod - The fishing rod should be 7 ft. or more in length. Many Carolina rig fishers like using rods that are at least 7' 6" long.

2. Swivel - The swivel you use will depend on the size of the tackle. You can also use a Carolina Keeper, in which there is less tying and untying of the knot. Moreover, the lead length can be easily adjusted in it.

3. Beads - You can use either plastic beads or either glass beads. Beads stop the weights from sliding up and down. Moreover, they are useful in creating a noisemaker to attract fish.

4. Hooks - The hook you use will depend on the lure or bait you are fishing with -Make sure to stock multiple colors just incase!

5. Reel - You should make use of a baitcasting reel. Baitcasting reel with a gear ratio of 6:1 is preferred since it helps in bringing the line quickly when required.

6. Leader Line - You can use either a Fluorocarbon leader line or a monofilament leader line. Fluorocarbon will sink faster and give you shock absorption to boot.

7. Weights - Lead weights and sinkers are very common. But, you should use tungsten weights are generally the weight of choice for a few reasons we will discuss below

Tips for getting the most out of your Carolina Rig

If used properly, you can up your fishing game with the help of Carolina rig. There are a few things you should keep in mind in order to get the most out of the setup. Let’s take a look at them.

Carolina Rig weights

When it comes to buying weights for the Carolina rig, nothing comes close to the tungsten weight. Tungsten is dense, small, and hard. They are expensive compared to other weights, such as lead, but they are well worth the money you spend on them.

Choosing the Line

Choosing the fishing line is a difficult thing. There are so many options available, each working better in different conditions. Many seasoned anglers believe that a braided fishing line should be used. Others believe that if you pair a fluorocarbon fishing line with a fluorocarbon leader, you will get an excellent setup. We suggest going with a fluorocarbon line.

Choosing the correct lures

Although soft worms are great to use as Carolina rig lures, the world doesn’t end there. You need to experiment with various sorts of lures, and then find the ones you think will be perfect for bass fishing.

Length of the Leader

The length of the leader is also important when it comes to the perfect Carolina rig setup. Normally, a leader length of 15 to 18 inches works well in most cases.

How to set up a Carolina Rig

Now comes the main task that is tying a Carolina rig. Even though the Carolina rig may seem a bit complicated, it is pretty simple and easy to set up. The thing which makes the Carolina rig so fantastic is that you can easily set it up in minutes. If you don’t want to waste a lot of time on knots and other things, the Carolina rig would be perfect for you.

Here’s how you set a Carolina rig:

You begin by threading the fishing live through the weight. You don’t have to tie a knot as yet.
Next, you have to thread the line through the bead (plastic or glass) and slide it up to the weight.
Then you have to tie the swivel to the fishing line.

Weight, swivel, and the bead you just placed are what constitutes a Carolina rig. After setting up this rig, you have to set up the lead, lure, and hook obviously. Leader length can be chosen as per your needs and requirements. Usually, a leader length of 18 inches or more works perfectly.

This is how you set a Carolina rig up. Some people may use a Carolina keeper instead of using a swivel. Instead of tying and untying the knots, you only have to squeeze the Carolina Keeper and adjust the lead length. Another variation can be in the type of weight that various fishermen use, but the overall procedure of setting the rig remains the same.

The lure you use is entirely up to you. A soft-bodied worm or a soft-bodied crawfish can be used. The same goes for the hook that you will use. Experimenting with different lures and hooks would work wonders for you.

Using your Carolina Rig

Now that you are done setting the rig up, you have to learn how to use it. You simply have to cast the rig into the water.

In order to understand what will make you successful in fishing with your Carolina rig, you need to know the behaviors and the habits of the fish you are going for. Bass usually have two modes when it comes to their behavior and fishing habits.

Opportunistic vs Aggressive Feeding

Bass usually feed opportunistically and will eat only when they are either very hungry or an easy meal presents itself. This is why it is crucial to drag your lure near them, to get them thinking about another feeding opportunity. Aggressive feeding is more rare for bass, but is obviously preferred for anglers. You don’t have to be as pinpoint accurate with your lure placement if a bass is aggressively searching out food.

With a properly rigged bait like Carolina rig, you can drop the bait in the right spot. In both opportunistic and aggressive mode, the circular motion of the bait will be attractive to the fish.

You have to move the bait slowly across the water. If you use the rod instead of the reel to move the bait, you will yield better results.

Keep the rod parallel to the water. Imagine that your rig is sitting in a 12 o’clock position. You have to move the fishing rod from 12 o’clock to 2 o’clock position. Keep repeating this until you get a strike.

When is the best time of year to use a Carolina Rig?

From what we have read online and in talking to different fishermen, any time of year other than summer is best for using a Carolina Rig. In months that are colder, Bass will stick to lower waters where it is warmer than the surface. In the summer they will be all over the place depth wise, in the spring and fall they will tend to be a bit deeper, and in winter they will be near the bottom trying to stay warm. That being said don’t forego your day on the lake when it’s a beautiful summer day out, as some success can still be found in the summer months.

The next part is season independent – but windier, choppier days on the water are better for using your Carolina rig as Bass tend to be most active on windier days.

Carolina Rig vs. Drop Shot Rig - What are the differences?

The main difference between Carolina rigging vs Drop shotting is the weights location compared to the lure. In Carolina Rigs the weight is on top of the lure, with the lure dragging behind it. In drop shotting the weight is at the bottom of the line, with the lure a few inches up floating above it.

Common mistakes people make when using a Carolina Rig

In extreme weather conditions, we have to use a slow and deliberate retrieve. Sometimes people simply don’t use the Carolina rig correctly and then complain about the lack of results. Here a few things you should keep in mind to help boost your success rates!

Bead Choice

Normally people use ceramic or glass beads. If you place a bead between the weight and the swivel, it protects the knot from getting beat by the weight. Moreover, the bead produces a sound when the bead hits the weight, which entices bass to check out your lure.

Plastic beads are an alternative to ceramic or glass, and in our opinion, a better option. With fluorocarbon and tungsten weights being highly popular, you need a bead that is sturdy enough to stand any abuse. The hard and dense tungsten cracks the ceramic and glass beads which will result in a frayed line almost instantly. Breaking your bead and fraying your line before you even get going is a surefire way to be frustrated early in your fishing expedition, which is something you want to avoid at all costs! After all, fishing is about having fun and getting some R&R!

Cutting the leader too short

When it comes to the leader length, using the proper length is crucial. Normally, people use 10-18 inch leaders with Carolina rigs, however, you should go for a 20-22 inches from our experience. The added length provides more freedom for your bait to float, which appears more natural.

Choosing the wrong location, or changing locations too often

If there is a lack of action, fishermen might follow their impulses and move to a location they think looks better. Location matters when you are using a Carolina rig and you should always opt for the deepest part of the lake as opposed to spots near the shore. The center of the lake being the deepest zone is one of the highest percentage areas of a lake. When the bass feed, the move towards the deeper areas. Ditches are also high-percentage zones. These are safe zones for the bass fish, and bass retreat to these areas. to find any type of cover be it gravel, foliage, or stumps.

Conclusion

So what have we covered today?

We have explained to you what Carolina rig is, what its main components are, how to set it up, and the best conditions to use it in.

Carolina rigs work great for bass. It works well in deep waters. They take less than ten minutes to set up which is a huge bonus – you get out there fishing in less time!

Happy fishing, folks!

How To Use A Topwater Lure

September 5, 2020February 6, 2020 by ryan@goingbardown.com

What’s the greatest thrill in fishing? Watching the calm water suddenly explode as your topwater lure vanishes inside a bass or a pike! Topwater lures are a fun way to catch ‘Superior’ jawed fish, and really help specifically in attracting bass.

In this article, we will tell you the important things you need to know about fishing with the a topwater lure. By the end, you will undoubtedly be ready to set out on your next fishing trip and use your topwater lure to its full potential!

What Is A Topwater Lure?

The topwater lure is a kind of fishing lure which is moved over the surface of the water in order to catch fish. It works by creating ‘noise’ on the surface of the water which catches fish’s attention. These lures usually float on the surface of the water, However, non-floating versions of topwater lures are also available.

How does a Topwater Lure help catch Bass?

There are three types of fish based on their jaw types. An ‘Inferior’ bone structure means the fish has a larger top jaw and smaller bottom jaw, so they tend to eat food that is below them. A ‘Terminal’ means a fish that has roughly equal top and bottom jaw dimensions, so they tend to hunt food that is in front of them. Finally, a ‘Superior’ jaw type means the bottom jaw is larger than the top jaw and they eat food that is above them, sometimes floating on the top of the water. Superior jaw type fish like Bass are what you are going to be catching using your topwater lure.

The topwater lure is designed in such a way that they resemble small creatures (small fish, insects, or frogs) that fish would consider as food. The key feature of the topwater lure is the “action” it provides as it glides along the surface of the water. The action mimcs that of a live creature. With different lure variations such splashing, popping, vibrating or bubbling, each type is designed to attract a fishes attention and coax them into striking.

Whether it is the black bass, tarpon, spotted seatrout, or barracuda you are after, topwater lures can help you catch them all!

What are the best conditions to use a Topwater Lure?

Different topwater lures are used under different conditions, and the type of fish you are hoping to catch or the time at which you are fishing also player arole in lure selection! If you know the key differences between the lures, it will help you in optimizing your selection according to the conditions you will be fishing in.

Topwater lures are effective in several conditions, but they are usually the most effective in the early hours of the day or in the evening, a couple of hours before sunset. Why? Because this is the time when a lot of surface prey is available for the fish (bugs), and the lures tend to be more effective in catching bass.

Early morning is a good time to fish with a topwater lure. Similarly, bass move to feed as the suns get down in the sky. Therefore, late afternoon or dusk is also a good time to fish. Topwater lures can be used throughout the night in summer when water is warm, but fishing outside of the times mentioned earlier might not get you the best results. Topwater lures specifically designed for night fishing do exist however, so if you are going to fish at night, they are your best bet.

In terms of the best locations around the lake to use them, they work wonders when used around any surface vegetation. This is because surface prey is typically in close proximity to vegetation, and thus, you will find more fish there.

Different types of Topwater Lures

There are different types of topwater lures available in the market. However, they all have one thing in common: they are imitations of the natural food which bass fish might eat.

Let’s give them a brief look.

1. Poppers / Chuggers

Poppers or chuggers imitate injured baitfish and make small disturbances on the surface of the water. They come with a concave-shaped mouth which makes a popping sound as the lure comes out of the water.

The attachment point of the line is inside this concave mouth, which gives them their distinctive movement. The harder you pull your line, the louder these lures pop. With the large amount of action and potential for big noises, larger fish are generally the target with Poppers, and try to land your lure as close to them as you can before you start moving the Popper around!

2. Walkers

Walkers are topwater lures that you have to flick with your wrist along the surface of the water. When you flick the lure, it darts from one side to the other. This results in a wave that attracts the bass fish. This technique is also known as ‘walking the dog’ and creates a ton of action on the surface, so it can draw interest from fish for large distances.

Walkers are best employed in open water as they require a larger surface area to ‘walk the dog’ properly. After you cast your lure, twitch your rod one way, reel it in a bit, and twitch it the other way, and repeat. If there are fish in the area you are sure to grab their attention with this technique!

3. Prop Baits

Prop baits have a propeller on their back and sometimes on the front as well. As you retrieve the lure, the propeller spins. This causes a disturbance in the water, and bass or other fish will quickly try to eat what they believe is an easy meal.

Single prop lures are a bit easier to use, and generally make much less noise than a double prop setup. In calmer waters we would suggest sticking with a single prop. If you insist on going out on a day with a bit choppier waters, sometimes a double prop can help as they make more noise and can attract the fish better given the conditions

4. Buzz baits

Buzz baits are quite similar to Prop baits, with the spinner typically sitting at the front of the lure as opposed to the back. They work will in and around cover, and work best if you reel it in slowly in erratic patterns, to mimic whatever food the fish are looking for.

How do you fish with a Topwater Lure?

The trick to make any lure effective is the way you work with it. Topwater lures need quiet and calm water conditions to work perfectly. As you cast the lure, it will obviously splash at first when it contacts the water. When the lure hits the water, you will see rings appearing on the water, Wait for the rings to disappear. When the lure quiets down, snap it once more. Again wait till it quiets down. Keep repeating the procedure until you snag a big ol’ fish. More often than not, the fish tend to strike when the lure has gone silent.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are planning to fish with topwater lure:

When it comes to the quality of hooks, don’t compromise! Sharpened hooks are the best way to go.
You need to experiment with your retrieving technique. Don’t stick with one style only. Different fish will respond to different retrieval techniques – so experiment until you discover what the fish wants and then go for it!
When you retrieve the topwater lure, you need to keep the tip of the fishing rod low. The lower the tip is, the better the results will be. If the rod is high, the nose of the lure will be out of the water, which isn’t very natural looking and negatively effects the presentation of your lure to the fish.
You have to maintain a steady retrieve. At times, fish will strike the lure quickly create a splash around it. You need to keep your cool when this happens and maintain a steady retrieve until the fish is actually hooked on the lure.

Summary

In this article, we have explained to you what topwater lures are, what kinds of topwater lures are available, and how they are good for catching bass fish.

If you are going to fish bass, the best way would be to use a topwater lure. Since bass fish are usually attracted to small bugs, frogs, and fishes near the surface of the lakes, topwater lures help you catching quality bass easily. Not only do you catch quality fish, but you also get to see the live-action of fish swallowing the bait.

Here’s to a great fishing adventure!