Coffee Flavored Tubes From Strike King

Strike King just announced that it will introduce coffee and salt impregnated tubes. The coffee tube is one of their new products for 2008 to be available in November of this year. They will be scented with real coffee bean granules and coffee bean oil; and will be available in both 3.5" and 4.5" tubes. The attraction that fish have for coffee flavoring was discovered by accident after watching bluegill react to a few coffee grounds poured out of a coffee cup into a lake. Field testing confirmed the theory that fish are attracted to coffee as much as we are.

Look for Strike King's Coffee Tubes around Thanksgiving of this year.

For Bass Fishing Check Out Bass Edge

If you are a bass fisherman and are unaware of the Bass Edge web site, you need to check it out. BassEdge.com has a tremendous amount of information you'll want to explore. Whether it's choosing the right lure for a particular situation or how to rig a drop shot, you can find it on Bass Edge. Jay McNamara, PhD. (who I wrote an article about on August 19th, The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing) writes regularly on the mental side of fishing. His work has application well beyond fishing for me.

What I have enjoyed the most about Bass Edge are the podcasts. To me there is nothing more valuable than listening to an interview with an experienced fisherman. They have an extensive menu of audio interviews with bass pros for you to listen to when you have the time to listen. If you want to learn more about fishing for bass, you need to visit Bass Edge.

Make Your Own Fishing Jigs

There is just something rewarding about catching fish on tackle that you have made yourself. It adds a new dimension to the sport of fishing, you might say it adds more sport to the sport, and is growing in popularity. (Several weeks ago, August 9th, I wrote another article about building your own fishing lures.) Do-It Molds (www.do-itmolds.com) has now made it easy to pour and create your own jigheads. They have a kit you can purchase which includes the mold, melting pot, ladle, hooks, paint, and how-to video for $44.95. It can be an easy and fun project to do with kids; however proper safety precautions must be taken. You can even view their Braggin' Board to see what others have caught on their own tackle. This is worth checking out.

Fishing and Playing In The Woods Improves Test Scores In Kids

This is something that every parent needs to read, but especially parents who enjoy the outdoors so they can be ambassadors for the message. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder, says today's kids are increasingly disconnected from the natural world and this has harmful effects. A 2002 study of 8 years olds found that they could identify Pokemon characters more easily than they could name otters, beetles, or oak trees.

He states that not only can nature teach children about science, but it also improves a child's creativity. New research shows that connection to nature offers a powerful therapy for depression, obesity, and attention deficit disorder, and environmental education dramatically improves standardized test scores and grade point averages. It also develops skills in problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.

To listen to a short audio clip from an NPR radio interview with the author click here.

Fishing Equipment for Younger Children

As I mentioned yesterday, it is important and that a child have a fun and memorable experience while fishing. It is also important that they be successful at catching a few fish (regardless of size) and that they are able to use the equipment without getting frustrated. Yesterday I shared some of Zebco's new rods and reels for kids, and today I'll share their equipment for even younger kids, complete with colors that will appeal to young children. They are called Hot Reels (pictured) and here is the product description:

Colorful Combos Perfect For The Beginning Angler!

These quality fishing combos are sized perfectly for smaller hands, and are available in easy-to-use push-button spincast or spinning versions. Choose from any of three different exciting color combinations.

Hot Reels combos have a 4'6" matched rod, are pre-spooled with 6 lb. mono line, and feature a molded rubber handle. More information is available at www.zebco.com.

Take a kid fishing and have fun.

Choosing The Right Fishing Equipment For Kids

There is nothing that gives me a greater thrill than turning a kid on to fishing. The look on a child's face when he or she catches a fish, regardless of the size, is priceless. It is important, however, to have kid friendly equipment so that both of you are not spending more time getting the line untangled than fishing. Zebco has been a leader in providing easy to use equipment for the beginner. They have some new designs that will appeal to kids from both a style and ease-of-use standpoint. The photo shown is the RadCast, they say it is radically different for the next generation.

Here is the description:
Full-sized Zebco spincast reels matched to a high-performance 5' Rad Cast rod provide a quality platform for the youth angler. Their radical design feature chrome accents with your choice of three different color combinations.

Rad Cast combos have a 5' matched rod, are pre-spooled with 10 lb. mono line, and feature a smooth dial-adjustable drag control. See www.zebco.com for more information.

I'll share equipment for younger children tomorrow.

The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing

To be really good at something you must focus. Fishing, like any other activity, requires knowledge, skill, and the right mental attitude to be successful. There is a new book available that you may be interested in if you want improve your fishing attitude and aptitude.

The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing, by Jay T. McNamara, PhD, describes in easy to understand language how sport psychology techniques can make you a better angler. While perhaps most useful for those who fish competitively, The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing can help weekend anglers as well. For example, is your fishing confidence always as high as it could or should be? Dr. McNamara's book explains the fundamentals of building and maintaining the confidence you need to be successful on the water. Alternately, have you ever lost a nice fish because you weren't paying close enough attention? Top-shelf attention and concentration skills, as Dr. McNamara tells us, can be learned. Did you know that mentally rehearsing specific techniques such as flipping or casting can be as effective as physical practice itself? The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing both describes and demonstrates how mental rehearsal and visualization can be used to increase fishing success. Goal-setting, dealing with stress, public speaking, and time management are also among the topics reviewed in Dr. McNamara's book.


In addition to his book, Dr. McNamara is co-host of Bass Edge Television on Versus and Wild TV as well as a regular contributor to www.bassedge.com . The Bass Edge mission is to be the industry's premier provider of bass fishing information through its television show, web site, and weekly podcasts. Season two of Bass Edge will air on the Versus Channel beginning in January 2008.

To purchase The Psychology of Exceptional Fishing and for additional articles and extended audio interviews by Dr. McNamara visit www.bassedge.com.

Fishing Cap Keeps Bugs Away

I am a huge Orvis fan. The quality of their products is superior and they are always coming out with new cool stuff. Yet, they continue to provide and improve on the products that have made them famous. I have their luggage, some of their fishing equipment, and much of their clothing. And its all good.

This cap made of buzz off material is a real winner. If you are fishing in an area with mosquitoes this cap really works to keep them off of your head and away from your face. I highly recommend it. Click the link below for more information.

Orvis Buzz Off Cap

More Fishing Gifts, T-shirts, and Innovative Products

This Is Why You Need To Stay Alert While Fishing - Humorous Fishing Video

Always stay alert and never fall asleep while fishing. You never know what might happen. Enjoy!

Another Fisherman Wins $1 Million Plus In Fishing Tournament

For the second time in a week I am writing about a fisherman who has won a million dollars or more. Last week it was Scott Suggs who won the Forrest Wood Cup bass fishing tournament held on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. Today it is John Frankos who won the 34th annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Md. John caught an 83-pound white marlin last Friday to solidify the lead and ultimately win the tournament which began with 396 boats. Sharing in the win (and the winnings) were his teammates Fleet Smith, Scott Adkins, Mike Sparks, Jimmy Castner, Eric Mayo, and first mate John Oatman along with second mate Jason Sadler. This was the sixth largest fish caught in the tournament's history. Who ever said fishing is a waste of time?

What Is The Best Color For A Soft Plastic Fishing Lures

I am often asked the question from fellow fisherman, "What is the best color to use for soft plastic baits like plastic worms, there are so many to chose from?" Well the answer is "it depends." I don't really consider myself an expert, but I have learned from the experts over the years. Here is the strategy I use.

I don't think you need one of every color available in your tackle box (even though the manufactures might like that). I think 5 or 6 colors will meet your needs. The most popular color and most versatile is green pumpkin. It seems to work well in both clear and stained water. If you are not sure what color you should use, this is a good place to start. Beyond that the basic rule is, in clear water use a translucent bait like watermelon or smoke. In lightly stained water use something darker like brown pumpkin. In darker water use a darker colored bait like black or junebug.

There is no magic to the selection process, but start with these color selection guidelines for your soft plastic baits. If this do not work, it is time to try a different presentation or a totally different type of bait. Good luck!

Looking for a great selection of fishing t-shirts, try Crazy Fisherman.

Fishbites - An Alternative to Cut Bait

If you fish with cut bait, you may want to give Fishbites a try. Fishbites is the synthetic alternative to natural cut bait giving you all the advantages of Mother Nature and then some. Fishbites are made of a concentrated formula that replicates natural feeding stimulants and creates a powerful scent trail, so youll catch more fish. You do not need to refrigerate; it will not spoil. There are saltwater and freshwater products. They come in various shapes and sizes that resemble jerkbait, worms, chunks, and ribbons that can be cut to the size you want. Get more information by visiting www.fishbites.com.

A great selection of fishing gifts and more innovative fishing products are available from Crazy Fisherman.

Fishing North America - New Book by Mike Roux

Mike Roux is an award winning author and professional angler who has published hundreds of articles about the chase for the big fish. There is probably not a more extensive collection of fishing tales about both saltwater and freshwater fishing throughout North America. Nowhere else can you go to find northern Pike and Redfish in the same book? This is a collection of his best works that will be of interest to the veteran as well as the novice fisherman. With over four decades of travel fishing under his belt, Roux is fully equipped to bring his adventures right into your hands. For more information and to order a copy, go to his web site at www.mikeroux.com.

Build Your Own Fishing Lure

Have you ever wanted to build your own fishing lure to your exact specifications? Maybe you just couldn't find what you were looking for or you just wanted to try your hand at something new. Stamina™ Quality Components is the place to go to find what you are looking for. Ever type of crankbait body, blade, lead, hook, jig, lure eye, or lure paint is available plus a lot more. If you want to build your own lure go to Stamina™ Quality Components.

"Camp" Board Game Teaches Kids About The Outdoors

If you are looking for a fun way to teach your kids about the outdoors or a rainy day activity to play while on a trip, the "Camp" board game is one to take a look at. It is fun for both children and adults and teaches fun facts about animals, fish, and the great outdoors. The game has several different skill levels which can grow with the player's knowledge. Click here for more information.

“As a family-oriented outdoor magazine, we were extremely excited to see CAMP at the Wisconsin Deer Classic in Green Bay. The different skill levels mean that there’s always an opportunity to learn more about the great outdoors - and to become closer as a family. I would highly recommend CAMP to anyone who wants to share their love for the outdoors, especially with the younger generation.”

Brett Van Waus, Editor
Family Fish & Game

Fishing Tournament Winner Receives $1 Million

Scott Suggs of Oklahoma became the first person to win $1 million in a bass fishing tournament. His two day total was 17 pounds in the Forrest Wood Cup held on Lake Ouachita in Arkansas. That would be $58,823 per pound of fish caught. The Forrest Wood Cup is part of the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. The winning purse was $500,000, plus he earned an extra $500,000 bonus because he was fishing in a qualifying Ranger boat. Until this weekend, Suggs' total career winnings were only $180,000. He lives about 40 minutes from the Lake Ouachita and said his experience fishing on the lake was crucial to his win.

Fishing T-Shirts for the Avid Fisherman - Best Selection

T-shirts are one of the most popular and practical articles of clothing. T-shirts make great gifts for others especially for a fisherman. You can search far and wide at your local stores or just click here for the best selection of fishing t-shirts that you'll ever find. There are t-shirts for freshwater fishermen or saltwater fishermen and t-shirts that are classy and not so classy. If you are looking for a fishing t-shirt you'll find the most extensive variety that I've ever seen.

If you are interested in a Crazy Fisherman logo t-shirt click on the link.

Attack of the Fish - Hilarious Fishing Video

Have you ever wanted fish to just fly into your boat? I have no idea who this is in the video, but he is taking all of the fun out of fishing. The video is just under 3 minutes long and worth the watch. ENJOY!

What is a Goby - The Popular Soft Plastic Fishing Bait

The Goby has become quite popular as a soft plastic fishing bait. I never really new what a Goby was until I recently read an article from Science News about about it. Let me tell you it is a bad little fish. It is a European fish that was first discovered in the St. Clair River near Detroit in 1990. It now populates all five Great Lakes and apparently reproduces rapidly. It probably hitched across the Atlantic in the ballast of a freighter. The good news is they have an appetite for zebra mussels (and the teeth to back it up). The bad news is they are bottom dwellers and eat the fish eggs of anything sharing their habitat which includes walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. More good news is that they are often found in the bellies of game fish which means they are good bait. There is an extensive effort to control the Goby population in the Great Lakes and to keep them from spreading to other waters.

Now you know what a Goby is and you learned it right here. Click here to learn more from Science News.

Take A Kid Fishing

I just returned from a YMCA Family Camp where several other adults and I got to take a group of kids fishing, many for the first time. I fish with my kids so much that I had forgotten the thrill kids get when they catch their first fish. We went to a spot where everyone was almost guaranteed to catch something, even if it was a small Bluegill. Kids really don't care what kind of fish or how big it is, they just want to catch something.

Next time you have the opportunity, take a child fishing that has never fished before and teach them the joys of fishing.