Castaic Develops Hard Plastic Version Of Soft Bait

The popular soft plastic Platinum Series made by Castaic Softbaits has been modified into the Hard Rock series swim bait. This new swim bait is available in 4-, 6-, and 8-inch sizes and comes in floating and slow sinking models. The swim bait comes in five colors including blue shad and golden shiner. They were extremely popular at last summer's ICAST where Castaic's booth was swamped with people placing orders even though the product is not officially out yet. They are currently taking pre-orders on their website at www.castaicsoftbait.com.

There is more big news coming from Castaic Softbaits. They have just been purchased by Nature Vision. I have included a copy of the press release below.

Brainerd, MN, January 22, 2008 – Outdoor technologies firm Nature Vision, Inc. announced today purchase of Castaic Softbaits. Throughout the fishing tackle industry, Castaic remains the recognized inventor of the swimbait category, currently the hottest lures for big bass in North America. Recognized by Field & Stream magazine as one of the top 50 all-time fishing lures, Castaic Softbaits have twice graced the cover of this prestigious publication.

The addition of Castaic provides Nature Vision with a proven fishing tackle product platform, which will immediately generate revenues during the spring and summer periods, traditionally the firm’s low season. “Since our reverse merge in 2004, Nature Vision has been working to build a balanced portfolio of hunting - fishing product lines,” stated Jeff Zernov, CEO of Nature Vision, Inc. “In these markets, three distinct periods define the selling calendar. Spring and summer are traditional seasons for fishing tackle. Fall is when hunting products sell, and winter is of course dominant for ice fishing product sales. The Castaic acquisition now gives us a fully balanced mix of products, completing our 3- tiered product equation.”

“In recent years we have looked at a number of tackle companies, but none of them offered the growth potential of Castaic,” Zernov said. “We didn’t want a low end line of commodity items, rather we sought a strong brand with innovative products that we could build upon. Castaic is the perfect fit. Not only is Castaic a nationally recognized brand— even though they have never advertised—their proprietary manufacturing methods and numerous patents offer us a unique place in the market.”


Castaic Softabaits founder Jason Scott will remain active within the organization, and has been hired as research and development director for Nature Vision’s tackle division. The move combines into a single company the collective talents of Scott and Zernov, two of the fishing industry’s sharpest innovators.

PRESS RELEASE
Nature Vision, Inc., a publicly held corporation headquartered in Brainerd, Minnesota, created Aqua-Vu, the first self-contained underwater viewing system in 1997. Founded by president and CEO Jeff Zernov, Nature Vision, Inc. continues to reinvent the outdoor experience.
www.naturevisioninc.com

Fishing T-Shirt Of The Week

Here is our fishing t-shirt for the week. This is our second Crazy Fisherman University design which has more of a collegiate look to it. As always it is made of 100% pre-shrunk cotton and is printed with a state-of-the-art digital ink printer for sharp long lasting colors. Both long sleeve and short sleeve t-shirts are available.

I hope you like it and I hope you buy one. In addition to this new shirt, Crazy Fisherman has a wide variety of fishing themed t-shirts to fit everyone's tastes. Check out all of our fishing themed t-shirts by visiting our website.

Year's Biggest Texas Bass Caught By 15 Year Old

Tyler Goetzman of Willis, Texas, was the first on the scoreboard of the Budweiser ShareLunker season Jan. 13 when he caught a 13.06-pound largemouth bass in Lake Conroe, Texas. At 15, he qualifies as a junior angler, and his catch has been recognized as a junior state record. The Budweiser ShareLunker program encourages anglers who have caught 13-pound-plus largemouth bass to lend or donate the fish to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for spawning purposes.


Bigger Texas bass have been caught by younger fishermen, but they've been reported from private lakes. For instance, the largest bass reported last year was 15.5 pounds caught by a 9 year old; however it was caught in a private lake in Mills County. This is only the fourth time in the program's 21-year history the first entry came in January.

You just never know what is in store when you throw a line in the water. In 2000, California angler John Lindsey was driving through the Texas panhandle when he stopped to fish for white bass with a his fly rod. A 14.14-pound largemouth bass took his fly and wound up as a ShareLunker and a fly rod world record.

How the ShareLunker Program Works
There is no doubt that this program has contributed to the successful production of big bass in Texas waters. At the end of spawning season, the ShareLunker will be returned to the angler for live release, or the angler may donate it permanently to the program. Either way, the angler receives a fiberglass replica of the catch made by Lake Fork Taxidermy, Budweiser ShareLunker clothing, and recognition at an annual awards banquet held at TFFC (Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center). In addition, the Texas resident catching the largest entry of the season is awarded a lifetime fishing license.

The roots of the ShareLunker program can be traced to the drought of the 1950s. That 10-year dry spell brought home to Texans the fact that the state’s burgeoning population had outgrown its water supply. A few reservoirs had been built previously, but the 1960s and 1970s witnessed the completion of many more. Texas had only one natural lake — Caddo — and the native species of Texas bass, the northern, was adapted to live in streams.

Fish adapted to live in large lakes were needed to take advantage of the new reservoirs, and in 1971 TPWD brought the first Florida strain largemouth bass to Texas. They were housed at the Tyler Fish Hatchery (now closed), and the first Florida strain bass were stocked into Texas waters the following year.

Over the next several years bass from Florida, California and Cuba were brought to Texas to improve the genetics of the Texas bass population. The Cuban fish were obtained by sheer daring. Joe Bob Wells, a Levelland resident who fished in Cuba frequently, flew to Cuba in December 1984 and brought bass back to Texas via Mexico, since travel between the United States and Cuba was prohibited.

As the Florida strain genes worked their way into the bass population, fish grew bigger. In 1980 a 14.1-pound bass broke the state record of 13.5 pounds that had stood for 43 years. The record increased again and again, to the current 18.18-pound fish caught in 1992. Interest in bass fishing burgeoned along with the size of the fish.

Texas Parks and Wildlife and the TFFC have done a great job promoting and managing bass fishing in Texas. They should be applauded by all fishermen who reap the rewards of their efforts.

Major Halibut Fishing In Alaska

As primarily a freshwater fisherman, I have a hard time relating to catching something like a Halibut. But, it certainly looks like fun. I know what it feels like to have a 5 lb. bass on the line, but a 200 Halibut? This is certainly on my list of things to do before I kick the bucket.

Since I write about fishing, I come across just about everything related to the sport. Well, did you know that Homer, Alaska is the "Halibut Capital of the World"? Since your geography is probably about as good as mine, I have provided a map below of Homer relative to the lower 48 states. If you are in the market for some major Halibut fishing, you need to know about Alaska Coastal Marine. They have a fleet of five fishing vessels to serve all kinds of fishermen. Travel expenses from most parts of the U.S. will be your biggest expense, because their prices are very reasonable. Check out Homer Alaska Halibut Fishing Trips from Alaska Coastal Marine's website. It looks like a good time.

More Than 140 Boats Purchased Following 'Take Me Fishing' Triple-A Baseball Promotion

ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 23, 2008) – New data being released today by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) shows 142 boats were purchased in the six months following the conclusion of the ‘Take Me Fishing’ Triple-A Baseball promotion. The data analysis, which was conducted by Info-Link on behalf of RBFF, tracked more than 13,000 unique households who entered the sweepstakes for a chance to win the grand prize – a fully equipped, 17-foot Triton bass boat and trailer.

“This data shows us what people did after they left the ball park, and we’re pleased with the results,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson.

“The Triple A promotion is a great example of how RBFF brings boating and fishing together to encourage more people to enjoy life on the water,” said RBFF Board Chairman and NMMA President Thom Dammrich. “Fishing is clearly a major motivator for boating and together they bring families together to relax and enjoy the great outdoors.”

Key findings from the data analysis include:

• Total number of sweepstakes entries: 19,265 (13,598 unique households)
• Percentage of households that have purchased a new or pre-owned boat subsequent to the sweepstakes entry: 1 percent (142 boats)
• Proportion of new to pre-owned purchasers was 25 percent and 75 percent respectively, which is relatively consistent with the overall U.S. recreational marine market
• 15 percent of households who entered the sweepstakes currently own boats, compared to an eight to 10 percent average nationwide

Fishing is a strong pathway to boating, according to a study released by RBFF in April 2007. The marketing research, which collected data from more than 1,000 people, revealed nearly half of Boating Anglers (those who currently participate in both boating and fishing) were influenced by fishing when they decided to get involved in boating. Additionally, more than two-thirds purchased their first boat in order to fish and three-quarters cited fishing as the most popular activity to do while boating.

Twenty-seven Triple-A Baseball teams participated in RBFF’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ promotion. In addition to the grand prize, some lucky fans were invited to go on a fishing expedition with players and coaches. Others were randomly selected during games to compete in center-field casting competitions.

About RBFF

RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing campaign and Anglers’ Legacy.

Stephanie West 703-778-5156

America's Top 20 Fishing Towns

The February 2008 issue of Field & Stream Magazine features the top 20 fishing towns in America. Field & Stream polled the nation’s top angling professionals to determine the list, comprised of towns with populations of 100,000 or less. Editor of the magazine, Anthony Licata, says these are the best places to live if you live to fish. Towns were judged on the availability of year-round fishing opportunities, cost of living, fishing culture and outdoor related economy, quality of life and diversions other than fishing.

Field & Streams top 20 are:
1. Glenwood Springs, Colo.
2. Mountain Home, Ark.
3. Traverse City, Mich.
4. Bozeman, Mont.
5. Minocqua, Wis.
6. Apalachicola, Fla.
7. Nantucket, Mass.
8. Bend, Ore.
9. Guntersville, Ala.
10. Morehead City, N.C.
11. Missoula, Mont.
12. Ely, Minn.
13. Page, Ariz.
14. Driggs, Idaho
15. Jasper, Texas
16. Tahlequah, Okla.
17. Beaufort, S.C.
18. Eufaula, Ala.
19. Redding, Calif.
20. Montauk, N.Y

Attention Texas Gulf Coast Fishermen

For the fifth year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will host two Flat Out Fishing seminars to help anglers start the new year with an edge. The first event, in Corpus Christi, kicks-off at 8 a.m., Sat., Feb. 2, at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The event will be held at Bay Hall, Room 103, at TAMU-CC’s Ward Island campus. The second event will be in Lake Jackson at the Lake Jackson Civic Center Feb. 9.

These day-long events include seminars and presentations from noted guides and experts covering a variety of bay, surf, kayak and fly fishing techniques "Flat Out Fishing is full day of professional fishing seminars for beginning to experienced fishermen to learn how to become better anglers in a relaxed and friendly setting that offers plenty of opportunities for interaction with the presenters. The speakers are some of the most knowledgeable authorities in their field in Texas." said TPWD Coastal Fisheries Outreach Specialist Art Morris.

The cost is $20 per person or $30 per couple, payable by cash, check or money order at the door. Registration fees are tax-deductible. Children under 17 may attend free with an adult. Seating is limited so register early to ensure your participation. To register for either event, contact Art Morris at 361-825-3356 or by e-mail at art.morris@tpwd.state.tx.us.

For a map to Bay Hall at TAMU-CC, go to: http://www.tamucc.edu/campmap.html. The Lake Jackson Civic Center is located at 333 Hwy 332 East, Lake Jackson, Texas. Flat Out Fishing is underwritten by Anheuser-Busch and sponsored by CCA Texas, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Shimano and others.

World's First Carbon Neutral Fishing Tournament

The world's first carbon neutral fishing tournament was held January 12th and 13th at the Miami Beach Marina. Twenty-three boats competed in the event, with the winning team catching and releasing 10 fish to take top honors in the Sailfish Tournament. The tournament made a pledge to balance its carbon ledger, using a portion of the proceeds to offset the carbon footprint of the boats participating.

Captain Dan Kipnis, tournament organizer and director-at-large for the Florida Wildlife Federation, an affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation, said that they have a responsibility to protect Florida's coastal waters. He believes sportsmen know climate change threatens the fish they love and the habitats they live in. Offsetting their emissions is one way to show they're protecting the environment for the next generation of anglers.

The tournament is offsetting 200 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the estimate of what the tournament produced, through AgCert, which will use the funds for an East Coast methane capture project. Methane gas from dairy farms will be converted into electricity, balancing out the tournament's greenhouse gas impact on the environment. Florida seems to be setting an example for other states in their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Just for the record, the United States has roughly 5% of the world's population yet produces 25% of the world's greenhouse gases. I am not as concerned as some about global warming, especially since I took my kids to a camping event in Boone, Iowa over the weekend (heated cabins) and I woke up to a temperature of -12 degrees (real temp not wind chill); however, no matter what, being more responsible with our environment is important and I applaud the organizers of this tournament. Click here for the complete story.

Fly Fishing Film Tour™ Begins Jan. 30

The 2008 Fly Fishing Film Tour™ begins on January 30 in Ventura, California at the Patagonia Headquarters. The Fly Fishing Film Tour™ is a year round organization dedicated to bringing a new face-vision and scene to the fly-fishing entertainment world. Their goal is to inspire fly fishers and film makers to make new, innovative, entertaining and cutting edge films. This years tour will screen at over 95 venues to over 40,000 people and is the biggest fly fishing film event in the country. You can find a complete schedule by clicking here.

The film makers are not paid to make their film. They submit their tape and the best eight films are selected for the tour. Don't think these are like amateur home movies. These movies are excellent documentaries and very entertaining. And, the scenery is worth seeing whether you like fly fishing or not. You can see the teaser clips in the Screen Room. Enjoy!

Alternatives To The Popular Basstrix Paddle Tail Lure

Back on October 22nd I wrote about the popularity of the Basstrix paddle tail tube. It continues to be very popular to the point that production can't keep up with the demand. The Basstrix popularity along with the fact that it takes longer to produce than other similar products have made it difficult to purchase. Let me suggest two alternatives.

The first is Treats Swimbaits available from the Kamakazee Bait Company. They offer a 4" and a 6" swimbait in a variety of colors and patterns. Kamakazee Bait Company has been producing soft plastic baits since 1994 and they have a very similar product to the Basstrix. Their new online store was launched today. Click here to go Kamakazee Bait Company.


Another alternative is a product just being introduced by Berkley called the Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly. As a matter of fact it is so new that it may not be available yet, if not it will be available soon. The Hollow Belly is a 5" swim bait that is hollow in the center like a tube. With the hollow center, the bait is designed to easily collapse around the hook when bitten by a fish for a better hookset. The Berkley PowerBait Hollow Belly comes in a pack of three with a couple of different hooks, a bullet weight, and a few other items helpful for rigging. Proper rigging instructions are on the back of the box. Learn more and by clicking here.

Looking For Ice Fishing Lures And Jigs

There is a company called Custom Jigs and Spins, located in Coralville, Iowa, that you need to check out if you are an ice fisherman. Often the very large companies get all of the press, but there are many small companies that deserve a lot of credit too.

Custom Jigs and Spins has one of the best color selections and largest design variety I have ever seen. Generally, ice fishing jigs receive a very small presence in a typical tackle shop or online store. This is their specialty, and it has been, for the last 30 years so that's not the case with them.


What I appreciate the most is that they use their own products extensively which is the only way you really know how good they are. They also receive input from their ice fishing Pro-Staff on design and performance. New products are continually developed, tested, and introduced. Quality materials are used including Mustad hooks. All lures are hand painted with a very hard finish and paint free eyes are used. Custom Jigs and Spins proudly displays that their products are made in the USA. Check them out at www.customjigsandspins.com. Show your support for small companies like them.

Fishing Collectibles Bring Big Money

I am not a collectibles or antique or auction kind of person, but an article that came across my desk this week really caught my attention. At a recent auction event featuring fishing collectibles at Lang's auction in Boxborough, Mass., would you believe old fishing stuff brought in a total of $2.8 million?

Let me give you a few examples of the crazy prices.

• A boxed-birdcage reel made by William Billinghurst in Rochester, N.Y., which was apparently the first patented American Fly fishing reel, brought in $40,320.
• A fishing chair (used on a boat to land large fish) went for $24,640.
• And, a pre-Civil War antique fishing lure ended the bidding at $32,250.

Click here for the complete story. I don't know about you, but I'm going to be more careful when I throw out my old fishing tackle.

New BITE THIS! Fishing T-Shirt

We have just introduced a new fisherman's t-shirt design that is a frog lure with the caption "Bite this!" under the image. It is fun and colorful and I'm sure will be a big hit. It is available in both short sleeve and long sleeve shirts. At this time it is only available in white, but hopefully we'll identify some new colors that will be available soon. The shirts are 100% cotton. Check them out on Crazy Fisherman's web site.

Instructional Fishing Videos From Rapala

There are times when a picture is worth a thousand words. And an explanation from an expert is even better. On Rapala's website you can find How 2 TV which is a series of videos on how to use their lures. Even though the videos are only on their products you can still learn from them even if you use similar products from another manufacturer. The underwater photography is excellent and the instruction from the pros is something that continually helps me. You should check it out.

If you would like to browse Rapala lures check out tackle on Crazy Fisherman's website.