Governor Huckabee Recognized for Support of Fishing

I am not going to endorse any of the Presidential candidates; however I want to point out that Gov. Mike Huckabee was recently recognized by Outdoor Life magazine for his support of hunting and fishing in his home state of Arkansas. Huckabee helped pass Amendment 75 which is known as the "Conservation Amendment." He pushed forward the bill which provides about $26 million annually to AGFC (Arkansas Game and Fish Commission). He also established programs to introduce more kids to fishing. Huckabee is an avid fisherman though he enjoys hunting also.

It is nice to see candidates who understand the importance of promoting and preserving one of the greatest assets our country has - the great outdoors. I am going to do some research and learn the position of the other candidates on this topic and let you know what I find out.

Get Bent Lures - Two Entrepreneurs Pursuing Their Passion

Meet Jim Bernard and Peter Ensio. They are entrepreneurs and craftsmen just pursuing their passion. It is guys (and gals) like this that continue to innovate the sport fishing industry, especially when it comes to new and more productive fishing lures. Let me share their story.

Jim and Peter have been making hand-crafted lures and testing them since 1992. They are two Americans who grew up in the Bahamas. The ocean, fishing, and boating have been a passion of theirs since a young age. Growing up in the Bahamas gave them a playground to pursue their passions and test all of their creations. They originally created lures for their own use and found that they had better results than fishing with store bought lures. Others then started asking if they could purchase the lures they had made. Their standard answer was we don't sell them, and they would get the reply, "why not?"

So, eventually they started making extra lures so they could sell the ones they weren't using if people asked. The demand continued to grow, so they set up a production facility last March ("07) using the techniques and knowledge they had developed over the years. They launched a website about the same time and "Get Ben Lures" was formally brought to market. They continue to develop new styles and shapes including high speed Wahoo lures, Teasers, and Marlin specific lures. Their knowledge from years of observing fish has allowed them to learn what actions, lure styles, and color patterns trigger specific species. The countless hours spent observing different game fish species, their feeding patterns, and their feeding triggers has given them the knowledge needed to come up with the best and most effective design. Now that is "fishing entrepreneurship".

For more information and to purchase go to www.getbentlures.com.

Fishing Rods Made Out Of Carrots?

Founded by two expert materials scientists, Dr. David Hepworth and Dr. Eric Whale, CelluComp Ltd. is a company with a clear vision: "To be the World leader in the provision of products based on high performance composites derived from sustainable sources which utilize green production methods."

Well, their latest development is a fishing rod made with carrot fiber instead of carbon fiber (graphite). CelluComp has also developed a unique molding process allowing blanks to be tailored to individual angler's requirements. I can't wait for them to come to market so I can try one out.

Fishing Is Always Amusing - See This Bill Dance Blooper

If you own a boat you can relate to this video. This exact scenario may not have happened to you, but you've had something crazy happen to you also. Enjoy the video from Bill Dance.

Fishing Teaches Life Lessons to Kids (and adults)

A couple of weeks ago on a boating trip, my 10 year old daughter was complaining that she was the only one in the family that hadn't caught a fish. Honestly she hadn't worked very hard at it. What an incredible teachable moment it was when my wife shared a message about patience, persistence, and just sticking to something until you are successful. She said that most fishermen catch some maybe one out of every 50 or 100 casts. I'm not sure my daughter really bought what she was saying, but she did throw her line out again. Low and behold, she pulled in a nice little striped bass. She had a big smile on her face and learned a great lesson that day.

Fishing Knots Made Easy

There are times when I have a difficult time understanding how to tie a particular fishing knot. I read about them and try to apply them in the right situation, but just can't get it from the written instructions or the picture. Well I have come across a web site that makes it easy to understand. It is called Animated Knots by Grog. Click here to check it out.

Seeking Fishing Misadventure Stories

Casagrande Press is looking for fishing stories that are bizarre, disastrous, or comical. They are seeking fishing misadventure stories, articles, and essays for publication in the forthcoming book Fishing's Greatest Misadventures. The book will be published in 2008 and will present 30 true stories which cover the spectrum from terrifying to comical to bizarre. Casagrande Press will not accept stories about dynamite fishing, cyanide fishing, whaling, dolphin hunting or other forms of sea mammal hunting. Open to fishing enthusiasts and writers of all levels. For more information go to www.casagrandepress.com/fishing.htm.

Tips Sheets Available to Help Beginning Fishermen

Anglers' Legacy, an organization whose purpose is to introduce more people to recreation fishing, has put together a set of tip sheets that can be very helpful for new fishermen. Anglers' Legacy encourages fishermen to take a pledge to introduce a new person to fishing. Most of us remember the person who took us fishing for the first time, so you could be that person for someone else. The tip sheets might come in handy for that. There are 8 tip sheets on a variety of subjects including fishing terminology, knot tying, and basic boat care. Click here for a link to the tip sheets and to learn more about Anglers' Legacy.

SteelShad - An Innovative New Fishing Lure

I had the opportunity to try out my new SteelShad lure this past weekend. I purchased a package of 5 lures last winter but hadn't tried them yet. Well, I have to say it lived up to its claims. I landed my first fish, a 1.5 pound white bass, on the third or fourth cast. And prceeded to catch several more. As a matter of fact it is the only lure I caught anything on that day. I don't sell them but you can learn more and purchase a SteelShad at www.steelshad.com. The lure is very versatile. It can run deep or shallow depending the speed of the retrieve and can be made to swim like a wounded shad. It also has a nice vibration to it. I would say every angler should have a set in their tackle box.

New Series of Baits by Strike Pro

There are times when fishing is slow and a more natural lure presentation is required. Anglers now have a couple of new choices. Strike Pro's Flex Phantom (crankbait) and the Flex X (minnow bait) feature a patented joint system that creates a natural swimming motion. The lures also include a fish attracting flasher and a skin coating that add to the bait's appeal. Veiw Strike Pro's website www.strikeproamerica.com for more information.