What a great weekend at the 2013 Spring Fishing and Boat Show! The whole weekend was a blur, as the Angler's Choice booth was crazy busy most of the time. There is a lot of interest in our new Kill Shot that it's unbelievable! We had some big names come through the booth and show a ton of interest in both our baits and colours, it's exciting to think of what's coming in the future for Angler's Choice. Thanks to all that came out and checked us out and who bought some baits - you will NOT be disappointed.
It was great meeting every one, there are a lot of just awesome people in this industry and it was a pleasure to meet them.
Remember, you can order Angler's Choice products from the website, www.anglerschoice.ca, and we'll work with you on custom colours or anything you can dream up. We love our customers!
Tuesday, 19 February 2013
Friday, 8 February 2013
Angler's Choice "Mystery" Stick - In-Depth
Hey guys, I decided to write this blog in conjunction with a new contest that is being done by Angler's Choice. Recently, they've decided to change the name of their senko style stick bait, and they decided to let YOU guys choose the name! Read through my In-Depth to find out how you can win a great prize package from Angler's Choice.
The stick bait that Angler's Choice has on the market right now comes in 4 sizes: a 4", 5", 6" and a thick fat 7" version. As with all baits from the lineup, it is salt and scent infused and is incredibly soft. A great bait to wacky rig, this bait will flutter down the water column, using the bumps to help disperse water as it falls, tempting in those chunky bass.
My, and most other anglers, favourite way to rig this bait is the good old wacky style. Simply fold the stick in half and pierce it with a hook right in the center. I actually use a size 1 drop shot hook from VMC for a stick up to 6". Some might think that is small, but I find it's just big enough to peg the fish in the corner of the mouth, and just small enough to camouflage itself with the bait, and not impede the action. Speaking of action, this bait just floats in the water, its ridiculously soft and just wobbles down in front of the bass.
Another way I like to rig this stick bait is Texas rigging a 7" stick and flipping it into the pockets. It's a great way to catch some big fat bass.
For the wacky rig application, I like to use a Denali Jadewood Shakey Head rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 reel lined with 10 pound Hi-Vis Yellow McCoy braid. I will usually put on a 100% McCoy flourocarbon leader as well.
Now for what you guys are looking for, the contest info! From now until February 12th, you have the chance to name that bait. Just head over to the Angler's Choice Facebook page and comment your name idea. Heck, if you don't feel like doing that, comment below and I'll make sure your entry is passed on. You have the chance to win a pretty sweet prize pack from Angler's Choice.
Here's the link to the contest:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=606710139344712&set=a.119353908080340.21379.115845381764526&type=1&theater
Have at it and good luck everyone!
The stick bait that Angler's Choice has on the market right now comes in 4 sizes: a 4", 5", 6" and a thick fat 7" version. As with all baits from the lineup, it is salt and scent infused and is incredibly soft. A great bait to wacky rig, this bait will flutter down the water column, using the bumps to help disperse water as it falls, tempting in those chunky bass.
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| They "Mystery" Stick from Angler's Choice. Find out how you can name the bait for a chance at a prize pack! |
My, and most other anglers, favourite way to rig this bait is the good old wacky style. Simply fold the stick in half and pierce it with a hook right in the center. I actually use a size 1 drop shot hook from VMC for a stick up to 6". Some might think that is small, but I find it's just big enough to peg the fish in the corner of the mouth, and just small enough to camouflage itself with the bait, and not impede the action. Speaking of action, this bait just floats in the water, its ridiculously soft and just wobbles down in front of the bass.
Another way I like to rig this stick bait is Texas rigging a 7" stick and flipping it into the pockets. It's a great way to catch some big fat bass.
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| Wacky rigged stick baits from Angler's Choice. They'll fill your livewell I guarantee it! |
Now for what you guys are looking for, the contest info! From now until February 12th, you have the chance to name that bait. Just head over to the Angler's Choice Facebook page and comment your name idea. Heck, if you don't feel like doing that, comment below and I'll make sure your entry is passed on. You have the chance to win a pretty sweet prize pack from Angler's Choice.
Here's the link to the contest:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=606710139344712&set=a.119353908080340.21379.115845381764526&type=1&theater
Have at it and good luck everyone!
Saturday, 2 February 2013
2013 Toronto Spring Fishing & Boating Show
Well, show season is upon us, and the biggest of all the fishing shows is almost here! February 15th - 18th at the International Centre is going to be a great weekend! With the exclusive release of the Kill Shot from Angler's Choice, this show is going to be a ton of fun. With hundreds of exhibitors and free parking all weekend, why wouldn't you come check it out?
Here are the show hours:
Show Hours
Family Day Weekend!
Friday, February 15: 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, February 16: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, February 17: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday, February 18: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Here are the admission prices:
Admission
Adults: $15.00
Seniors: $12.00 ($8.00 on Friday, February 15)
Juniors: $10.00 (Ages 6 – 15)
Children Under 6: FREE*
*(when accompanied by an adult)
Here is the website link:
http://springfishingandboatshow.com/
Oh, and here ya go, a coupon for $2 off any regular priced admission! Enjoy, and come by the Angler's Choice booth to say hi and grab some Kill Shots!
Friday, 18 January 2013
My Favourite Combo
The other day I got a package in the mail from Ardent/Evercast reels (In Depth coming soon) and there is one combo that I haven't been able to put down since. I've been out in the backyard casting, in the kitchen jigging it and in the living room just holding it. It's incredibly light, yet has the cahones to bring in the biggest of bass.
That combo for me is my 7' Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel. Living in Southwestern Ontario, the majority of my bass fishing is for Smallmouth Bass. It's undoubtedly my favourite fish to target. I love dragging a tube from Angler's Choice, it's my go to bait choice when fishing for Smallies, and this combo is my tube rod combo.
The Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod is a 7' rod with a medium/heavy action and a moderate/fast tip. This is an extremely light rod that won't wear out your wrist or arm holding it all day. The medium/heavy action allows me the backbone to easily drag a tube on a 1/4 ounce tapered jig head, yet is sensitive enough with the Rosewood foregrip to feel even the lightest of bites. The moderate/fast tip allows me to safely pull that tube through weeds, rocks, sand, whatever you may be faced with, but has no problem setting the hook into the jaw of a porky Smallmouth. The cork split-grip handle finishes it all off in a light, comfortable and eye-catching way. This rod is also extremely versatile as I use it for wacky worming, shakey heads (duh), tubes and I will even use it to drag a small football head jig. Arguably, if I could only use one rod for the rest of my life, it would be this one.
The Forge spinning reel from Ardent/Evercast is a work of art. Just in terms of appearance, it has me hooked! The carbon fiber pattern is eye catching, I love the foam knob - its comfortable and looks great. The Forge 2000 has an 11+1 ball bearing system, and is frankly one of the smoothest reels I've ever laid my hands on. It has a 5.2:1 gear ratio, a lightweight aluminum bail wire, aluminum spool and a high strength aluminum forged body. It is specifically engineered for a smooth, silent retrieve, and that's exactly what it does. The 2000 series has a total weight of 9.8 ounces, and it doesn't feel heavy in your hand at all. The 2000 spool holds about 100 yards of 10 pound McCoy Braid, and I add a 6-8 foot 8 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader.
I can't wait to get out on the water and use this puppy. In fact, I will have at least two more of this exact same combo by the end of the season, I can guarantee that. I would highly recommend you check out both Denali Rods and Ardent Reels, who knows this might become your go-to combo as well! What's your favourite combo?
That combo for me is my 7' Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel. Living in Southwestern Ontario, the majority of my bass fishing is for Smallmouth Bass. It's undoubtedly my favourite fish to target. I love dragging a tube from Angler's Choice, it's my go to bait choice when fishing for Smallies, and this combo is my tube rod combo.
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| Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel |
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| My favourite rod from Denali, the Rosewood Shakey Head |
The Forge spinning reel from Ardent/Evercast is a work of art. Just in terms of appearance, it has me hooked! The carbon fiber pattern is eye catching, I love the foam knob - its comfortable and looks great. The Forge 2000 has an 11+1 ball bearing system, and is frankly one of the smoothest reels I've ever laid my hands on. It has a 5.2:1 gear ratio, a lightweight aluminum bail wire, aluminum spool and a high strength aluminum forged body. It is specifically engineered for a smooth, silent retrieve, and that's exactly what it does. The 2000 series has a total weight of 9.8 ounces, and it doesn't feel heavy in your hand at all. The 2000 spool holds about 100 yards of 10 pound McCoy Braid, and I add a 6-8 foot 8 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader.
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| A sharp looking reel, the Forge 2000 will silently, and smoothly, put that big Smallie in your livewell |
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Siebert Outdoors/Jig Fishing
I just wanted to take a few minutes to talk about an outstanding order of jigs I recently got in the mail. Mike Siebert, owner of Siebert Outdoors, makes a great jig for a great price. The colour selection for both heads and skirts is out of this world! He worked with me to get the colour combination I was looking for and was available whenever I wanted to talk jig fishing. Take a look at the picture below, just a sampling of the jigs that I ordered.
Siebert Outdoors has the entire jig spectrum available to the buyer. Arky style, football heads, big old brush jigs, swim jigs - you can get it all from them. They all come with a trim-able weedguard, and my favourite hook, the Mustand Widegap Ultra Point. Those hooks have helped me put fish in the boat and they will for you too. They've also recently started making and selling spinnerbaits as well, which are top of the line like the jigs.
Personally, I think that a jig is one of the few baits that are great at any time of the year for any type of cover. Whether you want to rig up a 3/4 ounce bullet head style jig and pitch it into the weeds, flip a 1/2 ounce arky style at a dock or isolated cover, or one of my favourite techniques, rig a 3/8 to 1/2 ounce football head and drag it along sand or rocky bottoms, the fish WILL eat this presentation. Bulking it up with a trailer is certainly the way to go. I like the Speed Bug or Flappin' Craw, both available from Angler's Choice. The jig and pig as it's called is one of the few baits that just about every single bass fisherman out there has tied on at all times.
I like to flip a jig on a 7' Denali Rosewood Worm and Jig rod, an Ardent Edge Tournament reel lined with 30-50 pound McCoy Braid, depending on the structure I'm fishing. I'll top that off with a 15-20 pound McCoy 100% flourocarbon leader. Either way, a jig is definitely a bait that you need to invest in as it will most definitely put fish in your livewell.
Check out Siebert Outdoors HERE
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| Siebert Outdoors jigs - hand tied, affordable and great colour selection |
Siebert Outdoors has the entire jig spectrum available to the buyer. Arky style, football heads, big old brush jigs, swim jigs - you can get it all from them. They all come with a trim-able weedguard, and my favourite hook, the Mustand Widegap Ultra Point. Those hooks have helped me put fish in the boat and they will for you too. They've also recently started making and selling spinnerbaits as well, which are top of the line like the jigs.
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| Tie on a jig and get ready to hold on, those bass will inhale them! |
Personally, I think that a jig is one of the few baits that are great at any time of the year for any type of cover. Whether you want to rig up a 3/4 ounce bullet head style jig and pitch it into the weeds, flip a 1/2 ounce arky style at a dock or isolated cover, or one of my favourite techniques, rig a 3/8 to 1/2 ounce football head and drag it along sand or rocky bottoms, the fish WILL eat this presentation. Bulking it up with a trailer is certainly the way to go. I like the Speed Bug or Flappin' Craw, both available from Angler's Choice. The jig and pig as it's called is one of the few baits that just about every single bass fisherman out there has tied on at all times.
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| Siebert Outdoors Okeechobee jig with a Flappin Craw in Okeechobee Craw from Angler's Choice |
I like to flip a jig on a 7' Denali Rosewood Worm and Jig rod, an Ardent Edge Tournament reel lined with 30-50 pound McCoy Braid, depending on the structure I'm fishing. I'll top that off with a 15-20 pound McCoy 100% flourocarbon leader. Either way, a jig is definitely a bait that you need to invest in as it will most definitely put fish in your livewell.
Check out Siebert Outdoors HERE
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| Check out a jig from Siebert Outdoors, tie it on your line, and prepare to catch some bass! |
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Angler's Choice In-Depth - Introducing the Kill Shot
On January 6th my friends over at rahfish.com had the opportunity to introduce a brand new drop shot bait from Angler's Choice called the Kill Shot. You can check out the review HERE and be sure to check out the tank footage HERE.
This bait is going to be your go to drop shot bait in 2013, this I can almost all but guarantee you! But before you say "yeah right!!" let's go In-Depth.
Size and Colours
The Kill Shot is available in both 3" for a pure finesse approach as well as a versatile 4" version. Available in all the colours offered by Angler's Choice, shown above are some of my favourites. Be sure to give owner Dave McCready a call if there's a custom colour you want, he will do his best to work with you on getting it matched.
My go-to colours for the Kill Shot this year will be Misty Craw, Smoke Holo, Work of Art and Smoke Purple Pearl/Silver Holo with Pearl/Silver Holo. But make sure to check out the entire colour lineup to find your go-to colour!
Action
Like the rest of the Angler's Choice lineup, the Kill Shot is made with a softness that is second to none, thus giving it an incredible action in the water. The ribbed body helps to disperse water to help call in the bass as well as expel air bubbles that have the bass dying to eat it. The spade-style tail also has lateral lines on it that give it a ridiculous up and down action in the water. The Kill Shot looks natural sitting in the water, and when you work your rod to impart some action it will bounce and shake around enticing bites from even the wariest of bass.
Technique
Since this is a drop shot bait, it's primary job will be to get tied onto a drop shot rod. I plan to give this thing a WORKOUT on the drop shot rig. I'll do that using a 7' Denali Rosewood Drop Shot rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel with 8lb McCoy 100% Flourocarbon. But like the rest of the lineup, remember that this bait is versatile. I plan on rigging it on a football jig and dragging it, a shakey head and tossing it at docks, heck I might even wacky rig it!
This bait is not available online or in stores yet, its release will be at the Toronto Spring Fishing and Boat show, Februray 15-18th 2013. Come see me or any of the other Pro Staff for this bait and we'll set you up! But make sure you get there early, this is going to the one of THE hot baits of the show.
This bait is going to be your go to drop shot bait in 2013, this I can almost all but guarantee you! But before you say "yeah right!!" let's go In-Depth.
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| Angler's Choice Kill Shot - On top is the 4", bottom is the 3" |
Size and Colours
The Kill Shot is available in both 3" for a pure finesse approach as well as a versatile 4" version. Available in all the colours offered by Angler's Choice, shown above are some of my favourites. Be sure to give owner Dave McCready a call if there's a custom colour you want, he will do his best to work with you on getting it matched.
My go-to colours for the Kill Shot this year will be Misty Craw, Smoke Holo, Work of Art and Smoke Purple Pearl/Silver Holo with Pearl/Silver Holo. But make sure to check out the entire colour lineup to find your go-to colour!
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| Top L to R: Misty Craw & Smoke Holo. Bottom L to R: Work of Art, Smoke Purple Holo |
Action
Like the rest of the Angler's Choice lineup, the Kill Shot is made with a softness that is second to none, thus giving it an incredible action in the water. The ribbed body helps to disperse water to help call in the bass as well as expel air bubbles that have the bass dying to eat it. The spade-style tail also has lateral lines on it that give it a ridiculous up and down action in the water. The Kill Shot looks natural sitting in the water, and when you work your rod to impart some action it will bounce and shake around enticing bites from even the wariest of bass.
Technique
Since this is a drop shot bait, it's primary job will be to get tied onto a drop shot rod. I plan to give this thing a WORKOUT on the drop shot rig. I'll do that using a 7' Denali Rosewood Drop Shot rod paired with an Ardent/Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel with 8lb McCoy 100% Flourocarbon. But like the rest of the lineup, remember that this bait is versatile. I plan on rigging it on a football jig and dragging it, a shakey head and tossing it at docks, heck I might even wacky rig it!
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| A 4" Emerald Shiner rigged on a VMC Spin Shot hook with a 1/4 ounce drop shot weight |
This bait is not available online or in stores yet, its release will be at the Toronto Spring Fishing and Boat show, Februray 15-18th 2013. Come see me or any of the other Pro Staff for this bait and we'll set you up! But make sure you get there early, this is going to the one of THE hot baits of the show.
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Angler's Choice In-Depth - Speed Bug
I wanted to write an entry on the Angler's Choice lineup, but rather then have one giant entry, I decided to go in-depth on each bait. This way I can go deeper into rigging, techniques, equipment and other ways to help you boat the bass of a lifetime.
Todays In-Depth entry is going to focus on the Speed Bug. Far and away one of my favourite baits in the Angler's Choice lineup, this little guy is versatility at its best. Texas rig, drag on a football head jig, drop shot or rigged on a shakey head, this is going to help me put fish in the boat during the 2013 tournament season. Let's take a look at this outstanding bait.
The Speed Bug is a craw imitation bait that is excellent for finesse situations. It's an incredibly soft bait that is full of that stinky scent we all love our soft plastics smelling like. I love to rig this one of three ways: shakey head, drop shot and texas rigged on a Fin-Tech football head jig. Coming in many colours, this small, compact bait is also great as a jig trailer and flipped or pitched under docks, into weeds or at isolated cover. My go-to colours for this bait are the Texas Man Handler, Okeechobee Craw and anything green with some flake in it.
Draggin a Football Head
This would have to be my favourite way to present this bait. I rig it on a 1/4 or 3/8 Fin-Tech football head jig. The great thing about the Fin-Tech jig is the 100% weedless rigging style. What I like to do is then drag this along the bottom, preferably rock or sandy bottoms with a little weed. It does an excellent job of mimicking a feeding craw (imagine that!).
For this application, I like to use a 7' Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod. It has a medium heavy action with a moderate fast tip, giving you backbone you need to pull in those tank smallmouth. I'll use 20 pound McCoy braid with a 12 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader. To horse in those smallies, I'll round it out with an Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel from Ardent.
Shakey Head Speed Buggin'
A fun way to rig the Angler's Choice Speed Bug is on a shakey head. Above, I have it rigged on a 1/8th screw in shakey head jig. I would use this on a flat with isolted cover, or pitch at docks along the shoreline. What I'm trying to do with this is put it right on top of the lockjaw bass so they just SLURP it up.
In terms of gear, I throw this bad boy on a 7' Denali Jadewood Shakey Head rod, or even the 7' Drop Shot rod. I'll have 10 pound McCoy braid rigged on an Evercast Edgewater 2000 spinning reel, with an 8 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader. I downsize the gear as I use this in more of a finesse application.
Drop Shottin' for Smallies
If you like drop shotting, and let's face it, all of us Smallie guys do, then give this a try. Rig a Speed Bug up on your drop shot and get ready for a good old fashioned case of bass thumb!
I use a 7' Denali Rosewood Drop Shot rod with an Evercast Forge 2000 reel from Ardent. I'll use straight 8 or 10 pound McCoy 100% Flourcarbon. I mostly use a VMC spin shot hook with a 10-12 inch leader to a 1/4 ounce drop shot pencil weight.
Well there you have it. Do yourself a favour and pick up some Speed Bugs from Angler's Choice. I can flat out tell you that the fish love 'em and will eat 'em! Head on over to www.anglerschoice.ca today!
Todays In-Depth entry is going to focus on the Speed Bug. Far and away one of my favourite baits in the Angler's Choice lineup, this little guy is versatility at its best. Texas rig, drag on a football head jig, drop shot or rigged on a shakey head, this is going to help me put fish in the boat during the 2013 tournament season. Let's take a look at this outstanding bait.
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| My three favourite Speed Bug rigs. Clockwise from top: Shakey Head, Drop Shot, Fin-Tech Football Head Jig |
The Speed Bug is a craw imitation bait that is excellent for finesse situations. It's an incredibly soft bait that is full of that stinky scent we all love our soft plastics smelling like. I love to rig this one of three ways: shakey head, drop shot and texas rigged on a Fin-Tech football head jig. Coming in many colours, this small, compact bait is also great as a jig trailer and flipped or pitched under docks, into weeds or at isolated cover. My go-to colours for this bait are the Texas Man Handler, Okeechobee Craw and anything green with some flake in it.
Draggin a Football Head
This would have to be my favourite way to present this bait. I rig it on a 1/4 or 3/8 Fin-Tech football head jig. The great thing about the Fin-Tech jig is the 100% weedless rigging style. What I like to do is then drag this along the bottom, preferably rock or sandy bottoms with a little weed. It does an excellent job of mimicking a feeding craw (imagine that!).
For this application, I like to use a 7' Denali Rosewood Shakey Head rod. It has a medium heavy action with a moderate fast tip, giving you backbone you need to pull in those tank smallmouth. I'll use 20 pound McCoy braid with a 12 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader. To horse in those smallies, I'll round it out with an Evercast Forge 2000 spinning reel from Ardent.
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| Top: Fin-Tech football head jig with a TMH Speedbug. Bottom: Shakey head in TMH |
Shakey Head Speed Buggin'
A fun way to rig the Angler's Choice Speed Bug is on a shakey head. Above, I have it rigged on a 1/8th screw in shakey head jig. I would use this on a flat with isolted cover, or pitch at docks along the shoreline. What I'm trying to do with this is put it right on top of the lockjaw bass so they just SLURP it up.
In terms of gear, I throw this bad boy on a 7' Denali Jadewood Shakey Head rod, or even the 7' Drop Shot rod. I'll have 10 pound McCoy braid rigged on an Evercast Edgewater 2000 spinning reel, with an 8 pound McCoy 100% Flourocarbon leader. I downsize the gear as I use this in more of a finesse application.
Drop Shottin' for Smallies
If you like drop shotting, and let's face it, all of us Smallie guys do, then give this a try. Rig a Speed Bug up on your drop shot and get ready for a good old fashioned case of bass thumb!
I use a 7' Denali Rosewood Drop Shot rod with an Evercast Forge 2000 reel from Ardent. I'll use straight 8 or 10 pound McCoy 100% Flourcarbon. I mostly use a VMC spin shot hook with a 10-12 inch leader to a 1/4 ounce drop shot pencil weight.
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| Drop Shottin for Speed Bug Smallies |
Well there you have it. Do yourself a favour and pick up some Speed Bugs from Angler's Choice. I can flat out tell you that the fish love 'em and will eat 'em! Head on over to www.anglerschoice.ca today!
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| One of the many bass catching colours offered by Angler's Choice - Texas Man Handler |
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