There is always an ongoing heated debate on C & R (catch and release) within the ultralight fishing community. The debate usually centers on whether or not catch and release is better than just fishing for a meal. C & R is all about enjoying the outdoors and nature with the thrill of catching a fish every now and again.

What the average angler does with the fish often depends on a variety of factors that are not always as simple as good or bad. Some anglers believe that every fish that is caught should always be released, while others believe just the opposite. Some anglers believe the catching of fish just to release them back into their natural habitat is a cruel gesture and that if a fish is to be caught, it should be consumed.

Other anglers believe both things, and that the sport of fishing is a fundamental way to enjoy free time, and that consuming a fish one catches is a great way to feed oneself. Catch and release is also a popular practice in the sport of ultralight fishing. For some ultralight fishing enthusiasts, they just don’t like the fish however that shouldn’t stop them enjoying the thrill of the catch.

photo credit: Aquila-chrysaetos via photopin cc

Rethinking the Slot Limit

The enjoyment of catch and release has quickly become a major concern for many biologists and fishery managers. In all honesty, C & R has been under significant scrutiny for a long time. Fishery biologists make claims that the only sure way a “slot limit” can really work when managing a lake, is by eating the captured smaller fish (fish under the slot limit) in significant quantities. However, that goes against the current trends with those associated with bass fishing.

It is the biologists’ beliefs that by promoting catch and release as an efficient fishery plan there would be a balance in the amount of fish that are killed for food, and no fishing simply for sport. As a result though, catch and release has become an anglers dream, were few keep the fish they catch.

photo credit: Duncan Rawlinson. Duncan.co via photopin cc

C & R Can Create a Negative Impact

Recent research has indicated that catch and release can have a negative impact over the long term. Smaller fish that tend to be aggressive can quickly consume most of the food resources and leave the larger fish without a food supply. Biologists are quick to claim that smaller fish tend to forage quicker and more often, based on their size, then they are worth in the value of the lake community. As a result, large fish are left with less food resources and will not grow nearly as quickly as they do under premium conditions when there is a large source of food to consume.

New studies are indicating that imposed limits are not working quite as efficiently as once believed. Some biologists believe that the way to catch and release system is set up currently; the process might be stimulating an undesired evolution of a variety of fish. Additionally, the process of catch and release is helping to teach fish exactly how to avoid being captured the next time.

Fish Are Becoming Smarter

There are studies that are indicating that many fish, including bass, tend to become smarter, after being captured on a lure. Experience teaches them ways of not being so easily caught a second time.

Striking the perfect balance between killing and C & R (catch and release) involves the process of creating a selective harvest that is more natural. However, this likely will not be easy to accomplish. Anglers are not inclined to keep every fish caught on a single day, and will need to understand the new ethics involved in properly managing the lake.

However, to be successful will require some type of compromise. One way to do this is to train new anglers and get them involved in the sport. Throwing back the little ones, just to keep the large ones will need to be avoided in the future. As new anglers seek to enjoy the sport more than just capturing the “designer” fish will help manage the waters.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

There are only a few things more annoying than seeing corrosion and rust crusted all over your ultralight fishing reel and lures. Properly maintaining fishing tackle is the best way to ensure the gear is in proper working condition for a long time. Routine maintenance can also help maximize every piece of gear’s resale value when the angler wants to sell it to purchase something newer or better.

Ultralight fishing gear is exposed to all types of harsh conditions including the sun, salt, water, wind and sand. Every one of these elements has the ability to quickly corrode nearly everything in the tackle box along with the rod and reel. There are a few simple steps that can be taken to fully protect the ultralight fishing tackle and eliminate the possibility of having it malfunction at the time when it truly counts. While these steps are not foolproof, they certainly have the ability to extend the length of time the gear will last.

photo credit: maskedcard via photopin cc

Fishing Reel Maintenance

It is essential to minimize the ultralight fishing reel’s direct exposure to salt water and sand. While it might seem obvious not to simply lay down the rod and reel on a sandy beach, there are other occurrences that can expose the equipment to these harsh conditions. Windy days can continually expose the reel to the high volumes of sea spray when the boat is moving. The salt water can penetrate deep into the workings or line of the fishing reel.

Without providing gentle care, it is easy to knock the reel around, hitting hard objects and rocks. This has a tendency to weaken the reel’s frame which can easily encourage the formation of rust or corrosion.

After fishing, it is important to lightly spray the rod and reel to remove any accumulated sand, salt or other harmful elements that might have collected on the line or in the reel. A light spraying can be accomplished using a hose and setting it to a light mist. Some anglers choose to thoroughly rinse them off after dunking them in a bucket of water that has a small amount of soap.

It is essential not to loosen the reel’s drag before washing it off. Additionally, applying high pressurized water can surely blast the salt or sand deeper into the fishing reel, defeating the entire purpose of keeping it clean.

An Aerosol Corrosion Inhibitor

photo credit: FHKE via photopin cc

After the thorough cleaning, or light misting spray, it is imperative to dry it completely using a rag. Additionally, spinning the handle five or 10 times to flick off the remaining water can help a dry quicker. Lightly spraying an aerosol corrosion inhibitor or lubricant and wiping it down using a clean rag can maximize its longevity while inhibiting rust and corrosion.

Once completed, it is important to leave the ultralight fishing reel in an area that is open to the air. This will allow it to fully dry. Understand that there will be places in the reel that are inaccessible to dry with a cloth. If the angler is used to storing the reel away in a neoprene cover, or a box, it is important to keep it uncovered for a few days (based on the temperature and humidity) before putting it in storage. Even the slightest moisture still left inside the reel can hinder the drying process.

Proper maintenance should include taking the reel to a local fish tackle store for complete servicing at least once every year. This will ensure that all of the internal components have been fully maintained, and that it is in proper working order, when it matters most, while out spending the day fishing.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Every year, all across North America, anglers participate in the seemingly endless number of derbies and ultralight fishing tournaments. The tournaments are often focused on catch and release, while the derbies typically require or allow the fish caught to be kept. Most tournaments are local one-day events while some others, primarily walleye and bass tournaments, are popular circuit events were the champions are often series winners at multiple events.

photo credit: virtva via photopin cc

The Amateur Angler

Fortunately, there are rich sources of wonderful fishing environments located all across the United States and Canada. Because of that, anglers do not have to go far to find a local ultralight fishing tournament. Any town in North America with a body of water close by will usually have a fishing tournament. Many of these local ultralight fishing events are sponsored by local clubs while others are national or regional circuit events that are held annually or semiannually.

The ideal way to get into tournament ultralight fishing is to begin as an amateur individually, or as a team member. In any event, it is best not to take the position of needing to operate the tournament boat. This will provide the amateur the opportunity to focus primarily on learning better ultralight fishing skills from any member of the team that has more experience.

Many times, new tournament participants will often feel the pressure because of the money involved. However, when participating in an ultralight fishing tournament, you will be essentially dealing with fishing conditions, the day’s weather, any experienced or inexperienced fishing partners, and the clock, all of which are out of the amateur’s control.

Being a non-boater or co-angler allows the amateur to stay close to the team’s more experienced anglers. It will provide the opportunity to see exactly how experienced fishermen handle the work conditions and the pressure instead of letting any of the uncontrollable conditions work against their favor.

Many of these ultralight fishing tournaments have the advantage of allowing the amateur and the pros to combine their catches rather than simply weighing the fish the pros caught separately from what the amateur catches. These types of tournaments offer the ability for the team to be the winner of their division even if the amateur has not caught a single fish, and can rely on the partner’s catches entirely.

photo credit: virtva via photopin cc

Selecting a Partner

Selecting the best partner can make all the difference in winning or losing an ultralight fishing tournament. It will also include the need to set aside much time for practice. The best partner will also be one with a personality that blends well with the amateur, especially under difficult and high pressure conditions. Having the right kind of chemistry will provide the opportunity to trust one another when seeking the best opportunities for maximizing the number and size of fish caught.

The chemistry shared between the beginning amateur and the experienced angler will focus on the patterns of how each one fishes. If both anglers are comfortable casting their lines off the bow of the boat, they will likely be in the others way. Selecting a partner that can complement each angler’s fishing style is better than one that simply mirrors it.

Finding the Tournaments

Seeking out community ultralight fishing tournaments is easy. Simply asking about tournaments at the local tackle store will usually point the amateur toward all the available local clubs. There are also circuit tours for bass anglers that have relatively low entry fees and quality sponsors.

In the United States alone, there are well over 500 tournaments held every year. Many of the national championships invite anglers that have participated in at least five tournaments in a year, and end up listed with the highest points (typically the top 500 high scorers).

Participating in an ultralight fishing tournament can be an enjoyable experience filled with the competitive spirit, while making new friends.

Here are just a few links for some popular ultralight fishing tournaments throughout the USA:

Crappie USA
Host various Crappie tournaments which are a great introduction to ultralight fishing tournaments.

USA Bassin
U.S.A. BASSIN is a fishing team tournament trail, catering to the weekend angler and our youth.

Bounty Fishing
A tournament with a different spin where you can compete from anywhere!

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Ultralight fishing with soft plastics is one of my favorite methods for catching a lot of largemouth bass, as well as larger fish in a wide variety of other species such as Crappie, Bluegill, Shellcrackers, and even Catfish. To switch out baits when you’re fishing with soft plastics, all you have to do is remove the bait that’s already hooked up, and swap it out for a new color or style, and you’re back to fishing within 30 seconds. Other types of baits require you to cut the line and retie if you want to change colors, or lure styles for a slightly different presentation. Listed below are 5 of my favorite soft plastics for ultralight fishing.

Zoom Super Fluke Jr.

When the fish are in an active mood, I will usually reach for a Zoom Super Fluke Jr. Rigging this soft plastic weightless is one of the best ways to give it a lifelike action. If it is windy when you’re fishing you can attach a small split shot directly in front of the bait to get it further out, and help give it a more aggressive action coming through the water. My favorite colors are black, Shad, and Green Pumpkin, depending on what forage species are in the waters you’re on.

3″ Yamamoto Senkos

The Yamamoto Senkos quickly made a name for themselves in the professional tournament circuit because of the much larger average fish size that they accounted for. The same thing holds true with the smaller 3″ versions. The baits are incredibly lightweight, and slightly under 3″ which makes them a perfect fit on a 1/0 wide gap hook tied to ultralight fishing line. You can cast the bait out, and if something doesn’t hit it on the fall, you can shimmy it a few times and allow it to sit. The fish will usually grab it after it gets done shaking and begins wiggling its way back onto the bottom.

Zoom 4″ Finesse Worms

Soft plastic worms were one of the original artificial baits used by anglers. To this day they still account for more fish than practically any other type of lure, soft or hard. When I have a 1/0 wide gap hook tied on, I love using Zoom’s 4″ plastic Finesse Worms. They feature the same action as the larger trick worms, which means you can work them back to you weightless, just under the surface, or with a small split shot in front of them, bouncing along the bottom, banging into light cover.

Berkley Gulp 1.5″ Grubs

If the fish are in a passive, or neutral mood, usually from a cold front passing through, I’ll go to a much smaller profile Berkley Gulp 1.5″ swimming or jigging grub. When you hook the grub onto a 1/8 or 1/16 ounce jighead and bounce them along the bottom, the smaller design helps to entice fish into biting that normally wouldn’t hit other, larger lures. The slim profile helps them cast for incredibly long distances, and I believe that the extra Gulp “sauce” helps the light lipped fish hold onto them, giving you time to sweep the hookset.

Zoom 4″ Lizards

During the spring time I reach for Zoom’s 4″ lizards if I know that the largemouth bass are spawning in the waters I’m on. These little lizards can take some incredibly huge fish, as long as you are patient, and are able to focus 100% of your efforts on watching the line for small movements. Small lizards are one of the biggest predators of largemouth bass eggs after they have spawned, which makes these an excellent bait to use to entice strikes when other baits won’t accomplish it. When you are fishing the lizards in this fashion, though, you usually will not get the fish to bite, but rather they will suck the lure into their mouth and move it away from the bed of eggs. That means you have to be quick on your toes if you want to get a solid hookset.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

You may be someone who enjoys ultralight fishing for the pure sport or alternatively you may be trying to put food on the table or maybe you enjoy ultralight fishing for both of these reasons. No matter what species you are targeting, you want to ensure that you are getting the most flesh from the bone as possible. There are plenty of ways to prepare fish for the table however one of the most popular methods which we are going to cover is filleting.

photo credit: noodlepie via photopin cc

It takes a trained touch to properly fillet a fish. When performed correctly, it can produce a high quantity of meat that contains no bones. Once an individual fully understands and can perform a quality filleting, they can quickly prepare a fish in no time.
There are not many things in this world that can beat the enjoyable flavor of eating fresh fish. However, to ensure that the caught fish maintains its flavor requires proper care.

Fish is an extremely perishable meat. To ensure that it stays fresh means that it should remain alive as long as absolutely possible, before the filleting process begins. Anglers can keep their catch fresh by using a fish basket, a live well (in a boat) or a good stringer. The ideal way to maximize fish freshness is to keep the fish directly on crushed or cubed ice.

The Ideal Knife

To properly fillet a fish requires a good knife designed specifically for filleting. It is usually crafted as a flexible, thin long blade. Anglers can locate a quality filleting knife at a department store, or sporting goods store that sells fillet knives. It should be of quality, so that it maintains its sharpness after repeated uses. To begin the filleting process requires a flat, smooth board to work as the ideal cutting surface. Many experienced anglers use a canoe paddle when filleting a fish to enjoy at lunchtime, while on a fishing adventure.

The ideal sportsmen will understand exactly how the bone structure of a freshwater or ocean fish is designed, to help them in the filleting process. It is important the fish be dead before the process of filleting begins. This will help avoid any type of injury by the fish moving around. To ensure the fish is dead, simply make a cut just behind the cover of the gill without cutting through it.

Filleting a Fish

The process of filleting a fish includes:

• Using the filleting knife, cut the fish’s head off at a position just behind its gills.

• Holding the fish by the tail, take the blade of the knife and eat it away from you. Start cutting toward the fish’s head (where it once was), while using the fish’s backbone as an effective guide for the knife.

• The easiest way to remove the skin is to hold a fillet knife and the fish’s tail with the skin side down. With the knife in a crosswise position insert it between the flesh and the skin (no one will be able to do this perfectly the first time). By carefully holding the skin, take the knife and move it toward where the head used to be. This process is more difficult when performed on larger fish.

photo credit: mrjorgen via photopin cc

Contaminants

Many times, significant levels of contaminants can be found in the fish’s fat. By properly skinning, trimming and fully cooking the catch, many of these contaminants can be reduced. This often requires the process of trimming and skinning away nearly all of the fat located in the flap of the belly and along both sides of the fish. Additionally, fat can be found along the fish’s back and directly under its skin. All dark fatty tissue should be removed.

It should be noted that simply cooking the fish will not destroy any of the contaminants in the fish. However, the heating process will melt much of the fat and allow the contaminants to drip away. Therefore, baking, grilling and broiling skinned fish using a rack will help the melted fat drip away. The drippings of the fish should never be used as a way to prepare gravies or sauces.

As ultralight fishing continues to be one of the most favorite outdoor activities, it is important to understand the proper way of filleting a fish to fully enjoy every catch.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Which is the best method for catching freshwater fish using ultralight fishing gear- bait or artificial lures? This is a question that different anglers will have different answers for. The short answer is that both methods are great ways to catch fish. The long answer depends on the specific fishing situation. In certain situations you will have more luck if you use bait and in other situations artificial lures are the way to go. Whether you want to fish with bait or lures will also depend on your personal preferences as an angler.

Artificial Lures

There are many different types of artificial lures, including crank baits, swim baits, jerk baits, spinner baits, plastics, jig heads, tube jigs and much more. These lures are often made of plastic or a gel-like material and they move in a way that is similar to a real prey item. You can successfully catch all species of freshwater fish using artificial lures. You can control their speed and their presentation to mimic swimming schools of baitfish or a single injured baitfish. They come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, styles and types. They can be used to represent a specific type of prey, such as a baitfish, crayfish, insect or other food item, or they can be very general to mimic several types of prey at once. Some artificial lures don’t mimic anything specific, but are bright and flashy enough to trigger strikes by fish.

photo credit: C. J. Vizzone via photopin cc

There are several advantages to using artificial lures when ultralight fishing. The first advantage is that you don’t have to handle smelly, stinky and nasty bait. You also don’t have to buy your bait ahead of time and worry about it dying while you are fishing. You can use a variety of fishing techniques and presentations with artificial lures as well. If one technique isn’t producing results you can always try another lure or presentation method. It is easy to carry lots of different lures with you when you go fishing. Carrying around different types of bait can be rather tricky, especially if you are wade fishing. One disadvantage to lures is that while they look good, they don’t actually smell like bait. You can add artificial scents to some lures however. Lures are also highly complimentary to ultralight fishing gear as the light weight rods, reels and lines let’s you have greater feel and control over the action.

Bait

There are many different kinds of bait that can be used for freshwater fishing. This includes live bait like minnows, worms or scuds, or cut bait such as chicken livers or cut fish. You can also purchase artificial baits. Bait can be a very effective way to catch all species of freshwater game fish, because it smells like the food many fish are looking to eat. Catfish are especially vulnerable to bait. Live or cut bait can be fished with a bobber, slip bobber, along the water’s bottom or it can drift along with the current. Sometimes you can actively fish with bait, such as when you are in a current or when you are throwing a live minnow, and other times you can place some stinky bait on the bottom of the water and wait for something to find it.

photo credit: Leonard John Matthews via photopin cc

You will have a lot of options when it comes to cut bait. Bait does have to be purchased or caught ahead of time, and it may die during transport or before you get the chance to fish with it. Probably the biggest disadvantage of bait for a majority of anglers is the gross out factor. Some anglers simply don’t enjoy gut hooking a live minnow or impaling a worm on a hook.

The decision of whether to use live or dead bait or to go with an artificial lure will be up to the angler. Some will use both at the same time. Both techniques can produce great results, so it is really up to you which one you want to use. A serious ultralight fishing enthusiast may swear by lures because this is a much more intense style of fishing, where your patience and skill are rewarded. However if you just want to dangle a line whilst nursing a beer, bait may be the answer!

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Anyone that is properly prepared for their ultralight fishing holiday will return back home from their exciting adventure more relaxed than they have felt in years. The outdoor adventure will provide the ultimate experience while spending time in some of the most beautiful bodies of water available in nature. The holiday experience will provide a chance to be one with nature while observing great scenery. Ultralight Fishing offers the opportunity to focus solely on the experience and leave every day cares behind.

photo credit: KimmerKC via photopin cc

Taking a holiday to enjoy an ultralight fishing adventure will offer fun and excitement along with a much-needed rest. For the most relaxed adventure, it is important to develop a holiday checklist to ensure that you bring along everything necessary for your trip. While it is not imperative to bring along everything on the list, nor does it represent the ideal comprehensive guide, experienced anglers want to make sure they have everything necessary to be ready for nearly any type of experience on the water.

Fly Fishing Tackle

photo credit: helti via photopin cc

When traveling, rod tubes are known to fare much better during transit than other varieties. Additional fly fishing tackle to take along on the holiday includes:

• Reels & line
• Leaders
• Tippets
• Flies
• Bite indicators

Cat Fishing Tackle

• Rod, reel and line – any line rated 10 kg or less breaking strength will minimize the potential for landing large fish.
• Bait casting reels
• Large spinning reels
• Miscellaneous tackle – i.e. bite alarms
• Barrel weights, pencil weights, cork balls, 3-swivels
• Float/bobber for live bait

Lure Fishing Tackle

photo credit: revjdevans via photopin cc

It is important to use a spinning rod that is crafted with a high level of flexibility. This will provide the opportunity to cast the lure at an effective distance. The longer the rod, the farther it will cast creating a longer trace, which could be a significant advantage for capturing large fish in clear water. The tackle you will need to bring along include:

• Reels & line
• Lure connections that minimize tangles and produce a more natural appearance
• Spinner louvers (spoons)
• Plugs
• Feathers
• Look-alikes

Clothing

Obviously, the type of clothing that needs to be taken will be highly dependent on exactly where the fishing destination is located. It will also involve the time of year, and whether or not the fishing adventure will be on land, on a boat, or in the wading waters.

• Fishing jacket
• Waterproof jacket
• Gloves,
• Windproof jacket
• Undershirts
• Towels and toiletries
• Reading material
• Knife
• First aid kit and medications
• Comfortable pants
• Cell phone
• Hiking boots
• Plenty of comfortable, warm socks
• Down vest/jacket
• Hats

Miscellaneous Fishing Tackle

photo credit: KyleWiTh via photopin cc

No matter what type of fishing you will be experiencing on your holiday, it is important to bring along a specific variety of miscellaneous fishing tackle. These include:

• Line clippers
• Pliers
• Waders
• Polarized glasses
• Wader boots

You do not need to be a diehard fishing fanatic to enjoy the experience. Fishing in the beautiful waters is a sport that is accessible to every individual of varying skill levels. By being prepared, and having the right equipment, every member of the party will have the opportunity for the big catch and a lifetime of memories of the rich and rewarding ultralight fishing experience.

Many individuals enjoy fishing holidays as a way to meet individuals that have similar interests. It is important to take the time and fully prepare for the adventure, to ensure you have everything you need for the trip. This includes all of your tackle, rods and reels, along with the proper clothing that is ideally suited for the weather you will experience while on holiday. Adding too much, or redundant items, is much better than not having enough, or worse, leaving something behind.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

For the experienced ultralight fisherman or beginning novice, the US has some of the most phenomenal fishing destinations in the world. Here are the top five ultralight fishing destinations.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The salt marsh estuary on Kiawah Island provides an idyllic environment for world-class site fishing in shallow waters. The area is available year-round. During the months of late spring into the last days of summer, trout and redfish start their seasonal trek as they head back to the river seeking their natural prey residing along the edge of the river. During the colder months of the year, the water along the salt marsh will clear. This is when the island’s redfish will relocate in large schools to the area’s flats. They do this because of the warmth provided by the shallow waters, and as a safeguard from dolphin.

Port O’Connor, Texas

Situated on Texas’ middle coast, Port O’Connor provides one of the ultimate sight cast adventures in the US. Its clear water flats provide weight fishing opportunities, or sight fishing off of a skiff boat. The endless miles of Texas water flats are position all along the backwater lakes, and dozens of isolated islands. Fly fishermen visit from all corners of the globe to enjoy casting for reds. Usually, August and September offers quality red catching. However, with premium weather year-round, opportunities abound for the fisherman eager to work their ultralight equipment or fly rod.

Port Charlotte, Florida

Port Charlotte, Florida offers one of the most exciting and challenging types of flat fishing in the entire state. The high level of sight fishing experiences offers an extreme adventure. The water is clear enough to quickly identify every target, and judge its movement rate and direction. It offers a high level of precision fly fishing with the need to react lightning fast to capture your target. Even the most inexperienced fly fisherman is rewarded with an impressive strike. Using ultralight tackle, fisherman typically utilize weed less spoons, small jigs, flies, jerk baits (soft plastic) and jumbo shrimp.

Missoula, Montana

The state of Montana has some of the most phenomenal sight fishing available in the United States. Much of the area is undisturbed, with pristine waters filled with natural wildlife and plant life. The lakes, rivers and streams all throughout the area provide the ultimate experience for a hard-core angler. Many of the regions along the glacier country in Montana offer easy accessibility for the diehard fisherman, or casual angler. The location where the Clark Fork River meets the Blackfoot River offers some of the best experiences for sight fishing, located just minutes outside of downtown Missoula. Farther north, in Lincoln County, is an even more phenomenal fishing experience that offers both wading and shoreline fishing along the Kootenai River.

Clear Lake, Washington

From late April, to the end of October, both serious and novice anglers can enjoy a variety of trout, black crappie and largemouth bass fishing using ultralight tackle. The Brown Trout fishing is best experienced during the month of October, at Clear Lake, when the trout travel to forage while preparing for their spawning in the late part of the fall.

The finesse and delicate touch involved in ultralight fishing requires the best equipment and the perfect timing. Using a lightweight, short rod, the task of outwitting a fish in shallow waters requires identifying the target and a lightning fast release.

Experienced anglers know the proper way of sneaking up on their selected target, and making the perfect little splash across the surface of the water. When the lure provides an almost perfect natural arrival on the water surface, the unsuspecting fish is lured to the angler’s line. The United States offer some of the most phenomenal ultralight fishing opportunities anywhere in the world.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Ultralight fishing can be taken to a whole new level if you are lucky enough to own a tournament style fishing boat. These types of power boats are generally built for speed and stability and are perfect for targeting ultralight fishing species in various waterways and dams. A tournament style power boat will be equipped with a trolling motor at the front (the bow) and an outboard motor on the back (the stern). Most tournament style boats generally can easily move through the water because they are crafted with a sleek profile that sits low in the water. Most are constructed to accommodate up to three anglers that can either stand, or sit in swivel chairs during competition.

While most tournament style fishing power boats range between 16 feet and 18 feet, there are tournament style boats that are much longer (up to 25 feet). Often fabricated out of fiberglass or aluminum, they all contain a live well that uses recirculating water to effectively keep the catch alive.

Not sure where to start? Here’s a brief look at 5 popular power boats perfect for ultralight fishing.

#1 Crestliner VT

One of the most popular tournament style power boats available is the Crestliner VT. This sleek design is available in both a 17 foot a 19 foot model. It offers top-of-the-line performance, and maximum horsepower. As an aluminum boat, it offers optimal gear storage with its enhanced quality constructed structure. It comes complete with an aerated live well (30 gallons) situated behind the cockpit. The live well is constructed with dividers to separate the caught fish.

#2 Tracker 190 TX

For the serious angler, the professional grade tournament style Tracker 190 TX has a larger deck area with significant power. At nearly 19 feet long, it offers a trolling motor, onboard battery charger, and aerated live well (16 gallon), with a Mercury outboard motor (90 hp). Its all-welded aluminum frame and trolling motor (45 pound thrust) is ideal for moving into the tightest undisturbed areas when fishing.

#3 Larson FX 2020

Using the latest technology, the Larson FX 2020 offer serious anglers a tournament style power boat. It features two aerated live wells (18 gallon-bow, 29 gallon-aft), trolling motor, rod lockers, and fish finders. This dual console boat has an integrated designed fiberglass floor that accommodates two fishing seats with six well-positioned bases.

#4 Rangers Z522 Comanche

The 22’4” Rangers Z522 Comanche is a top-of-the-line tournament style power boat design for the serious angler. It offers extended deck space, a larger fuel capacity, and lockable storage. With 300 horses, and 58 gallons of fuel, this boat can take the angler anywhere they need to go. The interior is one large superstructure crafted out of fiberglass. It has an onboard battery charger and a 26 gallon aerated live well, polished trim (aluminum), rod buckets (retractable), and a carpeted floor deck step.

#5 Nitro Z9

The Nitro Z9 is nearly 21 feet in length, with a 96 inch beam. This high level professional grade tournament style power boat is the top-selling choice bass boat. Dominating tournaments for years, Nitro offers every amenity needed on the water. It has two rod lockers with lighting, an aft folding chair and a bicycle seat located on the bow. Its trolling motor provides 80 pounds of thrust. It has an in dash fish finder and GPS, along with a re-boarding ladder (fold-down). Its two onboard insulated aerated live wells (20 gallons each) are built with continuous water circulators, oxygen generators, pump out systems and timers. This high-end, high-performance tournament style power boat has every desirable feature for the serious angler that enjoys tournament fishing.

These boats are made with the finest materials available. They offer tournament style angling with the optimal features required for competitive fishing. With wider beams, and quality features that become an integral part of the boat, anglers can have a better overall experience at a professional level. For generations, competitors have used the best fishing equipment available for fun, relaxation, practice and tournament play.

Take your ultralight fishing obsession to the next level with one of these beautiful machines!

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Dams can provide great ultralight fishing experiences. For starters, a large dam will often act as a barrier that prevents fish from going any further upstream. Dams also create deep water that is full of oxygen, which is great for producing large fish. There also tends to be a lot of food for fish to eat at the base of a dam. This means that the base of a dam can be a great place to locate large fish, but dam fishing is not without its difficulties. Dams often receive a lot of fishing pressure, meaning fish might be wise to most ultralight fishing techniques and difficult to hook. Also, dams can sometimes release water very quickly, meaning that all fishermen who are near a dam should be aware of the potential of fast rises in water.

photo credit: Steve took it via photopin cc

Where to Fish a Dam

The best places to fish the base of a dam are going to be where the water is the fastest and deepest. Odds are the fish will be actively feeding in these areas. Use a fast moving bait designed for actively feeding fish, such as crankbaits, inline spinning lures and soft plastic lures. Live minnows and other baits also work well in these situations. Fish like the current because it brings them food, but they also don’t want to waste too much of their energy constantly fighting it. This means that spots that provide cover from the current but still allow the fish to access the food the current brings them are going to hold the largest lunkers. Examples of these features could include where slow and fast water meets, where a log has fallen in the water or behind large boulders in the current. Fish above, below, and next to these features to lure out the big boys. Bait works especially well in the transition zones between slow and fast water.

Other Places to Fish

Another good place to locate fish near a dam is in the first deep pool that you can find downstream of the dam. This spot provides an area of protection for fish when they are not actively feeding. You will find fish resting in these deeper pools. They can be very productive during a cold front. Because these fish are resting they will not be actively feeding, so your fishing tactics should be different. You can use a scented bait or soft plastic to encourage the fish to bite. This ultralight fishing technique requires that you allow your lure or bait to very slowly drop down into the hole. The lure or bait should slowly drift along with the current, bouncing along the bottom occasionally. You may let it sit in a single spot for a few minutes before letting it continue to slowly drift. The idea is to create an enticing food offer that sits directly in front of the fish’s face, until they can’t resist eating it. Then you hook them.

photo credit: Mike_tn via photopin cc

The slow technique is often effective for getting resting fish to eat your bait or lure, but you can also create an aggressive reaction strike to get a fish to take your hook. The idea behind this technique is to present something so enticing to a fish that it provokes a reaction strike, regardless of whether or not the fish is actually hungry. You will typically use a lure that moves quickly and gathers a lot of attention from the fish. A fast moving spinner bait for example will often get a fish’s attention and cause them to strike it before they even get a chance to think about if they should attack it. They only have a second to react, and often they make the wrong choice. When they do you set the hook on them.

Dam fishing can be extremely productive and exciting for ultralight fishing enthusiasts when the proper fishing techniques are used.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Prescription Fishing Sunglasses Now With New Free-Form Progressive Lenses Made for Fishing

Prescription Fishing Sunglasses are now available with an updated lens design focused on the specific needs of an angler. The angler specific lens technology provides a larger portion of the reading corridor for near vision, like baiting a hook. The angler progressive lens is a stark contrast to a traditional progressive lens that has a focal distance that gets progressively closer as you look lower in the lens. A traditional progressive lens design provides a very small portion of the lens near vision. Designing more of the lens to focus on the specific needs of anglers allows for more head movement while keeping near objects in focus.

This fishing lens design, based on recent Free-Form Digital lens technology, recalculates the curve of a lens at every point on the back of the lens. This eliminates the peripheral distortion referred to as the “fishbowl effect”. The upper portion of a Free-Form Digital lens provides the sharpest distance vision possible, while the bottom of the lens provides a near-vision portion that is perfect for fishermen.

Oakley Prescription Sunglasses are the first to market with this new lens design. Oakley also offers the largest selection of polarizedlens colors designed fora fishing environment. The Oakley Shallow Blue Iridium lens is a polarized bronze lens with an oxide coating to minimize blue light distortions. The Oakley Deep Blue Iridium lens is a polarized grey lens with the same coating. The combination of the fishing-specific prescription lens design and polarized lens colors designed specifically for fishing has made Oakley a top pick for serious anglers.

ADS Sports Eyewear is one of the first Authorized Oakley dealers to focus on the new angler-specific lenses, which are available for any of the Oakley frames you find on the ADS website. The company is optician owned and operated with a knowledgeable staff that uses and understands prescription eyewear for active people and will answer any questions you might have about the new Angler-Specific lenses.

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!

Looking for a great ultralight fishing reel for your favorite panfishing spot or trout stream? Field and Stream took a look at the top 5 ultralight reels and this is what they found.

#1. The SORÖN STX 10 from Abu Garcia

This ultralight fishing reel is one of the newest from Abu Garcia, which is one of the world’s best producers of fishing equipment for serious anglers. This light reel weighs 8.2 oz and can hold 140 yards of 4 lb test line. Its 5.1:1 retrieve ration allows it to bring in line quickly and smoothly. It also features an amazing 11 bearings, which is more than you are likely to find in any other ultralight fishing reel. The reel’s side plate and frame are created with an anti-corrosion alloy, which probably means that this reel will last for quite a while. The Field and Stream testers rated this reel as their number one choice because it provided an extremely smooth retrieve and a comfortable casting position. The only downside reported by the testers was that the reel had what they called a ‘sticky bail’, meaning the angler had to push it over with their hand. The SORÖN STX 10 is also rather expensive at $130.

SORÖN STX 10 – Check Prices & Buy Here

#2. The Catalyst CT10PTI-A from Quantum

The reel is composed of an aluminum body and has a very thin profile. It weighs 8.45 oz and holds 125 yards of 4 lb test line. It comes with a 5.33:1 retrieve rate, a magnetic clutch and 8 bearings inside of the reel. The testers felt that this ultralight fishing reel was smooth, easy to use and that it felt great in their hands. The downsides as reported by the testers included a plastic drag knob and the potential for a slow drag, although all of the testers would recommend it to other anglers. Quantum also offers a repair guarantee that states you will get your reel back from the shop within 48 hours of sending it in. Some would say this reel is expensive. It runs for about $129.

Catalyst CT10PTI-A – Check Prices & Buy Here

#3. The Citori from Browning

This ultralight fishing reel was named for one of the company’s most popular shotguns. It is composed of strong aluminum in its rotor and frame and it features a lip that is coated in titanium to help manage the line. The testers all reported that this reel offered smooth casting and that the 5.1:1 gear ratio provided for nice retrieves. This reel features 8 bearings and can hold 120 yards of 4 lb test line. It comes with a soft rubber handle that is large in size. For $99 RRP it is a cheaper alternative to some of the top brands.

Citori Browning – Check Prices & Buy Here

#4. The Micro Lite Supreme from Bass Pro Shops

This is a much less expensive version of an ultralight fishing reel. It weighs only 6.2 oz but still has a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and 8 bearings. It can hold 105 yards of 4 lb test line. This lightweight design comes from the graphite frame, but the handle is made of aluminum for added strength. This is an extremely cost effective reel at $38. Several testers complained that the reel was difficult to prevent tangles with and that the bail was harder to flip than it should be.

Micro Lite Supreme - Check Prices & Buy Here

#5. The SS700 Tournament Ultralight Spinning Reel from Daiwa

This is a tournament quality ultralight fishing reel that is lightweight in design. It is also rather expensive at around $100 however in this case you get what you pay for! It weighs 7 oz and can hold 145 yards of 4 lb test line. It has a 4.9:1 gear ratio and 3 bearings. Its precision worm gear ensures that the line is evenly crossed wrapped during the retrieve and its roller bail trip mechanism is very reliable. The SS700 is one of the best ultralight reels available on the market and is priced accordingly.

SS700 Tournament – Check Prices & Buy Here

Don’t Forget to check out our Ultralight Fishing Post!