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Product Reviews
Chevy Tahoe
I have had the pleasure of driving a Chevy Tahoe for over a year now, and I just had to share how impressed I am with this vehicle. I drive about 30,000 miles every year, visiting fishing locations throughout North Central Washington. Most of this time I am also pulling a Smoker Craft boat behind it. Driving this Tahoe has made a huge difference in my life on the road. I take it places and launch my boat where few people would attempt to try it. I have pulled my boat out of spots where the trailers was buried to the cross bars! It pulls my 18 ½-foot boat like it wasn’t even there. It is one tough rig. It is also a pleasure to drive. It is comfortable beyond belief. My wife loves it. Every thing is automatic: climate control, head lights, traction control. I can even go into 4 wheel low with the touch of a button. It carries everything I stack into it, even for a long weekend and still has room to spare. Even though it is big and tough I can still parallel park it in town. If you are looking for a tough rig that can pull a boat out of any rough launch, but still drives like a luxury car, I would check out a Chevy Tahoe. I got mine at Cascade Auto Center in Wenatchee, and they will take great care of you, too.
The Pips Box
It doesn’t matter what kind of fishing that you do. Every angler can find a use for the Pips Box from Mack’s Lure. The Pips Box has been around for years and thousands have been sold, but this year the company introduced the Magnum Pips Box, and expanded the potential uses. Much heavier leaders and even double-hook riggings can now be stored in the handy device. The round container fits inside a pant or vest pocket and features an anti-reverse gear that prevents tangles and allows easier access to more leaders. The new Pips Box, or leader caddy, comes in six different color-coded polycarbonate lids, allowing for the storage and quick removal of a wide range of hooks and leaders. To learn more about this product and others log onto mackslure.com.
NuCanoe Adventurer
It’s not a canoe and it’s not a kayak. The NuCanoe Adventurer takes features from both and is the most stable, portable fishing platform of this style an angler can find. NuCanoe makes a variety of craft, but this one is designed with anglers in mind. It comes with two rod holders, and can accommodate an electric motor! One of the big differences in the NuCanoe design is that it is 42 inches wide. That means you can even sit on the side of it without tipping over. It will even float and maneuver when swamped. The Adventurer is 12 feet long, and weighs just 90 pounds. It can be transported on the roof of a vehicle, the back of a pickup or stacked on a trailer. The fishing model comes with a Captain’s Seat (very nice), two Scotty Bait Caster rod holders, 21 attachment points, two molded seats, four carry handles. It also comes with one paddle, and I would recommend that you order the longer paddle than the one that is supplied with your order. You will be seeing a lot of these in our region. Many of the fishing supply stores are buying them and many resorts are getting them as rentals. You can learn more about the whole line of specialty boats from NuCanoe and specifically the Adventurer by logging onto NuCanoe.com
Mitchell 300Xe
I finally got a chance to get out on the water with two new Mitchell reels recently, and I have to tell you a story so you can understand just how great these new spinning reels performed. We were fishing for smallmouth bass on the Okanogan River and were both casting jigs and crank baits. I showed off the Mitchell 308Xe to the guide I was with and started casting my jig. When I switched to casting crank baits, he asked if he could try the 308Xe. I said sure, of course, but I had a hard time getting it back! Every time I switched to crank baits he would pick up my 308Xe. He marveled at how smoothly it worked, the Comfort Touch finish, how the bail closed effortlessly—even the reel handle grip. He uses spinning reels from another manufacturer that costs more than twice as much! There’s just no better way to describe this great new reel from Mitchell. There is more to the story, though. I didn’t complain that much about my buddy “stealing” my 308Xe, because I also had along my new 300XGe This reel has all the features of the 308Xe—plus two more ball bearings! It comes with a gold accented finish rather than the silver and is slightly larger, too. I didn’t mind sharing my 308Xe as long as I have a 300XGe to use. I have purchased four different spinning reels from three manufacturers in the past two years. I was looking for a reel to use for steelhead fishing, walleye fishing and bass fishing. These new reels from Mitchell beat the pants off the other reels I tried. When I was very young and had saved enough money to buy my first spinning reel, it was a Mitchell. My dad still has an old 308 knocking around that must be 50 years old. I know that I will be able to fish these reels for years and years and it will be a pleasure using them. Learn more about the 300Xe reels, log onto www.fishmitchell.com. To learn about the 300XGe call Eric Naig at 877-777-3850 x8465.
Abu Garcia Low Profile Reels
Abu Garcia introduced a line of low profile-reel bait casting reels recently, and the new REVO series is something to check out. The reels are designed to have very fast retrieves and to be very tough. I have had the opportunity to use one them this past steelhead season and abolutely loved it. There are three New REVOs, the S, SX and STX. The S has eight ball bearings and the SX and STX have ten. The gear ratio on all three of these models are 6.4:1 and 7.1: on the HS models. They all the the capacity to hold 140 yards of 12-pound test line. The SX and STX models feature a “Linear Magnetic Brake” system that allows anglers a wide range of adjustment. The STX model has an “Eversilk” coated pinion shaft and pawl, which dramatically reduces friction for enhanced casting and improves the durability of these components. The STX also features the “Infini Spool II system, whick is separated from the drive train, minimizing friction for use with the lighest tackle. I got an SX in time for use this fall for steelhead fishing. I mounted it on a special 10-foot rod and used it for light-tackle back-trolling for steelhead. The reel was the smoothest I have ever used. The drag exceptional. It was true pleasure to use in this application and I can’t wait to use it for trolling for big cutts at Omak Lake and bass fishing at Evergreen Reservoir. It will also be my first choice for walleye fishing this season. To learn more about the reels, which are now avialable at most sporting goods stores, you can log onto purefishing.com.
Line Tamer from Mack’s Lure
New this year from Mack’s Lure in Wenatchee is the Line Tamer, a line storage device. If you’re like me, you have bunches of half-used filler spools of line scattered around. I am buying new spools all the time because I can’t find the last one I used. The Line Tamer will not only save me the time I spend looking for the old spools, but also a ton of money. The Line Tamer keeps your filler spools handy, you can mark the outside of the container with the line type and test, and you can get leader material or fill a reel with ease. The Line Tamer even has a handy line cutter built right into it. The units are also “stackable”, and you can snap together as many of these as you wish. They also come with a patch of Velcro, so you can stick them in your boat, near your work table, anywhere. The Line Tamer is just now coming onto the market, and if you want to learn more about them, log onto mackslure.com.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500LC
Anglers should run not walk to their local sporting good store to check out the new Ambassadeur reels from Abu Garcia. They just aren’t the same. They not only have a new look outside, but the guts have been completely redone. The gear tolerances are much closer. There is a new six-pin centrifugal casting brake. A larger star drag lever, a carbon matrix drag system and redesigned level wind, hand and spool. All of these changes have been made to the C-3 and C-4 line of reels.
I got the chance to try out one of the newest additions to the Ambassadeur line. Shown above is the 6500LC, or line counter reel. This is brand new and just becoming available. I fished it this summer-run salmon season, and the difference between the performance of this reel to that of my old 6500C-3s is dramatic. I have been fishing with Ambassadeur reels for over 30 years and have found them dependable and durable. This new reel, and with the others that have been redesigned, is significantly smoother—all around. The drag is very different than my other reels. I was concerned that the line counter model would be “clunky”. When I got a chance to put it on a rod and use it, I found it very user friendly and well balanced. The line counter resets at the touch of a button, and if this is a feature that you could use in your fishing experience, this reel will not disappoint you. It has the line capacity to handle big salmon in a big river. The new finish on this reel and the way they have incorporated the line counter feature on the reel has to be seen to be appreciated. I used to “count passes” or “pulls” set my lines. Now I know exactly how much line I have out. I was surprised to learn how far behind the boat I was setting baits and stopping my jet divers. I fish more consistently with this feature.
Don’t misunderstand. I am not junking my old Ambassodeurs. I just got a couple! They are still great reels. But I have to admit, I can’t wait for them wear out. I just noticed that the local sporting goods store here in town has them in stock. I will be getting one of the new ones before their first order is sold out!
The New “Wonder Rod”
Built By Bill McGuire
Did you ever wonder which rod to take when traveling to a fishing location? Ever wish you had a rod that was versatile enough to use for different species or application so you didn’t have to overload the boat with rod cases? Problem solved with the new Wonder Rod being built by Bill McGuire in Rock Island, Washington.
McGuire is a legend in the world of sport fishing and competition casting, and has been experimenting and building rods for decades. Not long ago he and his friend Buzz Fiorini came up with a rod design that allowed anglers with limited mobility and novice anglers to cast like a pro with a flick of their wrist. After much thought about his own fishing and travel challenges he came up with this new design for a multi-purpose rod.
The basic idea is this: a four-piece rod that fits into a 33-inch case that, with the use of special handle extensions, will allow anglers to use it as a fly rod, a bait casting or trolling rod, a spinning rod and even two-handed fly casting rod. You can take it anywhere in a suitcase and use it for a wide range of species with a variety of techniques.
McGuire will build the Wonder Rod from any weight blank that an angler would prefer. I chose a 9-foot, six-inch, 8-weight. For the fishing available to me here in Central Washington and it has worked great. I have had a great time with it! I have fly fished for rainbow with the rod, and caught fish to 8 pounds. I have stuck it in a holder and used it back trolling for steelhead with a casting reel. I rigged it with a slip bobber jig and used a spinning reel to catch steelhead. I have even used it for perch fishing and found it sensitive and the length of the rod an advantage on a steep bank.
When choosing the materials for the various components for the Wonder Rod, McGuire was so particular and the concept so unique that he had to look all over the country and even sent his own templates and jigs to manufacturers to get everything he wanted, the way he wanted it.
The blank was an easy choice. He ordered these from Sage, the model SLT 4 GRAPHITE 111e. In other words, he got the best available. The rod seat is specialized, of course, to accommodate the larger “foot” that some casting and spinning reels use. The end cap is also very special. It needs to be drilled to accept the two handles that make the rod unique. Even the “button” that fits into the end cap is so hard to find that he simply bought the entire supply to ensure that he would have enough for building his Wonder Rods.
The guides are made of the most advanced materials available, too, and are gauged for the use in a spin cast mode. The rod casts a bobber and jig easily, which can be expected. But it will also cast light gear, like a couple of split shot just as well.
It is really fun to hand someone the rod set up for fly-casting and then add the handle for bait casting or trolling and watch their reaction. The whole character of the rod changes and they get a sense of the power and capability of the Wonder Rod. They can see how anything from perch to Chinook salmon on the Columbia is within its range of fish-catching capability.
Any angler who has owned high-quality rods will appreciate how the Wonder Rod is finished. It is obvious that this is a custom rod and it appears as such. Experienced anglers will see at once that it has the fine touches of a master craftsman, but also has features, such as the handle materials, that will make it function like new for years and years.
The Wonder Rods is one of those “you have to see to believe” kinds of items. More importantly, it is one of those “you have to have it in your hands and try the different functions to believe” kinds of fishing rods.
I would encourage any well-traveled angler who is serious about their tackle to give Bill a call and let him show you his latest labor of love--The Wonder Rod. You can reach him at (509) 884-6021. Whether you order a rod or not, just talking and meeting Bill McGuire is worth the experience.
Smoker Craft
19’ Osprey Deluxe
I have had a chance to use the Smoker Craft, 19-foot Osprey Deluxe for pretty much a complete season, so I thought it would be a good time to let everyone know what I thought of this model. The folks at Valley Tractor and Boats in East Wenatchee provided the boat, did the rigging and kept it maintained.
First of all I think it’s important to mention that I have made no adjustments to the rigging of the boat. It was set up the right way. The wiring was done properly so I got maximum life out of my electric motor and experience zero shorts or popped fuses throughout the season. This is pretty impressive for a new boat. It is a compliment to Smoker Craft for quality control and to Valley Tractor and Boats for their rigging.
Boat owners know that there is a lot more to a boat than the hull, but this is usually where opinions begin. In the past there was a discussion about what hull was best: welded or riveted. I am not sure how this got started. I had a 12-foot Mirror Craft that was at least 30 years old. This riveted boat never leaked a teaspoon of water in spite of my rough treatment. Smoker Craft knew that those who understand boats care more about how the hull performs and concentrated on that. They took care of the welded vs. riveted issue by guaranteeing their rivets for life.
In the past season I have pulled a variety of species over the rail, which is a testament to the versatile uses of this boat. I have caught trout, salmon, walleye, steelhead, perch, bass and other species from this platform. Let’s take a look at it from the stern forward.
This Smoker Craft, and all boats from Valley Tractor and Boats, are equipped with four-stroke Yamaha motors. The main engine on this one is a 115-hp, and it is a good match. This size motor gets the boat out of the hole quickly and will cruise very comfortably at 40 mph. If you haven’t had a four-stroke, two features will amaze you: fuel consumption and noise level. I couldn’t believe how stingy these motors are with fuel, and they are so quiet I have actually walked away from the boat after docking with the motor still running!
The boat is also equipped with a 9.9 hp trolling motor that feeds off the main tank, and it is as dependable as they get. There is a storage compartment large enough to hold bumpers, downrigger balls, docking lines etc. on one side of the stern. Another compartment holds a battery.
As you will see in the photo, the Osprey is outfitted with downriggers. There is only one choice as far as I am concerned. These are Scotty electrics, and they are fast, don’t draw as much power as others and operate flawlessly. This is my third set of Scottys and I have never had a single problem with them.
If you use downriggers, you will really appreciate the toe kicks that are designed into the Osprey. This allows an angler to use the gunnels for support while attaching your line to the riggers, fighting and netting fish, etc. The gunnel height on all the Smoker Crafts I have used is tall. This makes a big difference in fishing comfort, and they also build their boats beamy, which is an advantage over other boats of similar length.
On either side of this model anglers will find rod storage. One side is open and other lockable. There is plenty of room for any length of rod as well as other incidentals, such as tools, scent and tackle.
The seats that Smoker Craft makes are the most comfortable and stable I have ever used. They are also sturdy and easy to remove and move from mount to mount. The driver’s seat adjusts for height and distance from the wheel.
On the dash are gauges for speed, rpm, fuel and alternator. All you need. Mounted to the right of the wheel is a Lowrance X-71. This is a great depth and fish finder for inland water fishing. In front of the passenger seat is a very large glove box that can be locked. There is open, shelf storage in front of the driver and passenger seats below the dash, and two more latched storage compartments below these.
Just ahead of the walk through to the bow of the boat is a large live well. This is a feature that I never really use in my fishing, but I know other anglers demand in a fishing boat. This well should satisfy a bass or walleye anglers needs.
There is a seat mount in the open bow of this boat, which was used to run the electric, seat an angler or use as a casting platform. The open bow is both roomy and stable. Also on the bow is a 55-pound thrust Minn Kota electric. I recommend the same maximum length shaft to avoid cavitation when most of the weight is in the stern, and I have added an important feature.
This particular model doesn’t have Auto Pilot, which is something that I will want installed in my future boats. I did add a wireless remote, though and found it to be a real benefit. It allows me to control the boat—from anywhere in the boat—and fish at the same time. I can mount the remote on the provided wristband or even to my fishing rod! Gotta have it!
If you are thinking about saving money by not adding an electric to the bow, think again. There have been many occasions this past season when this motor has saved the day. When the wind comes up and you’re struggling to keep the boat on line you’ll be sorry you didn’t have an electric up there to keep it straight.
As you can tell, I am not getting too technical about all the great features of this boat. I am just relating what should be important to an angler trying to make a decision about a boat purchase—how did this one perform! I can’t say enough about how great the 19-foot Osprey Deluxe has been this past season. It trailers great, backs great, has a deck that’s easy to keep clean, on and on.
You can get specifications by just logging onto www.valleytractor.com. If you have any questions from there, just give them a call at (509) 886-1566. You will find them extremely helpful and great to work with.
New Swimmer Tail Lures
Ernie Ross developed the Ross Swimmer Tail lure many years ago for commercial salmon fishing off the shores of British Columbia. I first saw the lure being used by my brother Rick Graybill, who guided anglers for land-locked salmon and mackinaw on Lake Chelan.
Rick’s success with the lure made it obvious that the lure had freshwater applications. Even more persuasive was the state record Lahotan cutthroat from Omak Lake caught by Pateros angler Dan Beardslee. I used one of these darting lures to catch a triploid rainbow on Rufus Woods that weighed 16 pounds.
Now, Ross Tackle of Surrey, B.C. has expanded its line of Swimmer Tail lures, adding a wide range of new colors and sizes intended for freshwater use.
There is no change to the trophy fish catching action of these lures, just some great new colors and sizes that make sense for inland water fishing. There just aren’t many lures on the market that perform in the water like one of these. When you drag a Swimmer Tail behind the boat the action will amaze you.
It oscillates in the water much in the same way a Flatfish or Apex lure will, but the real secret to the Swimmer Tail’s success is the way it moves laterally and up and down without changing speed. This random change of position in the water is what triggers strikes. You really have to see one of these in action to appreciate what I am trying to describe.
I have seen or had success with this lure myself with salmon, mackinaw, rainbow and brown trout, Lahotan cutthroat and triploid rainbow trout. I would recommend that every active angler have a couple in their arsenal.
To learn more about what is available from Ross Tackle, log onto their website at www.RossTackle.com.
Minn Kota Copilot A Must Have!
My brother Rick recently rigged a boat with a Minn Kota electric motor, with the Auto Pilot feature. This feature allows an angler to point the electric in the direction he wishes to travel and it automatically keeps the boat headed in that direction. This is something that I plan to have put on the next Smoker Craft boat that Valley Tractor and Boats provides for me as a sponsor of my fishing activities. Any angler can imagine the advantages of having the electric do the work when trolling for walleye or other species when using the electric motor. There is another feature offered by Minn Kota that makes using their motors even more a pleasure. Pictured above is the remote control that goes with the Minn Kota Copilot. This small remote allows an angler to control the electric without the foot pedal. It will guide the motor left or right, change the speed of the motor and turn it off and on. I find the control more accurate and easier to use than the foot pedal that comes with the 55-pound thrust motor I currently have on the Smoker Craft. What is even better is that the remote control comes with a wristband, so you can wear this control and use it anywhere in the boat, and two additional remote control clips. You can actually mount one of these clips on your rod and control the motor while you are fishing! This has been a lifesaver for me. If often have one, two or three other anglers in my boat, and taking care of them has pretty much precluded my ability to fish myself. Not anymore! I can cast and retrieve and do other chores like baiting hooks and keep the boat headed where I want. I can snap the control from my rod to my wristband in a second when I put my rod down to net a fish or rig a new set up. This device has made a huge difference and I wouldn’t fish without one. If you currently have a Minn Kota with a flat foot pedal control you can retro fit your unit with one of these in minutes. They can be found at most dealers who sell Minn Kota and retail for about $150.00. If this seems like a lot, wait till you try it! You will stow your foot pedal and never dig out again.
New Lures from Worden Lures
I recently received a new product catalogue from Yakima Bait Company, and I would recommend that any angler get a copy. There are a whole bunch of products that most anglers would be familiar with, like the Flatfish, Rooster Tail, Spin-N-Glo, Lil’ Corky and others, but you won’t believe all the new colors that they now offer in these tried and true lures.
Shown above are a couple of their new Fat Fish lures, showing some of the new colors, but the theme of new and different carries through many of the lines that Yakima Bait has developed. You’ll also find your favorite colors in these lures, too.
Steelhead fishing is just now really hitting its stride on area rivers, and now would be the time to add some of these new lures to your tackle box.
You can get you can take a look at many of these products by logging onto www.yakimabait.com, or you can write to them at Worden’s Lures, Yakima Bait Co., P.O. Box 310, Granger, WA 98932.
Rock Dancer Buck Tail Jig
On the Story Page of my web site, I have a piece on the basic tackle for steelhead fishing in Central Washington. In this article I mention the jig and slip bobber technique. Jigs are essentially made with either buck tail or marabou, and both have advantages. One of the advantages of fishing buck tail jigs is the fact that you can apply scent to the jig with spoiling the action of the material. I have had a chance to get out and do some jig and bobber fishing here lately, and to use the Rock Dancer jig made by Mack's Lure in Leavenworth, Washington. Mack's Lure has been making the Rock Dancer for a long time, and I have been using them as long as I have been fishing for steelhead. I have tried a lot of different kinds of jigs and have had some success, but this past weekend really showed what the Rock Dancer can do. I had three anglers in the boat and had them all start with different jig, even some tied with different material to see what would work. The Rock Dancer out-fished everything. In fact the Rock Dancer jig claimed every fish we caught that day. I know, I know. Every day can be different in fishing. Some days certain colors work great and are ignored the next. All I am saying is that the next time I go fishing, and am going to test jigs to see what the fish feel like hitting that day, you can bet a Rock Dancer is going to be hanging from a bobber next to my boat.
Something that steelhead anglers might want to try for this season is the new stop knots from Macks Lure in Leavenworth. These knots are designed for "limited slip", and that means you can get a nice positive bite on your line, but are still able to adjust the depth of your jig without the knot getting loose and having to start all over again. At least this has been my experience with these new knots. They are supplied with a heavier gauge line than most other knots, and this accounts for the limited slip feature. They also come in Flo-Pink and Flo-Chartreuse colors. This makes them easy to see in the flat light of fall fishing conditions. I have tried these knots, and you may wonder how big a deal can there be about such a simple device that is used for slip bobber-and-jig fishing? Well, I guess you just have to pick up a pack and give them a try to see what a difference it makes!
Double Whammy Kokanee Pro
I made a trip to Buffalo Lake recently to see if the kokanee (silvers) were biting yet, and the folks at Mack's Lure gave me a couple of their Double Whammy Kokanee Pro lures to try out. Unfortunately, the silvers weren't biting yet, but I did get a chance to see how this lure worked. The trout loved it. I fished it behind the Mack's Lure Flash Lites and the planted rainbow at Buffalo wouldn't leave it alone. I first fished it with a worm and eventually didn't even add bait to the hooks. It didn't seem to make any difference. One advantage of this lure over others is that there are two hooks tied very close together. This really helps with hookups and keeping fish on the line when trying to net them. Not only would fish hit this lure without bait added, they continued to smack it when one of the hooks was broken off! The Smile Blade and double Gamakatsu hooks make this one a winner, whether you're after silvers or not.
Sage Performance Taper
My wife and I enjoy fly fishing whenever we can, and that means year-round. I have several different brands of fly lines on my reels, so when I loaded my reel with the Sage Performance Taper I could make a decent comparison. This line was significantly different in many ways. First of all it is built with a balance for ease of casting. I am not a great caster, but this line made me feel like a pro for distance. The coating makes it fly through the guides, and if kept clean really shoots. I mentioned that we fish year-round for a reason. One particular line that I have turns into a "Slinky" in the winter. The memory is tolerable in the summer, but a pain in the when it is cold out. The Sage Performance Taper remains limp and flexible. It doesn't change character with the climate.
When I set up my wife with this line, it was like a whole new experience for her. She won't use her 5-weight rod anymore. She can cast her 3-weight rod with this line much further. It was like a miracle for her. Give this line a try. I'm sure you'll be pleased.
Cha Cha
I had good luck with the Cha Cha fishing for walleye on Moses Lake, but wanted to give the lure a second chance to prove to me that walleye really liked it. Well, the do. For the second weekend in a row this walleye rig from Mack's Lures in Leavenworth kept pace with everything else we used to catch walleye on a couple of pretty tough days. I was fishing it behind a bottom walker rig and baited it with a crawler. I was impressed with how the rig performed and I would recommend that any walleye angler have one in their box and give it a run sometime.
Rooster Tail
Last year I wrote a feature on "what every angler should have in their tackle box", and the Rooster Tail was on the list. The lure was develped by Howard Worden in the late 50s and has been used by millions of anglers. The Rooster Tail comes in nine sizes, from 1/32nd ounce to 1 ounce, and an amazing range of colors. I have fished for trout, largemouth bass, smallmouthbass, crappie, bluegill, perch, steelhead and probably a couple more species with Rooster Tails, and have caught everything on them. I have caught fish on most all the color available and probably would have caught fish on every color if I had intentionally tried to. These are very effective when cast and retrieved from shore or from a boat. They are also very effective when drifted in streams. I have added split shot ahead of them when using very small ones in order to cast them, or to get them deeper when trolling. The only thing about these lures is that sometimes the blades don't want to turn. It is advised to give the lure a good "kick" with the rod tip, or a couple of quick cranks on the reel to feel the blades engage. This is a minor frustration for the overall performance of these lures. Some of my favorite colors are (amazingly) the Caddis, Firetiger, Black, Black and Orange, Dark Green and Brown. There are plenty of others to try, and I have them, too. They all seem to save the day at one time or another. You just can't buy one! Get a selection and have fun!
The Kastmaster spoon
The Kastmaster spoon has been around for a long, long time, and if you haven't given one of these unique lures a try, better head for your local sport shop and pony up the bucks for a selection. The Kastmaster comes in sizes from 1/12th ounce to 4 ounces, and can be used in fresh and saltwater. I have only fished these lures in freshwater, but the way they perform, I can see their use for salmon in the salt. They imitate a wounded bait fish incredibly well, and I can see how they would work as well as a Buzz Bomb for salmon. I have had good success with them for trout fishing them the same way one would fish a Buzz Bomb in the salt for salmon. That is, casting it a good distance, then lifting and dropping the rod tip so the lure is allowed to drop and flutter. When the lure drops, it will roll, change direction and dart erratically. This drives fish wild! The lures are made of solid brass, so cast extremely easily and come in wide range of colors and patterns. I have fished the rainbow, frog, and blue with very good results. I haven't fished these in lakes but they really work well in lakes.
Flash Lites and Wedding Ring Pro
Something that you will find on the shelves of your sporting goods store this year is the Mack’s Lure Flash Lites trolling blade with a couple of notable additions. I have talked about using Flash Lites repeatedly in my reports, and have mentioned the advantage of this light, Mylar bladed gang troll. If really like these for silver fishing, but they work very well for any species where gang trollers are used. The new additions to the one you see in the photo above are the rudder and the Wedding Ring Pro lure that comes packaged with it. The original Flash Lites didn’t come with the rudder, and simply used a small length of the wire as the rudder, but this version is much improved and will track much straighter. Since I use my Flash Lite in combination with a Wedding Ring much of the time, it’s pretty neat to have one right in the package. This version of the time-tested and classic Wedding Ring lure has some good features. One is the Smile Blade that Mack’s Lures uses with many of their products, and this one has a larger hook than older models of the Wedding Lure. This is a killer combination and something that should be in every angler’s tackle box. Click on the Mack’s Lure Link on my Links Page to contact the company.
Hot Wings
This is a brand new product for Mack’s Lure, and I can see some uses for a small troll like this. One of the advantages of this troll is that it is built with Mylar blades that significantly reduces the weight of a troll such as this. The other advantage of these ultra light blades is that they will turn at extremely slow speeds. This can be a distinct advantage when silvers are finicky and particularly for a slow presentation to walleye. These can used in combination with a range of products and rigs for trout, silvers and other species, and I would like to see how it performs with a walleye/nightcrawler rig of some kind. It looks like it could be overkill for walleye and maybe too heavy to work well with an additional lure pulled behind it, but I wouldn’t make this conclusion without giving this a try. When trolling in the currents that you get on the Columbia this wouldn’t be a problem. Lake fishing is another matter. Click on the Mack’s Lure Link.
Wally Pop J-Series
This is another generation of the popular Wally Pop lure developed by Mack’s Lure. The Wally Pop made a splash when it was brought to market, particularly among walleye anglers. There have been several improvements made to the lure since its introduction. Primary changes were the addition of Gamakatsu hooks and the hook spacing. The J-Series appears to be a scaled-down version of the Wally Pop for use in circumstances when a very slow and subtle presentation is required. Hit the Mack’s Lure Link for order information.
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