One of the world’s most aggressive game fish, bluefish are an annual must have for the diehard angler. Fast, powerful, and delicious, it is easy to see why these are a favorite of anglers throughout the US.

Bluefish grow from 7-inch summer snappers and skip jacks to deep sea monsters weighing 10 to 20 pounds. Although bluefish topping more than 20 pounds are rare, record catches have been weighed in at more than 30 pounds.

Bluefish teeth are sharp, and they are extraordinarily strong, making them one of the most popular game fish among serious anglers. In addition, they are aggressive feeders, often engaging in feeding frenzies.

In other words, the right bluefish lures can bring them running to the dinner bell in droves.

North, South, East, and West

Depending on the time of year, bluefish can be found from Florida to Nova Scotia and across the California coastline.

Blues begin their season in New England, schooling off the coasts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island during late spring and summer. By late fall they swim south, keeping to the warmer waters off Florida—sometimes the Gulf Coast.

The best bluefish fishing is off the New England Coast from May through October.

Since blues are “sight feeders,” relying on sight and quick movement rather than smell, they are often easy to entice into a strike.

With more temperate weather, bluefish can be found along the California coastline throughout most of the year, where surf fishing is a common pastime.

Born To Blitz

Part of why anglers love blues so much is their aggressive and voracious nature. Just about any baitfish can bring a strike, and blues are easy to entice.

Blues will eat anchovies, squid, shrimp, sardines, and even their own young.

Blues will attack quickly, often using a blitz style attack that can tear bait to pieces with their razor-sharp teeth if it is not well hooked.

Bluefish will even chase bait through surf zones and churn shallow waters like a washing machine’s agitator cycle. This attack, known as a bluefish blitz, is a favorite or reef fishers in California.

Tackling The Blues

Bluefish are fighters. Although that makes them fantastic fun to catch, it also means savvy anglers need equipment to match their prey.

Wire leaders are a must as bluefish will bite through most conventional lines. They have even been known to bite through lower quality hooks.

Use a seven-foot rod for boat fishing. For surf casting a longer rod is needed. Standard reels are adequate, but anyone going after blues needs to ensure the rig can handle both the ocean salt and the powerful blues.

Fireball rigs are one of the best choices when going for bluefish.

Trolling is a popular method of fishing for bluefish, although traditionalists will still cast from boats or surf.

Bait and Switch

As mentioned, blues are voracious and indiscriminate predators, but it is still a good idea to vary the bait used. Make sure to have a lot on hand as blues are known for tearing bait fish to pieces, especially during a frenzy.

At those times, cut bait can be used to an advantage as the water will already be filled with chunks of torn fish. Cut bait can be used to troll deeper depths as blues will chase pieces torn from their prey.

Live bait is best for bluefish, but for those looking for alternatives there are plenty of good options.

The Tsunami Zig Jig Pro is solid metal and can stand up to the teeth of a bluefish. It comes rigged with two treble hooks, and is heavy, making it an ideal lure for bluefish trolling.

The Deadly Dick Striped Bass Spoon is a good all-around lure that can be used for casting or trolling. It has a metal body that is strong enough to survive while being light enough to cast and retrieve.

For surf casting, poppers and top water plugs are go-to lures when fishing for blues.

Off The Hook

Just like a baitfish, blues can do a number on fingers, toes, arms, and even legs. Every bluefish kit should include pliers for removing hooks. There are plenty of salty fishermen with leg scars from bluefish.

Many anglers will simply cut off a blue’s head and allow it bleed out before trying to remove the hook.

Gloves are also a must as blue’s dorsal fins can be extremely sharp and strong.

Deep Sea Salt

Whatever gear is used, smart fishers know sea water can destroy gear quicker than most fish. Make sure whatever tackle, is used can stand up to the torture of ocean water.

After a day on the boat or in the surf, gear should be thoroughly rinsed in fresh water and left in the sun to dry. Make sure to get all the salt out of gears and any moving parts or they will corrode quicker than a bluefish blitz.

Black And Blue

While inexperienced anglers will say bluefish are not good to eat, those from New England and the upper North American coast know this is one of the tastiest fish out there.

Some anglers have even been known to fillet and eat bluefish slices raw and fresh on the boat, even using some pieces as bait for these cannibalistic sea beasts.

The lighter flesh of bluefish is soft and flakey with a buttery flavor. It is a great fish baked or grilled with nothing more than salt, pepper, and butter.

For those who like darker fish, or for the larger blues over 12 pounds, heavy spiced grilling can be a delight. Many restaurants, including Boston’s iconic Legal Seafood, like to use blackened spices to compliment bluefish flesh.

Charter The Unknown

For many, a deep-sea charter trip for blues is a great way to learn about catching these popular Pisces. This is especially true for adults wanting to introduce children to deep-sea fishing.

Luckily, there are plenty to be had from Cape Cod to Boca Raton. A quick internet search can find charter boats all along the US coast. Many of which gear their trips to families.

Rusty Anglers offers fishing giveaways for its fishermen and women. Check back often, because we’re always cooking up an amazing giveaway for our anglers!

The post How to Catch Bluefish appeared first on Bass Fishing Tips - Fishing Tackle Boxes.

Every state offers free fishing days on a different day—with some states having multiple days or weekends. However, most dates correspond with the summer months, particularly the first two weeks of June. However, free fishing dates start in January and continue through December.

The majority of states schedule their free fishing days during National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW), which is held every year during the first week of June. For 2021, this week is scheduled for June 5 to 13. As such, many states are holding their free fishing dates for 2021 on June 5th and 6th and June 12th and 13th. In addition to offering free fishing, many states hold special activities focused on fishing and boating during NFBW.

A handful of states offer free fishing around the July 4^th holiday, including California (July 3), Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. In Alaska, fishing is free year-round for children under age 16 and anglers aged 60 and older. Hawaii has free marine fishing year-round. (A license for non-residents is under consideration but hasn’t yet been implemented.)

Minnesota offers three fishing weekends focusing on different audiences. On May 8-9, moms who are Minnesota residents can enjoy fishing during “Take Mom Fishing Weekend.” From June 11 to the 13, Minnesota residents age 16 and older can fish for free with children under 15 during “Take A Kid Fishing Weekend.” Finally, January 15 to 17 is “Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend”—an opportunity for Minnesota residents over 16 to fish for free with children under 15.

Some states offer free fishing days for different types of fishing. For example, Florida offers free freshwater fishing on April 3-4 and June 12-13 and free saltwater fishing on June 5-6, September 4, and November 27. Massachusetts has free freshwater fishing on June 5-6 and free saltwater fishing during Father’s Day Weekend (June 12-13).

Free fishing day activities vary by state. For example, Texas releases hundreds of catfish to help beginners catch a fish. Many states schedule activities during free fishing days, including fishing lessons and clinics, fishing derbies, and boat parades.

Free fishing days are an excellent opportunity to teach kids to fish. For new anglers interested in trying the sport, the Rusty Angler offers equipment recommendations and advice for beginner bass fishing.

The following list provides the free fishing days for each state. However, anglers should check their state’s fish and wildlife department website for specific details regarding free fishing locations and requirements. These websites will also provide guidance on places to fish and accompanying events.

• Alabama: June 12
• Alaska: Free all year for people under age 16 or over 60 years of age
• Arizona: June 5
• Arkansas: June 11 to June 13
• California: July 3 and September 4
• Colorado: June 5 and 6
• Connecticut: May 8, June 20, and August 14
• Washington DC: May 31 through June 6
• Delaware: June 5 and 6
• Florida: Free saltwater fishing on June 5-6, September 4, and November 27. Free freshwater fishing on April 3-4 and June 12-13.
• Georgia: June 5, June 12, and September 25
• Hawaii: 365 days of free ocean fishing (however some locations prohibit shoreline fishing)
• Idaho: June 12
• Illinois: June 18 to 21
• Indiana: May 2,June 5-6, and September 25
• Iowa: June 4 and 6
• Kansas: June 5 and 6
• Kentucky: June 5 and 6
• Louisiana: June 12 and 13
• Maine: February 13 and 14 and June 5 and 6
• Maryland: June 5, June 12, July 4
• Massachusetts: Free freshwater fishing on June 5-6 and free saltwater fishing on June 19-20
• Michigan: February 13-14andJune 12-13
• Minnesota: May 8-9 is Take A Mom Fishing Weekend (Minnesota resident moms fish free), June 11-13 is Take A Kid Fishing Weekend (Minnesota residents age 16 or older fish free with children under age 16), and January 15-17, 2022 is Take A Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (Minnesota residents age 16 or older fish free with children under age 16)
• Mississippi: June 5 and 6 and July 4
• Missouri: June 12 and 13
• Montana: June 19 and 20
• Nebraska: May 22
• Nevada: June 12
• New Hampshire: January 16 and June 5
• New Jersey: June 5 and October 23
• New Mexico: June 5 and September 25
• New York: February 13 and 14, June 26 and 27, September 25, and November 11
• North Carolina: July 4
• North Dakota: June 5 and 6 and December 25 and 26
• Ohio: June 19 and 20
• Oklahoma: June 5 and 6
• Oregon: February 13 and 14, June 5 and 6, and November 26 and 27
• Pennsylvania: May 30 and July 4
• Rhode Island: May 1 and 2 (freshwater fishing only)
• South Carolina: May 31 and July 4
• South Dakota: May 9, May 21 through 23, and June 20
• Tennessee: June 12
• Texas: June 5
• Utah: June 12
• Vermont: January 30 and June 12
• Virginia: June 4 through 6
• Washington: June 5 and 6 and June 13
• West Virginia: June 12 and 13
• Wisconsin: January 16 and 17 and June 5 and 6
• Wyoming: June 5

The post List of Each State’s Free Fishing Days 2021 appeared first on Bass Fishing Tips - Fishing Tackle Boxes.

The Best Lines To Pick Up Fish

Whether it’s a hand crank, a cane pole, or a carbon fiber spinning rod, none of them are going to catch any fish without line. Fishing line is, quite simply, one of the most important pieces needed to catch fish.

Despite the simplicity of this item, there is a surprising amount of options for fishing line. Be it light line for pan fishing in a lake, or heavy saltwater fishing lines for grouper, the array of options can be dizzying.

At the Rusty Angler we are here to help anglers from beginners to professionals understand the range of lines from two-dollar Walmart basics to $400 tournament lines. First, however, we need to get to the basics.

Fishing Line Basics – What Makes A Great Line

Before we get to specific brands, it’s important to understand why one type of line is better than another. Generally, there are four types of lines.

1) Braided Lines

Braided line is the oldest of all fishing lines. Think of pieces of cotton thread braided together to make a stronger line. That’s what prehistoric man was using more than a million years ago.

Now, braided line has come a long way in materials, but the concept is the same. The downside to braided lines is that they are slippery – knots need to be very well tied – and opaque, meaning they can spook some types of fish.

Still, in general, modern braided lines have a few advantages:

• Strong
• Soft
• Sensitive to movements
• Smaller in diameter than monofilament

2) Monofilament Lines

When most people think of a fishing line, monofilament is what they see. It is some of the best value for the money when it comes to buying line. Its inexpensive nature makes it very popular, especially for beginners.

Monofilament is also the easiest type of line to spool and tie to a hook, so it is great for beginners and weekend anglers. It is still the most common, and most popular, type of line.

However, when deciding on monofilament line there are a few things to be wary of:

• Stretchy and can impact the ability to set a hook.
• Holds its shape, resulting in curlicues of line coming off the spool.
• Not as sensitive to strikes

3) Fluorocarbon Lines

Designed to disappear in the water, this light and sturdy line has been gaining more popularity over the past few years. The biggest downside to fluorocarbon lines is their tendency to snarl after a cast, making them better suited to baitcasting than spinning.

Still, this type of line has great advantages for the avid or professional fisher.

• Dense and sensitive
• Invisible in the water
• Very reactive to strikes and movement

So now that we know what’s what, it’s time to look at the best lines out there.

Premium Fishing Line by Brand

GODLINE Braided Fishing Line, Abrasion Resistant Superline – How could we not start with something called GODLINE?

• Braided
• Abrasion resistant
• Strong and sturdy but still thin
• Smooth in casting but sensitive to strikes
• Good for fresh water or salt water
• Even good for hand line fishing

SpiderWire Stealth Superline Fishing Line

• One of the best brands of fishing line out there, it’s hard to go wrong with SpiderWire.
• Strong, reflexive, and responsive
• No stretch
• Green or yellow
• Dyneema® PE Microfiber
• Fluoropolymer Treated microfibers
• Whisper quiet off the spool
• Resists digging in on reels

Power Pro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line – Billed as “the best line for the worst conditions.”

• Braided
• Extremely strong
• Available in a wide variety of strengths and color
• Easy spooling and easy casting
• Good for all conditions

Color Scissor Fishing Line, Clear Nylon Monofilament Fly Fishing

• Clear fluorocarbon
• Invisible in water
• Very inexpensive

KastKing World’s Premium Monofilament Fishing Line

• Monofilament
• Parallel roll track design for exceptional spooling
• Inexpensive
• Strong and reliable

Peter Armor Braided Fishing Line

• Braided
• Abrasion Resistant
• Sturdy
• Zero stretch

FISHINGSIR MonoPro Monofilament Fishing Line

• High tensile and great abrasion resistance
• Incredible strength for confidence and control
• Great shock strength and easy cast
• Fishing-friendly and trouble-free

FISHINGSIR FluoroPro Fluorocarbon Coated Line

• Combination of copolymer core and 100% pure fluorocarbon coating
• Fluorocarbon coating makes virtually invisible in water and long casting
• 6 times stronger as powerful as monofilaments
• Sink faster with low water absorption than nylon fishing line
• Low stretch with super sensitivity

Berkley Trilene Big Game Extreme Fighting Power

• Highly effective and one of the most well reviewed lines out there
• Strengths from 10 to 100 pound test
• Shock resistant
• Extremely strong

Berkeley Vanish Fluorocarbon

• Very sensitive to strikes
• Invisible in the water
• Very strong
• Smooth casting under any condition

Sufix Invisiline Fluorocarbon

• Inexpensive
• Smooth casting
• Stretch-resistant

More Line – Less Money

Professional grade fishing line may be expensive, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it. That being said, why pay for it when it can be received for free? Here at Rusty Angler there’s few things we like more than free fishing gear.

Take, for example, the Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine Spinning Reel Spool Station System. This smart tool makes loading line on a spool a breeze. It is especially useful when loading multiple spools for a weekend, or week long, trip.

Sure an angler can spend retail rice on this must have accessory. Instead of breaking out the credit card, try entering information into that fishing giveaway questionnaire and see what happens.

Also, don’t miss out on a good fishing promotion code. These are codes used by companies to bring customers to their products at an impressive savings. Most can be found throughout the internet, on coupons, and on sites like the Rusty Angler.

There’s no need to fall for some advertising line when looking for line. Checking out more of our fishing tips at Rusty Angler and join our Facebook fishing page for some great fun! Know what’s good, find the best deal, enter that promo code, and get to spooling.

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Some of the most essential pieces of equipment for any bass angler are jerkbait lures.  These short-billed lures are prime targets for bass and any competent bassmaster knows that fact. Deep jerkbait are lesser known, but the true bass fish aficionado knows these are the lures to go to for mammoth bass. Top ranked Canadian angler Dave Chong, smallmouth ace Joe Balog, and Bassmaster Elite Champion Jonathon VanDam all recognize the value of deep jerkbait fishing for catching big water smallies.

Every fish has that sweet spot when aggression gets the best of them and they strike hard. Bass fishing for smallies can be frustrating at the most critical time, so it’s good to know that smallmouth bass in particular go for deep jerkbait.

Deep Jerkbait Rod – Different strokes for different folks

Before looking at lures, it’s important to decide on the right deep jerkbait rod. There are two types of jerkbait anglers: stiff rod fishermen and long rod fishermen. The first set use short, fast acting rods – about 6’10” down to 6’3″ – but with medium power and a fast actions. The reason for this set up is that the faster action rod is stiffer than a moderate action rod, thus allowing more control over the bait. Plus, the medium power offers enough forgiveness to fight and land a fish hooked on trebles.

The second set of jerkbait anglers use jerkbaits like they would a crankbait. They use longer rods with moderate or slow actions. These are 6’9″ to 7′ rods that provide the best fish fighting ability. The result is fewer lost fish than the first set of anglers. So the question becomes, what type of angler is gripping that stick? Is he aggressive with the jerkbait or more of a subtle twitch and wait angler? Luckily, whatever type of deep jerkbait fishing is taking place, Quantum has the right deep jerkbait rod. Enter the Quantum Tour Edition Rod.

Ranging in size and action to fit any style, the Quantum Tour Edition rods are hand constructed of graphite prototypes and built in small batches for only the elite prostaff members at Quantum. In addition, they are continually being refined by the pros to fit more and more exacting needs and specifications. Pair one of these with Bass Pro Shops XPS Fluorocarbon line and it’s hard to go wrong.

Best Deep Jerkbait Fishing Lures – The Allure of a Lure

Now that the rod is taken care of, it’s time to load it with the best lures on the market. Deep jerkbait fishing requires more movement than traditional jerkbaits, which means the options have been refined as this style of bass fishing has increased in popularity.

For example, the Bagley Balsa BanOLure Topwater Jerkbait is surprisingly good at deep fishing. Despite being a top water lure, Bagley works well deep and the motion is sure to attract some of the more finicky fish.

Not to be outdone, the Berkeley Cutter Shallow 90+ Rip Bait gives baitfish performance in deep water fishing. The movement and snappiness of the lure entice bass into more aggressive strikes.

This type of effective baitfish mimicry is employed by a variety of lures. Some of the best are the Duo Realis Minnow Jerkbait, Raid Level Minnow Jerkbait, and LIVETARGET Emerald Shiner Baitball Jerkbait.

For thinner profiles and more agile movements, it’s hard to go wrong with Evergreen FA Jerkbaits or Ima Flit Jerkbaits.

If unsure or new to deep jerkbait fishing, consider a tried and true company like Rapala Lures. Rapala Jerkbait are considered some of the more versatile and reliable of all jerkbait brands. At less than ten bucks a pop, they are also affordable.

Still, when trying a particular style of fishing or looking for a particular fish, it is always worthwhile going with gear made specifically for that. KVD Deep Jerkbait has been specifically designed to be used deep.

Made by Strike King, the KVD Deep Jerkbait is a suspending bait that has found the ideal combination of roll, wiggle, and just a bit of flash. It has a weight transfer system making it easier to cast while maintaining maneuverability.

If these aren’t enough, some additional bass jerkbait lure companies include: Megabass; Lucky Craft; Damiki, Duel, Storm, Spro, Smithwick, Livingston Lures, Duo Realis, Jackall and Rapala.

Deep fishing doesn’t need deep pockets

Deep fishing may be new to many, but that doesn’t mean first timers need to spend a lot of money to try this exciting and effective form of bass fishing.

Rusty Angler believes in fishing giveaways, fishing sweepstakes, and fishing promotions. While a fishing giveaway might land some free swag, fishing sweeps are a great way to enter competitions for extra gear without spending a lot of time hunting that gear down.

Still, especially when looking for the newest, top of the line gear, one of the best areas to investigate is the world of fishing promotions. Companies have fishing promotions all the time specifically to attract new buyers or to highlight new products.

Why is that important? Well, with something just starting to take off, like deep jerkbait fishing, that means companies need to get their products out to the public. In addition, these companies know anglers are a loyal bunch. Hook an angler and they will be a customer for life.

All that loyalty means companies are willing to spend a little to get a lot. In addition, there are a variety of contests and sweeps that can lead to high end gear for free. A good fishing contest allows anglers to win free gear just by doing what is already being done – catching fish.

So enter that contest and grab a great Rusty Angler deal. Those fish are out there and they ready to be caught. All it takes is a little time.

The post Deep Jerkbait Fishing appeared first on Bass Fishing Tips - Fishing Tackle Boxes.

It’s one of the oldest frustrations in fishing. Fishing one part of a stream, lake, or ocean with nothing on the end of the line. Just a little further away, another angler is reeling them in nonstop. If only there was a way to know where the fish are at all times. Fish finders save you time and make the day’s catch (and dinner) more enjoyable.

Modern technology’s fish finders and GPS fish finders are small, compact, inexpensive tools that can help even the most adept fisherman become better.

Most of us are old enough to remember when anglers using depth finders, range finders, and fishing finders were considered cheating. But not anymore.

Using modern technology to improve a catch is simply smart fishing. Nobody complains when GPS gets them through traffic, so what’s the problem with a fish finder?

Nothing, that’s what. Good fish finders are common pieces of equipment these days. Heck, it would be like mocking a ship’s captain using a boat depth finder to ensure he doesn’t run aground.

Best Fish Finder and GPS Fish Finders

Like any technology, some products are better than others. When it comes to the best fish finders, always consider the place and use of the product. The first question to answer is if the finder will be boat mounted or portable.

Both have advantages and disadvantages–like battery power, portability, and ease of use. Make sure the type required is correct before looking at companies and designs. That being said, there are a few out there worth considering–no matter the use and budget.

Hummingbird

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Fishfinder and Chartplotter is a marvel of compact fishing advantage. From its easy to read 7-inch screen to the accuracy in depths of 350 feet, this little wonder is even compatible and upgradable with other Hummingbird products.

Like previous GPS systems, downloadable maps and updates keep the Hummingbird GPS fish finder working well year-round.

Garmin

When it comes to GPS, Garmin is a name that leaps to mind. So it’s no wonder they have reliable and inexpensive devices in this arena.

The Garmin Striker 4 Sonar Fishfinder and GPS Plotter, while slightly harder to read with a 4-inch screen, is a steal at nearly one fifth the price of the Hummingbird. In addition, anglers can mark favorite spots, docks, and ramps for an easy day on the water.

The Garmin STRIKER Plus 4cv GPS Fish Finder is a step up in clear imaging, readability, and comes equipped with plot mapping and real-time contouring. At under $200, it’s a real steal.

Lowrance

One of the more reliable and well-known names when it comes to electronic fish finders is Lowrance.

Whether it’s the inexpensive Lowrance HOOK2-5x Splitshot HDI GPS Fish Finder or the top of the line Lowrance HDS-12 Carbon Insight Sonar/GPS Combo, this company’s products are worth a look.

At under $100, the Hook2 series offers casual, weekend anglers both freshwater and saltwater capabilities, portability for kayaks or other small boat use, pre-loaded maps and easy upgrades.

One step up is the Lowrance Elite-7 Ti GPS Fish Finder with Mid/High/DownScan. Equipped with more than 1,000 pre-loaded lake maps and the ability to wirelessly notify fishers through a smartphone app. This is a great option for the serious angler who doesn’t want to break the bank.

However, for the serious tournament or professional angler, the HDS series is top of the line.

The Lowrance HDS-9 Carbon Insight USA Sonar/GPS Combo blends a suite of navigation tools with new fish-finding technology such as deep structure scanning shown in 3D on the 9-inch color screen.

Upgrade to the HDS 12 at a mere $3,000, and receive real-time chart plotting with a 12-inch full color display, automatic routing support and precision imaging down to half-foot contours.

Castable and Trackable

The Newest Wave of Fishing Technology

The ANGLR Fishing Trip Tracker is a wearable, waterproof, tracker that syncs to a smartphone app and records everything an angler needs to reproduce great fishing days and avoid repeats of  bad ones.

The device attaches to a rod and wirelessly pairs with a smart phone to track fishing activity. It keeps count of casts and catches, records casting direction, and marks the locations of landed fish. In addition, it marks location and lets anglers review past trips.

For anglers who are fishing from shore but want to ensure there are fish nearby, look no further than the Deeper Start Smart Castable Fish Finder.

As the name suggests, this fish finder can be attached to a line and cast into the water, where a Bluetooth signal will send depth, water, and fish information directly to a compatible smartphone.

Just make sure the line is securely attached, as it could be all too easy to cast a hundred dollars into the water only to see the line snap and your investment float away.

Fish Finders for Sale; Fish Finders for Free!

Those who frequent Rusty Angler know how much we love to find free fishing gear! We offer fishing giveaways so you have a chance to enter and land some free swag. Fishing sweeps are a great way to enter competitions for extra gear.

One of the best areas to investigate is the world of fishing promos and sweeps. Companies have fishing promotions all the time, specifically to attract new buyers or highlight new products. New technology is always showing up, and these are great ways to get some top tech for free or save a lot of dough.

Often, companies will offer free gear by having the angler use a fishing promo code when ordering new equipment. Why is that important? Well, that means you get gear at either greatly reduced prices or even free.

So don’t be afraid of the new technology. Embrace it. If anything, the fish should be afraid. They should be very afraid.

The post Fish Finders appeared first on Bass Fishing Tips - Fishing Tackle Boxes.

What’s powerful, fast, has a deadly spear in front of its face, a tail that can slice off an arm, and is bigger than most sharks? A beautiful marlin! If trying to catch one sounds like a good day on the water, then buckle in that strap and get ready. Marlin fishing, also known as billfishing, is not for the faint of heart. Considered by sport anglers as the ultimate in prey, these giants of the deep are some of the most exciting and dangerous fish to go after.

Heck, Ernest Hemmingway wrote an entire book about one man facing off against a large marlin—The Old Man and the Sea.

While there are 10 species of marlin, fishing for blue marlin is exciting, draining, and one of the most sought after experiences in the fishing community.

Blue Marlin Fishing

Blue marlin fish are one of the deep ocean’s fastest, strongest, and largest predators. They can be more than 16-feet long and weigh so much that a standard pickup truck can’t handle one as its load.

Fishing blue marlin takes place in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. These deep water marvels travel around the globe.

However, for those in search of true granders—marlins weighing more than 1,000 pounds—there is simply no place in the world that’s better than Hawaii. The island of Kona is king for blue marlin fishing.

While marlin can be caught year round in Hawaii, Kona has claimed the title as the best island in Hawaii to catch blue marlin because it is the only place in the world where granders have been caught in every month of the year.

Unlike other parts of the world, and even other islands, where marlin fishing has seasons, anglers can find mammoth marlin anytime of the year in the waters off Kona.

Kona cemented its place as the world’s marlin capital back in 1971, when a grander caught in Kona tipped the scales at a monstrous 1,825 pounds. The rest is history.

Chart a Course for Local Charters

Most sport anglers cannot afford the equipment, boats, and licensing required to be full-time marlin hunters. However, that shouldn’t limit anyone from going after the ocean’s greatest sport fish.

Charter boats abound from coast to coast. Anyone living near the water can likely find a charter boat for marlin. In addition, many fishing vacation spots have specials that include charters.

The Fight Is On

When catching marlin, be ready for the fight of a lifetime. A large marlin, especially a blue, can take hours to bring in. More than one marlin fisher has simply been outlasted and lost a trophy fish to poor aerobic training.

The marlin hits the bait, leaps into the air, sets the hook, and the fight is on.

Everyone will be yelling for him or her to “reel, reel, reel.” The crew is keenly aware that the anglers must keep constant pressure on the marlin or risk the fish throwing the hook right out of its mouth with a head shake.

The captain will push the throttle and speed the boat ahead. While this means more spooling of the fish and more reeling for the angler, it keeps a solid tension on the line at all times.

As soon as other lines are cleared by the crew and the angler is able to keep the rod bent by reeling, a good charter captain will back the boat to the fish as the angler rapidly and easily gets back all but the last 50 feet of line.

At this point, the fish is all done jumping and has gone down 45-feet deep right behind and below the stern. Fighting the fish up those last 50 feet is a skill within itself.

This is where anglers will “pump and reel” or “short stroke.” If they don’t, the fish will pull back every foot of line the angler takes up.

The short stroke technique is where an angler raises the rod and reels like crazy for one turn of the crank as the rod tip lowers back to the water. Repeat until only the wire leader is left.

When the leader can be reached by the wireman, he will pull the fish up beside the boat for pictures and high fives.

Marlins Aren’t All Blue

While blue marlins are the kings of the game fish world, there are another nine species of marlin that are just as exciting to catch.

In particular, white marlin are known to be just as feisty and aggressive as their larger cousins. However, at less than 100 pounds, they are an easier fish to haul aboard.

Still, size isn’t everything and these fish are known worldwide for their aggressiveness, tenacity, and fight. A 90-pound white marlin will give every bit as good a fight as a 600-pound blue marlin.

For the true fanatics, there’s the White Marlin Open. This is the largest billfish tournament in the world, and last year’s winner walked away with a whopping $2.5 Million in prize money. Not bad for a day on the water.

Gear Up and Get Out

For those who want more than a single day of marlin fishing, having the right equipment that can be properly cared for is important. However, be ready to whip out that debit card. Marlin gear doesn’t come cheap.

Here at Rusty Angler, we talk about the best free fishing gear giveaways and other ways of scoring swag and free fishing gear. While that’s great for smaller tackle, it is less likely for marlin gear.

A good marlin fishing reel, like the Shimano Tiagra TI130A can handle a mammoth marlin but will set a fisher back more than $1,100. However, even third place at the White Marlin Open will more than cover it.

Shimano makes some of the best marlin fishing gear out there, including the Shimano TAC20BFC drag reel. Match this work horse reel with a Shimano Tallus Blue Water rod and let the marlin beware.

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In 2018, Jordan Lee caught 15 fish over the course of three days. The total weight of the 15 fish was 47 pounds, one ounce. This was enough to earn him the title of Bass Master and a check for $300,000. Have you checked out bass master tournaments in your area?

Fast forward to 2019, and Knoxville native Ott DeFoe took home the $300k after catching 5 bass from the Tennessee River that weighed a total of 18 pounds and 14 ounces. Get your rod and reel and start competing!

Photo Courtesy of Bassmaster.com and James Overstreet. Ott Defoe Winner of Bass Classic Championship.

That’s right. $300 grand is the top prize in the Bass Master Classic—the largest fishing competition on the planet and one that has popularized, and capitalized on, the most sought after sport fish around. Bass.

While the casual angler might think the title of Bass Master and huge winnings are beyond their reach, just remember that the competitor who came in last, with a total 3-day weight of only 11 pounds, 5 ounces, still won $10,000.

Not bad for a few days of fishing. So how does an aspiring angler get into the Bass Master Classic? For starters, enter a local bass tournament and start earning qualification points.

In addition, think about getting a subscription to Bass Master Magazine. This will provide all the information needed, as well as the contact information for local bass clubs and other organizations to help.

Many of the magazines and groups have great fishing promotion codes only available to members. These codes give access to new promotional gear at tremendous discounts and, sometimes they are even free.

A lot of them have a fishing contest or two that can win an angler free equipment, gear, tackle and more just by bringing in the biggest bass around.

I Like Big Bass And I Cannot Lie

22 pounds, 5 ounces and more than 2 feet long—that’s the largemouth bass world record. This monster bass was caught by Manabu Kurita in Japan.

A California man nearly caught a world record bass of more than 25 pounds, but he made the mistake of releasing the monster bass without a proper weigh-in. While the catch was reported by friends who used a hand scale, without a certified record scale the mega bass was chalked up as just another fish story.

Lesson learned. Make sure not to catch and release that championship bass. This is one instance where bringing it home to be mounted as a trophy bass is worth it. Bass Master Tournaments are life changing for those who follow the rules and land the biggest catches.

To score these fantastic fish, be sure and check out any local bass shops, as well as bass magazines for the newest gear and best bass techniques. Then head to sites like Rusty Angler and find the best deals on all your fishing gear.

Sites like this are great places to find up-to-date news on fishing giveaways and fishing sweepstakes. That means more opportunity to win free fishing gear. Who doesn’t love getting free gear?

Just look for a good fishing giveaway or fishing sweep, enter the information needed, and presto. Let’s face it, someone’s going to win all that swag, so it might as well be someone who is going to use it.

Back That Bass Up – Reeling In The Big Ones

Bass fishing takes patience and skill. Articles on how to bass fish go into great detail on angles and timing to keep from scaring the fish, but it’s not as hard as it sounds. Basically, just be quiet.

• Stay hidden and cast from an angle into the beds, then let your line sink and work it in place. Largemouth bass are unlikely to chase bait. Remember, they are lazy but they will suck in a line that’s tantalizingly close.
• In many cases, fish hiding in reeds can be seen, and a savvy angler can work some bass baits directly to them. Then allow the line to settle and the bait to drift by the largemouth and get that trophy catch.

However, don’t be stuck solely on largemouth—the divas of the bass world. There’s a lot to be said for their smaller cousins. These feisty fish are more aggressive and are more likely to chase bait and put up a solid fight to thrill any sport angler. Check out some recommended best bass lures to increase your chances of catching the big ones.

Best Smallmouth Bass Strategies and Techniques

 Unlike largemouth bass, smallmouth bass will cover a lot of water and do so without cover. This is even more apparent in warm weather when baitfish stay away from shore. They will also chase just about any bait around. They are much more aggressive and will often swim in fast current waters.

• So for smallies, ditch the shoreline, get in a kayak or bass boat and head to the more open water. That means the best bass lures for smallmouth are going to be crankbaits, vibrating jigs, and spinnerbaits. Bass tubes are also a reliable go to.
• Even fly fishing for bass follows similar rules. When bass fly fishing, make sure the line is loose and the fly is quiet as it hits the water. A good bass rod for fly fishing will be whippy and have a light action.

Bass Boats – Getting Close To The Prey

For tournament fishing, a good boat is a necessity. While it takes more work to transport and care for, a good boat is sound investment. Bass tournaments are known for moving quickly from place to place, and a kayak or canoe can’t keep up.

Bass tracker boats are some of the best ones out there and are equipped for both the casual angler and the tournament fisher. There’s a reason bass trackers are popular. They are made specifically for catching bass at Bass Master Tournaments.

A good boat allows the competitive fisher to quickly get across a large lake and then idle a quiet motor to get into an ideal position. Not to mention, bass boat accessories and amenities are second to none. There’s plenty of space for gear, multiple rigs, several people, depth finders…the list just goes on.

So throw on a pair of bass sandals, grab some friends, hop in the boat and head out to the lake. Who knows, in a couple of years, the cover of Bassmaster Magazine could feature that year’s tournament champion, and the face might look mighty familiar.

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Everyone likes to talk about the fish they caught. Photos abound on the web and every serious angler has a story about the huge fish they caught and released. But stories are just that, stories. There’s a reason they’re called “fish tales.” Pictures don’t count without proof. There are several world record catches that were unverifiable because the person in the photo lacked the basic fishing tournament scales.

When it comes to measuring and weighing catches, there are scales, and then there are correct fishing tournament scales. A tournament scale is legal for recording and verifying catches in the largest tournaments around, and that means anglers need one to win one.

The Best Fishing Tournament Scales – A Weighty Matter

Sure, any angler can go out with a 7-dollar basic fish scale. It will take a reasonable measurement and be completely useless for anything more than suspect bragging rights.

Still, scales such as the Rapala Tube Scales, are great to teach about weighing fish and the need to be accurate. Another good beginner scale is the Field & Stream Small Digital Scale, and, at about 20 dollars each, they won’t break the bank.

For the serious fisher, and anyone competing in a fishing tournament, a professional tournament scale is needed. Unfortunately, they cost a bit more than seven 7 dollars and change. For the best scales, look into these top performers.

SL-3700 fishing tournament scale system (image shown at very top of article)

The best of the best, this low profile economy platform scale is a competition standard throughout the country. And at nearly a $1,000 it better be. The SL-3700 are accurate up to 50 pounds and can operate on an AC charge or via a rechargeable battery.

For a permanent application, these scales can be floor-mounted and have a wall-mounted LCD display. When the best is needed, these are the scales to get.

WeighMaster tournament scale

Another platform scale, this rugged and reliable scale is good for anything up to 60 pounds. Also portable, this stainless steel scale can take anything thrown onto its surface making it great for a boat mount.

In addition, the weight lock feature means accurate recordings of every fish every time. Coming in at just under six hundred dollars, it is also significantly less expensive than the SL-3700.

Looking for the ULTIMATE Tournament Scale System? 

Look no further than the H2 Ultimate Pro Tournament Fishing Scale. Tournamentscales.com says, “The dual harmonic filtering allows the H2 to lock onto the weight of a thrashing fish within 5 seconds, every time! Be prepared this season and run the most efficient trail to date.” Check out the image and go there for pricing.

Rapala Sportsman’s Digital Fishing Scale

A good starter scale, this basic but reliable scale will measure any fish up to 50 pounds. A large display is ready for photos, and it is a great scale for those just starting to weigh their catches.

This is a good scale for those who want to accurately, but not officially, weight their catches in a tournament to keep their tally going. In competition, final tallies still need to be done on the official tournament scales.

Rapala Digital Scale and Fish Gripper

This deluxe, digital scale is upgraded from the Sportsman’s model. Stainless steel construction makes it usable in both fresh and saltwater environments. A large, picture-ready, digital readout can be configured in either pounds or kilograms.

This rust resistant scale runs 600 hours on 2 AAA batteries, thanks in part to the 2 minute auto shut-off. And don’t underestimate the usefulness of the wrist lanyard to keep it in the boat.

More Than Scales – Culling Beams and Measurers

Serious anglers know they need more than just scales for a catch. Length and girth are important, and in a tournament where only the best fish can be kept, there’s nothing like a culling beam to ensure perfection.

The Bass Pro Shops XPS Tournament Fish Culling Beam is a great example of the latter. When ounces matter, a culling beam allows the serious angler to check which fish is heavier than the other.

Think of the Scales of Justice, except this scale is hooked to the gills and the larger fish sinks into the live well while the smaller one is released to safety.

The Frabill Crappie E-Z Check’R is a simple way of measuring crappie to ensure they are within the legal limits. Just slide the fish head first into the holder and know if the fish is good to go home or back into the water.

For any competitor, a tourney weigh bag is a necessity. These bags keep fish alive while the angler is awaiting his turn at the scales. Since a dead fish has four ounces deducted from its weight, having a tourney weigh bag is not only environmentally sound, it is economically necessary.

Finally, a good gripper is worth the investment. The Rapala 6” Floating Fish Gripper allows the fisherman to bring in the catch with one hand, check it, and quickly release it if so desired.

Sturdy, corrosion resistant, and reliable, this should be in every serious angler’s kit. NBot to mention, it floats. Just in case someone loses their grip.

Necessary But Not Necessarily Expensive

Every competitor wants to make sure their measurements are legitimate and acceptable by the event organizers. But pro scales are expensive. Have no fear, the Rusty Angler is here with help.

Like many competitions, the more involved, the higher quality, the more that equipment costs. A baseball  player can get a decent baseball glove for $30, or a professional MLB glove for $600. The same is true in angling. Fishing tournament scales are one of a few types of gear you’ll need to win that prize! Choose wisely.

However, needing good gear doesn’t mean needing a second mortgage on the house. While Rusty Angler’s fishing giveaways might land you some free swag, we recommend looking for good fishing promotions on the Internet, too. We love giving our reader’s the best information, like finding out if a monthly fishing subscription box is really worth the money.

Tournaments are a huge business. That means there’s a lot of competition for competitors’ money. While competition may mean bad news for the fish, it can mean good prices for the fishermen. Check out your options for the best fishing tournament scales and gear.

Companies have fishing promotions all the time to attract new buyers. In addition, there are fishing sweeps and fishing contests where a simple on-line form can result in a boat load of free fishing gear. Who knows, the next $800 tournament scale might just cost nothing! Come back each week for more expert fishing tips from Rusty Angler.

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