Fishhound Magazine - Issue 18

MAGAZINE

Summertime and the living is easy, fish are jumping and cotton is high…

EDITOR-IN -CHIEF

RICK PATRI CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DEREK YOUNG PUBLISHING EDITOR

ANDREW L. SCHWARTZ EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTOR // MIKE PEHANICH CONTRIBUTOR // JUSTIN PAKDAMAN

www.smallwatersfishing.com

There’s an ancient, historical air about fishing. Its practice and application, whether for sport or for the huntergatherer approach, dates back to the very dawn of modern man. Fishing has a paternal nature lending itself to the idea that it is a sport deeply routed in tradition. For many of us, it’s something that has been passed down to us by our elders; something we’ll pass on to our kids, and so on. That said, Happy Father’s Day! You may notice that our magazine is undergoing a bit of a face lift. We’re moving away from long form articles in favor of shorter, more succinct segments that will truly help amp up your angling game! And speaking of face lifts, how about that Travis Moran? Not that he had any work done, but come on! As the face of Lucky Tackle Box, we could not have had any better luck in finding someone who can break down all the sweet product found in your LTB in such an engaging way and look great while doing it! We’re honored to have him on our cover, as well as on Team Lucky.

Whether you’re flipping through our magazine, or surfing through our YouTube Channel, there’s always something new to learn! Happy summer!

Tight Lines!

A.L. Schwartz

CONTENTS PG.3

NO OTHER JACKET REQUIRED We put STORMR’s Nano Series jacket to the test.

PG.7

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

PG.9

ON THE WATER

We get the lowdown on YouTube sensation Ian “Pro Fisherman” Jones.

Lily pads: they’re not just for frogs anymore.

ON THE COVER PG.11

TRAVIS MORAN The man, the myth...the backstory.

PG.16

TYING THE KNOT Stay in the “loop” with this versatile fishing knot.

PG.18

TALKING TACKLE Breaking down the Livingston Pro Sizzle swimbait.

PG.19

Q&A WITH TACKLE SHOP BOB Find out what wacky advice Tackle Shop Bob has to offer.

PG.20

LIVING LIQUID See how Lucky Tackle Box is breaking ground with new video technology.

PAGE 3 | FISHHOUND MAG

>

r e h t O

STORMR NANO

NO JACKET REQUIRED

by Jim Root

ano - a combining form meaning “very small and minute.” It could reference nanotechnology, which in itself could represent microscopic technical details, or nano could simply refer to the smallest drop of rain beading off a sleeve. Either reference would apply to the new Nano Series from STORMR. After over a year in research and development, the Nano has been created with no cutting of corners or features in what is simply a one of a kind rain suit that is sure to leave you satisfied.

I first laid my hands on the Nano in Orlando, FL during ICAST 2015. Although still a prototype, I was incredibly excited about what I saw. Having worn STORMR gear for the past two years, I have had no issues with my Fusion, Strykr, or Limited Edition Strykr jacket and bibs. They kept me bone dry and very warm in cold weather. But like all rain gear, it was too warm to wear when the temperatures climbed above 85 degrees. Even though the Fusion is light and is designed to move the way anglers move, it still feels like you’re wearing a jacket when it’s 90 degrees, and that’s never comfortable. At least until now.

The biggest thing to take away from this new line of rain gear is comfort. The pants, for instance, are so lightweight, that guys on the Elite Series are wearing them as sun shields.

The jacket feels like a soft cotton button-down. Rigorously tested in tropical climates, the Nano Series is designed to be worn in the hottest temperatures. During those sun shower storms that occur during summer months when the humidity is through the roof, you can leave the Nano rain suit on. You don’t have to decide between taking it off and putting it back on, or to suffer through the sunny phases in between bouts of rain. No other rain gear on the market today can outperform this suit in these conditions.

The Nano design doesn’t sacrifice any water or wind resistance that STORMR fans have come to expect from other STORMR products.

FISHHOUND MAG | PAGE 4

If you look at the seams, you’ll immediately

I personally like the red because I can wave it

see how well this has been put together. Even

in the air in case of an emergency, and I love

the hardest rain will bead and roll off. The

stuff that’s dual-purpose.

main zipper and pockets are protected with YKK Aquaguard which is highly durable, but

The STORMR Nano pants are created from

functions as smooth as butter, unlike other

the same 20k waterproof and breathable

zippers that are impossible to use, which

material as the Nano jacket. The Nano pants

bind up, and frankly, aren’t waterproof. The

also feature fully sealed seams and are

two-way adjustable hood literally tops this

ergonomically designed for comfort and

jacket off, and is great for making sure water

mobility. They have a full elastic waist and

won’t get in through the neck. But what I

knee-high zippers, and were also battle tested

like best about the Nano jacket is that like all

in some of the hottest tropical climates in the

STORMR jackets, it’s ergonomically designed

world. Being able to wear them as a form of

to conform to the motions of anglers.

sun protection adds another layer of defense that also eliminates the need for smelly

It’s meant to protect you as you do what

sunscreen and the time it takes to apply it.

you need to do while you’re in the rain, and

The pants come in grey only, but match both

there’s a big difference in the quality of the engineering that other companies simply don’t have.

We anglers move a lot, in a lot of different ways, so having

the red and grey jackets perfectly. Like the jacket, they feel really great to wear, and comfort is one of the biggest keys to success in anything you’re doing.

a jacket that was made by fishermen for fishermen,

For more info visit

is really something that

www.stormrusa.com

shouldn’t go unnoticed.

You wouldn’t let your accountant design your rod, so why would you let just anyone build your jacket? The Nano jacket is available in two colors, grey and red;

PAGE 5 | FISHHOUND MAG

Photos courtesy of Steven Hayashida

FHM FISHHOUND MAG | PAGE 11

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YOUTUBE N BREAKDOW

ermanJones Who: ProFish 0, 2011 Joined: Feb 1 : 219 No. of videos 15,525 Subscribers: ,199,810 Total views: 6 /26/2016

urate as of 04

*All stats acc

ON THE WATER

PICKING APART PADS

By John Loughlin

ily pads are a structure that consistently hold largemouth bass. Drawn by the shade, security, and prevalent food sources they harbor, these hidden fish can make for easy pickings for anglers with pad proficiency. Here are some tips for narrowing the learning curve.

Send Out the Search Party Not all pads are created equal. Bottom composition, depth of water, lead-in cover, and access to deeper water are all components that can initially attract, then hold fish. Look for pads with favorable or varied bottom composition, such as wood, rock, and vegetation. Transition zones, with more than one type of structure, are even better.

PAGE 9 | FISHHOUND MAG

Although pads in super skinny water will hold fish, your odds of connecting with multiple bass increase if an adequate amount of water is found underneath, two to five feet is ideal.

Largemouth bass prefer not to travel across wide expanses of featureless water. Lily pad clusters, or expanses that have a good selection of lead-in cover, will get more attention from these nomadic fish. The same can be said for pads that are staged close to deep water access points.

Lastly, seek out variances in the pads themselves. Open water pockets amongst the pads make for great ambush points. Blown-in slop and pads adjacent to emergent vegetation or structure points are also more attractive to bass.

Picking Them Apart My arsenal consists of two baits when targeting lily pads: a Texas-rigged creature bait and topwater frog. The latter is a thrilling bait to toss that fish love to attack. I will often start with a frog in order to pick off active fish. Work this bait with a stop and go retrieve, pausing it at any open pockets you come across. If a fish strikes, it is imperative to wait a second or two before setting the hook. For fish that miss, toss back your frog to the same spot - most times they will hit again. If not, give them a go with your creature bait.

Using the correct equipment is necessary for fishing pads with frogs. Go with a specialized froggin’ rod or flippin’ stick - teamed up with 50 or 65 pound test braid. Once the area has been worked over efficiently with a frog, slow things down and really pick it apart with the creature bait. Flip and pitch this bulky lure to every nook and cranny. Let it slip through the pads and lift it in place for 10 or 15 seconds. Due to its heavier weight in a smaller size, a tungsten worm weight gets the nod for this technique. It is recommended to team it up with a 4.5 to 5.75 inch bait, as well as a flipping stick and a 65 pound test braid.

Put more time in the pad fields this season. Fish may be hidden from view but you can always tempt them into biting.

FISHHOUND MAG | PAGE 10

ON THE COVER

PAGE 11 | FISHHOUND MAG

TRAVIS MORAN THE MAN, THE MYTH...THE BACKSTORY

By Andrew Schadegg

ravis Moran was a pretty unlikely bass fisherman. He grew up in Carmel, CA and no one in his family even knew how to fish.

His dad was a doctor and so was his grandfather, but even as a young kid Travis wanted to be a professional fisherman. Living on the California coast, Travis was into surfing and playing basketball, but fishing was his biggest passion; it was his relaxation. When he wanted to go fishing, he would need to convince his younger twin brothers to go with him. If they could talk their sister into going too, his parents would even give them a little spending money to score some McDonald’s while they were out.

They’d hop around from pond to pond, messing around, making memories and catching fish.

Other than learning from Bill Dance, Hank Parker, Roland Martin and other TV fishing stars, Travis taught himself the basics. By the time he was 16, he learned there was a way to combine his drive to compete in sports and his insatiable desire to feel a fish on the end of his line. He discovered the local Santa Cruz Bass Club, hoping he might be able to just ride around with the members and get some tips.

When he called the club, they had a spot for him to team up with a member for their next tournament.

“I’ll never forget my mom calling up my first bass club partner and giving him the third degree,”

Travis recalls. “She couldn’t understand why a grown man wanted to take her teenage son fishing. I was super embarrassed, but he just laughed and told her she had nothing to worry about….it was all about fishing. That was good enough for her. I got my first taste of tournament fishing and I was hooked for life!”

An accomplished basketball player, Travis got a full-ride scholarship to play for Montana State University-Northern. To convince him to play there, the college recruiter had to show him around the local lakes and ponds to ensure that he had places to fish while he was going to school. He completed school with a BA in Business with the intention of pursuing a career in the fishing industry.

After college, Travis moved back home and started fishing more competitive team circuits and tournaments. Eventually, he bought his first boat and made the decision to take off on the road. He lived out of an old motorhome and started fishing the more competitive FLW Western Division with his buddy Duane, his girlfriend and their dog. He began competing as a co-angler in 2009 and by 2012 he had landed two top ten finishes and lead the Angler of the Year race until the final tournament (eventually ending in a tie for 2nd).

“What’s hilarious is that seven years later I’m still traveling around in that same motorhome and towing around that same boat!! I got a

TON of experience on the water during those years. I fished with so many insanely skilled professionals who taught me about fish behavior and how to make adjustments on the water. After finishing tournaments, I would stick around on the lake for a couple days, just to put into practice everything I had learned.”

After that 2nd place finish in 2012, Travis has been fishing on the professional side of the FLW, as well as competing in other western tournament circuits (when he has the time).

Getting Down to the “Business” of Fishing With a business degree in hand, a couple of years of bartending on the weekends and slumming around in a motorhome, Travis was ready to pursue making a living in the fishing industry. Meanwhile his brothers, Parker and Spencer, had been making their own mark in fishing. They were the founding members of the successful Chico State Bass Fishing Team, eventually taking them all the way to the FLW College Series National Championships.

Wanting to collaborate together on a project that would bring in some cash flow, the three brothers embarked on a new business venture called BassHookups Media.

“Originally, it started as a sales website that would feature one product per day at a super discounted price,” Travis explains. “We’d partner with different fishing companies that would provide us with a lure or product.

We’d create some super unique, crazy videos highlighting the product we were selling on that day. My brothers are my favorite collaborators. I still call them with every new idea I have and they give me the best feedback of anyone I work with!”

Wanting to do things differently than what they were seeing in the rest of the industry, Travis and his brothers would make videos that featured the products in a unique way. Having the lures bounce around “in sync” to music (or PAGE 13 | FISHHOUND MAG

something totally off-the-wall like a big, hairy dude “pole-dancing” with a featured fishing rod) were ways BassHookups kept their videos fun, creative and original.

Ultimately, the sales site went away, but the concept of creating better videos for the fishing community brought about a slew of new industry partnerships. BassHookups began doing promotional videos for companies and tournament circuits, which helped build their catalog of original content. This left Travis with an extensive collection of eye-catching videos that began turning heads and garnering positive attention within the industry.

Around this time, Travis learned of a new TV show that was to be aired on NBC Sports called the World Series of Bass Fishing. The goal of the show was to bring “average Joe” fisherman from all over the country to compete against each other for the opportunity of a paid entry into a mega-tournament that would be held at a later time. Potential contestants had to create a video to showcase why they should be chosen to compete on the show.

Using his “living out of his motorhome” story and funny side notes like writing his tournament finishes on an unopened bottle of Dom Perignon (to be opened only after he wins his first big event), Travis landed a spot on the TV show.

“That bottle has been with me on the road at every tournament. It’s been in 100 degree heat and freezing cold temperatures, locked up in my motor home. It still hasn’t been opened and will probably taste terrible when I finally get that win, but I don’t care. It will taste like the sweet, sweet nectar of victory!”

With his increasing notoriety and his laid-back, “happy-go-lucky” California personality, Travis added to his resume with an appearance on a Nat Geo show called King of Fishers: Battle for America. While traveling in Southeast

“I’m a goofy guy. My brother Parker taught me a long time ago, that you have to be able to laugh at yourself. If you can laugh at yourself, everyone else will laugh with you.”

Asia, he checked in on the popular fishing forum, WesternBass, and saw they were looking for anglers from all walks of life for a brand new show. After a wild Skype interview sitting in a café in Vietnam, he convinced Nat Geo that he was the guy for this new fishing adventure show. The show aired both in the US and internationally and solidified Travis as a personality that brands want to have endorsing and promoting their products.

The Face of Lucky Tackle Box After his brief foray into TV stardom, Travis continued to hone his video-producing abilities, landing a job with a newly formed subscription box company. Lucky Tackle Box saw his potential and hired him to be their primary spokesman for the many brands featured in each month’s box. With the ultimate goal of creating an excellent production featuring underwater footage, top-notch information

and enthusiastic dialogue, Travis has helped turn LTB’s videos into some of the most talked about promotional and instructional fishing content on the internet.

“I want to take it to the next level and change the way fishing videos are created. I want to create the best stuff and keep pushing the envelope…videos that everyone will enjoy watching. If I can ENTERTAIN viewers by being a host that isn’t afraid to look like a total nutjob on camera, INFORM them with the best on-the-water and underwater instruction and INSPIRE them to get off the couch and get outdoors….I’ve accomplished what I’ve set out to do.”

FISHHOUND MAG | PAGE 14

BETTER FISHING TIMES USING THE SUN/MOON TO CATCH MORE FISH What are Astro tables and how does it work?

Astro Tables are far more effective than “moon tables” because they take into account critical solar energies as well as lunar. PrimeTime data is based on solar/lunar research at a leading college of astrophysics and our own research pond/wildlife area. Annual data is supplied by the U.S. Naval Observatory. All lunar times are adjusted to the center of your time zone and for Daylight Saving Time.

LUNAR PERIODS

VALUE

2016 JUNE

POOR FAIR GOOD EXCL

BEST DAYS

TIMES OCCURRING AT NIGHT ARE SHADED MOON RISE

Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4

63 77 90 95

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

5 6 7 8 9 10 11

85 74 63 56 54 51 53

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

60 47 39 36 35 43 53

1:31 pm

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

63 69 60 51 43 40 43

7:47 pm

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu

26 27 28 29 30

51 64 58 56 59 25 50 75

AVERAGE

For more, visit primetimes2.com

3:31 am 4:13 am 4:58 am

5:48 am 6:42 am 7:40 am 8:40 am 9:41 am

10:41 am 11:40 am

12:36 pm

2:25 pm 3:19 pm 4:12 pm 5:06 pm 6:00 pm 6:54 pm

8:39 pm 9:28 pm

10:14 pm 10:57 pm 11:37 pm

12:15 am 12:53 am 1:31 am 2:10 am 2:52 am

10:28 pm

PRIMARY

MOON OVERHEAD

8:42 am - 11:142am 9:29 am - 12:19 pm 10:21 am - 1:23 pm 11:16 am - 2:26 pm

12:13 pm - 3:29 pm 1:12 pm - 4:28 pm 2:11 pm - 5:23 pm 3:08 pm - 6:14 pm 4:03 pm - 6:59 pm 4:58 pm - 7:40 pm 5:49 pm - 8:19 pm

MOON SET

4:33 pm 5:42 pm 6:51 pm

7:58 pm 9:02 pm 9:59 pm

10:51 pm 11:36 pm

12:16 am 12:52 am

6:39 pm - 8:55 pm 7:29 pm - 9:31 pm 8:18 pm - 10:06 pm 9:06 pm - 10:44 pm 9:56 pm - 11:24 pm 10:47 pm - 12:05 am 11:38 pm - Midnight

1:26 am

Midnight - 12:50 am 12:30 am - 1:38 am 1:21 am - 2:29 am 2:10 am - 3:22 am 2:59 am - 4:17 am 3:45 am - 5:13 am 4:29 am - 6:11 am

5:32 am

5:12 am - 7:08 am 5:55 am - 8:07 am 6:37 am - 9:07 am 7:24 am - 10:06 am 8:12 am - 11:08 am

1:58 am 2:29 am 3:01 am 3:34 am 4:10 am 4:49 am

6:19 am 7:11 am

8:07 am 9:05 am

10:06 am 11:08 am

12:11 pm 1:15 pm 2:20 pm 3:27 pm 4:34 pm

PRIMARY

MOON UNDERFOOT

9:07 pm - 11:39 pm 9:54 pm - 12:44 am 10:46 pm - 1:48 am 11:41 pm - Midnight Midnight - 2:51 am 12:38 am - 3:54 am 1:37 am - 4:53 am 2:36 am - 5:48 am 3:33 am - 6:39 am 4:28 am - 7:24 am 5:23 am - 8:05 am

6:14 am - 8:44 am 7:04 am - 9:20 am 7:54 am - 9:56 am 8:43 am - 10:31 am 9:31 am - 11:09 am 10:21 am - 11:49 am 11:12 am - 12:30 pm 12:03 pm - 1:15 pm 12:55 pm - 2:03 pm 1:46 pm - 2:54 pm 2:35 pm - 3:47 pm 3:24 pm - 4:42 pm 4:10 pm - 5:38 pm 4:54 pm - 6:36 pm 5:37 pm - 7:33 pm 6:20 pm - 8:32 pm 7:02 pm - 9:32 pm 7:49 pm - 10:31 pm 8:37 pm - 11:33 pm

Perigee NEW

HIGH

HALF

Apogee

FULL & SUMMER

LOW

HALF

ANY LUNAR PERIOD IS ENHANCED WHEN IT OVERLAPS A KEY SOLAR PERIOD. THE BEST OF THESE OVERLAPS ARE DESIGNATED BY THE SUN SYMBOLS: = HIGH NOON = DAWN = DUSK

WHILE THE LESSER MOONRISE AND -SET OVERLAPS (ABOUT 30 MIN. BEFORE AND AFTER THE LISTED TIME) ARE DESIGNATED BY BOLD BLACK TYPE.

For more information and samples of PrimeTimes products, visit www.primetimes2.com PAGE 15 | FISHHOUND MAG

TYING THE KNOT Sponsored by

LOOP KNOT // Loop knots are an extremely strong and useful knot for anglers of any species. This knot is best used with artificial lures because it allows for maximum mobility, giving your baits and lures the most life-like action possible. The tag end of this knot points directly down towards the hook/ lure, so it is completely weedless. This is key when using artificial lures on grass beds.

STEP 1

STEP 2

To start, tie a loose overhand knot using about 10” inches of working end protruding through the knot. It’s OK to use more line if needed.

Feed the working end through the eye of the lure or hook.

STEP 3

STEP 4

Then feed the working end back through the overhand knot. Adjust the first loop to desired size.

Make a second overhand knot around the standing part of the line just past the first knot.

STEP 5

STEP 6

Finish by tightening each of the two individual knots…

…then slide them together snug, against the eye of the lure or hook, and your done!

FOOD&DRINK

CALAMARI STEAKS WITH MEDITERRANEAN SALSA

Calamari steaks, the flattened bodies of squid, are a great lean protein option for a healthy meal, plus they cook in a flash. While fresh is always best, you may find it’s easier to locate calamari steaks in the frozen food section.

Simply defrost them in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to use them. Most importantly, don’t overcook the calamari, or it will turn rubbery.

Salsa:

Calamari Steak: • 4 calamari steaks, 4 to 6 oz. each • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 Tbs. olive oil • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley • Salt and freshly ground pepper • Lemon wedges, for serving For the salsa — in a bowl, stir together the

•1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped

olives, tomatoes, capers, garlic, parsley, oil,

• 2/3 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped

lemon zest, juice, and pepper.

• 1/4 cup (2 oz./60 g) capers, drained • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Place the calamari steaks in a nonreactive

• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

bowl and add half of the lemon juice, the

• 1 Tbs. olive oil

olive oil and the parsley. Season with salt

• Grated zest of 1 lemon

and pepper and toss to combine.

• 1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice • 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-high heat. Grill the steaks until

Nikki Martin

Nikki Martin Food Network Star

opaque — about 2 minutes per side. Top the calamari with the salsa and a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve.

This dish goes great with some couscous or fresh pasta. I also love to drink a bright and

nikkimartin.com

citrusy Sauvignon Blanc when enjoying the

NikkiMartinOfficial

Mediterranean flavors of this meal. Enjoy!

@MzNikkiMartin @GrillNextDoor PAGE 17 | FISHHOUND MAG

*Serves four.

TALKING TACKLE Hydrodynamic body

buoyancy: floating

7/8 oz. Weight

4 1/4" length Electronic baitfish sounds

LIVINGSTON PRO SIZZLE Topwater lures are BY FAR the most exciting way to catch fish, and the Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle walking bait makes drawing fish to the surface even EASIER! Two unique technologies make this bait especially deadly…action illumination and EBS technology. Every time you “walk-the-dog” on the surface, the Pro Sizzle features a bright illumination that fades in-and-out as the bait moves over the top of the water. This eyecatching “flash” might be the difference between a fish looking at your bait and a fish destroying your bait!

In addition, the Electronic Baitfish Sound that is unique to Livingston products, provides an added fish attraction, mimicking the sounds of panicked baitfish, with the distinctive “croaking” noise.

Excellent from spring through the fall, the Livingston Pro Sizzle can be fished over the top of grass beds, along rocky points, next to docks or other man-made structure or near schooling baitfish. Remember, when you’re fishing a topwater bait, make sure to pause after seeing the “blow-up” to give the fish some extra time to really get the bait in its mouth before setting the hook. Armed with two lazer-sharp trebles, it’ll be tough to lose them once they feel the point of those hooks.

FISHHOUND MAG | PAGE 18

Tackle Shop Bob

TACKLE SHOP BOB On fishing, work, relationships and more...

Q: What kind of fishing apparel can I use to stay cool and dry in the hot summer heat?

- Roland, Simi Valley, CA A: The most important, and often overlooked, item you want to wear while on the water during those hot summer days is sunscreen. You don’t want to end up looking like old beef jerky, do you? You’ll also want something sweat proof so you can protect yourself from the sun without looking like someone splashed a glass of milk on your face. In terms of apparel, there have been tremendous amounts of innovation in the last few years. The quality of fishing apparel is on the rise. StormR makes some awesome UV Shirts that are breathable and provide UV protection. You may also want to consider a buff or face mask that will protect your face and keep you cool.

Q: I’ve been fishing saltwater my whole life (inshore and offshore) but I want to start fishing freshwater. What species do you think I should start with?

- Anthony, Orlando, FL A: This is a hard question to answer and it depends on what you’re going for. If you want to catch for sport, the obvious answer is bass fishing. If you want to catch something you can bring home and cook, I like fishing for trout. But, if I was going to tell you to PAGE 19 | FISHHOUND MAG

start somewhere, I’d suggest catfishing; and no, I don’t want to you make a fake online profile and trick someone into loving you, I mean fishing for catfish. Why? Because they’re pretty abundant in lakes all across the country, and you don’t need to break the bank when buying gear. Catfish have an incredible sense of smell so you can use items that you have in your fridge like hot dogs, cheese, and garlic. Heck, you don’t even need a rod or reel (see: Noodling).

Q: This may be a dumb question, but what colors do fish like the most?

- Curt, Salt Lake City, UT A: It really depends on what you’re fishing for and where; you really want to match what occurs naturally, so studying the colors of the prey fish in your local waters is your best bet. Find out what the fish are eating and try to match those colors to the lures you’re going to be throwing. Although every body of water is different, many gamefish eat small minnows and other baitfish that are mostly silver or white. So if you’re starting from scratch, I’d go with metallic and white colors that usually work throughout the country.

Got a question and need Bobby’s advice? Send him an email at: bobby@BigBassMonthly.com If he’s got good advice he’ll give it to you and hook you up with $30 worth of fishing tackle.

SHOP&SAVE

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