Lucky Craft Splash Tail Topwater Bass Fishing Prop Bait

So how many of you have dabbled with the high-end Japanese bait?

I have found that some of the best lures are their topwaters, I have had exceptional luck with the Lucky Craft Sammys, Gunfish, and Splash Tails. You can check out the Splash Tail in detail here and I will follow up on some of the other baits in the future.

Check out a nice YouTube clip of the SplashTail.

If you like the Smithwick Devil’s Horse you will love the Splash Tail!!!

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Get Shakey with it!

Shakey heads have been the craze for quite some time lately and there are more and more options to choose from when it comes to Shakey Style Heads. Many of the new options are not just your father's lead ball heads anymore ;)

Here are a bunch that I have found:

Tru-Tungsten Ikey Head Ball Buster Jigs

CritterBait Critter-Shaker Jigheads

HookerZ Shakey Heads

Bagley Shaky Head Jigs



Buckeye Lures Spot Remover Pro Model Jigheads



Envision Sweet Spot Jig Heads





Reaction Innovations Screwed-Up Jig Head



Spotsticker Jigheads




Everyone of these jigs has their pros & cons, whether it be keeper method, cost, hook quality, how it stands, how it comes through cover. My favorites are the Tru-Tungsten Ikey Head Jigs, but you will see everything from the most traditional ball heads with molded barbs to flat head designs and much more. Which is your favorites and which new ones do you want to try?

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Secret Weapon Sidearm Spinnerbait

Raising the bar on spinnerbait versatility and performance with the Secret Weapon Sidearm Spinnerbait. Customizing your spinnerbait has never been easier -- or more effective!

A must have for your Bass Fishing Arsenal!!
Like our original QuickStrike Spinnerbait, the Secret Weapon Sidearm employs free-floating, interchangeable, in-line spinner blades. It creates a unique flash and vibration with its two side-by-side spinner blades. This arrangement creates even more fish-attracting commotion in the water than tandem blades mounted in series. It also creates additional lift, enabling you to retrieve this lure at slower speeds than is possible with conventional spinnerbaits. Great for fishing above submerged vegetation or slow-rolling along the bottom, the blades twirl at the slightest turn of your reel handle.

Unlike other dual-blade spinnerbaits, the Sidearm's V-frame blade bar pivots freely, allowing the lure to pass easily through vegetation and cover. Once free of obstructions, equal drag quickly aligns the blade bar and spinner blades.

The Sidearm excels as a single-blade, short-arm spinnerbait, too. Simply slide the double-barrel metal sleeve down the frame to open the R-shaped terminal loop. Remove the blade bar, pinch the loop closed and slide the sleeve back in place, and then clip on a Colorado, Indiana, or Turtleback blade attachment, and you have an incredible short-arm spinnerbait, ideal for bottom crawling or as a drop bait for docks, piling, ledges and bluffs.

Need a tandem spinnerbait instead? Just clip two inline blades in series. In seconds, without tools, you can adapt your spinnerbait to take advantage of changing conditions on the water. Don't be caught short without the perfect spinnerbait. With a few Secret Weapon lure bodies and a handful of blades, you can tweak and test blade configurations until your lure is ideal for every situation.

This lure is available in two weights (5/16- and 9/16-ounce) and ten popular patterns for stained or clear water. Look for it soon in Sidearm ProPack and MasterPacks.

The most versatile and innovative spinnerbait system just got more versatile, flexible and better to help you land more fish

HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Finesse Wacky Jig!

This jig originates from Japan and so does the technique and application it is designed for, which kind of a shakey - wacky type fishing.

Zappu Inchi Wacky Jig Heads
The Japanese anglers are a very studious bunch. They are always working on new and creative techniques. The drop shotting technique that the Japanese introduced to America several years back has become a household term in bass fishing recently, and now the Japanese have created a new technique called INCHI WACKY or Jig Head Wacky. This technique has taken Japan by storm over the past 12 months and for good reason. Two Japanese Bass Pros, Takuma Hata of Zappu IncAndnd Toshiro Ono of Jackall Inc pioneered the craze.

As the name suggests, it's a very straightforward rig and easy to put into practice.

Benefits of the Rig
1. You can get more distance on the cast.

2. You can fish deeper areas.

3. The bait falls quicker.

4. You can keep in contact with the bottom easier.

5. Most importantly it creates a wicked irregular action that looks exactly like a real worm squirming in the water.


Why It Works
The Japanese anglers firmly believe that this irregular action has a very appealing, teasing action that bass cannot resist. Both Hato and Ono believe this bait is ideal for fishing deeper water and tougher conditions. Areas such as rock piles, drop offs and other vertical structure points are perfect situations where the Jig Head Wacky Rig will produce.

Japanese will always say that you have to have an image in your head of what you want the jighead and worm to be doing. The ideal image you want to see is the ball part of the jighead going flip flopping up and down and that's it. If the jighead is doing that, then the worm will be doing its thing. The great thing about this rig is that you can create so much action in the worm and the worm doesn't even have to be moved in at all. Otherwise saying you can keep the bait exactly where you want it to be and stay there.

The How To
In order to do this, there is a secret, and that is keeping a good amount of slack in the line. By keeping slack in the line you can shake your rod constantly to produce the wicked irregular action and still keep your bait exactly where you want it.

When fishing bottom structure you will want to cast out the Jig Head Wacky and let it free fall to the bottom. While the jig falls the weight from the jig head causes the worm to roll back and forth. After it hits the bottom you will want to shake it and continue to wind up slack and then free fall it back to the bottom. Remember that this is an exposed hook so this is not a deadsticking technique. Leave that type of fishing for your regular weightless wacky rig. The fish will often attack as the bait free falls after you shake it.

The Jig Head Wacky is also very effective on suspended fish in mid water. The key in working this bait is again the slack in the line. You will want to cast the line out and as you reach the area the fish are holding in you will want to slowly shake the bait and as you swim the jighead back in.

The Rigging & Tackle
Like with all techniques, the tackle you use plays a huge role in the outcome. The key to the Jig Head Wacky Rig is in the rigging. When rigging the worm, it's vital that you position the hook correctly by inserting the point of the hook in the middle of the worm and have it exit on a 90 degree from the insertion point. This is so the worm is fixed good and tight on the hook and it makes for a better irregular action. The Japanese have experimented with different hooks and have found that a V shape angled hook keeps the worm permanently fixed on the hook. The most commonly used jig head weights are 1/32oz to 1/16oz but vary upon the size of the worm and the depth at which being fished.

When using the Jig Head Wacky Rig, the Japanese anglers like to use fast tapered rods that are rated light to ultra light. A popular length in Japan is 6 foot because they feel it's easier to handle lighter worms with a shorter stick. 4-pound fluorocarbon line on a spinning reel is also the choice for many Japanese anglers who have mastered the Jig Head Wacky Rig. When working the rod, it is vital to keep a good rhythm and a constant up and down speed in a 10-11 o'clock positioning. Recently pro anglers are even using a 3/8-1/2 oz football shaped jig around heavy rock area and have said that slowly dragging the bottom is also very effective. The most popular used worm styles for Jig Head Wacky consists of Zoom's swamp crawler, Jackall's Flick Shake, Gary Yamamoto Cut Tail, Optimum Bait's Twin Teaser, and Berkley Gulp! 5'' Wacky Japanese Crawler.
Click to Buy

Here is a video of me & buddy catching some nice smallmouth bass on this technique!


HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Bass Fishing with Beaver Baits

I am sure many of you have found out how great Reaction Innovations Sweet Beavers can be... On the other hand they can be kind of pricey and they tear up somewhat easy. So here is a list of similar style baits by other manufacturers, some you may know, some you may not. They are all a little different and will catch Bass ;)
Gambler Ugly Otter


Culprit Water Beetle


Berkley PowerBait Beast





Roboworm Sour Puss




Venom Sweet Dreams

Yum Wooly Bug

And there are many more, so try some of these baits and see how they stack up against the original.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

New Innovative Gamakatsu Hook Design

Gamakatsu Skip Gap Hook
The new Skip Gap Hook from Gamakatsu is the hook every dock skippin’ Bass angler has been waiting for. Many soft plastics will slide off of the offset or simply come off when thrown hard against the water in an attempt to skip it under a dock. This is especially true on really hot days when the plastic can get extra soft. This unique patent pending hook is designed to hold soft plastics firmly in place so that no matter how hard you throw it, the plastic bait stays put. Unlike other hooks that have attempted to do the same thing, there is no special rigging required for this hook. Simply Texas rig it like any other wide gap style hook and it’s ready to go. The wide gap is built to handle thicker baits like tubes, but is also ideal for stick type baits and regular soft plastic worms. Sizes: 1/0 – 5/0.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

KVD DVD 3pk for only $7.46!!!

Check this out! Go to Basspro.com and search for 'VanDam DVD' it is a Christmas Special, what a fantastic deal.

Fish like a pro with some helpful insight from Kevin VanDam, the two-time
Bassmaster Classic Champion and three-time B.A.S.S. Angler of the Year! This DVD
Set includes three popular VanDam videos: ''Proven Spinnerbait Techniques,''
''Changing Conditions'' and ''Pitchin' to Heavy Hitters.''
VanDam reveals
his proven and tournament winning techniques in these Bass Pro Shops exclusive
videos. Each DVD is loaded with essential tricks and tips that have helped make
VanDam one of the sport's most popular and successful anglers. 158 minutes.
A terrific addition to any fisherman's video library!

Its a great set of DVD's I bought them at BassPro earlier this year at full price.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

The Buzz!

Check out Tru-Tungsten's New Elite Series Buzzbait, it looks Killer!
Tru-Tungsten® Buzzbaits are designed by Larry Niixon with an extremely low profile, allowing for incredible action and feel. Super-sharp Black Nickel Hooks are used, and the Hydro-Silk high-tech polymer skirt not only floats in the water with incredible life-like action, but also holds a scent and will not melt.
Adjustable for clacker or commotion action for louder or more subtle sound
Planes at any retrieve speed
A Duraseal™ coating is applied for a colorfast, ultra-smooth finish
Spring-tempered piano wire for extra vibration
Joint technology makes for more hook sets
Flexible collar for jointed hook ensures hook tracking and stabilization
Free Bleeding Bait Hooks™ trailer hook
Hand-painted
25% longer and more accurate casting

Click on Image for more details! What a perfect stocking stuffer for yourself or your favortie bass nut ;)
HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Yamamoto Swimming Senko

Has anyone tried the new Gary Yamamoto Swimming Senko??? They look really cool, but how do they work. Are you supposed to fish them like a swim bait or just deadstick them like an old fashioned Gary Yamamoto Senko......

I would like to hear from some of you that have used them.


HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Avoid Black Friday

If you are like myself or most outdoors people, you would not be caught dead out shopping on the Friday after Thanksgiving. But that does not mean you cannot get a little shopping done...

Kick your feet up, watch some college football and surf the net for some bargains while the rest of your family is out fighting the crowds for heavily discounted DVD players and tickle me elmos (or whatever is this year's fad). Things will be shipped directly to your home or office, and its probably cheaper to pay the Shipping rather than burn gas running all around town, especially if you drive a big truck or SUV. Besides, many retailers have great online deals in addition to the in-store promos.

If you need a place to start, check out my SHOP Page on my other website. And do not be afraid to get a little something for yourself ;)

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Tube Craws Anyone?

If you like Kalin's Tube Craws they are practically giving them away right now at LandBigFish.com. They even have bulk packs at 50% off. If you are a fan, it's time to load up on these little guys.

If you do not like these tube craws, they have a bunch of other brands to choose from as well.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

What you always wanted to do, but were too Scared...

Overly Serious Fishing Guy

Wow this is Awesome! This guy does what you have always wanted & thought about doing but never had the guts to do..... He trespasses on a corporate pond at a Verizon facility in TX and slams the Bass.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

River2Sea V-Joint Minnow - Exclusive Close Out Colors

Check out the sweet deals on these great baits by River2Sea!!!
River2Sea V-Joint Minnow - Exclusive Close Out Colors

These are discontinued colors, exclusively sold on the LandBigFish.com website. Once they are gone, they will be gone for good. These baits will be sold at 30% to 40% off the current 2007 colors. Don't delay, these high quality baits will not last at these prices.

P.S. Eric Carlson Loves Packaging Way Too Much!

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Is this Deal too good to be true?

Check out this great deal from Basspro.com


5 Great Baits for only $5 and no shipping!! What a great started kit or stocking stuffer :)

Get'em while they are hot!!
HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

New Name.... New Direction!

I changed the name of this Blog to the 'Bass Fishing Tackle Blog" The main focus will be on new tackle, products and gear. I will try to stay up on the newest trends and provide pictures, links and commentary on these new items. This seems to be the stuff I have been putting on here lately anyways!

I will also try to watch for good deals and share them. The Bassin' Blog will still be the place for my fishing reports and tips. I hope you enjoy.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

November Sale on Reaction Innovations Tackle

Hey all:
LandBigFish.com is having a big month long sale on all your favorite Reaction Innovations gear and tackle. Your favorite standbys like the Sweet Beaver 4.20, Smallie Beaver, Flirt Worm and Swamp Donkey and new stuff like the BMF Flipping Hooks , Squeaky Dolphin Buzzbait and Skinny Dipper Swimbait that looks a lot like the Gary Yamamoto Swimming Senko. The Packaging for these baits is fantastic, worth the price of admission ;)

Once again, all your Reaction Innovation Baits are 10% off though the end of November!!

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Stanley Cup goes Bass Fishing?

Hey all,
Been awhile, work and play has been keeping me busy. This just seemed to appropriate being that I am from MN, where many are die hard hockey fans and we have awesome bass fishing.

Check out this article about a bass swimming in the Stanley Cup!!!

"We had it out there in the boat with a life jacket on it, said fishing guide
Kennon Brown of Roxboro, N.C. And they used it to hold a bass, too.

Hope you enjoy this fun little story. Maybe some Wild players can replicate this for the coming year.

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

I'm Back....

Well, that was almost a BP like absence, except that I have been busy fishing :)
All the details will be on the Bassin' Blog.

In summary, The MN TOC was a disaster, Northern Divisional was good but I was really on the fish to do much better and Minnetonka Weekend Series went better then I had hoped. You can see the tournament results on my Tourney Page of my website.

Hope you are all out getting out for some of that fall feed action for bass!

HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

BASS Northern Divisional

Minneapolis – September 5, 2006 – Upper Midwest’s best amateur bass anglers set to tackle the Alexandria Chain

96 anglers will arrive in the Alexandria, MN area on September 10th to practice and prepare for the ESPN Federation Nation Northern Divisional Tournament. The actual competition occurs over a three day period of September 13-15. Weigh-ins for the event will be hosted by Bug-A-Boo Bay Restaurant on Lake Le Homme Dieu starting at 3:00PM on each day.

12 angler teams will represent Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, South Dakota, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois and Ohio. Anglers qualified in competition within their respective state federations. At stake in this tournament is a chance to fish in the Bass Federation Nation National Championship and one step closer to a coveted Bassmasters Classic berth. The top angler from each state will qualify for the ESPN Bass Federation Nation Championships to be held in January on Neely Henry Lake in Alabama.

“The Alexandria Chain is a diverse body of water with a very high population of fish,” says MN Federation Nation president Paul Becka, “The competitors should catch plenty of limits. Finding the quality fish is what will separate the top finishers from the rest of the field.”

In addition to individual efforts, there is a team competition as well. Each 12 man team’s total fish catch is tallied and matched against the other states. The top state team is awarded trophies and prizes.

”I think the Minnesota team is poised to have a very good finish this year. All 12 of our guys qualified on the Alexandria Chain last September,” says MN Team Member Rich Lindgren. “There would be nothing better then winning this event as a team on our home waters.” If you are interested in seeing Minnesota’s best anglers compete against other states, Bug-A-Boo Bay is the place to be September 13-15th.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, visit http://www.mnbf.org
Lodging and Tournament Headquarter is the Holiday Inn in Alexandria, MN

About Minnesota Bass Federation:The Minnesota BASS Federation is committed to promoting fishing for all ages and skill levels. We offer our assistance to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to improve fishing opportunities, habitat, water quality & preservation of public access to Minnesota’s waterways. We work with state and local government, lake associations and other outdoor organizations to protect our fishing heritage. Through our youth initiatives, we provide education and on the water experiences to foster youth involvement and sustained interest in our sport.

Contact:
Rich Lindgren, Marketing Director
Or
Dale Richardson, Tournament Director
Minnesota Bass Federation Nation
www.mnbf.org

New Booyah Boogee Bait

For those that have enjoyed some success on Chatterbaits and variations on the original, you will be glad to see the new Booyah Boogee Bait. With Booyah a large commercialized company getting into this lure segment, it will drive the quality up and the cost down.

The Boogee Bait has some nice features including a shad profile head meticulously detailed with an ultra-durable finish, a Leverage flexible hook system with an XCalibur Tx3 hook, quick-change blade system, multi-strand silicone and flash skirt, and a YUM® Boogee Tail trailer. These baits retail for a reasonable $5.99 at Basspro.com

Go get'em
HellaBass
www.RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum