Can't get Basstrix Paddle Tail Tubes?

Right now the Basstrix Paddle Tail Tube is the hottest thing around and hardly anyone can get their hands on any, I have heard they are going for $20 a pack on eBay right now. If you have not seen them, this is what they look like.

I have not used them myself, but have heard tons about them and they sound like the real deal. Recently I have come across a few other baits that look pretty similar and are much easier to get your hands on as well maybe a bit cheaper. Not too different then the original chatterbait, when they were impossible to get, many companies duplicated and in some cases came out with superior baits, so here is your chance to possibly be ahead of the curve and find maybe something better :)

First off, is the Money Lures Money Minnow, when I first saw it, I thought it was a BassTrix minnow. I am planning on ordering some of these for my trip to Clarks Hill ;) Check out the description and images below.

Money Lures Money Minnow
The money minnow are custom hand made swimbaits, using a 5 step process. Excellent colors, excellent finish. 5" long, 4 baits per pack.

Next on the list, Poor Boy's Baits Silly Rabbit

Introducing Poor Boy’s ‘new age’ swim bait – The Silly Rabbit. Work it like a fluke using the light weighted hook (included) or swim like a fish using the heavier weighted hook (included). You will be impressed with its fish catching action!!!

Looks alot like the Bass Trix & Money Minnow.

Last but not least....... Looks a bit different, but is also the cheapest and most affordable and made by a company that makes great baits in general........

Reaction Innovations Skinny Dipper Series
New from RI, these shad style swimbaits feature the beaver style rib pattern on the back, and has a slit in the belly for the hook. The single paddle tail is 3/4" wide, which creates lots of action, water splashing and noise as you retrieve this bait.

Well for all of you that cannot get your hands on the BassTrix baits, I hope this helps you get your fix until production catches up with demand.
Tight Lines,
HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Couple off new Soft Plastic Baits

Here are a couple of newly released soft plastic baits that may give you an edge out bass fishing with your buds or in your next tournament. The fist is the Stike King Coffee Tube which debuted at ICAST, but is just not hitting the shelves. The 2nd is the Yamamoto Flappin Hog, this is a sweet looking flippin' creature style bait.

Strike King Coffee Tubes

Gary Yamamoto Flappin' Hog II
This bait has been the talk of the town since its debut in 2006. The redesigned flaps increase motion and vibration making it even more deadly on bass.

This heavy compact bait has great action when Texas or Carolina rigged. Use it with any jig head or add it to your favorite flippin jig and you have a winning fish catching combination!

Coffee scented tubes and soft plastics are a creative idea, who knows if they work, but that is what I first thought about garlic, and I am a firm believer that Garlic spray and scent is something that fish like.

And how can you go wrong with this funky looking pile of appendages???

If anyone has used either of these, drop a comment and let us know how they work.

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

Check out these new sticks!

Man have I been neglecting this Blog, just not enough time to fish and write about fishing sometimes. Lets look back a post or two and look at that new sweet Shimano Core Reel, then imagine pairing it with one of these bad boys.....


Shimano Cumara Casting Rods
Premium Bottom Contact Rods. The new Cumara ultra-performance bass rod series is specifically designed for bottom bouncing techniques. Featuring IM-10 graphite blanks, Fuji® Sic guides and custom performance reel seats, Cumara is simply the lightest, most sensitive, innovatively designed rod series you will ever fish.

High Modulus IM-10 Graphite Blank Construction

Custom Etched Butt Cap

Convenient Hook Keeper

Casting Handle

Fuji SIC Black Frame Guides

Custom Reel Seat with Carbon Insert

Shaped Eva Foam Grips

I am pretty sure I can see this combo in my future for next spring. Closed Circuit to Mrs. Clause, never too early to start thinking about Christmas and my B-day is just before Thanksgiving. Hint... Hint....

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

Is this for Real?

I think Lucky Craft may have taken realism of hard baits to a new level with this one.....

Lucky Craft Pointer Real Skin Series
You have heard about them. Available from Pitman Creek Wholesale on August 3rd. The Real Skin Pointer has the same action as the popular Lucky Craft Pointers. Nothing has changed, except for the addition of the fish skin on the outside.

Pointer 78 dives 4-5 ft, Suspending, 3.25", 5/16 oz
Pointer 100 dives 4-5 ft, Suspending, 4", 5/8 oz

Man it looks like they are actually wrapping real fish skin around these baits..... That is wild!

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

Hot New Shimano Reel

Within in the past few days I have seen several bass fishing tackle online stores advertising a brand new Shimano Baitcaster. Its the Shimano Core Reel, it looks really sweet and I find myself drawn to it like a moth to a flame....

Shimano Core Baitcasting Reel

Ultra-Lightweight Magnesium Frame and Sideplate

Ultra-Lightweight A7075 Aluminum Spool Construction

Magnumlite Spool Design This spool provides extremely low startup inertia for increased line control and casting performance even when using lightweight baits or lures. This is accomplished through using lightweight aluminum alloys and a unique design that moves the mass of the spool outward.

S A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.

A-RB Roller Bearing

High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) is not only the oversized gears, but also includes the setplate and sideplate, which allow for a high speed retrieve while providing unbelievable fish-moving torque.

Super Stopper is a one-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets.

Super Free (SF) bearing supported pinion gear system eliminates friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft for increased freespool.

Variable Brake System (VBS) uses centrifugal force rather than magnets to aid in controlling the cast for increased distance and adjustability.

Reduced Mass VBS hub reduces the weight of the spool increasing freespool and reducing start up inertia.

Escape Hatch Easy to use trigger allows quick access to the VBS weights and keeps the sideplate smooth for comfort when palming the reel.

Dartainium Drag material provides a wide range of drag settings and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.

Cold Forged Handle Shank is much stronger than a pressed or cast handle for non-flexing durability.

Clicking Drag Adjustment

Septon® Handle Grips This handle grip material is soft to the touch and does not get slippery when wet.

Recessed Reel Foot allows the reel to sit closer to the rod for comfort and maneuverability.

Instagage II (CORE100MG Only) This feature brings all of the benefits of the original Instagage feature by allowing the angler to engage and disengage the clutch using only the thumb. However, it uses a one-piece thumb bar, providing more access to the spool. This makes threading line though the line guide easier, and it gives the angler's thumb more room to control the spool during the cast or other freespool applications. There is also more room to clear backlashes.

PV Power Grips (CORE100MGFV Only) These oversized paddle grips provide extra power and remain comfortable after a full day of deep cranking.

Cold Forged Aluminum Drag Star

Aluminum Cast Control Knob

Rubber Shielded Cast Control Knob

Tapered Ti Levelwind Insert

Drilled Handle Shank reduces the weight of the reel without sacrificing strength.

High Speed 6.2:1 Gear Ratio (CORE100MG Only)

Lightweight Aluminum Drive Gear (CORE100MG Only)

Paddle Grips (CORE100MG Only)

Super High Speed 7.0:1 Gear Ratio (CORE100MGFV Only)

Heavy Duty Brass Drive Gear (CORE100MGFV Only)

Maybe its the list of features that go on a mile long that gets me excited. I did recently order a brand new Shimano Curado DHSV, which is the burner Curado and that is a sweet reel as well. Maybe I should have held out for the Core, if I had only known it was coming....

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

I got Two New Baits

Just got a couple new baits from Jackall. Been to busy to get out and use them, but they look sweet. The first is the Jackall Aragon which is nice little jointed crank that is supposed to make noise as the body hits itself. The 2nd lure, a Jackall Mask Vibe, is a hybrid lipless crank soft sided bait. It has the head of a lipless bait and the body of soft plastic with a realistic fleshy feel and look.

Check back for reports on how they work.
HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Aaron Martens Scrounger

You may have heard about this bait before, now you can get them

Aaron Martens Lures The Scrounger
The Scrounger creates vibration and an incredible realistic action that works on all species of game fish. It has a live bait swimming action. Easy to fish and practically snag-free. A secret on the pro tours is now available to everyone!

From what I can tell, I think it's actually a bit similar to a chatterbait style lure, just take your favorite plastic bodied lure, like a shad, grub, creature or whatever and swim it in the areas you want. Aaron has been using these baits for a long time and now he is producing them and making them available under his new lure company. I think I will have to get a couple packs to keep in the boat ;)

P.S. I changed the template a bit, hope you like the new look!

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

Berkley Trilene Releases new Fluorocarbon

You probably have heard plenty about many bass fishing pros using the new Berkley Fluorocarbon and how great it is and how its not available to the public yet, well now it is!

Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Line
Get the new line that everybody is talking about! Berkley has 48 B.A.S.S. and 33 FLW Pro’s already currently fishing with this line. The line boats the following properties:

-Ultimate Invisibility-The invisible fluorocarbon. Similar refractive index as water so fish can’t see it.

-Ultimate Impact Strength-Proprietary 100% PVDF formula specially processed for the ultimate in impact strength.

-Higher Strength per Diameter-The ultimate fluorocarbon, diameter for diameter.

-Excellent Manageability-Lower memory for superior casting.

I never had good luck with Vanish, but this is supposed to be far superior line, I will probably order a spool or two and give it a whirl. Interestingly enough it comes in clear & green. I like the sounds of green fluorocarbon....

Would love to hear from anyone else that has tried it,
HellaBass
RichLindgren.com
Bassin' Blog
Rich's Bass Fishing Forum

Fantasy Football Jigs

Fantasy Football meats Bass Fishing
I just got a bunch of new Fantasy Football jigs from Picasso which is a Fish Harder company. These are sweet looking football heads, great head and hook. The hook is just about right, heavy enough so you can lean on big fish and fine enough so you get good hook sets on long casts. I was impressed on how well the jig stood up by itself on my desk, just think if it had a trailer on it under water :)



They come with a nice rattle that is removable and it has a nice trailer keeper molded onto the shank of the hook which I really like. I got some spots all picked for these when I return from Europe :)

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

Rapala X-Rap Shad Rap, is it worth the Hype?

There has been a lot of hype and talk about this bait. You have to admit, it makes a lot of sense to combine two great baits in the Shad Rap & the X-Rap both made by one of the best hard bait makers of all time.

Rapala X-Rap Shad Rap
Rapala has taken the X-Rap technology and combined it with the Shad Rap to create the X-Rap Shad! Fish should get ready to take a boat ride. The X-Rap Shad with its 3D holographic eyes, internal holograhhic foil, and flash foil teaser tail will become the most sought after crankbait instantly. The new 06 size is the perfect size and runs 6' to 11' for a variety of fish, especially bass.

I am guessing this will be must have in just about every tackle box in no time....

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

Ready for a Shakedown?

I just ordered some new shakey head jigs and I am pretty excited to get them & put them to the test bass fishing. These are designed by Mr. Clausen himself and he knows a little bit about Shaking a finesse head for bass.

Picasso Luke Clausen Shakedown Jigs
Picasso Luke Clausen Shakedown heads use a patent-pending flexible nickel titanium spring (bait keeper) along with a cross-eye Gamakatsu hook to give you the best “shakey style” head on the market. The flexible nickel titanium spring always comes back to position after each fish without breaking.
Because of its super soft elasticity, the spring allows the entire hook gap to be maintained during hook set. The “give” of the spring allows anglers to lock down and shake their plastics in cover or skip docks without ever losing or tearing the soft plastics. Because of the spring’s small size, finesse worms (such as Roboworms or other thin hand poured plastics) can be rigged very straight with no “hump.” It also prevents the plastic from tearing.

The Luke Clausen Shakedown heads are coated with the super tough Duraseal™ process, increasing the sensitivity and allowing them to hold up like no other on the market. This Duraseal coating is the same coating that is used on Tru-Tungsten Sinkers and Jigs, its an excellent finish. I just ordered several of each size in Black & Brown/Purple Fleck. I plan to give a full report when I get them in ;)

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

Do Bass Fishing Scents make Sense?

I saw that Mustad has just released a couple new fish attractants. I believe these are a relaunch of Mustad Ultra Bite attractant that was out a year or so ago, but the marketing was not so good and the dispensing was not so good. Looks like they fixed that with a pump applicator as well as a gel, which I kind of like gels for my Jigs.


Mustad Activate Spray
Use the Activate Spray for easy application. Includes glitter flecks for added attraction. Re-Apply when flecks have washed off bait. 3 oz pump spray

Mustad Activate Gel
Activate Gel is a sticky formulation for longer lasting pheromone release. Squeeze on the bait and spread over to form a thin coating with your fingers. Then watch the results.

Why it makes fish feed

Formulated with Phero-Tech - today's most sophisticated pheromone technology

Activate causes a sensory feeding response that attracts fish and stimulates feeding.

Extremely easy to apply to baits, lures and chum.

Personally, I like to use scents and attractants when I fish for bass. I feel there is no down side to using them and I think at the bare minimum they do a decent job of masking any offensive odors that my hands may leave on my baits and I think in the long run they will get you more bites. They also act as a lubricant when you lure is sliding over and through wood & weeds ;) I am pretty sure, less hang ups will mean more bites as well!

I have never used these products as they are brand new, but I utilized another pheromone based gel last year on my jig and I think it really helped. What attractants do you all like to use or do you think that all these scents are bunk?

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

The 'Buzz' on frogs & toads for Bass Fishing

In case some of you are not aware, there is a deadly creation out there called the Buzz Frog or Swimming Toad out there and bass are crushing them. Its basically a hybrid baits that takes the allure of a frog and a buzzbait and wraps it into a soft plastic package! From what I can tell, Zoom started it with their Horny Toad and now just about everyone has a spin on it. Check out a sampling below. They work in places regular frogs don't and the hook % is much higher with these ;)


Zoom Ultravibe Horny Toad - This is where it all started

Sizmic Toads - Sizmic made a splash shortly there after, they have some floating & chugging versions as well.

Gambler Cane Toad - This is my personal favorite & I think it has the best sound

Berkley Gulp Bat Wing Frog - Not sure how important scent dispersion of Gulp! is for topwater...





Kicker Fish Xplodin' Toad - never used it, but looks like a solid design



Mann's HardNose Swim Toad - I have heard good things about the durability of this product, more fish per bait



Yum Buzz Frog - This is probably my second favorite one that I have used



V&M Bayou Bull Frog





Wave Worms Tiki-Toad



NetBait Paca Toad - Honestly, this one puzzles me, does not seem like it would create much of a disturbance, maybe for more subtle presentations, I think it would be a great jig trailer...

I think all these will put bass in your boat, I would be interested to hear which are your favorites or if you have comments on the models I have not tried yet. Either way, if you do not have any, you are missing out!

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

Evolutionary Bass Fishing Jig?

Sorry its been awhile since I have made an entry. Fishing Amistad and traveling for work have limited time. This jig just seems to popular not to touch on it.

Mega Strike Evolution Jigs
The Most Innovative Jig Ever Built. ALWAYS lands in STANDUP position no matter what!!!! The Evolution Jig is the first real innovative jig design to come along in over 40 years. Our NEW, Advanced Skirt Forward Technology, along with our virtually invisible Fluorocarbon Weed guard, makes this the jig of choice. Evolution is the only jig to also have our patent pending flaring disk and skid plate. These qualities allow the Evolution jig to respond to every movement of the rod tip, continuing to keep the Evolution Jig in an upright crawfish defense stature.

Finesse Jig: available in these sizes: 3/16, 5/16, and 7/16
Heavy Cover Jig: Available in these sizes: 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4
Jigs are sold in packs of two.

In short, this is a premium jig, that has some very unique characteristics. Most of us think are jigs stand up, but I am guessing they are nothing like this one.

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

Check out the new Phat Flies

The all new Spro Phat Flies
The SPRO Phat Flies were designed to take Float and Fly bass fishing to a new level. Not only designed to catch fish in the harshest conditions, these jigs are designed to catch big California trophy bass. Colors painstakingly matched to the most prevalent baitfish in North American waters. Perfectly balanced to sit horizontal under the bobber. Built with the worlds sharpest Gamakatsu hooks. The SPRO Phat Flies are the best on the market, period! These look awesome and I think they will be deadly in the winter through early spring. So if you live in middle to northern part of the country, buy them now and put them to use. Here is a link to a radio show explaining how to use them and their effectiveness.

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

More Great Bass Fishing Baits from Japan

Most of you have heard about Lucky Craft and Daiwa fishing lures and aware they make very high quality hard baits, but there is another emerging player in this game and that is Jackall Lures.

Jackall is an established Japanese Fishing Lure company founded by pro fishermen and ex lure designers from the other major Japanese lure houses. Jackall is focused on creating innovative fishing lures using the latest in engineering technologies. Their fast prototype fabrication methods combined with immediate pro staff in the field fishing tests allows them to create some of the most techonologically advanced and finely tuned fishing lures in the industry. Jackall Lures USA has field tested the Japanese lures in the U.S. for a number of years and has released ONLY the lures field tested and approved to catch fish in the U.S. The lures made available here have been proven to catch fish in the U.S.!

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

Two Hot New Plastics from Zoom

I am sure you have all used Zoom Plastics at some point and know that they make high quality fish catching soft plastics in an endless rainbow of colors....

Check out their two latest additions for 2007:
Zoom Super Speed Craw

I love and use the original Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw all the time, and my only complaint was how small it was for some situations, I cannot wait to get me a couple bags of these in Green Pumpkin!!!

Zoom Grass Craw
The new grass craw is very similar to the Gambler B.B. Cricket which is a popular matt flipping bait in Florida.

These both will be fantastic flipping baits ;)

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

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