New Tools: Timely and Applicable
By Scott Bonnema
The proverbial adage about “having the right tools for the job” couldn’t be more
germane to fishing. And fortunately, we live in innovative and high-tech times
where manufacturers strive to accommodate specific fishing needs.
Each year, as winter cedes to spring, droves of new products arrive on the
scene. Some revolutionize the way we fish, others improve the established, and a
wanton few materialize just for the sake of materializing – reeling-in anglers
only, not improving our craft.
Recently, I had the opportunity to inspect and test a number of newcomers. Some
rocked, and others, as you’d imagine, weren’t as awe inspiring. So for your
contemplation, here are a few gadgets I feel are worth adding to the stash:
Removing hooks and much, much more
Fishing forceps aren’t new to the sport. Needle nose pliers – the original
fishing forceps – are as persistent as time, and for simple tasks, function just
fine. But I guarantee you’ll ditch the ‘ol rusty set once you grip down on
Rapala’s Stainless Steel Fishing Forceps.
Besides standard tasks like hook removal, the forceps, as a result of genius
design, perform several decisive duties. For one, it features built-in lure
tuners – 3 line-tie/eye bending sizes – for tweaking crankbait alignment. The
tip of the forceps is hooked like a barracuda’s jaw enabling the user to easily
open split-rings, which is important for swapping dulled hooks for sharp ones.
And naturally there’s a straightforward line cutter and side cutter.
For accessibility on the water, I plant one on the front seat post or trolling
motor cable and another in the back, on the console. Each is stored in a Rapala
Combo Sheath, which is a matched accessory.
Dandies are Dreams without Documentation
Anglers need to carry a camera, period. I know, I know, I know… You’re saying,
“What’s with talking about cameras in a fishing article?” Well, I bet you can
recall a lunker or two that was caught and released – hopefully not eaten – and
never documented on film. How do you think the expression “fish tale”
originated? Someone chronicled a fishing trip – maybe spun a yarn – spread their
arms to represent the size of the fish, and the audience balked.
So, to neutralize the naysayers, you stick a camera in the boat or portable fish
house. But now another dilemma’s been hatched. That pricey piece of electronics
is exposed to eminent danger. There is an alternative apparatus, though, a
camera that’s both inexpensive and waterproof to 17 feet.
The Fujicolor QuickSnap Waterproof 800 is a one-time-use 35mm camera that was
developed with outdoor use in mind. It fires off 27 rounds of 800 speed film,
and unlike most disposable cameras, the QuickSnap includes a handy carrying
strap. Surprisingly, too, the camera – which retails for under $10 – shoots
quality photos. And that’s a modest investment for images that’ll last a
lifetime.
Blades of a Bigger Kind
There’s nothing novel about declaring spinnerbaits the quintessential lures of
spring. Bass covet them and anglers find them effective and terribly simple to
operate. Accurate on all accounts, but that’s not to say all spinnerbaits are
comparable. Different weights and sizes accommodate different depths and
circumstances.
Early on, when bass are shallow and cruising tight to the bank, I demand a
spinnerbait that maintains a great presence but buoyancy as well. And the
Northland Tackle Pro Model Reed Runner fuses those characteristics into one
dynamite lure.
The Reed Runner wears big blades – willow and Colorado twosome – on a low mass
and full-figured frame. Its rotating blades – in concert with the lifelike
Limber Legs silicone skirt – appeals to largemouth and smallmouth bass. The
oversized blades boost the spinnerbait as it churgles through the water too.
In the spring, I throw the ¼ ounce model, but will upsize to 3/8 and ½ ounce
renditions as summer ensues. The ½ ounce Reed Runner is a favorite for fishing
deep weedlines. Sometimes, though, to operate in greater depths, I exchange the
large factory blades for smaller ones.
A File Labeled “Plastics”
Bass-heads are notorious for owning and hauling more lures and equipment than
can be used in a millennium. The dry storage areas in our boats are littered
with stuff, making it nearly impossible to find a 6 inch lizard when you need
it.
Well, I can’t help you untangle the 15 sticks in the rod locker, but I do have a
remedy for the missing-in-action plastics problem. Storm’s new Soft Plastics
Binder aims to keep your re-sealable plastics pouches archived and
simultaneously available.
The zippered case has “structure,” – it’s not limp – thus enabling the user to
amass several binders together without crushing the contents. Additionally, the
foam backer and sheath on the inside cover is tailor-made for storing prerigged
Carolina and drop-shot rigs.
Authenticity both Near and Far
In today’s marketplace, the preponderance of advancements in lure design are
predicated on realism. Baits are built to resemble and behave like actual
critters. And crankbaits, more specifically, Rapalas, are superlative examples
of this movement.
Rapalas are predicated on genuineness. If fish-looking baits grow any more
realistic we’ll have to start feeding ‘em and stowing ‘em in an aerated minnow
bucket…
But seriously, the Rapala folks have outdone themselves this season. The
groundbreaking RapFlash Holographic finish will make you swear the baits sport
authentic scales. The holographic foil, which creates translucent coloration, is
bonded to every curve and contour. The new finish is available on
7 popular models.
From an application standpoint, I expect the RapFlash to be especially effective
in clear water and on lethargic fish. Most crankbaits look marginally natural
from a distance, but not at an arm’s length. RapFlash can be scrutinized under
the microscope, and consequently whacked.
By now, the aforementioned “tools” should be waiting at your neighborhood
sporting goods dealer for personal inspection. Far be it from me to pressure
anyone to buy, but these are certainly items worthy of consideration, and
affordable too.
Scott Bonnema
classicbass.com Pro Staff
Editor’s note: Scott Bonnema is a touring bass professional who fishes
tournaments and offers instructional seminars throughout the Midwest. He’s a
member of the Rapala Team, and Pro Staffs of Fuji Film,
Northland Fishing Tackle, Ranger
Boats and Mercury.
