Outdoorsman Time

tips for the modern sportsman

Making The Most Of Your Bait

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Regardless of what you are fishing for the key component to any rig is always the same – the bait. Trophies have been caught on far lighter tackle than ever thought possible. Stringers have been filled with a simple cane pole. No matter what your fish finder shows you is in the water nearby, nothing will be caught if the fish do not first bite your hook. With this in mind it is to your benefit to make every effort to use the best bait, in the best condition possible.

Bait can be grouped into three categories – live, fresh cut and frozen. Each type of bait has its advantages as well as individual care requirements. By taking simple, but necessary steps in selection, transportation and care you can improve your odds by presenting the best possible bait regardless of what type you select.

Live Bait

The best live bait is that caught locally, as close to the fishing grounds as possible. Not only does this provide a fresher offering it also provides your target with the same meal they normally eat. If you cannot obtain bait at the fishing grounds the second option is to catch it while in route. Finally, you could purchase bait prior to leaving the dock. Remember that purchasing bait requires close inspection, to insure you are getting a quality product, and includes the added step of keeping the bait alive until use.

Fresh Cut Bait

This is exactly what it sounds like, fresh fish cut into pieces which is then offered as bait.  While cut bait may not be as tempting as live bait it does offer some advantages. It allows larger fish to be used, it removes the requirement that bait be kept alive all day and depending upon your target the blood and oil released may seem to be a special treat. But even cut bait requires care. Insure the bait, even if dead, is kept fresh until use by storing it on ice- adding ice can increase storage time. Next, do not cut the bait until you are ready to use it. Not only does this insure freshness it retains oils & blood as well. Finally, I suggest cutting strips or butterfly pieces rather than chucks.

Frozen Bait

Sometimes live or fresh bait is unavailable and you must resort to frozen bait. If selected properly frozen fish can be excellent bait and requires less care on the water – a simple cooler is all you really need. When selecting frozen bait look for that which was frozen quickly and as soon as possible after being caught. If the package shows signs of blood and oil leaks or the flesh is mushy it was probably thawed and refrozen. As with fresh cut bait your frozen selection should remain whole until needed. Finally, avoid thawing the bait until needed and never thaw it completely.

Follow these simple tips and you will offer a more tempting meal to your target, which will result in more fish taking your hook.

Good luck, good fishing!

Outside the Box for Catfish

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catfish fishing

Do you enjoy fishing for catfish but dislike the mess and stench of commercial stink baits? Well, get your rod and take some days off from the honey do list. Here are some simple no stink catfish baits that use ingredients you probably already have around the house. Plus, each appeals to some of the catfish’s most basic instincts so you are sure to fill a creel in no time!

Dough bait is a favorite is a favorite among catfish anglers, but most should come with a gag warning. But here is a simple, no stink (except garlic) catfish dough bait:

Mix 2 cups corn meal, 1 tablespoon corn starch & 1 cup corn flakes in bowl. Heat ½ cup grease (any leftover drippings will do – I prefer bacon) until soft. Add grease and 1 can cream corn to dry mixture, stir well. You can either form into bit size ball for immediate use or store in plastic container for later.

Sometimes you do not want to mix dough bait, you just want to fish. If you are itching to go fishing and just need bait check out these grab and go baits.

  1. French Fries – sounds strange but French Fries are the perfect combination of grease & salt to appear to a wide variety of game fish, especially catfish. Remember, catfish are scroungers.
  2. Chucky Canned Dog Food – mmmm Alpo! Bite size chunks of meat in scent spreading gravy is just what the catfish ordered!
  3. Chicken Skins – have any friends who prefer skinless chicken? If so have then save the removed, uncooked skin and you will a perfect tasty snack for your next catfish trip.
  4. Hot Dogs – what is more American than hot dogs and catfish? Simple, catfishing with hotdogs as bait. Cut into chunks a hot dog makes an irresistible dinner for even the pickiest cat.
  5. SPAM – this strange combination of meat bits, salt, fat & oils is not only the perfect food for long time survival, it is also perfect fish bait. Plus it is easy to cut and stays on the hook pretty well too.

If you want to add a little extra kick to any of the above baits, or even your own favorite secret recipe, try one of the following ‘spices’:

Red Kool Aid – that right, the same Kool Aid you drank as a kid. I am not sure exactly what appeals to cat fish, whether it is the red color or sweet taste, but it works none the less.  It works especially well with raw meats, hot dogs, SPAM or even chicken skins.

Garlic – this is a favorite scent for a wide range of fish species, including bass and catfish. Soak baits in garlic & oil mixture overnight or spray some on throughout the day to refresh an offering. Best thing is it works with almost any bait you can think of, even plastic worms.

Experiment with different baits & additives, see what works for you!

Good Luck, Good Fishing!

Should You Get An Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board for Fishing?

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If fishing from the shore or from a traditional boat is not of much interest to you, then I think that you should consider taking out one of those inflatable stand up paddle boards for a little fishing. These things are great for some fly fishing, like kayaks. For me, I love using one of these as it lets me get right in the middle of things without stirring things up like you do with a boat motor. Of course, you do need to be careful and not get too excited when you start getting a bit or you can actually fall into the water like I did one time early on. Granted, I wasn’t very good at keeping my balance to begin with, so it was more of a user error thing.

If you’re interested in possibly buying one of these before hitting the lake, then let me share my favorite model with you real quick.

Best iSUP for Fishing

If you look online or in local stores, then you will notice that there are a LOT of different brands and models of inflatable SUPs that you can choose from. And, the prices for them vary from around $300 to way over $2500. I have had the chance to try out a few different models to see which offers the most bang for the buck when it comes to fishing.

best fishing iSUPOut of all the models that I have tested out, the very best one that I’ve found just for fishing is the Badfish SUP Badfisher Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard. It is a GREAT choice if you are seriously into using one of these when fishing, but it is not cheap.

I think that this right here is hands down the single best choice of iSUP for fishermen (at least that’s one guy’s opinion).

It is super durable and can easily hold two people on it at once. Great for fathers and sons who like to go out on the lake together.

It also works well in the surf, so if you are the kind of fishermen who prefers to do a little sea fishing while at the beach, then this is a great choice for you.

Another great feature is that you can use a detachable seat, which means that you can fish while standing or sitting. This is perfect for those long days on the water. Just remember to get an adjustable paddle that works in both positions!

I think you will find that this iSUP is easy to inflate and easy to transport, which is really all that you can ask of this water equipment. Plus, it is sturdy and ultra durable.

Overall, here are the reasons that this is a good choice for anglers shopping for an inflatable stand up paddle board fishing option:

  • quality, durable build that will last for many years
  • easy to transport from home to lakes, rivers, oceans
  • comes with fins included (removable center, two rubber side bites)
  • 11-ft in length and wide 40-in for width
  • designed to offer increased stability on the water to prevent flipping over
  • easy to control, even in choppy waters
  • comes with a hand pump included

I suggest that you seriously consider this board for all your fishing needs as it is a great investment.

Want something different? Click here for more iSUPs at Amazon

Why Go With An iSUP for Fishing?

If you are looking for a great way to do your fishing without needing to pull a boat behind your vehicle, then you definitely need to check out inflatable standup paddle boards, or iSUPs, for fishing. Here’s what I really like about them:

  • low price for the actual iSUP
  • cheaper than getting a boat for fishing
  • no trailer required for transport! even fits in small cars!
  • easy to transport as it fits in a carry bag or backpack
  • durable and lightweight
  • easy to learn how to balance on

As you can see, using one of these for your fishing is a great choice, and perfect for even the smallest recreational budget. Some of these can even support the weight of two people or of you and your dog. All in, I’d say that the only real disadvantage of using a standup paddleboard for fishing is that you can’t pack in several of your buddies for a day out on the lake, like you can in a boat. Of course, each person can get their own fishing iSUP!

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