In the vast majority of videos, social media posts, Reddit threads, etc., I see the words panfish and bluegill interchangeably.
I admittedly have not done much fishing while traveling, are bluegill just that more prominent than other kinds of panfish?
With 30 species that qualify for Master Angler recording and dozens others to catch, along with constantly changing and unpredictable weather (yay prairies), you got to stock a small tackle shop and be prepared for any opportunity that arises.
With 30 species that qualify for Master Angler recording and dozens others to catch, along with constantly changing and unpredictable weather (yay prairies), you got to stock a small tackle shop and be prepared for any opportunity that arises.
Looking at devices that help dislodge snags and retrieve lures left me underwhelmed. Not only are the designs rather ineffective (based on reviews of even the top products), the prices are outrageous.
This is a simple solution you can make yourself for less than $10. The materials (other than the weights) can be found at many stores.
- Paracord (your choice of length)
- Two sinker weights (I use 4oz, but you can vary)
- Zip ties
- Flat split ring
- Carabiner
When you get a snag you can't shake out or find a position to pull it loose, this comes out of the bag. Hook the carabiner onto a tight lines, point your reel directly at the snag and drop the weights. When they hit the snag, be ready to pop your lure loose.
Often times, it's just the angle of the hook or jighead that lodges into something and an impact from the opposite side is just what it needs. This is why we have to remove our hooks completely backwards, even when they lightly snag.
(This isn't a new concept or invention and I take no credit for its ingenuity. Just a money saving, effective solution to a common problem we all face)
I've always been an anti-trend guy and resisted the chatterbait craze when these first came on the market and got super popular. I used to see at least a few people with them rigged on their rods at crowded places.
Well now the trend has run its course and my curiousity cannot be ignored any longer!
How do you all like fishing with chatterbaits?