Shimano Curado 70 Reels

Shimano Curado 70 Reels

For 25 years, the Shimano Curado has been a benchmark in low profile bait casting reel performance and durability. In 2016 Shimano builds on this legacy with the all new Shimano Curado 70 Reels. This new addition to the Curado family delivers unparalleled castability, industry leading durability and precision control in a compact and rigid reel. The new Shimano Curado 70 Reels are smaller spooled reels designed to handle lighter line and lures than the 200I series. With all of the advancements in reel technology geared toward easier casting or lighter lures, the 70 size Curado just makes sense. Shimano's SVS Infinity Brake System and S3D (stable spool design) are largely responsible for this by applying consistent, precise force to the reel brakes reducing the chance of backlash and allowing lighter lures to be cast further with less effort.

Another key feature of the Curado 70 Reels is Shimano's X Ship technology that braces the drag to make smoother lure retrieval that lasts for many years of use. Furthermore, the compact Hagane body is essential for the rigidity of the reel which enables anglers reeling motions to be focused directly to the fish instead of wasted on the reel itself.

You can get your Shimano Curado 70 Reels at Monster Fishing Tackle.

Curado 70 Reel Features:

• Compact Hagane body provides excellent rigidity and in-hand comfort.
• X-SHIP technology delivers ultimate gear durability and smoothness
• Lightweight low inertia spool excels at casting small to medium size lures
• Precision cast control with enhanced SVS Infinity brake system
• Shimano Stable Spool Design (S3D) reduces vibration to provide smooth casting performance

Curado 70 Series Reel Technology:

SVS Infinity

Shimano’s newest innovation in brake system technology, SVS Infinity provides easy-to-manage, consistent spool control and brake force on the new Curado 70 series baitcasting reels. With brake weights that use ‘inner friction’ against the raceway during the cast, SVS Infinity controls spool speed especially when using lighter lures, plus the external adjustment knob provides for quick, precise adjustments for either the conditions or when you switch baits. Combined with X-Ship Technology, anglers will experience precision cast control.

X-Ship

X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear is eliminated, enhancing the casting performance with lighter lures, and allowing for longer casts.

Hagane Body

The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body stiffness and impact resistance virtually eliminates body flexing. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power. It’s efficiency through strength.

Model	Inches per crank	Gear Ratio	Line Capacity	Max Drag	Ball Bearings	Weight
CU70HG	28"	7.2:1	10/150, 12/85, 14/70	10	5+1	6.5oz
CU71HG	28"	7.2:1	10/150, 12/85, 14/70	10	5+1	6.5oz
CU70XG	32"	8.2:1	10/150, 12/85, 14/70	10	5+1	6.5oz
CU71XG	32"	8.2:1	10/150, 12/85, 14/70	10	5+1	6.5oz

Bradley Hallman wins FLW Tour on Lake Okeechobee

Hallman Wins FLW Tour Okeechobee

Photo via FLW Outdoors

Despite this tournament marking his first on the FLW Tour, Bradley Hallman of Norman, Oklahoma is a pretty familiar name withing bass fishing circles after he spent 6 seasons on the Bassmaster Elite Series from 2006 to 2011. After stepping away from the sport for a few years, Hallman returned to professional competition with a bang taking down the FLW Tour season opened on Lake Okeechobee. While the weights never did reach the typical early season Florida bass smackdown numbers we are used to seeing, Hallman started the event with back to back bags of 25lbs - he was the only pro to eclipse that mark during the entire event - which propelled him well in front of the field and allowed him to coast into the finish line with a total weight of 71lbs 2oz despite not catching a limit on either the 3rd or 4th tournament day. Strong north winds brought colder weather to the finicky Florida bass:

One thing is for sure, Hallman’s commitment was certainly tested by wicked high north winds on Lake Okeechobee and wicked extreme frontal conditions that pestered the lake’s Florida-strain bass. Day two dealt out high north winds of some 25 mph. On day three the wind subsided, but the post-frontal conditions shut the bite down considerably. Day four, however, ravaged the top 10 pros with a brutal triple whammy: high northwest winds to 30 mph, dropping water temps and complete post-frontal lockdown of Okeechobee bass.

To catch his weight during the tournament, Hallman pitched and flipped hard vegetation - reeds in the South Bay area of the lake. As he says, he knew this is how he needed to fish to give himself an opportunity for success:

“I was committed to that even before I got here,” Hallman says. “I knew one way or another I was going to be flipping, pitching and punching something.”

Hallman caught his fish this week using a Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver rigged on a 4/0 Strike King Hack Attack Flipping Hook and a 1.5oz Tungsten Flipping Weight. While it didn't seem to make much difference, the final day of the event Hallman opted for the Florida cult favorite, the Gambler BB Cricket, a smaller soft plastic bait that is often the go-to in tough conditions for Florida bass fishermen.

Bull Shad Swimbaits Fast Sinking

About the Fast Sinking Bull Shad

Despite numerous bait makers producing high quality trout imitations, there was a void in the big bait market for shad swimbaits. When the Bull Shad Swimbaits Fast Sinking was first released, the best alternatives were trout profile lures with shad coloration, in stepped Mike Bucca a Georgia angler who witnessed magnum spotted bass feeding on Gizzard shad as big as 9" long. His creation the Bull Shad has become one of the top big baits for catching trophy bass in the Southern United states. There are now a total of four sizes, three colors and two sinking rates for the shad style swimbait.

How to Fish the Fast Sinking Bull Shad

From Triton Mike Bucca
The Bull Shad Swimbaits Fast Sinking versions are available only in the 5" and 6" models of both Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad.not everybody has 7" & 8" shad in the waters they fish or having no experience with big swimbaits, they lack the confidence to throw the big stuff. The 5" Bull Shad really shines on schooling fish whether it be bass, or smaller hybrids or white bass. The slow sinking version of the 5" Bull Shad is specifically designed to be fished with a slower retrieve and typically right on top of the water to imitate a fleeing shad. The 6" slow sink you can work at semi slow to fast retrieves. For equipment I recommend a 4 power rod such as the Dobyns Champion 734C, any reel should be suitable, just adjust the speed at which you turn the handle for the reel's gear ratio. Personally, I always recommend fishing heavier line than necessary because you definitely don't want to break off the baits, nor do you ever wanna lose a trophy sized fish. Especially because striped and white bass love these things too.

Picasso Special FX Shock Blade

Picasso Special FX Shock Blade
 
Our friends at Monster Fishing Tackle have just received the new Picasso Special FX Shock Blade. This new vibrating jig is hand tied using 100% natural buck tail and a mix of premium feathers. Picasso utilized the extent of their resources when designing the new Special FX Shock Blade - including the finest materials available today - no synthetics were used on this lure. The result of their labors is a unique action never before found in a bladed jig; it is sure to attract bass that otherwise would be difficult to catch. Like the original version, the Picasso Special FX Shock Blade incorporates a patent-pending design that keeps the lure down in the water column without rising up toward the surface. Instead, the Shock Blade maintains it's plane even when retrieved at high rates of speed.
The Picasso Special FX Shock Blade displays a hard thumping vibration that creates a real hunting action at all speeds. The lure possesses a very tight/quick action and vibration that can be "burned" or "ripped" in order to change up the standard straight retrieve and play upon bass's curiosity. Constructed around Picasso's popular Smart Mouth Plus jig head with its concave belly that gives an added “wobble” action that fish can’t resist. The Special FX Shock Blade is built around a 3X Strong 5/0 Mustad Ultra Point hook that assures strong, secure hook penetration when fish strike. An excellent assortment of detailed colors really sets this bladed swim jig apart from others on the market today.
Pick up yours today at Monster Fishing Tackle!

New Yeti Rambler Bottles

Yeti Coolers - New Rambler Bottles

(January 7, 2016) —

YETI, a leading premium cooler and drinkware brand, proudly introduces a new addition to its Rambler drinkware series: the YETI Rambler bottles collection. Built for rough roads and tough environments, bottles will be available in three sizes – 18oz/36oz/64oz – and are created to endure the extremes.

The YETI Rambler™ bottles are built for untethered adventure, from the backcountry to the boat deck – wherever ice cold or piping hot beverages are needed. Over-the-Nose™ technology makes for easy loading, drinking, and cleaning, while the TripleHaul™ cap provides a comfortable grip and is 100% leakproof. Each bottle includes the benefits of all YETI Rambler™ products, like 18/8 kitchen grade stainless steel, double wall vacuum insulation, and a No Sweat™ design.

“We continue to expand our drinkware series to meet the demands of our owners and fans. Rambler bottles fill a needed space in our line,” said YETI co-founder Roy Seiders. “Like all YETI products, the bottles have proven to keep drinks colder longer, but its ability to keep beverages hot over time shows the versatility inherent to the Rambler series. We’re excited about the dual use of these Rambler bottles.”

The entire collection will be available Spring 2016 through Monster Fishing Tackle MonsterFishingTackle.com. The Rambler 18oz bottle will retail for $39.99, the Rambler 36oz bottle for $59.99 and the Rambler 64oz bottle for $89.99.

About YETI

YETI builds indestructible products that keep ice for days. Founded in Austin, Texas in 2006 by sportsmen Roy and Ryan Seiders, YETI is a leader in the premium cooler category, and has successfully expanded into premium drinkware, soft coolers, and branded apparel. Professional hunters, anglers, outdoor adventurers, and BBQ pitmasters trust YETI to stand up to the world’s harshest conditions.

Aaron Martens Aaron's Edge Enigma Rods

Aaron Martens Enigma Rods

Aaron's Edge Series Rods

Those familiar with Aaron Martens know just how meticulous he is about his fishing tackle; everything has to be just so and he spends hours perfecting it. At this stage in an angler's career, having accomplished all he has accomplished, it would be easy to become complacent. With a ledger like Martens', if he were to never win another event again, he'd still go down as one of the best ever and one of the all-time fan favorites, many of whom consider him the most naturally gifted bass fisherman of our time. What's perhaps most refreshing about Martens is his relentless pursuit of perfection in the sport that he works toward by improving on his game. After tournaments you'll find him in his boat practicing new knots, trying out different bends on hooks or just simply sorting through plastic worms to find the straightest most perfect models in each batch. He is a freakishly detailed angler. He is a professional.
It came as a shock to many, when before the 2015 season, Martens ended his long standing agreement with Megabass and set out to get more involved with the design process of the products he was using. Aligning with new tackle company Enigma Fishing, Martens designed a series of bass rods titled the Enigma Fishing Aaron Martens Aaron's Edge Rods, his first endeavor was quite ambitious. By now many are familiar with this change in sponsorship and have at least heard of these new rods, but anytime a new company comes onto the scene it is tough to fully get an idea of their products without some serious research and feedback. While many anglers are still getting comfortable with their Enigma Rods, Martens has fished them enough to now understand their intricacies and characteristics as they pertain to lure selection and fishability. Here he breaks down each model explaining their best uses.

Aarons Edge Casting Rod Breakdown

If you look closely at the model numbers, you can see they have some differences that determine their general function including the following designations: MB (Mag Bass), LS (Light Saltwater), CB (Crankbait) and FS (Flipping Stick). In addition, each rod has it's own ideal lure and line rating that will dictate how they should be used.

EAM7MB-M

A 7' medium power casting rod designed for light soft plastics and jigs. This rod is a good choice for pitching a drop shot or fishing a light hair jig, but also serves as a great topwater and fluke rod. Long rods have become more popular in recent times, but many anglers feel they are overpowered by these 7'6" and longer models. This rod provides perfect control for any angler.

EAM7MB-MH

The other 7' casting model, this rod displays many of the same characteristics of the medium power, but with a bit more backbone to it. Look to this model when fishing your lighter jigs and weightless soft plastics. This rod also makes a great chatterbait rod because of the fast tip and lighter power that allows bass to load up and remain hooked throughout the fight.

EAM73MB-M

Adding a bit more length, this 7'3" medium power rod is suited for the same applications as the 7' version, but with the extra length you can deliver longer casts and pick up more line upon hook sets.

EAM73MB-MH

Medium-heavy power, 7'3" casting rod - this is the most versatile rod in the lineup and Martens uses it for everything including pitching light jigs and plastics, bed fishing and throwing swim jigs.

EAM73MB-H

The first "heavy" rod in the series - another 7'3" model. This rod is your all purpose heavy stick for bigger jigs, worms, swimbaits and pitching. Anytime your jig or plastic worm weight exceeds 5/8oz, this is a good choice. So strong, yet fast action tip - very "tippy" so casting is easy and controlled.

EAM611MB-H - Frog

Yep! This is the frog rod, a 6'11" stick with a heavy power rating. Martens loves throwing frogs. He often gets associated with the drop shot technique, which by the way he says he hates, but his true passion is flipping and frogging. When designing this rod, Martens wanted it to be shorter than 7' because he believes control is the most important feature of any good topwater rod, especially a frog rod. When you get into the jungle and need to skip your frog back under trees or laydowns, the sub-7' length is going to prove essential. This rod is strong with a fast action and remarkably lightweight.

Aaron's Edge Crankbait Rods

Four models of crankbait rods that cover the entire spectrum of reaction bait fishing including jerkbaits and ripbaits, shallow runners and deep divers.

EAM72CB-M - Crankbait

A good ripbait and jerkbait rod, this model measures 7'2" in length with a medium power rating. It was designed to fish light line commonly employed when fishing jerkbaits. The rod is slow action, but not quite as much as the remaining crankbait rod models.

EAM72CB-MH - Crankbait

Here is your all-around crankbait rod. It can do it all. From shallow running crankbaits to medium and deep divers, this crankbait rod can handle it. The only exception would be the ultra-deep styles that have become increasingly popular since the release of the Strike King 10XD.

EAM78CB-MH - Crankbait

This crankbait rod offers a little extra length for launching out the 20 foot range plugs that are a staple of any bass fisherman's deep water arsenal. DD22's, Spro Little Johns, Megabass Deep-Six and any other crankbait which needs to be cast great distances and dive deep.

EAM710CB-MH - Crankbait

At 7'10", this medium heavy crankbait rod was specifically crafted for fishing the new phenomenon of ultra-deep divers which are designed to exceed the 20 foot threshold. We're talking big, heavy plugs. This rod doesn't exclusively need to be used for deep divers - it will perform very well with the magnum shallow runners as well.

Aaron's Edge Flipping Sticks

EAM78FS-H - Flipping Stick

Aaron's sole flipping stick in the lineup is the EAM78FS-H which is 7'8" in length and designed for lure weights from 3/8oz - 2oz, essentially covering all of your flipping and punching needs. Martens relied heavily upon this rod during his 2015 Bassmaster Elite Series victory on Lake Havasu where he probed matted tule fields some 30 feet from the water's edge. He would flip the bait back into the fields of reeds and listen for a splash. Once bit he not only had to muster a solid hookset, but also pull the 4lbers all the way back to the boat through the air. It was a sight to see and proved just how solid his Aaron's Edge Flipping Stick was.

Aaron's Edge Spinning Rods

Consisting of four models, the spinning rods in the Aaron's Edge series are designed to the specifications of Martens, one of the world's foremost authorities on finesse techniques. While he admittedly hates the drop shot technique, he has spent decades learning the finer points of the application and now is commonly associated with it among fellow professionals and fans alike.

EAM67SJ-L-S

This 6'7" spinning rod possesses a light power designation which makes it the ideal choice for a wide variety of finesse applications. Good choice for light nail weighted worms, drop shots and skipped wacky rigs. Martens uses this model for a variety of techniques.

EAM610SJ-L-S

Finally, Aaron Martens drop shot rod. This is it, this rod was made exactly to Martens' specifications for all-around drop shot applications. Martens designed this spinning rod to be suitable for all weights and hook styles commonly employed for the drop shot - open hook rigging or Texas rigged using the Roboworm Rebarb Hook. You'll find this rod to provide the ideal balance, tip and backbone for pulling on bass from shallow to deep water.

EAM611SJ-ML-S

An excellent spinning rod for fishing shakey heads and Texas rigs. Martens gave this rod a little more power than the designated drop shot model, but that doesn't mean it can't also be a good rod for the technique. If you do happen to be fishing a little heavier cover or heavier plastic, this rod might just be the rod for you.

EAM72CB-M-S

Somewhat unique among bass fishing rods, this 7'2" spinning rod is designed for crankbaits. Many anglers like a spinning rod for lighter crankbaits and Martens is no exception. When using the ultra-light crankbaits or jerkbaits, Martens turns to this medium power crankbait spinning rod. Great choice for fishing Rapala Glass Shad Raps and similar lures.

Float-n-Fly Technique for Bass

Float-n-Fly Technique for Bass

By Jen Edgar

Spotted bass are known all too well for be finicky and tough to catch when suspended.  The float-n-fly technique is specifically fished for those pesky suspended bass, which makes it great for spotted bass that are in a suspended state the majority of the time.
Characteristics for a successful float-n-fly outing are more commonly:

• winter
• Cold, clear water
• Suspended fish

In the dead of winter, water temps dipping into low 40s fish are less active and therefore, not so much in the mood to chase bait.  Being able to keep your bait in the strike zone the entire time is so vital this time of year. It is also subtler than all other baits you would attempt to throw at these fish.
The rod ranges from 8 ft to 11 ft spinning, granted in a tournament you are limited to the 8 ft option, but if your out having fun don’t hesitate to try out one of the longer rod options for a truly intense fight.  The most important characteristic of float-n-fly rods is long and limber, much like a light steelhead rod or fly rod.  For the spinning reel, a size 2000 with smooth drag is essential.

I can’t stress how much smoother your fishing experience will be with using braided line as your main line.  Prevents twists in the line, stronger and has no stretch which is nice when using lighter gear.  8 to 10 pound braided line to a 15 foot 4 to 8 pound fluorocarbon are recommended.   A longer leader is needed because braid floats and you need your jig to sink, and you may need it to get down to quite deeper depths.

Balance between your float and fly is crucial because we aren’t necessarily waiting for a bobber to “go down” in this technique.  Sometimes fish will hit the jig and swim upward in which case your bobber would not get dragged down.  You want a float that lays horizontal while your fly is settling down to the desired depth.  When the fly reaches its holding depth the float will then straighten and sit vertically.  It is so important to watch your float because if the fly doesn’t make it all the way down by the time it should have, the float does not go vertical you may already have a fish.  So this also means getting a float that has two different colors for top and bottom.  There are fixed and sliding type floats.  There are positives and negatives to both, just have to find what works best for you in a given situation.

Now the fly.  Hair jigs, flies, and so many options… usually a hair jig in the 1/16oz size seems to have the best action and ease of fishing.  As for colors and types of hair or brands of jigs is all personal preference. I like two flies in particular the Spro Phat Flyand the Cumberland Pro Lures Float n Fly

Casting is not to be over thought; just straight overhead casts work best.  Don’t get in a rush, nice and easy will get your rig out where you want it.  Don’t just cast out and let it sit.  With short, quick pops, slowly work the bait back to you.  Just like any other technique you have to find the fish and sometimes find how the fish want the fly presented. Bites will be hard thumps to a subtle pull down and even the lift bite discussed earlier.  Reel down until you feel the tension then set the hook, and make sure to play out the fish as you are using light line and gear.