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.

2015 Bassmaster Classic Winning Baits

2015 Bassmaster Classic Winning Baits

Local boy done good; real, real good. Overlooking the poor grammar, the message has never rang more true with the Bassmaster Classic win by hometown angler Casey Ashley on Lake Hartwell, SC. Growing up only 45 minutes from the lake's nearest launch ramp, Ashley spent many of his formative years fishing the waters of Lake Hartwell absorbing bits and pieces of information that would make him the angler he is today and more importantly teach him lessons about the lake that would prove invaluable during his classic victory. While the hometown advantage can certainly help clue you in on where and how to fish, it has always been a bit of a blessing and a curse in the history of the Bassmaster Classic. Until just the past decade, anglers fishing in their home state had never hoisted the trophy after it was all said and done. The local curse was widely known within fishing circles and held true until Boyd Duckett captured a classic on Lay Lake in his home state of Birmingham, Alabama followed by Randy Howell's 2014 victory on Lake Guntersville also in Alabama. While both anglers won in their home state, neither could say their victory hit as close to home as Ashley's triumph at Lake Hartwell his true home body of water and still a lake he fishes frequently. 

The details of his victory can be read on a number of media sites, but for the purpose of keeping it simple we have outlined just the baits he used during competition to help him catch his final weight of over 50lbs of bass during his three days of fishing.

Keitech 3.8" Fat Swimbait

Zoom Fluke Jr

Fish Head Spin

Yamamoto Senko Rigging

Yamamoto Senko Rigging Options

It’s amazing the versatility of one soft plastic stick bait. Yes, the Yamamoto Senko and its wide range of rigging possibilities are most likely endless; however, here is a detailed list of the most common ways to rig a Senko. All of the tackle mentioned in this article can be found here on our site.

Texas Rigged Senko

This is the most traditional way to rig a Senko. Texas rigging the Senko this then resting the hook point in the body of the bait provides the ultimate weedless presentation. Add a weight above the hook to cast further, get the bait down deeper or give it a different action. Go weightless for a slow, subtle, sure way to stick some fish even in the thickest of obstacles. Most worm hook variations will work for easy rigging; for example, something like a Gamakatsu Round Bend Offset Worm Hook or an Owner All Purpose Soft Bait Hook will do the job perfectly depending on your personal preference. Texas rigging is the way to rig a Senko on a shaky head, drop shot, Carolina rig or as a trailer and all can be done weedless or not.

Wacky-Rigged Senko

Wacky rigging a Senko is one of the most unique and fun ways to catch fish. Even within the technique itself there is a wide range of possibilities. To Wacky rig a Senko you can use just a Gamakatsu Finesse Wide Gap Hook or a Gamakatsu Wicked Wacky Hook (which has a dual-wire weedguard) and a Senko, often times you will discover you end up replacing a Senko after each caught fish due to the plastic tearing. To aid in the life of the Senko, use an O-ring as a place holder for the hook. Another hook option is the CHT Tackle Double Wacky Hook which has an O-ring already attached and provides two hooks instead of one.
Fishing weight-less allows the bait’s ends to fall slowly, roll, flap, and twitch freely depending on how you work the bait. If you add a nail weight to the head of the Senko it makes the bait fall head down, faster (depending on weight) and the action is uneven, which isn’t a bad way to fish it. This will let you work the bait more on the bottom, dragging or hopping it while still providing a lot of action. You can also add weight and get an event different action if you use a weighted jig head such as an Eco Pro Tungsten Flick Head. There are other brands, some come with a wire weed-guard and others don’t. This will allow the bait to fall at a faster rate, but maintain equilibrium and action on the fall and retrieve. When using an O-ring with any of these hooks it will rotate the hook stance parallel with the bait allowing the Senko to often times slide up the line when you have a fish hooked, without an O-ring and placing the hook in the guts of the plastic will place the hook perpendicular to the bait. Wacky rigging a Senko is very versatile, one of the techniques where this can be applied is with a drop shot for example.

GoPro Sale - Free Gift Card w/ Purchase

GoPromo Sale

GoPro Cameras Promotion - An exclusive offer to Monster Fishing Tackle customers, we are offering a Monster Fishing Tackle Gift Card with the purchase of any GoPro Hero4 Silver or Hero 4 Black Camera. This offer is only available for our members - you must have a registered account in order to receive your gift card. If you are not a registered user, simply enter a password at checkout to create your account.

Any purchase of the GoPro Hero4 Black by a registered user will receive a gift card valued at $50 and any purchase of the GoPro Hero4 Silver will receive a $40 gift card.

How Does it Work?

Upon adding the GoPro Hero4 Camera to your cart you'll see a Gift Card has been also added to your cart. Once your order ships, you will be emailed a gift card to use at your discretion. As stated, this deal is registered users only, you must have an account for your gift card to be made active. If you check out anonymously, you will not receive the gift card.

Returns?

GoPro Cameras are only eligible for return if unused in original packaging. Should you choose to return your GoPro, you will receive a refund for total cost of the transaction less gift card value.

Visit MonsterFishingTackle.com for more details.

Rapala Shadow Rap

Rapala Shadow Rap

Shrouded in mystery, the Rapala Shadow Rap is one of the most anticipated lure releases in recent memory. Rapala has leaked very little about this secret project, but we are getting some clues from the videos they released in the past weeks. 

What we know:

The Rapala Shadow Rap is some sort of jerkbait lure that will have a different action than anythign currently on the market today. Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brandon Palaniuk describes it as having a side to side shimmy that combines with the erratic action of jerkbaits to create the ideal cold water fishing lure. 

You can see more info on the Rapala Shadow Rap by visiting Monster Fishing Tackle.

Monster Fishing Tackle Signs Aaron Martens

Cotati, CA – Fishing tackle e-commerce site MonsterFishingTackle.com has added Aaron Martens as their brand ambassador for 2015. Monster Fishing Tackle specializes in bass fishing tackle and accessories for anglers anywhere on the spectrum of experience, from the beginning angler to the top professionals.

Two-time B.A.S.S. Elite Series Angler of the Year Aaron Martens said, “Not many anglers have more tackle than me; I am serious about tackle. From my time dealing with Monster Fishing Tackle, I know they are serious about supplying anglers with the best tackle. I look forward to working with them to make sure they have the best tackle: from the stuff I use everyday to the stuff only a select few know about. Through their site, I will be able to educate anglers and share secret baits, techniques, and even alterations I make to current baits.”
Monster Fishing Tackle is a family business that was started by Ken Elie over 25 years ago in a small shop in Rohnert Park, California. Today that shop has grown to over 20,000 square feet and employs many local fishing experts. Marketing manager Pat Elie said, “Working with Aaron is a dream come true. We’ve worked hard to build a store and website that offers anglers the best tackle for chasing bass or other species. On site, we’ve employed many regional experts that work one-on-one with customers to ensure success on their fishing trips. Adding Aaron will allow us to do the same for anglers all around the globe through our website. His time on the water and unique experience with fishing products also offers us an exclusive insight to the best tackle in the world, which we will utilize to educate our buyers about the latest and most effective products.”
Martens is often referred to as “the Tackle Doctor” by his peers, and while some may not agree with his enthusiasm about tackle, all respect it and appreciate it. Martens said, “I spend twice the amount of time working on tackle than I do actually fishing. Just the other day, I spent six hours working on 25 baits for the Bassmaster Classic. I’ve never been shy about sharing what I think about fishing tackle, and I know Monster Fishing Tackle will give me a platform to share these thoughts with anglers everywhere.”
As part of the agreement, Monster Fishing Tackle will become a one-stop-shop for anything Aaron uses while fishing whether the manufacturer sponsors Martens or not. Monster Fishing Tackle buyer Tim Elie said, “We’ve always strived to stock the best equipment for our customers; anything good enough to find its way into Aaron’s tackle box is definitely good enough for any angler on the planet.”
For Monster Fishing Tackle, this agreement gives them the ability to add another level of service for their customers. Tim Elie said, “It doesn’t matter if a customer is preparing for their first fishing trip or they fish five days a week; providing Aaron’s insight on various tackle will be helpful to them.”
For Martens, the agreement is about educating and offering his fans around the world a one-stop location to get the products he uses on tour. Furthermore, it’s about having an additional avenue to educate the fans on how to catch more fish. Martens said, “Fishing is a healthy and great activity, and I want everyone out there to go fishing more. If I can help anglers catch more fish by sharing the things I have figured out over my career – it’ll get them back out fishing more.”