Tackle Box Essentials
Assuming everyone has rods, reels, and lines, the first thing to go into a tackle box is terminal tackle. These are the things you use to keep the bait on the end of your line. Terminal tackle can be bought in bulk or in packages with lots of assorted pieces. You’ll need snaps and swivels, […]
The Basics of Dropshot Fishing
Dropshotting is typically a light line technique usually associated with Bass but can also be used for many other species. Having electronics on board is especially helpful with this surefire method for catching fish. The whole idea of this finesse technique is to keep the bait suspended off the bottom as you fish it with a […]
Where Carrot Stix Got Their Name
Have you heard of the fishing rod called Carrot Stix? Of course you have! But did you know that the name Carrot Stix comes from “Nanocellulose Bio-Fibres”? Well, it’s true, because these bio-fibres (that are used to make the fishing rod tighter and more responsive) actually come from real carrots. Thus, the name Carrot Stix! […]
Why You Need a GPS Trolling motor
Electric fishing motors—or trolling motors, as they’re commonly called—have been around since 1895. Over time, these handy fishing accessories have evolved exponentially. The top of the line modern-day trolling motor is a thing of genius. They can even run entirely on their own, leaving you to concentrate on the fishing. The two innovative features these motors […]
Tools Of The Trade – Rod Pods and Banksticks
Today, we’re gonna talk about some invaluable tools in the Carp angler’s arsenal: rod pods and bank-sticks. Carp fishing in Canada is still in its infancy. So many anglers may not have even heard of these tools. But in Europe and the UK, they’re as common as rods and reels. This gear is primarily used […]
All About Rod “Power”
In a previous Tools of the Trade segment, we discussed rod action as being where on the rod it begins to flex when perpendicular pressure is applied to it. If the flex point ranges widely from tip to butt, it’s considered a parabolic or slow-action rod. If it’s near the tip, it’s considered a fast-action […]
How Fishing Sonars Work
Back in the day, before you got in your boat, you spoke to the locals to get an idea of where to go—what’s working, what’s not, etc. And that’s what you’d get: an idea. Well, folks, the times, they are a-changin’! With today’s technology, those ideas become reality. We’re talking about down-scan and side-scan multi-beam […]
What is Drag?
What is drag? How does it work? And why is it important? Simply put, drag systems are a mechanical means of applying variable pressure to the line spool or drive mechanism which creates friction. This works on the principle of multiple discs rubbing together face-to-face. One set of disks is attached to the side of […]
Selecting a Reel for Sturgeon Fishing
Fishing for Sturgeon on the magnificent Fraser River is definitely not like Bass fishing on a small lake. One thing we noticed is that all of the baitcasting reels that our “Numero Uno” guide Vic Carrao has on his boat have lever drag systems as opposed to star drag systems. We talked about star drags […]
Tools Of The Trade – Terminal Tackle
One of the least glamorous yet most important facets of fishing equipment is terminal tackle. This is gear that’s attached to the end of a fishing line including hooks, sinkers, leaders, snaps, swivels, split rings, clevises, and the list goes on. For the most part, this area of tackle is the least expensive. However, an […]
Tools of the Trade – Crankbaits
Crankbaits are some of the most life-like lures out there. They act like they’re wounded, they dip and dive, so why aren’t they catching more fish? Because they’re underrated, underestimated and underutilized by us. In the KLP formula for success on the water, knowledge of where and when to use these little beauties is sorely […]
What Rod “Action” Really Means
Before you buy any fishing rod there are some basic facts you must know like what and where you’re fishing. This will determine one of the most important features of the rod you choose: its action. The action of a rod has several determinants. First and most important is the taper; from butt to tip, the […]
Ice Fishing with the Boys
I took my sons Hunter and Cole out for their first-ever ice fishing trip up to Lake Joseph in the Muskokas. We met up with Captain John Blanchard on a cold windy day but luckily John had a perfectly heated hut so the boys didn’t freeze. There was no way I was going to let […]