Topwater Stunner from Jay Shields

Shaun Ruge moved to New England to pursue a promising career off the water but it's stellar fishery had other plans for him. Huk Gear proudly presents Home, a film that combines ground-breaking Striper footage and the story of a man with the courage to pursue his true calling.

Stellwagen Media President Jay Shields, except instead of high school, his forum is fishing. Jay's talent as an angler is only outdone by his powerful execution of fishing films.Don't believe us? Take a look at Jay's newest film, HOME, brought to you by HUK.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='HUK presents HOME by Stellwagen Media'][/block_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_video link='https://vimeo.com/172169125' align='center'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='HUK Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
HUK
HUK Performance Long Sleeve Shirts
These shirts will not restrict any of your movement with mechanical stretch fabric. The perfect technical shirts for long days on the water.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
HUK
HUK Performance Fishing Hookies
The HUK Performance Fishing Hoodies are pullover style sweatshirts with a hood. The fleece material they are made of is water resistant and helps repel spray, keeping you dry and comfortable. The materials they are made of are lightweight, yet still will keep you warm during chilly days. The material is also stain resistant.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
HUK
HUK Performance Fishing Patch Trucker Hat
The HUK Patch Trucker Cap is designed for whatever your life is about from camping, to fishing, to hunting. Great for outside or inside wear. This trucker style hat combines the classic trucker hat with all the technology HUK Performance Fishing has to offer.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
HUK
Shop All HUK Products
HUK Performance Fishing Apparel unites all anglers regardless of their pursuit. From freshwater to saltwater, offshore to inshore, bait to artificial, spinning to casting, to fly. Whatever type of fishing your passion is for HUK Performance apparel will have something that suits your apparel needs.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

Billfishing in Tobago

Fishing for the first time in foreign lands is always the most exciting for me. It's even more special when you have to step outside what you're used to in order to get bites. It makes you think outside the box, makes you meet a lot of awesome people, and you always seem to learn the most on these type of fishing trips. This is what Tobago was all about.

Capt. Ricky Wheeler[/vc_column_text][vc_video link='https://youtu.be/m1BPBsRt6jY' align='center'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Fish DownSea
Fish DownSea Party Hat Lure
The Fish DownSea Party Hats are 5' long with a small head and no eyes. The Party Hat is meant to add color and flash to the presentation of your circle hook ballyhoo. This is an effective way to add the a 'sea witch' to a circle hook bait without impeding the hookup ratio due to the rubber grommet (o-ring) attachment. Try blue or black on long riggers.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Fish DownSea
Fish DownSea 6' Party Skirt Lures
Fish DownSea Party Skirt Lures are 6' long and have a small head with eyes. The Party Skirt is meant to add eyes, color and flash to the presentation of your circle hook ballyhoo. This is an effective way to add the a 'sea witch' to a circle hook bait without impeding the hookup ratio due to the rubber grommet (o-ring) attachment. Try red/black or blue/white on your flatlines.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
RH Custom Rods
RH Custom Rods
RH Custom Rods prides itself on building exclusively on CTS blanks from New Zealand. CTS utilizes the most advanced technology in the world along with the highest quality carbons available to manufacture blanks. The carbon helix core used by CTS minimizes cross sectional deformation of the blank during loading, thereby improving power and response.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
iLand
iLand Lures Flasher Series - Blue/White
One of the most popular offshore lures just got better. Iland Lures’ tournament proven Ilander now features a prism mylar outer shell, which adds increased visibility and realism. The Ilander Flasher Series is offered in eight popular fish catching colors. Drop one back in your trolling spread and 'light up' your next fishing trip.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

On the Rhodie: Pluggin Away

After deluding ourselves that our conversations were actually making sense, there was the stark realization that we were no longer intelligent human beings. It dawned on us that we had once again turned the corner to that semi-functional condition we refer to as the Zone.

Sage
Sage 890-4 Salt Fly Rod
The Sage Salt Fly Rods offer both precision and power. These rods feature Konnetic Technology which provides for cast accuracy, strength, and precision. These rods are saltwater rods that are fast loading with high line speed. The Salt rods salt action taper gives the power to maximize today's heavier fly lines to deliver flies of all sizes at all ranges with effortless precision.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tibor
Tibor Everglades Fly Reel
The Tibor series of reels were first introduced in 1995 and have established themselves as the benchmark for custom-crafted fly reels. The spool's large arbor design significantly enhances the rate of line retrieval which is critical when you're trying to control speedsters like bonefish, bonito, or wahoo.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Airflo
Airflo Striper/Cold Saltwater Fly Line
Airflo's Striper lines are the ultimate line for fishing the chilly salt. Floating & Intermediate (Aqua Clear) feature Power Core technology; these lines have zero memory and the uncanny ability to set hooks at long range, helping you catch more fish.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Seaguar
Seaguar Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
Seaguar Fluorocarbon has it all over mono when it comes to underwater visibility. In fact, Seaguar Fluorocarbon practically disappears in the water. That ultra-low visibility assures a much more natural presentation and it's far less likely to spook the fish.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Read More: On the Rhodie, Parts I, II, & III'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2839' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2846' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2864' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

Tuna Report from Columbia River Bar

Fishing sport commercial (=deckhand) aboard the Fish Tales II, a 37’ Viking battle wagon out of the Columbia River bar.

TackleDirect
TackleDirect Silver Hook Series Spin Jigging Rod
Crafted from an ultra-high strength blank featuring a precision blend of both graphite and fiberglass fibers with an integrated solid tip to ensure full sensitivity and extra durability during high strain situations with big fish.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Williamson
Williamson Abyss Speed Jig
The Williamson Abyss Speed Jig has a unique potbelly shape that will get your jig down fast and enable you to fish harder and longer. Yet the computer aided design will offer far less retrieve resistance than any other jigs and make your days fishing a lot less tiring.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Fin-Nor
Fin-Nor Offshore 6500 Spinning Reel
A massive dual drag system provides up to 60 pounds of lock-down pressure and dissipates heat during the longest offshore battles.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Avet
Avet SX Single Speed Lever Drag Casting Reels
Avet SX Reel Features: Precision machined 6061 T-6 marine grade aluminum and stainless steel components, anodized for superior corrosion resistance and beautiful finish, true one piece frame for the ultimate in strength vs. weight, powerful lever drag system with adjustable strike pre-set, and precision machined stainless steel gears.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

On the Rhodie: Schoolie is In!

So when I last left you hanging, we were still basically conscious. However, late afternoon into evening on Tuesday had me up since 2AM, 6 hours in the car, and now a good, solid 7 hours of rock hopping. The weather is not cooperating at all. Bluebird skies, no swell whatsoever so no real whitewater, and a solid 20 kt wind in our faces almost everywhere we go. Fishing is bad, and when this happens you need to pull out all the tricks.

VS 150 on a classic Ron Arra Lamiglas. These recently discontinued rods (although there is a rumor that somebody bought out the entire remaining from the manufacturer and still has a bunch in stock...LOL) were just perfect if you were looking for a surf rod that had the backbone to handle a big fish, but still a responsive enough tip to throw light jigheads and plugs.It was the bottom of the tide but with the narrow inlet, there still was plenty of current and Schoolie was defiantly in! Throwing a 1/2 oz Hogy X-tra Strong leadhead and a shot curlytail, it was strike after strike after strike. This is in bright daylight, with huge boats rolling through. We actually had to time casts so our lines would not get prop wrapped in the outboards! The jetty is very long, and as the tide started to die and the bite slowed, we moved closer in to keep throwing at the current in the narrowing inlet. We could see the clouds of sandeels in the gin clear water. We milked this pattern for almost an hour until the tide finally died, and so did the bite. It was pretty cool following the fish up the long jetty as the rip moved with the declining current. Our Korkers were sure getting a good workout. We promised ourselves that this was going to be a daily occurrence while we were in the area, and paid close attention to the timing and the tides so we could follow up for the next couple of days.Thoroughly exhausted, now punchy with sleep deprivation, the bite was dead and so were we, It was time to head back towards Newport. We made a quick pitstop at Jamestown to visit the Lighthouse with no luck and to our amazement figured one more stop would do it. Caffeine is a wonderful drug. We pulled up on Ocean Drive and broke out the big rods and checked the batteries in our headlights, just in case. This is where our fishing for the first long day closed out with nothing much to show for it. We finally took off our waders, and hit a local pizza stop for a light meal of grinders, wings, a greek salad, and a pair of icy cold beers. Very healthy fare for two guys that could barely speak while shoveling down their dinner just before 10PM.By the time we unpacked and cleaned up all the gear, I finally saw the pillow at about 11, with my alarm set for 3:15. It was my job to make a hot pot of coffee for the thermos and Craig got to sleep in for an extra 15 minutes. I can’t ever remember falling to sleep this fast before. What would Wednesday bring?Stay Tuna-ed! Ed[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width='3' initial_loading_animation='none' grid_id='vc_gid:1467251282218-da8c2d50-8fb3-7' include='2895,2896,2897,2898'][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

Van Staal
Van Staal VS Series Spinning Reel
The frame, rotor and spool are machined from billet aluminum for unyielding strength, unlike other high-end reels that are made from weak die cast aluminum and plastic. Internal parts are made from the highest grades of metals available like stainless steel and titanium.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Lamiglas
Lamiglas XSRA 1083-2 Ron Arra Surf Pro Spinning Rod
These rods are fast action surf rods that offer incredible power, distance, and control. These rods are optimized for both traditional monofilament and high strength braided lines with Fuji Alconite Concept guide system.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Hogy
Hogy X-STRONG Jig Head 1/2 oz.
Hogy Jig Heads are designed to perfectly match their Jiggn' Hogys but they will work fine with any soft bait.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Korkers
Korkers RockTrax Fishing Overshoe FA5100
Korkers RockTrax and RockTrax Plus are versatile cleated overshoe products that provides sure-footed traction on mossy rock, ice and slick terrain.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Read More: On the Rhodie, Parts I, II & IV'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2839' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2846' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2929' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

On the Rhodie: Tuesday – Wednesday

If I told a stranger that did not fish about the last 24 hours there is no question in my mind that they would make every effort to have me committed.

Capt Ed Berger's truck filled with fishing equipment.[/caption]The gem for this trip was a brand new Van Staal VR 150 I picked up late Monday afternoon. It was spooled up with 30# J-Braid on an RH Custom Composite 11’ rod. A complete virgin set-up, all leadered up with 40# Seaguar and ready for her first workout. I also had a brand new pair of Korkers for this trip, believe me this is one place that where you MUST have them.First stop, Wynnewood PA to pick up Craig and add at least another small tackle shop’s worth of inventory on top of the already ridiculous display of gear gluttony. What can I say... I’m a surf tackle pig.We blew through NY and over the GW before 5 and made short work of Connecticut. We figured this was the 15th Annual excursion which had taken place the beginning of every summer, with a couple Fall trips tossed in. The car ride up was a comfortable re-hash of trips of the past; fish caught, slobs missed, favorites to throw by category and a good solid one hour debate on why we each like which location best.I should also note that these trips notoriously are studded with horrible eating habits. The 68 qt.Yeti Tundra in the back was loaded with water, Tastycake French Apple Pies, trail bars, a huge bin of pretzels, a bag of rotten oranges (which Craig bought on special...yes Craig they were very special), a small fortune in James Beef Jerky and coffee.... lots of coffee. Being semi-food conscious, this is also the only time of year either one of eat at McDonald’s. I could taste the McMuffin for hours before I ate it, and an equal number of hours afterwards. It was awesomely gross, and I can’t wait for the McNuggets and fries on the way to Block Island.Stop number one was actually one of my favorite places to fish in all of Rhode Island, especially if there happen to be fish there, Beavertail Light. Just one of the prettiest places you have ever seen with rough rocky outcroppings jutting out like a knurly finger into the bay. Lots of current, and when the whitewater is there it can be spectacular. We had a night several years ago in the fog, with that mind-splitting foghorn blaring inside out heads, where every cast was a solid hookup. Did I mention the here weather is beautiful.... for sunbathing, not striper fishing. Stop #1 was a bust.... but not entirely.Rhode Island is the land of fisherman. Somehow, they can size you up in just a couple seconds and figure out if you are worth a conversation and some information sharing or a total googan to be scoffed at and ignored like you are speaking a foreign language... no english. Fortunately for us, a local with a little intel sent us int he right direction for spot number 2. Fill you in on my next blogstop sometime tonight...if I can still see straight.Stay Tuna-ed!Ed[vc_media_grid initial_loading_animation='none' grid_id='vc_gid:1466617310290-dad60696-b6d1-2' include='2876,2877,2880'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Van Staal
Van Staal VR150 Series Spinning Reel
The Van Staal VR Series reels are engineered and tested to be lightweight and long lasting. They are based on the same foundation that made Van Staal legendary for power an durability. These reels are completely sealed and waterproof reel.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Daiwa
Daiwa J-Braid Chartreuse Filler Spool
Daiwa J-Braid Line is made in Japan and offers a pure round profile thanks to its ultimate quality-tight pitch 8 strand woven construction.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
RH Customs
RH Custom Composite Rod 11'
RH Custom Rods prides itself on building exclusively on CTS blanks from New Zealand. CTS utilizes the most advanced technology in the world along with the highest quality carbons available to manufacture blanks. The carbon helix core used by CTS minimizes cross sectional deformation of the blank during loading, thereby improving power and response.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Korkers
Korkers Wading Boot
By incorporating OmniTrax V2 Interchangeable Sole Technology, Korkers has developed a full line of verastile footwear systems that gives you the unique ability to maximize performance, despite conditions. No matter where your next adventure takes you or what surprise mother nature might throw at you, with Korkers you'll always be ready.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Read More: On the Rhodie, Parts I, III & IV'][/block_title][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2839' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column][vc_column width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2864' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column][vc_column width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2929' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

On the Rhodie Again

Some folks believe that the first real signs of summer are when the string bikinis start to show up on the beach. Others when the boats with all the carpeting on the decks appear in their marina. For my buddy Craig & I, the first true sign of summer is "Welcome to Newport".

Steelfin and I load ridiculous amounts of tackle into my Toyota Sequoia, and embark on what we affectionately refer to as our Annual Rhodie Trip. Three days jumping around on the rocks in Newport, Narragansett and Jamestown and then over to the Point Judith ferry for another three days on Block Island.The second half of this trip used to be a pilgrimage to the striper sight fishing capital of the world, Monomoy Island. The white sands of Monomoy allowed all of us with a flyrod and a dream to wade the shallow flats stalking 30# striped cows like they were stealthy bonefish in the tropics.... but when a few million seals and just the right number of great white sharks (more than none) started regularly showing up in the channels just a few yards away, that pretty much put a cap on that. (Read more about that here.) No problem with Block, the fishing there the last couple of years has been just terrific, including 30+# Stripers on a 10wt flyrod!I hope you will follow along here on the TackleDirect Blog as we “Hit the Rhodie”! Our trip kicks off just after midnight on Monday June 13th, and I’ll be updating you throughout the week with tackle tips and hopefully some great pics of many of the truly fantastic areas that our annual tour takes us on.... including Hazard Ave. in Narragansett, which unfortunately claimed yet another life this past week.From Sand bars to dive bars, craggy rocks to stripers on top... the back seat is open, jump right in!Join us....On the Rhodie!Stay Tuna-ed! Capt. Ed[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Read More: On the Rhodie, Parts II, III, & IV'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2846' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2864' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/3'][latest_blog dynamic_from_where='one_post' post_selected='2929' carousel='no' style='boxed' posts_per_page='1'][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

Flounder Season Opens in New Jersey

The early bird gets the worm, especially when it’s opening day of flounder season in New Jersey. But Captain Ed Berger knows that, and that’s why the FM Tuna was one of the first to leave the docks. We caught exclusively on chartreuse GULP!, but there are other days when nothing beats a fresh minnow.

chartreuse GULP!, but there are other days when nothing beats a fresh minnow.[vc_media_grid grid_id='vc_gid:1464905847457-ec049980-85d4-4' include='2787,2785,2784,2782,2786,2783'][vc_empty_space height='20px'][vc_column_text]To outfish us, here's what you need to know:
- Know Bottom: Flounder prefer to ambush their prey, so use your depth-finder (and your jig) to look for structure and ledges that enable them to feed as desired. These aren't the only places you'll find flatties though -- sometimes they're stacked in deep holes, other times they're warming up on shallow mud flats. It's important to know your fishery and assess your conditions each day.
- Know Bites: Work your jig so that you can tell the difference between the bounce of the bottom and a bite. If you feel a nibble, set the hook by letting them eat and burying it home.
- Jig, Baby, Jig: No really, keep that jig moving. Jury's out on whether a steady motion or the ol' changeup works best, but jury's in on movement -- flick that wrist.
- Cover Ground: A good drift will keep you in the strike zone longer. If you live for fluking, consider a trolling motor. Especially in windy conditions, a trolling motor with mapped drive will allow you to better control your drift and drift speed.
[/vc_column_text][block_title style='column_title' title='2016 NJ Summer Flounder Regulations'][/block_title][vc_column_text]Delaware Bay & Tributaries
- May 21, 2016 - September 25, 2016
- 17-inches
- 4 per person limit
All Other Water(Except Above)
- May 21, 2016 - September 25, 2016
- 18-inches
- 5 per person limit
[/vc_column_text]" target="_blank">

HUK

HUK Performance Long Sleeve Shirts

HUK

HUK Performance Fishing Hookies

HUK

HUK Performance Fishing Patch Trucker Hat

HUK

Shop All HUK Products

Fish DownSea

Fish DownSea Party Hat Lure

Fish DownSea

Fish DownSea 6' Party Skirt Lures

RH Custom Rods

RH Custom Rods

iLand

iLand Lures Flasher Series - Blue/White

Sage

Sage 890-4 Salt Fly Rod

Tibor

Tibor Everglades Fly Reel

Airflo

Airflo Striper/Cold Saltwater Fly Line

Seaguar

Seaguar Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines

TackleDirect

TackleDirect Silver Hook Series Spin Jigging Rod

Williamson

Williamson Abyss Speed Jig

Fin-Nor

Fin-Nor Offshore 6500 Spinning Reel

Avet

Avet SX Single Speed Lever Drag Casting Reels

Van Staal

Van Staal VS Series Spinning Reel

Lamiglas

Lamiglas XSRA 1083-2 Ron Arra Surf Pro Spinning Rod

Hogy

Hogy X-STRONG Jig Head 1/2 oz.

Korkers

Korkers RockTrax Fishing Overshoe FA5100

Van Staal

Van Staal VR150 Series Spinning Reel

Daiwa

Daiwa J-Braid Chartreuse Filler Spool

RH Customs

RH Custom Composite Rod 11'

Korkers

Korkers Wading Boot