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Buying a New Reel: What You Need to Know to Make the Right Choice

    Anglers shopping for a new fishing reel are spoiled for choices, and from ultra-high end options like Shimano’s Stella series to the budget-minded Okuma Aria, it’s hard to know what’s important in a new reel other than the price. That’s perfectly understandable given the wide array of styles, sizes, and manufacturers. We’d like to demystify […]
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    • Shimano’s Stella series to the budget-minded Okuma Aria, it’s hard to know what’s important in a new reel other than the price.That’s perfectly understandable given the wide array of styles, sizes, and manufacturers.We’d like to demystify this topic and help you make the right choice for your needs and budget. Once you’re educated on the types of reels and their characteristics, visit USAngler to find the top-rated fishing reels available today.

      Reel Characteristics: Get to Know What Matters

      Regardless of the style of reel you choose for your fishing adventures, you’ll want to assess the following characteristics.

      Drag

      A good reel with a bad drag is a bad reel. It’s that simple.A reel’s drag does two things. First, it provides a cushion for your line, absorbing sudden shocks that might otherwise cause failure. And second, your drag creates a brake of sorts that forces fish to fight to take line from your reel.To accomplish this well, a drag needs to release line smoothly. Sudden starts and stops can dramatically change the forces applied to your line, and that’s always something to avoid.The best drag systems provide buttery release across their drag settings, but even the most capable reels perform best in the mid-range of the drag settings.

      Capacity

      Typically, the larger the reel the greater its capacity to hold line.That’s because as reel size increases, so too does spool size. But there are exceptions to this rule, and you want to look carefully at a reel’s reported line capacity numbers.Usually, these are given in yards/test weight, such as 300/12, meaning that the reel can be filled with as much as 300 yards of 12-pound nylon monofilament line. Sometimes, a reel will also be marked with its braid capacity, and many reels bear their capacity with three test weights, for example, 325/10, 300/12, 285/14.Capacity matters for two reasons.First, more line gives you greater options to cut and re-tie through a day’s fishing, shedding compromised line and starting fresh. That will reduce break-offs and failures, and running low by the end of the day is something all anglers want to avoid. Second, when fighting big fish, you’ll often need to let them run, taking line as they do. Getting “spooled,” that is, running out of line, is a sure-fire way to lose a great fish.

      Gearing and gear ratios

      Reels use gears to translate your turns of the handle into turns of the spool.The first thing to be aware of is that not all gears are equal.To save cost and weight, some reels will use plastic gears that will break under heavy loads and big fish. Others use brass as it’s both corrosion resistant and easy to machine, and brass gears are very smooth, offering a solid, silky feel when you spin the handle.. Still others opt for stainless steel alloys that resist saltwater’s effects and provide very high strength to weight ratios.Beyond that, the quality of the machining of those materials matters for overall strength and longevity, as well as the smoothness of the reel’s performance.We like to know what gear material a reel uses, but that’s often a matter that requires a bit of research.All reels will report a gear ratio, which is simply a number expressed as a ratio 5.1:1.In this case, 5.1:1 means that one turn of the cranking handle spins the spool 5.1 times. Higher gear ratios typically mean “faster” reels, that is, reels that retrieve line more quickly.Faster isn’t always better, but it matters when you’re fighting quick-swimming species or when you have a lot of line to pick up between casts.

      Smooth operation

      When you spin the crank on a reel, you want the action to be as smooth and free of vibration as possible.Smooth, effortless spinning isn’t easy to produce, and smoother reels typically cost more than less refined alternatives.

      Bearings

      As the gears and other parts of your reel work, they’re contacting one another and producing friction and heat. To reduce this, and increase a reel’s casting distance, reel manufactures install bearings.Bearings are nothing more than polished metal or ceramic balls captured in a “cage” and contained within a “race.”Reel manufacturers like to report the number of bearings, and you’ll often hear advice to pick the smoothest reel you can find.But bearing quality matters more than bearing count, and bearing wear over time will compromise even the smoothest reel.That’s why you want to maintain your reels, oil and grease them properly, and make sure that you clean them after every use.

      Weight and Size

      Finally, you want a reel that pairs well with your rod, doesn’t weigh more than it needs to, but can handle the fish you’re chasing.Lighter reels mean less fatigue over the course of a day’s fishing, but compromises in size usually mean compromises in capacity as well.

      Reel Types: Get to Know What You Need

      Most anglers choose one of the following kinds of fishing reels:
      • Spincasting
      • Spinning
      • Baitcasting
      • Conventional
      Let’s break these designs down to see how they tick and get to know the advantages and disadvantages of each choice. To learn more about the types of fishing reels and their characteristics we recommending visiting USAngler: Types of Reels: The Complete Guide

      Spincasting reels

      • Excellent for beginners
      • Poor longevity
       Spincasting reels like those offered by Zebco are excellent choices for new anglers.Enclosing the spool in protective casing, they tend to reduce frustration knots and tangles. Furthermore, they use a thumb-activated button to release the spool, making casting easy and intuitive.Typically, they sport their drag controls on the top of the reel body, using a dial to set drag pressure.The strengths of spincasting reels are easy to see. They offer hassle-free casting and are very easy to learn to use.Their disadvantages are more hidden from view.Spincasting reels use take-up pins instead of the bail you’ll see on a spinning reel. These pins catch line and release it, and they’re absolutely essential for the performance of spincasters.The bad news is that they don’t last forever, and when they wear down, the reel will no longer cast or retrieve reliably.

      Why buy a spincasting reel?

      Spincasting reels are great options for anglers new to the sport, and they’ll offer reasonable performance and longevity for the price.Typically - but not always - manufactured with less powerful gears and drag systems, they’re best reserved for smaller species like panfish, croaker, and the like, though some models, like the Zebco Bullet, are more than capable of winning fights against fish like largemouth bass, walleye, or channel catfish.Keep in mind that spincasting reels deliver ease of use at the cost of durability, and you’ll be well-served by them.

      Spinning reels

      • Excellent for everyone from beginners to pros
      • At their best with lines thinner than 10-pound mono
      • Awesome with light lures and finesse techniques
      • Great in the wind
      Spinning reels like Shimano’s Vanford series are a fixture on the water whether you fish bass in a quiet pond in Alabama or work a moving tide for reds in Louisiana.Spinning reels employ a fixed spool around which a bail turns, picking up line when closed or releasing line when open.Casting is pretty easy to learn with a spinning reel, and performance in windy conditions is excellent. Largely tangle free, you’ll find spinning reels on beaches, inshore, and anywhere else wind is a constant threat.Spinning reels are at their best with lines with a diameter of less than 10-pound nylon monofilament. Above that, friction with the edge of the spool will reduce casting performance. Moreover, heavier monofilament and fluorocarbon lines may produce too much memory after being wound around a tight spool.Due to their design, however, spinning reels are capable of casting very light lures without creating backlashes or overruns. For finesse bass techniques and the light lures used for everything from panfish to trout to smallmouth, spinning reels simply can’t be equaled.Drag systems on spinning reels are most often located on the end of the spool, providing direct mechanical contact.

      Why buy a spinning reel?

      Durable, capable, and easy to use, spinning reels are great for beginners.But professionals use spinning reels, too, especially when fishing with light lures or adopting finesse techniques like Ned rigs, drop shots, shaky heads, or weightless Senkos.That’s because spinning reels can cast very light lures well, achieving distance and tangle-free performance that no baitcasting reel can match.

      Baitcasting reels

      • Best for experienced anglers
      • Provide awesome casting with all lines and heavy lures
      • Excellent control and great drag systems
      Baitcasting reels like Daiwa’s Lexa LX HD are amazing choices for species as diverse as largemouth bass and snook. At home in freshwater as well as the salt, they offer nearly unbeatable casting and drag performance with larger diameter lines and heavy lures.The spool on a baitcasting reel spins freely when a thumb lever is depressed, allowing truly impressive casting with as little friction as modern engineering can manage. Spool tension is adjustable via a variety of systems - some magnetic, others mechanical - that adjusts how easily the spool can spin.When set properly for an experienced angler, casting is as slick and powerful as possible.But that performance runs into problems in the wind or when the lures are very light, as the line can billow, overrunning the lure and tangling. Poor casting technique can also lead to massive bird nests near the reel, with the only option being to cut line.But for anglers who’ve learned to cast baitcasting reel, the slick performance and impressive casting distance are well-worth the trouble.Baitcasting reels typically wear very advanced drag systems that offer tremendous smoothness and performance. They’re usually tuned via a star-shaped knob located behind the crank.

      Why buy a baitcasting reel?

      Baitcasting reels are ideal with lines ranging from thick mono to hair-fine braid. A favorite among bass anglers for accurate casting and control, they pack great capacity and awesome drag systems into palmable bodies that reduce fatigue.They’re just at home inshore, too, and plenty of fishermen prefer them for redfish, snook, speckled trout, and the like.

      Conventional reels

      • Designed for very large fish
      • Powerful, durable, and built to win fights
      When you’re fighting fish the size of grouper, shark, tuna, or marlin, you need a reel that delivers more - more toughness, more drag, more torque, and more line.That’s when anglers turn to conventional reels like Avet’s EX 2-Speed Lever Drag Big Game Reels.Mechanically similar to baitcasting reels, conventional reels are built with the most durable materials, powerful gears, and fight-winning drag. Some even come with a two-position drag lever that allows instantaneous adjustment between “strike” and “fight” modes.Not truly designed for casting, conventional reels are typically used to troll or jig, and the emphasis of the construction is on turning the odds in your favor during the fight of your life.Capacities are typically huge, drag settings are powerful, and the gear ratio and spool size work together to deliver speeds that can maintain a tight line when fighting the fastest fish in the ocean.Overkill for anything less than the largest fish, you won’t see conventional reels often unless you head for the salt, though there are exceptions like lake trout where these reels come into their own.

      Why buy a conventional reel?

      If you fish for species like shark, tuna, grouper, sailfish, marlin, and tarpon, the power and durability of a conventional reel is a must." target="_blank">

    Swapping Your Treble Hooks

      Treble hooks work really well on all sorts of baits. From topwater to deep divers, there’s a wide range of baits that treble hooks are ideal for. But how do you know when it’s time to change them? And when it is time, how do you go about changing them? Those are two questions we’re […]
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      • Why Change your Trebles? The first reason to change out treble hooks is probably the simplest, and that is when the hooks that come stock on a bait aren’t good quality right out of the pack. This is particularly true with older lures that have light wire or dull treble hooks that either bend easily or have a hard time hooking the fish. However, most baits these days come with a decent set of hooks right out of the pack.If you do bend a hook, dull it or even break a hook point off then it’s a good idea to swap out your trebles. With a bent hook, you can bend it back sometimes, but the bending of a hook weakens it. Even if the hook doesn’t break during the bending, it is then more likely to break on a fish. So it’s better to just go ahead and swap the hook out if it gets bent.Lastly, it’s sometimes a good idea to swap out the trebles on a bait for a bigger size or perhaps even a different style bend altogether. This is particularly beneficial with topwater lures. Going with a larger hook that has a round bend helps you hook more fish when they are simply swiping at a topwater and not trying to eat it.

        How to Change Treble Hooks

        Ideally, you’ll want to use a set of split ring pliers to start this process. If you don’t have split ring pliers, you can use needle nose pliers or even your fingernail to open up the split ring. It’s worthwhile to invest in a pair of split ring pliers for a few bucks and save your fingers.You’ll want to carefully open the split ring just enough so that you can begin to move the eye of the existing treble hook that you’re taking off into the gap of the split ring. Then, while the split ring is held open by the old hook, slide the eye of the new treble hook into the split ring as well. Now carefully rotate the ring through both hook eyes at the same time and this will take the old hook off and put the new hook on simultaneously.Repeat this process for however many treble hooks you have on the bait, and be sure the hooks aren’t too big (if you went up in size) by trying to see if you can make them hook each other. Ideally, you want the hooks to come close to touching one another but not quite reach each other. This will ensure you have as much coverage by the hooks as possible without having to worry about the hooks hanging on each other all the time.Remember, there are several reasons to swap out your trebles. Whether they’re bent, broken or simply ill-suited on the bait, you can swap them out quickly, effortlessly and safely provided you have one simple tool— a good set of split ring pliers. Split ring pliers aren’t absolutely necessary but they are strongly encouraged and a worthwhile investment. When you think it is time to change a few hooks, swing over to
        TackleDirect for all the supplies you’ll need." target="_blank">

      Fear Of Fishing

        Participation in fishing has increased rapidly over the last 2-3 years. The COVID Pandemic really got the ball rolling with people looking for outdoor activities that allowed for social distancing. Also, a rise in “farm to table” lifestyle has more people growing their vegetables and hunting/fishing for their meats. Regardless of the reason, more people […]
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        • 1. WATCH VIDEOS There’s tons of how to video’s on YouTube and other social media handles.2. IN PERSON OBSERVATION Go to a local pier, pond or river and just watch others fish. You don’t have to actually participate in hands on fishing to catch the experience. You can sit on a pier and read or just relax as you observe others fish. Just familiarize yourself with the atmosphere.3. CHARTER BOAT/GUIDED FISHING TRIPS There’s plenty of companies that will take you out on a boat fishing. These companies provide everything you will need. If you don’t feel comfortable touching live bait or a fish, guess what, some charters have a crew that will do it for you.4. TAKE IT SLOW Maybe your first step is touching a live worm. Stop by your local bait shop and pick up a box of worms. Open it and just watch them squirm, then tap one. Guess what? You touched a worm, next pick it up. The feeling never changes. Like anything else, you’ll get used to it and will laugh at the fact that at one time you were scared to touch a harmless worm.5. GO ALL IN Are you feeling fearless? If so, just go for it. That’s what I did and you can do it too. One day I just went to a bait shop and asked: What do I need to buy to go fishing? They told me, I purchased, then went to a local pier and I’ve been hooked ever since.If the fear of the unknown is keeping you from fishing, we hope you found this article helpful. If you are like Patricia and make it all the way to step #5, our team at TackleDirect is here to help you with any question you might have. From basic to advanced questions, our experienced crew can steer you in the right direction. Learn more at www.TackleDirect.com . We would love to hear from you!" target="_blank">

        Keep America Fishing

          TackleDirect has partnered with the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) to promote the R3 Initiative to our network of customers and industry partners. What is the R3 Initiative? R3 stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation. TackleDirect supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective R3 efforts to increase […]
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          • What is the R3 Initiative? R3 stands for Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation. TackleDirect supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective R3 efforts to increase participation in fishing and boating. An increase in participation means more customers for businesses, more fishing licenses and boat registration purchases, increased tackle and equipment sales, and more funds for states to protect our aquatic natural resources and the wildlife they sustain through fish stocking, habitat management, fish surveys and research, boat ramp management and more.Recruitment – Reaching individuals who have never been boating or fishing, but have expressed an interest in it.Retention – Keeping anglers and boaters who participate coming back year after year.Reactivation – Bringing back anglers and boaters whose participation has been interrupted for over a year.We would encourage all of our customers and industry partners to do what they can to promote the sport of fishing and any R3 Initiative Programs. Together we can ensure a healthy future for this wonderful lifestyle that we all enjoy. Below is a helpful list of R3 resources provided by the RBFF:GENERAL R3 RESOURCES• Angler R3 Program Funding Needs Assessment Results & Scorecard: includes research findings and implications, and a scorecard to assist the R3 community in scoring proposals and prioritizing angler R3 programs to support. The scorecard is also available in Excel.• Identifying New Anglers & Boaters and Determining Tactics for Retention: this research was conducted to understand newcomers to fishing and boating in the 2020 season.• Actionable Strategies for Angler R3: this R3 research provides key findings and recommendations for angler R3.• State Fishing License Sales Trends Analysis: this analysis of state and national trends in fishing license sales confirms the effectiveness of R3 efforts on growth.• AFWA Angler R3 Task Force Report: report by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) President's Task Force on Angler R3 with recommendations for state agencies.• Thirty Tips for Better Angler and Boater R3 Practices: thirty detailed ideas to help your organization better recruit, retain and reactivate anglers and boaters.• Angler R3 Coordinator Position Description Template: resource for state agencies in hiring an Angler R3 Coordinator/Manager.• Angler R3 Plan Guiding Document: resource to assist state agencies in developing an angler R3 plan for their state.• Recommendations and Strategic Tools for Effective Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Efforts: recommendations and strategic tools to enable state agencies, non-government organizations and industry to improve R3 effectiveness.• Highlights of Angler Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Literature: summary of recent literature on angler R3 efforts throughout the country.• Direct Mail & Email Marketing Toolkit to Reactivate Lapsed Anglers: step-by-step guide that provides straightforward instructions to plan, execute and manage your agency’s lapsed angler license renewal program.• First-Time Buyers Retention Email Campaign Toolkit: toolkit which contains email templates and steps to implement a program to retain first-time license buyers in your state.• Best Practices Workbook For Boating, Fishing, and Aquatic Resource Stewardship Education: manual to provide information for program planning, development and implementation, professional development, program evaluation and educational program research.• Boat Registration Reactivation Program: program partnership with RBFF and state agencies to reach lapsed boaters. The state agency receives all the revenue that the programs generates.• State R3 Program Grants: program to help fund state programs that are sustainable and replicable angler and boater R3 initiatives.• George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund Grants: provides funds for state agencies to match and sub grant to local organizations that focus on engaging Hispanic families in fishing and boating activities.• RBFF Webinar Series: content most requested by state agencies and developed into webinars.• Hispanic Toolkit: compilation of tools for stakeholders to help them focus more strategically and effectively on reaching the Hispanic boater and angler.• Fishing and Boating Research: reports from a variety of research projects to better understand recreational boating and fishing and aquatic resource stewardship," target="_blank">

          How Water Clarity Affects Fishing

            Last article we discussed how water temperature affects your fishing success. We will now take a look at water clarity and how to fish accordingly. The color of the water changes everything from lure style and color to where the fish will be. By recognizing this and making adjustments, you can increase your chances for […]
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            • Fishing In Clear Water:Clear water is relative to where you live. Great Lakes clear is not the same as clear water in the deep south. Clear is usually seen as when you can see down five feet or more below the surface. Clear water offers both challenges and opportunities as anglers can visually see fish swimming, but these same fish are spooked more easily. Some of the best lures to use for clear water fishing are those that appear natural and without bright or flashy colors.Clear water is tailor-made for finesse fishing with popular techniques like the drop-shot, Ned Rig, and shakey head. If fishing this way is not your style, you have some faster moving options. Jerkbaits and topwater lures are two proven techniques in clear water situations.If you notice an abundance of fish activity but are having trouble getting bites, it may be a good idea to search for slightly dirtier water. Another option is to search for windy areas as this will help to conceal both you and your lures.Fishing In Stained Water:This water clarity is one of the most universal for freshwater fishing since most of the fishing is done on lakes, rivers, and ponds. This is when water is clean but not clear enough where you can see down five feet or more.Stained water also offers an excellent opportunity for anglers because it opens up the use of every technique possible. With that being said, crankbaits, jigs, soft plastics, and spinnerbaits are four of the best types of lures you can use in stained water conditions.Fishing Muddy Waters:Muddy water can be your friend as it can help conceal you as an angler and also allow the fish to roam more freely. Generally, murky water should be approached with bright colored lures and with those that produce added vibration.One of the best choices that cover both of these is a brightly colored spinnerbait. The flash from the blades and vibration moving through the water allows the fish to hone in on your lure. Other good choices are vibrating jigs (ChatterBaits), lipless crankbaits, and jigs. Even though muddy water can be useful, when the water is cold (50-degrees or less), it can lead to tough fishing. In these scenarios, it may be best to seek clearer water.Water clarity can change from day to day and even during the same day on different sections of where you are fishing. Knowing the basics of what lures are best for each water clarity can help you increase your chances on getting a bite. And remember, no matter what the water clarity is, you can stock up on all your appropriate tackle needs at TackleDirect." target="_blank">

            Water Temperature

              Spring is in the air here at TackleDirect and with the oncoming temperature changes, we thought it might be helpful to discuss water temperature and fishing success. With customers all over the country, the timing of this will be different for each of you, but the general principle will remain the same. Let’s dive into […]
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              • TackleDirect.com." target="_blank">

              THINKING ABOUT BOOKING A FISHING CHARTER?

                At TackleDirect, we service all types of anglers. Many of our customers have been fishing for years, know what they want, gear up for their trip, and head out for another fishing adventure. But what we have seen lately, especially since the pandemic, is an influx of new anglers who are eager to learn, but […]
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                •  Choosing A Fishing CharterBefore you begin checking out boats and getting in touch with captains, it is crucial to know what kind of charter you wish to find. Each fishing charter service is unique and many of them have their own specialty when it comes to the type of fishing.You need to decide whether you would like to have the entire boat to yourself or you would rather share it with other anglers. Shared charters are for those who are familiar with a rod. It’s a great way to make new friends plus it’s cheaper too. However, beginners may feel a bit lost since the crew need to move around the boat helping others.On the other hand, private charters offer you a tailored fishing experience. You can fish at your own pace and target the fish that you want. If you’re new to fishing, the captain can teach you the basics plus, you’ll have a personal guide who will tell you all that you need to know about the area. They cost more than shared charters but you will definitely get what you pay for.You also have to consider the captain. Get to know the captain before you book a fishing trip. Ask how long he’s been in business and how long they’ve been fishing in the area. You should find out if he or she is a local. You should also check their fishing reports and reviews from past clients.Ask the captain some questions before you book a fishing trip. Here are some things that are worth asking:
                  1. What type of fish are biting?
                  2. What should we bring?
                  3. What happens to the fish we catch?
                  4. Do you have any discounts to offer?
                  5. Can we begin a little later?
                  6. Do you have insurance?
                  Once you have these questions answered, it really just comes down to weighing the Pros vs. Cons on booking a fishing charter:Pros:Less Work, More FunMany anglers appreciate when they charter a fishing boat and can concentrate on having fun and catching fish rather than preparing the boat and equipment, worrying about navigation, and cleaning the boat afterward the trip. When you book a fishing trip with a licensed captain, all you have to worry about is relaxing, catching fish, and enjoying your day on the boat. When you book a fishing charter, all you have to do is show up, and a quality, clean fishing boat, fully fueled and rigged up, will welcome you aboard. Your professional fishing guide and crew guarantee everything to be ready to go and fully functional.Getting The Full Fishing ExperienceSome fishermen may consider not having to bait their lines a benefit, while others would argue that’s part of the fishing experience. The good news about your fishing charter is your professional captain is more than willing to accommodate your preferences. If you are an avid fisherman who wants to do everything yourself, your captain will assist when you need it and take you to the spots. If you are someone who wants to learn how to set up your rod and reel, your guide will show you how. And if you are an angler who simply wants to relax and catch fish, your guide will set up your line and hand it to you, ready to catch fish. For this subject, it’s important for customers to establish good communications with their fishing guide to make sure they get the fishing trip they expect.Cons:SpontaneityDespite the simplicity and multiple benefits, chartering a fishing boat isn’t for everyone. The biggest limitation to charter fishing is that you can’t just hop on the boat whenever you feel like it and go out for the afternoon. A fishing charter is usually something fishermen book well in advance to experience a specific destination. There is a chance to book a trip within a few days’ notice, but the odds of getting a same-day trip are rare.We hope this helps you in your fishing journey, and regardless of your experience level, remember that you can find all the tackle and information needed for your next adventure at
                  www.TackleDirect.com ." target="_blank">

                Spring Bass Fishing

                  Spring is right around the corner and it is a great time to be a bass angler. No matter where you live, there are plenty of chances to catch bass in the spring. The fish are starting to stir after a long winter, and they are bulking up on food before and after the energy-draining […]
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                  • Spring is right around the corner and it is a great time to be a bass angler. No matter where you live, there are plenty of chances to catch bass in the spring. The fish are starting to stir after a long winter, and they are bulking up on food before and after the energy-draining spawn. While it’s one of the best times for largemouth and smallies, the spring season still requires smart techniques and strategic angling. At TackleDirect, we don’t want spring to sneak up on you, so use these spring bass fishing tips and you’ll be catching more bass in no time... 
                    • Cast for repeat results: One of the best tips for early spring bass fishing success is to pay close attention to what works for you and what does not. Because bass behavior will change frequently with the fluctuating weather and temperature in spring, each day on the water may call for a different approach. Once you find a technique that wins you a bite, repeat the same cast and retrieve to catch a few more. 
                    • Fish out the area: Bass will often congregate in the same areas in spring — meaning if you catch one, you may catch a dozen more in the same spot. After your first catch, continue to cast along the same ridge or point. If you do not get a second bite, try fishing the same area from different angles before moving to a new spot. 
                    • Pay attention to water conditions: Fickle spring weather can make it challenging to locate bass, but by paying attention to the water conditions, you can find bass more quickly on each subsequent spring fishing trip. Once you find an area where bass are congregating, take a mental note of the water color, depth, temperature and bottom conditions. Consider the location of the ridge or point relative to channels and flats. These details will help you track down bass more quickly next time. 
                    • Watch for birds: When fishing with jerkbaits or crankbaits, watch for areas where birds are diving to catch dying baitfish. These will often be spots where hungry bass are also congregating and where jerkbaits and crankbaits will be most effective. 
                    • Use the wind to your advantage: On spring days when the water is clear, bass may see your bait too clearly and be wary of biting. Wind can help to disturb the surface of the water to attract bass better. If you are not getting any bites on a clear lake, try casting when the wind picks up. 
                    • Fish the mudlines: If you are having trouble locating bass on a spring day, look for mudlines created by wind and waves. Bass will often hide along the edges of mudlines where they have the advantage over baitfish which are drawn there to feed on plankton. Using brightly colored lures, drag your line across a mudline from the muddy water into the clear water. Bass will often strike just as the bait emerges. 
                    With the right techniques and a little bit of luck, you can reel in a big bass to start the season right.  Need to stock up your tacklebox for Spring? Want to check out the latest products to hit the bass fishing market? Swing over to the Bass Section of
                    TackleDirect.com and take advantage of IN-STOCK items at the best prices around.   " target="_blank">

                  Does Using The Moon Phases Improve Your Fishing?

                    Moon Phase Fishing Calendars are probably one of the most polarizing topics down at the local tackle and bait shop. Spend some time at TackleDirect and you will find half of the crowd swears by them, while the other half shake their head and lump that logic in with UFOs, Big Foot, and the Lock […]
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                    It’s Time To Go Ice Fishing!

                      Ice fishing season is here and at TackleDirect we want to make sure all of our customers are as safe as possible while fishing on the “hard water”. Listed below are some ice fishing tips, tricks, and most importantly, safety pointers that you should consider before your next ice fishing adventure.  Ice Thickness  Probably the […]
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                      • Ice fishing season is here and at TackleDirect we want to make sure all of our customers are as safe as possible while fishing on the “hard water”. Listed below are some ice fishing tips, tricks, and most importantly, safety pointers that you should consider before your next ice fishing adventure. Ice Thickness Probably the most obvious thing to check right off the bat is the thickness of the ice. This is the make or break (no pun intended) factor that will ultimately determine the rest of your ice fishing experience. While most anglers know intuitively that thin ice can be extremely dangerous, fewer may know that white ice or 'snow ice' is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Follow the ice thickness recommendations below to maximize fishing safety: 
                        • 2' or less - STAY OFF 
                        • 4' - Ice fishing or other activities on foot 
                        • 5' - Snowmobile or ATV 
                        • 8' - 12' - Car or small pickup 
                        • 12' - 15' - Medium truck 
                        It is important to note that the figures above are for NEW ICE (clear ice). If you are dealing with snowy, white ice, you should double the measurements to ensure safe conditions.  More Ice Safety Tips 
                        • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
                        • Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
                        • Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
                        • The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
                        • Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
                        • Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through. 
                         (Tips Provided by MN and MI Dept. Of Natural Resources)  Ice Fishing Techniques 
                        • Jigging - Whether using an ice fishing rod or hook-and-line method while fishing on the ice, a good technique to try is jigging. You can use ice fishing jigging lures or live ice fishing bait while ice fishing jigging.
                        • Tightlining - Ice fishing tightlining is a technique in which the angler merely drops the lure in the water, then watches the line for movement. When the line becomes 'tight' you know you have something on it.
                        • Tip Ups - Ice fishing tip ups are devices set on the ice above fishing holes that dangle bait beneath them using a flag as a strike indicator. When a fish takes the bait, the reel turns and releases the line and flag at the same time. The flag 'tips up' alerting the angler something is on the line. 
                        There is no need to stay inside during the long winter months waiting for the sun to come out and dreaming about open water and summer fun. Be adventurous, bundle up, get outside and give ice fishing a try. And as always, if you need to gear up for your grand frozen excursion, shop all our ice fishing products at
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