FishTek

Fishing is a funny activity – funny peculiar, not funny haha. Although it is a game of problem solving, we often handcuff ourselves with misconceptions or hesitations. It’s usually a fixation on a certain lure, or bait, or “spot” that holds us back.

Years ago, I took a road trip to fish with a guide “down south” for flathead catfish. I learned a lot that day. I have returned to that same water a few times guideless, and always had success. More importantly, I always enjoyed the process. Simultaneously, I had been curious about a population of flatheads closer to home, but I never wet a line.

Why did I drive hours past flatheads to catch flatheads? The only answer I can give is; I didn’t know where to start, or so I thought. I had handcuffed myself with hesitation. I had confidence, but only in one spot.

Well, I finally took the first step. I picked a likely stretch of river, took what I had learned fishing for “southern” flatheads, and made a few adjustments to fit this “northern” river. We had reasonable success right out of the blocks. That first step has opened a whole new fishery to my disposal – a new local species, a new water, and new set of fishing puzzles to solve.

This is my constant self reminder. Whether it be an opportunity that presents itself on the water or an opportunity to get on the water at a unique time or place – take it! It’s easy to not do something, but not doing something is never rewarding. Don’t say to yourself later, I could have caught this if I tried or I could have fished there if I made the time.

This is a text book example. Family travel was taking us through prime catfishing waters. We could just pass through and save time, or with a little preparation and planning, we could make some great memories with a morning on the water. We took the latter.

As I get my gear together for an outing with a good friend on very challenging trout water, I began thinking about this. It’s easy to fall into the mindset of big fish equals success. To some that may always be the case, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I admit, at times I follow that equation too. When I really stop and think about why I spend time fishing it’s not as cut and dried as pounds and ounces.

Quantity is generally the initial goal, but often it’s the peripheral details that make a fishing trip rewarding. Seeing a mink on the shore could be the highlight of the day. An unexpected species or a particularly colorful example of a common species could be the day’s trophy. Big fish are great, but other factors frequently outweigh the largest fish.

Claus from PA came through with the first correct answer. It is a bowfin, amia calva. The last surviving species in its order. It’s also a hard fighting, under appreciated gamefish. No one got the extra credit answer. That is: gular plate, the bony plate under the chin.

To all that played: great guesses and good luck next time. To all that didn’t: check back often. There will be more chances to win.

Name this fish and win a sample pack of the new Bushido Shad soft plastic lure. Contest ends Tuesday, June 14th – winner announced Wednesday. First correct answer sent via the contact button takes the prize. Extra credit: name the unique anatomical feature displayed in this pic.

The Bushido Shad from Fishbelly International is taking the shallow water fishing world by storm. Built with the front end of the famous Hawg Shad and a new, uniquely designed action tail; this lure has something special. As we roll into summer, anglers across the country are capitalizing on the ease, excitement, and versatility that this new soft plastic brings to the table.

Rigging can’t be simpler. Rig it Tex-Posed with a 4/0 or 5/0 offset EWG hook or a screw lock of the same size. The Bushido Shad will crawl over and through vegetation, so you can get into the spots where the big ones hide.

Perhaps the most exciting way to fish the Bushido is on top. Engage your reel as the bait hits the water and reel steadily. Start with the rod high and lower it as you retrieve. The Bushido Shad will come up to the surface quickly and stay there. The flip-flop and shimmy from the Bushido’s specialized tail creates a look and sound that’s part baitfish, part snake, and part buzzbait.

Topwater is not the only place for the Bushido Shad. On any retrieve or any part of a retrieve you can take it subsurface. Just let it sink a bit and slow your retrieve; that specialized tail will impart a rocking, swimbait motion that gamefish of all types can’t resist. This is ideal for tough conditions when the fish just won’t cooperate on top. Buzz it across the heavy cover. Then let it dive and swim through the open holes with a subsurface presentation.

It’s not exactly a swimbait. It’s not exactly a buzzbait. It’s not exactly a curly tail. It’s a little bit of each and an amazing bait all its own.