RAPALA BUILDS ON HISTORIC ‘WOUNDED MINNOW’ ACTION WITH ANOTHER INDUSTRY FIRST
The No. 1 Name In Fishing Lures Introduces The ‘Evasive’ Scatter Rap^®

MINNETONKA, Minn. (Feb. 22, 2013) — In 1936, Lauri Rapala made history with the ‘wounded minnow’ action of the Original Floating^® Rapala^®. To this day, the ‘wounded minnow’ action has set the benchmark for lure design across the globe. Now, Rapala makes history once again with the patent pending, industry first ‘evasive action’ of the new Rapala Scatter Rap^®.

In true Rapala style, the patent pending Scatter Rap Series flaunts classic balsa body shapes and a new Scatter Lip, which creates the most evasive, erratic, aggressive sweeping action ever seen.

“The Scatter Rap brings game-changing action to the water produced by an innovative and uniquely designed curved or ‘Scatter Lip,’ which creates an effortless and instant evasive swimming pattern,” explains Mike Iaconelli, Rapala and VMC^® pro angler. “By varying reel speed, crankbait addicts will see an immediate sweeping action that perfectly mimics a spooked baitfish fleeing attack, moving from one side to the next – triggering reactive bites.”

Ideal for bass and other multispecies gamefish, the Scatter Rap Series is available in 14-16 classic and new color patterns that will have any game species chomping at the bit for a taste. Cast or trolled, the Scatter Lip allows the baits to swim between the five-and nine-foot water column – providing anglers with the ideal lure for multiple applications.

“The Scatter Rap Series does what no other lure can, it brings the natural scenario of a baitfish fleeing a predator to life by omitting a scattering action anytime, anywhere,” says Iaconelli. “The only difference – unlike in nature – this one doesn’t get away.”

But, Rapala didn’t stopped there. The Scatter Rap characteristics come in four favorite Rapala silhouettes all together, including the Scatter Rap^® Crank, Scatter Rap^® Minnow, Scatter Rap^® Shad and Scatter Rap^® CountDown^®.

This new family of lures hasn’t just changed the angling game; it’s created a whole new one.

Suggested retail price: $8.99

INTRODUCING THE NEW PATENT PENDING RAPALA^® SCATTER RAP^® FAMILY

Rapala^® Scatter Rap^® Crank

Kicking off this patent pending, groundbreaking series, the Scatter Rap^® Crank features a balsa body with a curved or ‘Scatter Lip,’ which creates the most evasive, erratic, aggressive sweeping action ever seen.

“This family of lures is a game changer through and through,” says Mike Iaconelli, Rapala^® and VMC^® pro angler. “The erratic action brings the natural scenario of a baitfish fleeing a predator to life by moving effortlessly from one side to the next – triggering the bite.”

Ideal for bass or other multispecies gamefish, the Scatter Rap Crank can be cast or trolled and is available in 14-16 classic and new color patterns, and swims between six-and nine-feet.

Break away from the pack and get Scattering.

Rapala^® Scatter Rap^® Minnow

Carrying on the tradition, the Scatter Rap^® Minnow features the legendary Rapala^® minnow body profile. With its innovative ‘Scatter Lip,’ it flips traditional casting and trolling methods for all species on their heads, impart to the all-new aggressive, evasive, erratic sweeping action that defines the Scatter Rap family.

“I’ve seen fish of all species on various bodies of water get aggressive over a lure but the Scatter Rap Minnow tops them all,” says Al Lindner, legendary angler and National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Famer. “This unique action simply turns fish on.”

The Scatter Rap Minnow is available in 16 color patterns to match any species, forage or water clarity types. With a diving depth of six-to eight-feet and VMC^® Black Nickel Hooks, this newly infused evasive action lure is ready to tango.

Rapala^® Scatter Rap^® Shad

The Rapala^® Scatter Rap^® Shad builds on the legendary action of the Rapala Shad Rap^® with a twist – an all-new evasive swimming action – impart to a thinner body design and all new curved ‘Scatter Lip.’

Matching the most common forage perfectly, the Scatter Rap Shad is ideal for all species and lures big fish in with an industry first, fleeing or aggressive sweeping action.

“The Scatter Rap Shad will become one of the great new go-to lures for anglers fishing multiple species in a variety of applications,” explains Ott DeFoe, Rapala pro angler. “The lure swims with an aggressive, panicked, fleeing action. Pair that with multiple color patterns and anglers will see just how successful this revolutionary new lure and action is when they hit the water.”

Cast or trolled, the Scatter Rap Shad is designed to cruise between five-and eight-feet in depth. With VMC^® Black Nickel Treble Hooks and 16 must-have color patterns, this one-of-a-kind lure’s action will have anglers screaming “get the net” all day long.

Rapala^® Scatter Rap^® CountDown^®

The ‘CountDown’ method is a time-tested approach that allows anglers to reach suspended fish at any depth with ease. Now, Rapala^® boosts this technique with the ‘evasive action’ of the new patent pending Scatter Rap^® CountDown^®.

“With this lure, anglers for the first time will be able to create the evasive swimming action of a baitfish fleeing a predator at a suspended depth,” remarks Bernie Schultz, Rapala pro angler. “Not only will anglers be able to get down to the strike zone with precise consistency, but this bait will instinctively trigger the bite with its madly erratic, evasive sweeping action.”

Cast and counted down or trolled for lifelike ‘evasive action,’ the Scatter Rap CountDown is designed for multiple species and features two VMC^® Black Nickel Treble Hooks.

Anglers can choose from 16 different color patterns including Fire Minnow, Bleak, AYU and much more.

Introduction
McCoy is a company that has been featuring American made line since 1935. They embody the slogan, ‘Soft as silk, strong as steel’, which is exactly what they have developed with their polymer-reinforced spectra braid. The Super Spectra Braid uses polymer saturated spectra fibers to create a super strong and super tough premium line. By reinforcing the spectra fibers, McCoy claims that their braided line offers a greater resistance to breakdown and deterioration, UV exposure, and eliminates water absorption.

Features

• Superior Knot and Tensile Strength: The braid is very flexible which makes knot tying easy.
• Hi Visibility Colors:  The Super Spectra Braid is offered in Mean Green, Hi Vis Yellow, or Hi Vis Orange.
• Stronger and more Abrasion Resistant:  McCoy boasts that their Super Spectra Braid is 15% stronger and 5x more abrasion resistant than similar diameter spectra lines.
• Completely Round Line: The construction of the perfectly round line is designed to eliminate reels clinching, rod tip wrapping, and air cast knotting.
• Optimal Casting Performance: The line is without a doubt smooth off the reel and quiet through the guides.

Actual Testing/Use
Fishing the McCoy Super Spectra Braid felt very natural and loose. The line does not come with an ingrained stiffness as some braids do, which really does promote smoother casting. Knot tying was also simple and hassle-free, however, I would highly recommend using a fluorocarbon leader with the Hi-Vis line colors McCoy offers, as it will greatly increase the probability of a bass striking your bait. The colored braid really is great for line-watchers since the yellow line stands out so well against the Florida water. In fact, the only downside I came across while reviewing the McCoy Super Spectra Braid is the price. Listed below are some comparisons for the price per yard based on 300yd spools of braids in the same league as McCoy.

• At $38.99 McCoy Super Spectra Braid is about 13 cents per yard
• At $34.99 Suffix 832 Braid is about 11.5 cents per yard
• At $29.99 PowerPro Spectra Braid is about 10 cents per yard

While these price differences are not incredibly significant, we had to highlight the small drawbacks as McCoy really seems to have produced a very quality braid that just needs more exposure to become a standard line on your reel.

Pros

• McCoy Super Spectra Braid offers superior water resistance
• Offered in hi-visibility colors for line watchers
• Provides excellent durability and abrasion resistance
• Limp and flexible which allows easy knot tying and smooth casting

Cons

• Cost, the braid is priced at a premium
• Availability, the Super Spectra Braid is currently only available through Amazon or eBay

Overall
The Super Spectra Braid from McCoy spools very well and it enjoyable to fish, which cannot be said for all braided lines. McCoy adheres to the typical braid diameter guidelines of a 30lb braid diameter being an 8lb mono diameter equivalent. While the longevity of the line color is yet to be determined, McCoy does not sell the average angler short with their Super Spectra Braid. They have provided a quality braid, and although it is set at a premium price, we feels most anglers would be willing to overlook this as the extra few dollars would be going to support a home-grown American product.

Introduction
Triple Eight Professional has a variety of small performance knives that are great for everyday use. Their knives feature a Patent Pending T8P Spinner Action opening system, which is one of the most unique, safe, and functional systems that I have had the opportunity to work with. The knife I was able to work with was the Rhino Knife, which is designed as a performance knife for the hunter and outdoorsman. The knife incorporates elements that are suited for bass fishing, so naturally we had to see how it would work for the average bass angler.

Features

• T8P Spinner Action: Triple Eight Professional has designed their own Patent Pending opening system for the knives they offer, including the Rhino Knife. The system spins the two handles of the knife 360 degrees around an axle that opens to reveal the knife blade inside. There is a bolt that slides into place to keep the knife both opened and closed. The opening system design is similar to a butterfly knife, however you cannot swing the knife open with one motion, and the handles split in a different orientation.

• Blade: The blade of the knife is a fine blade that is composed of heat treated AUS8 Stainless Steel, and it incorporates a gut hook built into the back of the blade that works incredibly well as a line cutter. This is very useful for quickly cutting fishing line or cord, and is one of the best features of the knife due to its simplicity and ease of use.

• Handle: The handle of the Rhino is composed of black 420 Stainless Steel, which makes the knife look very sleek, but it lacks any tactile grip. There is a hole located at the back of the knife which allows for use of a lanyard or key ring attachment.

• Clip: The pocket clip on the knife is composed of 420 Stainless Steel and features the company name and logo. The metal clip is very sturdy and allows for a solid hold when clipped to your pocket. You will not have to worry about losing this knife.

• Limited Lifetime Warranty: The Rhino Knife has a limited lifetime warranty that states, “if you are not happy with your Triple Eight Professional product, we’ll repair or replace if for the life of the product. This warranty does not cover damage caused by abuse to the knife (possibly caused by small children, rabid dogs, or someone’s mother-in-law), neglect, or failure to read instructions due to not being able to find your reading glasses.” Basically Triple Eight Professional offers one of the best warranties I have seen to date on their knives, and who could fault them for not covering damage by rabid dogs?

• Dimensions:  Open Length: 4.25’’, Closed Length: 3.0”, Blade Length: 1.25”, Weight: 2.0 oz. 

Actual Testing/Use
It was instantly obvious that the compact Rhino Knife was suited for fishing when I was using it to rig up my rods. The knife is user-friendly and it is great to grab when you have one hand busy holding a knot. The design of the knife is awesome, and the action opening system is a great concept. I enjoy seeing the attention to detail especially in a small knife, as many companies overlook the quality that can be offered in a small tool.

Opening the knife is very simple, and it all revolves around the T8P axle. All you have to do is snap open the top half of the handle and rotate it around the axle until you are able to snap the bolt into the other side of the handle. In the process the blade opens and locks into place. The Rhino can open and close one handed, but it is easier to open it with both hands. I would say the single best feature of the knife is the gut hook which I use as a line cutter. It allows you to hook the line and cut it in one motion which is very nice when you are out on the water.

One negative aspect of the knife was the fact that it did not include a rubber or other type of grip built into the handle. The knives offered by Triple Eight Professional are already great quality, however if they offered one with a rubber grip, I feel that fishermen and outdoorsmen would be even more inclined to carry this knife. In addition, the blade of the knife was dull on arrival and required sharpening. I would assume that this is just a random occurrence because the quality of the knife seems to be very high.

Pros
Gut hook that functions as a line cutter on the back of the blade
T8P Spinner Action is unique, simple, and functional
Knife is small and compact for effortless carrying
Strong and solid pocket clip

Cons
Did not arrive as sharp as I had expected
Lack of a grip material on the handle

Overall
The Rhino is a solid knife that is loaded with features from Triple Eight Professional. They have obviously paid a lot of attention to detail when it comes to creating these small yet effective knives. In a general fishing situation, the Rhino Knife functions very effectively due to its compact design, line cutter, action opening system, and heavy duty construction. I would highly recommend that anglers check out the available knives that Triple Eight Professional has to offer, especially if the company creates one of these high performance compact knives paired with a rubber handle grip.

Introduction
Western Filament is a worldwide leader in high-performance fishing line and fibers, and TUF-Line is a part of their company that has pioneered the use of Spectra and Dyneema fiber in fishing line. The DuraCast braided line is engineered specifically to be tough and abrasion resistant for all aspects of use on both spinning and casting reels. It is undeniably difficult to compare fishing line because each brand of line offers some type of advantage or disadvantage over the others, depending on the specific angler and application. Therefore, the most reliable evaluation of fishing line comes from how the line performs in both the applications the line is marketed for, and the claims the manufacturers make.

Features

• No Rod Guide Noise: While the DuraCast line does not flow through the rod guides with absolutely no noise at all, it does cast fairly quietly compared to other lines. This is due to the stiffness in the line that keeps it straight and on track as well as the waxy coating that allows it to slide easily through the eyelets.

• Eliminates Wind Knots and Tip Wraps: TUF-Line claims that the DuraCast line eliminates wind knots and tips wraps. This is actually true to an extent because the line is not very limp or flexible. It has a waxy coating over the line which makes it feel like a mix of mono and braid. While I did notice that there were reduced wind knots and tip wraps while casting and fishing in the wind, I wouldn’t say that it completely eliminates them.

• Permanent Coloration: The coloration on the DuraCast line is different from other braids that are dyed and fade over time. I have had numerous dyes from braids come off on my fingers while spooling the line, however, the coloration for the TUF-Line is done in such a way that it is engrained into the line and will not fade over time. Definitely a plus.

• Ultra Round Tri-Axial Construction: The line is constructed to be full-bodied and ultra round, which is supposed to eliminate wind knots and tip wraps as well as ensure long durability by providing increased abrasion resistance.

• Superior Casting: The DuraCast line is engineered for superior casting ability and designed to produce explosive distance. I would agree with this claim as long as the lure is weighted enough to get the heavier and thicker line moving. Once the line begins to fly off the spool it can cast very far distances, especially in the wind due to its more stiff and durable build.

• Pinpoint Accuracy: The line supposedly offers pinpoint accuracy; however, I am skeptical of how line can actually provide accuracy. The accuracy and handling of the line comes from the angler rather than being built into the line.

• Unparalleled Abrasion Resistance: TUF-Line claims that their DuraCast line offers the highest abrasion resistance. I would have to agree with this claim, the line is very abrasion resistant, and I even felt comfortable using it while flats fishing.

Actual Testing/Use
The DuraCast braided line was tested in a variety of different fishing applications and environments, including freshwater settings, saltwater settings, spinning reels, casting reels, and in conjunction with a wide variety of lures. I found that the line definitely offers superior abrasion resistance to the majority of the braided lines I have used. The construction of the DuraCast line is very stiff compared to normal braids, and this seems to come from the tough waxy coating that surrounds the line. The braid appears to be more of a hybrid between mono and braid. The diameter of the 30lb test braid is significantly thicker, at .016’’, compared to traditional 30lb test braid of approximately .011’’. The thickness of the line is a positive factor for inshore fishing applications, however, it is slightly too thick for bass fishing and it would be better to downgrade to a thinner diameter if using the DuraCast for freshwater. As a result of the thick diameter, the line does not sit well on itself when it is spooled onto a spinning reel. When the drag is used the line tends to dig into itself and shift the other line aside, which is a result of the extra stiffness causing the braid to sit loosely on the reel.

The line casts very well when paired with a lure that is heavy enough get the stiff line moving through the rod guides. While testing the casting performance of the DuraCast in high wind conditions, the line did reduce tip wraps and wind knots, however, it is definitely not suited to work with light lures. In addition, I felt that the line actually performed better on a baitcaster rather than a spinning reel as TUF-Line recommends. Also the waxy layer on the line really helps when getting out birdnests, however, it does have memory unlike normal braids and can crease easily. I would personally recommend using the 30lb DuraCast line only for heavier lures including crankbaits, weighted rigs, and large spinnerbaits.

Tying knots with the DuraCast braid is comparable to working with 20lb fluorocarbon; not much fun. The 30lb test braid diameter is slightly too thick for easy knot tying and cutting, and a diameter of 15lb of 20lb may be more suitable to use for bass fishing. One major design flaw is that when tying a uni-to-uni knot the knots will cut into the waxy layer of the line and strip it down to the bare fibers if you over tighten and slide the knots before they are close enough together. Overall, it is a tough line and the 30lb DuraCast has worked well for inshore and redfish fishing with a leader attached.

Pros

• Superior abrasion resistance and durability
• The line is best suited for use in inshore fishing applications
• Permanent green moss coloration that will not fade

Cons

• Thicker diameter than other braids of the same strength
• Tying knots is difficult and can result in stripping the other shell off of the line
• Not as well suited for a spinning reel as they claim, performance is better on a baitcaster

Overall
TUF-Line offers the DuraCast braided line for a very reasonable price and there is no doubt that it has excellent abrasion resistance. The line takes a different approach to braided line than the majority of the market, and I must applaud their creation of a braid that emphasizes abrasion resistance and permanent coloration. However, I feel that the durability and increased diameter of the line make it better suited for an inshore fishing environment where it can endure clam beds and outcropping rocks, rather than in a bass fishing situation where sensitive and finesse lines are required. Overall, DuraCast is what they were going for, and DuraCast is what they achieved; the line has an excellent lifetime and it lives up to the claims made by TUF-Line.

Introduction
Rogue Rods is an American rod manufacturer that started in 2005. This fairly new company focuses on making the best rods they can build at the most affordable prices. They feature a tournament-grade line of bass rods built in the U.S.A., including Magnum Bass Casting Rods, Magnum Bass Crank Bait Rods, Magnum Bass Swim Bait Sticks, Drop Shot Rods with Recoil Guides, Split Shot Rods, and Spinning Jigging & Finesse Rods. Rogue Rods develops their bass rods to specifically fit each different technique of bass fishing to provide the best possible match for your chosen lure presentation. We had the opportunity to test out one of the 6’6’’ Medium-Heavy Magnum Bass Casting Rods suited specifically for Spinnerbaits, Senkos, and Texas Rigs. Without a doubt you can tell that the rod has a lot to offer even from the initial whip everyone gives a rod when they first pick it up. The Magnum Bass features a strong graphite core with a fast action tip, and the quality of the rod is undeniable.

Features

• Rod Blank Construction: The blanks for Rogue Rods are made in Oregon and are composed of premium aerospace-grade graphite and resin. Part of the construction of the rod is to leave it as a natural graphite rod with no paint to ensure maximum action and sensitivity. The rod is incredibly lightweight.
• Handle: The handle is composed of quality Portuguese cork that works well in summer and winter. The material was selected by Rogue Rods after comparing all possible materials, including graphite and foam, they decided that nature wins. The rear cork grip on the rod is 8’’ and the fore cork grip is 2’’. The premium cork grip is paired with a plastic butt-cap for abrasion resistance. In addition, there is open access to the rod blank in the trigger grip to let your index finger rest on the rod; ultimately increasing the amount of sensitivity that is transferred through the rod.
• Guides: The Magnum Bass Rods feature a correct number of carefully placed Batson Forecast Guides that utilize SS304 stainless steel guide frames with a ceramic center eyelet ring engineered to provide more durability and prevent rings from popping out of the frame. Bottom line… your rings will not pop out of the guide frame. In addition, the frames of the Batson guides have been put through 20 straight days of salt spray fishing tests without any corrosion due to the exposure.
• Rod Wrap: Rogue Rods uses a black thread with gold trim wraps with two coats of Flex Coat UV proof epoxy to provide the best attachment to the premium graphite rod blank.
• Manufacturing: The rods are 100% American made, manufactured in White City, Oregon.
• Warranty: All Rogue Rods feature a limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original owner. It does not cover accidental breakage or normal wear and tear. There is a $40 fee for all rods to cover warranty repairs. Fairly expensive for warranty costs plus shipping costs to get it there.

Actual Testing/Use
Without a doubt, the very first thing that you will notice about the Magnum Bass Casting Rod is that it weighs almost nothing. The superior graphite construction makes the rod ultra-light as well as ultra-sensitive; two of the most important aspects of a bass rod. Rogue Rods has done an excellent job designing the rod in terms of length, power, action, and materials, to be perfectly suited for Spinnerbaits, Senkos, and Texas rigs. One of my favorite lures to work with this rod is a Zoom Junebug Worm Texas-rigged with a 3/16 oz bullet weight. The rig casts very well and the fast tip helps give it plenty of action along the bottom.

The rod was tested in both freshwater and saltwater settings, an usual twist for BassGrab testing, however, I wanted to put the Batson Forecast guides to the test in saltwater, and I was planning on going fishing for reds. The reels used consisted of a Lew’s Speed Spool SS1H Reel and a Daiwa TD Zillion Type R Reel. The rod does not have much give since it is Medium-Heavy power, however, it feels very strong. While down in South Florida working through the inshore mangroves I landed a bull on a different rod I was using at the time, however, I wish I had hooked it on the Magnum Bass Rod, because I am sure this rod would have been up to the challenge. The Magnum Bass Casting rod held up to all that I threw at it in the inshore setting. While fishing in freshwater, I found that the rod definitely gives you the advantage for casting. The tip really whips your lure further through the air, and it is designed to be fished with ¼ oz – ¾ oz lures. This is really the ultimate rod for casting Texas rigged plastics.

I have already emphasized this point, but it is really amazing how lightweight Rogue Rods has made their Magnum Bass Casting Rod. The light weight makes everything about the rod so much more fine tuned and sensitive. Every small bump on the line is echoed tenfold throughout the entire rod. In addition, Rogue Rods has kept the premium graphite blank free of paint or other materials to increase the rod’s sensitivity. The rod has a fast action tip, however it definitely gives you the feeling that you are controlling the fish during the fight because of the unrivaled power that just emulates from the rod, especially the Medium-Heavy and Heavy models. One other aspect of the construction is the quality eyelets and guides that Rogue Rods has included in the Magnum Bass Casting Rod. The Batson Forecast guides are very heavy duty and secure and they allow the line to fly out of them.

There are only a few minor parts of the design of the rod that could be improved. The hook lock on the rod is mounted sideways, which is not a huge deal, but it makes securing the hook on the rod very awkward. There are several other hook locks that I have used that have been much easier to work with. In addition, the butt-cap on the rod definitely protects it from normal wear and tail on the handle; however, the material used for a butt-cap appears to be cheap compared to the rest of the high quality rod.

Pros

Cons

Overall
It is hard to recommend rods to users when they start to cross the several hundred dollar barrier because they all tend to have the same general characteristics with variances in sensitivity, strength, or weight. Will the rod make a difference in landing bass? Most likely not, but as any angler who has fished both bottom-of-the-barrel and top-of-the-line rods can tell you, quality rods do provide extra sensitivity that you can really feel in the rod when working your lure through underwater terrain and around obstacles. This lets you create a mental map of the lake bed, ultimately allowing you to fish more efficiently and effectively. In the case of the Magnum Bass Casting Rod, it has such a great level of sensitivity from the premium graphite construction, that I would recommend spending the extra money to make it your go-to rod for mapping out the bottom. Feel the bite, feel the fish, feel the difference.

Kenny Chesney has been the buzz around Costa Del Mar for the past week since they released their line of five Costa Kenny Chesney Limited Edition Sunglasses. These sunglasses feature unique hand-drawn artwork etched onto each different frame style, which illustrates some of his favorite song lyrics from past tours. Costa has teamed up with Chesney as a part of his Goin’ Costal concert tour to market these custom sunglasses with proceeds benefiting the Coastal Conservation Association. I had a chance to see Kenny Chesney live this weekend over in Tampa, FL, and he put on a great concert with several strong opening bands including Zac Brown Band. Overall, they are promoting a great cause, and have succeed in producing a desirable new line of sunglasses for Costa Del Mar even if they are only available for a limited amount of time. I am looking forward to seeing what other partnerships may be in store for the future.

Elite Series Angler Casey Ashley has been on the Costa Del Mar team since 2007, however, this year they have signed him to the title spot. With this position comes a Costa-wrapped Triton boat, Costa Jersey, and Costa Sunglasses with the 580 lenses. Ashley typically wears Costa’s Corbina and Harpoon frames with 580 green mirror and 580 copper lenses. As Ashley says, “I’ve been a fan of Costa’s for a long time, and not just because their sunglasses let me see the fish more clearly. Costa practices what it preaches when it comes to protecting the sport I love, and I’m proud to be a part of their team.” In recent events, Ashley has taken 18th in the Elite Series Sunshine Showdown in Tavares, FL, as well as a 10th place finish in the Elite Series Citrus Slam that just concluded this weekend on the St. John’s River. He currently has six more Elite Series events lined up through June. In addition to Casey Ashley’s success as an Elite Series Bass Angler, he has also experienced success in his musical career by performing live on the Costa Stage at the Bassmaster Classic back in February, as well as recording music in Nashville, Tennessee. Be sure to check out his song “Fisherman“ on the Casey Ashley website if you have a chance, I was thoroughly impressed. Keep an eye for more news from Costa Del Mar; their sponsors are currently tearing it up in both the fishing and music industries.

Chums is a staple in the eyewear and outdoor industry, and they actively support tournaments as well as the local fishing community. Chums has been generous enough to donate their original neoprene sunglasses strap printed with the BassGrab logo. We are giving these away during the month of March to the users of BassGrab.com. For information on how to obtain one of these straps please follow this link. We would love to see some pictures of the BassGrab users with their custom Chums straps! Chums is a staple in the eyewear and fishing industry, and their staff is very helpful and great to work with; do not hesitate to become involved with this down-to-earth company!

The neoprene sunglasses straps are manufactured by Chums in Hurricane, Utah, and are some of the most durable and longest lasting sunglasses straps produced. In fact, the label on the strap says that they are torture-tested under the most punishing conditions to ensure maximum wear and fail-safe retention, and are proven to withstand:

1. White water rafting
2. 200 mph freefalls
3. 10-year old on sugar

While I haven’t been able to test any of those claims, I can say that I have used the straps to hold onto my sunglasses while fishing, running, and boating, over the last month. The straps have a great quick drying construction and can really hold up to abuse from the outdoors. Overall, Chums is a great company that has connections with many of the top eyewear companies within the fishing industry as a premium eyewear accessory provider. Be sure to check out the Chums website, as they offer some great eyewear retainers and accessories for fishing that will keep your sunglasses and other gear safe, including:  floating sunglasses straps, floating camera straps, floating keychains, sunglasses cases and clips, and waterproof wallets. Let Chums hang on to your stuff.

Introduction
In our search for a rugged fishing knife, Gerber has submitted their AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 for review. The knife features a spring-assisted one-handed opening with Gerber’s patented Forward Action Spring Technology, as well as a heavy duty design; both of which are contained in a surprisingly portable and lightweight knife. As a point of information, the AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 knife is a new design that was released by Gerber in 2010. There is no Gerber AO F.A.S.T. 1.0 or 2.0; the 3.0 merely refers to the blade length of the knife. In addition, the knife has a durable design that is built to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, as well as fit comfortably in your pocket for prolonged use out on the water.

Features

• Forward Action Spring Technology: The Gerber Forward Action Spring Technology (F.A.S.T.) snaps open quickly when deployed, and locks the blade of the knife firmly into place. The Gerber F.A.S.T. offers one of the best spring assisted opening systems on the market.
• Handle Material: The AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 knife features TacHide inserts on both sides of the anodized aluminum handle. However, the grips could be extended to cover a larger area of the handle which would provide a better grip when using the knife in wet conditions.
• Surgical Stainless Steel Blade: The Gerber modified drop point blade is designed for strength and corrosion resistance and the serrated edge sharpens easily in the field. The half fine and half serrated edge allow for both cutting and ripping applications.
• Safety Mechanism: The safety mechanism on the AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 centers around the small black button on the aluminum handle of the knife. When the button is slid upward and the red dot is visible, the knife is unlocked and the blade is able to open freely. When the button is slid downward covering the rod dot, the knife is then locked and the blade will not open or close. Once the Forward Action Spring Technology assists in opening the knife, Gerber’s locking system keeps the blade locked open until you slide the button upward and close the blade at the same time. It can be done with one hand, but it is recommended to use two hands to close the knife safely.
• Carabineer Clip: The carabineer clip built into the end of the knife provides an easy way to attach the AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 to a tackle bag or backpack, which is very useful while fishing.
• Bottle Opener: The carabineer clip doubles as a bottle opener. Enough said.
• Dimensions: Open Length: 8.20″, Blade Length: 2.90″, Closed Length: 5.30″, Weight: 4.91 oz

Actual Testing/Use
When I first examined the Gerber AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 knife, I came to the conclusion within a couple of days that the knife was rugged, and that it contained a lot of innovative Gerber technology. After working with the knife for a period of eight weeks, I have found not only that my initial observations were correct, but also that the knife also offers great applications for bass fishing. I have found that the Gerber AO F.A.S.T. is the first knife that I grab from my drawer when I am looking to open something quickly, and it has started to become the first knife that I grab to take out on the water.

Working with the AO F.A.S.T. out on the water is surprisingly simple. The one-handed opening powered by the Gerber F.A.S.T. system is easy to use, and the spring in the knife provides a solid kick when the blade opens. The carabineer clip that is built into the back of the knife makes attaching it to any available object very easy; this will definitely help prevent you from losing your knife to the water. At an open length of 8.2’’, the knife is fairly large, yet it still clips comfortably onto your pocket and it will not weigh you down. The pocket clip on the knife is very secure, and it maintains the perfect balance of retention and removability. In addition, the knife performs very well for a variety of common fishing tasks, including cutting line, modifying lures, and working with live bait.

In terms of a fishing knife, there are several parts of the design that could be improved to make it better for angler use. First of all, the TacHide inserts on the knife are too small to actually gain any advantage in terms of grip when the knife is wet; expanding the size of the grips and altering the position could provide a better hold on the knife. In addition, the AO F.A.S.T. belt clip and safety mechanism are not designed for left-handed use. The spring-assisted opening works fine using your left hand, however, working with the lock is awkward and requires turning the knife over and using both hands to close it.

Pros

• F.A.S.T. spring-assisted opening is outstanding, and really facilitates one-handed use
• Features a safety mechanism controlled by the handle-mounted button
• Built-in carabineer clip to attach the knife to a backpack or clothing
• Solid design and grip provided by the aluminum handle and TacHide inserts
• Excellent pocket clip in terms of strength and ease of access

Cons

Overall
The AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 is an impressive spring-assisted opening knife that has a variety of features that are applicable in any fishing situation. The carabineer clip attaches easily to any available loop and the spring-assisted opening blade makes one-handed use incredibly easy. Be sure to opt for a fine blade over a serrated blade as it will provide the best performance for freshwater fishing applications. Overall, the AO F.A.S.T. 3.0 is a very practical fishing knife and Gerber’s F.A.S.T. technology screams fisherman-friendly.

Introduction
Okuma has rapidly innovated their spinning reel construction and lineup with the release of the new Trio High Speed Reel. The new reel is an upgrade of the original Trio Spinning Reel, and it boasts an increase from a 5.0:1 gear ratio to a 6.2:1 gear ratio, providing a faster and more efficient retrieve. The Trio High Speed features Okuma’s ground-breaking Crossover Construction, which combines aluminum for strength and stability, as well as graphite for a lightweight construction that makes the reel easily maneuverable. Okuma has developed a lot of new technology that they have incorporated into the reel, including an incredible drag system as well as improved casting features. We decided to test the reel based on their new technology, overall construction, and performance out on the water.

Features

Actual Testing/Use
The Trio High Speed is characterized by the aggressive design and metallic burnt-orange anodized accents that make it instantly recognizable when you are out on the water. The reel takes advantage of different materials utilized in reel construction, including weight saving carbon graphite and aluminum. When I brought the Okuma Trio High Speed reel out to the lake to use for the first time, I was blown away at how far the reel can actually cast. Okuma has added a smooth aluminum lip to the top of the spool that really facilitates smoother and easier casting. I used a spectra braided line to test the reel, paired with a Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite 6’6’’ Medium Spinning Rod. The retrieve on the reel is lightning fast due to the 6.2:1 gear ratio, and it can haul in your lure very quickly if needed. The bail is a typical solid aluminum spinning reel bail, however, it will occasionally get stuck if not opened smoothly, and you have to play with the bail to get it to lock open again.

I am a big fan of aluminum rather than graphite when it comes to reel construction, so I was not completely on board with the graphite stem and gear sides that Okuma included on the reel. I do understand Okuma’s reason for using graphite in their Crossover Construction; weight reduction. The graphite sides make the reel feel incredibly light, yet low in quality. I would have preferred the emphasis on weight reduction to come from reducing the weight of the spool by using a titanium or magnesium construction. Okuma replaced the rubber handle knob found on the original Trio reels with a foam handle knob on the Trio High Speed; most likely again for weight reduction. The circular foam handle does not facilitate a particularly comfortable grip, and I would prefer to use a flat rubber handle knob on the reel. Despite a few features of the design that do not appeal to my personal preference, the quality of the Trio High Speed reel is prevalent in its design.

The Trio High Speed has one of the best spinning reel drag systems I have experienced in its price range. The dual force drag system is the key feature of the reel, and it is definitely where this reel excels. The 18lb max drag comes off the spool very smoothly, and the drag tension adjusts easily in small increments. In addition to the incredible drag, the Trio High Speed reel features a gear ratio of 6.2:1, which means that the reel will make 6.2 rotations for every one rotation of the handle. Compared to the original Trio gear ratio of 5.0:1, the Trio High Speed picks up 6’’ more line per handle turn. That may not sound like a lot, but in a mere ten handle turns you have picked up five more feet of line with no extra effort, ultimately letting you retrieve your lures faster. I actually tested out the speed of the reel while fishing with a friend. We cast out the same distance with the same lure and then retrieved our line as fast as possible; I ended up ahead by about ten feet every time. One negative aspect of the reel is that it seemed to be a little rough on retrieve. This could be a result of excess friction due to poor lubrication; however, I would expect the reel to perform better with a 9BB system.

Pros

Cons

• Aluminum bail stuck a couple times while testing
• With 9BB the reel retrieve should be smoother
• Graphite sides and foam handle make the reel seem low in quality

Overall
Okuma has produced a reel that has an incredible drag system as well as a lightning fast retrieve ratio. The aluminum and graphite construction provides substantial benefits in weight reduction, strength, and casting smoothness; however, I wish the graphite body had been substituted by another material. There is a constant battle between anglers and the use of graphite in reel construction. Some prefer the lightweight properties of graphite, while others detest its use in reels; it is all a matter of opinion. Performance wise, the Trio High Speed should have a smoother retrieve for the amount of ball bearings included; otherwise, it is an excellent reel for the price in terms of quality and features. The reel is durable and reliable, and I have found that the more I fish the Trio High Speed, the more I like it.

Spring Spawn
The Spring brings with it the time for the bass spawn. Bass spawning season presents great opportunities to catch trophy-sized bass with a particular emphasis on sight fishing. The advantage that the spawn provides is large stationary male and female bass that are mating and protecting their eggs in easily distinguishable beds. Although half of the work is done given you know the location of the fish, it is still a challenge to land one of these spawning bass. They eat a lot less while protecting their nests, and will typically only bump or snap at your lure to spit it out of their bed; occasionally you will get one bass that holds on, and that is what makes it all worthwhile. Some bass anglers say that fishing the spawn can endanger the bass population and so they refrain from it, however it offers a great fishing opportunity and a recent study at the University of Florida has shown that it actually does not adversely affect the bass populations if proper precautions are taken.

When is the Florida Spawn?
The bass spawning period is different throughout all areas of the United States depending on when the water reaches the ideal spawning temperature. Bass start spawning once the water reaches a temperature in the mid 60’s and is consistent for about a week. They continue to spawn until the water reaches 80 degrees, with most spawning actually taking place between 65 and 70 degrees. In Florida, the spawn typically begins in January and lasts through May, with the best fishing occurring in late February through early April. The months are subject to change depending on your location in the state as well as weather patterns. A good indicator of a proper spawning ground is when the lake has a high water level, which is indicative of incoming warm spring rains, and provides areas for bass to makes their nests away from other predators.

Spawn Fishing Gear
Using the proper fishing gear for the spawn will make your time out on the water that much more successful. The bass targeted during spawn fishing are typically large bass that will be bumping, spitting, and occasionally swallowing your lure. Therefore, the best rod to use is a sensitive and lightweight rod with a high graphite content so you are able to feel subtle bumps and strikes. I personally use the Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite 6’6’’ M Spinning Rod because it features a carbon fiber construction that transmits vibrations very well. It is also an incredibly lightweight rod, with titanium guide inserts for strength, and has an open handle for increased sensitivity. However, I would also recommend the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Lite 6’6’’ M Spinning Rod, because it is an obnoxiously strong rod that offers amazing sensitivity for a great price.

A quality and well maintained reel is important for spawn fishing because this is the time when most large bass are taken. It is best to use a reel that has a lower gear ratio, around 5.0:1, so that you can slow down your lure retrieval without losing any action. Also, the lower gear ratio will give you more power when fighting bigger bass. Spinning reels are typically best to use for this situation because they feature better drag systems, which you will definitely use. Baitcasting reels have started to be merged into spawn fishing as well, because they provide more accurate casts, which are needed to hit the perfect spot on the nest. It is best to have both setups on hand if that is possible. I personally use the Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel, size 35 with a 5.2:1 gear ratio, paired with my CarbonLite rod for spawn fishing.

A spawning bass is very cautious and anxious because it is keeping an eye out for anything that can threaten its eggs. If the bass can see your line, then it will most likely get spooked or ignore your lure; therefore, it is almost required to use a fluorocarbon leader. When selecting line I typically like to use a 20-30lb braid paired with a 10ft fluorocarbon leader. Some anglers prefer to use 15-20lb fluorocarbon as the main line; however, I like the advantages that braided line offers in terms of smooth casting, high strength to diameter ratio, and lack of stretch; which is necessary for instant hook-sets.

The key lures for spawn fishing are soft plastics, jigs, and crankbaits. If you have these three in your arsenal, then you can’t go wrong. Soft plastics, specifically creature baits, worms, and lizards, are the most widely used spawn lure by bass anglers, sometimes with a lightweight split-shot or bullet weight near the head of the lure. It is necessary to work the lure excruciatingly slowly in order to entice the bass, because slow bedding bass are not going to actively pursue your lure at this time of year. The best colors for soft plastics include June Bug or white, for sight fishing visibility. Jigs are suited for spawn fishing since they are already designed to be worked slowly, and present a unique presentation that can be used to bounce along the bottom of the nest. In addition, topwater lures and crankbaits can be used slowly, or to buzz over nests and produce reaction strikes; which can be effective when no other presentations are working.

Sharp quality hooks are a necessity for fishing the spawn. Bass are biting sparingly and spitting out and moving baits rather than actively striking. Therefore you should take every advantage you can get and purchase sharper hooks that will increase your chances of penetrating the bass’ mouth when it subtlety bumps your lure. Invest in some of the more quality hooks including Lazer TroKar, Owner, or Gamakatsu.

One of the best investments that you can make for spawn fishing, and bass fishing in general, is purchasing a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses will cut the glare off of the water and let you see straight through to bottom to locate bass beds; this is incredibly helpful especially since you will be doing a lot of sight fishing for these spawning bass. In addition, be inconspicuous while fishing and wear neutral colors.

Spawn Fishing Techniques
Spawn fishing will require a lot of repetition and patience in the technique. Once you have located the nest of a bedding bass, approach it slowly and stealthily as to not spook the bass. Most pros are able to determine very quickly if a bass is able to be caught or not by the behavior it exhibits when you approach and cast to the nest. A bass that darts away is less likely to be caught then one that hangs tight to the nest and continues to guard it. I typically stay about ten feet off of the nest; that way I am able to see the bass and my lure while maintain enough distance to make the fish feel unthreatened.

Cast just beyond the bed (this is why I use a long fluorocarbon leader) and then work the lure into the edge of the bed very slowly and let it pause. Wait a little longer, then crawl the lure to the center of the bed and let it sit again. Your goal is to make the bass anxious about the lure being near its eggs. Crawl the lure again, and twitch it very lightly while it is sitting in the middle of the nest. Now keep an eye out for what the bass does; it may bump the lure or it may pick it up with its mouth to move it. If the hook goes past the bass’ jaw, then set the hook. The majority of the time bass are only picking up the lure by the tail or side to move it from the nest rather than initiating a full-on strike, which makes visual contact very important. Be warned that if you yank the lure from the bass’ mouth without a hook-set, then it will be much more wary the next time. This does not mean that it is uncatchable; it just may take more time for the bass to strike again.

Keep your line tight while you are fishing so you can feel everything that is going on in your rod. In addition, always cast to the same area after a catch, as bedding bass are often stacked up in the same location. One other helpful piece of advice is to rig your lures weedless since you will be pulling it through vegetation and into beds; but remember to barely pierce the rubber lure so that when the bass picks it up the hook will pop out easily.

Bass really will try to move your lure gently from their nest rather than striking at it; note the torn June Bug Lizard legs and tail.

Where the Bass Bed
Largemouth bass begin moving into shallow areas of water to spawn when the water reaches the mid 60’s. Males arrive at the beds first, and then females soon follow to begin mating. Most spawning beds are made in less than five feet of water because it warms up the quickest, and can provide sunlight and warmth for the eggs. However, this all depends on the clarity of the water; bass will make their beds deeper in clear water because the sunlight will penetrate further. Males prefer to create nests that are sheltered from wind and weather by using natural or artificial cover such as logs, docks, or vegetation.

Searching for the beds of spawning bass is relatively easy if you know what to look for. Look through the water in shallow areas and you will see white or black semi circles on the lake bed, from one to three feet in diameter. Males will pick these nesting sites that have sandy or gravel bottoms which makes the beds easy to spot. The males guard the nest once they have spawned, and are typically nearby even if you do not see them. If you find a nest that appears to be abandoned, back off for a while to allow the spooked fish time to move back to its nest. Keep in mind; most large bass are taken during the spawn.

Bass Considerations
Bass are under much greater stress levels during spawning, and therefore need to be handled with more care than usual. If it is possible, try to remove the hook from the bass’ mouth while it is in the water.  Otherwise attempt to reduce the amount of time you keep the bass out of the water. It is a good idea to practice catch and release during spawning. Bass are particularly vulnerable and can die easier leaving untended nests. Fishing the bass spawn is exhilarating; just take the proper precautions to protect the bass, to ensure future fishing.