Category Archives: Product Reviews

Multimedia, Product Reviews, Tournament Info

Patoka Revisited & Looking forward to 2007

Hey all,

This post serves a couple purposes:
1: To revisit Patoka and talk about some key things that worked for me.
2: Preview improvements of entries and improved speed of info

The following pictures are the two baits that were most productive for me in practice and during the tournament at the Weekend Series Divisional on Patoka Reservoir.  As you may know, I did not have a terrific tournament, but these baits were productive and I think I just did not find enough quality areas to put them to work during the tournament.  Review tournament entries here.

  The first pic is a Lucky Craft Flat Mini DR Crankbait in a splatter back pattern.  This was my best lure in practice and in tournament for catching keeper fish as well as several other fish that were close to measuring.  As you see I almost always change out the from treble and put on a red treble hook. 

 This was my second best lure, I caught my first keeper in practice on it as well as many fish that were very close.  This is a 9/16oz. Secret Weapon Lure Spinnerbait with a custom skirt that I made and I used a trailer hook the entire tournament.  I like adding just a few strands of red to my skirts

These pictures were taken with my new Motorola Q (exclusively at VerizonWireless.com) which is my new cell phone.  The great thing about this, is that I will be able to take pictures and videos of practice and tournaments which will add to the detail of my Blog entries.  I believe taking pictures of the actual baits that I use will add to the value as I tend to make tweaks and modifications to my tournament baits (i.e. Red Trebles, trimmed skirts, trailer, etc.)  It is one thing to say I was throwing a jig, bot show you a pic so you can see the exact color, trailer and how its rigged adds much more value.  I also will be able to enter textual blogs from my phone which will allow me to get more info to all of you quicker

Let me know if you think this will add value and intrigues you to keep reading in 2007….

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

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General, Product Reviews

Website Dedicated to the Co-Angler

I found a bass fishing site that is new to me while I was surfing around….    Co-Angler.com!
This seems like a great idea, there is a huge population of bass fishing people that are non-boaters or co-anglers.  There are some neat features on tournament co-anglers.  It appears they are looking for people to submit material, so if you are a tournament non-boater and want to get recognized, check out www.Co-Angler.com

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

If you enjoy this Blog, consider making a PayPal donation to help me keep it going. No Donation too small, Thanks!

Announcements, Product Reviews

Optimum Baits

I am very excited to introduce my newest sponsor…..  Optimum Bait Co.

If you are not familiar with their offerings, they have a complete line of swimbait offerings and also the new ICAST Award Winning Furbit Series of Frogs.  Optimum Baits has been in the forefront of plastic Swimbaits and has always held the belief that “Bigger Baits get Bigger fish!” 

Optimum’s swim baits were developed on the shores of famed California Lakes Castaic & Casitas.  You probably recognize the mainstays like the Buy this ProductTitan Series Swimbaits and Buy this ProductAC Minnow Series.  Along with their swimbaits, quality hand pours, and Rabbit Fur series they also have extensive selection of Japanese lures and products that are out of this world. 

So check out OptimumBaits.com when you get a chance!!

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

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Sports blogs


General, Gifts for Bass Fishing Rubes, Product Reviews

Gift Guide for a Bass Fishing Rube!

Hey All:
This entry has a two-fold purpose.  Its a wish list for myself as my birthday and christmas is right around the corner and at the same time its serves as good reference for anyone shopping for the sportsman in their life.

#1. Good RainGear – I would like to get this  in the Jacket and Bib, I found out the hard way down at Patoka that my raingear had outlived is usefulness.

Bass Pro Shops XPS Gore-Tex Extreme Rainwear Jacket for Men

Bass Pro Shops XPS Gore-Tex Extreme Rainwear Jacket for Men

We’ve combined our experience with durable, super long-lasting comfort to GORE-TEX’s own reputation with innovative materials to produce the most technologically superior rainwear on the market today! Our XPS Extreme Rainwear features revolutionary GORE-TEX’s XCR fabric – the lightest, most breathable and waterproof protection possible. No more bulk. No more uncomfortable overheating. XPS? GORE-TEX? Extreme Rainwear Jacket: Combines XCR technology and 3-layer GORE-TEX for top performance and ultra-comfort. Styled after the best mountaineering parkas, this one features a double storm flap, 3-way adjustable hood, pit zips and a zip-in zip-out system that allows you to add layers as you need them. Imported. XPS GORE-TEX Extreme Rainwear Pants sold separately and can be found through item search with item number 38-865-175

#2. Buy this ProductShimano Symetre 2500 Front Drag This is a necessity if you are planning to start dabbling with Flourocarbon lines.  2000 size and smaller reels, just cause problems with flourocarbon.

#3. Buy this ProductShimano Castaic SF, in my opinion this is the finest pitchin’ & flippin’ reel made and I don’t believe they make it anymore, I would like to get a couple more while they are still available.

#4. Buy this ProductReel Grip Handle Grips – these are a great little perk for someone who already has a ton of fishing stuff.  Makes the real grips a little more comfortable and easier to grip when wet.  Great stocking stuffer for a few reals.  They come in a ton of color schemes, from Camo, blue, red and even Pink!!

#5. Buy this ProductXTools Grip N Weigh Electronic Scale – as far as I can tell, this is the best bargain for scales.  Very durable, waterproof and it even floats.   I am in serious need of a good scale……

#6.Buy this ProductGambler Cane Toad – these are great little lures and must for any serious anglers tackle box.  I think the Cane Toad is the best of the best when it comes to swimming toads.  Better than the Zoom Ultravibe Horny Toad, Stanley Ribbit Frog, Yum Buzz Frog and all the rest.

#7. Bass Pro Shops Lure Wraps – great necessity for any time you have a lure with treble hooks tied on.  Protects against tangles, snags in your carpet and especially your seats.  In the long run, it’s a time saver and a safety thing.  If you are a non-boater, this will save you from being the guy who snags a seat in your boater’s brand new bass boat

#8. Gift Cards to a local sporting goods store or one of the great online store likes LandBigFish.com  or Basspro.com.  They can always find something they need with a nice Gift Card.  They will appreciate a gift card over something they do not need.

#9.  Under Amor Cold Gear – This would be great for those early spring and late fall outings, some matching leggings would be beneficial as well.  XL tops and L bottoms.

Under Armour ColdGear Mock Turtleneck for Men

Under Armour ColdGear Mock Turtleneck for Men

Under Armour: The Advantage is Undeniable.? ,,For every kind of weather, and in every environment, Under Armour apparel delivers maximum comfort! ,,,, ColdGear?: for when it’s cold. Your first and most important line of defense against the cold — just because you have to hunt in the cold doesn’t mean you have to hunt cold. ColdGear is ideal as a cold weather base layer for warmth without bulk. Made from a double-sided fabric that wicks moisture from the skin and circulates body heat, it’s perfect for the working-and-waiting transitions the outdoorsman faces. Built in a compression fit to keep you warm and dry without weighing you down. Machine wash. Imported. Under Armour? ColdGear? Leggings sold separately and can be found through item search at item number 38-794-391-02

#10. Buy this ProductPower Pro Braided Line – it seems as though they have come with a new ‘Phantom Red’ product.  I would really like to try this line in some 40#, 50# & 65#.  I am a big fan of Cajun Red Lightning Line, so this is a logical step for me.

I may add to this list, so check back.  Also I’ll add a few other small items here on the bottom.
Sudoko Puzzle Book – Travel a lot and its a good distraction on the plane or in the passenger seat.
Minnesota Vikings Visor – I need a good Vikings Visor to sport on Sundays
Bass Fishing DVD’s – always a good bet
Bass Fishing  Wall Calender 2007

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

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Sports blogs


Product Reviews

Handy Tool for the Tournament Angler

streamlight
How many of you have struggled trying to retie after dark before a big bass tournament?  Or wandered aimlessly out in the darkness to a tree stand in the middle of the woods?  The solution to this problem is a good LED Headlamp that either straps around your head or clips to your hat or visor brim.  This is also a great tool for once you have bagged that big buck and you need to field dress it  after sunset!!

You can find these at some sporting good store, otherwise I found a great online source for these LED Head Lights and LED Flashlights!   Streamlights are superior to regular flash lights for brightness and reliability in the field.  The beam of the light is more concentrated with LED as well, this helps to put the light on the project at hand, plus they almost never need new batteries. 

It is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who hunts or fishes.  It’s also a great gift idea for someone to keep an emergency flash light in the car or to keep around as a last minute gift exchange at work or a Christmas party.

Hope this helps next time you are up late retying for the big tournament or field dressing a Boone & Boone Crocket Trophy.

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

If you enjoy this Blog, consider making a PayPal donation to help me keep it going. No Donation too small, Thanks!

Sports blogs


 streamlight

General, Product Reviews

Getting Back in the Flow

Hey All,

Posts have been a little less frequent then you were accustomed to this past 9-10 months.  Part of that has been a hectic fishing and work schedule, the other part is being a little bummed about Patoka and hard to get excited with ice just around the corner.

I plan to prepare a holiday shopping gift list for true Bass Fishing Rube like myself.  I figure it will be a good reference for those of you trying to make a list and for those out there trying to find ideas for their “hard to shop for” Sports man or woman.  Also its time to start looking towards some big national tournaments coming up, I plan to watch those a little closer and Blog about them.

In the mean time, check out my newly added ‘SHOP’ page on my main site.  I have created a list of great places to shop for outdoor gear.  Just click on those banners when you are shopping online, my website gets a small commission and you get the same great prices.  It costs you nothing and it helps offset the cost of my website and blog that some of you say you enjoy so much, so please help me out a bit there.  Also, my forum is a great place to loiter during the workday

Stay Tuned,
Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Tackle Blog

If you enjoy this Blog, consider making a PayPal donation to help me keep it going. No Donation too small, Thanks!

Sports blogs


Product Reviews, Trend vs Mirage

BSX BioSonix – Gimmick or Real Deal?

A recent article on BassFan.com repeaked my curiosity with this product.  See Full Article.
Since I first heard about this product, which was at the weigh-in site of E-50 tournament at Lake Wissota in WI.  I was standing on the beech when the boats came in and I asked KVD about the strange attachment on his trolling motor and he told me that it was the BioSonix and how it worked, my curiosity has been peaked ever since.

The next day at work, I did as much research as possible on the inter net, there was not much available.  I found the BSX website, I found you could only order from Basspro.com and that they were a pricey $699.99.  I also noticed they were heavily back ordered.  Bass Tackle Depot now carries the BSX unit!Here is what KVD has to say –
“At this point, I’ve seen way too much for it to be coincidental,” he said. “Without a doubt, it increases the activity level of the fish and gets them excited and looking for food.

“When they hear it, they’re ready to eat.”

He’s used his BSX in 16 tournaments now, and he’s finished among the Top 10 on 11 occasions. Included are two Bassmaster Elite 50 wins and a Bassmaster Classic victory at the end of last season.

“There’s no question it helped me win the Classic in Pittsburgh,” he said. “Multiple times I used it to get fish busting the surface right around the boat.  “And as close as that one was, everything counted. It was definitely beneficial.”

You can Listen to KVD talk more about BioSonix here!

Then the buzz on them exploded at the Pittsburgh Classic, I really have wanted to buy one, but I have had a hard time justifying the $700.  That is about half my entry fees for the year at this point.  Maybe if I cash a nice check this fall in one of my big tournaments, I will take the plunge.

BSX Biosonix Fish Attractor Unit

BSX Biosonix Fish Attractor Unit

Reproduces the natural sound signatures of baitfish and the sounds of baitfish being attacked and eaten by predatory fish. Each sound is digitally recorded and played back via underwater speaker system. Preloaded with six proven sound signatures files. Sound files can be expanded with compact flash media cards (sold separately). Other features include: Embroidered carrying case with AC and DC chargers Remote footswitch Tie-down strap Underwater speaker with adjustable float and 20 ft. cable Trolling motor mounting bracket

Has anyone ever used one or bought one yet?  What are all your thoughts on this unit?

Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Blog

Advanced Bass Tactics, Product Reviews, Tips and Techniques

Advanced Flipping Techniques

I thought it would be good to do some tips & techniques again, been mostly focused on tournament stuff.

Hey you all that love flipping, here are a few things to try to increase you hook-up ratios.

1. When in doubt, go TUNGSTEN.  Its denser and smaller, so you get better penetration on the flip and on the hook set when the fish clamps down on your weight.  Tru-Tungsten has some great designs and colors to meet all your needs.  So try some of these Buy this ProductTru-Tungsten Tungsten Sinkers

2. Try a snell knot on a heavy duty straight shank flipping hook!  If done correctly, when you slide a slip-sinker down on the hook, you will see the hook point curl up like a scorpion tail. This action causes most bass to get hooked solid in the roof of the mouth.  The snell knot works effectively when you peg a bullet sinker as well, but precautions must be taken. The most important element is how tightly you snug the weight.

If you peg the weight down so tight that it doesn’t slide up the line, the hook won’t kick, and you might as well just tie a Palomar knot on an offset hook.  It has to have room to move so when you set the hook, it slams against the weight and shoots the hook upward.  So you use a bobber stop or a Smart Peg to peg your sinker, not one of those threaded rubber toothpicks.  

 
For hook selection, consider Mustad Denny Bauer Flippin’ Hook or the Brand New Reaction Innovations BMF Flipping Hook.  The BMF hook is a special hook that had a completely closed hook which will make the snell knot a little easier to tie and will not let the knot slip out on the hook set.  Youvella is coming out with some great flipping hooks as well!

Buy this ProductReaction Innovations BMF Flipping Hooks

3.  Use a high quality Braided line, like Power Pro Braided Line.  Tie a Palomar or Double Palomar Knot and a dap of super glue does not hurt either.  Also camouflage your braided line with a permanent marker, the line often fades and turns white after use, so take a blue, black or green marker to your line for the first few feet.  The other option would be to go with 20-30lb flourocarbon, but I like braid better.

Hopefully you can try a few of these tips and they will help you put a few more fish in the boat.  Beware, practice the snell knot at home or on land, its not an easy knot to learn when out in the boat

If the diagrams don’t do it for you, check out this video!

Tight Lines,
Rich
RichLindgren.com 
Rich’s Bassin’ Forum
Bass Fishing Blog

Product Reviews, Tips and Techniques

Cool Website – Discover Boating

Here is a really great website that I recently came across.  Discover Boating!  Among its many features, it allows you to look up boat ramps and accesses for just about any lake in the country as well as directions.

Hopefully you will find this helpful someday when you are scoping out a new lake.

Tight Lines,
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com

If you enjoy this Blog, consider making a PayPal donation to help me keep it going. No Donation too small, Thanks!


Product Reviews

Cool Swimbait Website – SwimBait Nation

Ever since my spring trip to Lake Amistad, I have been extra interested in SwimBaits.  The Pros absolutely smoked the big bass down there on them.  I think that there has to be a time & place for some of the moderate sized swimbaits here in MN.  So that leads me to the coolest swim bait website I have found.  SwimBaitNation.com

They have reviews, videos, forums and a store where you can check out just about every swimbait out there.  Castaic Baits, The Huddleston, 3:16 Lures (Mission Fish, No Bull Frog), Optimum Baits and many more.  The coolest part is the downloadable videos of different baits so you can see their action before you buy.  I am definitely going to experiment with some swim bait in Minnesota Lakes this summer.

Enjoy!
Rich
www.richlindgren.com
basstournament.blogspot.com