Entries for January 2013

Ah Spring; time to chase shallow-water walleyes and have some fun. Shortly after the spawn these fish—and most species in the food chain for that matter—find their meals in the shallows during early spring.

One sure cure for cabin fever is to soak a few baits as soon as you can in the spring. The early season offers one of your best chances of the year to catch a true trophy-caliber bass; locating fish, however, is often the biggest challenge.

Boat builders continue to design fishing rigs that are a step above what was available even last year. And while no one boat can adequately serve every angler’s needs, the one rig that does everything you want it to do has the potential to become your personal “dream” boat.

The NAFC staff has carefully chosen 10 finalists for the December Outstanding Catch Awards contest. Now it's up to you! Vote for the catch you feel is the most outstanding, considering not only the fish's size, but also the body of water, geographic location and method used.

When Virginia pro angler John Crews sees a bass in shallow water, he reads its body language to determine if the fish will eat a lure. By watching how it reacts to the boat or a lure, he knows if it is worth a few casts.

Puzzled, I put my rod down, took a drink of water, and started up the motor to head to another flat. Then it hit me: tight-lipped fish often require ultra-finesse presentations. Why not drop-shot?