News & Stories
2019 ICAST Recap
Posted by director on July 14, 2019
2019 ICAST Recap!
By Mike Frisch
ICAST is the fishing industry’s annual tradeshow where much of the coming year’s new lures and other fishing equipment is introduced. The event was held last week in Orlando. Here is an event recap and impressions of some new products from this attendee’s perspective.
Trolling motor “wars”
Maybe the most talked about happening at ICAST was the introduction of several new trolling motors. Minn Kota and MotorGuide have been, for the most part, the only “players” in the trolling motor market. That’s changing in a big way for 2020!
Both Lowrance and Garmin introduced their initial forays into the trolling motor game and, MotorGuide introduced a redesigned flagship motor as well.
My initial impression of the new motors is that there is lots to like, regardless the brand, for the angling consumer! However, it’s hard to tell how well a trolling motor actually functions without having it on a boat and testing it. The real test will be when anglers start purchasing the new motors and putting them to use. If they function “as advertised” and prove reliable, then this may prove to be the dawn of a new era in trolling motors.
Ned Rig popularity
Northern and Midwestern anglers have been fishing a jig-head tipped with a plastic worm for many years on the weedline during summer. This method is a top producer of largemouth bass, though northern pike, walleyes, and big panfish eat “jig-worms” too.
Recently, the “Ned Rig” has gained favor amongst bass anglers. A lot like jig-worms, Ned Rigs may differ only in size of the soft bait fished. Jig-wormers often use curl-tail worms and do-nothing stick baits in the 4”-7” size range, while Ned Riggers often use smaller plastic offerings on their jigs.
Regardless the name, this technique is a favorite amongst Midwest tournament anglers, particularly when the bite gets tough. It’s also a favorite of fishing guides as it often produces fast bass action, serving as a good alternative when the summer walleye bite slows.
Strike King introduced their new Tour Grade Ned Rig Head with a unique head shape to make lures stand up, a premium hook, and a wire bait keeper as well. The company also debuted three finesse soft baits for fishing on the new jig heads that looked very, very “fishy!”
This fishing guide can’t wait to get his hands on these new baits!
Technique specific walleye rods
Rods designed for use with species specific fishing techniques have been on the market for a long time. As a guide who spends lots of time chasing walleyes, I’m always on the look-out for quality rods that fish very well for my clients and me and are available at reasonable price points.
It appears that Lew’s hit a home run with their new Speed Stick rod series! Ten walleye models are in the series, including a model for bottom bouncing, five jigging/live bait rigging spinning models, and four models designed for trolling.
In holding the rods at the show, I was very impressed with their lightweight design, their actions, and the cork handles the rods feature. Made with premium IM8 graphite blanks, they should be very sensitive too. And, most of the models come with $79.99 retail price tags too!
Whether it’s to view new rods, baits, or some other items, I’m always excited to head to ICAST to see what’s coming that can help us put more fish in the boat. Many of the new items I saw this year didn’t disappoint, at least from my perspective, and now’s it’s time to get back on the water and see what the fish think.
As always, good luck on the water and remember to include a youngster in your outdoors adventures!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and is a co-founder of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s School of Fish. Visit fishingthemidwest.com to learn more.
Taking a good fish photo!
Posted by director on July 8, 2019
Take a good photo!
By Mike Frisch
Nearly 30-years as an outdoor writer has given me some experience as a photographer as well. Most of my fishing stories are usually submitted for publication accompanied by a “fish” photo as well. While I am certainly far from an expert, I have learned some things about taking outdoor photos, mostly through trial-and-error! Here are some things I have learned that can serve as basics to others who want to get started capturing photos of their catches.
Lighting rules
A very basic to taking good “fish” photos is the importance of lighting. Having the sun at the photographer’s back is usually important as it allows for sunlight to shine on the angler (and fish’s! ) face, usually making for a better photo.
Along with keeping the sunlight on the subjects being photographed, timing the particular photo shooting session can be important as well. Morning and evenings offer the best shooting conditions as the sun being lower in the sky at these times (rather than straight overhead) is often key to eliminating face shadows.
Though I realize fish photos are often taken when the catch occurs, the “golden hour”
(as the professionals I have worked with often call it) of early morning and evening are often prime time if you want to capture the very best photos.
The fish is the star
How you decide to hold and position the fish can be very important to taking a good fish picture, with a lot of options being available. For me, a key is to hold a fish so he or she looks as comfortable and natural as possible. Holding a fish very tightly or in an awkward or unnatural position has to have a detrimental effect on the fish and doesn’t make for a good picture either.
The oft-used vertical “lip and grin” shot where the fish is held vertical still works and is a good shot. However, a horizontal shot with the fish held mid-body and out away from the body a bit is another nice shot. Also, shots of the fish being landed or released over the water with water dripping from the fish add to the shot as well.
Using some imagination and creativity while trying different shots is not only enjoyable but can be the way to capture that perfect fish photo!
Smile
Another thing that I always try to do when “being shot” with a fish or when behind the camera is to smile or try to get the angler in the photo to smile. Afterall, fishing is fun and catching a camera-worthy fish was probably an enjoyable experience so a smile should be part of the photo as well!
When I first started being photographed with fish many years ago, the photographers often directed me to “look at the fish.” Today, however, I think the thought on that has changed a bit and adding a big smile and looking at the camera (especially when the angler removes his or her sunglasses) makes for an inviting shot as well, one where you are asking the viewer to join in your excitement of catching that big fish as well. Especially when the angler removes his or her sunglasses as well!
Catching fish certainly is fun! Another way to add to the catch and the memories of successful fishing trips is by capturing those moments on camera. Using some of the ideas offered above can help those who want to get started capturing fish and good “fish” pictures as well!
As always, good luck on the water and remember to include a youngster in your outdoors adventures!
Mike Frisch hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and is a co-founder of the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s School of Fish. Visit fishingthemidwest.com to learn more!
PHOTO – The author landing a crappie in a “fish” photo while on a rec