Lunker Logic
The Versatile Jig
By Marc Wisniewski
There is a reason why the simple lead head jig was part of US military survival kits. It will just plain catch fish anywhere, anytime, in fresh or salt water!
Its such a simple lure. A small bit of lead cast onto a hook. But it can be made to resemble nearly anything that a fish eats from baitfish to bugs to bottom crawling critters. Depending on your quarry or the depth of water you are fishing, jigs can vary from a miniscule 1/64th ounce to several ounces. No matter the size, they all catch fish.
I’ve always said that when you learn to fish a jig, you jump to the next skill level of angler.
Hard Bait Care
By Marc Wisniewski
Whether you are using plastic or wood crankbaits, lipless crankbaits, or minnow shaped jerkbaits, a snag, a vicious strike, or landing a big fish can throw a lure “out of tune”. What I mean buy “out of tune” is that suddenly a lure will not run straight. It may run slightly right or left, or if its really off it will literally blow out of the water during the retrieve. But don’t fret. This is easily fixed.
Hard Bait Selection
By Marc Wisniewski
There is nothing better for just covering a lot of water than crankbaits. The word “crankbait” encompasses so many lures in the hard bait category so let’s break them down and reveal where and when you will want to use each one.
Let’s start out shallow. The shallow running minnow bait is a very versatile fish catcher all season long. From the start of spring this bait rules the skinny water for Bass, Walleyes and Pike in natural lakes. Even in streams, some of the biggest trout can be fooled with a minnow bait.
Top Water Basics
By Marc Wisniewski
I don’t think that anyone would disagree that catching a fish on a topwater lure may be one of the most exciting strikes in all of fishing. That unexpected disruption of a peaceful moment in nature is the adrenaline rush that we fishermen crave. That rush gets taken to a new level when a fish blows an opening in the surface of the water to engulf your topwater lure. Whether it’s a Bass, Pike, Striper, or Musky, there may be nothing better than a top water bite.