Product Review

April 10-2006

Written By: Rick McFerrin

Silicone Skirt: Mike says there is 44 strands in each skirt and I believe him. I like the way these skirts look on the fall. There is a definite "life like" quality that I really like and I believe that you will also.  Skirts come currently in 16 different colors that will cover all water conditions and finicky bass behavior.

Hooks:  To assure product quality as much as possible. And provide as much help with rock solid hook sets the Jig-A-Lo comes standard with your choice of either Premium Owner Needle Point Hooks or Red Mustard Hooks on some models. I know most fisherman know this but for those of you that might not. Do you know how to tell how sharp a hook point really is? It's simple. Take the hook point place it gently straight down on your thumb nail and pull forward real easy. A good sharp hook won't slide across your nail but rather dig in. That's the type of hook that comes on the Jig-A-Lo. A hook that will dig in when you set it on your next trophy fish or that 10 incher which ever comes first. Folks this is a tournament grade jig meant for serious business.

Conclusion

So how do you take something that has been around for a long time and not only make it different but more importantly better? I believe we just covered that. I have to hand it to Mike and his team for their commitment to creativity and quality-job well done! If you are a jig fisherman you owe it to your self to buy at least one Jig-A-Lo and give it a try. I honestly believe that you will be as impressed with them as I have been.  Visit Bodock Lures on the web at www.bodocklures.com or if you live any where close to Murfreesboro Tennessee you can purchase the Jig-A-Lo at Murfreesboro Out Doors at their new location, which is 2204 North West Broad Street. If you need direction call 615-896-4745 Randy and his team will be happy to help. Thanks for reading this review and for visiting our web site at www.tennesseebassguides.com  Rick McFerrin

All Pro Rod Company

New Product Update

Written By: Rick McFerrin

November 2005

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

On a recent guide trip, I was fishing with a gentleman that was just learning how to fish for bass. This is not unusual for us here at Tennessee Bass Guides. We really enjoy fishing with folks of all skill levels.  So it has become my custom when fishing with clients that might be inexperienced to always type out a very detailed list of all the tackle that we will be using that day.  By doing this they can concentrate more on how to catch a fish instead of trying to remember what we were using and they also have a hard copy in their hands to help them shop. We had been on the water for about 30 minutes when I began explaining to him about the All Pro APX series rods. He politely listened to me and then asked. "What would you say about All Pro Rods if they weren't your rod sponsor?"  My reply was very honest and simple.  Sponsor or not,  All Pro makes some of the finest most sensitive rods available in the world today. End of subject. And like all successful companies All Pro didn't get to this point overnight. One reason that All Pro has evolved into building a world class rod is that from the get go they have always "LISTENED" to their team of guides, touring pros, local fishermen, outdoor writers and other knowledgeable professionals to help them refine their rods. Let me say that again "THEY LISTEN". All Pro Rods are not the product of some computer geek that cranked up a software program in a high rise office building. Or manufactured and assembled in some country 5000 miles from here where exacting high quality standards and skilled craftsmen have been replaced by "Just get it built and shipped".  No, All Pro rods are built right here in the United States by skilled craftsmen with over 25 years of experience. These rods are the end result of 1000's and 10's of 1,000's of hours on the water in all types fishing situations and conditions. As a full time guide and owner of Tennessee Bass Guides I have to put the best equipment in my clients hands that I possibly can. That's why All Pro has been my rod of choice EVEN BEFORE...YES...EVEN BEFORE the sponsorship came along.  If you are looking for a new rod for yourself or for someone else I hope the following information will help you in making your selection. 

APX Graphite Professional Grade

 As a full time professional fisherman all I can say is Wow did the All Pro team ever deliver here.  The APX series is All Pros finest rod. I remember vividly the day that Roger Ray owner of All Pro and Billy Campbell Vice President of All Pro put the first APX prototype in my hands. Roger and Billy I hope I said thank you.  I'm not sure because I was in such a hurry to get to the lake and try it out. When I got to the lake here is what I quickly realized.   (1) The APX rod is unbelievably light. It's like a feather in your hands compared to other "High End Rods" that I have tested. The fatigue factor from rod weight is eliminated with the APX. (2) The APX is ultra sensitive. I'm not sure I can explain this adequately enough but here go's. Have you ever had a real bad cold to where your ears were so stopped up that everyone had to yell at you just so you could here them? You know the kind of condition where you couldn't hear a hammer drop let alone a pin? Remember what it was like when the congestions went away and you could hear even the faintest sound? Well that's the difference between All Pro and other rods. It's like the difference of day and night. With many high in rods today it almost takes the hammer falling to detect a hit. But with the APX you FEEL, let me say this again you FEEL even the slightest tap. I often joke with my clients that I can feel the turbulence created by a bass when it swims by my baits. That may be a stretch,  but I will tell you that I can feel lure action, structure contact and extra light hits like never before. The APX is absolutely phenomenal.

There are several reasons why the sensitivity is so pronounced with the APX rods. (1) Fuji ECS Reel Seats are used with blank thru handle design which creates extra sensitivity. (2) APX Graphite Blank is built to the most exacting standards possible (3) Finest cork available is used (4) 100% graphite arbors "Sensor Rings" (see picture to left) are set into the handle for the ultimate in sensitivity. (5) Roger has also added a "New" APX with a 100% graphite handle that is going to be a asset  (6) The APX have chrome titanium guides that have been polished to the point to where your retrieve is extra smooth eliminating line drag and wrapped with Gudebrod thread for ultimate toughness. Even the slightest hit that you may have not detected in the past can be felt using the APX. The hit is transmitted through the line down the rod into the graphite sensor rings or graphite handle and into your hand.

Now I can almost hear someone say ok Rick the APX rod is light and sensitive but what about tough.  What about durability? Let me answer you this way. I have tried to break an APX on everything from huge Smallmouth -Largemouth-Flat Head Catfish-Rockfish and even Salmon in Alaska swimming up stream 50 miles per hour and have yet to do so. Of course any rod is subject to breaking if abused or deliberately damaged. Used correctly the APX is a "Work Horse".

Another fantastic feature offered with the APX is you have a choice of either a fixed positioned reel set or what we call a Tennessee Handle (see 2 rods to the right in picture above) With the Tennessee Handle you can choose your reel location on the handle. By doing so you can balance your rods exactly to your own personal tastes. The APX is built in 4 different styles,

8 different lengths and 6 different rod actions. From pan fish to trophy bass, stripper, catfish and you name it All Pro has a APX rod that is suited just for you and backed up with an unbelievable life time warranty . Like I said before WOW!

New AtlAntis Series Rods

Just when you think that Roger, Billy and the All Pro Team can't come up with anything else they introduce another winner! Sometime ago All Pro was approached by several top salt water guides to design a rod specifically for inshore salt water fishing. If your going to fish for species such as redfish, speckled trout, snook and tarpon you have to have a rod that is up to the task.  The result is the AtlAntis series rod. The APX blank was redesigned with a softer tip for saltwater fishing and built with a dark cobalt blue finish but yet kept the lightness and sensitivity of the APX series. All components like the Fuji Reel Seat and the titanium guides are rated for saltwater use. 100% of the quality, planning and care that was invested in the APX  is used in these new rods. The AtlAntis Series Rods are built in 2 different styles  (1) Casting/Trigger Handles and (2) Spinning Deluxe Reel Seat Handles.  AtlAntis comes in 2 different lengths 7 foot one piece and a 7 foot 6 inch one piece and 3 different actions (1) Light (2) Medium Light (3) Medium. This is great for the saltwater guys  "BUT".

Let me explain. The minute that the prototypes arrived at the All Pro office we fresh water guys were all over them. Automatically when you pick one of these beauties up your mind races to "Live Bait Smallmouth Rod" "Live bait Walleye Rod" "Mini Hair Fly Smallmouth Rod" "Small Light Crank Bait Rod" the list can go on and on. Do you see where I'm headed? Not only did All Pro build a fantastic new salt water rod but a equally fantastic new fresh water rod that is totally different from all the other rods.

My favorite is the 7 foot 6 inch medium light spinning rod. I have been field testing these rods for the past several weeks on two Smallmouth lakes here in Tennessee and I can tell you they are fantastic. The Smallmouth in the picture to the left were caught 2 days ago on Thursday Nov 10-2005 on Dale Hollow Lake here in Tennessee using the AtlAntis Series Rod with a 1/8 ounce white jig and creek minnow rigged on 6 pound test line. Freddie my client in this picture remarked that he was able to feel the slightest hit even in the wind that blew 15mph all day long. These rods have the backbone even with 4 and 6 pound test line to drive the hook home but yet when you get a big fish to the boat the action of the rod is forgiving enough to ware the fish down. My instructions to my clients using these rods is "Let the rod and your drag do the work."

The word got out quickly here in Tennessee about these new rods and ever since some of the top smallmouth fishermen in the state have been rushing to the All Pro web site for more information and retail location where these rods can be purchased. I know I must sound like a infomercial, but I can't help it. This is another great tool not only for a full time fisherman like me but for anyone that likes a lighter action rod that doesn't overpower small finesse artificial and live baits but is strong enough to put a trophy in the boat. 

Conclusion

When you get a chance go to www.tennesseebassguides.com scan down to the bottom of the front page and click on All Pro Rods and check out their vast assortment of specialty rods like the Slab Slayer Crappie Rod-Floating Fly Series Rods and the Hercules Series Rods that I didn't cover. 

I have always felt that a man's word should be his bond.  I in all good consciousness will not endorse nor promote products that I don't use and believe in. Take it from guy that has spent 140 days or more on the water every year, if your looking for a World Class Fishing Rod, that is head and shoulders above the others.  You need to check out the All Pro APX and AtlAntis Series. You won't regret it.  Thank you for reading. Rick McFerrin Owner Tennessee Bass Guides

For the Competitive Angler

Written By: Rick McFerrin

November 2005

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

Recently Tennessee Bass Guides had the honor of teaming up with the Prowler Lure Company which is located in Leitchfield Kentucky due north of Bowling Green. From prior use I knew how good their product was, so I was excited to have them aboard. Prowler is one of the fastest growing soft plastic bait companies in the United States and is owned and operated by the Van Meter family. One of the very first things that impressed me was that Prowler is a fishing lure company that is still operated by tournament fishermen. Mr. Van Meter is an avid tournament bass fisherman and keep a torrid tournament schedule. I really believe this is one of the reasons why Prowler continues to be so successful.  Nothing compares to (1) being in the trenches for years and seeing for yourself what works and what doesn't (2) surrounding yourself with a professional fishing staff that assists in new product ideas and design enhancements.  Unfortunately in many large bait companies today it's the lure designers and marketing departments (which rarely fish) that determine what go's to market and what doesn't.  But not true with Prowler, they only produce baits made by bass fishermen for bass fishermen. With this "on water" approach it enables Mr. Van Meter and the Prowler Pro Team to meet the needs of a ever changing fishing climate. Innovative life like baits that are available in a multitude of colors to meet every water situation. Since the Prowler Lure Company produces such a extensive line of plastic baits it would be difficult for me to cover all of them in one article. So, to do justice to these fine baits and to give you the reader a better understanding of each, there will be a series of articles that hopefully will be of great value you. The Tennessee Bass Guides Team members have personally tested these baits and I can tell you that each guide has been very impressed with the results.  My policy hasn't changed "We only promote items that we use on a regular basis-that works for us" by doing so you get an honest straight forward assessment.

Prowler Chunks

Looking over the reports for the past several months our guide team members have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass on several different Tennessee lakes and rivers pitching and flipping a variety of jigs. For those of you that are "Jig Fanatics" you know that many times the "Jig/Chunk Size" and bulk in the water can make all the difference in the world on catching or not catching fish. I guess in some respects a bass is allot like us...sometimes we want a "Big Meal" and sometimes we want a "Small Meal" When throwing small jigs and hair fly's that are 1/16th to 3/32nds in weight, on 4lb and 6lb test I like to use a small chunk. This is where the Prowler Eel  and Prowler Small Pro Chunks come on strong for me. I have found that when the bite has been very tough the Prowler Eel is the chunk I turn to. I'm not sure if it's, for lack of better words the "Slenderness" of the bait or the longer configuration of it's tail that makes a difference. It make very well be that it just doesn't move as much water upon entry. But what ever the case this is one great multi-use trailer. Combined with the right size jig it just becomes a snack for a Smallmouth. The Eel also works extremely well on spinner baits as a trailer and inserting into tubes. Both sizes of the Prowler Ell comes in 18 different colors to meet any need.

Then there are times that the Prowler Small Pro Chunk is what I turn to. I like using this size chunk on 6 and 8lb test and a 1/8th and 3/16th ounce jig. I like this size because it adds a little bulk to the jig and the wider tail seems to move more water. This jig and chunk combo is a in between size for me that I like to use in lay downs and in rivers when there is moderate current. There is enough weight not to get swept away but still light enough to have a slower fall.  On jigs 1/4 ounce and up I like the Prowler Medium  (picture to the left) and Jumbo Chunks. These add a little more water displacement and weight. The tails of these chunks are very flexible and have a fantastic action. All three sizes of these Prowler Chunks are available in 20 different colors many of which are unavailable on any other manufactures plastic baits.

Another valuable tool in the Prowler treasure chest is the Pro Craw and the Jr. Pro Craw Chunk. Both of these Pro Craws are Salt and Garlic Injected. The "NEW" patent pending design of the Pro Craw gives a realistic appearance to any jig or spinner bait. Take time to check these baits out in clear shallow water, you will see what I mean. The pinchers create a almost natural defense stance that just begs a big fish to take a bite. Once again just as a personal choice I like to use the Jr. Pro Craw Chunk on 1/8th and 3/16th ounce jigs and the larger Pro Craw Chunk on larger jigs. Experiment, other size and jig weight combos may work better for you. These baits are also fantastic spinner bait trailers and are you have a great selection of 30 colors to choose from.

Prowler Tubes

What a selection for you to choose from. Prowler manufactures 7 different Tubes in multiple lengths and sizes. All Prowler Tubes are a soft double dipped tube with long tentacles that deliver incredible action. These are truly some of the hottest baits in the industry today. From the Super Tube-Big Butt Tube-Stubby Tube-Pro Super Tube-Pro Flipping Tube-Finesse Tube to the Crappie Tubes Prowler has it covered with the highest quality fish catching baits available any where. Some one might ask "Why so many choices of size and colors of the same type bait"? Well lets see how I can answer this.  (1) Bass have varying degrees of taste when it comes to eating.  There are times their pray may be small like crayfish and small bait fish. Other times the may be feeding on larger bluegill-shad and other larger available bait. (2) Water clarity also plays a big part in making your lure choice. In stained to muddy water I like a larger bait like the Prowler Super Tube or Big Butt Tube that creates more water movement which helps the bass zero in on the bait. In clearer water I like to go to the Prowler Finesse and Stubby Tube which has a more subtle movement. (3) Water clarity  many times will help you make color choices. Normally in darker water I try to stay with darker colors like Black-Dark Reds and Deep Purples. In clearer water I like watermelon, smoke pepper, pearls and pumpkin . But sometimes there are glaring exceptions to this scenario. I fish a clear deep lake near my home for Smallmouth. June bug always seems to be my best go to color which defies some of my earlier thoughts. This is where you need to experiment to find out what works best for you. Through years of fishing experience Mr. Van Meter realized the necessity of making multiple sizes (7) and colors (26) available because of the very reasons we just talked about.

Prowler Grubs

Prowler manufactures 5 grubs for you to choose from.  The 4.5 inch Pro Fat Grub-3.5 inch Pro Grub and the Pro Crappie Grub.  All have extra wide tails that vibrates immediately when you begin your retrieve. These baits come in 14 different colors.   There are times just like yesterday when the wind was up to 20mph and the Smallmouth were on the windiest points that a Prowler Grub is hard to beat. You can rig the Pro Fat Grub on a 1/4 ounce jig head and cast extremely well into the wind. The action of the bait begins immediately and many time smallmouth will hammer the grub on the fall. There are also times when a smaller grub and jig head is needed. Those times when the bass are a little more finicky. That's when I turn to the 3.5 inch Pro Grub. Both sizes are great baits and with 14 colors to choose from you just can't go wrong.

 The New C Leggs is a innovative bait that combines twin tails with a flat belly that helps slow the baits fall. The legs of the bait is just a tad thicker which keeps the tails from sticking together. The C-Leggs can be fished alone as a grub. On a jig as a trailer and effectively as a drop shot bait. You will have to see the action of these baits to believe it. Once again being a light line guy I really like the C-Leggs Minus on a 1/16th ounce jig head. This little tid-bit is just a snack for those big brown fish. Two sizes and 26 colors to choose from....This ones a real winner, you need to check them out.

Conclusion

This time around we covered Prowler Chunks-Tubes and Grubs and we didn't get half way through the great selection of soft plastic baits that Prowler manufactures. There will be at least 2 more follow up articles to cover the remaining items. You have many choices when you stand in front of soft plastic sections in your favorite tackle store. Some brands are price driven, some brands are name recognition driven, some brands are quality driven and others are just driven. The next time you need a soft plastic bait give Prowler a try-you won't regret it. As a matter of fact if you buy one item you will buy more they are just that good. Check them out on our web site at www.tennesseebassguides.com scan down to the bottom of the first page and click on the Prowler logo....If you have any questions just send them to me I will be happy to help rickm@dtccom.net    Thanks for reading Rick McFerrin Tennessee Bass Guides.com

Product Review

Secret Weapon Buzzrbait

July 2005

Written By: Rick McFerrin

www.Tennessee Bass Guides.com

Introduction

Almost two years ago I met Joe Haubenreich President of Secret Weapon for the first time. Joe and I met so that I could see the new innovative design concept that Secret Weapon was using to build some of the finest spinnerbaits available any where in the United States. I was impressed with all the planning that had been leveraged against these baits and even more impressed with their rock solid commitment to building a high quality product. Joe provided me with a good selection of sizes and colors and I began to use them immediately on my guide trips and it didn't take long to realize that these were fantastic baits. Since then the entire Tennessee Bass Guides Team has used Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits with great success on all our lakes here in middle Tennessee.  So when Joe called me and said that they were ready to go to market with the new Secret Weapon Buzzrbait I was thrilled and couldn't wait to put them to use on Old Hickory Lake. I have already enjoyed great success with these new Buzzrbaits, and yes it is really spelled with a R right in the middle. A different way of spelling for a different kind of buzzbait.

Secret Weapon Buzzrbait

I have learned something over the past several months that was always right there in front of me but I failed to completely understand. The "World Wide Web" means just that "World Wide".  I've been astounded to find out that we have bass fishermen from many other countries that visit our site www.tennesseebassguides.com and read the articles and posts on a regular basis. I suppose the one of the common denominators that brings us together from all over the world is the thrill we get seeing an aggressive bass blowup on a buzzbait as it chatters across submerged weedbeds, logs, stumps and rocks no matter what country you are from.  I also know that all of us have experienced anguish when the aggressive strike didn't result in a hook up on the other end. You see this is one of the reason that many new bass fishermen in the past have rejected a buzzbait. Knowing this Joe and the entire Secret Weapon team set out to design a buzz bait that will put the odds back in your favor and will help you to catch more bass.

Secret weapon has taken one of the pros' most helpful buzzbait customizing tips and integrated it into their design. This is the idea of attaching a spinner blade behind the buzz prop. Now this isn't a completely new idea since there are a few lures on the market that attach a small swivel mounted spinner blade behind the buzz prop. But being true to their innovative nature the Secret Weapon Team has taken this design to a whole new level of versatility and performance by the use of their inline, interchangeable spinner blades. This allows you to customize your buzzrbait right on the spot to meet you current fishing needs.

Secret Weapon buzzrbaits use the same high quality components as their spinnerbaits. Premium silicone skirts that still look new after repeated trips. Mustad Ultra-point, long shank, wide gap hooks which are the sharpest and toughest available. Beautifully detailed, rock hard powder-coated, minnow-profile heads, shaped to come through grass and weeds without hanging up, with a trailer-keeper barb to secure trailers or rattle collars.

Unlike the Secret Weapon spinnerbait, their new Buzzrbait head is turned horizontal to create a planner board effect that lifts the lure high in the water even on very slow retrieves.  I can't stress this enough, the combination of the well balanced head and the perfectly matched components causes this bait to TRACK TRUE  right from the package.  Tennessee Bass Guide Billy Campbell shared this with me last week. "Rick I've been fishing buzzbaits for more years than I would like to admit, but I have never had a buzzbait that tracks as straight as this new Secret Weapon Buzzrbait. You know how frustrating it is when you cast across a target and want to bring the bait straight back across but it tacks way off to the side? Well it doesn't happen with this bait."  Billy continued, "I like to slow buzzbaits down to a crawl on the clear deep waters on Center Hill, I have found that the Colorado blade that I'm using behind the buzz blade keep the bait up on top like no bait I have ever used.  My tournament partner Jason and I have already enjoyed great results with these baits. The bass just try to kill them. And the heavier stainless steel frame helps this bait hold up under rigorous usage. Believe me this is a winner!"

To help meet your needs Secret Weapon offers three different blades that come in a polished aluminum, black powder-coated or 24-gold plated buzz props to produce a distinctive, alluring squeak and rattle on the retrieve.  Like Billy I've been throwing buzz baits for years, but this one has a completely different sound than any other that I have every used.

But What Sets This Bait Apart?

What sets this bait apart from all others comes directly behind the buzz blade and rivet. It's the loop in the wire frame where you can attach one of the Secret Weapon patented inline, Quick-clip spinnerbait attachments.  This design allows the blade to rotate around it's free-floating shaft on fast retrieves or twirls and flutters on extremely slow retrieves. By doing so it creates a flash and commotion right above the lures hook, so that the bass zeros in on the flashing blade instead of the spinning prop. On the strike the free floating blade simply pivots out of the way for a solid hook up.  This is why this bait has a higher hook up ratio than most other buzz baits. 

The Buzzrbait uses the same Quick-clip blade attachments that come with Secret Weapon Spinnerbaits or can be purchased separately wherever Secret Weapon is sold. In seconds, without tools, you can swap out spinner blades directly behind the buzz prop.  If you want flash right above the hook point clip on a gold or nickel willow leaf blade. Do you want to increase the contrast of your lure silhouetted against the twilight sky? Unclip the blade and replace it with a black Colorado or Indiana blade attachment. Turn your buzzbait into a "wounded minnow" by using a red spinner blade or for smallmouth appeal by adding the flash of chartreuse. Slow the Buzzrbait down even further with the addition of a plastic chunk. Just remember the bigger and wider the blade the more resistance is created and the higher and slower the lure will run.

These baits are available in three sizes: 3/16-, 5/16-, and 9/16-ounce. In 2005 they were introduced in four models. Midnight Snack (black head, back/blue skirt, black prop, black blade);  Wounded Minnow (silver shad head, white/bloodline skirt, aluminum prop, red blade); Chartreuse and White (Chartreuse/White head and skirt, gold-plated prop and blade); and White Shiner (white shad head, white shiner skirt, aluminum prop, nickel blade). Locally these baits are available at the Fisherman's Blessing tackle store where in Nashville, over the internet at www.secretweaponlures.com/buzzbaits.htm and other tackle stores in your area.

Conclusion

What do you want or expect from a buzz bait? A different appealing sound....more flash and froth right above the hook...slower retrieves...better lure control...more hits and hooks ups? Well if that's what your looking for in a buzz bait you need to add the Secret Weapon Buzzrbait to your arsenal.  I make my living on the water and I can assure you that buzz baits just don't get any better than these.......Rick McFerrin Owner Tennessee Bass Guides.com

Product Review

Written By: Rick McFerrin

June 2005

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

I've been bass fishing now for almost 50 years. Man where did the years go?  I've caught bass just about every way you can catch them.  Soft plastics, jigs, spoons, spinner baits, crank baits, buzz baits, inline spinners, top water, live bait and more. I have many fond memories of fish being caught on each of these types of lures that I hope will stay with me forever. I admit that I'm still like a kid when it comes to chasing and catching bass. Honestly, bass fishing today is still as exciting for me as it was 50 years ago and I make no apologies for it. One great thing about bass fishing is that each type of lure that you use provides it's own measure of excitement. From the "Tap" on a worm to the bone jarring jolt on a crank bait they are all hard to beat. But when it come right down to it, seeing a bass explode on a top water bait has to rank right up there at number one hands down.

Have you ever tossed a top water bait right up on the edge of a grass or weed line, let it sit for a moment, twitch it and watch a bass come out and inhale it? Or maybe you have been working one slowly around lay down timber or cypress knees and all of a sudden from no where a bass attacks your bait like it's the only thing left in the lake to eat. Or maybe you were on a ultra clear lake and actually saw a smallmouth coming up from 20 feet deep to smash the top water offering? Wow, makes me want to stop writing and go back to the pond right now! The visual enjoyment that fishing top water baits provides can be  fantastic.

So my goal in writing this product review is to introduce you to a company that produces "World Class" top water baits. The type of baits that you can depend on to help you become a better top water fisherman in quest of your own trophy bass. The type of baits that can help you build your own "Fond Memories" that you can share with others through the years. That company is High Roller Fishing Lures located in Crestview Florida.

One of the first things that you will notice about High Roller is the quality that is built into each bait. Friends this ISN'T  a bait that you will find in a bargain bin at a sell everything discount store.  You know the baits I'm talking about. The ones that on the first or second trip the paint has already flaked off just by casting it.  Or the propellers won't turn correctly or the hooks straighten out on a two pound fish. Have you been there before? Believe me I have. No these are high caliber custom lures that are meticulously crafted from solid wood. Each bait is individually hand painted with a durable gel coat paint and look so good that you could hang them up in your family room as decorations if you could get passed the little lady. Not a chance, Right?

The truth is these baits wouldn't do you any good inside any way. They are designed and crafted to help you enjoy what we were talking about earlier. The thrill of an explosive top water strike. And when that strike happens your not going to have to worry if the hooks are sharp enough or strong enough to hold your trophy. High Roller only uses VMC "X" razor sharp hooks to ensure solid hook sets. From the solid wood body to the gel coat paint to the hooks and hardware, every step of the manufacturing process is designed with one purpose in mind and that is to deliver to you the highest quality top water baits possible.

To barrow a phrase from a major car manufacturer "Quality Is Job One! at High Roller Lures. By paying attention to the details,  High Roller produces a variety of world class baits. Let's take a look at the freshwater baits one at a time.

The 3.25" HighRoller in the picture on the left is a very versatile lure. One of the features that I particularly like is the ability to cast this bait long distances. I guide two lakes full time here in Middle Tennessee. One is Old Hickory Lake where the water will stay some what dingy most of the year. Casting long distances isn't really needed here because you can almost get right on top of the bass without spooking them. On the other hand I also guide a lake named Tim's Ford which is a totally different situation. Tim's is very clear almost year around. Having a top water bait like the HighRoller that is only 3.25" long but will cast long distances like a bullet can be very valuable when the Smallmouth are holding shallow on points. After I cast this bait out I pause just a few seconds and then start walking the dog back across the point. This technique is easy to do with the HighRoller due to the shape and weight in the rear end. This bait has a very active motion the resembles the feeding activity of baitfish splashing as it darts from side to side. The increased action of this bait can be attributed right back to it's solid wood design. Because of it's cast ability it is also fantastic when you find fish schooling fish that seems to be just out of reach. The HighRoller comes in  17 different colors is 4/10 ounce in weight has custom lacquer paint with a brilliant 2 part epoxy coating, stainless steel hardware, #4 VMC "X" Strong Saltwater Hooks and is a must for all serious top water fishermen.

The 3.25" RipRoller is a solid wood 4/10 of an ounce surface prop bait that is a little package of dynamite. The attention to quality and detail at HighRoller Lures sure paid off with this bait. The spinner or prop on the tail of this bait revolves smoother than any bait of this type that I have ever used. I really like using a prop bait on the edges of the weed lines on Old Hickory Lake. When I approach a weed line I always try to make my first cast to the corners of the weed line where you can see darker water. Many times largemouth will be holding right in these key ambush areas. If bass are there it will only take a jerk or two to find out. The RipRoller is produced in 15 brilliant colors, coated with epoxy for lasting durability and fitted with the same VMC "X" hooks.

The 2.75" PopRoller also weighs 4/10 of a ounce and is one fantastic spitting surface popper. This little bait sure makes allot  of noise and is deadly on Largemouth-Smallmouth and Spotted bass because of it's schooling baitfish sound  characteristics.  From big impoundments to rivers and ponds this is a must for your tackle box. The PopRoller is available in 14 different brilliant epoxy finished colors to meet just about every water color situation that you will encounter. Many times I will use a popper as a search bait in the backs of creeks and coves.  Because of it's action these baits will draw bass to it from long distances and create a vicious strike. Custom paint, VMC "X" hooks are also standard equipment on the PopRoller.

Conclusion

HighRoller Lures are some of the highest quality most durable lures that I have ever had it my boat. If you are a seasoned top water fisherman, or if you want to become a good top water fisherman I would urge you to take a good long look at these baits. You can view these baits at www.highrollerlures.com All three of these baits cover a different need when fishing top water. From the side to side motion of the HighRoller to the revolving prop sound of the RipRoller to the spitting sound of the PopRoller these baits are manufactured to help you to catch more bass and experience the excitement of seeing a bass inhale your bait right before your eyes.....Man it just doesn't get much better than that!

Product Review

April/May 2005

Written By: Rick McFerrin

www.Tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

It is no secret that technology in the bass fishing industry has changed dramatically over the past several years. There are scores of new "High Tech" products that are intended to help us catch more bass. Two of the most obvious would be the new high resolution color sonar units that are so incredibly accurate in their detail and fish display that you can almost see the color of the bass eyes below your boat. Or the advanced GPS units built right into our boats with lake mapping capabilities by geographical regions that can help you navigate lakes you have never been on before. These units even offer fishing hot spots and can record hundreds of waypoints, trails and more. If you are reading this review and your an avid bass fisherman you know exactly what I'm talking about.

If I was a betting man (which I'm not) I would almost wager that many of you will also admit that you don't get any where near 100% out of these high tech tools because they require considerable adjusting and fiddling with to make them perform at their peak. Right? You see many fishermen just don't take the time to do what's necessary to get the max from these units and I guess that will always be the case. We spend considerable $$$$$ on technology that can help us be better fishermen but then don't take the time to make it work properly.

But there is a tool that I would safely say 75% or more of all we bass fishermen carry all the time. We carry it on our boats and in our tow vehicles. We already operate it at high efficiency levels and we are way past the learning curve. And that is our Cell Phones.  By now I can already hear someone say " The cell waves have fried Rick's brain. How can our cell phones help us to catch more bass? I'm glad you asked......Let me explain.

What if I told you that there is a service that offers to you the ability to access instant- real time-area lake specific (Just incase you missed that AREA LAKE SPECIFIC) (1) Current (2) Forecast weather information 24/7 from your cell phone?  How valuable would that information be to you? You and I both know that having the ability to keep track of changing weather on the exact lake you are fishing can make a big difference in how you approach the lake. It can make a huge difference in your safety and the numbers of bass that you put into the boat. Here's a little background information on how I use Weather Wave.

Sometime ago I talked with Sande Smith of WeatherWave Inc, and Sande explained in great lengths to me how this new technology works. He set me up to test his service for several weeks here in middle Tennessee. Being a full time guide,  having the ability to call in (or) get specific warning calls from WeatherWave straight to my boat about approaching bad weather caught me attention immediately.

The first thing we needed to do was to identify three areas that I wanted to keep track of the weather conditions. This was easy to do since I guide full time on two lakes,  which are Old Hickory (Gallatin Tn.) and  Tim's Ford Lake (Winchester Tn.) I also added my home in Woodbury Tennessee. This was accomplished simply by entering the zip codes of these cities on my Weather Wave profile sheet via my PC at home.

When you get into the WeatherWave web site you will find that you can choose from over 50 different advisories and warning types. You can choose the exact times that you want warning calls to come automatically to you. For instance I only want the warning calls to come to me for Old Hickory and Tim's Ford during the normal hours I would be going to and from the lake. 4:00am to 4:00pm, all the other hours including the week ends are blocked. I customized it to my exact needs.

My normal week day routine is make coffee at 3:00am-get dressed-eat a bagel and call WeatherWave on my way out the drive way headed to the lake. Another great feature is your ability to access weather for any U.S. city. This is fantastic for those of you that fish a Bass Circuit. Let me give you an example. Let's say that you are going to fish Center Hill Lake here in middle Tennessee. All you have to do is call the toll free Weather Wave number, enter in the zip code of let's say Smithville Tennessee and presto....you can choose from current or forecast conditions. Maybe you are going to fish a tournament on a lake in Texas...just enter in the nearest cities zip code and you will have instant access to real time weather information.

Several weeks ago on a Tim's Ford guide trip I wanted to make a run that would have been almost the entire length of the lake. The morning forecast called for heavy thunderstorms and possible high winds  and even small hail. Before I made the run I called into WeatherWave and the update said the storm was emanate at any time. I chose not to make the run and less than an hour later it hit us full force. That's what I'm talking about-real time lake specific weather information.

Conclusion

There are so many features to this service that it would be better for you to visit their site and check it out. You can do this by going to our site at www.tennesseebassguides.com and go to the links page or directly to WeatherWave at www.weatherwave.com . Currently there is a 14 day FREE trail available-so if your interested now is the time to move. If you have specific questions about how I as a full time guide use this service feel free to contact me at rickm@dtccom.net or through our web site. I will be happy to help you. Thanks for reading about this great new service that can help every bass fisherman to stay safe and catch more fish. Rick McFerrin

Product Review

J.J.'s Magic

Dippin Dye With Garlic

April 2005

Written By: Rick McFerrin

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

Fish attractants have been around for a long time. Attractants have been manufactured in sprays, liquids, creams, pastes, and gels in a variety of scents and colors. Some work and truthfully some don't. The retail price really doesn't seem to be a valid indication of how good the product will be, so unless you have a good reliable source of information or recommendation from someone buying scents and dyes are a roll of the dice at best. If you are like me all you have to do is look at the baits and equipment you never caught fish on to prove my point. Fess Up! Several hundred dollars worth right?

So in my old age I have become (Rena my wife says cranky) but more to the point very very selective in what I buy and more importantly what I endorse. If you were sitting here in my office with me tonight you would see several boxes of baits-tackle and accessories that companies have sent to me asking for an endorsement on our site. If you click on the Product Archive Tab you will find all the products that I have written reviews on. You will also find that each has earned a positive endorsement. Why? Because they work like they are suppose to. They are good products that I as a full time guide and owner of Tennessee Bass Guides Inc. personally use on a regular basis and find reliable.

You see, if I try something and it doesn't work I simply just won't write a review. I guess it go's  back to how I was raised. You know "If you can't say something good, just don't say anything at all." So any product review you read on my site will be about products that most definitely works for me and my team of guides. As a matter of fact just this week on four guide trips my clients and I caught a combination of 84 Smallmouth-Largemouth and Spotted Bass on 4 inch plastic worms I soaked with this product. We will talk more about this in the paragraphs below.  You can see pictures of the fish on my site. JJ Polak and Alan Summer have formulated a fantastic product that has ALREADY helped me catch more fish and it will do the same for you if you will use it correctly.

Company History

Alan Summer invented a dye for soft plastic baits back in the early 1980's. Alan having a start up business marketed his dye locally and this is when he met JJ Polak. Alan told JJ about the product and urged him to try it. JJ put the product to a rigorous test on the water and determined that if Alan would add garlic oil to the dye it would enhance the product greatly as a fish attractant.  The result was a new formula that would allow the dye to penetrate into soft plastic baits. Let me emphasize this again, it penetrates into the plastic and the scent will remain in the bait. When Alan and JJ tested this new formula they found that their bites increased and that the fish held onto the bait longer. They had other tournament anglers test it as well and the rest is now history. Alan-JJ and JJ's two sons Andy and Marty formed a company that is now known as Fish Chemicals and market the product known as J.J.'s Magic.

What Does The Product Do?

First of all J.J.'s Magic is a dippin dye solution that is designed to let you customize your soft plastic baits which is a great benefit. BUT.....To me the greatest benefit is that it penetrates the bait and the scent won't wear off.  Every since JJ sent me this product I have put it to the test. One of the lakes that I guide here in middle Tennessee is Tim's Ford which is located between Nashville and Chattanooga. Tim's is known for it's Smallmouth population but also has an abundance of Largemouth and Spotted Bass as well. I had been on a fairly good bite on a small 4 inch worm fished on a jig head. Many times the bite was very subtle and I found that some of my clients would have trouble "Feeling" the hit. Well, when JJ sent me his product to test, my attention was drawn immediately to the Clear Garlic scent, and let me explain why. The bass like the little Junebug colored worm that I have been using so I certainly didn't want to alter the color...BUT.....I sure wanted to add the garlic scent to the worm hoping to get the fish to hold on just a little longer.  So I dumped 50 or more 4 inch worms in one of Rena's Tupperware bowls (I hope she doesn't miss it) and being advised by JJ in advance of how strong the garlic scent was I carefully poured some onto the worms. I was like a little kid waiting until the next day to see what would happen on my new JJ's Magic scented worms....What was the results? I can sum it up in one 3 letter word..........WOW! The results speak for themselves.  I can't and won't tell you that I have realized X % of increased bites using this product....but I can tell you this. I have watched my clients hook ups increase dramatically and watched them put more fish in the boat using the same 4 inch worms soaked in J.J.'s Magic than they did before. Folks, when the bass grabs this worm soaked in this product they just won't hardly let go. That's the key-that is the BIG DIFFERENCE-that the additional edge between J.J.'s Magic and other dye type products that I have used in the past. So for a guide-tournament fisherman or just a casual week end bass fisherman it can make a BIG difference on the number of bass you will put in the boat.

As I started to say in the paragraph above J.J.'s Magic is currently packaged in 4 colors. Blue-Methylate, Chartreuse and Clear. All,  except the clear scent is designed to let you customize your baits  But unlike some of the more well known dyes on the market today this product will penetrate your baits and the scent will remain there cast after cast. No additional dipping is needed. I can see where the Chartreuse will be the most versatile, but each will play an important part of my fishing throughout the year when faced with various water colors and conditions. I have also found by doing a double dipping experiment that you can create various degrees of green-orange and purple.  I like to add red many times when throwing a soft plastic jerk type bait-the Methylate is going to be dynamite for that no doubt! I'm sure you have different color combinations that work well for you....now just think of what would happen if the bass would hold onto your bait and not want to let go. Like I said Wow!  Bass truly love this stuff!

Conclusion

I guess I haven't been this excited about a new product and all the possibilities that it affords in a long time. Being a full time guide and owner of a guide service I'm always looking for ways to help my clients catch more fish when there are with us. I really believe that J.J.'s Magic will play a big part in doing just that this year.  I'm sure by now your saying, Rick where can I get some of this stuff? As with all new companies getting product out into the market is a tough situation at best. So the Fish Chemical team decided to aim their initial campaign via the internet. The best way to get this fantastic product is by going to our links page and simply clicking on the J.J.'s Magic logo or ordering over the internet at www.jjsmagic.com . The process is very quick and easy to follow and you have your choice of shipping options.

As I said in the beginning of this review. If I didn't believe in this product and have seen it work time and time again with my own eyes I wouldn't give it my endorsement. But friends J.J.'s Magic is a winner.  Try it yourself and you will see why I'm excited about this product.

Product Review

The Buckeye Shad

March 2005

Written By: Rick McFerrin

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Introduction

It's a well known fact that professional bass fishermen have a tendency to keep secrets when it comes to lures, presentations and just about anything that's working for them. As a matter of fact sometimes the secret can be kept for long periods of time. But, it seems like every year you will read articles that have titles like, "XYZ The Lure The Pro's Tried To Keep Secret" or " The Technique The Pro's Didn't Want You To Know About" or "My Close Encounter With Alien Bass Fishermen". Well maybe the last one went a little far...I just got carried away.

You see, keeping secrets when it comes to bass fishing doesn't just stop with the pro's. I live and guide full time in middle Tennessee. I have the privilege of being around some of the best bass fishermen that I have ever known. Fishermen that have a tendency of keeping everything "Close To The Vest" even with friends. Some of these fishermen have mastered deep clear lakes like Dale Hollow, Center Hill, Tim's Ford and others. Many  have concentrated on river lakes like Old Hickory, Kentucky Lake, Wheeler and Pickwick. And through the years there has been a lure that has remained a regional secret with many of these great fishermen. A lure that works in clear or stained water. A lure that works deep or shallow. A lure that works in rock-grass and wood equally as well. A lure that works in all 4 seasons of the year and that lure is the Buckeye Shad.

When you mention the Buckeye to serious bass fishermen in towns here in Tennessee like "Smithville" " Sparta" "Cookeville" "McMinnville" "Tullahoma" and other you can see their eyes light up, and most will proudly tell you they still have Buckeyes that are years and years old that they just can't bring themselves to use. I think the Buckeye is even listed in some of the Last Will And Testaments of many of these men just like UT Football season tickets.   To my wife I leave my house-car and bank account...BUT....to my son I leave my tuck-boat and my Buckeye Shads.

Folks, you may think I'm going a little to far, but I tell you it is hard to tell how many huge Smallmouth-Largemouth and Spots have fallen victim to this deadly little bait. For more than 50 years now the dream of Robert Richardson and his family has been living up to it's "Legendary" reputation. And for 50 years it has been a fairly well kept southern secret.

What Is A Buckeye Shad?

What makes the Buckeye Shad a very unique lipless crank bait? It's  1 1/2 inches long, casts like a bullet and will sink like a rock. The nose of the bait is more rounded than pointed and the tail is rounded and tapered all at the same time.  The mid portion of the body is wider in it's belly and narrows toward the top. Most lipless crank baits have a tight wiggle-BUT-one big difference with the Buckeye Shad is that it has a VERY TIGHT wiggle and will tack straight as an arrow on every cast and rarely will turn up on it's side and loose track. This true tracking is achieved by the precise positioning of the line tie, which is located just at the crest of the nose where it begins to slope.  The Buckeye has two sets of treble hooks-one positioned on the bottom of the bait almost directly below the line tie and the other in the tail section.  The bait is topped off with either a Red-Silver or Gold reflective eyes that is recessed into it's head that gives off a prism like effect in clearer water.

What Colors Are Available?

I like to call the Buckeye a "Blue Collar Bait".  Not much glitz and glitter-just "Solid And Steadfast". These baits are currently manufactured in the four no-nonsense colors that you see in the picture above.  Chartreuse-Blood Red- White and Black.  Do you ever get tired of throwing a lipless crank bait a few times and the color begins to come off? This won't happen with the Buckeye Shad! The Buckeyes color is molded into the bait so no matter how much beating and banging it gets the color will always remain the same. No sparkle-No translucent paint-No flaking-No loss of color-just one steady rugged bass catching tool.

When Do You Fish The Buckeye Shad?

There is no doubt that the Buckeye Shad gained it's original fame in the cold winter months here in Tennessee.  In low water conditions when the wind and snow is blowing almost side ways hardy souls armed with light line-small hair jigs and Buckeye Shads would (and still do) consistently load the boat with big brown fish. But there is more to the story!  This is not just a winter bait! Let me stress this point again. This is not just a winter bait!  The Buckeye is a fantastic ALL YEAR CRANK BAIT. The Buckeye works in all types of structure. Timber or rock, anytime anyplace all seasons. Anytime you would think about throwing a lipless crank bait the Buckeye Shad will produce hands down.

For those of you that might not be familiar with Old Hickory Lake here in middle Tennessee. It's a TVA river lake that stretches from the cities of Cathage all the way to the city of Old Hickory just east of Nashville. In-between you can find every type of structure and conditions that bass love.  River current-protected bays and flats. Ledges-drops-rock-timber-grass-boat docks-bluffs-islands-boat ramps-bridges-rip rap and more. During the HOTTEST months of the summer many big largemouth will stay in water so shallow that you wonder why you can't see their fins sticking out of the water.  During these times the bass will slam a Buckeye worked correctly around wood and grass in these shallow areas. It's also fantastic for schooling bass that we find on a regular basis in protected bays. Take a look at the dates on the 3 fish pictures October-September and January..... I could add pictures from every month.....Like I said.....It's a All Year Bait!

How Do You Fish A Buckeye Shad?

The best way to fish a Buckeye is to do so fearlessly! I toss this bait in and around every type of structure that I possibly can. I keep in contact with the structure as much as possible. This rugged little bait is designed to slam off underwater rock and wood. It is designed to be ripped through grass and weeds. It's designed to be cranked through and bounced off of everything that you can. Some of the most violent strikes will take place when you use this bait in heavy cover.

There are times when you can't retrieve this bait fast enough. Then there are times that a slow steady grinding retrieve will produce more strikes. I keep changing up until the bass tell me what they want. Choices of rods/reels and line sizes varies by the structure and water color your fishing. But 90% of the time I opt for a spinning rod and no more than 10 pond test line. Remember I stressed Fearless!

Conclusion

The Buckeye Shad has a big winter reputation but it is truly a bait for all seasons. I know there is a lot of hype when it comes to fishing lures-but take it from someone that shoots straight and makes his living on the water. The Buckeye Shad...A one time middle and upper east Tennessee secret----is a secret no more. If you buy one and fish it...you will be as hooked on the Buckeye as a 5 pound Smallmouth. For more information go to our links page or www.buckeyeshad.com      Let me know how you do with this fantastic little bait. Rick McFerrin Owner Tennessee Bass Guides. Com

Product Review

Written By: Rick McFerrin Feb 2005

www.tennesseebassguides.com

Jawl Breaker Jigs

Several months ago I was contacted by Mr. David Williams from Huntsville Alabama concerning a trip on Tim's Ford Lake here in middle Tennessee. David is a system engineer for Lockheed Martin. During the course of our conversation I found that David was a avid Smallmouth fisherman and the owner of Jawl Breaker Jigs. I could sense the passion that David has for brown fish and a equal passion for manufacturing high quality jigs. We set a date to fish and  David mailed me an assortment of his jigs in advance. When the package arrived I was immediately impressed with the quality of his baits. These are not your run of the mill jig. Each one displayed the TLC found in a high quality product. As much as I wanted to run to the lake and give them a try I refrained and waited until David and I fished together. I have to admit that the little kid in me drove me back to our creek to see how they looked in the water....Wow!!!!

While fishing with David for two days I noticed that all three weights of the jigs could be worked through the heaviest brush and rocks and remain very snag free. I was impressed how the bait fell and the feel they have coming across the various obstacles we fished.  It wasn't long before you could see they worked as Smallmouth-Spots and Largemouth grabbed these tidbits when they passed by. David explained to me that his "Go To" bait has always been a jig.  Through the years of buying jigs made by other manufacturers David became weary of paying a premium price for a less than premium product. For you jig fisherman...you know the jig! The ones where all the paint comes off the head after you have thrown it a dozen times. Jawl Breaker Jigs paint is baked on until it is rock hard! Or the ones where the weed guard falls out the first time you try to pop it free. Jawl Breaker Jig weed guards are glued in with a industrial strength glue to minimize breakage.  Or the ones where the wrap loosens and all the hair disappears off the jig. Jawl Breaker Jigs are wrapped with a Kevlar material that is tear resistant.  Or the jig that is made with 100% synthetic material to make it look like real hair. Jawl Breaker Jigs are made with 100% real Buck tail-Fox and Bear hair. Does that ring a bell with any one? Oh yes, I know it does and I have been there myself.  With all this in mind David set out initially just to make him some good jigs. With much experimenting, David finally hit the right combinations. Well, you know what comes next. All your friends and fishing associates want some because they are just as tired of high prices and low quality as you are. How many successful bait companies started just this way?

What Does Jawl Breaker Jigs Have To Offer You?

(1) Manufactured in 1/8th...3/16th and 1/4 ounce heads. (2) Uses only Custom Molds that David has shaped himself. (3) Uses Only 3/0 Eagle Claw Black Laser Sharp Hooks. (4) Wrapped with only the highest grade Kevlar thread. (5) Fishes extremely well in rock or timber. (6) Uses 100% real Fox-Buck Tail and Bear Hair (7) Y guards are glued instead of molded in. (8) Available with clear-black y guards or none if desired. (9) Rock Hard baked on paint to avoid chipping (10) Available in Yellow-Black-Blue-Browns-Natural Deer-Red-Lime and custom combinations and colors. (11) Will add Flash Boo and Rubber on custom orders. (12)If you have favorite Jig color or hair you can't find anymore send one to David and he will custom make them for you.  (12) Mix and match on colors at no additional cost. (13) Quick turn a round on all orders (14) $1.50 each or $15.00 per dozen even on custom colors (15) $2.00 shipping and handling on all orders. (16)Oder from David Williams Jawl Breaker Jigs 201 Sparrow Circle Huntsville Alabama 35811 (17) Phone David at 256-348-1399 ( E Mail at <david.r.williams@lmco.com>

Conclusion

As a full time guide and the Owner Of Tennessee Bass Guides I have many companies ask me to  endorse their products. The truth is I will only endorse a product that I believe in personally. My word and reputation means more to me than a hands full of free baits. For you jig fishermen Jawl Breaker Jigs is one of those products that I most highly endorse. Check the prices against the jigs you are currently purchasing. This is a High Quality product at a very reasonable price. Where can you get customs colors at no additional cost? I hope this lure review will be of benefit to you. Contact us any time at www.tennesseebassguides.com or RickM@dtccom.net   Thanks for reading Rick McFerrin

Product Review

“The Plug Plucker”

 December 2004

 Written By: Rick McFerrin

www.tennesseebassguides.com

 As a young boy, I grew up wading rivers and small streams with my dad. I can remember just as if it was yesterday watching him cast a River Runt or Sparkle Tail right into log jams and brush piles and was amazed how he not only got his lure out most of the time, but more than not he would have a Smallmouth attached to it.  I can hear him say “Son you have got to get your lure where the fish are” Well,  I took him at his word and lacking his casting skills I spent most of my time wading over to the log jam and reaching in to get my lures back. It was easy then, the water was shallow and the lure assessable.

 But then things changed, we got our first boat. A sleek 14 foot Star Craft semi V aluminum boat with a 10hp Johnson out board motor. I hate to admit it but this was before “Trolling Motors” were popular. Your trolling motor was the paddle that you had in your hands. This boat provided dad and me opportunities to fish areas we couldn’t reach before. But it also gave us areas to get hung up in, that was in much deeper water.  Deep water-wind-a light boat and a paddle- not exactly good ingredients for saving many snagged baits. I wonder how many $$$$$ I have left hung up in the bottom of different lakes?

 Those are memories that will stay with me forever. But now the 14 foot boat with a paddle has been replaced with a 20 foot Stratos Bass Boat with a powerful trolling motor. The equipment has changed, but one thing still remains the same. “You still have to put your lure where the fish are.” And most of the time that means  “In Cover”.  And the truth is when you throw to cover, many times your just going to get hung up. But now, getting hung doesn’t always need to translate to lost lures-lost $$$$.  

 Over the years I have used several different types of lure retrievers that attached to and slid down my line. Some had heavy weights attached to the end of a rope. (Which was always tangled up) Some had small sections of chains attached to a heavy weight. (Which rusted in my dry storage) Others had probes attached to various length and diameter of aluminum tubes that you would push down to the snagged lure. (Most felt like they weighed 25 lbs) Some worked-others didn’t. Some were easy to use others were bulky and more of a hassle than a help. Some were inexpensive and others far over priced for what you got. Then several years ago I purchased what I feel is the “Absolute Best” lure retriever that I have ever owned. The “Plug Plucker” manufactured by the Twist Out Company in Hickory North Carolina. I would not be lying a bit if I said I have saved HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS using this retriever.  It’s simple to use-very affordable and most importantly it works!!! Let me give you a little more background on this great product.

 The Plug Plucker by Twist Out Inc.

 30 years ago Mr. H. Conrad Flowers, President of Twist Out Inc. realized that there was a definite need within the fishing community for a Telescoping Plug Retriever. A retriever that would be (1) Durable/made of only the best materials available (2) Light Weight (3) Easy To Use (4) Affordable for the average fisherman and (5) It had to work consistently.  After months of proto types and experiments, the first Drawn Aluminum Telescoping Plug Plucker lure retriever was finished.  Over the 30 years there have been refinements, but the commitment to produce the best retriever on the market has never changed.

 Let’s Look At Construction

 Tolerance Consistency:  The Drawn Aluminum manufacturing  process is one of the key features of the Plug Plucker. This is where the strictest of quality control standards kicks in. Both the inside and the outside tubes are manufactured to the tightest of tolerances. I have used similar competitive retrievers and found the diameter of the inside tube to be “Sloppy” with far too much play. I could feel the inside tube shift and move as I tried to use it. It never allowed you to get a good feel of what your lure was hung up on. As a full time guide that retrieves many-many snagged lures every year I can tell you this makes a huge difference.  Quality and tolerance consistency is unmatched in the Plug Plucker.  It is by far the finest available on the market today.

 Light Weight :  Another great feature with the Plug Plucker is that it is “Light”.  Just to give you an example. I weighed my Plug Plucker and another manufacturers telescoping retriever that I have in my garage on my digital fish scale and here’s the results. The Plug Plucker weighed  9 tents of a pound and the other 3.5 lbs.  This may not sound like much to you,  but extend them both out to 10 feet and hold them for a few minutes. Or try using both when the winds are blowing 15 mph and your trying to get your boat in the right position to get your lure free. The heavier retriever is so much harder to use and to handle.

 Sturdy Construction: Another real plus in the manufacturing process that Twist Out uses is that the Plug Plucker is “Sturdy”. Please believe me that LIGHT doesn’t mean FLIMSY.  I use my Plug Plucker in various ways such as. (1) To get snagged lures-in the water and yes even up in the trees (2) To brace my boat from getting into rocks when I’m in shallow water (3) as a push pole to get back out to trolling motor depth water. (4) I have even used it in Louisiana Oxbows to beat the moss on Cypress trees to make sure there wasn’t any cottonmouth in the tree I was snagged in. I know that Twist Out Doesn’t recommend some of these uses…..but I do this over and over and have never one time bent one of the tubes.   This is a very sturdy product.

 Telescopes Out To 10 or 15 Feet:  The two section Plug Plucker when “NOT EXTENDED” is only 5 feet 2 inches in length . This is shorter than most rods you have in you boat. It easily lays flat next to your rods and can be strapped down with you rods holders and you won’t even know it’s there. Until you need it! When extended out all the way will reach snagged lure up to 10 feet deep.  Twist Out also offers an additional 5 foot extension that will allow you to free baits up to 15 feet deep. The picture above left shows the Plug Plucker and 5 foot extention. The picture above right is the end retrieving coil.

 Easy To Use:  This is one of the most important features-this product is very easy to use. You don’t have to push down a pin, extend it out and then hope the pin engages in another hole in the tube so you can use the retriever. You just simply extend and twist. The Patented cam device ( picture left) locks the tube in place with a simple twist. How much easier could it be?

 Floats And Will Not Rust:  As long as you have the 2 piece unit together it will float should it be kicked overboard. No chains or cords to fool with.  NO RUSTING PARTS. Just one great tool to help you save who knows how much money while you are on the water.

 How Do You Purchase A Plug Plucker

 There are many sporting good stores that carry the Plug Plucker across the nation. But should your local stores not carry them, you can order directly from the Twist Out Company by calling (828) 327-3610 or (828) 327-3824.  Mr. Flowers and his staff will be happy to help you and answer any question you might have.

 Suggested retail on the 2 section retriever is $19.95 and the 5 foot extension is $9.95 plus shipping costs. Product order numbers are as follows.

 2 Section Plug Plucker;  M0102-10-L………………5 Foot Extension: M0107-5-L

 Conclusion

 Every now and then there is a product that stands out head and shoulders above their competition. I honestly believe this to be true with the Plug Plucker. As a full time guide that fish’s year around I can tell you it has saved me hundreds of dollars through the years. Full time or weekend fishermen you really need to take a look at this great product.

Product Review

Written By: Rick McFerrin  Owner Tennessee Bass Guides Inc.

www.tennesseebassguides.com

July 2004

 Opening Thoughts

 Safety Pin type spinner baits have been around a long time. Through the years, many  fishermen and lure manufacturers have tinkered with this basic design by adding their own twist to improve the bait.  All you have to do is stand in front of a spinner bait section in a major tackle store to see what I’m talking about…”Improved Hooks”…”Improved Skirts”…”Improved Blades” “Improved Wire ”.  But in the final analysis, even with these improvements the truth is they all basically remained the same. That was until recently.  What if I told you that this old standard has been REINVENTED?   Yes, for the first time in over 50 years tinkering has given way to true innovative design change. This change will alter your thoughts about spinner baits forever. If you love throwing a blade-you don’t want to miss this review!

 Company History

The reinvention of the spinner bait came from a very skilled mechanical engineer and fisherman named Bob Rickard of St. Louis Missouri. For over 32 years Bob has been handcrafting innovative baits and testing them on various lakes and rivers here in the United States. Bob became convinced that no other lure came close to matching is own design.  So in 2001 Bob set out to introduce them to the retail market. Bob was Production Manager for Comet Tool and Die Company that manufactured precision components for aircraft, aerospace and the defense industry.  At McDonald Aircraft his engineering team assisted on projects that included the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle and the lunar landing module.  These day's Bob uses his skill and design knowledge to refine and perfect the lure known as the Secret Weapon Spinnerbait!

Beginning The Review

 Recently Shay Doming (TBGI guide on Priest left) and I met Joe Haubenreich President of Secret Weapon Lures(right)at Four Corners Marina on Percy Priest Lake in Nashville Tennessee to conduct this review. Joe and I had met on one occasion before when he introduced me to Secret Weapon so I was already somewhat familiar with the baits. I knew that the Secret Weapon Spinner Bait came packaged in a “Mini Kit” that consisted of the spinner bait-skirt and 4 separate blade attachments. I knew the baits were packaged in 3/16-3/8 and 1/2 ounce sizes.  Visually one of the first things that I will notice about Secret Weapon is the obvious quality and workmanship that has gone into these baits. Even the packaging is first class. These ARE NOT your $1.00 low end quality baits that only perform correctly 20% of the time. I was joking with a friend recently, and made the comment that the Secret Weapon Mini Kit package looked so good you could put a hook and skirt on it and catch fish. There isn’t one element about these baits that hasn’t been thought out ultra carefully. From the life like minnow designer heads to the “Quick-Clip easy change spinner blade attachments these baits are well thought out-well designed fish catching tools.

 Visual Value

 Another visual element that was well thought out by Bob Rickard was to make these premium high  quality baits a real value. At this point I sure some are saying Rick “How can you link Visual and Value together? Let me do it this way. Let’s tackle the visual piece first. Go to your boat storage area or tackle box  and start laying your spinnerbaits out on a flat area by size and color so you can COUNT the total number of  baits you have.  Don’t count your buzz baits, it will only make it worse. It might be a good idea to do this when the wife isn’t around, I wouldn’t want to be the cause of a marital dispute. OK…..How many spinner baits do you have? 20…30…40…50?  I sure hope Rena doesn’t read this review. In my case 68! Yes 68 spinner baits in various sizes-head and skirt colors- blade configurations and wire construction.  I think I qualify for the Fishing Lure Anonymous therapy support group. BUT!  I needed everyone of those to get the right size-the right color-the right blades for all the different potential circumstances that I might be faced with when I got to the water. Sixty eight spinner baits at what total $$$$$ investment since good spinner baits retail anywhere from $3.99 to $10.00.  If I just used the low end $4.00 figure as an average, the total would be $272.00.

 Now, How about you? To make this easier, let say you spent $100.00 on conventional spinner baits with the average cost of $4.00. (I’m sure if you are like me the average cost would actually be higher.) That would give you 25 spinner baits for you to use. Let’s now compare what you would have, if you bought 4 different Secret Weapon Mini Kits at the suggested retail of $11.00 per kit for an $44.00 total investment. Remember that each mini kit comes packaged with 4 separate blade attachments. So the 4 kits would give you 16 different blades and 125 Different Blade Combinations each color head and skirt.  Let me say that again…..not 25 baits to use but 500 baits.  And you still have $56.00 left to take your wife to dinner. Now visually which is the better value? 25 baits for $100.00 or 500 baits for $44.00?  There really is no comparison! Secret Weapon wins hands down!

 What About Performance?

 No spinner bait is a good value unless it performs correctly when you’re on the water. This is where the rubber meets the road.  Early on Bob Rickard realized that if you could successfully marry the in-line spinner bait qualities with the safety pin style you could have a bait with superior performance.  As we conducted this review I made these observations.

q       There are times when you will want to work spinner bait fast just under the surface, but not breaking the water. To make this technique work correctly you need to make sure that the spinner bait doesn’t sink too deep upon entering the water. With many spinner baits that I have used in the past I have encountered 2 problems. (1) It was hard to get the blades to turn freely immediately upon entering the water (2) When you “Burned” the bait back toward you many times the spinner bait would roll on it's side instead of tracking true.  This was not true with Secret Weapon! Since the blades of the Secret Weapon Spinner Bait are free floating and not attached to the frame itself it keeps the bait from rolling side to side. Cast after cast with each size bait I was unable to make the bait roll and the blades started spinning immediately upon retrieve.

q       There also times when the reverse is true. The might fish want the bait to be retrieved very slowly. Once again, with many spinner baits this is difficult to achieve because you had to steadily increase speed to keep the blades rotating. Prior to and during the review I have tried each style of the blades offered by Secret Weapon and have found that I could slow these baits down to a crawl and still free the “Thump” of the blade all the way through my rod handle of my rod.

q       This feel is also a direct result of the “Heavy Gauge Stainless Steel Wire” that Secret Weapon Baits are made of. Folks the wire on these baits aren’t going to snap after you have caught a good fish or two. I asked Joe why Bob chose Stainless Steel instead of using Titanium like many high end baits are made of. Joe explained that through Bobs engineering knowledge they found that the stainless wire wasn’t prone to become brittle when heated like Titanium and would provide the user many years of excellent performance compared to other materials. 

q       If you like to “Slow Roll” spinner baits Secret Weapon is for you. These baits can be slow rolled slower at greater depths than any spinner bait I have ever fished. This is ideal for yo-yoing retrieves, since all blades rotate on the drop, or for crawling the bait along the bottom where the least movement makes the blades revolve. This again is a direct result of excellence in engineering.

q       Another interesting feature is that the blades will actually “FLIP” out of the way of the fish when they strike the bait which will increase your hook ups greatly. This is a direct result of the baits unique design of the free floating blade attachments.

q       This bait also has a “Lower Line Tie Angle” which is perfectly aligned with the point of the hook. Why is this important?  It’s simple! When a fish strikes the bait and you set the hook, if the line tie is “Higher” than the hook point you will actually be rolling the hook point downward during your hook set which results in fewer hook up’s. I’m sure you have heard someone say they had to “OPEN” the hook up to get better hook up’s…the reason for this is a design fault in the bait. This Is Not True With Secret Weapon! Pick up one of these baits and take a look. The line tie is perfectly aligned with the Mustad Ultra Point hook. This is a result of careful planning and excellent craftsmanship.

q       Another unique difference in these baits is the “Sonic Signature” the free floating blades emit.  By talking with Joe and doing some research I found that every spinner bait blade emits it’s own unique sound.  If you are using a conventional spinner bait where the blade is attached to the arm with a swivel, these sonic emissions will all sound very similar and the fish become accustomed to that sound.  But if you are fishing a Secret Weapon bait the sonic sound is entirely different since the blades are free floating and not rigidly attached.  For you tournament fishermen this could be your ace in the hole. Joe sited many times during testing where they went behind other fishermen using conventional spinner baits and caught fish on the Secret Weapon Bait and they attribute that to the fish reacting to the different sound.

 What About Versatility?

 This is one of the most versatile baits I have ever fished.  I’ve listed several  areas below where I believe using a Secret Weapon is superior over all other spinner baits.

q       How many times have you been on a good spinner bait bite and then the fish just stopped? You know the fish are still there but seem uninterested. In the past the very first thing most of us would do would be cut off the bait and tie on something different. With Secret Weapon in just a matter of seconds with the Quick Change attachment you can change your blade colors or configuration  and the bite may very well be back on. This same scenario will work for sudden changes in water color (such as mud lines) or if a heavy cloud cover moves in. Or maybe  you have been fishing stained water and then come upon clear water. Keep you bait on-Just change your blades to match the conditions.

q       These baits are also terrific for controlling your depth. If you have been fishing fairly shallow water and