TBrinksFishing.com

A Sexy New Frog

at 7/31/2010

The Snag Proof Bobby's Perfect Frog is a summer bass fishing classic. This bait has proven itself across the country. This year, Snag Proof added the I.T.T. technology that has made the Phat Frog so popular. If you are not familiar with I.T.T., it is the inner tube technology that makes these frogs unsinkable. The biggest problem with hollow frogs is that they tend to take on water and will slowly sink. In the past, fishermen always had to "burp" the frog to release the water. It was a hassle and took time away from fishing. Now with the I.T.T., you can keep casting. The Bobby's Perfect frog also comes in a sexy new color, the Sexy Shad pattern that looks awesome.

Good Grass vs. Bad Grass

at 7/30/2010

Bass and bass fishermen both love grass. I talk about it all the time when I mention flippin' and punchin' down here in Florida. Around here, bass are in the grass, and that's all you need to know. With so many kinds of grass out there, it's hard to determine which grass is best. I have always done well around hydrilla (see picture), eelgrass, pepper grass and Kissimmee grass. We are really lucky here and have plenty of types to choose from. But not all grass is good for the lake. I was just reading on spokanebassfishing.com about Milfoil's Destructive Pattern and how this type of grass actually does more harm than good. I remember the Eurasian Milfoil when I lived up there and people were doing everything they could to control it and stop it's spread. It is easy to transport and grows like...a weed. It is not native to most areas and is bad news. Like Daniel says, "please check your trailers, boats, and gear. One little piece of milfoil is all it takes to spread. Stop it’s reproduction and help keep our lakes and rivers clean of this non-native plant species. If crucial plants continue to disappear, our favorite fish will eventually be impacted as well."

The 2-in-1 Product That Really Works

at 7/29/2010

Yesterday I finally tried J.J.'s Magic. I have been hearing the hype about this stuff for months on the internet and finally bought some when I saw it at Big Toho Marina last weekend. The product is a combination of both scent and dye. As you can see in the picture, the dye is really bright. It was actually pretty cool how quickly it worked and how well the dye held up after fishing with it for a while. The Magic also has a very potent garlic scent that stays strong for a long time. It comes in chartreuse, blue, pink, and clear. I think this is a good buy and I will continue to use it.

Lady Bass Anglers Association Announces Kick-Off Tournament

at 7/28/2010

A new era in women's professional bass fishing is on the horizon in America!

The anglers of the newly formed Lady Bass Anglers Association (LBAA) take to the waters of Lake Dardanelle in Russellville, Arkansas for their Kickoff Tournament September 16-18, 2010.

Cheryl Bowden, Co-founder of the LBAA, spoke recently about the start-up of the LBAA. "It is an incredibly exciting time to see the enthusiasm and willingness of the ladies to take on an active role in the development of this new tour. Anglers from the past, present and future are all contributing to move this organization from a dream to reality. Lake Dardanelle is the next step of this quest, and it will not be the last."

As Bowden stated the LBAA is attracting both experienced anglers and newcomers to the sport. Emily Shaffer, a recent inductee into The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame, nine-time Bass 'n Gals Classic Qualifier, and current member of Strike King's Pro Team made these comments.

"I feel very fortunate to be involved with a women's tournament trail run by women for women. We are all pioneers with the same goals for the sport of bass fishing of our future generation. I am excited about what the future holds for the Lady Bass Anglers Association," Shaffer said.

The field for the LBAA Kickoff Tournament at Dardanelle will have many anglers with years of experience on the waterways of America. The LBAA is also attracting many fresh faces to the sport that have a high-level of competitive desire, determination, and drive.

One of the many new angler faces entering the LBAA is Jaime Hall from St. Louis. "I am honored to be a part of the LBAA. I had no idea what I was "getting into" when I signed up for the first tournament. I came to fish... but quickly figured out that I was part of something bigger," Hall stated. "These amazing women welcomed me immediately and they make bass fishing as fun as it was when I was a kid sitting on the boat with my dad," she concluded.

The LBAA is also creating a buzz in the fishing industry too as companies from all over the world are looking to have their companies and/or products aligned with a prestigious organization such as the LBAA. Phoenix Boats is one such company and Phoenix representative Jeff Hartung spoke recently with the LBAA about Phoenix Boats getting on board with the LBAA.

"We at Phoenix Boats are proud to be associated with the Lady Bass Anglers Association through our "First Flight" program as we feel they represent the quality and level of commitment to the fishing industry that we at Phoenix Boats strive for," Hartung stated.

The excitement generated by the LBAA is being felt in cities and tourism organizations across America as they are feeling the passion to host an LBAA event. One such organization is the Russellville Tourism & Visitors Center. The Russellville Tourism & Visitors Center is hosting the LBAA Kickoff Event and Executive Director Christie Graham recently spoke about becoming involved with the LBAA.

"Russellville is excited to host the 2010 LBAA Kickoff Tournament, we look forward to having the lady anglers and their families here for the week, which will bring great economic impact into our community, as well as, allow them to see what a great lake area we have."

Entry deadline for the LBAA Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament is August 17.

Official practice will begin for the LBAA Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament on Sunday, September 12, 2010. Tournament waters will be off limits starting at 12:01 AM on Tuesday, September 7 through Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 11:59 PM.

Days one and two (09/16 & 17) of the LBAA Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament will be the LBAA Russellville ProAm Event. All ladies competing in the ProAm Event must be members of the LBAA.

Day three of the LBAA Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament will be the LBAA Russellville Team Charity Fishing Tournament with the event proceeds going to support The Main Street Mission in Russellville. The Main Street Mission has been feeding the hungry in Pope, Yell, and Johnson Counties in Arkansas for over 15 years. The Main Street Mission is located at 1110 E. Second Street, in Russellville and for more information call 1-479-968-8303.

The LBAA Lake Dardanelle Team Charity Fishing Tournament is open to all interested parties. Entry fee is $100 per team with a guaranteed payout of $1,000. Each participating team is required to have at least one female competitor per team.

All three "official" tournament days will launch at "Safelight" from the Lake Dardanelle State Park with all daily weigh-ins getting underway at 3PM at the Lake Dardanelle State Park Pavilion.

Host lodging for the Lady Bass Anglers Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament will be The Best Western Inn located at 2326 N Arkansas Avenue, Russellville, Arkansas 72802-2218. Phone: 479/967-1000 | Fax: 479/967-3586.

Partners with the Lady Bass Anglers Association for the Lake Dardanelle Kickoff Tournament are: Russellville Tourism and Visitor's Center, Moors Resort and Marina, Castaway Graphite Rods, Ray Barga and Associates, Inc., Sportsmen's Edge Triton Boat dealership, West Kentucky LED, SHE Outdoor Apparel, Todali Lures, Necessity Jigs, Nite Owl Media Productions, Triton Boats, Dave Stewart's Big Bass Guide Service, Sure Life, North Texas Marine Triton dealership, Legend Boats, BassCat Boats, Phoenix Boats, Skeeter Real Money, and Fleck's Hand Poured Baits.

Partnering with the Lady Bass Anglers Association for the 2011 season are: CASTAWAY Rods, Fleck's Hand Poured Baits, Necessity Jigs, West Kentucky LED, Nite Owl Media Productions, Phoenix Boats First Flight Program, Skeeter Real Money, and River Runner Baits.

For more information on the Lady Bass Anglers Association contact: Co-founders Cheryl Bowden at 1-214-738-7517 or Secret York at 1-270-748-9041.

Punchin with the Miller Punchin Weight

at 7/27/2010

Punchin' has become one of my favorite ways to fish. It's an exciting way to get to those hard to reach bass. I have been following the Miller Punchin Weight for a few months on westernbass.com, as the western guys always seem to have the latest and greatest stuff coming out (I'm a little biased as I learned how to bass fish on the West Coast). I just saw this article and had to post it. Danny Miller talks about how he likes to approach punchin'. If you live anywhere where bass live in grass, this weight would be good for you.

Punchin' The Grass

By Danny Miller

You’re going fishing in the morning! The boats fueled up, your rods are stowed, your lunch is made and ready to grab on the way out the door. You’ve checked the Delta tide for the day and its 2.5 low @ 10:00 am. So what are you going to fish? Grass!

I love punchin the grass for bass. When that water starts falling bass head for deeper water, and one of their favorite areas is a grass bed. Sometimes it’s in around 4’ but more often I find they like it better in the 10’ to 15’deeper grass. You can see the top of it below the water around 2’down. Most of us just T motor right on over it and keep tossing something shallow. You see it down there you just don’t fish it, but the bass are there repositioned.

I like the smaller .75 punchin weight combined with a 5/0 Gamakatsu offset shank worm hook. My bait of choice is a sweet beaver in June bug, or a black and red color, but as the weather changes so will my bait choices. I always use 65lb. braid to help cut any grass the fish may go under. Use any stout punchin rod your comfortable with to get a good hook set. Add your favorite scent and your ready.

I start by dropping right straight down through the thick of it. If my punchin weight hits bottom I will count to 10 and lift it up about 6”. A lot of fish run off with your bait before you lift it up so watch for your line to start moving off. It’s like a small forest under there and fish can see quite well so I give them a little time to check out my bait. Fish that move off with the bait are hooked pretty easy with this setup so an easy hook set is recommended. If my weight stops half way into the grass or any where else other than the bottom I let it sit there and give it some small shakes. The bites while it is in the grass are more like the bites we are used to getting; a real slam sometimes really can get your attention. This is where I set with a vengeance. My good friend Dean Sault says I stop the rotation of the earth for a split second when I set, I will admit some of my rods have become 2 piece at that point.

Now, for a great rear deck presentation. We all get back seated at one time or another, weather on purpose or by accident it happens. Up against a tree, tulles or whatever. Just turn to the other side of the boat or behind it. Believe me it’s a whole new fishing hole right behind you. Every foot of that grass can hold a fish so start by lowering my weight through the grass to any where it will touch bottom. Then raise and lower your rod about 3 to 4 feet at a time doing what I call Yo Yoing the bait. Strikes come at random doing this so really pay attention and a quick hook set is a must.

Hope you catch 'em, Danny.

Season 3 to begin for Jarrett Edwards on WFN

at 7/27/2010

I met Jarrett last year and was really impressed with him. He is a great guy and has an awesome show. Season three premiers tomorrow and I can't wait!

Season 3 of Jarrett Edwards Outdoors will launch this Thursday on The World Fishing Network. This season has a large multi species approach covering Bass, Striper, Pike, Shark, Crappie and Trout. Since leaving the Bassmaster Elite series in 2006 Jarrett has focused on producing HD fishing shows for multiple species across the Western US. Surprisingly as a national show many viewers east of the Mississippi have picked up on many fresh techniques that the west coast angler brings to the table. WFN is also airing a free preview on Dish Network till August 18^th. It’s available on channel 390 and features 24/7 fishing in HD.

Jarrett Edwards Outdoors also has a new interactive website where you can see show trailers as well as other media. Check it out here: www.jarrettedwardsoutdoors.com Share

How to Fish The Flick Shake

at 7/26/2010

The flick shake is something I have started using quite a bit over the last two years. It's a simple technique that catches lots of fish. I use it whenever I see the chance and it always helps me get a fish or two in tough conditions. The question I get all the time is: "How do I fish it?" The internet forums seem to always have someone asking about it, and I think people just make it too complicated.

I had the chance to talk with Kota Kiriyama last year and he said the best thing to do with the flick shake is to just cast it out and let it fall. He said people tend to put too much action into the rod, the best thing to do is to do nothing, the bait is designed with all of the action you need. Cast, let it fall, and if nothing hits it on the fall, reel it back in. It's a finesse technique that can be still cover water quickly.

I like to focus on the ends of docks, rocks, grass lines and points in both land and in reeds. I have had my best success on the Junebug color, but Kota says his favorite all around color is Sunburn Melon. The worms come in 4.8, 5.8, and 6.8 sizes. My favorite is the 5.8, it seems to be the perfect size. Not too big and not too small.

My setup is a 7 foot Lamiglas Excel Drop Shot rod, with a 2500 Stradic and 8lb fluorocarbon. The weights I use depending on the depth and wind conditions, but I find myself using the lightest weight I can get away with. A 1/6 or 3/32 ounce jighead is perfect.

Try it out. Now is the perfect time to get out there and catch some Flick Shake Bass.