Holiday Gift Guide: Day 22 - Rapala Rippin' Rap Lipless Crankbait

Like the name suggests, the Rippin' Rap was made for rippin'.  It works great for fishing grass like hydrilla when you need to rip it out of grass to trigger more strikes.  I like the small design and more narrow look and feel it has.

Lipless crankbaits have been around forever and everyone makes one. With that being said, it is hard for them to stand out from the rest. I think Rapala did a great job of making it different enough and still held true to what makes lipless crankbaits so effective; the noise and the vibration.

The Rippin' Rap retails for $5.79 which is a steal for this quality bait.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 21 - Zappu Abare Dama

The Abare Dama or "Wicked Ball" from Zappu is an amazing little innovation.  This was one of my favorite things that came out this year at the ICAST show and it was because it was so unique.

This little tungsten ball and screw adds so much action to the bait it is crazy.  It is unpredictable and I think it gets a few more strikes.  It's not something I am going to use all the time, but when you need something a little different it definitely stands out.  Retail is $3.99 for two which is pretty pricey, basically you can add two dollars to the price of your baits.  Other than that, it's a new look for your hardbaits.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 20 - Missile Baits D Bomb

Missile Baits has taken the fishing world by storm. With a whole line of new products designed by Elite Series pro John Crews, they got my attention early this year and kept it throughout. Ish Monroe showed the world the D Bomb could win a major tournament when he won on Okeechobee.  I used it a bunch in Florida and also in Washington State and despite the regional differences, the bass loved it in both places.

I like the D Bomb because of all the ribs on the body of the bait.  It seems to hold big hooks much better and doesn't get as damaged after a fish or two.  Overall, I've been very impressed with the D Bomb and all of the other baits.

A pack is $3.99 from TackleWarehouse and they have plenty of good colors.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 19 - Eco Pro Tungsten Heavyweight Flipping Jig

Eco Pro Tungsten has become the leader in tungsten weights and other products.  They keep coming out with new and innovative ways to use tungsten for fishing tackle, but they are also making some common items better.  The Heavy Weight Jig series is tungsten of course, but it has all of the features you would come to expect from a quality jig; good skirt colors, sharp hook and multiple sizes and designs(they also have a football head model).  They worked with Elite Series pro Jared Lintner to develop some awesome colors and because it's tungsten, you will have more sensitivity than any other jig on the market.

They will be on the market very soon and come in 3/16, 3/8. and 1/2 oz models.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 18 - The Swing from Damiki

Damiki makes some great soft plastics, awesome hardbaits and they even make hooks, line and rods.  I have been using alot more of their stuff this year and have had a chance to review some items as well. Some of them have made a permanent place for themselves among my other go-to tackle.  One of those baits is the Swing worm.  It's perfect for a wacky rig, as you can see in this video.

It's really meant to fish "flick shake" style, but works just as good on a weightless wacky rig.  I really like how the ends taper in towards the middle of the worm, it has a great action. Like all of their baits it comes in great colors and a fair price.  The 5" retail for $4.99 for a 12 pack.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 17 - Wave Away Screen Cleaner

Wave Away has been out for a few years and continues to grow in popularity.  I love the stuff.  It works great on the screens of your fishing electronics, but I also use it for my laptop, phone and whatever else I find that needs to be cleaned.  They have a great pro-staff featuring Brandon Palaniuk, Scott Martin and Brent Ehrler.  All of these guys are well-known and some of my favorites. If they trust it for their electronics, it has to be good enough.  Each of them is sponsored by a different brand of electronics and Wave Away is approved for use on Lowrance, Humminbird, Garmin and more. The product itself now has a brand new package that includes all you need to get started. 

They are also running a "Stocking Stuffer Special" right now where if you buy three you get one free. Retail price is just $14.95 and it is well worth it in my opinion.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 16 - Exposed: Pros On Tour

Exposed: Pros On Tour is a series of DVDs that is unlike anything else out there.  They follow top pros during actual practice days of Elite Series events. You get to see everything they do as they prepare for a top event. I found them to be great for learning how the pros break down water and plan in preparation for a big event. Most shows will just show them catching fish all day, mixed in with product plugs, but this teaches much more than you can get anywhere else.  The entire Season 1 DVD is now available and you can still have them in time for Christmas.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 15 - Hoo-Rag

The use of multi-purpose face protection continues to grow.  If you talk to anglers in states like Florida, you will see that just about everyone uses them.  They are a great way to protect against the sun, wind and even the cold.  I honestly couldn't see myself not using the, especially when the sun is the brightest during the summer.  I have found that I get less sunburned and feel more refreshed after a day on the water.

I have used a few different brands and really like the Hoo-rag.  They come in plenty of patterns and they do not have a seam.  Some of the cheaper versions have a visible seam that will big you beyond belief when it's on your face.  Check out Hoo-rag at hoorag.com, they retail for just $14.95 each.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 14 - Death Shimmer Double Blade

I have been a long time supporter and loyal user of the Death Shimmer spinnerbait.  I first did a review over two years ago and have been lucky to see this great bait design grow in popularity.  It seems like the rest of the world is catching on as it has been featured in FLW Outdoors, Bassmaster, In-Fisherman and many more publications. Well, they are now better than ever with the recent release of the double bladed version.

The original is still groundbreaking and effective, but the double bladed version is just that much better in my opinion.  The great thing about this spinnerbait is the vibration, now with double the amount of blades you have pretty much double the vibration.  It's been my go-to for colder water and especially if the water is a little dirty.  Check them out here.

My first bass on the prototype Death Shimmer Double Blade

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 13 - Bass Knuckles Clothing

Bass Knuckles has some great looking gear.  I like their style and designs and have been impressed with what they have been coming out with.  I couldn't narrow it down to just one item, so here are two of my favorites.

The USA Hat

The Sunburst Hoodie

They have many more styles to choose from and there is sure to be something that fits your style. The price ranges vary based on the item.  Check out the whole lineup at bassknuckles.com

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 12 - AR Lures Treble Hooks

AR Lures has some amazing looking baits.  They are wooden baits, hand crafted and hand painted.  They are like a piece of art that catches fish.  I was really impressed seeing them at ICAST in 2011, and this year they again had some neat things.  One thing I liked was not a lure but a hook.

These treble hooks are super sharp Japanese hooks but they have a unique look to them.  I have added them to several lures and like the added flash they give off.  They chemically dip them for strength as well as attraction, the result is a cool effect.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 11 - Z-Man Original Chatterbait Elite

The original Chatterbait from Z-Man has undergone a complete makeover...and it's a good thing.  The Chatterbait is one of my favorite baits to throw around grass, wood, rocks, really anywhere.  Now with the new Elite version it's even better.

Don't get me wrong, there really wasn't anything bad about the first version, this one is just better.  Start with the hook, the new elite version has a 5/0 Gamakatsu. You can't get any sharper or stouter than that.  They also added a bait keeper for your trailer and the eye is now closed. Overall, a much better bait.  It retails for $6.99 from TackleWarehouse.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 10 - Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel

The Revo has really changed the landscape of fishing reels, call it a "REVOlution" if you will. The addition of the Revo Premier spinning reel a few years ago was a huge upgrade to the Abu Garcia spinning reels in my opinion. Now they have added the Revo S, the Revo Inshore and the Revo SX.  I have been fishing the Revo SX this fall after drooling over it at ICAST earlier this year.  I am impressed!

Some of my favorite things about it are the improved drag system, slow oscillation technology (for better line management) and the eva grips.  Some people don't like these, but I am a big fan. They are comfortable and hold up well.  This reel retails for $159.99 and looks awesome when paired with a Villain.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 9 - Taylor Man's Flipping Jigs

Taylor Man's Custom Lures makes some great looking baits.  I have reviewed quite a few of their products and have yet to find one that I didn't like.  In each of the reviews, the quality and design of the bait really stood out.  They are not flashy products, but just tried and true lures that are made from the best components.  That makes a big difference for me when I choose what to use.  The Flipping jig was a real killer for me this year on Lake Okeechobee.  I relied on the 3/4oz model and caught some monsters with it.

What I like most about all of their products is the wire tied skirt that keeps it in place no matter how thick the cover or how hard the fish bites.  These little things make it much more enjoyable and efficient.  It comes in either a silicone or living rubber skirt and the price varies between $3.99-$4.49 based on the skirt.  I also like the thick 5/0 Gamakatsu hook they use on the bigger jigs.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 8 - Berkley Twitchtail Minnow

The Berkley Twitchtail Minnow was a late addition to my fishing season but it was well worth it.  In the limited time I used it, it outperformed many of my standard drop-shot baits.  I think the size, shape and time of year were the biggest factors in making it so great.  The size is a thin, compact three inches and the color selection is amazing.  It was also very durable and had a slight action that worked great on a drop-shot.

The small bait packs a big punch and is reasonably priced at $4.29 for 12 of them. 

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 7 - Rapala X-Rap Prop

Prop baits are so much fun to use and the bass really get on them at certain times of the year, especially when the bluegill are spawning.  There are some legendary baits in this category, like the Devil's Horse and others.  Sure they work, but they were in desperate need of a makeover.  The X-Rap Prop fills that gap and more.  It's not just an improvement, it's like a completely different bait.  I was totally excited for this after ICAST last year and after using it this year, I'm still just as excited.

For one, all of the components are much improved; better hooks, better finish, and more. The blades also are pretty unique and are counter-rotating to get a different action. Coming in at about 4.5 inches, it is a great size, and weighs 3/8oz and casts like a bullet. The X-Rap Prop retails for $9.99 at TackleWarehouse.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 6 - Eco Pro Tungsten Pro Wacky Weight

Fishing with a wacky-rigged senko is one of my favorite ways to fish.  It works across the country, throughout the year and for all species of bass.  I have been doing it for years and have tried every method imaginable for hooking the bait; o-rings, hooked right into the plastic and also with the Eco Pro Tungsten Pro Wacky Weight.

The Pro Wacky Rig Weight is my favorite way to use it because you get an added weight, a better hookup ratio and the ability to preserve your baits a little longer.

The added weight comes in the form of a small tungsten weight attached to the system.  It comes in multiple colors and sizes to fit all your needs.

The reason it has a better hookup ratio is due to the fact that the hook will now sit perpendicular to the worm as apposed to running parallel. Trust me, its much better and you won't miss as many fish.

It also preserves the bait since the soft plastic is held by the two prongs on the Pro Wacky Weight.  It's secure and you will notice less baits getting ripped in half after one fish.  It still might happen but overall you will extend the life of your baits.

Check out my review and video from earlier this year.  You can purchase them from TackleWarehouse and many other stores including Cabela's.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 5 - Think Tank Lures Triggerfish

The Triggerfish from Think Tank Lures has gained a devoted following over the past year. I hear it mentioned here and there and then talk to people who have never heard of the bait.  It's a specialty topwater bait, one that is really unlike anything else on the market. It allows you to literally steer the bait wherever you want it to go.

When I did a product review of it earlier this year it took me some time getting used to the bait.  After a few casts I was about ready to give up on it.  It does take some effort at first until you really start to explore what the bait can do.  Now it's just as easy as "walking the dog" or any other technique I have become used to. I have become much better at using it and can control the bait and have it to pretty much whatever I want now.  One tip..fish it on braid, it will make it much easier to walk.

It comes in some great colors and retails for $12.99. Well worth it and TBrinks Fishing Approved!

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 4 - The Damiki Air Craw

It's really hard for me to be impressed with soft plastic baits.  I use them so often and have every style, color and size known to man.  Once in a while there is a new bait idea that really gets me excited.  The Damiki Air Craw is one of those baits.  At first glance, I thought it looked like a cool crawfish imitator, but after seeing it in action underwater I understand why it is so effective.

Like the name implies, air is a big part of this bait.  The craws fill up with air and make the bait stand straight up on the bottom. It works great as a jig trailer or by itself and really does damage when sight fishing.

I stick with the more natural colors and the tried and true black and blue, but am thinking about experimenting with the white/silver color this spring for bedding fish.  As far as the sizes, it comes in 3" and 4" and both are compact yet bulky enough to be appealing to all sizes of fish.

Retail cost is $5.79 per bag, which is pretty good considering how well they work.

Holiday Gift Guide: Day 3 - The Rod Glove Pro Series

I'll admit, I was never a big fan of rod protection products.  I felt that they would take too much effort and waste time.  That was until I damaged an expensive rod.  I started using the Rod Glove products and now can't think of a reason not too.  I really like them for protecting my rods in my rod locker as they always get tangled up and it always happens at the worst time.  The whole selection from Rod Glove is top notch, but the Pro Series is even better.  They are made from neoprene material and are very heavy duty.

I did a product review and video of them earlier in the season and still feel just as strongly about how great they are.  They are gaining popularity and many of the top pros are using them now and it just makes sense.  Protect your rods and save them from being tangled.

The standard Rod Glove can starts at just $5.99 for casting models and the Pro Series is $9.99.