UNIQUE
PRODUCTS THAT REALLY WORK!
(By "The Bass
Coach" Roger Lee Brown)
Throughout many years of bass fishing I have seen so many different products
that have been introduced to the bassin' industry that I lost count years
ago. Some products have been exceptional, some good, some just okay, and
some not so good, and with the industry being in the multi-billion dollar
bracket there are literally thousands of products on today's market, and out
of these "thousands of products" there are just about a handful that I
surely wouldn't be without, mostly because they have proven themselves time
and time again to gain the "Exceptional" reputation they so richly deserve.
I would like to talk about some of these unique products that I have
stumbled onto over the years, especially the ones that have proven
themselves to be in the "Select" catagory when it comes to bass fishing. But
first let me explain a bit about my product sponsorships and how I promote
them. When I agree to a product sponsorship from a certain company I have to
really accept the quality, performance, and dependability of their products
before I can agree to promote them, the reason for this is because I have to
teach the students that enroll at my 3-day bass fishing school as well as my
bass charter clients how to use these products and why I use them, but let's
not forget the most important part, "A Great Product Will Sell Itself!"
PLASTIC BAITS
Now, the first type of product we will talk about is plastic baits. Over
the years I have used selected plastic baits from many different companies
and found that some of the companies may have a bait or two that might work
well, but as a whole I would find myself shopping other companies to get the
different designs, colors, sizes, textures, etc. that I really needed. (Boy,
talk about your inconvenience right?)
Well, we don't have to be inconvenienced any more because I found (2)
companies that supply just about everything a serious angler needs to fill
his or her plastic bait shopping list, and in all honesty I'd have to say
that "Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits" and "Bud' Fishing', Way' Inc." (who
produce the original Bobby Garland Gitzits) offer by far the best selection
and quality in plastic baits that you will find on today's vast market.
FISHING RODS
With all the different rod manufacturers world wide there are some
really fine fishing rods on today's market. I've used most all of them and I
can see a lot of good features in most of these, but, the particular rods
that I use (manufactured by Lamiglas) I find to be in the "Exceptional"
catagory. I use Lamiglas Rods for many reasons such as; durability,
strength, feel, comfort, quality, appearance, and selection and best of all,
the Lamiglas Company has just about every type of fishing rod you will ever
need for bass fishing.
PLASTIC RATTLES
When fishing with "Rattles" or "Glass & Brass" or any of these
combinations with a Texas Rig, Carolina Rig, Tubes, etc. you will usually
find that when fishing thick weeds, grass, moss, etc. the vegetation usually
gets wrapped around your tackle (hooks, baits, swivels, and especially glass
or brass beads!) and the whole purpose of the "Ticking Sound" is not what it
should be, right?
I found a company called H & H Plastic Rattles that has taken care of this
problem. The company makes a sealed rattle for all the rigs mentioned as
well as rattles for jigs, spinnerbaits, tubes, worms, and!!! they make these
in color assortments to match your baits.
Now, by placing the sealed Carolina Rig Rattle on your line and working the
thick stuff, no matter how much vegetation gets on it, it'll still make that
ticking sound. After using Glass & Brass for so many years with all the
frustrations that go with them, now I just simply put on a H & H Plastic
Rattle made especially for Carolina Rigs and let me say, "Boy, do they work
great!"
LURE RETRIEVERS
I used to own a lure retriever that consisted of a heavy weight with
little handles sticking off of it and a line attached to it. Now, when the
wind came up (like it usually does) it was almost impossible to direct the
boat and try to send this contraption down to retrieve my lure, sound
familiar?
I found a company that makes this retrieving thing simple! "Easy Retriever"
is the name of it and it couldn't be easier to use. You just slip the clip
on your line and down it goes, and most of the time it will knock your lure
free from whatever obstruction it got hung up on. The best thing about this
item is the cost!.... for a fraction of what I paid for the one with the
string retriever you can actually purchase a package of (3) Easy Retrievers.
A great time and money saver!
SCENTBOXES
I know you'll love this one! When a angler uses a fish formula (or
attractant) it is usually applied by squirting, pouring, or in the case of
the jelly substances, rubbing and spreading it on the bait. I know from past
experience that when you spray or pour this formula on a bait, some goes on
your boat, yourself, and mostly in the water, right? These formulas are not
good for the carpet or the finish of a boat. The average angler usually goes
through several bottles of formula in the course of a season (especially if
he or she uses it all the time.)
I have found a company that makes what they call a "Scentbox". It is a
plastic box with the ability to hold usually 1/2 of a bottle of formula at a
time and will last longer that you would usually go through about 5 bottles
of formula, but, the best thing about this Scentbox is that you don't spill,
spray, pour, or spread the formula on your carpet, boat, hands, or anything
but the bait itself. You just simply grab the line right in front of the
bait, lift the lid, place the bait onto the box, close the box, open it back
up and make your cast. The Scentbox is truly one of the best products I have
ever used!, in fact, 95% of my 3-Day Bass Fishing School students and Bass
Charter clients have purchased these Scentboxes after using mine. The cost
is about what you would pay for about 2 or 3 bottles of formula but you will
save money because you won't go through near as much formula as you have in
the past.
FISH FORMULAS
While being on the subject of the Scentbox, I found a certain Fish
Formula (or Attractant) that works better than any I've ever used in the
past! This stuff is so good that I've even doubled my setting ability with
Jig & Pig combos using it, and if you have ever fished this type of bait you
can understand what I mean, but not only Jig & Pig baits, this formula can
be used on all artificial types of baits. The company's name is "Scientific
Bass Products, Inc." and they make what they call "Kick'n Bass" fish
formula. Not only do they make a product for just bass, but they make a
Kick'n Trout and Kick'n Catfish as well. Now, the nice part about the bass
formulas is that they make a few different scents for bass such as Garlic,
Crawfish, and a Anise Shad formula that really helps fish to hold on to your
baits. As a pro angler, I know that a few extra seconds of a fish holding on
to a bait can really make the difference between catching the fish or not!
UNDERWATER VIEWING
How many of you anglers have certain spots (honey holes) that you've
been fishing for years? Wouldn't you like to find more spots like these?, of
course you would! Now you can do just that with this product called the "CatchCam"
made by the Axial Corporation. This under viewing camera is about the best
you will find. I have one and the more I use it the better I like it. It has
a 50' lead wire attached to a waterproof camera lens that is attached to a
viewing screen to allow you to see anything on the bottom you want to see. I
have fished many spots that held fish in the past but didn't know exactly
why the areas held fish, but now I know. It is truly an amazing tool when it
comes to locating bass, pre-fishing, or just learning why fish hold in
certain areas. The picture on the viewing screen is crystal clear, in fact,
you can see even the smallest blade of grass. Just remember, this shows the
actual picture and not the liquid crystal image like you would see on your
fish finder!
FISH CARE PRODUCTS
Probably one of the worst nightmares for a tournament angler is weighing
in a dead fish. Not only does this hurt when you get points deducted from
your total catch, but as a "Catch & Release" angler, nobody likes to see a
dead sport fish, especially a bass! Guess what, I have some really good
news.... I have stumbled onto a product called "Keep Alive" and what it is,
is a oxygen infusor. I know you are probably wondering what in the world an
oxygen infusor is so I'll tell you. This is a unit that you place in your
livewell (it has suction cups on the bottom of it, completely submergible)
take the wire lead clips and clip to your battery. Once the unit is
operative it disperses millions of micro-fine bubbles that give more than a
ample supply of oxygen to the fish in your livewell (which will keep them
alive). This is good especially when fishing the warmer days when it gets
hot and the surface temp get warm. Please!... make all efforts to keep the
fish alive for release!......
BASS TOURNAMENT GOODIES
When fishing bass tournaments time is very precious right? I have found
a couple of items that has really made a difference when it comes to not
only the protection of fish, but has allowed me that few extra minutes
needed to "Cash-In" in past tournaments, and has recently given me the extra
precious minutes needed when I qualified for the Vermont B.A.S.S. Federation
State Team for 2001.
The first item is called "Bass Tags" made by Bag-Em Products. What this is,
is a bass culling system that uses clips instead of stringer type snaps
(that damage fish when you have to insert them). These clips with the
colored tubes (attached) quickly attach to the fish's upper jaw securely
without puncturing or damaging the fish. Along with this kit, you will
receive a marking pencil and a weigh board to keep a quick record of your
fish caught during the day.
The second product that the Bag-em Products Company makes is a great
individual fish weigh bag that "once again" protects the fish from the
damage of puncturing it when using the hook connected to your portable weigh
scales. With this bag you simply put one fish in it, insert the hook from
your scale into the provided holes already made into the bag (once again
protecting the fish from puncture damage) and with the drain holes already
provided in this unique bag it allows the water run out of the bag while
weighing the fish for a accurate weight. Don't you just love companies that
have "Fish Protection" in mind when it comes to the development of a
product? This company also makes a very strong and durable Carry Bag (that
will hold together!, not like others I've used in the past that have either
fallen apart or torn easily) with handles to carry those big stringers to
the weigh-ins. All in all, the best thing about the Bag-em Products Company
is that (I am very proud to announce!) they strive to be the global leader
in the preservation of sport and tournament fishing by providing
conservation minded products.
OUTDOOR PROTECTION
How many times while outdoors fishing have you been attacked by insects?
This can be a real drag right?, especially while holding a rod in one hand
and trying to reel in a fish with the other hand, then by time you get to
put the rod down, you've been another victim of a insect bite. Or, how many
times have you been out in the sun and got a good sunburn or even a
windburn? Or, how many times have you been out fishing and get swarmed with
Nats?......
I have been through all of these scenarios and then some and it's not fun!
So after doing some research on products that can remedy some of these
problems, I not only found a company that has every product to take care of
all of these situations, but this company also makes one of the best bass
fishing products I've seen in many years (which I will talk about in just a
moment.)
The Tender Corporation is the companies name, and they make what they call a
survivor pak that comes with the following items:
1. A power pen (which comes in handy when you solely depend on your
flashlight batteries).....
2. Natrapel (a Nat repellent).....
3. Family Medic (a first aid cream).....
4. Ben's backyard formula (a insect repellent).....
5. After Burn (a Aloe Vera base product that really soothes a burn from the
sun or wind).....
6. After Bite (a stick roll on to take away the itch from a insect
bite).....
7. A carry Bag (for all of these wonderful products to be carried in).....
8. Usually we save the best for last, but before I tell you about this
amazing product I need to relate to you why this product is so great. How
many times have you went to make a cast with your rod when it gets wet from
the rain and you almost throw your rod overboard? I know that I have lost a
couple of rods in my days by doing just that, and I can assuredly say that
it can mess up a good day, especially if it's your favorite rod.
Now the last product you will find in this survivor pak is what the Tender
Corporation calls "Dry Hands." This product is a solution you apply to your
hands, rub it around and let it dry for a moment. Once you've done this,
grab the handle of a "wet rod" and try to slide your hand down it using a
little pressure, "You Can't Do It!" this solution actually prevents your
rods from slipping out of your hands when you get wet. A big money saver?...
I'd say so!
The Tender Corporation makes all of these products separate of course, but
with the survivor pak you get it all. I carry a pak both in my vehicle as
well as my boat, and let me tell you, there has been several times I was
grateful the products were there when I needed them.
CLOSING
Once again, these are all products that I have personally been involved
with and will stand behind each and every one mentioned. All I can say is
that you need to at least give them all a try and I'm very confident that
you'll fully agree with me when I say that these products are second to
none! If you would like more information on these products or would like to
purchase any of these items please Email me at
rlbrown@capital.net
or call me at (518) 597-4240. Many of my Bass Fishing School students as
well as Bass Charter clients are loyal to these products after using them.
As the old saying goes; "Try it, You'll like it!"
Until next time, Take Care & God Bless (Always!)
"The Bass
Coach" Roger Lee Brown
www.capital.net/~rlbrown |
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