During the long winter months and prior to any fishing trip, it is a good idea to check and clean your tackle box.  Take the time to take everything out and clean it using a mixture of water and baking soda.  When dry, examine the items for damage.  Repair, clean, or replace as necessary before returning them to your tackle box.  You will be able to concentrate more on fishing because you know your tackle is ready to go!  Happy Fishing!

All species of freshwater fish find hellgrammites a tasty treat. They are found in most lakes and slow-moving streams. Try the Rebel Hellgrammite. It is so life-like with its soft, flexible rubber legs, the fish will go nuts! Slowly retrieve it around rocks, logs, and other bottom-hugging structure. When fishing your favorite stream, cast your hellgrammite down-stream and allow it to sink to the bottom, then begin and maintain a slow, steady retrieve. When you feel it bumping along the bottom, be ready…fish hit 'em hard! If a hard-bodied hellgrammite is not what you are looking for, we also offer soft plastic Lil Hellgrammites and Large Hellgrammites.

The best fishing on any lake or stream can be found around weedbeds, moss, rocks, stumps, lily pads, and other snag filled places.  These are the spots where most Bass, Pike, and other gamefish hide and feed.  For the best results fishing in these conditions, use a good weedless, snag proof lure such as the Moss Mouse Top Water Bait or the Manns Top Water Frog.  When fishing these lures, fish them slowly and use the pause-retrieve-pause method.  Once you get a strike, lower your rod tip, let the fish take the slack, then set the hook.  This will guarantee to get more strikes and catch more fish!

Give your chrome-plated spoons, spinner blades, and lures a new shine.  Use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to rub out the tarnished, stained, dull look after a busy season of fishing.  Take the time to do it during the off time so your lures will be ready to go for the upcoming season!

Here's a tip to keep your rods looking new. Start by wiping them down with a wet rag and dry with a soft towel. Next, apply a coat of wax i.e. Turtle Wax. Allow to sit for 30 min. then simply wipe off. Your rods will now regain their shine and look new again.

Cabin Fever?  Think spring!!  Spring cleaning that is.  With spring being only a few months away, now is the time to start cleaning your rods and reels.  Start by removing your reel and line.  Take the handle off and the spool off if it is a spinning reel.  Grab an old large tupperware bowl from your cabinet and fill it with warm water and a mild dish soap.  Place your reel and components in and let them soak for a few minutes.  With an old toothbrush, lightly brush each component.  Make sure to rinse thoroughly with warm water.  Shake excess water and dry with clean towel.  You will be surprised by how much dirt they hold!  Oil your reel and reassemble.  Now you will be all ready for the upcoming fishing season!  If you have any tips, feel free to share.  Good luck and let's fish!!

Whenever I go out on the ice, I always start with a few holes in the area that I have selected. If the bite slows or there is no bite, I will move 10 to 20 ft. away and drill a single hole and give this about 10 minutes or so. If the fish are there I stay, if not I will stay mobile until I find them. Good luck!!!

Add a small red bead above your ice jig, this works well for me when the fishing is tough.