Best Copolymer Lines

Intro - Basics of Copolymer Lines

Copolymer lines occupy an interesting space in the world of fishing. Technically, copolymer lines are just monofilament lines.

​However, they’ve been crafted with a blend of different nylon strands to create a line with a different feel. They also carry slightly different characteristics than standard nylon monofilament.

At first glance, copolymer may look just like standard monofilament. A long strand of nylon is stretched out and creates a fishing line. 

However, as different types of nylon polymers are blended together, manufacturers can fine-tune the process. This crafting helps to create lines with different characteristics than standard mono lines.

Let’s take a deeper look at the specifics of copolymer lines. We'll review advantages, disadvantages, and appropriate applications.

​After that, we’ll take a look at some of the leading copolymer lines on the market, and give you some product recommendations.

• KastKing SuperPower Braid Fishing Line
• Great strenght thanks to abrasion-resistant polymer
• Shock-apsorptive qualities
• Thinner than comparable monofilament lines
• Less memory than comparable monofilaments

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• P-Line Voltage Tournament Grade Copolymer Filler Spool
• Tournament-grade durability
• Uv blocker for maximum longevity
• Abrasion resistant, sensitive and strong
• Highly durable, great for sunny locations

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• Sufix Tritanium Plus 1-Pound Spool Size Fishing Line
• Crafted from a nylon copolymer blend
• Anti abrasion formula for fishing in dense cover
• Low line memory for smooth casting
• Suited for flipping and pitching into dense areas

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• P-Line CXX-Xtra Strong 1/4 Size Fishing Spool, Crystal Clear
• Low stretch design with great strenght
• Comes in 2 to 40 lbs weights
• Thin line profile
• Excellent cost to value ratio

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• Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate - Monofilament Superline
• Braided copolymer monofilament line
• Braided design provides excellent strenght
• Thin line with decent stretchiness
• Superb casting line due to low line memory and low friction

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Advantages of Copolymer Line

Strong

Copolymer lines are usually stronger than comparable standard monofilament lines that are crafted from just one polymer, and this allows them to be slightly thinner than comparable monofilament and fluorocarbon lines, making them great for heavy-duty crankbaiting applications, or for heavy fishing. And though copolymer lines are stronger than most mono lines, they still maintain the impact resistance that mono is famous for, stretching when necessary to ensure that your line doesn’t break when you get a heavy bite.

Sensitive

Copolymer lines are generally quite a bit stiffer than standard monofilament lines, which makes them great if you’re looking to get a bit more sensitivity to smaller bites, but still want a bit of stretch and the abrasion resistance that monofilament lines are known for.

Menageable

Copolymer lines have less line memory than monofilament lines, making them easier to manage and deal with for extended periods of time. Fewer snags, less time untangling, and more time on the water.

Low Visibility

Like most monofilament and fluorocarbon line, copolymer lines have a refraction index quite similar to the water, which helps them disappear and reduces the risk of spooking fish with a visible line.

Sinkable

Copolymer lines are generally sinkable, unlike monofilament lines which have a tendency to float on the surface, so they’re a better choice for suspender rigs or bottom fishing, especially if you still want to maintain the characteristics of standard mono.

Water - Resistant

Copolymer lines are more water-resistant than their monofilament brethren, and won’t lose strength or absorb water, making them a better choice for extended periods of submersion.

Disadvantages of Copolymer Line

Visibility

While copolymer is less visible in the water than some fluorocarbons and all braided superlines, it’s still more visible than a standard fluorocarbon line, so if you seriously need to make sure that fish don’t see your line, it may not be the best choice.

Cost

Copolymer lines are more expensive than comparable monofilaments, as they use a blend of different nylons and require a more complex production process.

Durability

Copolymer, being made out of nylon monofilament, still has a rather low longevity compared to most fluorocarbons and braided superline, with line memory often becoming an issue after more than a year.

Applications of Copolymer Line

Deep Water Crankbaiting

Copolymer lines are a great choice for deep-water crankbaiting. Strong, and with a neutral-sinking profile and plenty of water resistance, you’ll be able to crank away as hard as you want and know that your line is going to be able to keep up.

Suspension Rigs

The neutral-sinking profile of copolymer line makes it ideal for suspension fishing, or even some swimbaiting if you’re aiming for a specific depth in the water column.

Jigging

Copolymer line can easily be rigged to run on the bottom of the water, and its stretch, durability, and absorbency make it a great choice when you’re jigging in tough conditions – docks, weeds, rocks – whatever it may be, copolymer line can handle the stress and help you reel ‘em in.

Copoly line is especially great for these applications, but it can also be used in pretty much any situation where you would use a monofilament line, but want the increased durability and characteristics that copolymer offers, such as in standard cast-retrieve fishing, and even some lake trolling.

Product Recommendations

1. Copolymer Line KastKing World's Premier Copolymer Fishing Line

This line by KastKing is a great example of what to look for in copolymer line. With a profile that’s less stretchy than monofilament, but not as stiff or unforgiving as braided lines, KastKing has also incorporated an abrasion-resistant polymer into the design of this line, giving it great strength while maintaining the shock-absorptive qualities that the best monofilament lines have.

This line is also thinner than comparable monofilament, with a higher strength-to-diameter ratio that makes it ideal if you need to spool up quite a bit of line, or just prefer a lighter, easier-to-manage line.

It’s also got quite a bit less line memory than comparable monofilaments, so it’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking to keep your lines on your rods a bit longer without having to replace them. And despite its many great qualities, this copolymer line is quite a bit less expensive than comparable fluoro and braided lines.

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2. UV-Resistant Copolymer Line P-Line Voltage Tournament Grade Copolymer Filler Spool

This copolymer offering by P-Line offers maximum, tournament-grade durability, featuring a high-quality copolymer blend that incorporates a UV blocker for maximum longevity. Any user of monofilament or copolymer line knows how destructive the sun can be to even the best lines – extended exposure often weakens the line, and makes it more likely to snag, loop, or even snap.

By incorporating a UV blocking agent into the copolymer blend, P-Line has avoided this problem entirely and made a copoly line that’s not only abrasion resistant, sensitive, and strong, but highly durable. It’s a great choice if you fish in very sunny locations, or if you tend to use the same line on your reel for extended periods of time.

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3. Anti-Friction Copolymer Line Sufix Tritanium Plus 1-Pound Spool Size Fishing Line

This copolymer line by Sufix has been crafted from a nylon copolymer blend that focuses both on abrasion resistance and a smooth, long, easy cast.

The anti-abrasion formula makes this a great choice for fishing in dense cover, as you’ll not have to worry about line snaps if you run into some troublesome rocks, roots, or weeds. In addition, the ultra-smooth casting line with low line memory makes casting into these areas a snap, even if you need to be very accurate with each cast.

Because of these characteristics, this line is especially well suited to flipping and pitching into dense, hard to reach areas that other lines can’t quite handle.

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4. Great Value Copolymer Line P-Line CXX-Xtra Strong 1/4 Size Fishing Spool, Crystal Clear

If you’re looking to stock up on a bundle of high-quality copolymer for a great price, this line by P-Line is a great choice. This high-quality copolymer boasts a low stretch design, great strength, and a thin line profile that’s still ultra strong. It’s also available in 2-40lb weights, so no matter your quarry, you’ll find the appropriate size for you. You can even upsize your normal line weight and still fit all your line on your reel, given the smaller diameter of this copolymer line.

So whether you’re looking to restring a bunch of casting reels, cut out some sections to use as leaders, or just need plenty of line in reserve, this line by P-Line is great quality and a fantastic deal.

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5. Braided Copolymer Spiderwire Ultracast Ultimate - Monofilament Superline

Here’s something you don’t see every day – a braided copolymer monofilament line. That’s right – though superlines are usually made from more exotic materials, Spiderwire has crafted a high-quality, durable line with copolymer strands – with great results. The copolymer blend is over 33% stronger than standard monofilament, and when woven together into the braided design, its strength is increased even further.

And despite the braided design, this line maintains a bit of stretchiness to give you some leeway if you get a particularly hard bite, or if you’re trying to set a hook and are wary of ripping through the mouth of your prey.

The thin design also allows you to spool up more line, making this a great choice if you need to do some extended fishing, and it casts superbly – some users claim that they get up to 30% more casting distance due to the low line memory and frictionless design.

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It’s totally durable, extremely versatile, and usable in just about any situation – saltwater and freshwater alike. For that reason, and all the reasons listed above, this Spiderwire copolymer superline is a great choice.

Outro

While it’s not necessarily better than monofilament or fluorocarbon, copolymer lines have many characteristics that make them a great choice for many applications, and every angler should have some copolymer line in their tackle box or garage. Given the different compositions and blends of nylon used, copolymer lines are versatile and can have diverse characteristics, even among offerings by the same company.

So whether you’re planning on doing some crankbaiting, setting up a midwater suspension rig, or getting ready for some shallow jigging, you may want to reach for copolymer line. Its strength, durability, and ease-of-use make it a fantastic choice, and once you’ve tried it out, you may never go back to mono lines again.

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How to Catch Crappie in Muddy Water

Many anglers avoid muddy water when crappie fishing because it’s extremely difficult to fish when your targets can’t see your bait.

However, muddy waters offer you a unique opportunity to know more about crappie behaviors and how to take advantage of these. You can even catch more fish than in clear waters! Here, you will learn important tips and tricks on how to catch crappie in murky water.

How to Catch Crappie in Muddy Water Using Bait and Behaviors

Crappie baits

Crappie baits. When the water is muddy, crappie rely on senses other than vision. This helps them know where they’re going and where the foods are. When sight is out of the question, crappies rely on their sense of smell and hearing.

They rely on odor, sounds, and vibrations to locate their prey. This means that you, the angler, need to use muddy water crappie bait that give out sounds, vibrations, and odor.

Live minnows are good muddy water crappie bait since they give off a strong scent. Rattling plugs and some lipped and lip-less crankbaits make sounds so they are great to use. Using a spinnerbait with one or two Indiana or Colorado blades is a good idea as well since these cause vibrations and noise.

When fishing in murky water, lure the fish slowly and steadily. Give them every chance they need to bite.

Crappie behaviors. Murky water crappies cling tightly to wooded underwater structures. We think they use these structures as protection in a new or uncertain environment. To catch them, slide a scented jug or live minnow right down along the wood. Crappies also go shallow in murky water because there’s more oxygen in the shallows than deep waters.

Best Muddy Water Crappie Jig Color

Another factor that affects your muddy water crappie fishing is the jig color. Many anglers testify that the best murky water crappie jig color is orange mixed with black. However, other great jig colors are red and chartreuse, yellow and white, and pink and white. Bright blue also works great. These are vibrant colors that will stand out better in murky water.

Crappie Fishing in Cold Murky Water

Crappie fishing in muddy water is tough enough already, but add to that the factor of cold water temperature, catching anything can be really frustrating! However, crappie fishing in cold murky water is not impossible. Here are two crucial tips to help you conquer the cold muddy challenge:

1. Fish deep. Cold water pushes crappies to swim in deeper parts of the water where they have better chances for body temperature regulation.

2. Use fish locators. To heighten your chances for success, you should use electronic fish locators to find the exact depths and location the crappies are swimming in. You’ll often find whole schools of crappie through these locators, and it will also save you time fishing in larger bodies of water.

Summary

Muddy water crappie fishing can be productive and will help you catch crappie all year round if you know tips and tricks on how to catch crappie in murky water effectively. Use scent-tipped and motion-creating muddy water crappie bait. The best murky water crappie jig color is vibrant and easy to see. Crappie fishing in cold murky water also requires you to locate the exact depth of fish.

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How to Oil a Spinning Reel

If you love fishing, you might already be familiar with spinning reels. Spinning reels, like many other parts of a fishing pole, need to be properly cleaned and maintained. Regular maintenance of the spinning reel helps it to last longer. Maintenance such as cleaning and oiling of the spinning reel is also crucial for it to perform better. Today, we'll show you how to oil a spinning reel.

Cleaning and oiling are basic, simple and quick ways for you to keep and care for a rod great for fishing. You should look at oiling a spinning reel as a necessity. A clean and well-oiled spinning reel doesn't require much of your time, but it can offer the ultimate fishing experience. Make sure you always have a well-maintained reel for you to have an easy and enjoyable time fishing.

Fishing is one of the most enjoyable sports and if you want to be serious about it, you need to know the different ways in maintaining your spinning reel. Proper cleaning and oiling can go a long way.

With well-maintained reels, you can expect great performance and it also helps to help the reel last longer. One way to perform maintenance on your spinning reel is to oil it. There are a lot of ways to put oil or grease on your spinning reels. Below is our guide on how to oil a spinning reel. After reading our guide, you’ll be able to realize just how easy and quick it is to clean and oil a spinning reel.

Prepare the Needed Materials for Oiling

Before you start to lubricate your spinning reel, you first have to prepare the needed materials for oiling. You will need the reel oil, some paper towels or rags to clean up, isopropyl alcohol and cotton swabs. To oil a spinning reel, you could work without the alcohol and the cotton swabs, but oiling is more effective with them.

Be sure to be careful with the products you will use in maintenance for your reel. Don’t include gasoline when you prepare the needed materials for oiling. You should never use gasoline in servicing your reels because it can potentially melt the plastic parts of your reels. You should use biodegradable products or isopropyl alcohol to clean your reels.

Remove the Spool Assembly by Turning the Drag Knob Counter Clockwise

After you prepare the needed materials for oiling, the second step would be to remove the spool assembly by turning the drag knob counter clockwise. For reels that a have rear drag, the release of spool assemblies can be done by pushing the release button. After removing the spool assembly, inspect for damages.

If there's none, you can start by cleaning the reel using some alcohol and cotton swabs. Again, never use products that could potentially damage your reel. Isopropyl alcohol makes for an ideal cleaning agent. Cleaning before oiling your reel also causes the effect of the lubricant to be better.

After cleaning your reel with the alcohol, you can then start putting some oil on the assembly. Next would be knowing which parts are to be lubricated with oil.

Which Parts Are to Be Lubricated with Oil

You need to put oil on everything that moves, is the best guideline, to perform proper maintenance. The parts of the reel that needs to be oiled are the line roller assembly, drive gear bearings, maintenance port and bail arm assembly. Depending on the type of reel you have, there might be more places you need to put oil on.

You can apply a drop, two or more, to the parts or use a cotton swab to gently lubricate the sections of the reel. Knowing which parts are to be oiled ensures you cover everything. Missing a spot can affect the reel's performance and increase its damage. When using oil, use the cotton swab or simply put a drop or two on the parts.

All operations of the spinning reel should then move smoothly. Another caution with oiling your spinning reel is to not use any degreaser, as it can cause premature wear and tear on the internal parts of the reel.

If you still think you don’t want to apply oil on the spinning reel yourself, you can always find a friend who knows how or a professional who can help you out with your trouble. However, it is always advantageous and crucial to learn the skill of doing the maintenance on your own, for your own convenience.

As you can see, it is actually quite easy to oil a spinning reel. You don’t have to fret needing to know too many technical details about performing maintenance on your spinning reel. All you have to do is know the basics on how to dismantle your reel and that's about it.

Dismantling the reel isn't even hard and might actually be fun for you. Don't be intimidated with putting oil on your spinning reel yourself. It's super easy and you also don't have to worry about damaging any part when dismantling and assembling the reel. It's actually harder to destroy some parts of the reel when oiling than not.

Follow the easy steps in how to oil your spinning reel and you’ll be surprised with just how easy it can be done. Again, all you have to do is to prepare the needed materials for oiling the spinning reel. Then, remove the spool assembly by turning the drag knob counter clockwise and begin inspecting for damages if there are any.

Lastly, simply put a drop or two of oil into all the necessary parts that need oiling. Know which parts are to be oiled to ensure you cover everything. We hope our guide with how to oil a spinning reel has been really helpful. Oiling your spinning reel should be a quick and effective process that lets you have a well-functioning reel, and it also helps the reel to last longer.

Learn the skill of required to perform the maintenance of your spinning reel and you shouldn’t have problems with having it cleaned or oiled.

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Fly Rod Weights

When I was a kid, any rod was good enough. If it could get a line wet, it was good enough for me. I spent many hours hauling out bluegill and rock bass with an pole stiff enough to prop up a house.

It wasn’t until I was older, I started paying attention to things like action and length. These have an effect on casting, hooking and retrieving fish. I had never even heard the word ‘action’ applied to a rod until I was nearly an adult.

Then I got into fly fishing and length took on a whole new level. Action narrowed down but greatly affected casting as well as hooking.

A new variable had to be considered: fly rod weights.

Fly rod weight refers to the weight of the line the rod should be loaded with for optimal casting. The selection of rod and line weight is an all-important consideration based on species.

Much the same that most normal people aren’t going to fish an Ugly Stick for crappie or a standard bass rod for catfish, fly rods are somewhat specific. To get the most out of a rod, let’s break down the weights and see what they are capable of.

Fly Rod Weights

Most fly rods are a single weight between 2 and 10. It seems strange to start at 2 but I have never seen a 1 weight fly rod and can’t imagine its use. Rods larger than 10 weight exists but they are usually custom made and beyond our scope here.

Some rods, mostly the budget models, are sold as a between weight so they could be a 5/6 and accept line weight for either rod. There is a lot of sense to this and this is a good way of exploring rods since there is some overlap in their use.

2 Weight

These are ultralight rods with very limited use. They are very slim, flexible, and can be quite hard to cast. Distances should be shorter and fish smaller for this rod. I find them useful for fishing small creeks with high banks that need shorter casting with greater line control.

• Best for panfish, brook trout, and other small fish
• Harder to cast with control unless distances are very short
• Rare and often made by only specialty fly-rod companies

3/4 Weights

These are great starter rods for those who only fish smaller water. You can bring in some medium sized fresh-water species including smaller bass. If you hook a bigger fish like a brown or larger bass, be ready to watch that rod bend!

• Works great for trout, smaller bass, and any variety of panfish.
• Great for fishing small water.
• Rod loads easier and casts better with less back cast.

4/5 Weights

The range starting at 4 weight is where most fly rods land. In this range, you get a great potential for catching medium and even some larger freshwater species. They have plenty of power for keeping fish under control and are moderately easy to cast.

• Great starter rod for most people, especially a 5 weight.
• Fishes well for trout, bass, and still works well for panfish.
• Easy to learn on and grow with, a rod you can use for a lifetime.

5/6 Weights

This is my personal favorite rod if you buy a dual weight. You can fish any of the fish below if you use a lighter line but an upgrade to a 6 weight rod opens up the world of bigger fish. These are probably the most versatile rods around.

• Most versatile rods around for what they catch.
• Great for anything from most trout, panfish, smaller pike and similar fish.
• Can fish larger, weighted flies for bass and pike while still being easy to cast.

6/7 Weights

I consider this the big fish rod for freshwater, it is likely the largest you will ever need unless you fish salmon and muskie. Starting at 7 weight, rods can become somewhat trickier to cast but are not yet too difficult.

• Great for anything from rainbow trout to any pike or larger bass.
• Moderate casting difficulty, especially for a starter rod.
• Can fish most any larger flies and top waters for bigger fish.

7/8 Weights

This is where we start to make the move to saltwater but still maintain the ability to fish most freshwater species. At the point around 8 weight, you are going to move away from fishing rainbow trout but browns are still good. In the salt, you can take on some of the moderate fish commonly fished topwater.

• Leave the small freshwater fish and go for the big bass, pike, and muskie.
• Can fish salmon and saltwater species like speckled trout, Mahi, and Snook.
• Starting into the harder to cast realm but still not too bad for the novice.

8/9 Weights

At this point, rods are getting harder to learn on and more specialized. Most people will never need a rod this heavy. Most people consider these a salmon rod but any salt species is viable as are the largest freshwater bass and muskie.

• Fish most any freshwater fish larger than a rainbow trout are fair game.
• Most top feeding saltwater game fish including salmon are great until you get to sailfish size.
• Hard to cast and take a lot of practice to use well.

9/10 Weights

– This is the high end for the big fish. I have known people to use a 10 weight on smaller shark species. They accept any of the larger flies well but are noticeably stiff. This can cause a lot of issue for the beginner and are best reserved for those with some practice.

• Fished for the largest fish including sailfish, salmon, tarpon.
• Freshwater rarely needs anything this large but could be used for muskie.
• Hard to cast, timing is critical to get a good transition between the back and front cast.

While none of these rules are truly hard and fast, they are a general guidelines on what you would want to use the rods for. I have brought in sizable smallmouth bass on a 4 weight rod and caught tons of panfish on an 8 weight. These are just not the preferred choice for those fish.

Rod Action

Where you can get a normal rod in ina variety of actions, fly-rods are narrower in their options. I would say that 90% are in the fast and extra fast range.

A conventional rod’s action is a reference to how quickly the backbone of the rod is reached. This is normally used an information on hook how sensitive the rod is and how quickly hook sets will occur.

With a fly rod action will also affect casting. Since this is the hardest skill in fly fishing to master, getting the right action is a big deal.

Medium and Lower Rods

These should not be used by beginners. Casting is very difficult and the need is very rare. Leave these until you know when you need one.

Medium-Fast

Most rods are not sold at this level until you reach high weight rods around 7 or more. You need a lot of line weight to get a good load on the rod for a proper cast. Of all the standard actions, this is my least preferred.

Fast

This makes up the great majority of fly rods, especially in the middle spectrum of line weight. They are easy to cast with moderately weighted line and perform well in a fight and on hook set.

Extra-Fast

Some rods, usually in 5 weight or less, are extra fast. These can be fun to fish with the added sensitivity and aren’t an overall bad choice. An added benefit is this action shoots line really well. It can be tricky to time but they can make some seriously long casts.

Rod Length

The final concern we are going to worry ourselves with here is the length of the rod. Most rods fall between 9 foot and 12 foot with most in the 10-foot range. Length affects casting but also your ability to control a fish.

Longer rods are often associated with more powerful rods with a higher line weight. These are designed to get the best possible cast for the stiffer rods. Generally, anything over 10 feet.

Rods 9 foot and shorter are specialty rods for very small water. I use a 9-foot rod to cast short casts in confined creeks in the eastern U.S. They can be harder to cast, especially if you want good distance.

For most people, a rod between 10 and 11 feet in length is probably the right choice. They do well at casting and get good distance. They aren’t as whippy and are easier to cast and maintain decent line control for tighter fishing conditions.

Just FYI, longer rods do not always cast farther.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that the species you’re targeting will determine the rod weight you chose.

If you want a versatile rod that can be used for multiple species, try something in the mid ranges.

If you have any questions, leave a comment, and I’d be glad to help clarify.

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Top 5 States for Anglers

Great fishing can be found across the nation, from coast to coast and every waterway in between. Still, there are some states that stand proud of their great fishing.

Narrowing this down is a difficult task. What makes great fishing? What kind of fishing? What species? Opportunities abound and we have endeavored to cover them all to choose the best states possible.

No matter what we do, we will still miss great states with amazing opportunities but here are the 5 we found that stand ahead of the game!

Florida

Florida is considered by many to be the fishing capital of the U.S. It has more salt and freshwater opportunities than any normal man could ever hope to cover. They have just about every great species in their abundant and varied ecosystems.

If you like fresh water, some of the best bass fishing is in the world can be found in the many rivers, canals, and lakes across Florida. With two bass exceeding 20 pounds caught in the last 20 years, this is the place to go to break records.

Though there are spawn times, bass fishing is almost year around in some parts of Florida. Other freshwater species such as crappie and bluegill are also abundant. Several of these species breaking the 4-pound mark have been landed by intrepid Florida anglers.

Florida Saltwater Fishing

While the freshwater fishing is amazing without a doubt, it’s the inshore waters and offshore fishing that are the key to Florida’s success. Some of the most sought-after fish lurk in the many mangroves, sandy flats, and deep channels.

Speckled trout in Florida is a sabbatical for many fishermen who yearn after its delicate and delicious meat. When the migration starts, anglers from thousands of miles away spot the shores and flats to search them out.

Two of the most prominent billfish call the waters off Florida home. Both marlin and sailfish are prized fishing. There are few sports fish that are more exciting to go after.

Grouper are a popular deep-water species that can reach weights well over 300 pounds for some species. These are a trial and test of a fisherman’s true grit. If that sounds a little too much, there are other species of the fish under 100 pounds that make for great fishing and great eating.

You can’t neglect the famous Mahi-mahi which are nearly as exciting to fish as billfish. In many nearshore shallows, these fish are prominent. Topwater fishing Mahi is about the most fun you can have in fishing.

If you are a fly fisherman, Kissimmee, Okeechobee, and the Little Econ River offer some of the best bass and panfish anywhere in the country. They will readily hit flies on the surface. Or take your fly fishing offshore for Mahi, snook, and redfish.

This is only a small taste of the opportunities present in Florida. There are dozens of species and more ways to fish them than you could imagine. Trolling, kite fishing, deep sea, are common or just put on a bobber and fish like a kid again. Anyway you do it will be effective. Check out the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for rules and regulations.

Considering a Move?

Most of the best waters in Florida are only accessible by boat. You may not have to own your own but renting can get expensive. Of course, you could just make friends with someone with a boat or opt for a Kayak for close shore work.

Much of the best fishing in Florida is in the Gulf. This is not to say that eastern Florida doesn’t have its opportunities, just not as varied. Luckily you can drive from one side to the other in just a couple of hours.

Florida is a very popular destination and it seems that every year more and more people are looking to relocate there. So, if you’re thinking about it, best move quickly. You can get moving quotes from TMQ.us.

Texas

Texas is a big state full of big water and even bigger fish. Well known for its bass fishing, this is only the tip of the fishing iceberg that is Texas. With abundant fish populations of hundreds of species in both fresh and saltwater, you could spend a lifetime fishing Texas and die happy.

As a jumping off point, let’s talk Texas bass. With well over a hundred national tournaments hosted in Texas, the species has to be abundant. Every year near record bass weighing more than 10 pounds and sometimes as much as 15 are hauled out of Texas lakes and rivers.

Other than the dead heat of July and August, bass are hauled in across the state. Enough that more charters exist for bass in Texas than any other state in the country. While the biggest bass are caught in Alabama, if you average them out the bass in Texas are larger by over a pound.

Moving on to other species, Texas is well known for is panfish and catfish. These are abundant in every body of fresh water across the state. The world record blue cat weighing nearly 125 pounds was caught in Texas. So was the one before it, weighing a mere 3 pounds less.

Texas Saltwater Fishing

Moving offshore, most species fished anywhere in the south are available in Texas if not so prolifically as Florida. The most commonly targeted oceanic species are mackerel, grouper, spotted trout, cobia, snook, and tarpon. The distributions are fairly even up and down the coast as long as you have the right habitat.

Shore fishing is less popular than in Florida but abundant opportunities exist. Galveston is the mecca of surf and pier fishing with Eagle Point Marina, Rollover Pass, and the famous Galveston Pier being the epicenters. Common species are redfish and speckled trout which can be quite abundant.

Texas Alligator Gar

One fishing trip that should be on every angler’s bucket list is to go after the massive, prehistoric Alligator Gar. These toothy monsters are made of pure, hard-fighting excitement. Not an everyday trip but just once you should go after one of these 7 foot, 150-pound beasts.

Considering a Move?

Most of the best fishing in Texas is on the eastern side. With the Mississippi and its many tributaries going all the way to the eastern coast. The most populated lakes tend to be in this half of the state. The further west you go, the worse the fishing gets.

Being such a large state, southern and western Texas can be hours from good fishing. You will need to plan your trips well ahead of time. The Dallas-Ft. Worth area has a lot of opportunities within an hour. San Antonia may require a few hours drive. Odessa and El Paso are very distant with overnight travel needed.

Shorebound or by boat, there are hundreds of options for how to fish any species in Texas. Kayaks are growing in popularity but the reigning king in Texas is the affordable Jon boat for all fresh water. Offshore, you will need something bigger. For all the fishing rules check out Texas Parks and Wildlife.

Alaska

Alaska is a huge state with fish to match. It’s almost hard to catch a fish under 5 pounds and even those are rare. Once you fish Alaska, no other state will cut it for you. The opportunities aren’t as abundant as some of the states in the far south but any opportunity you get will be pure gold.

Alaskan Salmon

Salmon is the number one fish in Alaska waters. From King to Coho and everywhere in between, salmon are everywhere. Chartered trips for Salmon are a huge part of the Alaskan economy.

Salmon takes us down a long road. It may be best to start with fish that aren’t salmon species.

Offshore this is predominantly cod and halibut. Both are abundant across the Alaskan shores and are fished deep. They lack the flair of sailfish or tuna but hauling either of the sizable species into the boat makes for an unforgettable trip.

Inshore, if you are fishing trout or salmon species, you are probably after pike. The Innoko River, isolated far north of Anchorage, is the capital of northern pike. The fishing here is better than anywhere in the world if you are after these toothy fish.

Every other species of fish commonly fished in Alaska are in the Salmonidae family. These are fished in both salt and freshwater depending on the time of year. Common salmon species fished are Coho, King, sockeye, and chinook with humpys being a little less common.

Mostly fished just offshore, these anadromous fish will move into the rivers to spawn. The many bays, fords, and estuaries are commonly dotted with fishermen. As they move farther upstream, they feed less.

Alaskan Freshwater Fishing

More on the freshwater side, trout are prolific in almost every lake and river in Alaska. Rainbow trout are the bulk of the trout caught with fly fishermen the world over flocking to Alaska just for this opportunity. While they may be the most sought after, they are not the only species.

Cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden are common in Alaskan waters as are their cousins the graylings. All of these fish are amazing fighters that offer amazing sport and a great meal. Lake trout in Alaska reach amazing sizes and can be just as sought after.

A special aside should be given to the sheefish. This mostly ignored cousin to the salmon reaches massive sizes and is only available in the far north. It is a fish everyone should go after at least once in their lives.

Deep sea fishing and fly fishing dominate sports fishing in Alaska but there is a place for your trusty spinning gear. Fishing Alaska is like nowhere else, you should get a buddy or a guide your first couple of times to get you straightened out.

Considering a move?

The most populous place in Alaska is Anchorage. Barring those independently wealthy people who don’t mind isolation, this is probably your destination. The good news is that Anchorage is near Kenai, the fishing mecca of Alaska.

Getting around Alaska isn’t like driving in the continental U.S. There are few roads and most of them stretch for miles. Go to Alaska prepared. In the winter, travel all but stops outside the local area.

Whether on a trip or a permanent move, be extra cautious of fishing regulations. They can change as the seasons progress and sometimes even the same day. Some seasons are open just for a few hours at a time. Of any state, Alaska is the hardest to understand. Check out the rules on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game site.

California

Having a huge length of coastline, California has a variety of saltwater opportunities. Strangely though, it maintains its reputation for great fishing from its freshwater habitats. Both stand above the average state but if you want bass, head to California.

There are a number of lakes that boast near record size bass of all species. Some of the more popular are Lake Shasta, Lake Almanor, and Castaic Lake. All of these offers amazing sports fishing for a variety of species. Castaic lake being particularly well known for big large-mouth bass.

If trout is more your game, you can head to Lake Cuyamaca which is stocked annually with over 22 tons of trout. Or check on one of the splendid trout rivers. Of these, the Russian River offers great trout and steelhead while the McCloud River is near world famous for rainbow trout.

If saltwater is more your style, over 90% of the population centers of California are within 2 miles of the coast. A little far to haul a large boat but if you fish from shore or the many piers, you can get some great fishing action.

Common fish caught from shore are halibut, herring, and sculpin all of which are fine tasting fish. You may also get maceral or the occasional calico bass of a pier or in deeper waters. While this lacks the diversity of some states, the fish are plentiful and active.

Offshore you get a few salmon and shark species that are commonly caught. Tuna are a more regular target but the real prize is the massive striped marlin. These 300-pound beasts are about the hardest fight in fishing with a notable record marlin taking over a full day to get to the boat.

San Joaquin River

All of this above ignores the crown jewel of California angling: The San Joaquin River Delta. This massive water body has thousands of miles of combined shoreland and offers the best fishing in the country. So large that a whale once got lost there, common fish are bass, stripers, sturgeon, and some huge catfish.

Considering a move?

If you fish trout, there are options in the far north, far south, and dead center. The better trout seem to be in the north but you can get action most anywhere.

Bass are prolific around the state with the epicenter around the San Francisco and Sacramento area. There are shore opportunities but a solid bass boat will get you the best fishing.

Offshore is usually done by charters due to extensive regulations. Shore fishing is open to anyone and available across the state. San Francisco Bay is the most productive but Santa Monica comes in a close second. Check out the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for the rules and regs.

Michigan

After a hard fought battle amongst its northern neighbors, Michigan wins the 5th spot on this list. Statewide, walleye and perch are the most common species and what Michigan waters are known for. Less well known is that Michigan is probably the second best state in the country for bass.

Bordering the great lakes on all sides and with over 11,000 inland lakes, there is almost no place in Michigan that isn’t great for the angler. Much of this depends on your preferred species but you are guaranteed at least one good species anywhere.

While the Great Lakes are not known for their bass, fishing at the right time of the year can be amazing with Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair being the best. Most of the inland lakes offer reasonable bass with Lake Leelanau and Lake Hubbard being the most productive.

But you fish in Michigan for Walleye and Perch. Maybe the occasional pike. You are spoiled for choice. Along with the lakes above, both Union and Burt Lakes are good.

However, the king of Michigan fishing is Saginaw Bay. With national walleye tournaments held here yearly, there is simply no place better. Channel cats are also quite common as is the very rare pike.

Michigan is a place all its own with a very distinct culture. This has extended into their fishing. Spinning gear is the most common while fly fishing comes in spurts every few years. Ice fishing is its own challenge and very popular in the northern areas. Check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for rules and regs.

Considering a move?

Of all the states on this list, Michigan may be the easiest to move to. Cost of living is lower and some places need a larger workforce. Detroit may be dying but the rest of the state seems poised to grow.

With a needed workforce comes needed fishermen. Stocking is down across Michigan as natural reproduction steps in to support the local species.

If you are good with perch and walleye, fishing in Michigan is great. Bass always take work and you may have to hunt for pike but the sheer numbers almost guarantee success.

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Tandem Kayaks

Kayaking is a great time for lovers of adventure and is a great workout all around.

 

If you’re an experience kayaker, transitioning to a tandem kayak will come easy.

 

If you’re new to kayaking, tandem kayak is a great way to get introduced to the sport.

So what is a tandem kayak?

A single kayak is one in which only one person rides in the kayak and is generally smaller. In a tandem kayak, two people ride together and paddle in sync.

 

Some tandem kayaks feature dual foot pedal drives. This gives riders the option of paddling or pedaling.

A question that might pop into the head of someone interested in kayaking, or even an experienced adventurer is: which uses make one type better?
Well it’s very subjective, but there are certain benefits that a tandem kayak have over a single kayak.

It’s more fun to go on an adventure with a friend.

Almost anything is more enjoyable with good company, and a tandem kayak is one of the best examples of that. If you know someone interested in kayaking, think about the type of bond you have.

You’ll find that going on a tandem kayak will be more fun and create stronger memories and bonds than taking two single kayaks.

Some people may prefer the peace and solace of going on a single kayak. But if you get along well with the other paddler, it’ll usually be significantly more fun to share your journey.

Tandem kayaking may be cheaper

When you tandem kayak, there are two people on one kayak, which means you only need to buy or rent one kayak.

True, a tandem kayak will be more expensive than a single kayak. But a tandem kayak will almost always be cheaper than two single kayaks.

That means that when it comes to having a two-person adventure, a tandem kayak is definitely the more financially sound decision.

Keep in mind this doesn’t always have to be the case. Depending on the quality, brand, and size of your tandem kayak, it may cost as much as two single kayaks or even be more expensive.

We’ll be giving you tips on which kayaks to buy, according to The Marine Lab’s tandem kayak recommendations. In the majority of cases though, a tandem Kayak will have more value for money than a single Kayak will as long as you have a partner.

A tandem Kayak is usually more stable.

You have probably seen videos of people in Kayaks comically (or maybe not so comically) fall out of their kayaks.

This is especially common in more turbulent water or if the kayaker in question is not very experienced. While a tandem kayak isn’t immune to these situations, it is generally more stable.

Due to its larger size and longer frame, a tandem kayak, is usually heavier. This normally leads to greater stability than the average single kayak.

Also, having a partner with you means that you’ll generally be safer. If you lose balance or fall over, you will have your partner right next to you to help you in case you need it.

It will help synchronize with your partner

When you tandem kayak, you have to synchronize with your partner. Many people can consider tandem kayaking to be an exercise that can strengthen your bond with whoever your partner is.

Some companies actually use tandem kayaking as a team-building exercise. So, if you’re interested in learning how to work better with someone, tandem kayaking could be a good choice.

It’s great if you want to bring a child along.

You may have a child that you want to introduce to kayaking but the child is not old enough to paddle their own kayak. Then a tandem kayak is the perfect solution. This will also work if you want to bring your dog along too.

I’m convinced!

Buying a kayak can be a fairly intimidating experience. Especially buying a tandem kayak, where you are responsible for the kayaking experience of two people.

Still, this does not take away from the enormous value a tandem kayak could provide. Remember, you’re buying only one kayak for two people.

The tandem is definitely much more stable, and it helps build a synchronization between you and your partner. At the end of the day, you want the best kayaking experience you can get, and the tandem kayak definitely delivers!

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Building a Homemade Ice Fishing Sled

Carrying around your ice fishing gear can be exhausting. When you’ve been out on the ice all day, you need a simple solution that won’t wear you down. A homemade ice fishing sled can help make lugging your rod, reel, traps, bait, and equipment around a lot easier.

How to Make a Homemade Ice Fishing Sled

First, you will need some basic materials:

• A snow sled
• Bolts
• Screws
• Waterproof adhesive/buttons
• Drill
• Waterproof cloth
• Steel pipes

1. Creating the Design

As simple or as complex as it can be, plan your equipment the way you want it. Consider what you will be hauling inside of it. You may want to build your homemade ice fishing sled solely as mobile storage for your equipment. Maybe you want a more complex one which will serve as a shelter during cold winds.

When planning the design, it is also important to know how far you go for ice fishing. What are the temperatures like? How is the snow at your regular fishing spots? Knowing these answers will give you an idea on how you should build your toboggan.

2. Buy the Necessary Equipment

You can get a basic plastic sleigh if you want to use it just for storing your things. However, if you need one that you can sit on or use as shelter, opt for a larger sled.

Whatever type of toboggan you buy or build, get a waterproof cover to keep your equipment dry. Make sure it can cover all the gear that your sleigh will be carrying. The best way to make sure the cover will work is to measure the base of your sled. You want your waterproof cover to be twice as big as the base.

The Deluxe Universal Ice Fishing Sled Cover by Trophy Angler will easily cover a Frabill 2110 with measurements of: 83 x 58 x 61.5 inches.

You will also need a steel pipe that should be at minimum 12-feet in length. These measurements will need to be adjusted to the size of your sled.

3. Assemble the Structure

See to it that the length of the pipe is just enough for your sleigh. Then, bend each end of the pipe using a pipe bender to make a curve on both ends. Attach the sled and the pipe by drilling holes at each end of both, then bolting them together.

4. Add the Cloth on the Sled

You may want to attach your cover by putting on a waterproof adhesive or screw the cloth around your sled as your cover. Leave one end open for you to load and unload your equipment. For a better and more optimal cover, you can have buttons attached to your sled and cloth to cover your sleigh or leave it wide open without a covering cloth.

5. Accessorize

To make it more personal, you may also want to mount a large storage bin or a cooler to your sled. Whatever accessories or mountable equipment you add, make sure you have them placed at the right corners to keep your sled balanced.

Wrap Up:

You don’t need to buy an expensive sleigh in stores. You can make a durable homemade ice fishing sled for yourself at a lower price. When you opt to make your own equipment, personalizing becomes a lot easier.

[responsive_video type=’youtube’ hide_related=’1′ hide_logo=’1′ hide_controls=’1′ hide_title=’0′ hide_fullscreen=’1′ autoplay=’0′]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVeWioR0YDw[/responsive_video]

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Best Ice Fishing Glove to Protect from the Cold

It’s the winter season, and this is the time of year you grab your gear and go out ice fishing. However, you won’t be able to experience the joy and fun of this outdoor activity if you already feel like you’re freezing to death. The extremely low temperatures will undoubtedly make you cold even if you are wearing plenty of clothing. Using the perfect ice fishing glove will help you remain warm and toasty.

It is important that you should wear the right clothes for ice fishing. Keep yourself dry, warm, and protected from ice, cold and snow with a pair of the best cold weather fishing gloves.

An ice fishing glove is paramount when it comes to freezing temperatures. Your gloves should more than adequately protect you from the elements. Just like a great pair of ice boots would do.

Using Waterproof Fishing Mittens

Make sure that the gloves that you decide on are the best waterproof fishing mittens you can find. The temperature outside is already freezing cold, the last thing you want to do is get your clothes wet. Using waterproof fishing mittens is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your appendages don’t become frostbitten.

Next, you will want to look at how textured the glove is. If your waterproof fishing mittens are textured, they will allow you to firmly grip your fishing pole. This will help keep you from losing your catch. No angler wants to hook that perfect catch and then turn around and have their fish get away. Don’t let this happen to you because you didn’t have the proper grip due to your gloves.

Use the Best Cold Weather Fishing Gloves for Your next Trip

While looking for the best cold weather fishing gloves, you need to be sure they will extend past your wrist. This might not immediately jump out at you as something that would be necessary. Just like every other piece of cold weather gear, the more, the better.

Determine the type of material that you want to have your best cold weather fishing gloves to be made out of. Neoprene is a popular material choice because it is water-resistant. However, different kinds of neoprene can be chosen from as well. Think about what will be the best fit for the sort of cold weather fishing that you plan on doing, and from there you can make the best decision.

If you decide to go with a cheaper ice fishing glove that they probably won’t last you as long. Just go with a more expensive pair. This might be alright for someone who isn’t an enthusiast of ice fishing who only goes maybe once or twice a year. For the serious ice anglers, who love to be out on the frozen lake boring holes and waiting for the perfect catch, owning equipment that is built to last is imperative.

There is a lot of protective gear that is necessary when you plan on going out onto the lake for a day of adventure. Your ice fishing gloves keep your hands and fingers warm, and with the right pair, you will have the ability to grip the rod and pull in that perfect catch.

 

If you are not concerned with your gloves being 100% waterproof, then check out the pro angler glove by glacier glove:

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