Jerkbaits in the winter

The water is 52 degrees or below, the air is crisp and winter has begun. It's at this point that a jerkbait is a great bait to have tied on. 

Now this time of the year you want to use a suspending or slow sinking jerkbait. The reason for this is the bass are suspended and lethargic. So you want the bait to suspend above them or slowly sink to them. This keeps the bait in their face longer rather than floating back up to the surface. 

I also like KJsCustom Lures jerkbait's for this time of year. They have an amazing action but the key for me is their ability to match the hatch. I sent pictures of the my local forage and they were able to duplicate it exactly what I wanted. With that said there are some other key things to take into account before choosing the color of bait. For sunny calm days you want less flash almost clear and for windy overcast days you want more flash.

My rod setup is a ManleyRods custom MH 7'2 moderate tip cranking rod with a Lews Speed Spool 7:1. This rod gives you plenty of flex in the tip allowing a great action but still has the backbone for a great hook set. The high speed reel allows me to get the bait to its depth quickly and allows me the ability to pull up the slack extremely quick.  The key when working this bait is to cast it out then immediately reel it down to its depth 5 or 6 quick cranks will typically have you there. Then you want to pause for roughly 45 seconds on a slack line. Then jerk the bait but do not reel immediately point the rod tip back at the bait. Repeat this process back to the boat.  Your watching for a jump in your line that is your strike indicator. Play around with the pattern jerk jerk pause jerk pause jerk jerk etc to find what the fish are wanting.

Until next time
Tight Lines and Screaming Reels
EastTNKayakAngler

Divorce in the Yak Family

As the council sat around the table and fought for who got what, the clients sat staring at each other with gazes of anger and hostility. They fought over all the major things: who would get custody of the younger children, holidays, and special events. As for the kids that could choose, the clients bantered like baney roosters about who deserved them and why his or her household was superior. As the council members drew to a close it seemed like everything had been split up, they signed the papers and left. 

Little thought was given that day on things like the microwave, laundry baskets, tools, kitchenware, etc. All essential things when it comes to the big picture. The moment one of these separated families realize they need that parry knife or that laundry basket, the fight will pick right back up and continue. 

I paint this picture of divorce in your head because that's what it is. A dissolution of ability to work together, which is what we are currently seeing in the angling world. The victims in this situation, though are not children. They are all the programs that required both parties, the co-sponsored events, clubs, and even tournament trails. We as anglers and even more for prostaff and sponsored anglers will now see shifts in all of that.

How will it effect us? That's still not clear. Just like any divorce, it's too early to tell if the parents will just throw all of the little things away allowing the ability to start fresh. Maybe it's as subtle as an angling friend had to make a choice and now he can no longer fish your trail. Maybe it's your local shop, who you have built a strong relationship with is now on one side of this dissolution and you’re on the other. Do you risk your sponsorship to continue the hometown help? And do they risk helping you and making their side of the house mad? 

No matter the reason for the sudden call for separation, there are far more things effected than what meets the eye at first. These situations often get worse before they get better. Your steps from here must be well thought out in order to not set a new disturbance into an already unstable environment. 

Until next time

Tight Lines and Screaming Reels

EastTNKayakAngler

John Champion

 

Sponsors and the do's and don'ts

As an angler, we all grow up seeing sponsored competitors from every circuit. We idolize them, we follow them on every social media site and we desire to be them one day. Some of us do this because we want to be at that level and others because it gives a small break to what it costs our piggy banks, but no matter the reason, we strive to get there. 

What does being sponsored really mean?:

It means that the sponsored angler will promote the company and its products in a positive manner. Yes, this includes you, the angler, and how you carry yourself publicly and on social media sites! It means you will put in the hours to get pictures with new baits, rods, gear or sportswear. It means you will write blogs, articles, andposts to social media sites as well as discuss directly with other anglers how the sponsored product has helped you to succeed. When doing this, there are ways to do it correctly and ways to do it incorrectly. Avoid the approach of shoving it down others’ throats by over posting as well as avoid the attitude that “if you don't use this product, you will not succeed.” Instead, try “I can't thank my sponsors enough because...” or just hashtag photos with your normal talk in it. This approach allows the reader to connect with your company without the feeling of being told they have to. 

What does a sponsorship give the angler?:

Well, this varies widely across the board. Some companies offer discounts, while others supply product at no cost to the angler. The company’s expectations should be laid out and clearly defined in a contract, most being a year at a time. Make sure to go over this contract closely,so you know what's expected from you as well as what to expect from them. 

How do you get sponsors?

This can be done in many ways as well. It can be from talking about the product consistently, winning tournaments with the product, or meeting owners. However, being a good promoter is the fastest way to earn a sponsorship. Earning a prostaff position takes knowledge about the company and product as well as timespent using and promoting of the product. Remember that while being a prostaff member or sponsored angler is very rewarding, it is also very time consuming.

Do’s and Don’ts?:

Don't email every company there is and ask them to sponsor you. Don't put on your social media sites you want to be sponsored or on sponsored anglers posts to hook you up. Don't talk about every rod company, bait company, sunglasses company, etc and how they all are the best.

Keep your social media clean, free of trashy posts, political propaganda and family friendly. As stated before you represent the company of you are or get sponsored.Pick the companies you truly believe in and stick with them. Do send a quality resume with pictures. Focus on what you can do for the company, how you will do it but most important actually do it. Despite what you may realize the fishing community is very small and news travels fast of folks who just want hand outs. Do what you say you can do and always come up with new ways to spotlight the company. 

These are some of the things I have learned along the way that I truly hope will guide other anglers to where they hope to be in the sport. There's a big difference between sponsorship and being paid as a professional, so think hard about what is best for you before deciding which route you would like to go. I have been and currently am blessed with great sponsors and cannot thank them enough for the support they have given me on my journey. 

Until next time

Tight Lines and Screaming Reels

EasTNKayakAngler

John Champion