Bass Thumb Fishing

Shimano SLX DC Reel Review: Precision Fishing with Digital Control

admin — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 17:27:51 +0000

Shimano SLX DC Reel Review: Precision Fishing with Digital Control

When it comes to baitcasting reels, Shimano has always been a name synonymous with quality and innovation. The Shimano SLX DC reel is no different, taking precision fishing to a whole new level with its cutting-edge digital chip technology. In this review, we’ll delve into the details of the SLX DC reel and explore how the digital chip enhances your fishing experience.

Digital Chip Technology

At the heart of the Shimano SLX DC reel lies the digital control (DC) technology. This innovative system incorporates a microcomputer that constantly monitors the speed and rotation of the spool, making thousands of adjustments per second. The result is unparalleled casting accuracy and control, regardless of your skill level.

One of the standout features of the SLX DC reel is its remarkable casting precision. Thanks to the digital chip, every cast feels effortless, and the backlash that plagues many baitcasting reels becomes a thing of the past. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your casting or a seasoned angler aiming for pinpoint accuracy, the SLX DC reel delivers.

The digital chip analyzes spool speed and applies brake adjustments in real-time, ensuring that your bait lands exactly where you want it. No more frustration over tangled lines or lost lures. With the SLX DC reel, your casting game will reach new heights.

Customizable Settings

The beauty of the digital chip technology in the SLX DC reel is its versatility. It allows you to customize the reel’s settings to match your preferred fishing style. Whether you’re using lightweight finesse baits or heavy crankbaits, you can fine-tune the brake settings with ease.

The adjustable brake settings are accessible through a user-friendly interface, and the digital display provides real-time feedback on the spool’s speed. This level of customization empowers anglers to adapt to various fishing conditions effortlessly.

Durability and Build Quality

Aside from its advanced technology, the Shimano SLX DC reel boasts exceptional durability and build quality. The reel features a sturdy HAGANE body, which is precision-engineered to withstand the rigors of fishing. Whether you’re battling trophy-sized bass or casting in challenging environments, this reel can handle it.

Smooth Retrieval

The SLX DC reel is not just about casting; it excels in retrieval too. The reel’s gears are designed for seamless operation, ensuring a smooth and effortless retrieval experience. You’ll appreciate the consistent and reliable performance of this reel as you bring in your catch.

Versatility

The Shimano SLX DC reel isn’t limited to one style of fishing. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques, from finesse fishing to heavy-duty applications. Whether you’re chasing largemouth bass in freshwater or targeting saltwater species like redfish and snook, this reel has you covered.

Price Point

One might expect that a reel with such advanced technology and performance would come with a hefty price tag, but Shimano has managed to keep the SLX DC reel surprisingly affordable. This makes it an excellent choice for both seasoned anglers looking to upgrade their gear and beginners seeking a reliable, easy-to-use baitcasting reel.

Conclusion

In summary, the Shimano SLX DC reel is a game-changer in the world of baitcasting reels. Its digital chip technology revolutionizes casting precision and control, making it a top choice for anglers of all skill levels. With customizable settings, durability, smooth retrieval, and versatility, it’s hard to find a reel that offers as much value at this price point.

If you’re ready to take your fishing to the next level and experience the benefits of digital control technology, the Shimano SLX DC reel is a wise investment. Say goodbye to frustrating backlashes and hello to precise, effortless casting. Shimano has once again proven why they are a trusted name in the fishing industry, and the SLX DC reel is a testament to their commitment to innovation and quality. Happy fishing!

The post Shimano SLX DC Reel Review: Precision Fishing with Digital Control appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

Squid fishing 101

admin — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 13:02:48 +0000

Squid fishing 101

Up here in the Northeast a common dish at any local seafood restaurant is calamari or squid. Not only are the delicious to us humans but striped bass also love them, so they make a good bait. No matter the end goal with squid, you can catch your own in Northeast waters. There are charters but you can also catch them from specific locations close to or from the shore. Here we will go over how we fish for squid from shore. Here is Squid Fishing 101

What you will need for gear

For gear you are going to want a light action rod. I actually use a cheap fresh water rod for this. A small 2500 or 3000 size spinning reel will work just fine. A light line will be best as well. Line type does not matter too much here. The squid are light so the goal is to be able to feel when they hit. You will then want a leader and squid jigs. You can use a high low with different squid jig colors or sizes to mix it up.

Squid jigs contain a bunch of little hooks in a line. Usually there are two rows of them at the bottom of the jig. They are used to jig for squid because of how the squid attacks the bait. Squid will attack from below and as its mouth is not large, you really are trying to entangle the tentacles into the many hooks on the rig. You can find all types of squid rigs to use. They usually resemble the shape of a small bait fish or shrimp but are bright in colors. Some even have glow in the dark properties.

Fishing Spots

Generally, you want an elevated place such as a dock that can get you over deeper water that is well lit. Squid love light. They are attracted to light like crazy. If you can find a dock or board walk that has bright lights shining into the water, it’s a good place to try. There is a location outside of Boston where it is very common to find people jigging for bass but there is no light source. In this case, anglers will bring a small generator out and power flood lights that they shine into the water. The light is so important that I have seen people using them catching squid on every drop and next to them, just outside the light anglers will go without any. One the other side, a person with a light source and the same thing as the first. You just should be considerate of the location if you intend to use a generator.

How to jig for squid

Once you have the high low rig set up with a smaller sized weight you are ready. If on a dock or fishing pier you simply either want to drop straight down or cast it out just a little bit. The goal is to pop or twitch the bait. You can do this by quickly raising the rod tip and dropping it back down. You will want to slowly reel in every couple pops. Its a little surprising when a squid hits for the first time. When they hit, it doesn’t quite feel like a fish hit. The feeling is almost a slight hit that will almost feel like seaweed is caught on your line when reeling in. After a while, you will get use to how they hit the bait.

Keep in mind that when you reel them up, they will squirt ink shortly after being brought above the surface. Sometimes its right after and others its when taking them off the hook. The ink will stain so its best to wear clothes you don’t care about. This is also why I recommend doing it from shore, instead of on your boat. They also will change color after being brought above the surface. Usually, they go from a more vibrant color to a duller of a color, but it is noticeable.

The post Squid fishing 101 appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

Four frozen baits for striper fishing

admin — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 14:02:08 +0000

Four Frozen baits for striper fishing

We all know live fresh bait is the best choice but there are times when using frozen bait while striper fishing is necessary. It may be the easiest way to get actual flesh bait. You can stop by any bait and tackle shop and chances are they will have at least frozen bait available. When striper fishing, which frozen baits work the best? Well, here I will share four frozen baits for striper fishing that I typically use in the northeast.

Mackerel

Frozen Mackerel is a good choice for stiped bass. They still enjoy the frozen meat of a Mackerel. Typically, you want to cut the bait in about 1 inch wide chunks. You can of course use the tail and head as well from these. The head is a little harder to keep on the hook but other than that the stripers don’t care. A couple of small frozen Mackerel will last you a couple of hours. If not jerked around or ripped up by smaller fish, it will last a while just sitting in the water. But of course you want to still change the bait after a while if it appears water logged.

Clams

Another great choice for frozen bait. While using clams you will not need a knife to cut but you will want to let them defrost a little while before they are used. This is due to how they are packaged. They usually come in a plastic container like duck sauce from a Chinese restaurant. And they are packed tight, so trying to break them free frozen can be challenge. Once thawed, you simply grab one from the container and throw it on your choice of rig. These can come off the hook relatively easy.

Squid

In my opinion, this is the best bait in terms of staying on the hook. These will come frozen whole. The way I prep them is to rip the tentacle section from the body. You can then use the tentacle section whole. For the body part, cut a slit on one side length wise. This will allow you to open the squid ring and then slice half inch strips length wise. You can then hook the squid strip a few times which will help it remain on the hook.

Pogies (Menhaden)

Very similar to how you use Mackerel but as some bait shops you can get a smaller fish and use the entire thing. In other cases, if they are large, you want to cut them into chunks. In my case, this is the frozen bait I use the least. Not to say it’s bad bait, I just prefer and grew up using the others more often.

These baits can be used on a variety of rig types. I commonly
use the chunk bait bottom rig or hi low rig, but others will work fine. You can
even just use a hook with no weights and drift the bait. If doing this, you are
better off using a heavier piece of bait, think large chunk of Mackerel or
whole Pogie as a squid stipe would not be heavy enough to sink.

Keep in mind when choosing which baits to use its always
important to consider target species and location of where you are striper fishing.
You may also encounter other fish species when using these baits. Stripers are
not the only fish that will eat these baits. In the northeast, Black Sea Bass,
Fluke, Dogfish, and a variety of others will be attracted to these baits.

The post Four frozen baits for striper fishing appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

Fishing Reel Gear Ratio Explained

admin — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 17:24:23 +0000

fishing reel gear ratio explained

Ok, so you’re in the market for a new reel. Awesome! Now comes all the choices. Will you get a spinning reel or casting? What size? And don’t forget the gear ratio choices! There are a lot of fine details when picking out your new reel. Choosing the right reel for what you intend to do is important. Here, we will be explaining fishing reel gear ratio and how it impacts your choice in reels.

Let us first look at how to read the gear ratio. In most cases, the gear ratio will be printed directly on the reel. Let’s take the example of 5.2:1 and 6.2:1. These are both common gear ratios for spinning reels. Fishing reels with a ratio of 5.2:1 (read 5.2 to 1) means the spool rotates 5.2 times for every 1 rotation of the reel handle. 6.2:1 being 6.2 spool rotations to a full rotation of the reel handle.

Now that we understand how to read the ratio and understand what it means we need to picture what this does. A bait caster generally has a wider range of gear ratios than a spinning reel does. On the higher end some can be over 8.0:1. So taking a higher end and lower end comparison hopefully will explain the difference. Imagine a 5.2:1 reel retrieving 100 yards of line vs an 8.0:1 reel retrieving 100 yards of line. Let’s assume the reel handles
are rotating at the same speed on both reels. Which one will reel in the line faster? Always the reel with the higher ratio. In this case the 8.0:1 reel. The gear ratio directly affects the speed at which the reel will pull line in.

With all that said about speed, you can of course also speed up or slow down your retrieve by just reeling in faster or slower. It is generally easier to slow down a retrieve than it is to speed it up. So, keep this in mind with the higher end gear ratios.

Why the need for so many different gear ratios?

New ways of setting up bass fishing tackle are coming out each year. With all these different presentations demand began for more gear ratios. Anglers who want the power of a low speed reel to keep deep diving baits to their maximum depths now can have that just as an angler who wants speed using a high speed reel to keep a buzz bait on the surface can have that.

All this may make it sound complicated but here is the general rule of thumb:

5.1:1 thru 5.4:1 – ideal for big baits that pull a lot, such as deep crankbaits, spinner baits and swim baits

6.1:1 thru 6.4:1 – ideal for multiple techniques but basically anything strike related such as crank baits, spinner baits and umbrella rigs

7.1:1 thru 8.1:1 – ideal for a rigg where you use your rod to create the action such as jigs, Texas rigs, top waters, and jerk baits

Some reel manufacturers will even label their reels for specific used. Shimano has a system like this. They have PG reels for Power Gearing, HG for High Gearing and XG for Extra-High Gearing.

Remember, the gear ratio is not going to make or break you in most cases. Yes, it’s important, but people catch fish on string attached to bamboo poles. If there is a reel you like otherwise and think the gear ratio will work, go for it.

The post Fishing Reel Gear Ratio Explained appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

What you need to start bass fishing

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 18:05:49 +0000

what you need to start bass fishing

So, you’re a beginner looking for what you need to start bass fishing. We are going to cover the basics you will need to start bass fishing from shore. We will cover in depth more about the different ways to bass fish in another post. This is just to get you started.

There are so many ways to bass fish, there really isn’t a wrong way. But to get you started in the bass fishing sport you only need really the basics. Here is what you need to start bass fishing:

Fishing Rod
Fishing Reel
Hooks
Weights
Bobber
Bait

Fishing Rod

One of the most important pieces of your gear when fishing for anything is the fishing rod. There are a variety of fishing rods out there today on the market. All designed for specific fishing applications. However, in this article we are assuming you are just getting into the sport of bass fishing. In this case, the recommendation would be something of the medium fast action category. You can check out our other posts for the finer details of a fishing rod. For a beginner, a rod in the 7ft range with medium power and fast action will allow you the most variety of bait choices so it is a good place to start.

Fishing Reel

Next we want to find a fishing reel for bass fishing. There are two route you can go into here. A spinning reel or a bait caster. Both have their pros and cons, but if you are just starting and never fished a bait caster before, you may want to consider using a spinning reel. The learning curve is much simpler than a bait caster. But either work when bass fishing. There are finer details that will help you decide which is better for a particular application, but that will come as you learn more techniques. Most professional anglers and even amateurs will carry a variety of rods and reels when bass fishing. When looking into a spinning reel, or reels in general, you will notice the term gear ratio. This depicts how many times the spool winds to 1 rotation of the reel handle. A higher ratio like 1:7 will reel in faster than a reel gear ratio of say 1:5. Again, if you are just starting out, don’t worry about the gear ratio. You can always reel faster

Hooks

There are a variety of hooks on the fishing market today. All made for different applications or sizes of baits. I wont get into too many details here but if you are using a stick bait, or paddle tail bait you will want to use an EWG (Extra Wide Gap) hook. If you are using live bait you will want just a regular worm/bait hook. There are hooks made for all applications, so if you have a specific method in mind, research the hook to see what works best. They also make different sizes of each hook. Most companies mark the size by something like a 1/0 (read 1 aught), 5/0 or anything in between. The bigger the first number, the bigger the size of the hook. Some companies also will just use 1 or 5 without the aught piece. So when deciding on a hook to use, think what type of bait and the size of the bait

Weights

I’m sure you can see a pattern. There are different ways to bass fish so there are varieties of each category depending on the technique used. Weights are no different. There are drop shot weights, bullet weights, and bead weights among other things. The applications or the weights depend on how you are fishing. For example, when using a lure you most likely wont even use baits. If you are using an earth worth you may use a bead weight to keep the worm down in the water column. If using a Texas rigged Senko, you may choose to use a bullet weight to make it sink faster. Some weights are even built in to the jig so there is no extra weights needed.

Bobber

There are a few types of bobbers, but in this case we are talking about the regular old bobbers that are a perfect sphere. There are usually used as a visual marker for when a fish takes a live bait like an earth worm. Floating normally until the pressure of the fish taking the bait bring it under the surface of the water indicating a fish is on the line.

Bait

Last but of course not least, we have the bait. You cant catch bass without bait! There are a lot of options here but most fall under a few categories. Live bait like shiners or earth worms. Lures like crank baits or swim baits. Jigs like a shaky head. And the list just goes on. Live bait is probably the easiest way to get started. You can throw the bait on a hook, just cast it out and then leave it.

As you can see, the only thing complicated about starting bass fishing are the choices. There are so many ways to fish for bass and this means we keep getting more and more varieties of gear to target a specific technique of fishing for bass. If you are just getting started, live bait like an earth worm is probably the easiest method. Just a rod, reel, bobber, weight, hooks and bait is all you need to enjoy a day of bass fishing. But don’t be afraid to search our site for more methods to catch you next personal best bass!

The post What you need to start bass fishing appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

What is Fluorocarbon fishing line?

admin — Wed, 25 May 2022 18:49:19 +0000

What is Fluorcarbon fishing line?

When we talk about fishing line there are three main choices, fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided. In this post we will talk about fluorocarbon but what is Fluorocarbon fishing line?

Fluorocarbon fishing line or as its commonly called, fluoro, is a type of plastic called, polyvinylidene difluoride or PVDF. Essentially, the PVDF is melted down and then extruded through a tiny nozzle. The size depending on the gauge of line they are trying to make. It then gets cooled before further processing and turns into what we see on store shelves.

What is fluorocarbon fishing line good for?

Toughness. Fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant than standard nylon monofilament of the same diameter. Fluorocarbon also is not affected by ultraviolet rays like that of nylon monofilament. It is also waterproof and will not absorb water which will cause the line to eventually break down.

Low Visibility. Maybe one of the biggest benefits to using fluorocarbon is it’s nearly invisible underwater. This is due to the constructions of the PVDF and its light distortion properties. This makes it a beneficial tool when chasing skittish fish in clear water ways.

Sensitivity. Fluoro’s construction consists of tightly packed molecules. This allows more energy transfer than mono which leads to higher sensitivity over other line types. Fluoro also sinks faster than other line types, resulting in less slack between the lure and the rod.

What are the downfalls of fluorocarbon fishing lines?

Manageability. Fluorocarbon is stiffer and has more memory than other line types. This makes it one of the least manageable fishing lines. Newer versions are coming out to the market which do seem to show some improvement. You can choose an appropriately sized reel and make sure to not over fill the spool to help mitigate the stiffness.

Sink Rate. Fluoro sinks, so it may not be the best choice for top water baits or lures that may suspend in the water column. With that said, this makes fluro particularly good at keeping baits close to the bottom and helping weightless presentation sink.

Knot Strength. You must cinch down a knot by wetting the line. If not, the knot will most likely fail.

It is important to know the pros and cons of each type of fishing line. Fluorocarbon is not always going to be the best choice. It is commonly used as a leader due to the specific properties it consists of. Particularly the low visibility under water that is achieves. Fluoro is a good choice for leader when using either mono or braid as a main line. But choosing a high-end fluoro line as a mainline offers many benefits as well including excellent casting distance. It is a great option when you need the benefits of braid and fluorocarbon together all in one line.

No matter which line type you choose, make sure to change it out regularly like every couple of seasons. All lines will break down over time and fluorocarbon is no different. Regular line and reel maintenance is required.

The post What is Fluorocarbon fishing line? appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

What is a fishing Plug?

admin — Wed, 18 May 2022 15:22:20 +0000

What is a fishing plug

So, you were down at the marina, and heard an angler mention a PLUG and you thought, what the heck is a fishing plug? Is it a bait? Lure? Rig type? Well, you came to the right place.

Plug is a generic term that a lot of baits fall under. Some of these include, crankbaits, twitch baits, slow dive baits, floating baits and minnows. When someone uses the term Plug, they are usually referring to a salt water lure. So even though some of these styles of baits may cross over into fresh water, they usually are not referred to as a plug. Confusing for a beginner I know.

Fishing Plugs are a hard-bodied bait. Usually solid, but sometimes segmented. They are not flexible and are usually made from hard plastics wood or even metal. They come in a variety of shapes and colors to mimic certain bait fish. In almost all cases these will be rigged on the bottom side using one or more treble hooks.

Depending on the design, fishing plugs can float, sink, dive, or hover at a certain depth. Most plugs will either float or hover at a certain depth, but when retrieved they usually will dive down. The bigger the lip on the Plug, the deeper it will descend when being reeled in. Some will rise back to the surface once the retrieval is stopped.

Plugs usually have their action ‘built in’. Either from the shape of the bait and its lip or a combination of the plug and the retrieval from the angler. A slight twitch here and there at the right time can cause a fish to strike even if that plug is not intended for that retrieval style. Changing the retrieval speed or even pausing are also commonly used techniques.

The post What is a fishing Plug? appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

Five Soft Plastic Baits for Bass

admin — Mon, 16 May 2022 19:37:15 +0000

5 soft plastic baits for bass

You may have heard the term Soft Plastics or Soft Plastic Baits in the fishing world. But what does this mean and what kind of baits fall under this category?

Soft plastic baits are usually referred to any bait that is, you guessed it, made from soft plastics. This allows the bait to be solid but also flexible and rugged. Being soft plastic you can probably guess that these will not be making a big splash, and the fact they are flexible may be a clue they also are used more for the movement they create. They are usually used in a finesse type of presentation. You can fish soft plastics weedless and with exposed hooks.

There are so many soft plastics on the market that it may become overwhelming. We have narrowed the list down to 5 soft plastic baits you can get started with.

1. Stick baits/Worms

One of the biggest categories for soft plastics, Stick baits and Worms. This is a large category in itself as there are so many types on the market today. Generally, these look somewhat like a worm or snake, or a stick as the slang name indicates. They are flexible throughout the body with some being more flexible than others.

There are a lot of different types of worms, each one being superior for specific applications. Some even have a different kinds of tails, you have paddle tails, curly tails, and straight tails among other less common varieties. Stiffer worms may be used for wacky rigg or Texas rig for example while more flexible ones may be a better choice for drop shotting.

Stick baits are generally used in more finesse situations and can be fished either weedless or hook exposed. Most hits will come during the drop or hop.

2. Creatures

Creatures are newer to the market than worms. These resemble anything from a bug to a crawfish to a lizard. However, in this case bug is probably not exactly what you are thinking. These have a slender profile usually with multiple appendages. These appendages allow for extra movement. Some brands don’t even look like something that a fish would normally eat.

These can again be rigged in multiple ways with the most popular either weedless or hook exposed. They can even be used as a trailer on a jig head. This is a very common way to use these. They can be great baits for flipping cover, working areas out deep, and pitching around objects. Even with the streamline body these are generally not a good idea for heavy cover. This is due to the appendages.

They come in a variety of colors and are a very versatile bait. Some brands come in smaller sizes but you can always rip off appendages or cut the bait in half to get the exact presentation you are looking for.

3. Tubes

An old school bass method. Popular before stick baits and creatures even hit the market. These don’t really resemble anything you may find in a pond or lake. They are a hollowed-out tube with tentacle like appendages at the end. They are generally small and mimic small bait fish.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors. They have an erratic fall due to the design and are usually fished with an EWG hook or jig.

4. Soft Jerk Baits

This is another popular soft plastic that can be used in a few different applications. You can make it weightless and use a jerk reaction type of retrieval or you could even use these on a drop shot setup. These again come in a variety of colors and shapes but we tend to stick to ones that mimic baitfish in the lakes and ponds we fish.

These can have a variety of different kind of tales. Some include the split tail like a fluke bait. Others have a paddle tail. The paddle tails are unique in that they make their own movement as you steadily real in the bait. Meant to mimic a bait fish swimming by.

5. Toad/Frog

You can probably guess what this bait mimics. A toad. Very similar looking to a creature bait with the fact the appendages are used to mimic the legs of a frog or toad. These sometimes can float and be used as a weightless top water bait. They were designed to glide over the top of dense vegetation such as lily pads. In open water, the legs reverberate to act almost like a subtle buzz bait.

These come in a variety of shapes and colors. Again, we stick to the hatch around us with the coloring. One disadvantage over using a ready made frog lure, these will only have a single hook unless you purchase special two prong frog hooks.

As you can see, the soft plastic market has some good choice if you are trying to switch up techniques. There are always new types of soft plastics that are coming out each year.

The post Five Soft Plastic Baits for Bass appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.

What is a Senko?

admin — Fri, 13 May 2022 18:41:23 +0000

What is a senko

The Senko. Ahhh man. Some fisherman consider it the holy grail of bass fishing while others laugh at even its mention. Created by one of the most notable pro fisherman of our generation, Gary Yamamoto. It may very well be the most versatile bass lures of all time. Some people may actually refer to all stick baits as a Senko, but in reality it is a brand name.

Developed around 1996, Yamamoto’s first mold in the design was a bic white board marker he was using to develop other fishing ideas. Generally, the Senko is used as a finesse bait with slower retrieval rates. It has a subtle action that can entice lethargic bass. But this was not the original intention of the soft plastic bait. His original vision was more of a twitch bait, similar to that of the slug-o developed in the 80’s. As the popularity grew, so did the imitations from other brands. On the market today we also have Berkley’s The General, Strike King’s Ocho, and the YUM Dinger, to name a few. Like those just listed, some of the products of the market may more closely resemble a worm over others. Some of these not even resembling a living being on this planet.

Being on the market for over 25 years anglers have found it to be useful in a variety of situations. For those situations, some of the ways rigging the bait have become more and more creative. There are ways to rig for fishing cover deep or grass in the shallows, skipping under docs or finessing around beds. For some anglers, the wacky rig may even be considered cheating! And it is so easy to rig. This means you can be any skill level and still catch bass with this! Generally with no matter how you rig the Senko, the retrieval is going to be slowwww. Read that slowwww. This is bait you definitely are going to feel the slowness of fishing with. But isn’t that a good thing?!

The post What is a Senko? appeared first on Bass Thumb Fishing.