Bass Fishing

How to Make Homemade Fishing Lures

August 31, 2021 By DeDee

There are many creative ways to make fishing lures. This blog post will focus on the three most common ways to make them and what you need to succeed. This can be a great family project, especially if your kids are getting into fishing as a hobby.

Wooden Fishing Lures

Here is your step-by-step guide.

First, obtain a nice piece of softwood (i.e., balsa or pine). The wood needs to be larger than 7″ long and 6″ wide.

Second, measure your wood to be 5″ long by 4″ wide—Mark where you will cut the wood with a pencil.

Third, find some lure images from the internet and mark your design on the wood into the shape you want.

Fourth, using a sharp knife, follow the pencil markings. It doesn’t have to be perfect but follow the lines as closely as you can.

Fifth, purchase three different types of sandpaper to smooth out your carving. Grit sandpaper is under #100, the medium is between #120-150, and the fine is around #220. Please start with the grit and work your way down until the lure is how you want it.

Sixth, mark with the pencil where the eyelet screws, ballast weight, and rattle will go. Use a micro drill to put the holes into it.

Seventh now is the time to add your creative touches. Start by using a colorless sealer on the wood. Then, paint the wood with colors like green, red, blue, gold, or yellow. Lastly, add a clear waterproof coat to keep your color or colors vibrant.

In the eighth and final step, drill two eyelets, one for attaching your lure to the fishing rod and the other for attaching the hooks to the lure. The eyelets should be 2-3 cm apart. Use stainless steel for the eyelets to prevent rusting. Once the eyelets are in, attach your hooks. Now you are ready to go fishing!

Spoon Fishing Lures

First, use a hacksaw to cut off the spoon bowl.

Second, use a metal file to smooth off the edges of the bowl.

Third, drill one hole on each end of the long side of the spoon.

Fourth, use needle-nose pliers to attach split rings to these holes.

Fifth, use the same pliers to attach a hook to the larger side of the spoon and a swivel to the smaller side.

Cork Fishing Lures

First, take a piece of cork from a bottle of wine—screw eyes into the horizontal ends of the cork and one screw on its underbelly.

Second, use needle-nose pliers to attach hooks to the underbelly eye screw and one end screw.

Third, attach a swivel to the other eye screw.

Brought to you by Sarasota Quality Products

Your boat is more than a hobby. It’s an expression of who you are. And you want to keep it secure. We understand. We’ve been helping boaters keep their boats safe and achieve greater peace of mind for 35+ years. So let us know how we can help you.

Five Accessories That Belong on Every Bass Boat

July 2, 2021 By DeDee

When adding items to your bass boat or fishing collection, you can become consumed with new lures, lines, rods, reels, and electronics. However, there are a few underrated necessities that help out during pivotal times.

Save time with these bass boat must haves

Rod Sleeves

The days of fighting with tangled rods in the back of your truck are officially over. Effortlessly slide the rod out, slip the cover off and fire a cast in a matter of seconds to score a couple of extra keepers is a fantastic option.

Lure Retriever

A small, compact, efficient lure retriever – or “plug knocker” – pays for itself the very first time you use it. Snap it onto your line and watch it zip down into the water to knock your plug free, usually on the first drop.

Tool Holder

Keep pliers, side cutters, braid scissors, markers, dyes, and glue in a tool holder to get to all essential tools quickly and efficiently.

Be sure to customize your tool station and find one that securely fastens to your craft.

Glass Cleaner

There is so much glass in a boat, from big-screen electronics to phones to sunglasses. A combination of water, sweat, sunscreen, and road grit always seem to find a way to these devices, leaving behind spots and grime that distort visibility.

Glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth can give you a whole new perspective on your fishing day.

The Key Captain

The Key Captain Is A state-of-the-art Electronic Locking System ideal for bass boats. Call us at 1-440-899-9820. or let us know if you’d like to have it installed on a new boat or retrofitted onto your boat through a dealer near you. We are open Monday-Friday 9 am to 5 pm EST.

PS – Here is a list of 45 additional items, if you want to splurge!

Looking for a Fun Summer Activity? Teach Your Kids to Fish!

May 28, 2021 By DeDee

If you are a regular angler, you know all about the benefits of fishing. But do your children? If not, this summer is the perfect time to teach them to fish. It will keep them busy and encourage good stewardship of our waterways.

Here are the basics to get started.

Equipment, Baits, and Licenses for Kids to Fish

They only need four pieces of equipment – a rod, reel, line, and hook. Depending on the age of your children, you may want to add bobbers and a sinker or two for the line. Many department stores and online retailers sell a complete kit for a reasonable price.

You will need nail clippers for line cutting, needle-nosed pliers for removing hooks from the fish, and sun safety equipment for both you and your children.

If you are on a boat, it’s essential to have the appropriate PFD for every person.

Live bait is popular. You can take the time to dig up worms or catch minnows or buy what you need at a bait shop.

Fishing license requirements vary from state to state. In Ohio, people 16+ years need a license.

Where to Fish

Ponds are a great place to get started for several reasons: 1) You and your kids can fish from the shoreline, 2) the waters are usually calm, and 3) Ponds have various species, including bluegill, bass, and perch.

Small lakes and shallow rivers are also fine choices.

They Caught One…Now What?

Nothing is quite as exciting as reeling a fish in! Once it is onshore or near the boat, you have two options: Release the catch or keep it. If you are planning on releasing it, be sure to hold the fish in the net or with your wet hands while removing the hook. Then, gently place the fish back into the water.

If you keep your catch, you need either keep it alive in a basket next to the boat or put the fish on ice if you are onshore. Once you are through fishing and everything is put away, clean your fish right away.

Be sure you know the limit on species, size, and how many fish you may keep before starting your adventure! You don’t want to overfish an area or keep fish that are too small.

Create a Fun Fishing Challenge

If you have multiple children or want to get friends and family involved in a contest, it could be a great way to introduce many kids to fishing.

Here’s a contest from Go Fish BC that’s particularly interesting.

Everyone has to fish on five different waterways over the summer.
This can be fun on many levels – the kids can choose ponds, rivers, and lakes they want to fish. Some can be near while others farther away. The excitement of trying different places can keep them interested in fishing!
When out fishing, they have to catch at least one fish and take a picture of them with their catch.
Have a grand prize or many prizes. For those that complete the contest, offer a reasonably priced but valuable gift. If everyone agrees to only one winner, pull a random name among those that are eligible.

The point is that every child experiences different places for fishing and hopefully learns to love fishing as much as you do!

These Tips Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

We want more kids to fish! We help boaters keep their boats secure with a complete marine and boat hardware line, including The Key Captain boat locking system! Give one of our account representatives a call at 440-899-9820 for more information

6 Tips to Making the Most Out of Your Spring Fishing Expeditions

April 28, 2021 By DeDee

If you are itching to get your boat on the water and catch some bass, there are a few things you should know about before making your spring fishing plans. Bass activity is mainly dependent on water temperature; in other words, you will encounter more movement the warmer the lake or river is this spring.

Bass Spring Habits

As we move out of winter, the bass starts to feed heavily on protein-heavy foods, like crawfish, before the spawning season. Once they have laid their eggs, the female bass won’t eat at all for 10-14 days, as their number one duty is to protect their eggs. They also become overly aggressive if predators appear, and that includes you. They will fight hard in the water, and if you happen to reel one in, they will fight harder than usual once on the boat.

When the water temperature reaches between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit, this is when most bass spawn.

If the water is clear, bass will go deep for shelter and protection of their eggs. If the waterway is murky or muddy, they are likely to stay closer to the surface.

Spring Fishing, Bass Biting Tips

The best spring live baits are crawfish and minnows.
Pick lures with lots of appendages and movement.
Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and jerk baits are all great options.
Remember, it will be much tougher to get them into the boat because there are either hunting or protecting their eggs.
Check your line weight and the flexibility of your rod before going out. You might want to bring a spare rod if this is your first time out spring fishing.
Because the weather can turn on a dime, be sure to pack the proper clothing to keep you warm and dry.
Sight fishing isn’t necessary.
This is the perfect season for trying different depths, places, and lures. Many anglers only go out on sunny days when the waters are clear, and the sun is shining. However, the pros have found success in all weather conditions and at different depths. The key is patience and trial and error.
Pick out areas with large rocks, tree trunks, or aquatic life because the bass is most likely feeding there before spawning.

Before Heading Out, Is Your Bass Boat Missing Something?

Does it have The Key Captain, our remote-controlled security, in the palm of your hand?

Our one-of-a-kind patented remote control locking system with a Key Fob will lock and unlock a boat’s storage compartments from up to 100 feet away. It can also control auxiliary functions such as engine trim up and down, boat lighting, and live wells.

Give us a call at 440-899-9820 to speak to one of our experienced account representatives today!

P.S. Be sure to follow our checklist to keep your boat secure at all times.

6 Time-Saving Tips When Entering Your First Bass Fishing Tournament

March 26, 2021 By DeDee

A good fishing tournament allows you to test your angling skills, provide an environment for friendly competitions, and, if you are lucky, even win a cash prize!

If fishing in a one- or multi-day tournament has always been your dream, this is a perfect time to set your sites on making tournament participation a reality.

Here’s what you need to know.

Six Fishing Tournament Tricks

Start by asking around at your local bass club.
Chances are members of your organization have been in tournaments and can recommend the best ones for first-time participants. If your club isn’t meeting face-to-face yet, put out your question on social media or an email thread.
Once you have a few tournaments in mind, check out the area’s website and obtain a waterway map. You want to understand how big and deep the waterway is, what accommodations are available, and things your family can do while you are fishing (if this is a family outing).
See if there is going to be a tournament at one of your regular fishing spots.
If so, you will have the upper hand because you have fished there often.
Once you have made up your mind, register early.
Tournaments fill up fast, especially this year. Most registrations can be handled online via secure websites or PayPal.
As the tournament approaches, pack the right gear.
Here’s a list of what you will want to have on your boat:
1. Tacklebox
2. Braid scissors
3. Pointy nosed pliers
4. Two rods – one stiff spin rod and the other a lighter one
5. A wide selection of lures, including spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, lipless crankbaits, jigheads, and tail spinners.
6. A net
7. Long-sleeved clothing that has SPF protection.
8. Waterproof rain gear
9. Hat
10. F.D.
11. Phone in a waterproof sleeve
12. Waterproof boots or shoes

Overall, stick with rods and tackle you are familiar with and have used often. Tournament fishing is often about speed in catching the big fishes, so you don’t want to be fooling around with untried tackle.

On tournament day, be sure to give yourself extra time to get your boat in the water.
If you check-in the day before, find out the earliest you can enter the water and see if there are multiple launching sites. If there is only one or two, give yourself enough time to get your boat safely in the water.

Two National Tournaments You Might Want to Consider

The Big Bass Bash
There are three separate tournaments in April, May, and October in Missouri and Oklahoma. Amateurs are welcome to join in, and it only takes one prize-winning fish to win big.
Bassmaster Opens
You do need to be a B.A.S.S. member, but it is open to anyone. The tournaments take place in Florida, Tennessee, and New York.

Conclusion

Competitive bass fishing is a fantastic way to test your angling skills against amateurs and professionals. Don’t delay – sign up for a tournament today!

Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

Your boat is more than a hobby. It’s an expression of who you are. And you want to keep it secure. We understand. We’ve been helping boaters keep their boats safe and achieve greater peace of mind for 35+ years. Let us know how we can help you.

Boating and Fishing with Kids Are Great Activities

January 29, 2021 By DeDee

No matter where you live, boating and fishing are activities the whole family can enjoy! They are also perfect for social distancing as you can easily share the shoreline or stay comfortably away from other fishing boats.

Water is so calming. It’s a great stress reliever, even when the fish aren’t biting,” shared Kelly Kingery, Outdoor Recreation Specialist with the Five Rivers MetroParks.
I remember as a kid, my dad, who was a big fisherman, was so patient with my siblings and me. We didn’t like to handle the nightcrawlers, and he would bait the hook for us. He’d watch out for us when the bobber went under and helped us reel in our catch. Some 50+ years later, I still smile thinking about those memories.”

If you own a bass boat, you can teach your children the importance of teamwork (i.e., getting the boat in and out of the water, bringing in the big catch), communication, and trust.

Fishing with kids helps them learn about ethics and patience. You can take them with you as you buy your fishing license and show the value of waiting several hours to catch a fish!

Before you start on your adventure, here is a checklist of things you will want to do beforehand and on your fishing day to make it a pleasurable experience for everyone!

Before You Head Out Fishing with Kids

Check to see if the waters you plan to fish in require a license.
Not every fishing hole is equal – some rivers and ponds are free game. Also, every state is different in the minimum ages and the fee. If a license is required, take your kids with you to show them you follow the rules.
For younger children, buy basic tackle.
Buy a beginner’s kit that includes a sinker and a bobber. Use small hooks and an 8–10-pound test line. Make sure the reel has a simple push-button.
Decide, as a family, whether you are using live or artificial bait.
You might even want to use brightly colored bait dough balls as they are effortless to apply on the hook.
Practice at home.
With no hooks on the line, have your children practice casting in the backyard. You can help them with their technique and release to be frustrated the day you go out.
If you’re going out on a boat, make sure you have the right-sized life preserver for each person.
There is a good chance that last year’s life preserver will not fit your child this year. Have each person put one on and fit it precisely.

On The Big Day

Have everyone put on their life jacket before stepping onto the boat.
Again, this shows you know how to follow the rules.
Choose the right location.
It’s best to go somewhere close to home for your first expedition. Try to find somewhere you can count on catching at least one fish.
Bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, bug spray, and outdoor toys.
Take breaks.
Your kids will get bored – so take breaks when you see this happening. Go back onshore for lunch, go swimming, or try different fishing locations.
Lock up your boat with The Key Captain if you stop at a fast-food restaurant on the way back home.
At the end of a long day, the family may want to stop somewhere for a quick meal. Don’t worry about things in your compartments, as everything can be remotely locked up with a touch of a button.

These Fishing with Kids Tips Brought to You by Sarasota Quality Products

We help bass boaters keep their boats secure with a complete line of marine and boat hardware, including The Key Captain boat locking system! Give one of our account representatives a call at 440-899-9820 for more information!

2021 Trends for Fishing, Boating, and Safety

December 31, 2020 By DeDee

While most of us are anxious to put the year 2020 behind us, it has been a stellar year for the fishing industry. More fishing licenses were sold than ever before. More children and women learned how to fish or got better at it. In a year where there wasn’t much to do, fishing became one of the premier social distancing sports.

So, the question is, what will 2021 and beyond bring?

By all indications, there will be growth and awareness in all areas, including safety. Here is what the experts from MarketWatch, Linchpin, and Wired2Fish have to say.

Fishing Facts

North America has the highest demand for fishing equipment (37%), followed by Europe, China, and Japan.
Freshwater fishing accounts for over 64% of all fishing in the world.
Fishing equipment worldwide sales are expected to be the equivalent of USD 13.4 billion by the end of 2021 and USD 16.7 billion by the end of 2026, which is an annual growth of 3.1 percent.

2021 Boating Trends

Fishing boats make up the largest percentage of all boat sales and are expected to grow 2 percent over 2019 sales in 2021, making the number of fishing boats sold worldwide at 285,900. Breaking this down further means 782 boats sold per day, or one boat sold every other minute.
The average boat cost in 2019 was $146,900; however, that includes everything from yachts to entry-level motorboats. New bass boats typically run from $30,000 to $69,000.
Marine fuel will be safer in 2021 because sulfur emissions will be capped at .5 percent of total exhaust volume.
Renewable diesel fuel is 100% renewable as it is made from vegetable oils, and it will dominate the marine fuel market.

Safety Statistics

2021 is expected to be 3-5% safer than in 2020.
Drownings are the number one cause of boating deaths because boaters do not wear floatation devices. The death rate could go down by 150-180 individuals if everyone wore a floatation device.
One hundred seventy deaths are due to head injuries due to propeller strikes. Often there is alcohol involved in these deaths as well.
The number one cause of boating accidents are two boats colliding. While injuries often occur from these collisions, death does not.
Saturdays between 2:30 and 4:30 pm are the most unsafe boating day and periods.

2021 Trends Summary

Since COVID-19 will be with us through at least the first half of 2021, fishing is expected to continue to grow as a sport. More boats will be sold with environmental fuel, suitable for everyone and everything (including the fish). Safety and security need to be on everyone’s mind, both in the boat in the water or when the boat is parked in your driveway or outside your motel room.

Happy New Year

Your boat is more than a hobby. It’s an expression of who you are. And you want to keep it secure. We understand. We’ve been helping boaters keep their boats safe and achieve greater peace of mind for 35+ years. Let us know how we can help you.

The Key Captain Is A State Of The Art Electronic Locking System Ideal For Bass Boats and Other Fishing Boats. If You Need Someone To Walk You Through The Options, call us at 1-440-899-9820. Or let us know if you’d like to have it installed on a new boat or retrofitted onto your boat through a dealer near you.

How to Fish for Bass in the Fall

October 30, 2020 By DeDee

The days are shorter and colder. However, there will still be days full of sunshine where you are just itching to get your boat in the water one more time.

It turns out autumn is still a good time to bass fish. Here are the five most common questions about it, as it’s different than spring or summer fishing.

Is fall a good time to bass fish?

Yes, however, you have to think like a fish to be the most successful. First, remember they are feeding all the time, filling up their bellies for a long winter. Second, they are continually moving, so you have to as well.

How do you fish for bass in the fall?

Use spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and top-water baits. Vibrating, rattling lures like a crankbait are productive when water temperatures are falling. Spinnerbaits work well in the wind. Top-water baits work when you are fishing along the shoreline without a boat.

For more the lures, check out this YouTube video.

Provided by Wired2Fish

What do bass feed on in the fall?

They feed on anything that resembles a shad or shiner.

Where do bass go in the fall?

Boat docks can also be a great place to target bass this time of year. Look for wood docks, on which algae grows below the waterline. Other areas include coves, bays, and creek arms. But remember, they are continually moving, so you must do so as well.

What is the best tip?

Autumn is a time when patience wins out. You will have to try several baits. What works one day might not work the next. Be ready to fish fast, and by all means, please be versatile!