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Spring Crappie Fishing Techniques | Surefire Tips To Catch More Crappie!

Spring Crappie Fishing Techniques That Work

These spring crappie fishing techniques will help you catch more crappie during this crucial time of the year for crappie fishing. The ice is getting off of the lakes, and the crappies will be starting to move to shallow water soon.

The areas that the crappies will be migrating to will be not only shallow areas but the areas with a lot of sediment and algae which you will find in the northern bay areas. Crappies migrate to these areas because this type of water warms faster than any other area of the lake. They will also be spawning soon, so they are going to these parts of the lake for that reason as well.

Another reason crappies go shallow is they are hungry from not eating much during the winter season. They are going after the big meals now which is bait fish like minnows. So mostly its a big feeding frenzy for crappies during early spring.

Cast The Shore in a Kayak

An excellent way to find where those crappies are is if you have a kayak take it out on the lake and navigate the shoreline areas. Take your kayak into the bays and find downed trees and weeded areas. Go along these areas and cast using a beetle spin lure. Beetle spins are a fast and easy bait to use when you are looking for the areas that the spring crappies will be.

The use of the kayak makes it easy to get into these challenging areas that you would have a harder time fishing from shore. Once you find where the crappies are at you can switch to a jig and slip bobber or a hook minnow and slip bobber, whatever your preferred method of crappie fishing might be.

Jigs, Floats, & Bobbers

Get yourself some 1/32 to ⅛ Oz jigs and use floats or bobbers with them to suspend your lure over the crappies so that they can see the bait dangling there. A lot of the time the crappies that aren’t active will see your jig sitting there for a while and will decide that it would be an easy target to go after.

You will want to play around with the color of the jig heads. Make sure that the jigs mimic minnows and bugs because that is what crappies are feeding on in the spring, summer and autumn months as well.

Pre-spawn

During the pre-spawn early spring, you will find crappies in the shallow weedy areas of the lake where they get the most oxygen. Pre-spawn crappie will be looking for some big meals to give them the energy they will need for when spawning time comes which isn’t far off in most cases.

Crappies will be in large schools this time of year. Early spring is one of the best times of year to catch an abundance of crappie once you locate these schools of fish. You won’t be able to pull the crappies in fast enough!

If you have a fish finder, it’s a good idea to put that to use. It will go along way in helping you find these large schools of crappies and at what depth they are hanging around. Because if you find the schools of fish but don’t know how deep they are, you might be presenting your bait wrong to them and not catch anything. You want your bait to be suspended above them so that they see it and then devour it.

Minnows with a slip bobber or a float are good choices of live bait to use during the pre-spawn. Small sized jigs that are 1/32 to 1/64 Oz, and look like insects are a good choice this time of year for artificial lures.

Spawn Time

When the water temperature starts to warm up around 60 to 70 degrees, Fahrenheit crappies will start their spawn time. The spawning time for crappie can last from two weeks to six weeks depending on the size of the lake. If the water is clear crappies will make their nests in water that is 3 to 6 feet deep. Muddy water you will find crappies spawning in waters that are 2 feet deep.

The more protection from wind and lots of vegetation is where you will find spawning crappies. The best types of lures to use during the spawn time is spinning baits and small micro jigs using 4-pound test. Using this combination of line and bait will ensure that the baits move down slowly in the water enticing the crappies to strike if you’re looking for the bigger sized crappies you will want to use a ⅛ oz jig and 6 to 8-pound test line.

Cast your jig into reedy areas and slowly reel them back in making sure your rod tip is kept high. You will want to use light colored jigs like yellow and pink during the crappie spawn for optimal effectiveness. Pairing these light colored jigs with tubes or plastic curly tails of the same colors help capture crappies during the spawn as well.

Post Spawn

After crappies have spawned, it becomes more difficult to find and catch these fish. They become elusive, and most anglers don’t both fishing for them until the fall. But you can still catch some nice crappies during this time of the year.

Crappies will head back to the deeper water where they were before the spawn. They like it there because of the familiarity and safety that the deeper water provides. You will find them around deeply sunken trees and logs, rock piles and creek channels with drop-offs and ledges.

Fishfinders especially the ones with side-scan can come in handy after the spawn when looking for crappie. You will want to focus your attention on catching the males of the species during the post spawn. When you find where those elusive crappies are hiding, you have to almost hand feed them the bait. Get it right in front of their mouths. This is because after spawning the fish are tired from the spawn and they don’t move very far.

During the post spawn, you will want to try various rigs and depths to get these crappies to eat. Get a few rods rigged up with multiple jigs. Grab some live minnows and start experiment with different depths until you find the right combination. It’s finding that combination of baits and depth that’s the hardest part when fishing crappie post spawn. But once you find the areas and the right combination you can fill your freezer up with crappie!

Spring Crappie Fishing Techniques Conclusion

During the spring is the best time of year to be fishing for crappies. And if you use some of the techniques in this article and fish the right areas of the lake you will find and more than likely catch an abundance of crappie. During the pre-spawn is probably the best time of spring to be catching these fish. They will be headed to their spawning areas as soon as the water temperatures warm which is about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit and the ice starts leaving the lakes. Crappies will be found in big schools during the pre-spawn as well.

At spawning time you will find crappies in water depths that range from 2 to 6 feet deep. This will depend on how clear or muddy the water is. The murkier the water is, the shallower the fish will be. Spinning baits and micro jigs work well during the spawn. The water temperature will be 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit at this time.

Post Spawn Can Be Challenging

If your fishing post spawn, you will have a harder time finding the crappies and getting them to eat. So trying various rigs and depths will be vital in catching crappies during the post-spawn time. But once you find the right combination, you can catch crappie all day long! Consider post spawn crappie fishing a challenge! When you start to bring them in you will be one accomplished and happy angler.

I hope this article on spring crappie fishing techniques helps you catch more crappies. If you have any questions or comments about crappie fishing feel free to leave them in the comments section below. You can also send me your questions through the contact form on this website. You will find it in the menu section at the top of the page. I wish you much success in your fishing adventures and Happy Fishing!

The Crappie Fishing Handbook

If you would like to know more spring crappie fishing techniques, tackle, lures and tactics grab yourself a copy of The Crappie Fishing Handbook. You can find this useful book on Amazon and can be purchased digitally through Kindle or in paperback form.

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Tenkara USA Iwana – Conquer Any Size Stream with This Carbon Fiber Fly Rod

Product: Tenkara USA Iwana 12’ Carbon Fiber Fly Rod & Level Line Outfitter
Price: $193.95
Available at: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 6” x 6”x 36”
Product Weight: 2-lbs
Guarantee: Lifetime Warranty
My Rating: 9.3 Out of 10

    

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Interested in learning about the Tenkara USA Iwana fly rod? Well, you have come to the right place! I have done a full review on this product, and all I have to say is if you are into Tenkara fly fishing you will want to take a close look at the Iwana fly rod. They build this rod out of carbon fiber which makes it strong and sturdy. But at the same time, it is lightweight and compact the way a true Tenkara fly rod should be.

It is 12’ long which is the perfect size for any stream or river that you will be fishing. The Iwana fly rod comes with an outfitter kit of 3.5 orange level line, three pack of Ishigaki flies and line holder. Everything you need to get out there and start Tenkara fly fishing! A simple straight forward no reel Tenkara fly rod. What more could you ask for?

Breakdown of Everything Included In This Package:

Tenkara USA Iwana Fly Rod

The first and most important part of this product package is the Iwana fly rod made exclusively by Tenkara USA. This company brought the sport of Tenkara fly fishing to the western world around 2006, and from there this Japanese form of fly fishing caught on and has become very popular especially in America.

The Iwana fly rod is 12’ long and 6:4 action ratio which makes very precise. It’s perfect to fly fish any size stream or river that you find yourself at. It is made out of carbon fiber which makes it strong yet light and compact.

Ishigaki Kebari Flies

Along with the fly rod you get a pack of 3 sizes 12 Ishigaki Kebari flies with this outfitter. These are the perfect flies for Tenkara fly fishing.

Level Line

65 feet of orange Tenkara level line comes with this outfitter. Very little memory, easy to see and strong enough for casting.

Line Holder

Easily wind your line up when you are done fishing with the Tenkara line holder. The foam insert allows for drying of the line when it’s wound up. There are also cut-out areas to hold your flies.

Pros

• Perfect size for any stream or river
• Made of Carbon Fiber for durability
• Lightweight
• Precise
• High Quality

Cons

• Not meant for large fish over ten pounds

 

Is The Tenkara USA Iwana Fly Rod For You?

If you’re looking for a Tenkara fly fishing rod that is lightweight, just the right length for fishing any stream and durable then you will want to give the Iwana fly rod a try. This fly rod is made of carbon fiber which gives it it’s durability. It’s a very precise fly rod that will get that fly right to the spot you want it to be.

The Iwana fly rod comes with 3 Ishigaki Kebari flies, Tenkara level line, Tenkara line holder, and is made from the company that introduced the western world to Tenkara fly fishing. This is a high quality, easy to use and simple as it gets Tenkara fly rod.

I recommend the Tenkara USA Iwana fly rod for anyone getting started in the sport of Tenkara fly fishing. I hope you have enough information from this review to make an informed decision on whether or not to purchase the Tenkara USA Iwana fly rod.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below. As always Happy Fishing!

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Tenkara Rod Review | Tenkara USA Sato Fly Rod

Product: Tenkara USA - Sato Fly Rod & Accessories Kit
Price: $269.95
Available at: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 32” x 6” x 6”
Product Weight: 4-lbs
Guarantee: Lifetime Warranty
My Rating: 9.6 Out of 10

    

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Tenkara Rod Review

Today I’m doing a Tenkara rod review on the Tenkara USA Sato fly rod and accessories kit. If you haven’t heard of Tenkara fly fishing, I have written an article called “What is Tenkara Fly Fishing?”; that explains all about this Japanese form of fly fishing. That article will get you up to speed on this style of fly fishing.

The Sato fly rod is named after Ernest Satow who was a diplomate, Japanologist, and British Scholar. He was the first person to write about Tenkara! The Sato fly rods are the most versatile of the Tenkara fly fishing rods.

A Sato fly rod is a compact Tenkara fly fishing rod that you can put in your backpack. They are very lightweight at only four pounds. When you are fly fishing and hiking through the wooded areas that are around the streams and rivers that you will be fishing this compactness and lightweight is very important. You don’t want to be dragging a heavy one piece fly rod with you in this terrain.

The Tenkara USA Sato Fly Rod Has 3 Different Lengths To Fish By

The Sato Fly Rod is very versatile as well with three different lengths you can fish at depending on what type of stream, river, and terrain you are fly fishing at. You can fish wider streams and rivers when the Sato fly rod is at its full length, and if the stream is more closed in and the banks are closer together, the shorter length will work best.

Two Patent Pending Features

There are two patent-pending features that the Sato fly rod from Tenkara USA has on it. The first feature is called the Triple-Zoom feature which is the three different lengths that I explained earlier. The shortest length is 10’8”, the middle length is 11’10,” and the longest length that the Sato fly rod can extend to is 12’9”. So suffice it to say this fly rod can be used in just about any fly fishing situation you find yourself in.

The second patent pending feature on the Sato fly rod is called Keep your Plug system. It’s a common occurrence to lose the plug to your telescopic fly rod. So Tenkara USA came up with a simple system so that you can avoid this from happening to you. They put a hole at the bottom end of the Sato fly rod so that you can stick the plugin while you are fishing. All you have to do is take the plug out of the tip when you are ready to use the Sato rod and stick in the hole at the bottom of your rod.

And when you are done fishing and ready to collapse your rod at the end of the day put the rod plug back on the tip. This is a simple fix for losing your rod plug but very useful as long as you remember to put the plug in the spot at the end of your Sato fly rod. The Sato fly rod also comes with two plugs so if you lose one you will have the other plug as a backup.

What Comes In The Sato Fly Rod & Accessories Kit?

• Tenkara USA Sato Fly Rod
• Level Line
• Line Keeper
• Universal Rod Cap
• Ishigaki Kebari Flies
• AvidMax Clip-on Retractor with Nippers
• AvidMax 5” Forceps
• RIO Powerflex Plus Leaders

Sato Fly Rod

This fly fishing rod from Tenkara USA is lightweight, compact and has three adjustable lengths to make fishing in any stream or river as easy as can be. The Sato fly rod comes with two-rod plugs. As they say, two is better than one especially with fly fishing rod plugs which are easy to lose and another feature the Sato fly rod holds is a spot on the handle end of the rod where you can stick the rod plug when you are fishing.

Level Line 

This is a type of Tenkara fishing line. Level lines are lighter than your regular fly fishing line and easier to see because of the brighter colors. This kind of fishing line is also easier to adjust the lengths with the telescopic Tenkara rods.

Line Keeper

Tenkara line keepers hold Tenkara line and tippet or two Tenkara lines. It also holds a rod 

plug and up to 12 Tenkara flies. There are two walls that catch the line as you wind. This helps from keeping your fly fishing line from getting all tangled up while you wind it.

Universal Rod Cap 

Allows the line to remain attached to the Sato fly rod and also helps protect the end of the handle.

Ishigaki Kebari Flies 

 

These are size 12 Tenkara flies used by Dr. Hisao Ishigaki who is a renowned Tenkara angler. You get three flies per set.

RIO Powerflex Plus Leaders 

These are extra strong trout leaders. They have high knot strength, and the tensile strength is 20% more than your regular fishing leader.

AvidMax Clip-on Retractor with Nippers 

This fishing accessory comes in handy when you need to nip your tippet end. When not in use clip it right to your vest or pocket.

AvidMax 5” Forceps

These forceps have a stainless steel finish and work well for removing hooks and for tying flies. They have a unique clamp lock system so they will stay closed when you need them to remain closed.

Pros

• Highly Versatile Fly Rod
• Lightweight
• Compact
• 2 Patent Pending Features
• Extra Rod Plug

Cons

• Your friends will envy You

Tenkara Rod Review Conclusion

As you can see by my review the Tenkara USA Sato fly rod with accessories kit is well worth the purchase. With the three adjustable lengths you can fish any stream or river you find yourself at. It’s lightweight and compact so that you can carry it in your backpack when you are hiking through woods to your favorite fly fishing spot.

With this fly rod, you also get a line keeper, level line, forceps, clip-on retractor with nippers, two-rod plugs, RIO Powerflex Plus leaders, three Ishigaki Kebari flies and a Universal rod cap. You get everything you need to get started in Tenkara fly fishing. I know you will enjoy this simple but effective Japanese style of fly fishing. And with the Sato fly rod made by Tenkara USA, you will enjoy it that much more.

I hope this Tenkara rod review has answered all your questions about the Sato fly rod by Tenkara USA. I also hope I have helped you in making an informed buying decision. Thank you for reading.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below. And as always Happy Fishing!

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Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv | Fish With Confidence and Navigate With Ease!

Product: Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv w/ Transducer
Price: $259.97
Cheapest Place To Buy: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 1.7 x 5.4 inches
Product Weight: 1.6 Pounds
Guarantee: 1-Year Consumer Limited Warranty
My Rating: 9.3 out of 10

Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv Overview

Today I’m reviewing another excellent product from Garmin. The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv with transducer is a top of the line fish finder with state of the art CHIRP sonar technology. The echoMAP lets you create or own HD maps with 1-foot contours all while you are fishing! The maps are possible because of the built-in Quickdraw Contours Software.

Chirp sonar technology allows for crystal clear definition and outstanding target separation because it focuses intently on the target. There’s another integrated software in the echoMAP 54cv called HomePort Planning software. This software allows for the digital recording of the information from the CHIRP sonar, and it will enable you to play routes and waypoints back across other devices.

ClearVu Scanning Sonar

Garmin’s ClearVu scanning sonar allows you to see with amazing clarity what is right under your boat. The HD-ID sonar is combined with the ClearVu scanning sonar into to 1 transducer. The scanning sonar is so clear it almost looks like a real picture you are looking at! That is one of the main points I like about this fish finder. You will see those fish like you are right there under your boat looking at them.

Create Your Own HD Maps

You can create 1-foot contour fishing maps in HD while you are fishing with the Quickdraw Contours software. These are very useful for the next time you go out fishing in that area. You can share the maps if you choose in the Quickdraw community on Garmin Connect if you want.

The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54 cv is Portable

It’s easy to bring your echoMAP with you when you leave your boat because the cords plug right into the mount. So just plug into the mount when going out in the boat and when you’re back getting off your boat just unplug and go. This keeps your fish finder from being stolen or left out in inclement weather.

BlueChart g2 Charts

Another feature that is preloaded on the Garmin echoMAP 54cv is BlueChart g2 charts. These are a combination of detailed official and private charts that cover worldwide. These help you navigate harbors and marinas all over the globe so that you can guide your boat in and out of port with confidence. The BlueChart g2 also provides tides and currents, depth contours and spot sounding.

Transfer Your GPX Waypoints

If you have waypoints or routes that you usually take while your fishing on other GPS navigational devices you can transfer them to your Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv. This is another great feature I love about the echoMAP!

Accurately Find Your Secret Fishing Spot with Ease!

Finding that special fishing spot that you enjoy fishing at the time before with the 5 Hz GPS and GLONASS! This technology refreshes your heading and position every five times every second. I can’t tell you how many times I have never been able to find that secret fishing spot on a certain lake. That is no longer a problem with the echoMAP.

Technical Specifications

 

Connections

Here Is What’s Included In Your Purchase Of The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv

• echoMAP CHIRP 54cv
• Documentation/ Operators Manuel
• Transom Mount
• A transducer (4-pin)
• NMEA 2000 adapter cable(4-pin female to 5-pin male)
• Protective Cover
• Hardware
• Flush mount
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Power/data cable

Pros

• State Of The Art Sonar Technology
• Make Your Own HD Maps
• Share Digital Information Between Other Devices
• Portable (Unplug and take it with you)
• Easily Mounts To Your Boat
• BlueChart g2 Charts Included

Cons

• Not Compatible with ActiveCaptian
• SideVu Not Included

Conclusion

I highly recommend the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv with a transducer for all your navigational and fishing needs. CHIRP sonar technology that Garmin has made is the best you’re going to find in the private sector. The view from under your boat is as clear as you are going to get. It almost looks like a real picture.  Having the BlueChart g2 Charts on board with you is a godsend. Never get lost again and know where you are at all times.

With the 5 Hz and GLONASS, you can make high definition maps on the go while you fish! To me, that is just amazing. Chart out your secret fishing spot and next time you go out you will find it quick and easy. Not only that but all the information you collect and map out like waypoints and topography can all be shared on multiple devices.

The echoMAP also mounted to your boat quickly, and you don’t have to leave it on your boat when you are done for the day just unplug the echoMAP CHIRP 54cv and take it with you. This way it doesn’t get stolen or destroyed in case something unexpected happens to your boat!

Now you have all the information you need on the Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 54cv to make an informed buying decision. Thanks for reading and I hope this was helpful for you. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below. As always Happy Fishing!

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Catch Monster Muskies With These 10 Muskie Fishing Tips

Muskie Fishing Tips Overview

Want to know the ins and outs of catching monster muskies? Look no further I have compiled a list of the top 10 muskie fishing tips that will bring home those monster muskellunge you’re dying to wrestle with! These are proven techniques that many an angler have tested and tried and have enjoyed an abundance of muskie throughout the fishing season.

Tip #1 - Weather Conditions

Weather conditions play a vital role in where you are going to be fishing for these monster muskies. When you have a cloudy, rainy and windy day you will find muskies hanging around rock structures. The Muskies will be found in shallow water as well the more the wind picks up.  But be careful when you fish close to rock structures on windy days. You don’t want your boat smashing into the rocks.

When the weather is calm and sunny, you will find the muskies in the weed beds and sandy areas. Muskies like the weedy areas because they can go undetected when they are searching for prey. And the weeds give off oxygen.

Tip #2 - Crankbaits Work Best When The Weather Turns Cold

This tip is more for fall fishing for muskie. Crankbaits work the best when the weather turns cold. This is because crankbaits smack against the rock structures and ride over the weed cover creating a flash that muskies love. The muskies are staying down deeper in the colder weather, and a crankbait can sink to the deeper areas that your other musky baits will not. So the muskie can’t resist a lure right in front of them. They will strike it with a vengeance!

Tip #3 - Set Your Hook Properly

Setting your hook may seem obvious, but with muskies, it’s critical that you set the hook in their mouths; otherwise, you will lose many of them. You need to set the hook deep and make sure you are ready when the muskellunge strikes because he is going to strike hard! Hook setting for muskie should be practiced before going out on the lake so that you will be ready when the time comes. No second chances when that monster muskie hits the end of your line. It’s due or die time!

Tip #4 - Master The Use Of Bucktail Lures

If you want to catch that trophy monster muskie then you have to learn how to use bucktails effectively. Bucktails are a pretty simple and straight forward lure to fish with, but there are some tricks that you can use to make those muskie go wild for them.

Bucktail jigs work well for muskie fishing because of the realistic hair on them that moves well and realistically in the water. Muskies love this movement of the hair, and it attracts them like nothing else. When a muskie latches on to a bucktail the hair compacts down revealing the hook, now you can have a clean hookset without anything getting in the way.

Here are a few practical ways to present your bucktail.

1. Rip Jigging – Cast your bucktail and let it sink to the bottom. After that rip it forward before you let it drop to the bottom again.
2. Work The Jig Along The Bottom – In this technique, you let the bucktail hit bottom and, then you reel the jig bouncing and grinding on the bottom of the lake.
3. Fish The Bucktail Like a Jerkbait – Here you want to jerk your rod which darts the bucktail along its path in the water.
4. Fish Them Vertically –  With this presentation technique, you can try different movements of your rod. Try shaking and jerking your rod. You will know when you got the right actions because those monster muskies will let you know by attacking your bucktail.

Try different speeds when you are retrieving the bucktail and when you find the right retrieval speed for the area you are in stick with that speed. This will all depend on if the muskies are feeling aggressive or not on that particular day and lake.

Tip #5 - Catch ‘em Before The Storm

One of the best times to catch the monster muskies is right before a storm is about to hit. For some reason, muskies get aggressive when the weather changes. So anytime there is a major weather change is an ideal time to catch these monsters of freshwater!

Tip #6 - Use The Figure 8 Method

The figure 8 method works well for muskie fishing because muskies will follow their prey for a while before they decide to take action on that prey. To do this cast your line out. When the lure starts getting close to the boat put the tip of your rod in the water. Make wide sweeps in a figure 8 style, and if there is a muskie following your lure, this will intrigue him to strike your lure. Make sure these figure 8 turns are wide because muskies are a big fish and won’t be able to follow small figure 8 turns.

Also, if the muskie is in an aggressive state following close by your boat, you will want to increase your speed of figure 8. But if the muskie is not aggressive slow down the speed.

Tip #7 - Drop Offs and Open Water

In the early spring right after or during the melting period of the ice you will want to find the areas where the muskies are going to spawn. After you have found those areas which would be in the low water flats, you will want to fish for the muskies close to these areas. They will be down in the deeper areas so, focus on fishing drop offs and open waters that are close to the spawning areas.

You will find muskie there because they know they will be spawning soon but the water where they need to go and spawn is still too cold. But the water down deeper is warmer, and that’s where they will hang out waiting for the spring spawn.

The lures that work best at this time of the fishing season are crankbaits, swimbaits, and bucktail jigs. When fishing the bucktail jig at this time of year, you will want to focus on vertical jigging. There will be many muskies in when you find the right area and your chances are good that you will snag a monster out of the bunch!

Tip #8 - Summer Muskie Fishing

Fishing for muskies in the summer can be a frustrating adventure especially if it is sweltering. Muskies won’t feed when it is hot out. So to remedy this fish only in the early morning hours before the sun comes up or during the evening. These times of day will give you the best chance at catching muskies in the summer months. Avoid fishing muskies midday if at all possible during the summer unless it is a cool summer day.

Tip #9 - Autumn Muskie Fishing

When fishing for muskie in the autumn, you will find them in more shallow areas. Focus you fishing in the autumn around weed beds and the edges of weeds. The later in autumn that you go the shallower the muskies will go. Get your bucktail jigs out this time of year. The muskies will eat them up. But keep your speeds of retrieval of the bucktails at a regular pace not over aggressively fishing them.

Tip #10 - Use Long Rods

Your back will thank you if you use a long fishing rod when fishing for muskies. The use of the long rod is because you are casting big heavy baits usually when you are muskie fishing. The shorter your rod, the harder on your back and shoulders will be.

Also, using a long rod will help when you are doing your figure 8 method. The figure 8 method was explained in tip #6. The longer rod enables you to make those broader sweeps. Broader sweeps are key when you are doing the figure 8 way. The long rod should be heavy to a heavy X action rod, and when you are using baits that are in pounds in weight, you will want to upgrade to a heavy XX.

Muskie Fishing Tips Conclusion

Now that I have provided you with 10 muskie fishing tips that will help you catch those monster muskies you will want to go out and make use of these tips in the field. I’m confident if you use these 10 tips regularly while you are muskie fishing you will bring in your fair share of monster muskies!

To recap:

• Be aware of the weather conditions.
• Crankbaits work best when the weather turns cold.
• Set Your Hook Properly.
• Master The Use Of Bucktail Lures.
• Catch ‘em Before The Storm.
• Use The Figure 8 Method
• Fish drop offs and open-waters in the early spring before the spawn.
• Go after muskies in the evenings or early mornings in the summer season.
• Fish shallow weed bed areas in the autumn.
• Use a long rod.

If you have any questions or comments, please leave them in the comments section below. I hope you find this article useful and as always Happy Fishing!

To learn more on muskie fishing check out the book 25 Can't-Miss Musky Patterns. This book was written by the editors and writers of The Musky Hunter Magazine. 


    

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Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger – Troll Like a Pro!

Product: Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger
Price: $534.11
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 23.8 x 15.5 x 10.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 28 Pounds
Guarantee: Limited Lifetime Warranty
My Rating: 9.2 out of 10
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Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger Overview

If you’re looking for a fast retrieval and short stopping downrigger than the Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger is the one you want. The Magnum 10 STX has the fastest retrieval rate in the industry at 250 feet per minute! That fast speed of retrieval ensures your fishing line won’t get tangled with the boom line when a fish latches on to the end of your fishing line.

The magnum 10 STX also has a special short-stop feature that is activated by the push of a button. The shortstop automatically brings the weight in and stops it at the top of the water. This feature helps protect your highly prized boat from the swinging weight. Magnums are strong downriggers. They have to be durable to handle year after year of knocking around on your boat.

The STX has a telescoping boom that extends from 24” to 53”. Having the extension on the boom keeps your fishing line farther away from your boat. The spool is made of stainless steel. This is a great feature when you are doing heavy duty operations. The base of the dual axis fishing rod holder swivels 360 degrees. The swivel action makes it easy to point your rod in the optimal spot for the best fish action possible.

The Cannon Edge Design of The Magnum 10 STX Includes Amazing Features

The Magnum 10 has many great features because of it’s upgraded design. Cannon redesigned the boom end giving this downrigger more durability when trolling. They constructed it with less moving parts without compromising the adjustability of the boom and dual action swiveling rod holder. It is a truly one-unit composite construction masterpiece!

The circuit boards, motor, and all critical parts are encased and sealed to protect from water getting inside. We all know water, especially salt water can do some major damage to the moving parts and circuit boards in a downrigger. Also, the mounting knobs, stainless steel spool, switches, and plugs are all easier to access than the previous model.

You can access the spool easily by removing two screws from the side plate. So to change spools just remove the side plate take the old spool out and replace it with the new spool. Screw the side plate back on and bam your back in business!

Wait! There are More Excellent Features on The Magnum 10

The Cannon Magnum comes with positive Ion Control sends positive Ions from your cable to counteract the negative ions that your boat emits. This helps attract fish because it’s a field of energy fish love! I couldn’t believe this when I heard it but it’s true. It amazes me what products can do nowadays to help an angler catch more fish!

This downrigger also comes with IP 68 waterproof power cord and connections. It has a three-digit depth counter when you are dropping the weight you can position your lure in the exact depth the fish are.  So with the depth counter and a fish finder, you can no doubt hall in your limit of fish! The Magnum 10 STX also has an integrated ball storage hook and a twenty-pound weight capacity.

The line releases up to 250 feet of 150-pound test stainless steel cable which is corrosion-resistant. One more cool feature I forgot to mention it has a backlit keypad for easy viewing. This helps when it gets cloudy or you’re doing some night fishing.

Pros

• Fastest Retrieval Rate In The Industry
• Telescoping Boom
• Backlit Keypad
• Dual Axis Adjustable Rod Holder
• Three-digit Depth Counter
• Positive Ion Control
• Access Spool Easily
• Sealed and Protected Electronics and Motor
• Special Short-Stop Feature
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• 250 Feet of 150-pound Test Corrosive Resistant Stainless Steel
• IP 68 Waterproof Power Cord and Connections
• Twenty Pound Weight Capacity
• Integrated Ball Storage Hook

Cons

• If your fishing in real deep lakes like the Great Lakes you will need more than the 250 feet of cable the Magnum 10 STX comes with.

The Cannon Magnum 10 is a Winner In My Book!

So, what do you think? Is the Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger right for you?

If you’re looking for a quality and durable downrigger that will help you troll better for fish and is affordable. I would have to say that getting this downrigger for your boat is a no brainer!

That lightning fast retrieval rate of 250 feet per minute does it for me. I can’t stand when the fishing line and the cable from the downrigger get tangled up together it causes a huge mess and many times lost prize fish. So that alone sells me on this fishing product.

The Cannon Mag 10 Attracts Fish!

I also like the fact that it releases positive ions from the cable to counteract the negative ions from your boat! This is not only amazing but it actually creates a field of energy that attracts fish! Now that alone would be enough to get this bad boy.

And you can use the Magnum 10 downrigger in fresh or saltwater. With its corrosion resistant stainless steel cable and its sealed and protected electronics and casing. The water can’t get in or eat away at the cable. Not all downriggers offer such protection from the abusive elements mother nature throws at us humans.

Now you have the ins and outs of the Cannon Magnum 10 STX Electric Downrigger. You can make an informed decision if this product is right for you and your boat. I hope this review helps with your purchasing decision. If you have any questions or comments you can leave them below. Goodbye for now and as always Happy Fishing!

Get Your Cannon Mag 10 On Amazon

Largemouth Bass Fishing Tips – 8 Tips That Will Get You More Bass!

Are you ready to go on your first bass fishing trip? Before you do, you will want to read this article. I have compiled eight largemouth bass fishing tips that will give you the edge you need to catch more bass than you ever thought possible!

The largemouth bass is one of the most fun and demanding fish species to catch. So without further ado, let’s get into the bass fishing tips you will need to know to make your bass fishing trip a successful one.

Tip #1 – Five Artificial Baits That Will Help You Catch More Largemouth Bass…

There are five artificial lures you want to make sure that you have in your largemouth bass fishing arsenal.

1. The first and most popular lure for largemouth bass fishing year round is the skirted jig. Jigs are work wonders if you are hard water fishing or summertime fishing. Bass love these things and if you don’t have a good assortment of skirted jigs I recommend you go out and get you a bunch.
2. The second artificial bait for largemouth bass would be crankbaits. You will want to focus on the big-billed crankbaits they seem to work the best around underwater structures such as sunken trees and weed beds.
3. Thirdly you will want to have an assortment of swimbaits. Swimbaits work well when they are on an umbrella rig. They work well because they look and act just like the prey that largemouth bass are use to feeding on.
4. Number four in the list would be the good old rubber worm. These work great any time of year and in any weather condition. Fish these artificial worms in the weed beds, around docks and piers. If you’re having no luck with the other artificial baits, the rubber worm usually will do the trick as long as the bass are hanging around where you are fishing.
5. If all else fails, grab a jig and a plastic crayfish. These two lures together work wonders for catching largemouth bass and can be fished year round. Craws are foragers, and largemouth bass just love these little creatures. You can fish them around weed beds and in deeper waters because that’s where you will find the crayfish.

Tip #2 – The Best Times Of Day To Fish For Largemouth Bass

Our second tip is to know when the best times of day that you will be the most successful in catching largemouth bass. The best times are right before sunrise and right before sunset for about an hour each time. This is true for most fish they have feeding schedules, not unlike us humans.

So you can wake up early and be ready for the morning onslaught. Then you can take a nap in the afternoon if you like and be prepared for the evening fishing bash! You can catch them all day long but the best times are in the early morning and late evenings.

Tip #3 – What Are The Bass Feeding On?

A little research can go along way when you are largemouth bass fishing. Find out from your local bait stores or other anglers who have fishing for bass in the area you are going to fish in about what type of prey bass feed on in the area. You can also find what they’re feeding on after you catch one they usually will throw up the contents of their stomach.

I know it sounds disgusting, but once you see what they have eaten, it will give you a good idea of exactly what kind of live bait you want to fish with when you find out to get that type of live bait or artificial bait that mimics the live bait and give that a try.

Tip #4 – What Color and Size Are The Largemouths Going For?

Before you start fishing look around and see what colors the forage is in the area and match those colors as close you can to your artificial lures. Fish are visual creatures so if you can match the natural color around them you will have a better chance at catching them.

If the day is cloudy or sunny can be a factor as well in your lures color choice. A lighter color, such as yellow for when it’s cloudy out and a darker color or translucent color for when it is sunny.

Also, find out about what size prey they are going after and match your bait size with the real preys size. The big largemouths won’t know the difference from your bait or the real thing!

Tip #5 – Be Quiet!!!

A good tip for when you are fishing for largemouth bass is to keep your mouth shut! Bass will spook if you are talking too loudly so make as little noise as possible. If you are fishing with other especially just whisper and you will have a better chance at not spooking the bass. Your friends may not want what to listen to you anyway.:)

Tip #6 – Fish For Bass Pre-Spawn

When largemouth bass are in the pre-spawn phase is a perfect time to be fishing for them. During pre-spawn and while spawning they will come to the same areas year after year. And during this time bass are extremely territorial, and they will attack just about anything that gets in their way!

The pre-spawn and spawning periods for bass happen different times of the year depending on your geographical location. In my area of Wisconsin, pre-spawn starts in late April and lasts until early July. So if you live in my area of the country, this would be the time to hammer the largemouth bass and catch your limit.

Tip #7 – Cast Against The Wind

I know it sounds like a pain in the,  you know what but cast against the wind. Bass swim with the current, so if you cast against the current, you will be presenting your lure in front of the bass instead of behind them. They won’t be spooked so easily this way because the noise that you might produce will carry away from the bass not at them.

Tip #8 – Fish In Shallow Water During The Spawn

When the bass are spawning, you will find them in shallow water because that is where the bass are laying their eggs. Cast and fish shallow and they will also be close to the edges of the banks. Doing this will help you catch more largemouth bass than you know what to do with.

These Eight Tips Will Help You Catch More Largemouth Bass

The more you practice and use these tips in the field the better your chances are at snagging that big largemouth bass. So go out have fun put into use each one of these largemouth bass fishing tips and bring home the motherload!

If you have any questions or comment, please leave them below. Thanks for reading and Happy Fishing!

 

Wild River Tackle Backpack | Special LED System Included

Product: Wild River Tackle Tek Lighted Backpack
Price: $155.30
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 18.5 x 17 x 8.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 7 Pounds
Guarantee: 90-Day Limited Warranty
My Rating: 9.4 out of 10

    

        Tackle Tek Recon Backpack
                        Purchase On Amazon
    
    

Wild River Tackle Backpack Overview

If you are a night angler and are looking for an affordable, compact and lighted backpack, then the Wild River Tackle Tek lighted backpack is for you. This fishing backpack has a led lighting system so you can see inside the backpack when it’s dark. The light also shines on the outside so you can see around the backpack where you are working.

The Tackle Tek lighted backpack comes with many features that you usually don’t get in a compact tackle backpack. For example, this backpack comes with four PT3600 tackle trays and a hard plastic holder for your glasses. It also comes with a removable pliers holder that clips to your belt so that you have your pliers right where you need them when you need them.

The front pocket cover folds down for a convenient working surface. The Tackle Tek also has a rain cover that you can quickly pull over the backpack to keep your fishing tackle safe from the elements. It’s an all-around handy tackle backpack to bring along to your fishing excursions.

Pros

• Compact
• Lightweight
• Padded Shoulder Straps for Comfort
• Built-in LED Lighting System
• Removeable Pliers Holder
• Four PT3600 Tackle Trays Included
• Weather Resistant Protective Cover
• Permanent Glasses Holder

Cons

• May Not Ship To All Countries
• Batteries Not Included

A Well Designed Backpack Makes Organization of Your Tackle a Snap!

The Wild River tackle backpack is well designed with many compartments and pockets that help you keep your tackle and fishing gear organized. It has four side pockets, one big open upper storage area, and a large bottom storage area that holds four PT #3600 tackle trays.

You get a work surface by folding down the front pocket so you can tie your jigs, lay out your lures and sinkers or whatever you need to do to get ready for the fish. This backpack also has open storage that is easily accessible from the front which is nice when you need to grab something quickly. Just unzip, grab and off you go. You can keep your fishing sunglasses safe with a permanently mounted glasses holder.

It has a handy rain cover to keep all your tackle and gear dry when the weather turns rainy. I can’t count how many times I have been out fishing and it started to rain soaking my backpack and water would fill up in all the outer pockets making a total mess of things.

You get all that with this fishing backpack plus a handy dandy pliers holder that is removable, and you can clip it right to your belt. So, organization is not a problem with this tackle backpack.

Backpack Features

1. Retractable Laynard is removable and useful for clipping your keys or other items that you don’t want to get lost.
2. Web Loops to help secure any fishing tools and gadgets you might have.
3. Plier Holder that’s removable and clips right on your belt for which makes your pliers easily accessible when you need them.
4. Mesh Pockets so you can grab those essential fishing tools without having to look in each pocket to find what you are looking for.
5. Clear Pocket that zips shut to put your fishing license in so that its visible and keeps it dry.
6. Shoulder Straps are adjustable and padded. This helps make that backpack comfortable to carry if you are hiking for long distances.
7. Sternum Strap adds extra support when carrying.
8. LED Light System illuminated the inside as well as the outside when your fishing at night or if it’s a dark cloudy day.
9. Rain Cover is handy to have when it starts raining it keeps all your tackle and fishing gear dry and protected.
10. Four Storage Trays come with the Wild River Tackle Tek backpack. These are Plano tackle trays medium #3600. The trays are great for organizing all your jigs, lures, bobbers and sinkers. Find what you need easily and accessible.

 Wild River Tackle Backpack Specifications

• Light Source – LED
• Batteries – 2 AAA 1.5V batteries, not included
• Light Output Levels – Select a green light setting or high and low white LED settings
• Weight Without Trays – 3.15 Pounds
• Weight With Trays – 4.35 Pounds
• Exterior Dimensions – 13″W x 16.5″H x 6.75″D
• Tray Compartment Dimensions – 10″W x 7″H x 6″D
• Tray Exterior Dimensions – 9″W x 1.25″H x 4.75″ D

My Recommendation

I recommend the Wild River Tackle Backpack for those of you who love to hike to where you are going to fish and if you are fishing at night. The built-in LED system gives you ample light to work with inside and outside of the backpack. There is plenty of storage and pockets so that you can have everything you need to have a successful fishing trip all in a compact bag.

The padded shoulder straps and sternum strap make this tackle backpack comfortable to carry long distances. The four Plano tackle trays make it easy to organize your tackle anyway you see fit so you can find the exact jig or lure you need quickly.

And with all the little extras that come with this backpack like the removable plier’s holder, the fishing sunglasses holder, the rain cover, the retractable lanyard, and the web loops you can’t go wrong with this backpack. I recommend you get yours today before your next fishing outing.

Get Your Tackle Tek Fishing Backpack at Amazon

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. I hope this review of the Wild River Tackle Backpack helps you make an informed purchasing decision. Thanks for reading and Happy Fishing!

Walleye Ice Fishing Tips – 5 Proven Tips That Work!

Are you looking for some walleye ice fishing tips to help you catch these monsters of the deep? If you are, you have come to the right place. In this article, I will explain to you five proven tips that work wonders for catching walleye through the ice.

We all know walleye can be a tricky fish to catch especially when you are ice fishing. So I won’t bore you with fluff lets get right into those five proven tips and get you out ice fishing for walleye while the fishing is good.

Tip #1 – Dead Stick Fish When The Walleyes Aren’t Biting

If you have never heard of dead stick fishing, it’s easy to do and will help you catch those walleyes when you are ice fishing. First, you need to drill a hole next to the hole that you are fishing in. Next, you want to rig up the rod that you’re going to dead stick the walleyes with. You want to rig them up with a stick float. Here’s how you rig a dead stick.

On your braided mainline, you slide a small rubber bobber stop. Next, you want to slip a dead stick float onto your braided line and tie a micro swivel #12 onto the line. After that, you want to take an 18” fluorocarbon leader and tie it to the micro swivel on one of the ends and whatever lure you are using to the other end.

Then you want to slider your bobber stopper to the depth you want to fish at and let your lure go down the hole. The dead stick float will slide until it hits the bobber stopper and your off and fishing. If you need to adjust the depth, you are fishing at slide the stopper to whatever the desired depth is.

Not much to it. You let that dead stick rod sit there and jig aggressively with your other rod like you usually would do. The rod that you are actively fishing with will lure the walleyes in and if they don’t bit on that rod they will go for the dead stick rig set-up and hopefully bite on that one.

We do this dead stick fishing method because most fish in iced over cold water will be lethargic because their metabolism slows way down and will naturally go for the bait that’s easiest for them to capture.

Tip #2 – Fish Over Rock Structures

In the mid-winter when the walleyes are being picky on the bait and lures, you use you want to find a spot on the lake that you are fishing over rock structures that are around 16 feet deep. I don’t know why it is, but walleyes will bite more often in this terrain in the dead of winter.

To know the depth and the terrain that is below you will want to get yourself a fish finder. These come in real handy for ice fishing not just to know the depths and topography below the ice but to know if there are fish where your fishing as well.

It helps to have two people when you are looking for rocky bottom areas. One person will drill the holes along a dropoff, and the other person will go behind with the fish finder and measure the depth of the water and see if there is any rock structure underneath the ice. If you do this and pick the right holes to fish, you should come up with some nice walleye.

Tip #3 – Leave Room To Set Your Hook

This tip is for when you are fishing in an ice shelter, and it’s a tip for whatever kind of fish you are fishing for. Your ice fishing shelter might be 5 to 6 feet in height on the inside and if you are holding your rod a foot or more above the hole that doesn’t give you enough room to set your hook effectively.

To remedy this, you will want only to hold your rod about 3 inches above the fishing hole. Doing this will ensure that you have enough room to hook that walleye and bring him home to the frying pan.

Tip #4 – Best Time To Catch Walleye Is During Sunrise and Sunset

Like most fish, the best time to catch walleye is when the sun is rising in the morning and when the sun is setting in the evening. These times of day is a fish’s natural feeding cycle. During these hours of the day the walleyes are swimming out from under the weed bed covers, and you have a more significant area that you can fish and catch walleye. And because you can fish a wider area of water, you won’t have to drill so many holes because the walleye will be just about anywhere you can think.

You will want to drill your holes ahead of time. Don’t be drilling holes during the peak walleye fishing hours of sunrise and sunset because this will disrupt the natural flow of the fish. Have the holes already drilled and then do some sampling of the holes until you find a few spots that are ample with walleye and then focus on those areas during the peak time.

Tip #5 – Vibration Gets The Walleyes Attention

The last tip in this walleye ice fishing tips article is to use vibration to get the walleye’s attention. To do this, you want to hit the bottom of the lake with your lure and raise the lure slowly. Doing this will stir up the mud and sediment on the bottom. It also causes the vibration necessary to get the walleyes attention. And when stirring up the bottom sediment, your lure will be mimicking a live creature that the walleyes would be used to feeding on.

You also might want to use a vibrating blade lure when you fish walleye with this method. When using a vibrating blade lure, you want to move the bait up and down about 3 feet. Make sure to keep aggressively jigging the lure. This will attract the fish in. If the walleye are active and ready to strike it will either grab your vibrating blade lure or the walleye if it is not prepared for a fight will go after your dead stick if you have one set up close by.

Put These Walleye Ice Fishing Tips To The Test

Now that I have shown you these effective walleye ice fishing tips it’s time for you to put them to the test. We all know that walleyes can be finicky when it comes to their eating habits especially in the winter. But if you put all five of these tips to good use, you should start catching some nice healthy sized walleye.

To recap when the walleyes aren’t biting start by dead stick fishing. This is where drill a hole close to the hole you are actively fishing. Put your dead stick fishing lure down the other hole and let it sit there.

With the second tip, you will need a fish finder. Use your fish finder to look for depths of the water and what structures are beneath the ice. I recommend you get yourself a Vexilar fish finder. Vexilar fish finders work best because they give you a clear reading of what’s underneath the ice.

Drill a bunch of holes along a drop off and find the best spots to fish. For walleye, you want about 16 feet of depth with rock structure.

The third tip is when you are fishing in an ice shelter leave plenty of room to set your hook. To do this hold your rod about two to three inches above the fishing hole. Holding your rod close will allow you enough room. Otherwise, you will be hitting the roof of your shelter when you are hooking the walleye.

The Best Time To Catch Walleye

Peak time to catch walleye is either in the early morning hours and or late in the evening when the sun is setting.

The fifth and final tip for walleye ice fishing is to use vibration to get the walleyes attention. Aggressively hit the bottom of the lake with your lure and bring it up slowly. Doing this will get the walleyes attention by stirring up the bottom sediment and causing vibration through the water. The stirring up of the sediment and the vibrations mimics the living creatures that the walleye are used to feeding on.

I hope these walleye ice fishing tips help you catch more walleye. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Good luck ice anglers and Happy Fishing!

Garmin Striker 4 Review – Mark Those Hot Fishing Spots with Ease!

Product: Garmin Striker 4 
Price: $99.98
Cheapest Place to Buy: Amazon.com
Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 1.6 x 5.9 inches
Shipping Weight: 2.2 Pounds
Guarantee: 2-year Limited Warranty
My Rating: 9.8 Out of 10

    

        Garmin Striker 4
                        Available On Amazon
    
    

Garmin Striker 4 Overview

In this Garmin Striker 4 review, I will show you everything you need to know about the Garmin Striker 4 sonar fishfinder. You will be able to make an informed decision on whether or not this fish finder is right for you.

The Garmin Striker 4 is a state of the art fishfinder with realistic graphics and a high sensitivity GPS that lets you mark those spots on the lake that you are killing it with the fish so that you can go back to that fishing spot time and time again. You can also share your locations with other echo maps and striker combinations.

The Striker 4 has a built-in flasher and displays your speeds data. Included with this fishfinder is the CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer with trolling motor and transom cable and mounting hardware. This makes the Garmin Striker 4 easily accessible. You mount it wherever is most convenient for you.

Pros

• Highly Sensitive CHIRP Transducer GPS Navigation
• Lightweight and Compact
• Chrystal Clear Sonar Images
• Records Your Trolling Speed
• Mark Your Favorite Fishing Spots For Future Use
• Can Be Mounted On Trolling Motor or Transom
• Built-in Flasher Useful For Ice Fishing and Jigging For Crappies

Cons

• Higher Performance CHIRP Transducers Sold Separately
• Carrying Case Not Included

Sonar Images Are Crystal Clear With The CHIRP Transducer

Like I said the Garmin CHIRP transducer is included in this fish finder. It is a 77/200 kHz transducer which can be mounted on the transom or the trolling motor if you have one. The CHIRPS clarity is superb with much higher quality visibility of the fish and surrounding structure than the traditional 77/200 kHz transducers.

This is possible because the CHIRP transducer sends out a continuous array of frequencies instead of just one. These frequencies range from high to low and are interrupted individually when they return. The CHIRP sonar technology brings in a lot of information from a broader range. This creates more evident fish arches with a more significant target of separation.

If you want even higher performance CHIRP, you can upgrade to the GT8 or GT15 transducer. These two are sold separately. They provide even clearer sonar images and a better resolution and target separation from shallow to deeper depths. The bottom contours are much clearer even with faster speeds with these upgrades.

Superb Navigation with The Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder

Never get lost again with the high sensitive GPS that the striker 4 fishfinder offers. It’s very accurate at letting you know where you are at and can maintain your GPS positioning anywhere you go on the lake or river.

With this fishfinder you can mark where on the lake the fish are biting so you can return to that exact spot in the future. It can also mark boat ramps and docks for future reference which makes it easier finding your way out of the lake when you are done fishing. There is a path that’s created on the screen, so you follow that to where you want to go.

This is especially useful when you are fishing in a massive lake that you have never fished before or are fishing on one of the great lakes. Nothing is more frustrating than not being able to find your way out.

Know Your Speed

With the Striker 4 fishfinder you can know the exact speed you are going by glancing over at the screen. This helps when you are trolling for fish so you know exactly what speed you are at for the different kinds of lures you may be using. It is also useful in wake controlled areas where you need to know your speed so that you don’t create waves.

The Striker 4 Fishfinder Has a Built-in Flasher

The flasher works well when you are not in the boat like fishing on shore, crappie jigging or ice fishing. The flasher shows you what the bottom of the lake is made of if it’s a muddy or a rock solid bottom.

It will also show you the weight of your lure or live bait and how deep the fish are when they swim into the sonar beam. You can also see how far your bait or lure is being lifted and if the fish swim towards it or away from it. The built-in flasher is one of my favorite features of this sonar fishfinder.

Main Fishfinder Features of The Garmin Striker 4

• 3.5” Color Screen
• Easy To Use Keypad Operation
• Mark Your Locations On The Lake such as where the fish are biting and where your loading and unloading ramps and docks are. You can also map out weed beds and rock piles.
• CHIRP (77/200 kHz) sonar transducer is included; transmit power (200 W RMS)/(1,600 W peak-to-peak)
• Split-screen zoom
• Ultrascroll® (displays fish targets at higher boat speeds)
• AutoGain Technology (minimizes clutter, maximizes targets)
• Fish Symbol ID (helps identify fish targets)
• Adjustable depth line (measures the depth of underwater objects)
• Water temperature sensor included
• Tilt/swivel mount
• Integrated GPS
• A-scope (real time display of fish passing through transducer beam)
• Mark Waypoints
• Course over Ground (COG)
• Current draw @ 12V: 0.23A

Sonar Features and Specifications

• Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) sonar capable
• Dual-beam (77/200 kHz) sonar capable
• Supported Frequencies: Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz; CHIRP (mid and high)
• Transmit power: 200 W (RMS)
• Maximum depth: 1,600 ft freshwater*, 750 ft saltwater*
• Bottom lock (shows return from the bottom up)
• Water temperature log and graph

General Information

• Physical dimensions: 3.6” x 5.9” x 1.6”
• Display size: 1.9” x 2.9”; 3.5” diagonal
• Display resolution: 480 x 320 pixels
• Display type: HGVA color
• Weight: 8.1 Ounces
• Water Rating IPX7

My Conclusive Opinion

I hope I have provided you all the pertinent information that you need in this Garmin Striker 4 Review. The Striker 4 fishfinder, in my opinion, is a great buy at under $100 on Amazon.

It has all the features you would want in a fishfinder and then some. There is no secret why The Garmin Striker 4 is the number one Best Seller on Amazon in the fish finder/ depth finder category.

You get a GPS that lets you mark wayward point which helps get you to where you want to go and helps you mark where you have been on the lake or river. This makes it easy to get back out of the lake.

What’s also helpful is it lets you mark where the fish are biting so that you won’t forget. Then you can come back time after time to the same fishing spot and pull in some big fish.

It’s also a great ice fishing fishfinder with the built-in flashers that let you see what your bait is doing and how the fish are reacting to your bait. It also shows you what the bottom of the lake looks like if it’s muddy or solid. You can also control your trolling speed with this fishfinder which helps to keep you at the right speed for whatever lure you are trolling with. It also helps to keep your speed down in wake controlled areas of the lake.

I highly recommend you purchase your own Garmin Striker 4 fishfinder. The cheapest place to buy this fishfinder is on Amazon. I know you won’t regret this purchase.

Get Your Garmin Striker 4 Fishfinder At Amazon

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thanks for reading and Happy Fishing!