Spring = Rain Gear and Jigs

Since Good Fishing is associated with Spring, we find ourselves out on the water with air temps changing, winds come up and rains move in. Usually this requires putting on and taking off rain gear or opening up our suits to vent during most of the day.
In the past, we have tried many low cost options from plastic to nylon rainwear which kept out most weather but trapped in heat and moisture from perspiration which soaked our clothes. This is a BAD thing next to your skin not to mention these low cost suits only lasted 1-season.
At the other extreme, we tried high priced suits which proved too bulky restricting our movements, causing some sweating and we still had to open these suits to vent.
There are now new high-tech fabrics making it possible to be dry and comfortable all day. These new fabrics allow for lightweight designs while staying extremely breathable with protection from moisture and wind.
This level of protection is accomplished with three layers of material:
-Inner or Base Layer - most important, to add comfort and manage sweat next to your skin.
-Mid or Thermal Layer - moves moisture and excess heat away from you to help keep you warm.
-Outer Layer or Shell - to keep rain and wind out but breathable while pulling sweat through and over a surface area to evaporate.
We tested the Frogg Toggs PRO ACTION SUIT which prevented water and wind from penetrating, while allowing body heat and perspiration to evaporate. Last year they really keep us dry, we wore them to help block the wind and they were so lightweight to carry or store.
These Frogg Toggs were not only totally waterproof keeping us dry but they were so breathable and light weight, we found ourselves wearing them longer and not being bothered at all. In fact, they were so comfortable there were times I did not realize I had them on. And best of all, the unbelievable price of about half many other rain gears we have tried.
As fisherman, we must stay dry to enjoy the days that seem warm, but when you get wet and add some wind, you can get chilled. Now that you are comfortable out in rain, do not allow yourself to be out on water if there is lightning.
Weather you crappie fish, troll for walleye or going fast down the lake to your bass hot spot, we highly recommend you look into a set of Frogg Toggs by visiting our website www.larrysfishinghole.com for best price possible (& Free Shipping) or check them at www.froggtoggs.com.
Also with spring comes good jig fishing, one of the top baits for catching all species of fish. We prefer jigs for Crappie or Bluegills over live baits which must be kept alive, but, live baits do have their place. Jigs are so versatile and can be brought to life by slow drifting, trolling, casting, dragging, pitching, vertical jigged and the great Float-n-Fly (fished under a small bobber) method.
Hair jigs have a more natural look and when tied full and proper they will imitate a variety of minnows, leeches or even insects. They can also hold scents longer and if tied well, can be fished often while lasting a whole season with little wear.
This past year we found what we think may be the best hand-tied hair jigs from Jimbo’s Jigs right here in Illinois.
They have a wide variety of multi-color jigs like the Crappie Knocker, the Bass Knocker with or without sparkle tail and the Bass Dazzler with tinsel attractant.
In fact, Jim and Carol’s Hand-tied Calftail Hair jigs seem to breathe in the water and are irresistible to fish.
Save yourself the frustration of poorly tied jigs that will not hold up, get the best by visiting www.jimbosjigs.com or call 618-452-3536 to take advantage of their Pre-Spring Sale. They say “try our jigs and it will be love at first bite”.
TIPS: A great jig presentation for those deep Redear or Walleye is to add a piece of nightcrawler to a jig, lower to bottom, reel up a couple inches and give an occasional wiggle. You can even simply put the rod down (but watch it) and drag it along while in a real slow drift.
The Float-n-Fly technique is fun, a great way to also catch Smallmouth Bass or those suspended fish by setting the jig under a bobber at the fish’s depth while slow drifting with an occasional twitch. We may talk more about this Float-n-Fly technique later this year.
Since Crappie feed up, watch for your bobber to lay over signaling a bite. Sometimes aggressive jigging will catch active fish so just mix up your presentation till you find what works. Experiment with colors, tip jigs with a minnow or use scents to find what fish crave. As the season goes on, learn to fish deeper where you can catch Crappie year-round.
Watch our future articles for products for minnow fishing and a Video Tape of “Trolling for Crappie” by John Phillips or email him at walleyejohnp@hotmail.com for your tape now.
For more Product Reviews, Fishing Tips and Fishing Report visit the other pages of our WebSite at: www.larrysfishinghole.com.

Till Next Time BYE & GOOD FISHING