Jeff's Tackle Box

The Alabama Rig

2012-01-28T23:00:00.000-05:00

I picked up this new lure set up at Gander Mountain today. Interesting rig and it should be ideal for use with the Emmrod bait casting set up. The lure is meant to mimic a school of bait fish much like similar rigs used for saltwater trolling. I'll post more information as the testing process gets going.

Consistant performance Emmrod after Emmrod

2012-01-24T06:18:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post about this since it dawned on me. I've been fishing these fishing rods since 2006 and realized just how many changes that have been made. What I mean is rather than having specific favorite rods I had favorite styles. So in other words the Emmrods perform rod after rod the same way. No matter which Packrod and tip section I pick up when I add one of my reels the outfit is going to work every time the same as the last one. Doing so many demos has also shown that shown how tough the rods are too going from angler to angler. Pretty cool. I'll explore this more later. Oh the picture, hey what's better than a happy child fishing with an Emmrod.

New Emmrod Packrod with TPE handle

2012-01-22T19:37:00.000-05:00

This is one sweet setup! The first fishing rod ever with a TPE handle. The Packrod was chosen by Emmrod as the initial offering with the new material. It's tough, easy to grip, very comfortable and lots tougher than cork. Both versions of the Packrod, spinning and casting, will have this new material. As with the first Ford cars it comes in any color you want so long as it's black. The one pictured is a Packrod rigged with a seven coil Universal tip and a Shimano Citica bait casting reel. Loaded with 12lb mono line right now it easily casts unweighted flukes and is killer with topwater plugs. I can't wait to get hooked up to some big inshore fish on these rods. For kayak fishing these new rods offer a powerful but compact way to land the big ones. Oh yes and the cool part is there is no increase in the price!

Crappiethon and Jeffs Tackle Box Emmrods RULE

2012-01-21T18:06:00.000-05:00

We had a great time today! Set up this morning for the fishing booth portion of Crappiethon's Opening event in Cresent City Florida. There was great interest in my fishing rods and we had a number of folks leave with a nice new Emmrod to have a blast with. We also had some folks head home with one of the fantastic MuL 10 Qualia spincast reels. They continue to impress me as the best spincast reel at any price. This was a typical small town event, friendly folks and lots of great food. There was a fish fry going on right across from our booth and it was outstanding. Golden crunchy deep fried pollack was just the ticket. Served with cole slaw and baked beans it made for a wonderful meal. This was the first time we offered the new TPE handled Emmrods rods for sale. I've tested them for a few months, this new handle material should be very popular. It's much tougher than cork, the grip is non slip and very confortable. If the Crappiethon folks have an event near where you live check it out. Oh yes the picture is of my wife Kate in the booth

A good friend retires

2012-01-17T18:50:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend Kate and I attended a retirement party for a good friend. He has spent over 40 years with the USDA/ARS . Dr Richard Arbogast is one of the finest stored product researchers and experts in the world. For over a decade he has been my go to person for situations I've had to deal with regarding those pests. He is the best there is on the subject and for my life in the pest control world one of the best mentors I've had. Here is a shot of his cake. Dr. Arborgast is a pretty modest guy so the cake will have to do. By the way he is also one of the formost butterfly experts on earth. Best of luck my friend! Yes, I know the cake is upside down, that just becomes a challenge to look at.

Dashboards or work space compared W500 and Grumman 13'

2012-01-10T08:01:00.000-05:00

These are two vastly different work spaces. One, the Grumman a WW2 updated by material design that has been around for thousands of years. Then two, the Wavewalk 500 that has been with us less than a decade. I've fished both designs extensively and spent many hours catching fish from both of them. Figuring a trip from my regular saltwater launch. The canoe while very well equipped takes time to get ready to go. You've got to secure the Springcreek Universal Receiver, put in the floor, strap in the seats, then load the wheels plus stabilizers if you are going to drift flats and fish standing, finally you put on the foam gunnel pads. The wheels are required to get the canoe from the drop off space at the fish camp to the water down the wooden ramp. The W500 needs the gear loaded up then the paddle clips put in place, that's it. For getting to the water just pick up one end of the W500 by the two handles and drag it to the ramp, down and into the water. It slides like a sled and none of your gear is displaced. The dashboard or angling work zone is at your feet in the canoe. With the W500 it's like a low table right at hand. In the shots you see real world work space. Messed up by fish and gear changes it's much easier in the W500. Now for passenger use the W can handle two people but not for serious angling simply because the two anglers are too close to one another. Flailing rod tips and lures even with my Emmrods in the W are just too close for comfort. For solo angling however the W500 is golden. So far as getting around on the water in either case I really like the double bladed kayak paddles over canoe paddles for flats work. In creeks while sitting the canoe paddle is easier but if you are standing the long Wavewalk paddle is the way to go. Besides paddling and standing in the W500 is just plain fun. So far as toughness. Roto molded poly is darn durable but so is aluminum. Saltwater won't bother the poly much but aluminum must be protected by a coat of wax. While aluminum will not corrode in the manner of steel it will still have issues over time if not cared for. Now for storage the aluminum is the winner. Just sitting outside uncovered leaning against the side of the house the poly kayak will have issues with our bright Florida sun and UV however the aluminum is just fine. Both these boats offer different advantage and disadvantages. They are light years apart in design but both are fine paddle crafts. It's up to the individual what they are looking in a paddle style fishing boat. My choice the last few years has been the Wavewalk 500. Frankly I've gotten so comfortable being able to stand and fish at will with no effort it's hard to give that up.

13' Grumman movie clip

2012-01-08T22:01:00.001-05:00

I shot this short movie before we put the Grumman 13' canoe in the water yesterday. When this was all I had back in the mid 90s the boat went everywhere with me. I car topped it to Miami when I worked down there and would carry it into my hotel through the patio door each week. Then after work I would fish for a couple of hours each night. With the wheel set up from Spring Creek it was so easy. The canoe and I spent countless hours fishing all over the state when I traveled it working in different areas each week. Sometimes I was lucky enough to have a waterfront hotel so it was only a few feet to the water. What's funny was at the time I got the canoe I had looked at kayaks but nothing on the market in 1995 could match the light weight and ease of use the Grumman presented. The gear and equipment for the craft included it's roll up floor (from the duck hunting world), the Spring Creek rigged for wheels or pontoons, the folding seats, and the sections of foam padding around the gunnels. Having the chance to use it yesterday gave me the opportunity to compare it to the Wavewalk 500 I enjoy so much. For fishing frankly the W500 is a much better anglers tool. For minimal prep and far less gear to deal with the Wavewalk is a dream for ease of use. But for having the grandson along the canoe was a better choice since it gave me some distance between waving rod tips, lures and an excited child. Working a rod and fishing tools themselves is simpler in the W500 because of the work bench saddle area in front of me. Also the tackle bin storage in the Wavewalk is much easier to use. I always thought the Grumman was pretty quick but I believe the W500 is quicker yet. Of course anything over a walking pace is wasted energy for fishing and both crafts are easy to keep going for long period of time with minimal effort. I'll post a dashboard shot of the working area for each boat soon. The Grumman canoe has been with us since the end of WW2, the 13' was the first model that was made. The Wavewalk far less time but far more revolutionary. Glad to have both on hand and it will be interesting to compare uses and water time in the future for both boats.

Floating Thunder returns to the water

2012-01-07T19:07:00.000-05:00

My 13' Grumman canoe has been off the water nearly 10 years. I got caught up in the wave of kayak fishing having a blast along the way. My W500 hands down is my on the water office but it was time for a little time travel backwards. Our young grandson has never really fished much and has only been on the water a couple of times and never in a paddle craft of any kind. So having cleaned up Floating Thunder and gotten all it's rigging out and ready to go it seemed like a good match. I had originally rigged my canoe to be a full blown fishing rig anywhere a paddle craft would be appropriate. Everything from the floor to the seats worked great. The boy had a blast even if the trip was fishing rather than catching. The Emmrods worked great and he had fun just punching out castsin every direction. He gets the joke and understands the joy of just being outside and on the water. We will be doing this again for sure.

Combat Packer and MuL10

2012-01-04T17:44:00.000-05:00

Here is another rigging idea for spincasting. It's an Emmrod Packer rigged up with the Combat Rod with 4 coils. The MuL 10 reel is loaded with 10lb Stren Easy Cast a line I have thousands of yards of in the tackle room. I wanted to rig it much like any weekend angler might do for themselves or their kids. The line is premium mono and performs quite well with this spincast setup. Talk about compact and powerful it will enable the angler to go to the limit of the line and drag fish right to hand. I hope to get it on the water Saturday in the company of an 11 year old grandson to see if we can hook him up. Instead of the Wavewalk 500 we will be using the Grumman old canoe. The canoe has more room for him to move around.

Spincast Combat rig, a Jeff McGovern cool setup

2012-01-02T17:51:00.000-05:00

I've just started playing around with this fishing rod and a spincast reel. The Combat Rod and Qualia MuL 10 make for an interesting rig. Using the four coil Combat Rod you have a very stiff rod that can handle heavy line and big fish without question. In Canada this past summer it accounted for almost all of my largest pike and muskie rigged with a Shimano Curado 300D an awesome casting reel for the serious bait cast angler. The Mul 10 is not in the same class as a Curado 300D but in the world of spincast is a champion performer and landed some big fish in Canada too. Here in Florida the MuL 10 has taken reds, trout and flounder on both coasts. This is going to be a fun rig to work with and should be great for kayak fishing. Hopefully I can manage a little water time with it very soon.

My W500 simple yet effective

2012-01-01T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hands down the finest fishing kayak I've ever used. That is coming from someone who has used others, plus has them on the rack at the house and makes a serious choice for on the water time. My W500 is like a pickup truck on the water, the kind that has a high performance engine under the hood. It's tough, sturdy, and made for the angler. Standing to fish is not a balancing act nor is it a stunt to show the stability of the design. It's a boat where standing is as natural as sitting. Casting distances are far better sitting or standing since the angler can put their whole body into a cast not just flail an arm. With my little fishing rods from Emmrod I'm locked and loaded to catch fish not fool with equipment. Of course there is a problem, the W500 really has spoiled me. Tough to even consider fishing out of anything else. My friend Yoav Rosen created quite a watercraft in the Wavewalk. This movie short is my setup as of 12-31-11.

Shimano Citica great on the Emmrod casting rods and super for kayak fishing

2011-12-27T18:23:00.000-05:00

For 2012 Shimano has introduced a new Citica casting reel, but wait!!! Before you buy check out any remaining 2011 models in the stores. Other than the color and the offering of some new gear ratios in the lineup it's basically the same reel. However 2011s are going for $89.95 at Gander Mountain in Saint Augustine, FL while 2012s are listed at $129.95. Hmmmm that's quite a bit of difference for a color change. The Citica is great if you are looking for a baitcast reel to use kayak fishing, it's light, compact, but extremely powerful. Just the ticket for saltwater flats or freshwater if that's your calling. Shimano has done this before, after all fishing has in many ways become a fashion industry. But if you know your gear and can stand the fish chuckling at you because you gear does not match check out the 2011 Citicas. Oh yes, on the Emmrod casting rigs WOW, this reel is a champ.

Kids and Emmrods

2011-12-26T20:24:00.002-05:00

The son in law and I took two grandkids down to the waterfront in Palatka today. Of course we had to stick a fishing pole in their hands and you can guess what that was, of course an Emmrod. The each carried an Emmrod Packer the original design equipped with a freshwater spincast reel. Although the fish proved to be off somewhere else they still had fun. Casting Chug Bugs and bringing them back in is fun and there are few snags to worry about with a floating lure. We only caught one dock with the help of the wind but that was an easy fix. Next time we will find the fish. Hopefully later this week we can get the kayaks or canoe out for a little on the water work.

Gotta eat sometime - Yummy ham from Best Packers in Palatka, FL.

2011-12-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

Kate and I had a great holiday meal today anchored by a fantastic ham from Best Packers in Palatka, FL. They are an old local meat packing plant that has been here in Palatka for over 50 years now. I suspect when I get back on the water later this week there will be a couple of great ham sandwiches on board the W500. This ham was one of the best I've ever had. Great stuff!

Palatka Emmrod off the dock with Jeff McGovern

2011-12-24T14:15:00.000-05:00

Took a stroll down to the docks at our waterfront here in Palatka. The town sits right on the St Johns River, the area is a quick 10 minutes on foot from the house. Just tossed a few lures around the docks and managed only to hook up a gar that grabbed the plug and proceeded to cut me off on the dock posts. Oh well it was fun while it lasted. I really need to get the W500 out here for a little kayak fishing. The town is suppose to have the kayak and canoe launch done soon. It will be behind where I'm standing in the shot and be very easy to use. Maybe later today or even on Christmas we will walk over here with the grandkids for a little worm and bobber fishing with Emmrod Packers.

Jeff and the new Emmrod score in Palatka, Florida

2011-12-20T16:47:00.000-05:00

I took a stroll down to the docks here in Palatka, Florida this afternoon. Two grand kids needed to burn off steam and a walk downtown would take of the edge. I brought along the new Emmrod Packrod that has a synthetic handle material never before used for fishing rods. Super tough and very comfortable the orange color in this one is a prototype, the regular models will be in black. Made a couple of casts with a Mirrolure She Dog and got nailed by this little guy seeking bait fish along the rocks. The rod handles very well with low profile baitcasters like this Shimano Citica. The mono line it was loaded with it made a great topwater outfit in the tight places around the rocks and docks.

Little saltwater pill - the tablet jig - hooks them and gets them in.

2011-12-19T13:06:00.000-05:00

This is the small jig that caught all the fish from my last post. It's made by VMC and while designed for freshwater is great for saltwater flats fishing out of a kayak. So long as it is cleaned after a day on the water it holds up fine. The best way is the old peanut butter jar and a shot of baby shampoo lure washing trick. It has kept my baits working just great for years. For rigging the jig was tied with a canoeman's loop to a short 20lb fluorocarbon leader. The hook on these jigs is very sharp and the design helps defeat lost fish at boat side.

Whew it's been some time - Jeff and Emmrods got out yesterday

2011-12-18T17:16:00.000-05:00

Finally! After weeks and weeks of everything else going on but fishing yesterday December 17th found me in the saddle of my fishing wonder the Wavewalk 500. Frankly that is just too long to wait between trips. However the wait was worth it. I took along two Emmrod prototype fishing rods with a new high tech handle material. Great stuff this was the first time they have been saltwarer fishing since I got them. Hopefully they will be on the market sometime in 2012. The day was out standing and the fish were there to greet me after a long time away. Talley on the fish ended up at 17 reds, 12 sea trout and finally a baker dozen flounder. Most were low end legal and a few were invited home for the freezer. I'll post the rigging I used in another post. Here are some fish shots.

A+ PeeWee a great kayaking slingshot

2011-10-29T19:30:00.000-04:00

Being on the water is always great. Kayak fishing is a wonderful way to enjoy such times. But there are moments when a little plinking is also fun. Firearms would be nice but there is a serious safety issue. I've been taking a slingshot along for some time now. One of my favorites is this little PeeWee from A+ Plus slingshots . It's made from a piece of multiplex and looks like it is a natural tree fork. Light, strong and very accurate. I shoot BBs or 1/4 inch steel shot from it and have been very pleased with the performance. The can in the photo was hit dead center at 96 feet, the ball punched right though the metal with no problem. Slingshots are still very inexpensive and at least in the case of this model a made in American product by a small businessman in his own shop. I'm still wroking on a bow fishing combo that will include an Emmrod, Qualia DM 40 reel, 200lb braided line and of course a slingshot set up for arrows. Fun stuff to be sure.

Bird Barrier - Pest Barrier booth at NPMA New Orleans

2011-10-26T07:45:00.000-04:00

This is the other client I was working with at the NPMA. Bird Barrier is a firm founded 20 years ago to deal with problems involving pest birds. In the last year they have decided to go more mainstream into the pest control field offering products for roaches, termites, rodents, and even ants. All are non pesticide approaches that will be much less in the way of regulatory or safety concerns for pest control customers. The Pest Barrier group has some great products they should make the lives of pest control professionals and their clients much easier. Rat Out and Border Patrol are two of my favorites. They earn a place on every pest control truck out there.

Enviro Protection Industires Company ie EPIC at the NPMA in New Orleans

2011-10-26T07:28:00.000-04:00

I worked with two of my regular clients at the NPMA this past week. This is the booth for EPIC. The gentleman on the left side of the shot the founder of the firm, Dave and the other fellow is also a Dave, the National Sales Manager. The products are really something, repellents for deer, rabbits, moles, gophers, and armadillos. All are natural based and environmentally responsible. No need to worry about kids or pets. For the pest control operator or landscape professional these products represent a bucket of money they have in their truck. A great service for their customers that can be offered at a reasonable cost and still keep the profit margin for their business in the black.

My other job last week NPMA in New Orleans

2011-10-25T07:29:00.000-04:00

Last week I was in New Orleans for the National Pest Management Association yearly conference. My participation was in the trade show portion working with two firms. EPIC, who manufactures and markets repellents for deer, moles, rabbits, armadillos, rabbits, and gophers. The second firm was Bird Barrier's new Pest Barrier division markets a variety of pesticide free solutions. Both firms are innovative and forward thinking, just my kind of folks. The pictures show me in the Pest Barrier booth holding one of the new electronic Termite Seekers and in front of the Pest Management Professional Magazine booth with my picture there. We write a monthly column for that publication. It was loads of fun and very busy.

A movie short experiment from Jeff's Tackle Box

2011-09-30T06:29:00.000-04:00

I've put this clip up as an experiment. First time we have been able, at least lately, to get my camera to speak with my computer in video mode. This is piece from our fishing trip in June to Oak Island , we shot loads of pictures and now we can get back to the video clips. The fishing rod shown is the Combat Rod and frankly a power house of a pole for getting the big ones landed. With the right fishing reel like the Curado 300 it can be used all day in comfort and is simply a blast to fish. This combo is so good I'll put it up against any game fish in the waters at Lake of the Woods. The fish in the shot is a small musky and one of many we caught all week. As I get my video skills cleaned up more of these clips will be going up on the site.

Gander Mountain tomorrow in Saint Augustine, FL

2011-09-23T06:52:00.000-04:00

Kate and I will be showing Emmrods tomorrow 9/24/11 in Saint Augustine, FL. It's been over an month since we did a Gander day so we need to get back on trap. These days are normally a blast. By the way the photo is not upside down. It's your computer, mine has the same problem.

A really cool free stuff deal

2011-09-15T18:01:00.000-04:00

Just ordered a Piranha Pocket X tool for those times where you need to have a small tool but no place to carry it. I also still fly quite a bit and want to arrive with at least something that can open a box, turn a screw or loosen a bolt. This little guy is pretty cool and certainly a got to have gear geek item. If you get it from REI they have a heck of an offer. Buy it at a store or order it online ( I did that ) then when it comes you snap a picture of the tool with your REI receipt. You send that off to the Pocket X tool folks via email to team@pockettoolx.com and they send you a second tool for free. What a deal! For kayak fishing having a tool handy that will be easy to tighten a reel handle is always a good idea.

Soon our property gets put up for winter, Rat Out protects it.

2011-09-05T07:23:00.000-04:00

In the northern climates winter will soon be upon us. Boats will head into storage, cabins will be closed for the winter and resorts will shut down till 2012. I've worked full time in the pest control world for 40 years. Seen loads of problems with rodents tearing up property put up for the season. There is a really cool solution to help prevent that. Rat Out gel, it's a simple formulation with garlic oil and white pepper that rodents do not want to deal with. When the cabin or closed up or the boat stuck in the storage barn this stuff can help protect it. The website is www.pestbarrier.com I did the original cases studies on it. The product works very well and costs pennies per application. That tube goes a long way. Thought I would post a mention of it here since so many Emmrod owners live up north.

A flashlight for the serious sportsman

2011-09-04T07:57:00.000-04:00

Cheap disposable flashlights do not belong in any sportsman's gear as main use equipment. Older designs that take away a hand just to use the light are old hat as well. Sure headlights are handy but tough to keep around all the time since a person with head light on all the time looks just a bit weird. Real solid flashlights a person can depend on day after day even put their life on the line with are the way to go. This is the brand I carry, First Light, and have for a few years now. Later on I'll post a picture of the chest pack that can be used to carry this beauty.

Another wonderful day in the W500

2011-09-03T21:28:00.000-04:00

Got out for the morning today. From just before 7AM and headed off the water around noon. Kayaks, anglers, and pleasure boaters all enjoying the Labor Day holiday. As always spending time in the Wavewalk. I landed 9 flounder all between 10 and 12 inches, too small to keep really but fun to catch just the same. All the fish were on a 2 inch DOA shrimp on a jig head. The rod and reel an Emmrod Packer with a Qualia MuL 10 spincast reel. Wish there could have been something to take home for the grill, maybe next time.

This slingshot works great from the W500

2011-08-30T18:05:00.000-04:00

This one is a beast. It shoots 3/8 inch steel ball bearings on the small side and 1/2 inch on the upper side. Hits very hard and just crushes a soda can with each hit. As you can see only a few shots this can did not stand a chance. As a kayak fishing companion it is a blast to have along. Where legal it can easily take small game. Nice thing is it makes no noise and is very inexpensive to shoot. These models can also be set up to shoot arrows for bow fishing.

The Face

2011-08-25T20:45:00.000-04:00

I'm posting this since I've been asked by quite a few folks. When we eat out I draw variations of this face on napkins for the servers. Done it thousands of times. I've been told to get this guy on a t shirt we could make a bundle. Don't know about that but it would be cool. Drew this face in a few moments on a piece of scratch paper here next to the computer. So, what do you all think?

Wow it's been too long

2011-08-21T21:08:00.000-04:00

OK, finally got back on the water yesterday. Apparently I did not miss too much since many of my fishing friends said July was very slow in the catching department. Too hot, muggy, and very uncomfortable on the water past mid morning. I hit 206 bridge in my favorite fishing kayak the great W500. If you have never used this boat there is a serious problem with it. Once you paddle a W500 and spend some time fishing from one you just can't got back to another kayak. Nothing has the comfort or ease of use the W500 does. Plus being able to stand anytime you want with no worries is fantastic. I spent quite a bit of time yesterday drifting around the oyster beds casting and looking for fish while standing up. The little Emmrod Combat rod is great at times like this since you can punch out underhand power casts like a deck gun. Anyway nothing big hit my line except for two fun jacks, all told I caught over a dozen little ones but the bigger ones are just a blast. Also managed two little trout and a pile of those darn pinfish that tried to eat my DOA shrimp.

Can't fish might as well shoot cans

2011-07-24T20:18:00.000-04:00

Could not get on the water this weekend but shooting my slingshot off the back porch was an option. Hey got to work on outsdoors stuff somehow. This little one is a BB shooter from A+ out in CA, great little plinker and so inexpensive to shoot. The Coke can is pretty well chewed up the Vault can I just started on. Shooting was at 33 feet into my catch box, nice because the BBs can be picked up with magnet to shoot again.

A boat loaded with Emmrods

2011-07-20T14:50:00.000-04:00

This was my standard load out in Canada. Fishing rods on the decks and then a couple under the front deck cap. All these rods, easy to carry and simple to get to for swicthing out presentations. The boats we used from the fishing resort have always been just great for getting to the fish and fantastic for all day comfort.

Assembling my Emmrods at Oak Island

2011-07-13T04:35:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot in the kitchen of our cabin at Lake of the Woods on Oak Island. Easy to keep up for the week yet very comfortable for a great meal each night. The rods are most of the ones I brought along. The cool part is a small as Emmrods are and simple to tote in the boat they all fit with no problem. As you can see I'm already dressed for action. Note the kayak logo on my shirt, it's from our kayak fishing group in Florida.

Here was our cabin for the week at Oak Island Resort

2011-07-11T20:21:00.000-04:00

I was asked what the cabins look like at Oak Island Resort. Here is the front of ours with all of the gear week we took for the week. We have always found them clean, simple and very comfortable. They are a real home away from home and something we look forward to each and every year. Nothing better on a world class fishing trip than a great place to come home to each night. I'll see if I can come up with some interior shots too.

Jeff's biggest musky of the trip 2011 on the Emmrod Combat Rod

2011-07-10T16:04:00.000-04:00

Here is a better close shot of the big musky from this years trip. A real trophy fish and handled with no problem on a very small fishing rod, the Emmrod Combat Rod. All of our fish were caught casting and retrieving baits not trolling or waiting for something to happen. Fishing hunter style as we do it's casting shorelines, weed beds, and structure all day. Loads of fun and very productive. Just wish my favorite fishing kayak had made the trip. The logistics are just a bit too much for that right now.

Gander Mountain - Jacksonville 7-16-11 Jeff and Emmrod

2011-07-09T08:31:00.000-04:00

Kate and I met with the fishing department managers at Gander Mountain Jacksonville FL yesterday. We will be doing an Emmrod demo with our favorite fishing poles on Saturday July 16th from around 9AM till 4PM. For almost two years anglers in the Jacksonville area have been asking for us to come up. It's a much farther drive from Palatka but since we have been asked so often it's finally worked out. The store employees at Saint Augustine have been so supportive of us and the Emmrods. After meeting the two gentlemen in Jacksonville ( Sam and Sean ) it should be more of the same. Craig Goff one of the managers in Saint Augustine deserves the credit for allowing us to do this. He invited us in the first time and has welcomed us back many times since. The Gander days are loads of fun for us and the people who look at in many cases buy the Emmrods have been wonderful. We hope that eventually Gander will take on the Emmrods as a stock item. Nobody in the tackle industry has a guarantee close to Emmrod. If you break one send it back for another. No receipt required and no hassle. Besides Emmrods are a USA product assembled by senior citizens in Idaho. Can't get much more American than that. I've attached a photo of our table from a prior Gander event so folks know what to look for.

Rubber butt cap on Jeff's Tackle Box Emmrod

2011-07-05T18:19:00.000-04:00

I've used these rubber butt caps on the Emmrods for some time now. They are inexpensive crutch or chair leg caps sold at retailers like Lowes or Ace Hardware. Most fishing rods have some sort of butt cap and these add a nice final trim piece to the Emmrods while also providing a more secure grip and a place to tuck in the rod close for hard fighitng fish. The cork handle rods use a 7/8 inch cap, the Packers a 1 inch size. For cleaning they come off easily. I like them and find them very useful.

Another Jeff's Tackle Box Emmrod secret

2011-07-04T18:15:00.001-04:00

To catch the fish it really helps to see them. This year in Canada I had a pair of new sunglasses thanks to some great suggestions from one of my favorite sporting goods retailers. When we were leaving the store having done a Gander day with the Emmrods in May the young fellow at at the counter suggested looking at some new sunglasses. He handed me a pair of Native Hardtop XPs, wow nice fit and in my favorite color amber. These allow you to see fish that might otherwise be hidden. In my standup fishing kayak they make a real difference between fishing and catching. Since while in Canada I fish off the front deck of the big Lunds the glasses went home with me. Cool thing is they also come with blue mirrror flash lens and night driving lens, such a deal. you just switch them with a quick snap in and out. Both extra sets store right in the top of the case so having them when you need them is easy. These are a secret weapon for anglers who want to see the fish before the hookup.

Jeff's Tackle Box manager exhausted

2011-07-03T17:32:00.000-04:00

Since I've gotten back from Lake of the Woods to take charge Chopper has been resting. Seems he had no idea how hard it is to run the business. He does not like paperwork and his keyboard skills are hampered by his long fingernails. He said maybe next time he wants to go along and fish. Hmmm that should be interesting, not sure how well he can cast. He has his eye on that Combat Rod and a nice baitcasting reel. We'll see.

Kayaks for fishing at Lake of the Woods

2011-07-03T16:13:00.000-04:00

All week while we saw canoes we did not see any fishing kayaks up at Lake of the Woods. However as we were leaving I saw this boat parked at the winter storage barn some of the locals use for wintering their rigs. Hmmm somebody is thinking mother shipping kayaks to fish from way up here. I'm pretty sure two W500s would fit into a big Lund Alaskan fishing boat like we used. For two anglers in the 18' size there should be plenty of room for them and still be able to use the boat for fishing as an option. Maybe next year, I sure did miss not having the Wavewalk for some of the tight rocky areas we were in, it would have been ideal. The trouble is getting them all the way up there then transporting them to the island. Oak Island Resort would benefit from having a few boats on hand for a simple evening paddle around the bay or even adventures as folks might see fit to try. The north country is currently ruled by the outboard motor, it's the most common transport mode folks use. But canoes that held the title of top dog are still around and still a recreational favorite. Seeing those two kayaks gave me some hope that the wilderness areas would love the Wavewalk. Guess somebody, maybe me, is going to have to make an introduction.

Got smallmouth bass too

2011-07-01T21:34:00.000-04:00

We caught a huge number of smallmouth bass, The lake is known for having loads of these things. This trip was so much fun and these fish are the ones you know every rocky wind swept point will produce. They fight, leap, pull and really do well for themselves. A great game fish.

The lure that did the job for Jeffs Tackle Box at Lake of the Woods

2011-06-28T16:16:00.000-04:00

We used a very simple fishing lure jig spinner harness. Very strong and reliable from Slayer in Jacksonville, Florida. The jig heads are from Mission Fishin and the mullet tails from Strike King. A key factor is that tiny secton of 1/8 inch clear tubing over the "R" bend on the harness. It creates a loop tie point for a canoeman's loop knot, very important.

Emmrod Combat rod from Jeff's Tackle Box

2011-06-27T10:50:00.000-04:00

Here is closeup of the Emmrod fishing pole I used last week at Lake of the Woods. It rocked the world of a huge number of fish. Tough, strong, and a power fishing dream in a small package. The Combat Rod is for the angler looking for a new challenge and one that tests their angling skills. In the right hands this is a big fish catching machine. With the right fishing reel like the Shimano Curado 300DSV on my rig here you wonder why you ever fished delicate tubular poles in the first place. The time has come for new way to battle big fish and this little rig is it.

Not much else to say Jeff McGovern got a bigger one

2011-06-25T21:56:00.000-04:00

Here we are a bigger one. A musky at 45 inches caught on the Emmrod Combat rod in casting configuration. Fishing has a new really cool fishing rod, the Combat Rod. WOW, this thing rules. Oh yeah we caught loads of fish besides this big guy. This trip was the first solid workout for the rod. When I back back to my fishing kayak in Florida the saltwater fish I hit on a regular basis are about to face true angling combat.

Jeffs Tackle Box, Emmrod Packer, and Qualia MuL 10 rule !!!

2011-06-24T07:31:00.000-04:00

Today got my musky!!! YESSSSSS. The rod and reel in hand at the moment was the Emmord Packer and the Qualia MuL 10. Rigging, 14lb Fireline which is super on that fishing reel to a 20lb fluorocarbon leader. The lure a Slayer jig harness with a Mission Fishin jig head and a Strike King 4 inch mullet tail. Well got to hit the water again today, off we go.

Emmrod Combat rod strikes again with Jeff McGovern

2011-06-23T07:12:00.001-04:00

Quick update. Got a slightly bigger northern yesterday, upgraded by three inches. This one is 34 inches long. Got to run the boat is waiting.

Jeffs Tackle Box and the Emmrod Combat rod

2011-06-22T07:26:00.000-04:00

Had another good day on the water here at Lake of the Woods. More smalllmouth than we bothered to count plus northern pike and walleye. The little fishing rods I had Emmrod make up for me are wonderful. The Combat Rod is just the thing for fast and furious fishing giving no quarter to the fish, it truly is had to fin combat at it's best. The one that caught this nice 31 inch pike was equipped with a great casting reel, the Shimano 300D. a real cranker with loads of power. Loaded with 20lb Momio High Catch and a 20lb fluorocarbon leader it is a handful of power. This is truly the rig for any angler who is looking for compact power to land big fish.

Emmrod Combat rod from Jeffs Tackle Box

2011-06-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

Wow, this combat fishing rod is outstanding. Today it was smallmouth one after another, most were the chunks like this one and mine fell mainly to the smallest Emmrod. I rigged it with a Shimano Curado 300D loaded with 20lb Momoi High Catch and a 20lb fluorocarbon leader. The bait is a jig harness from Slayer lures, a Mission Fishin jig head and a Redfish Magic 4" mullet tail.

First fish, Oak Island 2011

2011-06-19T22:45:00.000-04:00

We got out Sunday afternoon later than we wanted but you can't control fog and slow driving on the way up. This first fish for mme this year is a nice walleye that would have been great for a meal, but it was released to be caught another day. The fishing rod was an Emmrod Packer and the fishing reel a Qualia MuL 10. I had the rig spooled with 14lb Fireline and leadered with a section of 20lb flourocarbon. The fishing lure was a Redfish Magic. Loads of fun and hopefully the first of many for the week.

Early morning in Baxter MN

2011-06-19T04:56:00.000-04:00

Well it's early! Can't sleep since this trip is always like Christmas and Santa is coming soon. We head up through Baudette MN first to hit customs and then cross over to Waroad MN to cross over into Canada. Then it;s through a small piece of Manitoba and back over to Northwest Angle MN at Young's Bay. From there we take the launch over to Oak Island. Hopefully we will be fishing lines in the water early this afternoon. Check out the time on my smart phone.

The boss at Jeffs Tackle Box

2011-06-15T16:21:00.000-04:00

Just to let everyone know. While the big guy is in Canada fishing his brains out I'll be in charge. Any questions just email Jeff and I'll see it or post here on the blog.

Sincerely, Chopper

New camera gear for Jeffs Tackle box

2011-06-14T07:42:00.000-04:00

My dependable 1030SW has been getting a little long on the tooth. I was concerned about using it for saltwater work and decided on a new model. Looking over the offerings i decided on a TG 610 Olympus. It offered the memory we needed for videos and is tough enough for the work we do outside and in. Not the metal body of the camera it replaced but nearly as tough as it should be better around the salt. Soon it heads to Canada for our yearly Oak Island adventure. Can't wait!

Inside my packed tackle bag

2011-06-13T07:11:00.000-04:00

Here is an inside shot of my tackle bag. This is the boat bag I carry each day when I'm on the water at Lake of the Woods each day. Everything is labeled or clear so finding a lure is easy. The empty PB&J jar is where lures go each day when they are changed out. That way when the day is done it's easy to see what was used and it keeps me from digging into the boxes during the day to put lures back. In the evening it's then a simple task to review the day back at the cabin.

The secret connection

2011-06-12T21:48:00.000-04:00

Fishing secrets are many, But this one little tip will catch you loads more fish with lures you already own. Many spinner baits have what is called an "R" bend frame, that bend is the tie on point for the line. Most anglers use a hard knot like a palomar or improved clinch, STOP IT. Try instead using a loop knot tied to the loop you create using a tiny section of 1/8 inch ID plastic tubing. The knot we use is the canoeman's loop and you'll find the instruction on my website, it's strong and has landed me loads of fish. Check out the photo of the loop you can make so simply. This is the connection for 95% of the lures we will be using in Canada very shortly.

Two spincast reels from Qualia head for Canada

2011-06-12T08:27:00.000-04:00

I'm taking along the two types of Qualia spincast reels, the MuL 10 and the DM 40. Both should be wonderful on the waters of Lake of the Woods. We will be staying at out usual place the resort we have stayed at since we were kids ( and that's more than a few years ago). Oak Island Resort has been there since the 1930's if I remember right. We leave in only a few days. Loads of driving, for me around 35 hours total. Well worth it and each year is the trip of a lifetime.

Lure packs for Oak Island 2011 and Jeff's Tackle Box in Canada

2011-06-09T17:47:00.000-04:00

Here are 1/2 size Plano boxes for my Canadian adventure. They contain fishing lures and components to get me through a week of northern pike, small mouth bass, musky and walleye. One more larger full size box goes along too with big plugs then a spinner bait pack and a selection of trailers. Old fashioned bulky tackle boxes a were too tough to deal with so I've been doing this modular system since 1997. I leave within a week and by a week from Sunday on June19th Emmrods will be casting lure to the fish just mentioned. Nothing in the fishing rod world is as tough and they are so much fun to use.

A serious big fish rig - The new 4 coil Universal Emmrod from Jeff's Tackle Box

2011-06-07T19:47:00.000-04:00

This is a beauty of a casting rig! The one an angler can handle just about anything that swims. It's the new 4 coil Universal Rod from Emmrod. In this case it's rigged with a baitcast reel the Curado 300D spooled with 20lb boxed rated Fireline. Big reds, pike, snook, musky and bass look out, this baby is one the water now! Ir's one of the fishing rods that will be in the boat with us at Lake of the Woods in a couple of weeks. We have these in stock and they are moving fast. For kayak fishing, wow, this will catch your next trophy.

Racked and ready from Jeff's Tackle Box

2011-06-04T17:50:00.000-04:00

A nice picture of my favorite fishing rods in the rack and all set to fish. As you can see it's mainly casting plugs and they can be deadly on many types of fish. These new Emmrod Universal rods are really something and a blast to cast and catch fish on.

Crystal River 5-26-11 heading out

2011-05-30T16:20:00.000-04:00

Here is a video short with some great fishing rods as stars, not to mention two fabulous anglers. This was not a kayak fishing trip but one in a flats boat. What a wonderful place to fish and enjoy the outdoors. Crystal River Florida is just fantastic.

My front deck on Classic Day

2011-05-24T08:24:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot of my front deck on the day of the Jax Kayak Classic. My favorite fishing rods, reels, and lures are set and ready to go. The boat, of course, the famous W500 from Wavewalk the finest fishing kayak made today. What a great selection of fishing products all of which will catch a load of fish.

5-21-11 Jeff McGovern takes on the 206 bridge! See it on film

2011-05-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

Here we go another simple kayak fishing movie. The start of the day showing my kayak, my gear, my fishing poles and where we will be headed.

Jeff's Tackle Box at the Jax Kayak Classic

2011-05-15T20:47:00.000-04:00

Kate and I had our Emmrod table at the Jax Kayak Classic over this past weekend. Friday night was the Captain's Meeting then on Saturday the fishing and awards meeting in the evening. Loads of fun and it was so nice to see kids and parents both having a blast kayak fishing. We sold a few Emmrods and I think that they are becoing more accepted each time folks see them. It was nice to have some of my fishing buddies speak up and comment how well they cast and that they do catch fish. More to come on the event, stay tuned.

Quick chat with a redfish

2011-05-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

I shot this last Saturday practicing for the Classic. Of course it's the 206 bridge area at Cresent Beach Florida. Kayak fishing was off the chain, trout, reds, lady fish and blue fish. All on lures and loads of fun. Caught all the gamefish on the little MuL 10 spincast reel from Qualia. The fishing rod was an Emmrod Packer with the new 7 coil Universal tip section. Wow, nice combo and so easy to use. Proves that for under a 100 dollars you can get a solid lifetime fishing set up. I'll post some other items shortly but I wanted to get my shot visit with Mr Redfish on the blog.

5-07-11 Genung's Fish Camp with the W500, Qualia Reels and Emmrod

2011-05-09T09:05:00.000-04:00

Satruday was a blast!..Here is the first little video. More to come

Salt 1 bait caster

2011-05-06T22:47:00.000-04:00

Here is the new Salt1 Baitcasting reel from US Reel. Fantastic on my fishing rods and an easy to use rig for big fish. Tomorrow will be my first time in the kayak with it. Finally a nice day and time for a little fishing. The Kayak Classic is next week so practice is in order. My Emmrods have been idle for too long and I can't wait to feel the pull on the end of the line.

This week at the South East Pest Management Conference

2011-05-05T21:31:00.000-04:00

Kate and I spent time this week in Gainesville, Florida at the South East Pest Control meeting. We handled two booths one for JF Oakes and the other for EPIC. Respectively the two companies carry insect pheromone and rodent attractants or a line of repellent products for deer, rabbits, gophers, moles and armadillos. We had a great time and there was huge interest in the two companies lines since both represent green pest control at it's best. Now why am I talking about this stuff on my fishing blog? Well it's easy, I had my fishing rods along too. The Emmrods sure draw folks to the booth, relaxed conversation starts and pretty soon those fishing rods are a great path to a happy customer. Only one week to go now until the world's largest kayak fishing event. Lots to get ready for sure, Hopefully this Saturday i can get at least a little time on the water.

Last Saturday - Jeff's Tackle Box at the NEFRA Bass event

2011-05-03T23:14:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we attended and exhibited at the North East Florida Realtors Association charity bass event in Palatka. It was an interesting day but frankly proof positive that the economy is not yet recovered regardless of what the media might say. Few lookers and no buyers for almost all of the folks showing products. The price of gas was a topic since we all know boats burn it very quickly and those big bass boats do use it quickly. Sure better than even 5 years ago but fishing trips by power boat are expensive and getting to be out of reach for a load of people. Kayak fishing is getting a hard look by many an anglers with the gas costs. Those were the type of things discussed. The RV folks that came along to talk were really feeling the pinch. A number of them mentioned their rigs were currently parked and would stay that way for some time to come. All in all we did have a nice time though, just wish a few more Emmrods had found a new home.

Another shreaded can

2011-05-01T09:16:00.001-04:00

I'm really getting into these slingshots. Handy, easy to shoot and much like the my fishing rods for compact fun. This is a second Chief AJ I picked up since it takes over night for tube sets to dry when you change them. Now the shooting can continue uninterrupted. Accuracy is excellent and what a great way to shoot in the backyard almost anywhere and not bother anyone. The little shooting trap is as simple as a cardboard box with a window cut in it to shoot into. The can is suspended from a piece of wire hanger hung in the window. A towel hanging double behind the can will catch the balls and they end up in the base of the box. Used wood pieces across the top edge of the box to create a hang point. I'm still surprised at how inexpensive this sport is. The Chief AJ slingshots are around 15 dollars each so cost is minimal. I would have at least two to cover those tube replacements for an active shooter.

BB shooter

2011-04-23T09:52:00.000-04:00

Picked up this little guy for even cheaper shooting with BBs as the ammo. Fits in the top pocket of my fishing vest so it's always handy in my Wavewalk fishing kayak. It's kind of like my fishing rods compact with a punch far outside it's size. The can was hit from 33 feet using bbs and you can see some of hits shoot right through. The slingshot was made by a firm in S. California called A+ slingshots, nice craftmanship too. Talk about a pocket sized plinker, this is so much fun.

Where are the cans at ? No empty Coke cans here

2011-04-20T13:34:00.000-04:00

Here' s Abby looking for empty Coke cans for me. We shoot them with the slingshots and of course turn them into soda can coffetti. I'm about ready to hit the water with one of these rigs but I also have to practice for the upcoming Jacksonville Kayak Fishing Classic. We have a charity event coming up in a couple of weeks for bass fishing and I'll post the info as soon as I find it again.

Jeff's Tackle Box Sunday night target practice

2011-04-17T19:38:00.000-04:00

Keeping things going with the little Chief AJ slingshot. I go through maybe a set a week of the Trumark tapered red bands. This can lasted maybe 15 minutes of getting slammed with 5/6" steel ball bearings. What I do is free hang the cans from a wire then shoot until the can is in at least two pieces. This style slingshot is great for this type of target pratice and what is cool the bearings can be shot again and again. I just pick them up with a small magnet from inside my capture box. This sport is so inexpensive and so much fun, wow.

The new tip guide .50

2011-04-16T19:02:00.000-04:00

Almost a year back I asked Duane Markley the owner of Emmrod if we could have a bigger tip guide. As always he said "sure we'll look into it". Well come my Canada 2010 trip I had a prototype in my hands ready to fish. It worked great and by last fall the first ones hit the market. There was no price increase but the increase in handling and casting was great. Once again Emmrod proves they listen to the anglers out there and are always working to improve the fishing rods they make. For kayak fishing this new improvement is outstanding.

Universal Emmrods intro video

2011-04-10T18:19:00.000-04:00

Here is a short video of the Universal Emmrods. Just an introduction style piece I'll post more a bit later. This should give folks a little taste. By the way these things fish and handle so well it's scary, for the fish anyway. In a kayak the ease of use is fantastic and contrary to the experts who claim you need long fishing rods these little fellows will put a bunch more fish on the grill or posing for trophy shots. The casting reel in the shot is a Shimano Curado B series an older reel many of us wish they still made. The spinning reel is the magnificent NLF 30 from Qualia. They are out of stock almost everywhere till June even Qualia itself has none, but we still have one brand new in the box here at Jeff's Tackle Box. It's not even listed on the site you have to call to buy it, price is is $74.99 plus tax and shipping for some lucky angler who wants to best.

He needs a bigger kayak

2011-04-09T07:11:00.000-04:00

Now and again the help around Jeff's Tackle Box has a little too much time on their hands, or paws. This is a shot I took of Chopper some time back. We noticed someone was sneaking snacks around the office. Great for energy while kayak fishing certainly but for those who do office work a way to put on the pounds. We have had Chopper working out since then handling fishing rod orders and moving around a lot more. Just have to keep those snack cakes where he can't find them.

Wrapped Packer handle on one of Jeff's rods

2011-04-07T16:18:00.000-04:00

I've been asked how I wrap the handles on the Packer I use at shows and while kayak fishing. Here is a close up of a well worn Packer grip. This rod has been a shows and on the water now for almost a year. Sure it shows some wear but the grip is in place and very comfy. It's just an over warp of tennis racket padded tape and then a 1 inch cane tip on the butt. Right near the fishing reel a piece of plastic leak repair tape keeps it all in place. By the way the reel looks huge because it is a DM-40 from Qualia as good a baitcaster replacement by spincast as there is.

Heavy arrow shooting slingshot Jeff's Chief AJ HFX

2011-04-06T20:31:00.000-04:00

OK here is it one of the actual bowfishing slingshots I'll be using from my kayak. This is Chief AJ's bg boy, his heavy duty black banded strong pulling beast. This one shoot arrows like a 45lb recurve bow with a release. It's not easy to pull and hold without practice but it shoots like a house on fire. It sends a 5/16 inch ball bearing or 3/8 inch inside diameter nut screaming toward the target. When it hits the Coke can it just tears right through it. I did my shooting session tonight mainly with it because I wore out a set of bands on the other slingshot. I switched them out but takes over night for the alcohol to dry off the new tubes before it can be shot. I have another little backup plinker slingshot on the way from slingshot craftsman in CA that is designed just for BBs. Got that one since I've found the more you shoot the better you hit. Man this cheap little easy to have fun with sport is habit forming.

Bowfishing practice continues at Jeffs Tackle Box.

2011-04-05T20:21:00.000-04:00

So here you are a Coke can shredded with a combination of 3/8" inside diameter hex nuts and 5/6" ball bearings. Out of a kayak with a bow fishing rig this type of gear is going to be fun. Right now at 30 feet all these practice sessions are putting the cans at serious risk. The red band version in the shot is one I use the most for backyard work like this. I've also been working with another ball shooting version from Chief AJ that is already set up for arrows. Then I have my larger version from Falcon Archery in Texas that is the mondo size slingshot for arrows, a model that has already taken sharks, gators, and wild pigs for other sportsmen. For me so far it's been cans but soon that will change. I want to be totally tuned for accurate pin point target acquisition.

What I fish with, my Emmrods.

2011-04-03T19:54:00.001-04:00

Folks always ask if I really fish with Emmrods. They seem to believe that the rods are gimmicks, no way for sure. Hey the W500 fishing kayak is no gimmick either. That's right I love using fishing gear that is cutting edge and this stuff is it. My fish fighting control is superb, the casting distance is just great and the fun is off the chain. Here are a couple of on the water shots of my actual in the kayak gear. The spinning outfit is the Emmrod Packrod equipped with a Qualia NLF 30 spinning reel, a super all around set up. The casting rig is a Packrod casting rod with a Shimano Curado 200B, an older baitcast reel but one valued for it's handling and castability. This fishing gear is a blast to use!

Bill did not die, but I think he felt he might

2011-04-03T13:56:00.000-04:00

Wow today was a kayak fishing learning experience. There is a real need for a true big man's kayak and I don't mean big fat guy boat either. Bill is a big guy, pro wrestler sized big not fat and my Prowler 13 was just not enough boat for him. Bill tips the scales at 320lbs plus and stands about 6'7" or so. A man that sized dwarfs the practical capacity of my Prowler 13. Sure the weight rating is 450 but I don't think Ocean kayaks tested them with guys this size. He was cramped. uncomfortable, unstable, and wet the whole day. Would my W500 have helped, nope not enough boat there either. Hmm has me thinking about someday seeing a W800 at maybe a foot longer and a few inches wider for guys this big. I'm sorry his day was so frustrating because we could just not get to the fish. He was unable to paddle any distance in comfort and that is enough to ruin any day on the water. He did have an interesting time and thank goodness was able to discover that if he ever considers a kayak it is going to have to be a big one. I'm 6'3" and around 245 so not a tiny guy. Seeing Bill have his problems remined me that there needs to be more stuff for big folks. I have the problem with shoes since I wear a 15 so the understanding is there.

Heading out April 2, 2011 with my friend Bill kayak fishing at Genung's

2011-04-01T21:41:00.000-04:00

Hopefully tomorrow will be good day on the water. Bill has never kayak fished but he is an experienced angler out of a canoe. Mainly a bass guy he should have a ball with seatrout, reds, flounder, and maybe a small tarpon. I'll be meeting him on the road first thing and we hope to be on the water right around sunrise. Here are two of my boats ready to go, my favorite fishing kayak and my Prowler 13 first prize in the flounder division of the Classic in 2006. My goal is get a smile on his face with an nice saltwater catch.

New kayak and canoe ramp in Putnam County, Florida

2011-04-01T05:27:00.000-04:00

I saw this ramp across the river when I was coming in with a BASS pro during the Citrus Slam. It's on the east side of the big bridge here in Palatka FL constructed by the county. Not bad and an improvement over what was there before but wow is it steep. Hopefully it will be kept up and not trashed like so many smaller ramps I've used. Seems like when there are these nice little spots nasty folks find them and leave all sorts of garbage around when they launch or come in. Parking is decent and there is a small waterfront park along to the base of the bridge to the west. When I first got a Wavewalk kayak back in 2006 this was a spot I frequently put in for freshwater fishing. I've not done it lately since saltwater has been so much fun, but maybe I need to get back to it.

Shreaded beer can with the slingshot

2011-03-31T17:35:00.003-04:00

I picked up a couple of beer cans off the side of the road by the house and decided to give them punishment for littering. This is 15 minutes of shooting to shread it to this condition with the Chief AJ Topshot slingshot. The ammo was 5/16 inch ball bearings. Distance was 30 feet into my little homemade trap and the cool part is all the ammo can be used again. It's hard to believe shooting a slingshot is this much fun and so inexpensive. For under 50 dollars you can shoot for a year provided you save the ball bearings in a trap. Hopefully the National Slingshot Association can be reborn like in it's heyday of the 1950's. Afterall it's green, cheap, and the ammo is reclaimed, what a deal!

Preparing to bowfish

2011-03-30T19:28:00.001-04:00

Bow fishing something I've been talking about for some time. Well bows are expensive and the Tigercat I brought home last summer apparently is not a bow that would do well banging around the kayak. So I've looked in another direction, slingshots, very powerful adult style slingshots that have already proven taking big game and big fish. I'll post shots of them soon, but first the trainer. This one is a little Chief AJ redband slingshot and it is a blast to use. He has a full website full of cool stuff. The version I use for practice is his basic day to day shooter and so much fun to use it's scary. The red bands are Trumark bands which are the best out there for getting the shooting eyes in shape. I'm very surprized at the accuracy and power. Right now with my little homemade tin can 30 foot range I can shread soda cans in half easily using 5/16 inch steel ball bearings. The cool part is the bearings can be reclaimed and shot again and again. This is fun, cheap, and almost silent, what a blast! My final rigging will be one of my fishing rods attached to the slingshot for shooting fishing arrows, too cool.

My shipping department

2011-03-29T18:40:00.000-04:00

Well today our VP of Logistics here at Jeff's Tackle Box was reviewing our packaging. He claims we have to have boxes big enough for him to sleep in. I keep telling him that he is bigger than our fishing rods and certainly our reels or flashlights. But he keeps insisting since he wants to try each each size box before we stock it. I think maybe he needs a promotion.

Custom hand poured baits by Bill

2011-03-28T20:18:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine is just starting making custom hand poured soft plastic baits. Here brought me a couple of sample packs today and they look great. Better yet they felt very soft and yet very tough. I can't wait to get these on the end of a line off my Emmrods fishing from my Wavewalk 500. In fact that little spinner rig I presented in my last post might also be another place for one of these plastics. I've already test cast from my fishing rods and these baits throw well with just a 3/0 hook. Hopefully this new project will go well for him.

A great little spinner

2011-03-28T07:58:00.000-04:00

I know I've got the makers info around here someplace. This little spinner is ideal for stashing away in a tackle pack for use with my favorite fishing pole. A pouch with an Emmrod Packrod, a Qualia NLF30 and a few of these would catch about anything. Much as the Redfish Magic spinner this little guy has a place in an anglers go to box. Sure it's small but lots of fish feed on tiny stuff. The plastic trailer is a 2 inch DOA shrimp so fish are fooled into thinking they got a easy shrimp snack right in front of their face. Darn I wish I could find this fellows number. Oh well I do have my exhibitor map from the show so finding him should not be too tough.

My favorite worklight, great for fishing too.

2011-03-27T19:48:00.000-04:00

I've been asked for a few shots of my regular work light since so many folks have seen it. It's an original version of the First Light Liberator. I can still get these made for far less than the original 200 dollar price tag since the new models are 120 lumen as compared to this versions 80 lumen. The light has staged power settings going 20, 40, 80 lumen and frankly as clean and well focused as this light is the darn thing is perfect for almost any handheld light needs. I've carried this little beauty as my main work light for nearly 5 years now. It uses 123A lithium cells either primary or rechargeable. The light was designed as a weapons light and for that purpose it is excellent too. Great product and made right here in the USA.

Secret little spinner used by Jeff McGovern

2011-03-27T07:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I had the chance to try out the one of the little spinners bought at the Florida Sportsman's Show a couple of weeks back. Very light and at first I wondered if the darn thing would cast very well. The maker claimed it would since the blade was not metal and did not wind vane badly during the cast. I tried one out in the demo pond at the event. Sure enough even on my baitcaster the Emmrod Combat rod it worked fine. I was using 16lb mono line on that rig and it proved no problem. For spinning it was even better tossing the little spinner easily on 10lb superline, in my case Fireline. I need to find this guys card among my bundle from the show. This is a nice lure of snaggy oyster beds and in grass that should be a of great help catching numbers of fish. For kayak fishing it would be nice to have a few of these handy in the vest or tackle box.

A short movie near 206 bridge today

2011-03-26T20:21:00.000-04:00

The new topwater special performed like a champ. Combined with a fishing reel like the Qualia NLF30 I had no trouble playing and landing fish today. Of course my favorite soft plastic bait in saltwater the good old DOA shrimp came through like a champ. That little secret lure I was working with was a jewel as well. It combined a tiny DOA shrimp with a small spinner rig weighing in at just under 1/8 ounce. The little bait cast surprisingly well and was great for working shallow areas around oyster bars.

Topwater Special 2011 from www.jeffstacklebox.com

2011-03-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I'll be taking this fishing rod out for a spin. It's the 2011 version of the Topwater Special. We have made it slightly shorter and of course added the .50 tip guide. Handling is excellent and the fishability is superb. Combined with a great fishing reel like the Qualia NLF 30 it is a wonderful piece of gear to put up against big fish. Of course I'll be using my fishing kayak the W500 from Wavewalk. I'll also be testing a new color DOA shrimp, more on that later and a super new spinner from a custom maker in Jacksonville FL. A clue it's already tied on the line in the shot.

An F650 for fishing - WOW

2011-03-24T20:47:00.000-04:00

This is the rig Skeet Reese uses for pro events. Talk about a nice rig, an F650 and custom trailer, it's the fanciest rig I've seen for bass fishig. Hmmm I wonder how it would work hauling fishing kayaks, you can carry a huge number of them for sure.

Working hard at the BASS event

2011-03-24T14:02:00.000-04:00

This was how I spent a portion of the day. Observing the pro to be sure he followed the rules, there was no question in all three cases. I kept wishing I had my fishing kayak and of course my favorite fishing rods. There were so many times I wished I could have cast a line.

The big guys use push poles

2011-03-23T22:06:00.000-04:00

You would think with 100lb plus trolling motors and even twin power poles at the stern. So why use a push pole, easy, it's control. Nothing else allows the angler to stop that fast and sure with minimum disturbance to the fish. So it looks like for even the big boys those stake out poles and push poles we use are very important, just like us kayak anglers. The angler by the way is Alton Jones, one of the best for over 20 years, he came in third.

The way the BASS pros land them

2011-03-23T07:04:00.000-04:00

Professional anglers such as Bradley Roy need to get them onboard and in the livewell quickly. Fish must come in alive and show up at the weight in for live release. I think this would go quicker with my Emmrods since you could just lift them in without worry like longer more limber poles Fishing rods like Emmrods are super tough and harder pulling than anything else out there. Hmmm got to wonder how these guys would do fishing out of a well rigged fishing kayak.

Hold on to your seat!

2011-03-21T09:02:00.000-04:00

One of the first things Bradley Roy said to me was " here are the two handles you hold onto". Then he said, " I'll try not to scare you". This was of course right after I found out how young he was and remembered that at 20 years old we are all indestructable. WOW!!!!! the ride was soooooo cool. This shot was taken zooming up a creek, Disney has got nothing on this kind of fun! Hmmm maybe I need to add a motor to my fishing kayak.

My first day pro with BASS

2011-03-21T08:50:00.000-04:00

Here is a shot of the pro I rode with the first day of the Citrus Slam BASS Elite Pro Series event in Palatka Florida. What a wonderful young man, 20 years old and already at the top of the world in competitive bass fishing. Who knows in 40 years we may be looking at him the same way we see Rick Clunn or Denny Brauer today. The kid know knows to drive a boat, he gives Disney class excitement to the person in the the passenger seat. A super day and loads of fun. I just wish somehow my little fishing rods could be fitted into his arsenal. For the sight fishing he was doing the Emmrod casting rig would have made it quicker and more accurate. I need to get back out and do some bass fishing taking a break from the saltwater stuff I normally do. Then when I get home they cleanup would be nothing compared to the work I do from a saltwater day.

B.A.S.S Marshal

2011-03-17T03:47:00.000-04:00

Well here we go. Today in a few hours I'll be sharing a bass boat right here on the Saint Johns River out of Palatka with Bradley Roy. He was 2010 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year, the youngest they ever had a 19 years old. All of the older timers are right here in town too from Rick Clunn to Kevin Van Dam. Should be an interesting day, Sure wish I could get someone to notice my little fishing rods, those Emmrods would cause quite a stir wirh the big boys of B.A.S.S.

We had a nice show for Jeffs Tackle Box

2011-03-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

The Florida Sportmans Show was a little light on attendence. But there was great intrest in the fishing rods we carry and we had a heck of a good time. The fishing reels we brought along got lots of looks, those Qualia products are the best reels I've used in either spincast or spinning and the price point is incredible. I had plenty of questions about my choice of fishing kayak too. Saturday we had the privilage of having Steve our camera guy and owner of West Park Productions in the booth with us. We planned a few more video pieces for later this year. Hopefully we might be able to pull some off as early as May.

Florida Sportsman Show and Jeffs Tackle Box featuring Emmrods

2011-03-11T20:28:00.000-05:00

Here is a shot of our booth ready to go tomorrow at the Florida Sportsmans Show. Should be fun and we hope lots of anglers will be there to take an Emmrod fishing rod home. We are right across from a huge kayak fishing display, great placement for us.