Ranger Pro Tip
Fishin' the Voodoo
Earlier this spring a brand new bait hit the scene called a chatterbait. Its design was revolutionary: it basically crossbred a spinnerbait and a crankbait. After the FLW Tour and FLW Stren Events on Lake Okeechobee were won using it last January, it was a secret no more. The chatterbait craze swept the nation and then spilled overseas into Japan and the likes. As with any successful bait, there were to be many new “knock-offs”. However, the original chatterbait, although unique in design, left much to be desired.
Recently I was introduced to a new bait called the “VooDoo”. It basically took the chatterbait idea and beefed up all of the components, and made it the best possible bait of its kind. The VooDoo features a Gamakatsu Hook and a brand new sleek head design and a larger, thicker blade. The snap and the wire attaching the blade to the bait are rated at 100lb. This has resulted in a 0% failure rate. You won’t have to worry about this bait coming apart. It also has a stainless blade that resists corrosion. The Voodoo comes in 14 colors, and custom colors can be made as well by contacting www.fishinmagician.com.
This bait, just like a spinnerbait, is as versatile as the angler using it. Throw a 1/2 oz and burn it, steady wind it, or play with a stop and go retrieve. Whichever method you choose will result in success. One new technique I’ve found to be very effective is slow rolling it over deep structure. Only having 1/2 oz. at my disposal created a problem though. There was a 1oz. on the market at one time but it had a giant blade and caused way too much lift for slow rolling. The VooDoo is meeting our needs again with a soon-to-be-released slow roller version.
With fall soon upon us, look to find fish schooled up and aggressively feeding on baitfish around any remaining shallow grass, wooden docks, and rocky points. Don’t overlook the protected pockets or inlets either. Bass school together to push the shad into these dead end pockets and eat as they so desire. Stick with silver blades in the fall because it so closely matches the shad the fish are feeding on. Try a few select colors from my arsenal Chart/white, shad, and lavender shad. This fall, spend some time throwing the VooDoo around you’ll be impressed with the results.
- Mike
Trappin' for Toads!
Fall is fast approaching across the country, and that means lake levels are dropping, water temps are dropping, grass is dying, and Big bass are crushing Rattle Traps. In-throw a luckycraft LV 100 and a Bill Lewis ½ oz. Rat-L-Trap around shallow grass flats and wooden docks. Keep your colors basic, Chrome black, Ghost Minnow, chartreuse Shad, and your favorite red color. I start by targeting the outside pilings on docks, and any remaining patches of grass I can find. The most important thing to remember when throwing a trap is to use a fiberglass rod and your favorite monofilament line. My rod of choice is the Lamiglas SR705R, “the yellow one”, and team it with 17 lb. CXX P-Line. One last thing I always do is constantly change my hooks out. They dull faster than you can believe. Try a #4 Gamakatsu round bend in the front, and a #4 EWG treble on the back. Don’t ever pass up the remaining inside grass lines and the shallowest dock Pilings on any dock, in the fall the biggest bass in the lake can be caught ridiculously shallow.
Good luck Trapin’
Mike
