Going to the Next Level
It has always fascinated me to read or hear about successful people and the things they do that set them apart from average folks. Some people beat the odds with an incredible work ethic or determination that most cannot even fathom. All of those success stories usually have one thing in common—they all have a goal in mind and are willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve it.
Fishermen are no different. Their personal goals may range anywhere from simple relaxation to chasing records, but they all have something in mind that brings them a sense of satisfaction. One fisherman’s version of satisfaction may be simply being out on the water with a cold adult beverage while enjoying the peace and quiet away from a hectic job. Another fisherman may enjoy catching a few fish for dinner without any thought of records or trophies.
On the other end of the spectrum are those who want to be as good as possible—not only at catching fish but catching the highest quality of fish. These are the folks who strive to take their love and passion for the sport to the next level.
In fishing, like many other sports, there is a well-defined learning curve with several different stages. In the beginning, most individuals start off with very basic gear—equipment designed for use in many different situations. As the individual progresses, there comes a time when their talent begins to exceed the capabilities of the gear they are using. That’s when the world opens up and success rates begin to take quantum leaps forward.
A perfect example is a golfer who buys a set of clubs off the shelf and begins to play. After a while his scores drop and then plateau, never getting any better. The golfer then takes the next step and has clubs fitted specifically for him. Suddenly the scores begin dropping again, making the game more enjoyable and fueling the desire to get even better.
Fishermen are no different, and there is certainly no shortage of gear to help them take that next step toward becoming more successful.
Anglers who are ready to elevate their experience on the water usually begin by stepping up the quality of their basic tackle—namely their rods and reels. There are endless combinations of rods and reels available, and for the beginning angler that can make choosing one a daunting task.
Most rod manufacturers offer several different levels based on components—the rod blank itself, the reel seat, the guides and pretty much everything else that goes into building the rod.
I asked Randy Nickerson of Laguna Custom Rods how he explains the basic differences between the various levels of rods they produce to customers. He said:
“Obviously the lighter and more technical stuff is more expensive, but it can certainly make a difference in how well you fish. The sensitivity goes without saying, but the reduced weight really makes a difference at the end of the day.”
Choosing a rod is not an exact science for many anglers. Most of the time it’s done right there at the display rack using the old “whip and wiggle” test. That makes rod selection a very personal choice.
Once you find one that feels comfortable—based on the way it flexes and transmits power during a cast—you can begin to examine other options like higher-modulus blanks for greater sensitivity, different grip designs, or various styles of rod guides. All of these elements play a part in the overall makeup of the rod and can be tailored to fit each angler individually.
I personally use Laguna Custom Rods and have been very pleased with them in all categories. Their Liquid Series is considered an entry-level rod and provides fantastic bang for your buck. They are light enough to fish comfortably all day and durable enough to confidently share with customers on the boat. They have the feel and sensitivity of a true custom rod at a very favorable price.
The higher-end models such as the Trident, Texas Wader, and Javelin are cutting-edge offerings that are ultra-sensitive yet extremely durable.
Once an angler settles on a rod and reel combination and begins to understand how lightness, action, and power work together to create greater sensitivity than a basic “one-size-fits-all” outfit, many anglers begin turning their attention to their tackle box and lure selection.
For a long time, freshwater anglers have customized lures to match specific presentations and fishing conditions. In recent years this trend of lure customization has taken off in the saltwater world and shows no signs of slowing down.
If you’ve never looked into custom lures, be prepared for a little sticker shock—they are not cheap. However, many of them border on being works of art. And if they catch the fish you are after, they are well worth the price.
I spoke with Robbie Marsh, owner of Coastal Marsh Lures, and asked him, “What’s the number one thing a custom lure does for an angler?”
His answer was simple.
“It provides confidence to the angler. And when you are confident in your lure, you always fish better.”
Looking at Coastal Marsh’s beautifully designed racks of lures, it was hard to argue with that logic. The realism and detail on each bait make you think there’s absolutely no way a fish won’t eat it.
Another custom lure maker, Travis Meier of Flatwater Baits, offered his perspective on the evolution of custom lures.
“Like a lot of anglers, we started making custom baits because we couldn’t find the colors or patterns we were looking for on specific models,” he said. “There were color patterns available on one lure that we wanted on another, so we adapted—and it took off.”
Flatwater’s collection of hand-painted plugs is truly impressive. They feature incredible color patterns and a durable finish that holds up well despite being chewed on by fish and bounced off all kinds of structure.
Like many custom lure offerings, Flatwater baits come equipped with quality hooks and split rings, with options for treble hooks or single hooks for anglers dealing with floating or suspended grass.
As you can see, there are endless options available when it comes to upgrading your fishing gear. Anglers who prioritize their time on the water are willing to do just about whatever it takes to become more proficient at their craft.
It’s not uncommon to see anglers studying solunar tables and tide charts during breaks at work in anticipation of their next day off—trying to be as prepared as possible to make the most of their time on the water.
The sport of fishing is constantly evolving, and those who strive to keep up with the newest and greatest tools have their work cut out for them. Still, it’s worth exploring the latest offerings that might help you become more successful.
Just be sure to bring some adult supervision with you and let them hold your wallet.
Enjoy the spring weather—and don’t forget to bring a kid fishing every chance you get.
