Fishing Guide 2014

COURTESY PHOTOS

Boats

My dad tells a story about when he was a kid in the early 1940s, fishing with his grandfather on the Menominee River in northeastern Wisconsin. It was his job to row the boat up to a dam and then they would drift back downstream, casting along the way for bass and panfish.

Check out our list of best boats, gear and hot spots to get you ready for the season.

By Bill Miller

Abu Garcia Revo RocketThis is a pricey reel (about $300), but it is loaded with features, including a powerful brake design and drag system. And it’s very fast, thanks to a 9.0-to-1 gear ratio and the ability to retrieve 37 inches of line per turn of

On one outing, Dad proudly produced a brand-new wooden lure that, according to the package, was “guaranteed to catch a fish on the first cast.”

His grandfather laughed and said, “They really saw you coming!”

Dad, eager to impress his “gramps” got busy and hooked a crappie on the first try.

He never caught another fish with that lure.

He kept it. The paint is now faded and the hooks are rusty, but it is a memento of days outdoors with his grandfather.

Recommending fishing tackle, lakes and boats can be tricky, but unlike the 1940s, the “Information Age” angler has

access to abundant reports on gear.Moreover, Texas, itself, is a massive test

lab for figuring out what works on everything from crappie, catfish and bass to redfish and speckled trout along the coast.

Texans, after all, use a lot of tackle.A study by the American Sportfishing

Association reported that retail sales of fishing gear in 2011 reached $2 billion in Texas.

Now you just need to figure out where to go and what to pack. Here’s our suggestions. (Products marked with an asterisk were among “best of show” at the 2013 International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades in Las Vegas.)

Johnson Outdoors (Old Town) Watercraft Predator 13*The convention judges said this kayak has “total fishability” with its gear, rod and paddle management systems, six mounting plates to add accessories and a tri-hull design that extends “amazing stability and paddling performance.” Judges said the Exo-Ridge Deck “begs you to stand on the water,” while the seat system offers “all-day comfort.” (About $1,300)

Ranger Z520C IntercoastalIf you like Ranger’s bass tournament flagship, the Z520C Comanche, you’ll appreciate the new saltwater-ready version — the “Intercoastal.” It has abundant storage for rods and tackle and a new “soft touch skid-resistant” interior that provides cushioning for knees and feet. According to Ranger, this boat is “highly customizable to suit the needs of the most discriminating inshore anglers.” (With choice of factory-rigged outboard, Minn Kota trolling motor and trailer. See dealer for prices.)

Stratos 176 VLOThe 176 series by Stratos put affordable fiberglass boats in direct competition with same-size aluminum boats. The 176 VLO joined the 17-foot boat market last year. It is loaded with features, but Stratos especially boasts a hull design that delivers “a smooth, dry and efficient ride.” In addition, the boat’s redesign includes a raised rail to add more interior depth for better fishing. (With factory-rigged outboard and trailer, about $18,395.)

Triton 21 TrXThe new Triton 21 TRX is a big fiberglass boat built for speed — a big consideration for the tournament angler who has to quickly change locations on a big lake and haul loads of electronics and gear. Designers said this Triton, at 21 feet, features “oversize space for fishing gear and one of the largest front decks in the bass boat industry.” They added that it is rated for 200 to 300 hp and drives “smooth and effortlessly while cruising and making long runs on your favorite body of water.” (See dealer for pricing.)

Tracker Grizzly 1654 SportsmanA person who likes to fish and hunt gets versatility with this all-welded jon boat that has port and starboard compartments for rods or shotguns. A raised casting deck offers a great vantage point and maneuverability. It is available in woodland or grassland camouflage patterns. (With 25 ELH Four Stroke motor and trailer, about $9,395 from Bass Pro Shops)

Tackle

Hummingbird Bow Mount 360 Imaging *Hummingbird’s new system allows a transducer for 360 imaging to be clamped onto the cable drive of a trolling motor at the front of a boat. The results are clear images from every direction of structure, contour changes and, yes, fish. It can get images that are about 150 feet below the surface. Trolling motor not included. (About $1,500.)

Berkley soft baitsWhen we hear the term “soft plastics,” we think of Berkley. The company’s new PowerBait Rib Shad, 4.5 inches long, works well for bass around vegetation or even in heavy cover. (In 12 colors, about $5) Their Gulp! Alive! 3-inch Saltwater Mantis Shrimp mimics white and brown shrimp for inshore redfish and speckled trout along the coast. (Starts at about $7 for package of six.)

Plano Molding Co. 3700 Guide Series Tackle Bag *New for 2014, Plano has re-engineered its Guide Series Tackle Bag collection to be “work stations” for sorting lures and gear. The 3700 model has six ProLatch StowAway boxes, a quick-access StowAway box secured on top with elastic ties, two padded pockets for your shades and valuables, two dual-compartment side pockets and more. (See dealers for price.)

Livetarget BaitBall *Koppers Fishing & Tackle Corporation has figured out how to gather a school of baitfish in a single hard lure. These mini-clusters make soft, rolling actions that mimic shad or minnows in formation, sure to draw game fish that like to target schools of baitfish. These lures come in various sizes and colors. ($15)

the handle. The result, according to the company, is “the fastest retrieve, low-profile reel on the planet.”

Location, location, locationTexas lake levels still suffer from years of persistent drought conditions. Some lakes are hanging tough, while others are in much worse shape. The Texas Water Development Board has developed a website to track lake levels daily. However, opportunities still exist during drought because shrinking lake levels can push fish into more concentrated areas, making them easier to find and catch. If boat ramps don’t have enough water to launch, it might be time to invest in that kayak you’ve been wanting. Here are some Texas spots that have been offering great fishing in early 2014:

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