Fishing Thoughts

Part 2 Understanding fishing lure color contrast  helps explain why some soft plastic lures stand out instantly while others blend into the background and get ignored, especially in low-visibility conditions Contrast is the ability of a bait to stand out from its background. It matters more than color name, brand, or flake pattern. If a fish can’t separate your bait from its surroundings, it won’t strike. High Contrast vs Low Contrast High contrast makes a bait easier to dete

This weekly series breaks down soft plastic lure color from beginner basics to advanced fish vision science. Each post builds on the last, so start at Part 1 and follow along weekly. Part One Color Theory for Soft Plastic Lures: The Simple Rules That Catch More Fish Choosing the right soft plastic color doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, most successful color choices follow a few simple rules that work across species, regions, and water conditions. Before getting into

Choosing the right ribbed trout worm hue can turn blanks into bust‐outs—especially when you don’t carry every shade. This guide weaves seasonal color strategies with a proven substitution method. You’ll learn why each color works in spring, summer, fall, and winter, then how to pick the perfect backup from your box.   Why Color & Season Matter Trout see red, green, blue, and ultraviolet light. Water clarity, light angle, depth, and season all filter that spectrum. Spring runo

When most anglers think of modern lure design, they picture soft plastics, laminates, injected baits, and high-tech colors. But ask the most consistent trout and crappie anglers what they trust when the bite gets tough, and you’ll hear the same answer over and over: “A marabou jig.” There’s a reason this old-school material still out fishes modern baits — and it’s not nostalgia. It’s physics, biology, and pure underwater realism. Marabou isn’t outdated. It’s unmatched.   1. M

Introduction: More Than Just a Bug When most people see a bug crawling on a riverbank, they swat it away. Anglers, however, know better. Stoneflies aren’t just another insect—they’re a signal of clean water, a seasonal feast for trout, and a key to unlocking better fishing. To understand stoneflies is to understand the river itself.   1. Meet the Stonefly •            Belong to the order Plecoptera, with over 2,000 species worldwide. • Distinctive features: elongated body, t

Most anglers think about jig heads in terms of size, weight, or color. But there’s a hidden factor that can make or break your catch rate: the angle of the hook eye — specifically, how it’s bent relative to the shank. And just as important, the shape of the jig head itself changes how water flows around the lure. Together, these two design elements define how your jig behaves underwater. Once you understand them, you’ll never look at jig heads the same way again.   🎯 What “J

Fishing gear has always been more than tools — it’s a reflection of the times. Just as soft lures evolved from crude imitations into lifelike designs, rods, reels, and line have transformed alongside human history. This isn’t just a timeline of inventions; it’s a story of anglers adapting, innovating, and passing traditions down the generations.

Crawfish are the keystone crustaceans of Missouri waters. Their burrows aerate sediments, their molting cycles fuel predator growth, and their abundance stabilizes food webs. Bass, catfish, trout, and even crappie reveal the crawfish connection in their diets and behaviors. For anglers, soft‑plastic craws, tubes, and bright‑colored jigs are the bridge between ecology and success.  Crawfish Life Cycle: From Burrow to Buffet   •             Winter burrowing: Stabilizes banks an

⚠️  Safety Disclaimer Plastisol formulation and processing involve industrial chemicals, high heat, and specialized equipment. These materials can release hazardous fumes and require strict ventilation, protective gear, and regulatory compliance. Readers should not attempt to make plastisol at home. The information provided here is for technical and educational purposes only, intended for controlled laboratories or manufacturing environments. Do not use phthalate-based plasti

Why Fishing Speaks to Everyone Fishing isn’t just about rods, reels, and tackle boxes—it’s about the lessons we carry off the water.

Fishing enthusiasts know that the right rigging technique can make all the difference when it comes to landing that prized catch. Among the various options available, soft lures have gained immense popularity, particularly when targeting stoneflies. In this post, we'll explore effective ways to rig and fish soft lure stoneflies using a jig head with a 1/80 oz weight and a #12 hook, or an inline setup with a #12 to #14 Aberdeen fine-wire hook and split shot. Understanding Ston

For decades, salmon eggs have been a staple in trout fishing. They’re bright, natural, and they’ve caught fish for generations. But fishing isn’t just about tradition — it’s about results. Anglers today want baits that last longer, perform consistently, and respect the waters we fish. That’s why synthetic salmon eggs are quietly becoming the smarter choice.

Fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s an art, a science, and a passion rolled into one. To truly unlock the potential of your fishing experience, you need the right gear. The right tools can transform a frustrating day on the water into a triumphant adventure. Today, we dive deep into the world of essential fishing gear tools and how they can elevate your fishing game. Why Essential Fishing Gear Tools Matter When we talk about fishing, the gear you bring along can make or

Fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s a craft, a challenge, and a joy all rolled into one. To truly master your fishing game, you...

Fishing for stocked trout at state parks offers not just the anticipation of a catch but the chance to enjoy nature's beauty. From novice...

Why the same lure can crush in one spot and get ignored in another — and how to fix it. The Frustration Every Angler Knows You’re on fire...

Fishing is more than a pastime; it's a way to connect with nature and create memorable experiences. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a...

Lee Wulff famously quoted in 1938 that “Gamefish are too valuable to be caught only once”.

#walleyefishing #walleyeRigging #walleye Walleye fishing is not just a hobby; it's an art form that requires precision and skill. To...

#catfish #catfishbehavior Catfish, with their peculiar behaviors and mysterious nature, have long fascinated and perplexed fishers and...