SEE IT AT THE SPORTSHOW
By Bob Jensen
It's sportshow season! Across the Midwest, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are visiting sportshows to find new fishing locations and equipment that will make their fishing and outdoor time more productive and enjoyable. Following are some of the things you should be sure to check out at the sportshows this year.
Take a look at the new Alumacraft Navigator Sport 175. This boat has all the big boat features without the big boat price. It has a walk-thru windshield, lots of storage, plenty of livewell space and rod-lockers, and the 2XB hull. This rig is great for fishing, skiing, or pulling a tube. All members of the family will enjoy this boat whether they're into fishing or not.
If you're looking for a motor for a new boat, or looking to re-power the boat you have, you owe it to yourself to check out the new Honda 135 and 150. Honda is the leader in four-stroke technology in outboard motors, which becomes apparent after you've spent an hour in a boat powered by these new motors. They're quiet, smoke and rattle free, they're reliable, and they perform big-time. Four-stroke is the future for outboard motors, and it seems like Honda is leading the way.
Here's some smaller stuff to look at at the sportshows.
An on-board charging system on your boat will make your life much simpler. Most fishing boats employ an electric motor. Minn Kota is the leader in electric motors, and their on-board chargers are state-of-the-art also. On-board chargers provide for easy charging without taking batteries out of the boat. You just plug in the power and forget about it until you're ready to go fishing again. Minn Kota chargers provide fully automatic 3-stage charging, protect your batteries from overcharging, and are easy to use.
Now for some smaller items. Frenzy has some new minnow-shaped crankbaits that have been very productive on walleyes. They are available in suspending minnows, divers, and shallow runners in some very productive colors.
Frabill has a new rod case that is ideal for the anglers who wants to provide protection for their rods while traveling. Reels can stay attached to the rod with some models. Check out the Pack-A-Pole at a sportshow this year.
The new Gulp! is different than any other plastic bait. It feels different, behaves differently in the water, and the fish even hold onto it differently than other plastics. I have caught bass on GULP! that weren't even hooked, they just wouldn't let go of the plastic. GULP! is available in a variety of sizes and colors and appeals to any fish that lives in the Midwest.
The Jungle Jig-Worm from Northland is just what anyone who uses plastic baits has been looking for. It has a large hook for more effective hook-ups and a recessed line-tie eye to pull through the weeds better. If you like to throw plastic baits, you'll want some of these jigs.
If you can, attend the sportshow on a weekday. The crowds will be smaller. However, if you go on a weekend, the jumbo soft pretzels will be fresher, so really, any day is a good day to go to a sportshow. Maybe I'll see you there.
For more fish-catching information, visit fishingthemidwest.com

FISHING THE MIDWEST
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FISHING THE MIDWEST
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bjensen@frontiernet.net