What is the Spawn

While the spawn is almost everyone’s favorite time of year to fish, what exactly is the spawn? The spawn is when the bass goes and lays, fertilizes, and hatch all of their eggs. This will all usually take place over the course of around three to four weeks. They will search for flat, hard bottoms in order to build their nests and start the spawn. Once the young bass hatch and are big enough to fend for themselves, the spawn ends and they all go their separate ways. 

What Time of Year is the Spawn

The exact time of year that the bass spawn will largely depend on where you are located. Things such as the temperature and moon phase will also play a role in the exact dates for when the bass will begin spawning. This process can begin as early as February in some areas or as late as June. So how do you know when the bass are spawning in your small pond? Regardless of what time of year the bass spawn in your neck of the woods, there are a few things that you can watch for in order to know the spawn is underway. 

Spawning Indicators

The great thing about fishing in a small pond is that it is even easier to pick out spawning indicators than it would be in things like a large river or lake. One of the first things to keep an eye out for when trying to figure out if the bass is spawning in an area is where they are located. Spawning bass will move into the shallows, particularly in hard bottoms, where they can create their nests. If you see this, it is a good sign of spawning behavior. 

Another sign to look for is how aggressive the bass is. They will be most aggressive during the middle of the spawn, and viewing fish in a small pond is much easier when it comes to seeing and observing their behavior. 

Final Thoughts

Spawning bass is a blast to catch, and they can be even better when caught out of a smaller pond. If you are ever wondering when the best time to catch them, however, you don’t want to miss out on the spawn! 

If you’re interested in learning more about bass fishing, check out these articles:

3 Bait Tips for Catching 10-Pound Bass
3 Rods Every Weekend Bass Angler Needs to Catch More Fish
Top 5 Bass Species To Catch
Bass Fishing Tips You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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Buying a Minnow Trap

One of the easiest ways to get started in trapping minnows is to buy a commercial trap from a store. These simple traps are inexpensive and can generally be found anywhere fishing tackle is sold. They function all pretty similar to trap fish, having a narrow opening that the fish can swim through but cannot swim back out. Bait is placed inside the trap to convince them to enter it, and once inside, they are trapped. 

Building a Minnow Trap

If you want to save a little money, you can also create your own minnow trap and use the same design as those from the store. These can be made with something like a 2-liter plastic bottle with the top cut off. Simply reverse the top so the minnows will swim through the small bottle opening and into the bottle itself after your bait. You can even use sticks in the water on a shallow area of water to create a natural fish trap. 

Bait to Use for Minnows

The good thing about minnows is that they are not picky eaters. In fact, you probably already have plenty of things at your home that can be used as great minnow bait in order to lure them into your trap. Some of these baits include things like:

• Dog food
• Hot dogs
• Bread crumbs
• Shellfish
• Bacon
• Crackers

All of these things will work as an effective minnow bait when placed inside of your trap. You can either let the bait drift around in the trap itself, or you can ensure that it is suspended at the center of the trap for maximum effectiveness. To do this, place loose bait inside a mesh bag or some old pantyhose. Place this inside the trap so the bait will suspend at the center, and you can use things like wire or string to help keep it secure and right where you want it.

Final Thoughts

Using minnows is one of the best ways to catch many species of fish, and there are plenty of easy and inexpensive ways to catch them. From buying a minnow trap to building one yourself, if you spend the time to catch a few minnows you are sure to see a lot more fishing success! 

Interested in checking out more information about fishing bait? Look no further than our articles on:

Why Bigger Baits Trigger the Biggest Bass
Top 5 Most Attractive Trout Baits
How to Build Your Own Worm Bait Farm

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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Required Materials

Before getting started, you are going to need a few different tools and materials. This includes things like:

• The jig head itself
• Thread
• Feathers
• Any other fur, hair, or other materials you want to use or add
• Flashabou
• Clamp or vise
• Small scissors or nail clippers
• Glue

Once you have everything gathered together, you can decide on how you want to tie your crappie jig. Do you want something big, bright, and flashy? Or are you looking for something sleeker and natural-looking? Your answer will dictate what colors, sizes, and materials that you should gather and use.

Tying the Jig

You will get started by clamping the jig head in the vise. This will firmly hold onto it while you are working, and allow you to add things to it without it moving around. Next, load a good amount of thread onto the “body” of the jig head. This will allow for other materials to bind to it and give you a surface area to work with. Around fifteen to twenty wraps should give you an adequate starting point.

Once you have a good base layer, you will now use the thread to begin to add materials to create your jig’s body, fin, and tail. Start at the back of the jig head, and find the material that you want to use as a tail. This material can be long hair, feathers, or tinsel chenille. From here, work your way to the head of the jig and add materials as you see fit. After all, this is your own custom jig so it can look however you want it to!

Once you have finished the jig, take some of the Flashabou and give the jig a few wraps with it. This will complete the look, and you are now ready to finish your jig up! Remove it from the vise, and trim any excess material or loose thread. Make sure the knot you tie with the thread is good and tight, and trim the excess as well. Apply the glue over this area to keep it all together and allow it to properly dry.

Final Thoughts

Hand-tying your own jigs for things like crappie and shellcrackers can be a lot of fun, and it is very easy to do with a little practice. And who knows, your own custom jigs could perform way better than anything bought from the store!

Interested in checking out more information about fishing bait? Look no further than our articles on:
Why Bigger Baits Trigger the Biggest Bass
Top 5 Most Attractive Trout Baits
How to Build Your Own Worm Bait Farm

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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What Are Magnolia Crappie

Magnolia crappie is actually a crossbreed between two of the most common species of crappie, the white crappie, and the black crappie. Because of this, they look fairly similar and have the same basic habits and feeding patterns. These crappies were created in order to produce crappie that is unable to reproduce. With a special system designed to give these fish three chromosomes at the cellular level instead of the standard two, these hatchery fish can be made sterile before they hatch.

The purpose of this was to be able to stock smaller bodies of water that either white or black crappie would overrun. Since magnolia crappies are unable to reproduce, they can be introduced to small bodies of water without fear of them damaging the ecosystem and still provide anglers a great fishing experience. They are getting more and more popular as a sport fishing species and continue to be placed in more and more places. 

Where to Find Magnolia Crappie

While wild magnolia crappie can and do exist, they are extremely rare. Catching a wild-born one is like finding a needle in a haystack.  Instead, your best bet of finding magnolia crappie is to fish in a location where they are regularly stocked by the state’s fish and game agency. A quick search will give you some bodies of water where these fish are stocked and you can go and catch them.

How to Catch Magnolia Crappie

Now that we know what they are and some ideas to find them, how do you actually catch them? Luckily, it is just as easy as catching your standard crappie. Magnolia crappie responds extremely well to spoons, jigs, crankbaits, or even the simple bobber and bait. These crappies are just as hungry and aggressive as either white or black crappie, so whatever you use for your standard crappie fishing will work just fine on the Magnolia crappie!

Final Thoughts

Magnolia crappie is truly a unique and interesting fish that are starting to become more and more popular. Because of their ability to be sterilized before hatching, they can be placed in areas that other crappie cannot. If you have ever wanted to experience a new type of crappie fishing and catch magnolia crappie, you owe it to yourself to find the nearest location of Magnolia’s and try your luck out!

Interested in checking out more information about catching crappie? Look no further than our articles on:
Crappie Fishing – the best baits, lures, tips and tricks
How To Catch Crappie Limits: 3 Tactics From The Pros

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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What are Catalpa Worms

The catalpa worm is only found on catalpa trees (hence the name). They typically appear during the summertime, anywhere from June to July for around two to three weeks. These “worms” are technically black and yellow caterpillars that come from the sphinx moth, and they make excellent fishing bait! This limited timeframe, however, means that they are not usually available for most of the year unless you properly gather and store them for later use.

Storing Catalpa Worms

Storing catalpa worms involves gathering them up first. This is easily done by finding catalpa trees and pulling them directly from them. You can also shake the branches to get them to fall off. Once you find them, place them in a plastic container with a few of the catalpa leaves and this will allow you to use them for multiple days as fishing bait.

Of course, a few days is not that long of a time but there are ways to store them for longer use. One of the best methods for doing this is to boil the worms as soon as they are caught. A pot of water that is at a light boil is perfect, and the worms only need to be in it for around one minute. After they have stiffened, remove them from the water and place them on a paper towel to dry. After they are completely dry, you can place them in Ziplock bags with a handful of cornmeal, then stick them in the freezer.

This will allow you to use them as you need them, as well as portion them out into separate bags to use over the course of several different fishing trips. By using this method, you can have a supply of catalpa worms that will stay frozen and last up to an entire year if done correctly!

Final Thoughts

Catalpa worms make for some of the best baits for fish like bass, catfish, and panfish. If you can find an active tree with these worms feeding around, don’t be afraid of taking some home with you and storing them for long-term use throughout the year! You never know when you might need them, and they are sure to provide you with some of the best natural bait you can find! 

Interested in checking out more information about fishing bait? Look no further than our articles on:
Why Bigger Baits Trigger the Biggest Bass
Top 5 Most Attractive Trout Baits
How to Build Your Own Worm Bait Farm

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

The post How to Properly Store Catalpa Worms for Freshwater Fishing appeared first on Bradley Smokers North America.

Pond Weeds

Just like an open field or even in your yard, weeds can also grow in a pond. Some weeds are good for the pond, especially if you have fish, but not all of them are. If you have too many weeds that block the access to the water or take up all of the waterfront itself, you know you might need to thin out the weeds or get rid of them all together! While some weeds can be physically removed, this is often hard work and they will eventually return and grow again.

Pond Algae

Algae is different than weeds in that it has no root system and usually floats around or on top of the water. And as with the weeds, some forms of algae in the pond are a good thing and actually beneficial. Other types of algae or an excess of it can create problems for activities like swimming, fishing, or boating. It can also be harmful to the wildlife in and around your pond, as it can prevent sunlight and oxygen from penetrating into the depths of the water where it is needed.

Treating Your Pond

Now let’s get into actually treating your pond. There are plenty of different methods of doing this with chemicals and herbicides, but they will all have their own pros and cons when it comes to using them. Your best bet is a safe herbicide like Diquat that is cost-effective and safe for fish and swimming after it is done treating the pond.

To treat your pond, start by preparing and mixing the Diquat. You will then apply it directly to the target weeds that you want to get rid of. Be careful to only do 1/3 of the pond at a time, as killing off all of the weeds at once can deplete the oxygen in the pond and harm the fish.

Now for the algae. The best way to get rid of algae is to use a pond dye. This is a safe and non-toxic way of killing off algae by filtering UV light to prohibit algae and weed growth. Make sure to follow all of the instructions and warnings before using! 

Considerations On How To Control Aquatic Weeds

The strategy you use will be entirely dependent on your location, pond size and environment, as well as the nuisance species of aquatic weeds that are present. Fish species can be used to assist control of problematic weeds in any of the categories discussed in this article. Water lilies, water hyacinth, and water lettuce, for example, are known to be eaten by koi, goldfish, and grass carp. This strategy won’t work on weed-infested ponds, but it’s the most effective way to keep the plants under control over time after they’ve been eradicated, whether manually or chemically.

Final Thoughts

Having a pond is a great way to enjoy the water, but weeds and algae can be headaches to deal with. Hopefully, now you have a better idea of how to treat your own pond and be rid of them!

Check out the articles below to learn more about pond fishing:
How to Choose the Right Lure to Catch Bass in Any Pond
How to Find Out About Urban Fishing Lakes Near Me

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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Different Size of Hooks

One important thing to note about redfish is that they can vary in size by quite a bit. They can be absolutely enormous, with the world record at 90 pounds! This means that a few different sizes of hooks should be used depending on the size of fish that you are targeting, as well as the type of bait that you intend to be using.

Best Hook Sizes for Live Bait

Let’s take a look at different hooks that are ideal for some different live bait options. Redfish love live bait such as shrimp, pinfish, mullet, and mud minnows, but they all vary a little bit. For shrimp, stick to a 1/0 or #1 size hook. This will keep a good hold of the shrimp while still being strong enough to catch keeper redfish. The same goes for mud minnows, and a 1/0 or #1 sized hook will tend to work the best.

For bait such as mullet, you will want to change it up to a 2/0 or 3/0 sized hook. And again with pinfish, the size varies even more. Try using anywhere from a 3/0 to a 5/0 hook depending on the size of the baitfish that you are using, and what size of redfish you are after.

Hooks for Dead and Cut Bait

Of course, redfish can be caught on other baits besides live bait as well. Things such as ladyfish, mullet, and again pinfish can be used as dead or cut bait for redfish. Here, your best hook sizes will vary from 2/0 to 5/0 depending again on the size of the fish you are using for bait. The goal is to be able to keep the bait on the hook firmly and securely, while also being capable of being taken by a redfish and properly hook them.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right hooks for the job is the name of the game when it comes to fishing for redfish. As you can see, there is not a “one size fits all” solution when it comes to hooks, and this is why it is so important to bring along an assortment whenever you are out fishing for redfish!

Interested in checking out more information about the fishing gear you’ll need for the biggest catches? Look no further than our articles on:
Want to Start Fishing? Here Is the Basic Gear You’ll Need
The Best Rod and Reel Combo to Make Fishing Easy
Going Fishing? Here Are Our Basic Knots for New Anglers

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

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Where to Locate Smallmouth in Moving Water

The first order of business is to find exactly where the fish are hiding in moving waters. Unlike in calm or non-moving water, the smallmouth bass here will be hiding in different locations. The two most likely places you will find them include at the top of a run and behind an eddie. They love to sit and wait in these areas as it gives them a break from the current and allows them to get the first chance at any prey that washes downstream. 

Use the Current to Your Advantage

While fishing for bass in moving water might seem more challenging, it can actually help you out. Use the current to your advantage by casting upstream of where you suspect smallmouth bass to be hiding. Allow the current to take your bait or lure to the fish instead of attempting to cast directly to them. Think of it like fly fishing for trout on a river. Casting upstream will allow you to avoid spooking the fish, and letting the current take your lure to the fish will make it appear much more natural and lifelike. This works especially well depending on what type of lure or bait that you are planning to use, which leads us to the next point. 

Stick to Traditional Baits and Lures

While it may seem like you need to change up your baits or lures when fishing for bass in moving water, this is actually not true. You should always stick with the tried and true lures that you have had success with before. Not only will this allow you to use your experience to your advantage, but the smallmouth will most likely react the same to your bait and lure as other basses would in other areas. From plastic worms to crankbaits, use the right lure depending on how fast the current is moving and where you suspect the fish to be. 

Final Thoughts

Fishing for smallmouth bass is a lot of fun, and doing so in moving waters can provide you with a new challenge to take on. These areas are often overlooked by other anglers as well, giving you the chance at some large fish that may not get fished for very often. 

If you’re interested in learning more about bass fishing, check out these articles:

3 Bait Tips for Catching 10-Pound Bass
3 Rods Every Weekend Bass Angler Needs to Catch More Fish
Top 5 Bass Species To Catch
Bass Fishing Tips You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

The post How to Catch Smallmouth Bass in Moving Waters appeared first on Bradley Smokers North America.

Start Off Shallow

Smaller creeks are pretty shallow, to begin with, but you will want to start off in the most shallow areas. Many times you may find yourself only fishing in a foot or two of water, but stick with it as fish like to hunt these areas. They especially love the shallows next to deep drop-offs. Big bass do not need much in order to hide and ambush their prey, so don’t overlook the shallow areas even in the smallest of creeks. 

Choose the Right Lure

Small water means less area you have to cover. This gives you the option of using smaller lures that perform well in the water without worrying about covering as much ground as possible. Stick with things like crankbaits that will produce a lot of action and motion in the water in order to attract bass in all sections of the creek. If the water is too shallow for a crankbait, try out a spinnerbait or buzz bait to try and get the same results. 

Choose the Right Type of Line

Smaller crankbaits are designed to run very effectively with a monofilament fishing line. Use a smaller pound test if possible in order to keep your fishing line as hidden as possible in the water. Smaller creeks will cause you to downsize your gear, but this will help to keep everything more precise and hidden from these overly wary fish. 

Be Quiet and Stealthy

One of the major differences between a small creek and a large river or lake is that you will be forced to be much more quiet and stealthy to find success. The fish here will have an easier time hearing and seeing you from the water, so try to stay quiet and watch your step. The quieter that you are, the more likely you will be to avoid spooking nearby fish and can better cast to them. You should also pay attention to where your shadow is in order to avoid casting it out on the water. 

Final Thoughts

While other anglers will overlook smaller creeks, you should actively be seeking them out as a great place to potentially catch giant bass. As long as you follow these simple tips, you should have no problem catching some great fish on your next trip to the creek! 

If you’re interested in learning more about bass fishing, check out these articles:

3 Bait Tips for Catching 10-Pound Bass

3 Rods Every Weekend Bass Angler Needs to Catch More Fish

Top 5 Bass Species To Catch

Bass Fishing Tips You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

The post How to Catch Big Bass in Small Creeks appeared first on Bradley Smokers North America.

The braided line is micro-strands interwoven into a single strand of line. The strands are made primarily from polyethylene fibers but manufacturers are also trying combinations of different fibers (hydrophobic gore, dacron, spectra, micro-Dyneema, and many more). They are less prone to abrasion.

PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line

First on our list is a great fishing line that is made right here in the USA. From a trusted company that produces top-notch fishing gear, the PowerPro Spectra line is no exception to this. The quality fibers that are used for this line are made from polyethylene that is stronger than steel. This fishing line is incredibly durable and has a high UV resistance, which makes it the perfect option for high strain and abrasive environments. 

The PowerPro Spectra Fiber fishing line comes in many different weights, from as little as 8 pounds all the way up to 250 pounds. Experienced anglers use this line for anything from bass fishing to deep-sea fishing because this braided line is so great. It also comes in different colors, so you can select the right one for the conditions you are in. 

Spiderwire Stealth Braid Fishing Line

Next on our list is the Spiderwire Stealth Braid fishing line that is designed to be ultra-tough and durable. This fishing line is super smooth which makes all of your casts very silent and even more stealthy. On top of that, it is extremely durable which is why most anglers absolutely love this fishing line. Made from a Dyneema PE microfiber, this fishing line is one of the best out there.

Another great advantage to this Spiderwire fishing line is that thanks to its construction, it does not dig into your fishing reel like other braided fishing lines tend to do. Spiderwire makes some excellent fishing line, and this one lives up to the hype. 

Berkeley Fireline Superline Fishing Line

This fishing line from Berkeley feels a lot different from other braided lines, and this is because of the process used to create it. It is subjected to a unique thermal fusion process that makes it a little stickier than other lines instead of being slick. 

This braided line was specifically designed to work in conjunction with spinning reels, thanks to its texture and its ability to avoid springing off of the reel and getting tangled. It also comes in two different colors, depending on your conditions. 

Final Thoughts

Fishing with a good braided line can quickly take your fishing to an entirely new level. If you want to catch big bass with some of the best fishing lines out there, these three are excellent choices! 

If you’re interested in learning more about bass fishing, check out these articles:

3 Bait Tips for Catching 10-Pound Bass

3 Rods Every Weekend Bass Angler Needs to Catch More Fish

Top 5 Bass Species To Catch

Bass Fishing Tips You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

For more great ideas on how to fish and hunt from the experts, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Hunting & Fishing Blog for more great tips & tricks.

The post Top 3 Best Braided Fishing Lines for Bass appeared first on Bradley Smokers North America.