Chatterbaits in Newport Harbor

     So I got this wild idea OK maybe it is no big deal but for a one trick pony it is a big deal.  "I am going to fish a chatterbait in the saltwater and catch a spottied bass, or die trying".  So last week in one of our forum events that just happened to be in Newport Harbor.  I had spent the week reading up on Chatterbaits and asking question on the forum, and I started to build my confidence up.  So it was almost time to pack up and head out to Newport for some float tubing with the crew, of course I still needed the chatterbaits if I was going to try this for myself.  So with not much time left I headed down to the local Wal-Mart (the last stop in tackle when you are not near a real tackle shop) to pick up my arsenal.  Not much to choose from so I left with a white 3/8 oz. and a blue 3/8 oz. chatterbait from Z-man lures.

     I figured I would attack to each lure a trailer and what better trailer for saltwater bass fishing the a Big Hammer Ring Hammer.  Armed with some knowledge and a few chatterbaits I hit the harbor with a determination to at least get a strike or two with my new found baits.  This was a big learning curve but I stuck with it for as long as I could bare it.  I guess it was good the bite was tough, because after casting for an 3 hours with no bites I was ready to through in the towel.  But I pushed on and just before I got out of the water it happened.  A grump of a spot bounded my chatterbait as if it was pissed off at all the vibration my bait was throwing off in the water.  This was a pure react strike, full on aggression to seek and destroy but chatterbait.  That last and only fish on the day left me with a desire to continue to throw a these baits and continue to expand my arsenal on the water.  I have been continuing my reading and studying of these baits and have recently came across some pro's that have said take off the skirt and show off the trailer in all its glory.  I have now been removing the skirts and will be sure to report back on how this has work for me in the salt for the always fun to catch Spotted Bay Bass.

Big Hammer Swimbaits check out what's new.

       The Ring Hammer once of the newest baits from Swimbait Company Big Hammer.  This new bait is similar to there original Big Hammer swimbaits but with some obvious changes.  The new bait compared to the old bait, as you can see there are now rings or ribs on the body of the bait conpaired to the old body on the original bait.  The rings come from there Ringer worm but instead of a curly tail they added the square tail to it to achieve the amazing swimming action that so many of us come to rely on.  I feel that the ringed body give this all ready amazing swimbait just a little more to help keep the fish latched on. 

        The rings tend to give it a little more give or texture making the lure seem more life like, which will keep the fish on for just a little long for your to set that hook.  I also feel that the rings provide small pockets to help trap what ever scent you add to your lures, which most of us use.  I also really like the size it come in, 4" in length. I always us the 3" swimbaits that Big Hammer makes, but have never been a fan of there bigger sizes they bodies seemed to be bulky.  I do know that they work and this is just my opinion.  But the new Ring Hammer at the 4" length is just the right size and shape of body I feel fooling those fish.  The last time I was out I tied on of these on and in true Big Hammer form it swam in the water just like a bait fish.  Even better it landed me 8 spotted bass in a 4 hour period, maybe to some that is not impressive, but for me in my float tube, I could not have been any happier.

What I have been up to

Ok it has been some time scenes I have posted here on my blog, and I would like to let you know way. I have been working on building custom rods for some customers, been working hard (very glad I just have a job) and finally I would like to post up that I have started a forum. this forum is dedicated to float tube fishing of all kinds and all locations. http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/

First of all it has been fun building, it is just a free site but I have learned a lot already, not that there is not more to learn. I have gathered a few sponsors, partners and affiliates. For member of the Float Tube Fishing Forum you will receive discounts of up to 25% from some of our sponsors and others will be sending sample lures for me to past out to members as well.

Our affiliates are Bass Pro Shop and West Marine and order through our site link will result in money back to the forum. My goal is to one day be able to purchase my domain and no longer be a free forum. Of course that would mean that I was making money with the forum.

As for now I am just looking for members to join up and start sharing with others let us know what is going on in your waters. Meet some new friends in your area that maybe able to meet up with you and start some fishing groups of your own.

http://floattubeforum.do-talk.com/ stop by and take a look it is free to join and it will be fun the more people we get involved in this forum. Also the next 3 members that join will receive a free sample of Alluring Baits so what are you waiting for become a members today.

Newport Harbor from my tube

A follow up to (What am I thinking) on the 20th of Feb. at 6am I meet up with some friend to float tube Newport Harbor for the first time. Now I have been tubing for many years, but have managed to avoid the salt at all cost. But why, now I know there was really no reason to avoid it, wait thats right SEALS oh my word SEALS.

I have heard stories of seals messing with tubers in the bay, that was the reason, other than the salt just ruines your gear as well. But my arm was twisted and I gave in, there are 4 of us going so my odds are better that I wont get messed with by a seal. And I can always clean my gear after, so there is nothing holding me back.

The day started off with light rain and what looked like a horrible day on the water, but that was soon removed by the sun shining through as we got in the water. I mean as soon as we hit the water the rain stopped. Nerves were replaced by excitment as my friends started getting some hits. I switched jigs at match the color and with in a few casts I land my first fish a Halibut not league but a great way to beat the skunk.

later I ended up landing my first Spotted Bay Bass, with the 3rd fish right after another Spottie, this one was over 14" long weighed 1 3/4 on the scale. We all caught some before 10am and were off the water by 10:30am. You can be sure that you will be see more salt reports from me as I had one of the best times ever fishing the bay. I will be back no dought about is this is a new addiction for me, not that I need more.