Every tackle box usually has an interesting assortment of artificial lures to choose from. Mine is no different than anyone else’s I suppose, as it has more colors and shapes and sizes inside than I ever hope to use. But I cannot resist buying yet another fishing lure that I may use at least once. You never know, that new and shiny lure could be the one that helps me hook the big one.

My recent acquisition was an artificial frog. I had lost my favorite frog a couple of years back and didn’t have the heart to replace it. That is until my latest purchase of lures. It was a Harrison-Hoge Superior Frog. Heck, if it is superior then I must need it in my fishing arsenal. Yet it wasn’t the name that sold me on my purchase.

There are many types of artificial frogs out there, some with hard or soft bodies and some with legs or skirts. I have tried several of them and I have to say that the Harrison-Hoge Superior Frog has the most realistic look thus far. Note to self… if I think it looks like a frog, I can assume the bass must too. This frog has a soft, pliable, rubber body with legs that would make a sailor whistle with glee. In the water, this frog will right itself to an upright position and the legs move around freely with each crank.

There are many frog styles to choose from including green/white, brown, chartreuse, holo-green, and holo-chartreuse. Also you can choose from either the 3/8 ounce or 5/8 ounce weight. I purchased the green/white and holo-chartreuse models in both weights.

I found no disappointment on the arrival of my lures. These frogs look and act like the real thing in the water. Another major improvement over artificial frogs I used in the past is the weedless hook. This is a top-notch, superior weedless hook that I have run through a wide variety of water grasses and lilies with no issue. It always stays in place, which is what you should be looking for in any lure with a weedless hook.

All-in-all I rank the Harrison-Hoge Superior Frog at the top of the bass food chain and would recommend it as a must for any bass anglers tackle box.

As the temperatures dip below freezing and the snow begins to fly around the Great Lakes region some fisherman put their fishing equipment away, however some fisherman are just getting geared up to brave the cold and take on the rivers of the great lakes in pursuit of steelhead. Fishing in the winter on the Great Lakes can be brutal to say the least, but it also can be very rewarding. Often fishing in the winter means smaller crowds, bigger fish, and more fish. So what do you need to know to go fishing in the winter and what is the most productive way to fish in the winter months. You only need to know two words warmth and slow.

First, lets talk about warmth and how to stay warm when fishing when the temperature drops below freezing. A must have is 5 mm neoprene waders boot foot preferably these boots are heavier than the Gore-Tex and Fly-Weights, but when you are standing in water with ice floating on it you will be glad to have them. Next, you have to learn how to layer clothing and what types of clothing to layer.

Insulated Underwear – Spend the extra bucks for the good pair. This is probably the most important layer you’ll have on.

Fleece Wading Pants – There are many different kinds of fleece wading pants but find a pair that feels thick and have straps at the cuffs to keep them from rolling up.

Socks – I have found that there isn’t any better sock than wool. Always put a base layer sock on first under your wading pants then pull the wool sock over the bottom of your fleece pants.

Turtle Neck – A thick cotton turtleneck or wool turtleneck sweater can’t be beat as your middle layer.

Fleece Coat – Get yourself a really good fleece coat or jacket, one with waterproof arms is really nice it will help you completely dry.

Wading Jacket – Find a wadding jacket that is 100% waterproof preferably Gore-Tex, some wadding jackets have neoprene cuffs to keep water out.

Gloves – A good set of fingerless gloves with a mitten cover are great, they will allow you to tie your hooks and then cover your fingers when needed.

Head – Cover your head with something warm, most of the heat lost from your body is from your head. A Mad Bomber hat is a great addition; they may look a little funny but ask anyone who spends time in the cold how they feel. Or just a good fleece toboggan will work.

All right you’re dressed for the conditions, but how do you go about catching a Steelhead when the water is freezing cold and fish don’t want to move to bit. The technique is rather simple you need to slow your bait presentation way down if you are fly-fishing. The best way to do this is by adding more weight to your line and then dragging the bottom, which will slow your bait slower than the current. This presentation works best when the fish are extremely lethargic and not wanting to move too much. You need to cast your fly upstream then mend your line toward the fly to keep it moving slowly along the bottom. You will get snagged a lot but you will catch fish. Flies that seem to work the best when fishing cold weather are egg patterns, egg sucking leeches, sucker spawn, and nymphs.

Now the most important part of steelhead fishing in the winter is how to find them in the stream. You will want to be fishing the deepest slowest section of the river you are fishing. Fish tend to go to the deepest and slowest sections of a creek and pool up together during the winter months. Often if you find one fish there is a lot more there with it. Fish often hit very lightly in the winter so be mindful of your line and feel for the lightest of bites.

In conclusion, winter steelheading is great time, but you need to take some precautions to hit the stream in the cold of winter. Be extremely careful when fishing in the winter there is often ice on the banks and you can take a nasty spill. Also be careful when wading a fall in ice cold water can be deadly, if you do fall in get to your car and get dry quickly. Also ice build up on the guides of your rod can be a real pain, I have found that by either using lip balm, Vaseline, or even WD-40 can help keep the ice off. So instead of putting your fishing equipment away this winter keep your gear out and give winter steelheading a try. Just stay warm, safe, and most importantly have fun

Fly fishing waders are one of the most important parts of any fly fisherman gear and can make your fishing experience a pleasant one or one you will want to forget. Depending on the depth of the water you will be wading in and where you plan on fishing will determine the type of wader you should choose. Waders come in three basic styles, hip waders, waist high waders and chest waders.

Anglers that will be wading in only a foot or two of water may prefer hip waders which are a good choice when fishing in very shallow water such as small streams.

Waist high fly fishing waders would be a good choice for wading in slightly deeper waters and where you need additional coverage when fishing in moderately aggressive streams.

Chest waders are the most versatile because they provide the fly fisherman with the most coverage. This is a perfect choice when wading in chest deep aggressive waters. It’s great to have this kind of coverage even when you’re not planning on wading in very deep waters because some waters that we wade in could have unexpected drop offs or holes. Chest fly fishing waders are perfect when fly fishing using a float tube and also gives you the best protection in fowl weather conditions like on a windy or rainy day.

Many newer waist-high and chest fly fishing waders also include pockets for small tools or fly boxes and have the exterior pouches positioned out of the way of your arms when casting a fly.

Types of Waders

Bootfoot fly fishing waders have the boot built right into the wader. From a cost standpoint this is an advantage since you don’t have to buy a pair of wading boots. Bootfoot waders typically can come with either rubber or felt soles. Rubber soles are good when wading in muddy conditions and felt soles are ideal when wading around or on slippery rocks. Some people claim because they can’t get a good fitting boot with bootfoot waders that they prefer going with a stockingfoot wader.

Stockingfoot waders have a couple of advantages. One is that you choose your own style wading boots. Being able to choose your own wading boots might give you better fit, support and comfort.

Waders can be made from several different types of materials, breathable material, neoprene, nylon and rubber. Breathable fly fishing waders are the most comfortable and versatile. They are perfect for all kinds of weather. They are typically light weight and will keep exterior moisture out but allow your perspiration vapor to pass though.

Neoprene will keep you warm in cold water and cold weather conditions. In warm weather conditions they could become uncomfortably warm and may not be my wader of choice.

Nylon waders are inexpensive for the angler that is on a tight budget. Some of these waders are lightweight and some are heavy duty. They are durable but can become uncomfortably hot. They are non breathable so perspiration will stay inside the wader.

Rubber is the cheapest, durable and heavy. Most rubber waders you see today are pretty much limited to hip waders.

One other quick tip, no matter what fly fishing wader you elect to purchase even if you have the best fishing waders that money can buy, you will want to carry a repair kit made specifically for the wader material in event of a rip.