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Putting Circle Hooks to the Test
Posted on: Jul 22, 2010
Posted in: Hooks, Lazer Sharp, News From Chris, Product Info
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Lone Star Outdoor News matched small circle hooks with small, medium, and large bluegills in late June on a Central Texas pond. Three fisherman used Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp circle hooks, sizes 10, 12, and 14 baited with pieces of nightcrawler or with Gulp! crickets a foot or so below a small slipshot. Over a four hour period in 90+ degree Texas heat, more than 60 bluegills were landed and realeased out of a hot hole in the 5-acre pond, giving the hooks and baits a fair test.
Hook Location: Of all the fish they landed, only one fish had “swallowed” the hook and was hooked fairly deep. The hook removed relatively easy with no harm to the fish. Every other fish was hooked in the mouth.
Hook Removal: The small circle hooks were easy to remove, but forceps or a pair of needle-nose pliers could be helpful. The hooks have short shanks and are tough to handle with fingers. The barbed hooks were easy to remove with pliers or by hand after pinching the barb down.
Hook Sets: As with large circle hooks, no swift jerk is required, and attempting to set the hook (as if you were bass fishing) won’t catch many fish. In fact, the jerk usually pulls the hook out of the fishes mouth. Fishing in about 6-8 feet of water, simply lifting the rod is proven most effective.
Hooking Success: The group missed a few more fish than traditional hooks, but the fish were so plentiful it didn’t really matter. The bite was subtle on the test day, often only noticed by a slight twitch or tightening of the line while the bait was on the fall. The light bite may have been another factor in the number of missed fish.
Baits: The bluegill hit both baits consistently, but the Gulp! crickets won out on this day by a significant margin. The tiny legs on the plastic bugs may have attracted the fish, or a huge grasshopper crop in Central Texas may have played a role. The plastic crickets held up well, didn’t get dirt under the fingernails, and each bug was good for several bites and successful catches.
Overall: The tiny circle hooks were a big success. No fish were killed in attempting to remove hooks. No cutting the line and leaving the hook in the released fish hoping the fish would make it. The hooks are a definite plus for fishing with live bait, still fishing while anchored, or anywhere that fish populations are such that large numbers of fish are expected to be caught and released.
Bioline
Posted on: Jul 12, 2010
Posted in: News From Chris, Product Info
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Bioline is the first 100% biodegradable fishing line on the market. Made from a special formula of poly-butylene succinate, or PBS, bioline is engineered to retain its strength and durability for the first 10-12 months of use and then completely degrade in water or on land within five years. Standard monofilament fishing line lasts over 600 years.
The new bioline product performs as well as monofilament with outstanding abrasion resistance and knot strength while having the clarity of fluorocarbon. bioline is the choice for weekend warriors and top anglers looking for a more earth-friendly alternative.
The degradation process starts at the surface of the line. Microorganisms begin breaking down and digesting bioline with the aid of sunlight and moisture. bioline becomes a combination of CO2, H2O and biomass. After the initial 10-12 months of use, the line begins to lose its tensile strength. The loss of tensile strength allows wildlife caught in lost line to break free. Standard monofilament does not degrade for 600 years and discarded line entangles birds, turtles and other wildlife.
Eagle Claw strives to be the leader in “green” fishing gear for anglers around the world and looks for opportunities to work with other organizations committed to conserve our natural resources and waterways.
Eagle Claw is proud to bring bioline, the first 100% biodegradable premium fishing line, to the market. bioline is available in 225 yard spools in 4-12 lb test.
For more information, visit the all-new bioline website at www.biolinefishing.com. Fish Green!!
Wright & McGill on the Kenai
Posted on: Jul 07, 2010
Posted in: Lazer Sharp, News From Chris, Product Info, Wright & McGill
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As the season nears, many fisherman start to prepare for the famous rainbow trout season on the Kenai River in Alaska. The season officially opened on June 11th, but the King Salmon run over powered it and made it second in line. Many anglers, like John Whitlatch from Reel Adventures, are counting down the seconds until August 1st at 12:01 am when the real rainbow season kicks in.
Monster rainbow trout caught on the Kenai River in Alaska by John Whitlatch from Reel Adventures.
Using the 11′ 6″ Wright McGill float rods and the Sabalos 2500 reels, John plans on landing numerous monster lunker rainbows like the one pictured above. “I prefer a 10′ 7 wt. Wright and McGill rod to tame these fish, even from a boat,” said John. “They are big and strong, anything less and you are likely to end up with a handful of toothpicks that used to be your 6 wt.”
John, a veteran angler on the Kenai, has been planning and preparing for this trip for months. He doesn’t just look forward to the trip, he is passionately excited about catching these truly beautiful trophy fish!
Catch the whole story and read up on all of John’s techniques and ideas. To go directly to the story, click here.
Eagle Claw Extreme Fishing
Posted on: Jul 07, 2010
Posted in: Hooks, Lazer Sharp, News From Chris, Product Info, Wright & McGill
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Eagle Claw takes fishing to the next level as it hooks up with Carolina Outdoors to do some serious fishing in serious conditions! Jeffrey Thomas from Carolina Outdoors and Matt Smiley from Eagle Claw paired up and fished on each other’s home turf as part of .
Jeffrey flew out to Denver and went ice fishing with Matt on Lake Antero this last winter. They faced brutal conditions as the temperature was 33 degress below! However, they managed to drag up some lunkers and make for a great day on the ice.
Recently, Jeffrey returned the favor by inviting Matt to fish with him on Jordan Lake in North Carolina. Mike Jackson from Eagle Claw joined the crew for the intense bass fishing fiesta. The conditions were completely the opposite as the sun blazed to the 100 degree mark. But nothing was going to stop the group from landing several trophy bass.
The entire story, along with pictures, can be found on the Carolina Outdoors website. To view the page, click here.
The team used several Eagle Claw and Wright & McGill products, including the Skeet Reese Series Tessera Jig/Worm Rod, the Sabalos Bait Casting Reel, and the Eagle Claw Bass Fish Attractant.
The Eagle Claw Featherlight Series
Posted on: Jul 07, 2010
Posted in: News From Chris, Product Info, Wright & McGill
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Take a look at the excellent review about the Eagle Claw Featherlight Series rods. They were posted on The Fiberglass Manifesto website last week. Included in the article is the improvements of the rod, the details of the rod, and the uses of the Featherlight Series.
For the whole story and link to the website, click here.
New Lazer Tool: Dark Knight Pliers
Posted on: Jun 17, 2010
Posted in: Lazer Sharp, News From Chris, Product Info
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Lazer Tools is proud to introduce its Dark Knight pliers. A pair of pliers that is sleek and sophisticated. A pair of pliers that offers luxury and seduction, all while attracting itself to anglers who are conscious of the financial climate.
The Dark Knight pliers boast a multitude of features that are designed to make life a lot easier while on the water. Replaceable tungsten carbide cutters insure the smoothest and easiest cuts on all types of monofilament and braided line. Just because you wear out the cutters, doesn’t mean you should have to replace the entire pair of pliers. This innovative new design is sure to make these pliers last!
The innovative new Dark Knight pliers from Lazer Tools.
Lazer Tools Dark Knight Pliers also include a custom molded sheath that features a drain hole to help disperse moisture and prevent premature corrosion. The sheath also has a convenient lanyard attachment, preventing loss of the pliers if accidentally dropped. From now on, you don’t have to worry about where you put your pliers. The fitted sheath will keep it handy, yet out of the way when landing that big fish!
These angler’s pliers are finished with a proprietary corrosion resistant finish, making them highly desirable for the avid saltwater angler. The handles are highlighted by a non-slip specialized molded handle that ensures stability and confidence when in use.
The Lazer Tools Dark Knight Pliers have an MSRP of $49.99.
Update your Crankbaits
Posted on: Apr 23, 2010
Posted in: Hooks, Lazer Sharp, Product Info
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Spring is the time to get out all our tackle and get it tuned up and ready for the season. One thing not to overlook is the treble hooks on your favorite crankbaits.
Over time the trebles can become bent, rusty or dull. To prevent losing fish this year be sure to give each one a quick look before heading out. A new tool from Lazer makes switching the trebles out quick and easy. Plus with the sharp braid cutter, you can use it all season long. The new split ring pliers/braid cutters feature stainless steel construction and a custom molded handle for superior grip. The cutter slices through braid with no binding or fraying. Giving you a clean cut every time. The split ring tip allows for quick and easy changing of hooks on lures and rig construction. Also included is a mini sheath to keep the pliers within easy reach.
Lazer Split Ring Plier and cutter
For Trebles try the Lazer Sharp L934 which comes in Black, Charteuse, Krawfish or Red colors to help you match your hooks to the color pattern of your baits.
Lures with updated colors and dressed trebles
For even more added attraction try out LDT or Lazer Dressed Trebles with assorted colors of feathers added to the treble for more life like action.
Salsa is the Hot New Scent
Posted on: Dec 07, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Product Info
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The hottest new scent product from Eagle Claw is Salsa. Designed to be used in fresh or saltwater, This Salsa is definitely not the mild version.
Featuring Advanced Scent Technology™ or AST formulas, this all new fish attractant is designed using real food, strong fish attracting scents, natural occurring bait oils and featuring an advanced formula of proprietary blended ingredients that catch big fish.
Salsa is designed to stick to both hard and soft baits and can even be used with fresh bait for an added scent and flavor trail in the water. This all-new formula is a thick liquid that holds the holographic glitter in suspension. This makes Salsa easy to use with no shaking needed and also maximizes the overall performance of the scent by ensuring a consistent blend of oils and attractants every time it is used. Check it out
Available in four fish catching scents – Squid, Menhaden/Live Bait, Shrimp and Krill, each 4 oz. bottle of Salsa retails for $7.99.
Salsa is just one of the great scent products from Eagle Claw
Trailmaster Rods – Better Then Ever
Posted on: Oct 26, 2009
Posted in: News From Chris, Product Info
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Trailmaster rods from Eagle Claw have been one of the best known and widest sold rods lines in the United States. Countless Trailmaster rods have been enjoyed and passed down through generations of new anglers and memories made while spending nights around a roaring campfire sharing successful fishing stories.
For 2010 the Trailmaster gets a complete makeover and upgrade while keeping its tried and true versatility and rugged durability.
The Trailmaster lineup is available in five models all in four and six piece travel designs with custom a Cordura zippered case. A new model added this year is the Trailmaster combo featuring a six ball bearing reel matched to a 6’6” spinning rod. The take down reel seat uses an exclusive screw tight design to ensure a solid connection of the reel seat to the rod blank but still allowing for a compact design for easy packing
Each rod features IM-7 complex composite blank construction, titanium oxide guides, and custom cork handles with rubberized fore-grip and butt cap for added durability. The engraved reel seat is made from high-grade aluminum and features dual locking rings to ensure a solid connection.
As always, Trailmasters come with a lifetime warranty – the best in the industry
New Items From Eagle Claw #2 – I’m Thankful for HOOKS
Posted on: Dec 02, 2008
Posted in: News From Chris, Product Info
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As part of the New items for 2009 series lets talk about Hooks
Available now in stores is the Lazer Sharp Swimbait hook number L111. These hooks are one of the hottest things on the market right now. Our hook features a great bait keeper to hold the bait straight and secure for the perfect swimming action. The wide gap makes it work on even the biggest baits and the sticky sharp point makes them Hook and Hold. Available now in sizes 3/0 thru 7/0 and weighted in 1/8,3/16 and 1/4 oz.
Look for even bigger sizes – up to 10/0 available early spring
Wacky Worm wide gap number L097. This hooks has a “mean” design and shape for a wide range of application. Try them for wacky rigging your favorite soft plastic. The wide bite and up eye makes getting a solid hookset easy. Some of our guides in the Northwest and Great Lakes like rigging them under a float with a pink worm for winter Steelhead. They tell me the hook up ratio is almost 100% with the huge gap these hooks offer.
Carp Hook Kit number 624. Gone are the days of carp fishing being like ridding a Moped, fun until your friends see you doing it. Carp fishing in the US is a growing sport for many people. And why not. The fish are plentiful and inhabit lakes all over the country. Plus these guys may be ugly but they put up one heck of a fight and can tip the scales to way over 30 pounds. To many anglers, Carp represent some of the biggest fish available in their local areas. If you are new to carp fishing this kit is perfect for you. It contains an assortment of the best single hooks just for carp fishing. Just pick up a prepared bait like Eagle Claw Carp Biscuits bait nuggets and thread them on one of the hooks and your ready for action. One surprise to many is the flavors of Carp bait. Flavors like Pineapple or Strawberry seem odd but Carp love ‘em.
I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving last week with close family, good friends, tasty food and big fish.
Chris
