As always, we were planning to go to the last fishing trip on 29th Dec to enjoy jig-fishing in the Sea of Japan, but this year the weather didn't permit. It was too bad for us not to be able to prepare fresh fish for new-year dishes, but we have to give it up. I packed up my jigging tackle until next time.
Now, let me show you a few nice items I recently got.
The first one is a Musky Jitterbug in red coachdog color. This color is one of my favorites among Fred Arbogast lures, and I'm feeling very happy to be able to add one in my collection.
I also got a yellow coachdog one. I have had one (the back one), but got a variation in the same color code (near side one). I was not thinking these two would have the same color, but according to serious collectors of Fred Arbogast lures, the difference derives from the production eras.
I could renewed my cold-season waders during this off fishing season. I wanted a pair of stocking-foot ones, but it was very difficult to find them here. Then I decided to purchase rubber-sole ones instead. Due to large size of my feet, I had to choose XL, which is a little baggy around my body, but it's ok because I only use them in early spring and late fall. I'm looking forward to try them in the next fishing season (hopefully in March).
I seldom enjoy bass fishing in winter but I tried it today, because I wanted to try a new rod handle (grip). I didn't get up so early and started fishing after the sun rose.
The rod handle (STTS 2016) is super, and the build-in metal core perfectly works to make the handle stiff. I felt no bentness when I cast, set a hook, and land a fish. Yes, it was too lucky for me to be able to catch a bass in this month, December! I didn't expect it, but I got very excited to see the big blow-up on the water surface. I've heard that body color of winter bass is beautiful, and so it was.
Today's tackle: ABU Ambassadeur MAG II, Smith Super Striker GO-103 w/ STTS 2016 grip (new), Daiwa Sight Surf #4, Bass Oreno, Gilmore Hoodler, etc.
I finished repairing my broken rod, and went out to check it. Not too bad, though I feel the rod blank became a little (very slightly) heavier. Anyway, it's good to be able to use this rod again. Could I catch a fish? Of course I got skunked.
Today's tackle: ABU Record 5000 (BLK), Phillipson Challenger (9055 rebuilt & repaired), Stren 14lb (Clear/Blue Fluorescent), Heddon Lucky 13, Gilmore Hoodler, Bass Oreno, Storm Shallo Mac, etc.
This is one of my favorite rods, but its tip was broken just after I started fishing in thisafternoon. I continued fishing with this broken rod (it was tough!), and got two bites but got skunked in the end.
I've caught a lot of bass including some unforgettable ones with this rod. I hope to repair it by all means during this coming off-season.
Today's tackle: ABU Record 5000 (BLK), Phillipson Challenger (9055 rebuilt), Stren 14lb (Clear/Blue Fluorescent), Gilmore Hoodler, Bass Oreno, Storm Shallo Mac, etc.
I'm afraid I'm a bad loser to finish this fishing season, and went fishing again this morning. I got only one bite, and caught one small bass with a Gilmore Hoodler. The blow-up on the water surface was so splendid that I expected a larger bass, but I had to face the reality. Anyway, it was good to catch a bass during this season, but not all good, I got wet owing to my old neoprene waders. I felt cold last time, so I changed my waders from Gore-tex to neoprene ones this time to keep my body warm. I should have paid much more attention to them, as it was more than 15 years ago that I bought them! I'd like to get new ones during this coming winter.
Today's tackle: ABU Record 5000 (BLK), Phillipson Challenger (9055 rebuilt), Stren 14lb (Clear/Blue Fluorescent), Gilmore Hoodler, Bass Oreno, Heddon Zara Spook, Lucky 13, etc.
I took a day off and went fishing again. It was a freezing morning due to radiative cooling under clear sky, and I had to fish with my gloves. Fish were slow as well as yesterday, and I had a hard time to catch bass. Fortunately, I could meet an active ones and caught two.
Just see the right top side of the video screen, and don't miss a nice blow-up in the later fall. I hoped a bigger one, but I won'tcomplain about size, which doesn't matter for me.
If you want to fish slowly-steadily during this season of the year, Gilmore Hoodler may be a go-to lure. It is well acted with your jerk, twitch, or even do-nothing but just making the prop slightly spin.
Today's tackle: ABU Record 5000 (BLK), Phillipson Challenger (9055 rebuilt), Stren 14lb (Clear/Blue Fluorescent), Gilmore Hoodler, Bass Oreno, Pico Pop, Heddon Zara Spook, Crabwiggler, etc.
We had warmer days during last week, and I had a chance to go fishing. Water temperature was still warm, and I caught some small bass with Heddon Pico Pop and Gilmore Hoodler.
It is a holiday today, and I went fishing again. Unfortunately, cold air system has been intensifying in our area, and we had a very cold morning. As I was afraid, I got skunked and got no reactions from fish at all! I had chores in the late morning today, so I got home before 08:00. It's the final phase of this year's bass fishing, I'd like to go out for fishing as often as possible.
Today's tackle: ABU Ambassadeur 5000 De Luxe, Phillipson 3M B7L1 custom, Stren Hi-Vis Gold 12lb, Gilmore Hoodler, Pico Pop, etc.
