Guide To Packing For A Fishing & Camping Adventure

How to Pack the Right Fishing Gear for Your Campsite Adventure

Guest blog by Megan Hudson; photos by John Kumiski

Camping and fishing are two of life’s greatest pleasures.

When you combine them into one perfect outdoor trip, the result is a memorable and rewarding adventure. Waking up early in the morning to the calm serenity of nature, lazy days fishing in the nearby lake or river and enjoying hearty fish dinners over the glowing coals of a silent night.

What could be better?

But before you get carried away with the experience of your campsite adventure, preparation and planning are required. After all, these two things are essential for the success of your trip.

Packing the right fishing gear and camping equipment will not only make your adventure more organized and enjoyable, but it will also give you the freedom to soak up every moment.

That’s why we’ve created a comprehensive guide for packing and preparing for a smooth, functional, and memorable fishing and camping adventure from first cast to tent takedown.

Fishing Equipment and Tackle

No fishing trip is complete without quality fishing gear and tackle. You’ll want to travel as light as possible, so being selective about which gear you choose to bring is essential. Here’s a list of some key items you will need:

● A quality fishing rod – Different rods are needed for different purposes, so make sure the one you bring is compatible with the local fish and the water they swim in. It’s a good idea to bring a second rod, too, just in case you need a backup or can put two lines in the water.

● Rod holders – Whether you’re planning on fishing from the shore or a kayak, rod holders give you the chance to fish hands-free and not miss out on any bites.

● Multiple lures – Research the species native to the area before you pack, and ensure your lures are attractive to them. Having a variety of lures can help you target more species and enjoy more success.

● Bait – Similar to the lures, bring a few different types of bait that you can rely on to attract local fish. Do some research to find out which ones in your area will respond to the most.

● Hooks – Ensure your hooks are the right size for the fish you’re targeting. If your hooks are too big, you’ll probably get a strike but nothing more, and if they’re too small, big fish will simply swallow them.

● Bushcraft knife – or a Swiss army knife. Any camping knife suitable for gutting fish, cutting fishing line, or chopping bait will do. It will also come in handy for a variety of other situations.

These are the key items you need to pack for a camping and fishing adventure. Depending on whether you are camping at a lake, a lagoon or river, or possibly even on a shoreline, your needs may vary. It’s always important to do research on the area before determining what to pack in your fishing kit. The wrong kit could make your angling unsuccessful, while the right kit could see you land a big one—or several.

Sleeping and Shelter Gear

A quality tent, sleeping bag, and pack filled with regular camping supplies are also extremely important for a successful fishing campsite adventure.

Your tent requirements may vary depending on the campsite, terrain, and your personal preferences, but the pack absolutely needs to be large and strong enough to carry all your fishing equipment. The more compartments and pockets, the better! Waterproof is a bonus.

If you’re using bait that’s frozen or fresh, you also need to consider this. You don’t want a box of bait defrosting in your tent or a cooler that may smell very fishy next to your sleeping bag. Never bring food or bait into your tent!

Kitchen and Food Supplies

Food is an essential part of survival, and even if you plan on eating the fish you catch, you’ll need more than just some trail mix and instant soup.

Bring a good chopping board, good knives, and a plate, bowl, and cutlery set. Pack a variety of healthy, energizing snacks like dried fruit and nuts, crackers, jerky, and some carbohydrates such as potatoes, rice, noodles, or bread. Don’t forget the seasonings and aromatics for your fish.

You may also need to take your own drinking water. Double-check if any local water supplies are available and if they’re safe to drink.

First Aid Kit

While fishing isn’t a hugely dangerous sport, you can end up with an injury or two.
Don’t forget to pack a basic first aid kit and arrive prepared with the contact details of local emergency services, should you need them.

You can leave your kit in your tent when fishing, but it’s always a good idea to keep a few band-aids and disinfectant in your kit, along with a pair of tweezers.

Maps or GPS

Knowing where the best fishing spots are is key to a successful trip. Do your research beforehand, but also be sure to pack a map or mobile phone with GPS so that you can navigate to the right place.

Having a clear map of where you’re going and where you’ll end up is especially important if you’re heading out to a spot you’ve never been to before or if the area is very isolated.

Clothing and Shoes

As this is a fishing trip, you need to prepare for a lot of water activity. The clothes you bring should be largely waterproof in order to keep you dry throughout the adventure and prevent you from getting too cold or even becoming sick due to exposure to the elements.

Don’t overpack. Depending on the length of your trip, you only need one or two warm and waterproof outfits. Bring along some swimwear and a T-shirt in case it gets hot too.

In terms of shoes, choosing a sensible, robust pair of shoes that handles water well is crucial. Sturdy footwear will also protect your feet from sharp hooks or knives if they accidentally fall or a spiny fish gets dropped on your toes. Bring some sandals for warmer, more relaxing days.

Depending on your campsite, good shoes will provide further protection from snakes and other critters on the ground. They’ll also come in handy if you want to go for a hike.

Adventure Like A Pro

Packing for a camping and fishing expedition gets easier the more you do it. There may be quite a few things to pack, but you’ll never regret being organized.

Make your outdoor fishing trip practical and enjoyable by packing the right gear for your outdoor adventure. Then, go reel in a big one!

An Angler’s Journal- A Review

An Angler’s Journal- A Review

My friend Rodney can tell you what he caught on this date 10 years ago, where he caught it, how he caught it, what the weather was like, where the barometer and moon phase were, and more. I’ve never had the self-discipline to record all that information- until now.

An Angler’s Journal (Quiet Fox Designs, 160 pages, paperback, $12.95) provides me with a space for everything a fisherman needs to remember in one organized place, including locations, companions, weather, equipment and lures used, and size, number, and species caught. The illustrations are beautiful.

The main feature of the journal is the expedition log. Every new entry in the log has two pages. On the first you record key facts about your trip- date, time, weather, air and water temperature, where you fished, who you fished with, fish caught and how you caught them, and any other information you care to add. The second page has space where you can draw or place a picture of your fishing spot. You can annotate this picture with important information like water depth, current flow, water temperature, shoals, hot spots, etc. When you’re finished you have a comprehensive record of your fishing trip.

The journal also contains a life list, and has plenty of space for photos of your catch and your friend’s.

When the journal is full, you’ll have a wealth of data to refer to on future trips, and a scrapbook of your favorite angling memories. Keeping a log book is an essential part of successful fishing. An Angler’s Journal is a great piece of equipment– you won’t find a better log book.

-John Kumiski

Creek Week Central Florida Fishing Report

Creek Week Central Florida Fishing Report

I paddle fished solo three times this week, at three different creeks- the creek week central Florida fishing report.

The Indian River Lagoon Chronicles is now available as a paperback book, either from me or from amazon…

Upcoming Events-
-Fishing Seminar, Kayaks by Bo, March 17. In case you missed the first one. Please call to make a reservation (321) 474-9365
-Mosquito Lagoon On-the-Water Show and Tell Seminar, March 18. Learn the Mosquito Lagoon by boat! See this link…

Tuesday
My charter cancelled at the last possible minute. Within minutes the kayak was tied to the car roof and I was heading to St. Johns county, to Faver-Dykes State Park.

Last time I was there the boat ramp was mud. Now there’s a real boat ramp with a dock!

The boat was launched into Pellicer Creek and pointed east. The water was dark, not moving. It was quiet and no bites were forthcoming. An otter and several raccoons were observed, though.

I reached Pellicer Flats, where slimy filamentous green algae was found in clumps. The oysters looked healthy but I did not see a fish, or get a bite.

As I returned to the creek the water was moving, an incoming tide. After three hours of nothing, the first bite surprised me and I missed it. The second bite prompted a drop of the anchor. For an hour action was steady on the plastic shad, seatrout and a couple reds, nothing big, but all appreciated after staring down the skunk.

Wednesday
I’ve lived in central Florida since 1984, had at least one paddle vessel that entire time, and had never been on Turnbull Creek. That changed Wednesday.

It’s a beautiful little creek, winding through cordgrass marsh, surrounded by oak woods. The wind was blowing hard enough that just a few minutes out the road noise from US 1 was gone.

My first bite was a seatrout about six inches long. My second bite was a snook about eight inches long. My third (and final) bite was a redfish about 12 inches long. So it took four hours of paddling but I got some kind of miniature slam, again on the plastic shad.

Thursday
Deciding to keep it real local, I went to the Econlockhatchee. The plastic shad did not produce a fish. The fly fooled several fish- a stumpknocker, a redbelly, three bluegills, and a six-inch largemouth bass.

I was testing out a new (for me) mouse pattern I saw in Fish Alaska magazine, which is what the bass came on. It needs some modification but I think it will be good.

Another fly I’m working on is a foam caddis fly imitation. I’m tired of my dry flies sinking. A foam fly won’t need floatant, either.

the foam caddis fly

And that is the creek week central Florida fishing report.

Life is great and I love my work!

Life is short- Go Fishing!

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
http://www.spottedtail.com/blog
www.johnkumiski.com
www.rentafishingbuddy.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2018. All rights are reserved.

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Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon Redfish- A New Reality

orlando fishing report

The fly in question? A black redfish worm.

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon Redfish- A New Reality

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon Redfish- A New Reality

Mosquito Lagoon was long justly famous for its clear water and abundant fish- redfish, seatrout, black drum, and several other species. Anglers used a variety of techniques to catch these fish, but for kayaking fly fishers the main draw was the ability to sight fish the critters, even while sitting in a kayak.

The landscape began to change in 2011.

During the summer of 2011 an algae bloom appeared. It quickly spread. Soon the water in the lagoon became a sickening brown color. If you put your hand in the water, it disappeared. Unless a fish stuck a body part out of the water, you had no idea it was there.

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon redfish

You can see the shallow water is not crystal clear. Again, the fly is black.

Winter came, and the bloom cleared.

It came back during the summer of 2012, and cleared again when winter came.

It came back during the summer of 2013, and cleared again when winter came.

It came back during the summer of 2014. Winter came. The water did not clear. It has been disgustingly dirty ever since. Friends of mine have said, “I can’t wait for the water to clear.” Well, yeah, but I think they’re being optimistic. None of the conditions that led to these blooms has been changed (and it’s a complex set of circumstances), so why should the water clear?

Perhaps I’m being pessimistic, but I think brown, dirty water is the new norm here. Adapt or get skunked.

The dirty water has had a cascade effect. Light cannot penetrate the water, so a lot of the seagrass has died. Seagrasses fed the entire ecosystem, so my fear is that the productivity of the system, its ability to produce finfish, has been seriously compromised. There ain’t as many fish, because there ain’t as much fish food.

If you kayak fish with a fly rod, there are fewer fish to find, and it’s gotten much harder to find them. What to do? What to do???

You could, of course, take your game elsewhere. Undoubtedly some fishermen have. Those of us who live here are loathe to take such a drastic step. No, we adapt. This piece examines how to do so.

In a nutshell, what the entrepid paddling hackle heaver needs to do is concentrate his (or her) effort at shallow spots that have lots of light-colored bottom. If you can wade there that’s a huge plus. Places that fit this description include Tiger Shoal, Georges Bar, and many of the spoil islands. There are many other places, and some time spent studying Google Maps will pay dividends when you’re out paddling.

If the water is low (0.5′ or less on this gauge http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?02248380) that’s a really huge plus. The deeper the water is, the tougher seeing the fish will be. The converse is true, too. Low water is one of your biggest allies.

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon redfish

What you look for has not changed.

What you’re looking for hasn’t changed. Tails, wakes, busts, laid-up or finning fish, concentrations of birds or bait, all can lead to a pay-off. My preference is to find an area that has fish, then abandon ship and do my hunting on foot. Your conversion rate will be higher by doing this.

If there’s any silver lining to the dirty water situation, it’s that the fish can’t see you either. On a recent trip I got three reds. My longest cast was about 20 feet.

For reds and drum you still want flies that sink. My favorite color is basic black. It seems to be visible in the murk.

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon redfish

Black flies work well…

Your casts will have to be more aggressive. Any fly not in the immediate vicinity of the fish’s head will just not be seen, much less taken. Don’t be afraid to lay it on them!

Seatrout, frequently tough to sight fish even when the water was clean, seem much less abundant now. I have yet to figure them out. When that happens I will write another article.

While this piece is about the Mosquito Lagoon, the Indian River and Banana River Lagoons have the same problems. Indeed, the problems may be worse in those lagoons. Last winter the Banana River Lagoon had an enormous fish kill between SR 528 and the Pineda Causeway.

In the Mosquito Lagoon that hasn’t happened, and in the Mosquito Lagoon there are at least some seagrass beds that remain. All that having been said, there are still fish in both those lagoons, and they can certainly be caught on fly tackle. Again, look for shallow areas with light colored bottoms so you have a chance to see any fish that may be present.

Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon redfish

…but other colors will work too.

So while we can hope that the good old days of plentiful fish and clean water aren’t gone, hoping does not put fish on the end of the line. Get paddling, look for fish in those shallow spots, and some good things will happen. That’s Kayak Fly Fishing Mosquito Lagoon Redfish- A New Reality.

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
http://www.spottedtail.com/blog
www.johnkumiski.com
www.rentafishingbuddy.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2016. All rights are reserved.

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Leader Strength Saltwater Fly Fishing

Leader Strength Saltwater Fly Fishing

leader strength saltwater fly fishing

 

This article discusses leader strength saltwater fly fishing.

Into my inbox the other day came the following email-

“What is your choice of LB (sic) test for your fly leader? Why have you selected that wt (sic)?”

My response was, “In saltwater I carry 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 pound fluorocarbon. I use all of them. You need a better question.”

Thinking about this, he did need a better question, but it’s an unsatisfying answer nonetheless. Let’s look at Leader Strength for Saltwater Fly Fishing.

As mentioned on my website, I use two piece big game leaders. On #6 and #7 weight rods my butt section is 30 pound nylon. That does not change. The tippets do. Since it’s winter as I write this, we’ll start there.

Keep in mind that any tippet you choose has to be a compromise between getting bites (thinner is better) and preventing breakoffs (thicker is better). Also keep in mind that what works for me may not work so well for you. Another thing to keep in mind is that windknot you just got cut the line strength 50 percent. Finally, not all fluorocarbon is created equal. My preference is Seaguar blue.

Historically, water in the local lagoons during winter was low and clear. Unless I was targeting big fish (over 20 pounds), the tippet would be a length of 12 pound fluorocarbon. There have been times when I couldn’t get a bite and thought I should lighten the tippet, but man I hate breakoffs.

If I were targeting big fish, black drum or redfish, I would up the tippet to 15 pound fluorocarbon. Again, I don’t want breakoffs.

If I travelled to where there were oysters or barnacles I would use 20 pound fluorocarbon.

To read the rest of this article on leader strength saltwater fly fishing, visit this link…

 

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
http://www.spottedtail.com/blog
www.johnkumiski.com
www.rentafishingbuddy.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2016. All rights are reserved.

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Florida Saltwater Flies- Packing for a Trip to Florida

Florida Saltwater Flies- Packing for a Trip to Florida

Here in central Florida we find many species of fish- redfish, snook, seatrout, tarpon, snapper, moonfish, jacks, it’s a long list. Since you’re traveling, you don’t have room to bring a ton of tackle. I hope the list below reflects an exercise in minimalism for Florida saltwater flies.

The fish you’ll be encountering eat three things for the most part- smaller fish, shrimp, and crabs. The flies carried should reflect this. Additionally, some attractor-style flies like spoonflies and poppers should be carried, too.

Try to fit all the terminal tackle into a single Simms Dry Creek Waist Pack . In the pocket of the pack put the following items:

– a couple of finger guards

– a Dr. Slick hook file

– a stick of sunscreen for the lips.

Inside the pack put the following:

-fluorocarbon leader wheels in 12, 15, 20, and 30 pound test

– a package of Knot 2 Kinky leader wire . You never know when this might be needed

– a dehooker

– a Gerber Multitool  or equivalent

– a small bag with a half dozen small white shrimp flies for nighttime dock fishing. If you get a chance you will be ready.

– a one quart ziplock back containing a couple dozen synthetic minnow fly patterns, similar to Puglisi style flies, in sizes from #4 to #2/0, many with weedguards, some tied as bendbacks.

An example of a minnow fly. Lefty’s Deceiver will work, too.

 

A flock of faux fishies.

– a small Plano box jammed with flies, including-

*3 Dupre spoonflies

Jim Dupre's Spoonfly.

* a half dozen Merkin-style (or other) crabs, size #4, with weedguards

A gaggle of Merkins.

*several Clouser Minnows in various colors and sizes (#4-1), with weedguards

Clouser minnows of many color combos work well.

*several black bunny leeches, #2, with weedguards

The bunny leech or bunny booger, a deadly fly.

* several Borski-style Sliders, size #4 and 2, in various colors and weights, with weedguards;

My version of a slider.

* a few Trout Bites or other style bendback, size #4 and 2

The Trout Bite on top, and a synthetic minnow below.

* a few Rattle Rousers, size #4, great for dirty water

Rattle Rousers, weighted and not.

* a selection of poppers and gurglers. Baby tarpon love small gurglers!

My version of Gartside's Gurgler.

If you have space, a few fry minnow patterns will be great for freshwater fishing and baby tarpon.

A craft fur fry minnow.

With this kit, you could fish saltwater anywhere north of Key Largo and would be prepared for most of what you would encounter.

So we have discussed Florida Saltwater Flies- Packing for a Trip to Florida. In your Florida fishing fantasy, what different stuff would you bring?

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2013. All rights are reserved.

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How to Tie a Gurgler

orlando fishing report

The killer fly, a gurgler.

How to Tie a Gurgler

Gurglers, to the best of my knowledge, were invented by the late Jack Gartside. They are awesome, easy to tie flies that work of a wide variety of fish. Since I make them differently than Jack did, here are my instructions on how to tie a Gurgler.

First, you need to gather your materials. Use whatever color(s) you like.

how to tie a gurgler

Simple materials needed to make a Gurgler. Feel free to modify my list to suit your own needs.

-sheet of craft foam (available at any craft store)
-material for tail (in this case marabou, but it’s the tyer’s choice)
-tying thread (Danville flat waxed nylon for me) in Dr. Slick bobbin
-Estaz or similar product for body
-rubber hackle, sililegs, or what-have-you for legs if desired (for spider patterns or bass bugs)
-hook. For most of my saltwater flies I use a Mustad 34001 #2. For salmon I use a Mustad 36890, also #2. For freshwater applications it depends what the target specie is; i.e., for bass a stinger hook, #4 or #2, for sunfish an Aberdeen, #6 or 8, for trout and dollies a long-shanked, bronzed hook, #6 or 8, etc.

1. After placing the hook in the vise (I use a Regal), start the thread and wrap it back to the bend of the hook.

2. Using your Dr. Slick scissors, cut a strip of foam from the sheet of craft foam. Use the scissors to taper one end to a near-point.

how to tie a gurgler

Cut the strip of foam for the fly body. Wider ones float better but tend to rotate more. Taper one end to a near point.

 

To read the rest of these instruction, click here now…

 

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
http://www.spottedtail.com/blog
www.johnkumiski.com
www.rentafishingbuddy.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2015. All rights are reserved.

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Mystery Tackle Box a Winner

Mystery Tackle Box a Winner

An email came in that wasn’t spam! It asked me if I wanted a Mystery Tackle Box. Yes I did. The MTB came in three flavors- bass, panfish, and saltwater. Which did I want?
I wanted all three of course but I chose saltwater, then forgot about it. A few days later, though, a Mystery Tackle Box came in the mail.

mystery_tackle_box_logo
Frankly I expected junk from a Chinese knock-off factory. Much to my surprise and delight everything in the box was something I could use, to whit:

-a package of Big Bite soft plastic saltwater baits, shrimp imitations;
-a package of Pintail soft plastic baits, jerk baits;
-a package of Mustad Power Lock Plus size 3/0, 1/8th ounce hooks;
-a Strike Pro surface plug, walk-the-dog type;
-a Hyper Striper jig, something like a Road Runner;
-a package of Knot 2 Kinky nickel-titanium leader wire.

Heck Yeah!

So, now it was time to see what Mystery Tackle Box really was. A visit to their website (http://mysterytacklebox.com) ensued. This is what I found:
Mystery Tackle Box is a monthly subscription service that introduces both beginner and expert anglers to new fishing lures and tackle. In addition to receiving fishing lures, you will also receive a “About Your Box” card that will explain a little more about each bait you received in your box as well as a unique link to our website to watch videos, read product reviews, learn different rigging options and much more information about each of the products in your box.

“Each month you will get a variety of quality fishing products from both large and small manufacturers. We do our best to send a variety of brands and products types in each box to ensure that you have the best chance of discovering and trying new products. We have product specialists who are experienced tournament fisherman reviewing each bait that we put in the box to make sure it is good quality.  Every box will have at least $20 worth of products and most boxes have $23-$27 worth of retail value.”

You can subscribe for yourself or as a gift subscription for someone else. The testimonials page on the website is full of glowing letters from folks who were happy with their boxes.

Check them out at http://mysterytacklebox.com and see if a Mystery Tackle Box subscription will work for you.

 

John Kumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2015. All rights are reserved.

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How to Tie the Electric Sushi Fly

How to Tie the Electric Sushi Fly

One year I visited the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, New Jersey. There, Massachusetts fly tier Mike Martinek showed me how to tie the Electric Sushi fly. It’s a great seatrout pattern in any size, but I use it for a variety of fish species in both fresh- and saltwater. My favorite color combinations include chartreuse-and-white and chartreuse-and-pink. A double-prong, hard monofilament weed guard is helpful for fishing areas with obstructions. The Electric Sushi sinks fairly slowly. The chartreuse color is very bright, so it’s very easy to keep track of the fly’s position while you fish it.

Hook: Gamakatsu SC-15 or equivalent, sizes 4 to 3/0.
Thread: White Danville flat waxed nylon.
Belly: white Awesome Hair. If you can’t find Awesome Hair, I think Hedron’s Wing n Flash and Ice Wing Fiber are almost identical products. The world of synthetic fly tying materials can be confusing.
Back: pink Awesome Hair. Of course the colors are up to the tyer.
Markings (not shown): Black permanent marker.
Eyes: 3-D molded eyes.
Gills: Red permanent marker.

1. Place the hook in the vise and wrap the thread to the bend of the hook. This is what the material looks like as it comes from the bag.

IMG_3796

2. Pull enough material out of the bag to make a small ball of it.

IMG_3797

3. Tie that small ball in at the bend of the hook, right across its middle. Pull the material back and wrap it in front with three or four wraps. The truly erudite tier will hit those wraps with a bit of cement.

IMG_3798

 

4. Make another little ball of material and tie it in under the hook shank, above the point of the hook. Again, wrap it first in the middle, and then in front.

 

IMG_3799

5. If you’re going to use a second color, tie it in now. All remaining clumps of material will be tied on top of the hook shank, one in front of the previous one, with the same technique that we’ve already used. Be sure to leave enough room to finish the head and tie in a weed guard, if desired.

IMG_3800

6. In this photo the tying is finished, the weed guard tied in and the head whip finished. The fly does not yet resemble the finished product.

IMG_3802

7. Use a bodkin to begin “pulling out” the fibers, always working from front to back.

IMG_3803

 

IMG_3804

 

Material will break free. Keep it for the next fly. Don’t throw it away!

 

IMG_3805

Work the entire fly over, top, bottom, and sides. Get all the snarls out. Use your fingers, perhaps licking them to moisten occasionally, to shape the fly.

IMG_3806

8. Once the fly’s shape is to your liking, use Zap Goo to glue the eyes on. Use a red Sharpie to add the gill spot. If vermiculations are desired (not shown), use a Sharpie to add them. Don’t forget to cement the head!

IMG_3807

This Electric Sushi is ready to catch fish. And now you know how to tie the Electric Sushi fly!

John Kumiski

www.spottedtail.com

http://www.spottedtail.com/blog

www.johnkumiski.com

www.rentafishingbuddy.com

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

 

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2015. All rights are reserved.

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Brief History of the Johnson Minnow

Brief History of the Johnson Minnow

johnson minnow red

Reader Chuck at BellSouth sent me a question about my three favorite lures for blind casting in the lagoons. My response was:

-the Chug Bug
-the Johnson Minnow
-the DOA Deadly Combo

Chuck replied with the following:

“Thanks for tips!

“Would have never guessed the old Johnson Minnow spoon would make the list. But after doing some research on this lure, I now understand why it works well in Mosquito Lagoon.

“You might be interested in the history of the Johnson Silver Minnow and why it’s unique design makes it so successful.”

Silver Minnow is still shining after 73 years

The Johnson Silver Minnow, one of the most enduring and successful fishing lures of all time, was invented in 1920 by Louis Johnson, a retired Chicago foundry operator. The lake where Louis and his son fished was full of fish, but it was also weedy. So, with the practical style of many creative Midwesterners, he set out to develop a fishing lure that would not catch weeds but still catch fish.

The result was the first spoon lure with a weed guard, stiff enough to keep weeds away from the hook, but flexible enough for bass and pike to get hooked. In fact, his experimental spoon lures were made from silver table spoons with the handles cut off and a Scents hook and weed guard soldered to the concave underside. History does not record whether these first spoons were silver plate or genuine sterling, but the idea of having a fishing lure made of silver caught his imagination. Seventy-three years later, the Johnson Silver Minnow is still plated with real silver.

Like other spoon lures of the day, the Johnson Silver Minnow was designed to imitate the flashing movement of a minnow. Other manufacturers had long incorporated flashing spinners into the design of their lures, but Louis Johnson’s new lure was the first to integrate a guarded hook onto the spoon, and the first to use real silver for a whiter, brighter flash than chrome of polished steel.

Johnson didn’t work with his “table spoon” very long before the learned something else about designing the perfect weedless lure: hooks that faced up were less weedy than hooks that faced down or spun around from the lure’s action. Even a guarded hook would catch weeds occasionally if it was retrieved with the hook facing down. Johnson reasoned that if he could figure out a way to ensure that the hook would always face up, the lure would be almost completely weedless.

Putting his years of foundry experience to work, Johnson decided to forge a spoon of a special copper/zinc alloy that was thicker in the middle than on the edges. With its weight concentrated along its centerline, this created a spoon that would rock back and forth as it was retrieved, but always keep the convex face down and the hook facing up. Other spoons of the day were simply stamped out of brass or steel. They often just spun through the water as they were retrieved. In fact, much of the Silver Minnow’s weedlessness can be attributed to the way in which the downward-riding spoon itself acts as a weed guard — and simply rides over weeds much like a water skier rides of the waves.

By getting the lure to keep its convex spoon side down and it hook up, Johnson also unwittingly made the lure visually effective under water. When retrieved, Johnson’s Silver Minnow rocks back and forth through a 270 degree angle, flashing reflections downs and to both sides, but not up. Since fish almost always attacked a lure from below or the side, there was no need for it to be visible from above. That meant that the lure could produce more flashes in the right directions per retrieve than stamped metal spoon lures.

Yet another benefit of the rocking spoon-down motion was that anglers no longer had to worry about line twist or special swivels. Spinning spoon lures used without swivels twist fishing line, and contribute to backlashes and tangles. To this day, Johnson Silver Minnows are manufactured with a simple soldered wire eye. Line can be tied directly to the lure without fear of line twist. The one exception would be when using the versatile Silver Minnow for” pike or muskellunge. Since even medium-sized pike will often inhale the entire lure, it is wise to use the lure with a short steel leader.

The Silver Minnow’s rocking motion also helps control the sinking rate when cast. Whereas many spoons simply dive to the bottom tail first, the Silver Minnow gently drops horizontally, rocking in its characteristic motion. This gives an angler ample time to take up the slack after cast and begin the retrieve before the lure has had a chance to bury itself in weedy cover, or behind a log. This feature also makes the lure effective the second it touches the water. Many strikes on the Silver Minnow come as the just-cast lure is rocking gently toward the bottom.

Trailers and the Silver Minnow.

The Johnson Silver Minnow is a deadly lure when fished plain, but when it is combined with a trailer, it is especially effective in triggering strikes. In addition, the Silver Minnow’s unique rocking motion is not affective by a trailer like many other spoons are.

For traditionalists, a pork rind trailer of red/white or yellow/white is one of the best combinations. Adding a red 3-inch waving tail imitates the red gill rakers that would show on a wounded or distressed bait fish. This works like a visual “dinner bell” to a predatory fish, who would rather attack a slower, “wounded” fish than try to catch a fast, healthy one.

But red is not always the color of choice. Often some experimentation is needed to find out what color of trailer will be working on that day, in that lake, on that particular species of fish in that particular kind of cover. Newer plastic trailers are more convenient than the traditional pork rind, and can be carried in a great variety of colors with less weight and bulk. Soft plastic Silver Minnow Trailers in a variety of colors, are now marketed by Johnson Fishing for use with all Silver Minnows.

The Silver Minnow Today
The Johnson Silver Minnow is still manufactured in the same way it was in 1920 — by hand — and still plated with real silver for the brightest possible underwater “flash.” Originally manufactured in Chicago by the Louis Johnson Company, the lure was purchased by Johnson Fishing Inc. of Mankato, MN in 1974. In 1976, manufacturing facilities were moved to Johnson Fishing’s Bass Buster Lure division in Amsterdam, MO. The Silver Minnow continues to be one of the best selling lures of all time.

Source:
Gettysburg Times, August 11, 1993

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And that is a brief history of the Johnson Minnow. The Johnson Minnow has been in continuous production longer than any other fishing lure in history. There just might be a good reason for that.

Thanks for the great response, Chuck- I was able to turn it into a blog!

John Kumiski

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