The temperature is dropping and the water is cooling down. Bass are on the move and have already started putting on the fall feedbag. Whether youâre looking for the latest and greatest, like the Quantum Smoke HD, or the most bang for your buck in a brand like Lewâs, this is a great time to break in a new baitcaster.
Fluorocarbon line is extremely versatile and works great in the clearer, colder waters of fall and winter. Whether youâre power fishing or slinging light tackle, thereâs a fluorocarbon line specialized for the presentation. Sunline Super FC Sniper and Seaguar brand lines are among the best.
Selecting the right rod for precise bait presentation is important. If youâre looking for a new setup for your fall fishing adventures, then take a look at the new, and reasonably priced G Loomis E6X casting rods, or choose the perfect finesse rod from the extensive line of St. Croix spinning models.
Crankbaits with a tight wobble are a staple of fall and winter fishing, and arguably none is more effective than the Rapala Shad Rap. Numerous sizes and colors allow you to throw a Shad Rap on casting or spinning gear in any conditions.
Baitfish are either in the creeks or headed that way, and another one of the best baits for targeting them is the swimbait. Fish them as trailers, on an A-Rig or on their own. Whether you opt for a jointed hard bait from brands like Spro or Savage Gear or a soft bait from Berkley or Keitech, pick your poison, locate the baitfish and the rest will take care of itself.
If youâre fishing on the bottom and need to feel the lightest of bites on the coldest of days, tungsten weights offer unmatched sensitivity. VMC and Strike King are among the brands to look for.
The Minn Kota Ultrex took the bass fishing world by storm since its release at the ICAST show this summer where it won Best in Show. With strong, cool winds blowing in from the North, use the Ultrexâs Spot-Lock button to stay pegged to your honey holes.
With constantly changing light conditions this time of year, look to brands like Costa, Smith and WileyX for some of the best polarized shades on the market. With a variety of both glass and plastic lenses to choose from, these sunglass makers have redefined what the word âvisibilityâ means to anglers.
To have a great day on the water or in the woods, you have to be able to stay on the water or in the woods. Comfortable performance outerwear is indispensable this time of year. Carhartt has made great inroads in the fishing world in recent years with top-notch waterproof apparel. And with their recently released performance hunting line, theyâre taking the woods by storm this fall.
Whether youâre reaching for a cold beverage or in need of storage for your catch or kill, a good cooler is a must-have. It seems every time we turn around these days a new brand enters the market, and just about any of them will keep ice frozen for hours â or days â on end.
The days are growing shorter and we have no time to wait for the sun to do its thing. No early morning gear load or walk to a tree stand is possible without a trusty headlamp. Those from brands like Surefire, Petzl and Black Diamond are trusted by the most hardcore outdoorsmen.
If you have too many good hunting locations and not enough tree stands to cover them all, then be sure to check out the Tree Stand Buddy. Cheaper than most tree stands, this quick-attack system allows for easy on-off setup. So, all youâll need is your favorite stand and a few strategically placed brackets to put yourself in front of your hit-list buck.
October belonged to bow hunters. The Mathews Halon 5 created the most buzz this year, though there are plenty of more affordable options, such as the Hoyt Powermax, to help your arrow find its mark.
Whether youâre stacking up limits of ducks and geese or filling your vest with roosters and grouse, the Remington Versa Max and V3 auto-loaders have redefined shotgun versatility. The Versa Port System at the heart of both guns reliably cycles any load you stuff in the magazine.
Dial the distance to your next notched tag with the most innovative rangefinder on the market â the Bushnell Elite 1-Mile CONX. It works with a free smartphone app to give you precise holdover info at any range (up to a mile) for your specific rifle load.
A good binocular can help you put eyes on a buck before he gets to your shooting lane or determine whether that bull on the next ridge over is worth a two-hour stalk. Invest in the best glass you can afford â especially from brands like Vortex, Leupold and Swarovski â and youâll be rewarded with a better hunting experience.
No matter how much we prepare for the season, there are always times we are just a few yards away from the hot trail or need just a little something extra to coax our target within range. In states where food attractants are legal, consider products from Hunters Specialties and Wildgame Innovations.
Youâve won the day and punched your tag, but your work isn’t over yet. Field dressing tools like the popular Havalong Piranha and SagenSaw will help you make quick work of your trophy and get the meat in the freezer fast.