Passing Your Fishing Knowledge To The Next Generation

There is an old saying that if you give a man a fish he can eat for a day, but if you teach him to fish he can eat for a lifetime. The same also holds true that if you take a child fishing he could enjoy it for a day, but if you teach a child to fish he can enjoy it for a lifetime. When was the last time you took your son or daughter fishing and really took the time to teach them the right way to fish? Have you ever taken your kids friends on a fishing trip and taught them how to fish?


These days it’s all about self gratification and immediate reward, and we often neglect to share with our younger generation the heritage of hunting and fishing for food that our ancestors used to do out of necessity. Maybe it’s much easier to get a fish from the local shops, but the fun and recreation of landing a big fish still excite most outdoorsmen and pump adrenaline through the body.

Prepare Them For A Sustainable Future In Fishing

Teaching the skills of fishing also instils in our younger generation the need to protect and preserve the heritage as well as the natural resources that allow these recreational pursuits. Many of our younger generation are being taught to preserve the land for its beauty and natural resources but not how to interact with nature without damaging that beauty and natural resource. Share with them the wonders of the outdoors so they can see it for themselves, instead of through a little screen.

With summer having finally arrived many fishing enthusiasts are already planning that trout fishing, bass fishing or surf fishing trip. Take a trip with your kids and their friends and spend the time to truly teach them how to fish. Let them experience the thrill of that native trout jumping from the stream, while fighting them on a light tackle fly rod. Take the time to teach them how to land a fly in a teacup at ten paces, even if you can’t.

If you are a bass fishing enthusiast, take your kids bass fishing and teach them not only how to fish, but boating safety and common courtesy on the water. Teach them how to pick the right fishing lure or bait for the conditions you are fishing in. Teach them the value of catch and release.

If you are a surf fishing fanatic, take them to the beach and put a rod in their hands. Let them feel the tug of a blue fish or puppy drum on the rod. Teach them how to cast a surf rod and to tie the knots for rigging lines. Show them how to care for the equipment.

Get your kids away from the video games and television and let them get involved in some outdoor activities instead. Take a kid fishing and you will possibly find that you enjoy teaching them as much as you enjoy fishing yourself.

The Top Ten Bass Fishing Lures

Today I wanted to put together a list of the top ten best Bass fishing lures to give you an idea of what you should try using to catch small and large-mouth Bass. This is purely opinion of course, you may have different ideas on what works best for you, but without further ado here they are, starting at number 10....

10. Chatter-Bait

The Chatter-bait is still relatively new but has made a big splash on the bass fishing scene. From tournaments to weekends on the water it is making a name for itself as a consistent bass producer. The Chatter-bait falls somewhere between a buzz-bait and a jig in presentation.

9. Swim-Bait

In recent years Swim-baits have become the best bet for trophy-size large-mouths. There is a wide variety of Swim-baits available to match your location. Their popularity in "Big Bass" waters like those found in California and Texas push them up on to the list at No. 9.

KickTail XL5 Ghost Minnow Single Color 3 Set

8. Creature Bait

There is a wide variety of soft plastics on the market that look like anything and nothing in the water. Creature baits like the Yum Woolly Beavertail have given anglers a new set of plastics to trick pressured bass. Creature baits can also be used as trailers for other baits.

7. Classic Lip Crank Bait

Crank-baits really are tried and true bass catchers. Large or small, these cranks can catch them all. The precision and physical appearance is constantly being updated but even the old classic versions will bring you plenty of fish. Tournament anglers will often be seen running cranks to locate fish on large flats or over deep water structure.

6. Bass Jig

Flip it, pitch it, swim it, either way the Jig is a great way to catch bass. It is a consistent 'go-to' bait for tournament anglers and rightly so. Natural colour football head jigs are great in deep structure or you can try swimming a shad coloured model off of ledges and over structure. The addition of a trailer is always a winner.

Minnow Jig 24 Pack

5. Lip-Less Crank

The Lip-less crank is a more versatile version of the classic crank. It's tight wiggle and multitude of depths and speeds it can be presented at have made it a favourite of professionals and amateurs alike. Kevin Van Dam uses this lure as his 'go-to' bait. Designed by KVD himself, this "sexy shad" is a must have bait!

4. The Senko

The Senko has quickly become a favourite amongst anglers. It can be presented in a great variety of ways and bass really love each and every one of them. One of the best Senko techniques is to use a Wacky Rig.

3. Spinnerbait

Spinnerbaits like the TerminatorT2 spinnerbait are the most reached for bait for locating bass. They can be fished fast or slow in deep water or shallow water. Spinnerbaits are especially effective as the water gets warmer. If you're out this summer and fishing in a new spot, tie on a spinnerbait and do some searching. I’m sure you’ll have a great time and some decent success catching fish with it.

2. The Tube

The Tube bait is one the most versatile bass lures available. It catches large- and small-mouth bass alike and can be used in any waters at almost any temperature to catch fish. Its versatility and ability to mimic so many things give it the No. 2 ranking. The best one I have come across is a Texas-Rig with a tungsten weight. The tungsten weight makes clicking noises as it bounces across objects, the sound of it helps bass look for it in unusual conditions. The tube gets its second place spot due to its incredible success at catching small-mouth bass. It is my favourite 'go-to' bait for small-mouth bass fishing.

1. The Worm

Soft plastic worms come in many shapes and sizes, all of which have a place. They're by far the most versatile fishing lure on the market, and are effective on their own or as trailers. Large versions over 10" have pulled monster bass from Falcon lake while finesse worms on drop shot rigs have been used to fool even the most wary of bass. My personal 'go-to' bait is a Zoom Trick Worm Texas rigged weightless, or with a tungsten weight if needed. You can use it as a top-water, in weeds, over logs, or put a weight on and throw it into rock piles in six metres or more of water. Nothing is better than the classic worm!


Walking Worm 30 Pack - Chartreuse