High-tech fishing
By Staff
Kevin Stone
Franklin County Times
New advances in technology changes our lives everyday, but it's also improving the products that we use while fishing. Baits, rods, reels, line and electronics are all becoming very high-tech. It used to be as simple as a cane pole and a box of worms but not anymore.
Bait companies are producing soft plastic lures that are offered in every color, shape and size imaginable. The new plastics are treated with attractants to make bass bite and hang on to the lure longer. One of the most interesting new flavors introduced recently is coffee-flavored baits – yes, I'm serious. I guess it will work best for an early morning bite.
Swim baits are one of the hottest new lures this year. They have been around for a while but after record-setting catches last year, every company is producing a version of this popular bait. A swim bait is a soft plastic bait that resembles a baitfish, and they vary in length from a couple of inches to over a foot. As you can imagine, these baits catch very large bass.
Fishing lines are being produced that are stronger and more sensitive than line in the past. Braided lines are popular because of its strength and zero stretch. Fluorocarbon line is popular because of its sensitivity, low stretch, it sinks fast and it's invisible underwater.
Rods and reels are becoming stronger and lighter. One of the new super light rods is being made from carrot fibers and it is even orange in color. Fishing reels are being produced that have internal digital circuits that help to control backlashes.
Lead weights are being replaced with tungsten. Tungsten is denser than lead so equivalent weights can be made that are smaller and more sensitive. Tungsten is also environmental friendly.
Depth finders now do more than just show you how deep the water is. They can be loaded with lake maps and when you turn it on it, use a GPS to show your position on the lake. You could actually drive your boat by watching the screen. There is one unit produced that shows side images of the lake bottom 100 feet on each side of your boat. It allows you to see rock piles, trees, bridges or anything that is underneath the water.
The only downside to this new technology is the price. Some of these new products are very expensive. So, it you are like me, you will spend the evenings drooling over the new Bass Pro Shops catalog and then go fishing with the same old stuff. The good thing is that the old stuff still catches fish and it's paid for.
Kevin Stone is branch manager and loan officer at Valley State Bank and can be reached at (256) 332-3600.
