Hi Folks,
You know, there’s something about starting a new year that drives us to try harder to accomplish what we may have given up on the year before. Call it a fresh beginning or just a simple reset for the best intentions of 2010 that didn’t quite get done.
I’m not going to bore you with a list of what I need to work on in 2011. I do have my list. I’ll bet you have one as well. My problem is I’m not sure this is such a great idea, for you or for me. Seems that a “to do” list for 2011 sort of dampens all the good stuff that we should be celebrating that happened in 2010. Rather than kick back and smugly acknowledge the things that went well this last year, we, as typical human beings, feel the need to resolve those disappointments of 2010 during the year ahead. And we simply cast aside and forget about all the good stuff from the year before.
All this last week every newspaper, TV show, and many web sites made an effort to summarize 2010 and the events that were noteworthy over the last 12 months. Most were bad things that happened. I guess we learn a lot through experience, perhaps bad more than good. The end of the year is a great time to take stock of just what we learned over the last 12 months and perhaps make adjustments when necessary. But in doing this don’t we risk casting aside all the good stuff from 2010?
Think about this a little deeper. How many of us made it through 2010 with good health and the love of our family and friends? How many still have an interesting and challenging job? How many are (still) homeowners and proud parents of wonderful children (or grandchildren)? How many had one or more “special moments” in 2010? As much as the beginning of the new year is logical time for recommitting to some goals or improvements, don’t let this keep you from appreciating all the good stuff of 2010.
Now I know there are some of you who have had a rough or even terrible 2010. But I also suspect that most of you had a wonderful year in 2010. I know Dixie and I did. We spent time with our 7 grandkids, were able to fish from Minnesota to Florida, welcomed a new golden retriever to our “dog family” now numbered at 5 of the most loving and fun golden retrievers you can imagine. We also enjoyed some wonderful times with many of our friends and were able to see our youngest daughter and her husband and grandtwins move back to the USA from Hong Kong after 3 years away.
But one of the best things to happen to us in 2010 was we were able to add many, many new fellow anglers to our list of friends met through American Legacy Fishing. Whether meeting new friends while traveling, testing the latest tackle, or simply trying to assist someone in our store, 2010 was a spectacular year. Many, many more new friends and fellow fishing enthusiasts became friends in 2010 than in any previous year.
I am told by those decades younger than me that, in today’s world, “meeting” someone isn’t limited to a face-to-face meeting but includes Facebook, Twitter, email, fax, and phone. If this is true then Dixie and I can say our new 2010 friends represent a much, much larger number than we had first acknowledged, even though on the Facebook and Twitter side I have to admit benign neglect. I seldom check my Facebook page and am not even sure I have a Twitter page. I resolve to do a better job on both in 2011.
So, what does this have to do with fishing? Fishing makes us happy. We enjoy getting outside and being on the water and experiencing nature. We enjoy the challenge of trying to outsmart various species of fish. We like using different gear and techniques in different locations. Fishing supplies us with an abundance of good memories we can carry with us well into 2011 and beyond. There are always new (or renewed) goals as well as very fond memories.
We have some “fishing goals” for 2011. A 10 lb largemouth bass. A 20 lb northern pike. A 6 lb smallmouth. A 20 lb lake trout. A….well, you get the idea. Not surprisingly these are the same goals we had for 2010! But even if we didn’t achieve any of these goals (or “thresholds” as Dixie likes to say) we sure had a great time trying! And I guess that’s the real point. It’s as much the journey as the destination. It’s enjoying the ride as much as it is getting from point “A” to point “B”. So when you’re thinking about those New Year resolutions don’t forget the best of 2010 along with the optimism of 2011.
This is our first newsletter of 2011, so we figured we would start the year off with some great deals, new services, and real interesting information. Be sure to check out our Once-A-Year T-Shirt Giveaway and Sale. We also have just updated our used rod and reel lists on our web site. See below for a link. There’s lots of other information on new products and services that we are sure you’ll find informative and worth investing your time in.
We promise that 2011 will be the best year ever for all of our fiends and customers. We have a lot of new products coming on line and are sure you’ll be as excited about these as we are. Stay tuned for information in upcoming newsletters.
We wish all of you a most prosperous and healthy 2011!
Tight lines,
Tom Ashby
Our Annual January T-SHIRT GIVEAWAY and Sale is Here Again……………………..
Nothing beats a FREE Gildan 100% cotton Heavy Duty T-Shirt with our custom imprints. Buy one of the Products below and we’ll include the appropriate t-shirt ($20-$24 value) FREE with your order. (you must specify your size when you checkout in the “notes” section of the checkout screen). This is a limited offer and only good while supplies last. Act Now!!
G. LOOMIS: We have about 300 pcs of a couple of G. Loomis T-Shirts we need to move. Now. They are the Green Scaled Skeleton Fish T Shirt (55961) in size XL (90 pcs – 55961-03) and XXL (40 pcs – 55961-04) and the Chocolate Scaled Skeleton Fish T Shirt (55962) in size L (85 pcs – 55962-02), XL (97 pcs – 55962-03), and XXL (42 pcs – 55962-04) While supplies last these are on sale at 55% off – that’s $10 bucks for a $22 t-shirt. These are great t-shirts, so get yourself one or more. Supplies won’t last very long at these prices!
LIVE TARGET: Buy 4 or more Live Target Lures (including the new hollow and walking frogs) and receive a FREE American Legacy “Fish With Attitude” T-Shirt. Please specify white, black, or navy along with your size in the checkout “notes” box.
SUNLINE: Buy 2 spools of any Sunline Product Line (including the fabulous new FX2 braid) and receive a FREE Sunline white T-Shirt. Please specify your size in the checkout “notes” box.
BOGAGRIPS: Buy any model of BogaGrip (315, 130, 260) and receive a FREE American Legacy “Fish With Attitude” T-Shirt. Please specify white, black, or navy along with your size in the checkout “notes” box.
WORLD’S BEST FISHING HAT: Buy a World’s Best Fishing Hat and receive aFREE American Legacy “Fish With Attitude” T-Shirt. Please specify white, black, or navy along with your size in the checkout “notes” box.
WORLD’S BEST FILET KNIFE: Buy a World’s Best Fillet Knife (on SALE at $49.00) and receive a FREE American Legacy white “Logo” T-Shirt. Please specify your size in the checkout “notes” box.
Ebay purchases are not eligible. Free goods will be shipped with your purchases items at no additional shipping charges. Offer only good while supplies last. Offer expires January 23, 2011. This offer is not retroactive and does not apply to orders placed before January 9, 2011.
BRAND NEW (HUGE) Rod & Reel TRADE-IN List Now On Line…………
We think our Rod and Reel Trade-In Program is the best in the world. It seems that many of you agree with this assessment, as right now we have over 500 PREMIUM Used Rods and Reels in stock! Unfortunately during the holidays we didn’t do a very good job of keeping our list of these fantastic “deals” up to date. To be entirely honest, the list on our web site wasn’t accurate. But it is now!
We JUST POSTED our COMPLETE UP-TO-DATE LIST of USED RODS and REELS on our web site. Folks, there are some real gems on this list! Whether you are a fly fisherman or use a casting or spinning rod or reel there are Lots and Lots of wonderful “lightly used” rods and reels available at what can only be described as “Knock Em’ Dead Prices”!
Every used rod and reel we take in on trade is Fully Inspected and Reconditioned and is ready to fish. We also have added a description of the cosmetic condition of every rod and reel. Regardless of appearance, we guarantee you every item is mechanically perfect and offer a 30 day warranty on any used rod or reel that you buy. Additionally, many of the used rods have the original manufacturer’s warranty as well.
Think about it. You can save 40% or more off original retail on a used rod and still have a full manufacturer’s warranty included (as applicable by manufacturer). Most of our used reels are priced at 50% or more off original retail. This is truly a chance to get some first class fishing rods and reels at some truly unbelievable prices. Just one caveat: This list is changing every day, so act now to avoid disappointment. Just click here for the WHOLE LIST.
Introducing SPRO and Strike King Lures……………
Everyone here at American Legacy Fishing is excited about 2011 and the new product lines we are putting in stock. We have always wanted to provided the best support possible top our local customers who visit our store every day. But just as important, we wanted to make sure we offered every Internet and phone-in customer the highest quality products that are “hot” and catching fish. All of these new lines we will be telling you about over the next few issues do this. And do it very, very well.
SPRO and Strike King certainly qualify as “hot” as well offering the highest quality available. What we have done is make sure we stock, in substantial quantities, models that are hard to get because they catch more fish! It sounds simple, but all too often you shop for a specific lure only to find the dealer is out of what you want but has plenty of the ones no one wants. Or, you’re directed to some knock-off house brand that catches a lot more fishermen than fish.
We figured we had a better idea. Only our on-staff pros order these lines. They know day-to-day what’s working and what’s not. They also know what is hard to get and what isn’t. They are the ones who not only order these lines initially, but make sure daily our stocks are up to the levels that won’t disappoint you. No house brands, no knock-offs, no excuses.
So, if you like SPRO and Strike King (you’re missing out if you don’t) as much as all of us do here, then take a look at our selection. The prices are very competitive and our selection is excellent, offering the lures that catch fish!
OUTFITTING SERVICES Now Available at American Legacy Fishing Co……………..
Starting in 2011 we are announcing a special service to all of our customers, especially those outside of the USA. We know finding hard-to-get fishing gear can be very frustrating for many of you outside of the USA. You read a USA fishing magazine or visit web sites that feature some highly desirable gear only to find out that manufacturer does not offer the product ion your country. Or, you find what you want only to be told the dealer will not ship to you.
We now offer our exclusive “Outfitting Service” that will purchase the items you need, create an invoice for you, allow you to check out using a credit card or PayPal, and Immediately Ship Your Order WORLDWIDE as soon as it has all been received by us. Even if we don’t carry a brand we will locate it and purchase it for you. In many instances we can sell you what you want at the low USA prices due to our volume. When this is not the case a small service fee will be added which we will let you know up front.
Why? Well we have always promised to go “above and beyond” for you, our customers. We feel by offering you this service we are keeping our pledge to be the best fishing gear dealer in the world. Give us a try and we think you will be very pleased. How? It’s simple. Just email us a list of what you need to [email protected]. We’ll get back to you with prices and availability and in no time you will get what you need when you need it. Try it, you’ll like it!
EGO SLIDER 2 Nets are IN STOCK……………..
Just before Christmas we received a huge shipment of the new “Best of ICAST 2010” EGO SLIDER 2 Landing Nets plus all of the assorted attachments, handles, etc. This was a bit later than we would have liked, but they are HERE NOW. And folks, they are absolutely the most Innovative Landing Nets we have ever had the pleasure to offer.
Every EGO SLIDER 2 Landing Net has a 2 Year Warranty that covers everything except the actual mesh net. The handle, net loop, etc. are all covered. Better yet, THESE NETS FLOAT! Plus, they come in three different handle lengths and three different sized net hoops with 4 different types of mesh nets, 2 different depths, and 4 optional attachments for the handle end (2 different gaffs, one boat hook, one slider knife). Every handle extends to over twice it’s collapsed length.
We ARE excited. You will be too once you have one of these fantastic EGO SLIDER 2 Landing Nets in your hands! Since that’s difficult to do unless you live close to Evansville, Indiana we’ve put together a quick video showing off this fantastic product. Just click here for a quick tour.
Right now we have EVERY EGO SLIDER 2 Product in stock and can (as we always do) ship the same day of your order. If for any reason you are not totally impressed with your net we’ll make sure you get a full refund with no out-of-pocket costs upon return.
Now is the Time to ORGANIZE, MAINTAIN, and RE-LINE………………
Being the first of the year and colder than blue blazes here in Indiana I’ve always found this the perfect time to reorganize my tackle and service my reels. I also take this opportunity to put new line on my reels and check out my rods for anything that may need attention such as bent guides, guide wraps, reel seats, tip tops, etc. This can take a few hours or a few days depending on how cold it is outside. The colder it is the longer it takes and the more cigars and beer required.
Last January I took all of my tackle boxes, emptied them (yea, it was a real mess), and reorganized all my lures and tackle into 370 size utility boxes (13 ¾” X 8 ¾” X 2″). Each utility box was designated for one type of lure or tackle. Megabass Vision 110’s went in one box, worms and bullet sinkers in another, twister tail plastics in another, etc. After I finished this organization I put each utility box on shelves in the garage. Each utility box was labeled as to what it contained. There were a LOT of boxes, as we fish freshwater – all species along with saltwater – most species. It took two 3 ft X 6 ft X 1 ft deep shelves to accommodate all of these utility boxes!
The second thing I did was to buy several of the new Open Water Tackle Bags that accommodate the 370 sized boxes (any Open Water tackle bag where the model number starts with OW37). For local or bass fishing I selected lures and tackle and made up two of these new bags as “bass tackle bags” and keep them ready at all times. The other bags I bought stay at the ready for whatever species/technique we will be going after on a specific trip. Once we decide to go I simply select the appropriate 370 size utility boxes for that trip, but then in the bag(s), and we’re ready to leave. I do keep all the typical “support” tools such as filet knives, pliers, gloves, etc. in each bag, so all I need to do is select the 370 utility boxes I will need.
I’ve been using this system for a year now and I can tell you it’s absolutely the best. Trip preparation is easy and when I acquire any new tackle it’s easy to find where it needs to be put. I no longer spend hours looking through tackle boxes for a certain lure or item. Also, I no longer root through 3 or 4 tackle bags trying to put together an appropriate assortment for an upcoming trip. The only down side is that since I did this last year I will have to find a new “2011” excuse for some cigars and beer!
In closing I would be remiss by not mentioning our stock of all Open Water items including tackle bags as well as utility boxes. We also have a complete selection of Ardent reel maintenance products along with the largest selection of fantastic Sunline and Power Pro lines in the world. If it’s cold where you are then we’re here to help you with get reorganized and set for spring. However, the cigars and beer will be up to you!
How to Stay Warm This Winter…..On the Water!
Now that the holidays are over, the long and grueling winter is sure to set it. This is always bad news for the dedicated angler and typically a depressing time of year for some of us. However, it doesn’t have to be if you are willing to brave the elements, fish slow, and give up the comfort of a warm fireplace and a cup of coffee.
There will always be opportunities to get out on the water this time of year whether it is a power plant lake, ice fishing, rivers, or traditional open water fishing in the southern states. Regardless of what part of the country you live, it is going to be cold. As cabin fever sets in, more and more anglers will think about getting out on the water for some cold water fishing. There are a few “tricks of the trade” all of us can do to make our winter time fishing more comfortable and enjoyable.
As always, preparation is critical when fishing. However, this preparation becomes even more important when the temperatures range from 40 degrees all the way down to zero. The most important aspect of preparing for your day on the water is safety. Comfort and catching fish are added benefits, but there is no question safety is your main concern in the winter.
Depending on the weather conditions, icy roads may be an issue. Keep in mind, even if the roads are not icy, a boat ramp is likely to be due to boats loading and unloading throughout the day. One idea to help alleviate this problem is to carry a 50lb. bag of sand in the back of your truck or SUV. If you notice the boat ramp is icy, you can dump the sand on the ramp to help your tow vehicle pull up and down the slope of the ramp. Another safety precaution is to keep a spare set of clothes in the truck in case you fall in or get wet. It is very easy for us to think take on the cliché “It won’t happen to me”, but if it does, you need to be prepared. Hypothermia is not something to be taken lightly and it sets in very quickly. The time from immersion in the water to permanent damage is very short lived.
One of our regular customers and good friend, Pat Greene, told us about this next trick and all of us have been taking advantage of it this winter. ThermaCare makes a heating pad that wraps around your back and torso. They can be purchased in a 2 pack for around $6.00 and provide a full day of heat on your back. It is amazing the how warm these heating pads keep your entire body. They keep the blood around your kidneys warm, and this circulates to the rest of your body. These heat pads can be purchased at Wal-Mart, and are worth every penny.
Obviously, dressing warm is still a critical part to staying warm in the colder months. Dressing in layers is always a good option, starting with a layer of Under Armour Cold Gear. A good “beanie” (we prefer the G. Loomis skeleton fish beanie), as well as a good pair of gloves are also must haves for winter fishing. Gloves typically are not very conducive to fishing; however, this can be changed with a small modification. Take a pair of scissors, and cut a small slit where the lower part of your thumb would fit in the glove. This allows you to “hinge” the thumb slot back over your thumb, allowing you to have your thumb control spool tension while keeping your whole hand warm.
Hopefully, these few tips will help make your next winter time excursion more safe and enjoyable. Winter fishing can be a lot of fun and very productive, just remember that safety is the key. It also never hurts to bring a thermos of coffee on the boat either!
Brian Dolne – Staff Pro
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