American Legacy Fishing Company
NEWS FLASH – March 15, 2009
Tom Rypka and his Number ONE fishing buddy show off a nice walleye for the camera!
DREAM LAKE LODGE and SHIMANO…….
Hi Friends,
Last newsletter I bemoaned the fact that Spring Fever had me and the whole gang here at American Legacy Fishing Co. Well, problem solved! At least for yours truly. This last Monday I had an opportunity to drive to Livingston, Alabama and fish Dream Lake for 2 days in what can best be described as “ideal” weather. 80 degrees, sunshine, light breezes. Oh how I needed that!
We went to Dream Lake with and as guests of the folks at Shimano USA to test some prototypes and new items, try for a state record bass (16 lb), and generally have some R & R. And did we ever! Paul and Connie Bracknell along with Chad, their son, were the ultimate hosts making sure our every need was addressed, whether it be gourmet food, first class lodging, southern charm and respect, or world class bass fishing.
So how did we do? Wednesday one team caught a 10 lb plus a 9 lb 8 oz, plus two 5 lb fish. Not bad for an afternoon! Our boat may not have fared as well, but we sure had a wonderful time in what has to be two of the best bass lakes anywhere.
By next newsletter I hope to have all of my notes together and share some information on what may be in the works from Shimano, but for now you’ll just have to take my word that Shimano is by no means satisfied with status quo and has lots of great stuff they are working on.
Finally, let me just say that I have never been around a more dedicated and knowledgeable group of folks than the guys from Shimano. To the man, every single “Shimano guy” lives and breathes fishing and how to improve a customer’s success and enjoyment. That, my friends, was the most gratifying part of the entire trip.
Tight Lines,
Tom Ashby
FINAL DAYS FOR “ENHANCED VALUES” ROD and/or REEL TRADE-INS……..
As we always do, we make sure our newsletter subscribers get special notification and early opportunities on any special offers, etc. This is why you knew about our “enhanced trade-in values” program almost a month before it was on our web site. We will continue this until the end of March due to the volume of requests we have had after we posted the program on our web site, so you still have 2 weeks.
If you live outside of the USA don’t be shy! We have made some awesome trade-in deals from all over the world. It’s definitely worth your while to consider trading in your unused rods and/or reels, even if you live outside of the USA. Just drop us an e-mail at [email protected] telling us what you have to trade (we need complete model numbers and description of condition), what you want to buy, and where you live and we will take it from there. I can assure you that your will be pleasantly surprised!
BACKLASH CURE 101………………………..
Isn’t it great that we’re never too old to learn something new? I just got a lesson in how to avoid casting reel backlash that is absolutely bullet-proof. Well, at least almost. Here’s what I learned:
There are a few easy-to-follow steps that, when followed, will practically eliminate backlash in any quality casting reel. Here they are:
1) Always use high quality, new line, preferably a supple line such as Sunline mono or fluorocarbon packed evenly and tightly on the spool of your reel. NEVER put so much tension on the line spool when relining the reel spool that you even slightly stretch the line, as this will almost certainly cause damage to the spool in your reel and could actually cause it to split in half.
2) Set the mag-drag to 3 or remove 3 of the magnets within the mag drag. No more, no less.
3) With the rod tip up and after tying on your lure/bait press the spool casting button release down and then loosen the spool tension knob until the lure/bait slowly drops. That’s where it needs to be left for THAT lure. New lure – repeat this procedure.
4) Use a well matched rod with your casting reel. Remember that extra-fast action rods will increase the chances of backlashing due to the super-quick deflection rebound of the rod tip.
5) Always make sure your reel is in perfect working order and lubricate it frequently. NEVER use WD-40 to lubricate a reel, as this will not only displace water, but all other lubricants as well and eventually will leave most parts with little or no lubrication. We like Hot Sauce Lubricant as well as any.
When NOT to use RATTLING LURES……….
I’m an absolute fanatic about rattling lures, especially anything resembling a shad rap or Rattlin’ Rap. Megabass has their fair share of these in the form of Vibration-X, Vibration-X Smatra, and Vibration-X Ultra. I just love these lures!
BUT, now comes word that perhaps the cagey bass has learned to associate these rattle sounds with artificial lures and bait! Scientists believe that given how well bass can hear that on heavily fished waters they may in fact have learned that the un-natural sound of these rattles and experience from being “hooked” when going after the same may have done to bass what Pavlov did with dogs. That is, left impressions that rattle sound = bad experience = stay away.
Of course, we’re not scientists and are still trying to understand our spouse, let alone some fish in a pond. But, the argument certainly seems logical. So, just a heads up here. It could be that the silent Vibration-X lures DO have a place. Take a look at the entire selection on our web site. I’m adding some of these just in case!
BOGAGRIP: A tool that EVERY angler should have……………
Speaking of Dream Lake (above) we had our handy-dandy BogaGrip tool with us once again. And yes, it is as indispensable as ever! There is just no other way to grab a nice fish, weight it, disgorge the hook(s), and release it in any less time.
Did You Know That Over 1,770 world records have been recorded using the built-in Bogagrip scale! Amazing!
So, once again we are thrilled with this tool. All USA made it is by far the neatest tool we have added to our tackle box this year.
We’ll give you a 100% return privilege for 90 DAYS after you buy it. We’re that convinced that this is a “must have” tool for every angler. If you’re not as sold on this tool as I am just return it to us within 90 days and we’ll give you a store credit for the entire purchase price including return shipping. And NO, I don’t expect to get any of these little jewels back….
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