As anglers we are very lucky to have super advanced modern technologies at our disposal, one such advancement definitely being fishing line. A fine example of this modern evolution is fluorocarbon coated copolymer (inner core) hybrid line. This marriage of materials in a fishing line gives us yet another choice, which exhibits key attributes and performance qualities found in both line types rolled into one. Recently, I had the opportunity to field test Lake Fork Trophy Lures Para Helium FluoroHybrid FH and I was not disappointed in its performance.
(Lake Fork Trophy Lures Para Helium FluoroHybrid FH) Specifications
Type
Fishing Line
Material
Fluorocarbon/Copolymer (inner core) Hybrid
Colors
Clear
Origin
Texas, USA
MSRP
$18.99 US funds/10lb, price varies according to test strength
The key variables here are the properties of this line that sets this hybrid apart from monofilament, 100% fluorocarbon and strait copolymer. Having the castability of monofilament and the abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon while maintaining sensitivity, manageability and knot strength of copolymer makes for a well-rounded fishing line. Lake Fork Trophy Lures’ version has all of these attributes in equal parts. From its ultra-smooth castability and low stretch to its very sensitive feel coupled with very low memory and impeccable knot strength/durability, FluorHybrid FH Para Helium get top honors from me. Also, this line has low-vis properties as well which, I would assume is difficult to achieve in a copolymer inner core/fluoro coated line so top marks to the designers once again.
Castability(1-5)
Stretch
(1-5)
Sensitivity (1-5)
Memory/
Manageability (1-5)
Durability/Knot Strength (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (10 being highest )
5
4
4.5
4.5
5
23
25
9
Para Helium FluorHybrid FH is near perfect in both consistency and design/ergonomics as it performs very smoothly while maintaining the low-vis, light refraction of a fluorocarbon with very little line twists and memory which is indicative of copolymer lines. Well designed and engineered for sure. Also, the range of test strengths is fantastic with 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 22, 25lb tests available.
Consistency
(1-5)
Design/
Ergonomics
Range of lb tests (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (10 being highest )
4.5
4.5
5
14
15
9.5
This particular line type is very well rounded and has all of the design and performance qualities of both fluorocarbon and copolymer. For me, Lake Fork Trophy Lures Para Helium shines for reaction style baits such as crankbaits and jerkbaits. I trust its low memory, even as a mainline on a spinning reel which I wouldn’t normally do with fluorocarbon. (I would still favor a baitcasting reel) Also, I wouldn’t hesitate to actually use Para Helium as a leader material coupled with braided line for suspending baits as it does not sink like a pure fluorocarbon due to its copolymer inner core. The extra little stretch acts as a shock absorber while its fluorocarbon coating protects against potential damage from rocks, submerged timber and zebra/quagga muscles. If I was to use FluoroHybrid FH as a mainline, I would pair it with a fast action rod for light jigs/worms or a medium/fast rod for jerkbaits/crankbaits to maximize its performance.
(Lake Fork Trophy Lures FluoroHybrid FH)Collective Final Rating
Construction/Quality
9
Performance
9.5
Design/Ergonomics
9.5
Price
8.5
Application
10
Total Score
46.5
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = MUST HAVE
Long smooth accurate casts, sensitivity, superior knot strength coupled with its higher than normal manageability make Lake Fork Trophy Lures Para Helium FluoroHybrid FH a high-end addition to any anglers arsenal. I mean, the connection between you and your lure must be trustworthy and really, its overall performance should never be called into question. This line satisfies all of that for me. Para Helium also boasts smaller line diameter than its competitors while being packaged in a 240yrd spool. It is extremely limp, strong and manageable so no complaints here, good job to my friends from Lake Fork Trophy Lures.
Bottom bounced this lipless crankbait with 10lb Para Helium FlouroHybrid FH with obvious results
Jamie Wilson- Lead Writer/Editor Exist To Fish Canada
Introduction: The Pro Dawg-Mag Dawg is always a top favorite for me when targeting Muskie and Northern Pike. Diversified bait that can be toiled or cast, this bait has a past history of nothing short of successful catches when targeting essox. Presentation is everything with this lure type. Because of its body style and balanced weight the bait is able to stay up right when paused allowing for a window of opportunity for predator type fish. This bait comes in numerous colors and can be used by anglers at all levels of experience paired with the proper gear, making the Bull Dawg so successful.
Magnum Pro BulldawgSpecifications
Type
Magnum Pro Bulldawg
Length
12”
Weight
8oz
Material
Soft plasic
Hooks
Mustad
Colors
Blk/Orange
Origin
Cleveland,WI
MSRP
24.99 USD
Quality/Construction:
It’s over all construction and quality is over all good. If I could change any quality aspect of this bait it would be the durability of the rubber and hook quality. Because Muskies and Pike have razor sharp teeth and these baits are of a soft plastic construction it does not take many fish to destroy them. Although the action of the bait remains the same with some altering of the wire harness and patch work with soft plastic glue, the overall density of the plastic could be better. For hooks I usually swap
Musky Innovations Magnum Pro Bulldawg
out the Mustad’s for VMC or Gorilla 4X. I have had Mustad’s snap multiple times or bend resulting in loss of fish.
Quality Ratings for Magnum Pro Bulldawg
Finish(1-5)
Level of Detail(1-5)
Hardware(1-5)
Craftsmanship(1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (10 being highest )
4
4
4
4
16
20
7
Performance:
The performance of the Bull Dawg is unmatched. With its low profile body and curly style tail these baits tend to drawn in more fish than any other soft plastic I have used. The jerk pause/count the bait down combination when casting allows the bait to swim naturally and not tangle which results in more well-presented and naturally presented casts over fowl ups. The Balance of the bait is great also adding to the casting aspect of presenting this bait but also when trolling.
Performance Ratings Magnum Pro Bulldawg
Castability(1-5)
Ease of Use(1-5)
Quality of Action (1-5)
Position at Rest (1-5)
Durability (1-5)
Total
Possible
Rating (10 being highest )
5
5
5
5
4
24
25
6
Features/Design:
Key features of the Muskie Innovations Bull Dawg are its performance in the water and its ability to be repaired multiple times and still keep its original action. This is crucial when guiding because you may have only a few of the key patterns that seem to draw the big girls to the boat. There are tons of baits that once they have cracked ect. Loose their ability to perform the same action as previous to their destruction.
Feature /Design Ratings Magnum Pro Bulldawg
Consistency(1-5)
Weight(1-5)
Realism (1-5)
Range of sizes (1-3)
Total
Possible
Rating (10 being highest )
5
5
5
2
17
18
7
Application:
I would use these baits from season open to season close. Because these baits can be casted or trolled you can speed or slow your retrieve depending on the energy level of the fish. Early season to mid-season I tend to have a faster retrieve (less pauses faster figure eights) then later in the season where my retrieve slows down this also includes my trolling speed when trolling and not casting the Bull Dawg. I use these baits in both river and lake systems. When fishing shallow or deep areas all that changes is your retrieve tactics. When fishing a weed edge in slow water (6-12ft) I find these baits are most effective when straight retrieved. When fishing a deep rock pile (12-30ft) I find these baits to best when paused and jerked as a retrieve.
Magnum Pro Bulldawg Collective Final Rating
Construction/Quality
5
Performance
6
Price
6
Features
6
Design (Ergonomics)
5
Application
6
Total Score
34
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = MUST HAVE
Conclusion: Definitely a go to bait when targeting Northern Pike in North Western Ontario Also a deadly bait when targeting Muskie from early season into late. The Mag Dawg has a multi-use feature, by this I mean it can be casted or trolled. One of the best features of this bait is the action. When casting it can be straight retrieved or used as a jerk bait. Because of the profile/weight ratio the bait will stay up right when paused in the water column allowing a hang time for a essox predator to take advantage of the moment.
An absolute must in all tackle boxes when targeting Northern Pike and Muskies. If I could change anything about the Bull Dawg by Musky Innovation it would be the durability of the rubber. These baits are such fish magnets that’s they get destroyed fairly quickly. The consistency of the plastic could be more durable.
Well it’s that time of the year again. The boats are put away for the winter as the ice starts to form.
With Christmas around the corner, many of us are starting to think about what we would like for Christmas or are looking for gift ideas for friends or family.
If you are anything like the Exist To Fish Staff, you probably lost a few baits this year.
We are all excited about new and existing fishing product’s that we have not had an opportunity to purchase or test out. They just were not in your budget at the time or perhaps you are thinking about trying a new lure this winter or in 2016!!
I asked the Staff at Exist to Fish what they where going to ask Santa for this year.
Here are the top picks on their wish list!
Dean Schenk : “On my Xmas wish list would be a pair of Smith Backdrop sunglasses to protect my eyes when on the water and ice”.
SMITH Backdrop
Product Features:
A perfect medium-sized complement to the Touchstone, the Backdrop incorporates the same great features like stainless steel spring hinges and megol contact surfaces at the nose and temple tips. ChromaPop™ polarized lenses provide the highest level of enhanced color and clarity, or choose Techlite glass lenses for unparalleled optics and scratch resistance.
“Also a tube of liquid mayhem walleye attractant in my stocking as I use it on the hard water all winter”.
Liquid Mayhem
Product Features:
Made with real minnows in a super concentrated form. Contains natural baitfish enzymes infused with powerful amino acids and other bite stimulants
formulated to target a fishes olfactory glands and trigger big strikes. Fish hold on to artificial bait longer meaning more hooks ups and more fish in the boat
No mess formula stays on the bait, not in the boat. Super concentrated. A tiny amount goes a long way.
Mike Lamoureux : “I would like the EzCam post. I would love to have the EzCam mounted to my boat to give me the extra camera angle for my fishing videos with my Go Pro!”
EzCam Post
Product Features:
The EzCam Post is the worlds PREMIER universal camera mount. It will work with any camera, smartphone, and/or camera accessory. It will secure to any object up to 3” in diameter and telescopes from 27” to 6’ in height. Not only will you be able to capture stunning pictures and videos, it will protect your camera from falling over. Perfect for use in boats by attaching to seat pedestals, simple and quick to set-up and use. The mounting plate has a reversible thread, 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 like any good tripod or monopod, so you can be sure any camera or accessory can be mounted to it.
Chris Huskilson : “I would like a underwater fishing camera!! I can think of a million different situations where I would use this! Having the ability to mark fish on my graph and drop a camera down to identify the species would be a huge benefit! This Camera, from Pyle, looks incredible! And is very reasonably priced in comparison to other models out there.”
pyle camera
Product Features:
Take Pictures and Record Videos Underwater in Color
Drop the Camera in the Water and See Where the Fish are Hiding
Waterproof Marine Grade Camera
3.5” inch Digital LCD Display
Instantly Preview your Videos and Picture on the LCD Monitor
Durable, Reinforced & Submergible Wired Camera
Infrared LED Night Vision Sensors Illuminate Dark Environments
Camera Cable Sinks up to 15 Meters Deep
Micro SD Memory Card Slot
Easily Save Files and Transfer to PC or Mac
System Includes Wired Camera, LCD Display, Display Holder, Pole Mounting Brackets and Charging Cable
Observe Underwater Fish Behavior and Environments Camera:
30 Mega Pixel Wide Angle Lens
Built-in IR LED Night Vision Illumination
Resolution: 640 x 380
Image Sensor: ¼” inch
Size: 0.8” x 1.0” inches
Weight: 0.35 g
Operating Temperature: -10 to 40 Celsius LCD Display:
Screen Size: 3.5 inches
4X Digital Zoom Function
Resolution: 960 x 240
Backlight Brightness: 300cd
Protective Flip-Open Cover
Universal Threaded Mounting Insert
Easy Operation Touch Button Controls
Display Housing (L x W x H): 4.2” x 3.0” x 1.9” inches
Weight: 150 g
Sold as: 1 set
Weight: 1.26 lbs.
Jamie Wilson: “One item I truly want from Santa this year is, without a doubt, several packs of Lake Fork Trophy Lures’ “Live Magic Shads”This segmented plastic swimbait has an amazing and very unique action, along with exceptional durability and a great line of colors. With the ice fishing season just around the corner I have to start gearing up so I’m ready for big, hungry Lake Trout. Then when summer comes, there’s nothing better than a swimbait to fire up big Bass. So come on Santa I’ve been a good boy this year, a couple in every color in both 3.5″ and 4″, regular and boot tail please! P.S- come down from the North Pole anytime and I’ll put you on some big fish!”
live magic shad
Product Features:
Our New Boot Tail Magic Shad Swimbaits feature a “Boot Tail” design that utilizes an innovative tail combined with the patented swim slots of our “Live” Magic Shad Lure. The slots in the tail enhance the lure’s realistic swimming action-especially at slower speeds used for umbrella rigs, jigheads, Carolina rigs, or swimbait hook rigging. Hook slots on top and bottom aid in weedless hook rigging.
Length
Quantity per Package
3.5″
6
4.5″
4
Alex Meletis: “I would absolutely like my go to bait weather it be trolling or casting for both muskies and pike. The Shallow Invader from Musky Innovations They provide a color chart, so any pattern is possible. Why I want these is because I know they catch fish in all conditions and are a reliable and durable bait.”
Shallow Invader
Product Features:
LURE DESCRIPTION: TheShallow Invaderis one of the most innovative shallow crankbaits on the market today. This “hybrid” lure combines a hard plastic crankbait head with a hand-poured, soft plastic action body and tail. This knockout combination creates incredible serpentine action that drives large gamefish crazy. The tail is replaceable. If it gets chewed up or you want to change colors, changing it is a snap. Pull the tail straight back until it pulls off the tail post. Push your new tail on the post until the rib on the back of the head is seated on the ridge in the tail. You can add some super glue for an even stronger hold.
LURE SPECIFICATIONS: TheShallow Invaderis 9″ long and is about 2 oz. It has extra strong 3/0 wide gap hooks for best hook-ups. It comes in many different fish catching colors for all your angling needs. TheShallow Invaderruns 2-4 feet and is a lethal twitch bait.
HOW TO FISH THE INVADER: Use theShallow Invaderin all shallow crankbait/twitchbait situations. Cast or troll on shallow flats, rocky points, mid lake reefs, and over the tops of weedbeds. TheShallow Invadercan be used as a very effective twitch bait. A good technique is to pause several times in mid retrieve. Because the lure floats when stopped, it is very effective in the weeds. It imitates an injured bait fish often drawing strikes from even fickle gamefish.
Matt Arrigo : “I would love to add a Deeper Sonar to my arsenal this coming season.”
wireless_Deeper_sonar_fishfinder
Product Features:
Deeper – smart sonar is a first of its kind, portable, wireless fish finder that utilizes technology on your smart phone or tablet. Specially designed for amateur and professional fishermen.
Tech Specs
Size:
2.6″/ 6.5 cm diameter
Compatibility:
From iOS 5.0 and Android 2.3 to the latest iOS and Android devices
Construction:
ABS
Weight:
0.22 lb/ 100 grams
Connection:
Wireless Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth Range:
Up to ~140 ft – 160 ft/ ~40-50 meters. Depends on the OS and smartphone model.
Depth Range Max/Min:
130 ft (40 m) / wide angle – 4.3 ft (1.3 m); narrow angle – 2 ft (0.5 m)
Temperature:
Water temperature Sensor
Temperature unit:
Celsius / Fahrenheit
Operational Temperature:
-4F to 104F/ -20C to 40C
Battery:
Lithium Polymer, 3.7V Rechargeable; lasts for 6 hours of non stop usage; takes 2 hours to fully charge.
Shelley Langley: “The best and most functional item under her Christmas tree would be an Eclipse UPF 50+ shirt to protect my skin from the sun while fishing.”
Keep an eye on Eclipse for an exciting new product launch coming soon.
Product Features:
Eclipse is a Canadian company offering UPF 50+ clothing to protect against the sun’s harmful rays. After being cleared of skin cancer back in January of 2014, I decided to protect myself against further damage by creating a line of apparel that offers UPF 50+ with high quality fabric. Eclipse products are Made in Canada and offer protection through the fabric and not a chemical coating. The current product line is a generous size that accommodates both men and women that want protection from the sun while outdoors. More products including long sleeves will be available soon.
Colin Booth: “I have had my eye on Eco Pro Tungsten for some time now and would love to add some of their products to my arsenal. I love to flip plastics so their tungsten bullet weights are an easy pick for me!”
Eco Pro Tungsten Flippin Weights
Product Features:
Eco Pro Tungstenweights are 97% pure eco friendly tungsten. Fray Free, insert free and lead free,Eco Pro Tungstenweights offer serious advantages over lead.Eco Pro Tungstencast farther and more accurately than lead. Actually feel what you have been missing! Smaller, dense tungsten is super sensitive, allowing you to detect more strikes and catch’s more fish while greatly reducing hang ups! Special “seal coat” painting resist chips and scratches.
“Nobody makes all the cool colors thanEco Pro Tungstendoes. They allow me to match my weights with my favorite plastics!”
David Reid: “I would like nothing more than some more Rod Sox. With their proprietary unique feature, a snag proof, hook resistant rubber type mouth makes loading and unloading my rods quick and easy.”
Rod Sox
Product Features:
RodSox Features:
Breathable– Rod Sox can go on wet or dry equipment. The breathable mesh allows air to easily pass through allowing any moisture out and drying your rod and line.
Safety Tip– The hardened tip of our Rod Sox protects the last guide/tip of rod from the wear and tear of placing or removing rods from rod lockers or any type of storage.
Durable Tag– With the addition of a hang hole in the new, durable, rubber tag, rods can now be “hung up” for storage, a great and safe way to save room and keep your rod out of harm’s way laying or leaning elsewhere. After the Rod Sox is completely seated on the rod, a gently tug on the rubber “mouth” will “Lock” the Rod Sox in place, and it won’t slip off. When it’s time to go fishing, a simple push of the mouth upwards releases the “lock” and the Rod Sox will just slide right off.
Easy Identification– The hard tip is wrapped with a color tape indicating the length of the rod it fits so that you can easily tell your rods apart and know which Rod Sox go on what rod when ready for storage. (For Example: green tip tape is for a 6’6″ rod, while red tip = 7′ rod, etc…)
Tangle Free– Avoid the tangling of rods and line when carrying gear to and from the water.
Mesh Density– The Original Rod Sox have the densest mesh of any rod protector on the market. This makes them more durable over time, improves the protection of your rod, and allows a tighter weave for added safety of rod guides, especially microguides.
Improved Mouth– The new and improved pliable, rubber-type “mouth” on the bottom end of the Rod Sox seals the mesh from fraying or unrolling, as well as protects the rod paint from any scratching from open mesh. In addition, the rubber mouth provides about a 1 3’4″ protective barrier between the hook and the mesh to prevent lure hang-ups.
Since I only asked the Team for a couple of products that they would like to have, as I know their wish list would have been too long for this article longer, Please visithttp://existtofish.ca/and check out our Product Reviews and Articles for more ideas.
From all of us at Exist To Fish Canada, Merry Christmas and may your Holiday season be joyous and safe.
Easy Identification
