Reviews
Policy on Reviews and Ratings
The items reviewed are usually top-of-the-line products that I use. I prefer to be selective and recommend items that I know are high quality and will help you in your fishing. Reviews you see are favorable because I won't take one item and destroy it in a review although I may give a brief review and a "not recommended". I have not been paid to run reviews on products or to give favorable ratings. Remember, these are only my opinions; you may disagree.
THE CRAPPIE BOOK ...BASICS AND BEYOND
Review date: Jan 2007
Book available from:
Author, Keith Sutton
www.catfishsutton.com
Secifications:
- 192 pages
- Color cover; black white inside
- 9 inch by 6 inches
Tim's Review
- Suggested Retail: $14.95
- I paid: 0
- Affiliation with company: none
Notes: Author Keith Sutton is one the top outdoor writers and fishermen in the country. Known for his catfish expertise, he is just as comfortable catching a bluegill, bass, carp or crappie. He says this book is "A labor of love" and he wanted to share his experiences and unique insights on crappie fishing. His chapters include: Getting to know crappie; Tackle tips; Lure selection; Considering bait; Crappie seasons; Tackle tips; Trophy tactics; Cleaning and cooking.
Pros: This book is written in a logical format and full of useful, informative tactics and tips. Illustrations and photos are good.
Cons: None.
Conclusion: It's an excellent addition to your library well worth the price. I highly recommend it.
JIM DUCKWORTH FLOAT & FLY ROD FFCS8
Review date: Jan 2007
BnM Pole Company
1-800-647-6363
www.bnmpoles.com
Press Release/Ad (summarized)
Great for smallmouth fishing and crappie. The IM6 graphite is tough, durable with excellent feel and provides exact parabolic action required for bait presentation. A weighted handle allows you to adjust for the best balance for your fishing.
Specifications:
- 8 foot long
- IM6 graphite
- weighted handle that's adjustable for balance
- fixed reel seat
- cork handle
Tim's Review
- Suggested retail: $49.95
- I paid: 0
- Affiliation with company: none
Notes: I've used this rod since it was in the prototype stage. It's a fantastic rod that allows small baits to be casted a long distance and for tossing minnow rigs without slinging the minnow off the hook. It has plenty of sensitivity but is also a strong rod.
Pros: Outstanding long spinning rod for casting jigs and minnows plus it's good for vertically jigging deep water and longlining.
Cons: No problems encountered.
Conclusion: You get what you pay for. On the middle to upper end for crappie spinning rods but it is versatile for a variety of uses. I can highly recommend this rod.
CAJUN FRYER, 2-basket, 4-gallon
Review date: Oct 2006
R&V Works
1-800-908-3037
www.cajunfryer.com
Press Release/Ad (summarized)
The success of the Cajun Fryer is due to the burner/flu design. The burner is positioned six inches above the bottom of the oil and is at a 45-degree angle. This prevents the food batter from collecting on the burner and allows it to fall to the bottom. Since heat rises, the bottom never gets hot enough to burn or scorch the batter. This keeps the oil clean.
Specifications/Features
-Size: oil compartment width: 13 x 14 inches. Overall width with cart: 24 x 24 inches.
-Weight: 68 lbs. for cooker; 48 for cart.
-Heavy weight, long-lasting construction.
-Heat from internal tube. Safe and puts heat in upper portion of oil where it's needed.
-Vee design collects meal and batter in cooler grease (less than 120 degrees).
-70 percent reduction in oil use. Recommends 25 to 30 uses; strain every 5th cooking.
-Built in thermometer.
-Hinged lid, two stainless steel baskets, rod to hold baskets above grease, cart with wheels and shelf.
-Grease drain valve.
-Gas time approximately 5.5 hours for standard propane refill bottle.
Tim's Review
-Suggested Retail: $450
-I paid: 0
-Direct affiliation with company: none.
Notes: Robert and Vicki Myers, R&V Works, provide an excellent product with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. They give something you don't often find today; personal, friendly, down-home customer service.
I use my unit with rice oil. (Rice oil because it's healthy, locally grown and has good taste without the heavy after-feeling of some oils). The fryer is quick, easy to use and can cook fish, fries and puppies for 8 to 10 people in about a half-hour.
It's the best cooker in its class that I've seen. It'll last you a lifetime. It's a big initial investment but very economical in the long run because it won't need replacing and saves you money in oil costs.
Pros: The construction, durability, performance, ease of use and overall quality is excellent.
Cons: High initial cost, heavy to move and clean.
Conclusion: I highly recommend this unit for those who periodically deep fry for four or more people. It's total quality. Check out their other sizes and models to fit you or your organization's needs.
Dry Hands Minnow Bucket
Review date: Jan. 2005
www.dryhandsminnowbucket.com
765-396-9545 
Press Release/Ad (summarized)
Fish with minnows without getting your hands wet. To operate the bucket gently pull up on the center lever and when the false bottom emerges from the water slowly pull the lever upward looking through the clear lid you can see the minnows start leaving the bucket through the down spout and into your hand. More than one minnow, just put it back into the bucket through the inverted funnel on the lid. There is an aerator mounted on the lid.
Tim's Review
-Suggested Retail: $39.95
-I paid: 0
-Direct affiliation with company: none
Notes: This is the first product I've reviewed after only one use. I review it now for you winter die-hard fishermen who may want it now. Therefore, I'll not give it an overall rating because of my lack of long-term experience with it. I liked this item when using it on a December fishing trip. I like being able to see into the enclosed bucket through the clear plastic lid. A rod in the middle of the lid allows you to pull up a plastic divider with holes in it. The water filters through, the minnows stay above and are pulled up. Ones near the spout will go out as the rod is raised more. A cool feature is the built-in funnel in the lid. You can load your bucket from it or just put back minnows if you get more tha you want in your hand. An aerator help keep bait alive but this usually isn't a problem in the winter. The price is a little high but everything about the bucket seems to be high quality with no metal parts for rusting. A little care will probably keep this one going.
Pros: Clear lid, easy to get minnows, aerator and hands stay relatively dry.
Cons: A little pricy.
Conclusion: This is a neat bucket to help keep your hands dry while minnow fishing in the winter. If you are a serious fisherman, this appears to be worth the cost.
GPSMAP 76
Review date: April 2004
Garmin International
1200 east 151st Street
Olathe, KS 66062
913-397-8200
www.garmin.com
Press Release/Ad (summarized):
Designed with the mariner in mind, it's a handheld unit offering enhanced features like high-resolution displays and increased internal memory. Built-in antenna with WAAS technology for improved accuracy. "Customers will see GPS accuracy increased to about three meters."
It's equipped with memory for downloading points of interest from MapSource CD-ROMs. It comes from the factory with built-in basemap of cities, coastlines, lakes, rivers, interstates, exit information and nautical navaids.
It has a 1.6 x 2.2-inch clear display, a waterproof case and it floats.
Specifications/Features:
-Size 6.2 x 2.7 x 1.2-inches
-7.7-ounces
-Waterproof, floats
-8-megabytes of internal memory
-Built-in basemap
-WAAS (great accuracy capability)
-Compatible with MapSource CD-ROMS
-Stores routes & wayoints
-16 hour on two AA batteries
Tim"s Review
-Suggested Retail: $321
-I paid: borrowed for field-test from company
-Direct affiliation with company: none
Notes:
Reviews and specifications are accurate and complete. This unit is quality, on target and offers a lot of extras.
The unit was difficult for me to learn (it was my first GPS unit). The manual along with video training tapes took me through the process. This knowledge with experience is the way to learn it.
I see the unit best for finding routes from spot to spot (ramp to fishing spot without hitting flats or obstacles) and finding submerged fishing spots. It's accurate.
My wife and I took it on some long trips. It was great. It kept average speed, travel times, routes, roads intersections, exits (and what's available at the exit), more. Although I've not compared this to other company's units, I would say it is very good, accurate and worth the cost.
Pros: Top of the line unit with great overall quality.
Cons: As with all new gadgets, it takes time to learn how to use.
Conclusion: I would recommend this unit to any serious fisherman who wants good general information and add-on specific lakes additional software.
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GPS Training Videos
Review Date: Jan 2004
Angler's Guide to GPS
GPSmap 76 Series
GPS Outfitters, Inc.
Specifications/Features:
-Angler's Guide:30 minute vhs
-GPSmap 76 Series: 70 minute dvd
-The DVDs are unit specific; not generic
Tim's Review
-Costs: Anglers Guide (vhs): $9.95+s&h; Garmin GPSmap 76 Series (dvd): $19.95+s&h
-I paid: 0
-Direct affiliation with company: none
Available from: www.gpsoutfitters.com
Notes:
I'm a novice with GPS. Therefore, both of these training aids have been valuable to me. The Angler's Guide to GPS Navigation describes what a unit will do, how it adds safety when navigating and how it can help you catch fish. The video is simple and easy to understand. It sticks to the basics in the 30 minute VCR.
Topics include: how GPS works; marking spots; basic navigation; trolling with GPS; more.
The Garmin GPSmap 76 Seriesis specific to the 76 series of Garmin GPSs. You must order the one for your unit when purchasing. These advanced training sessions range from basic to complex. Mine shows how to use each knob and function key. It detailed every entry move. It makes it easier to learn how to get the job done.
Topics include: battery; button layout/use; basic use; different screen uses and options; using waypoints and map; route navigation; tips & techniques; using MapSource CD's.
Both had excellent narration, information and useful tips. The bad part of studying the manual or watching a video in the house is that the GPS units won't pick up the satellite indoors (or at least mine won't). That makes learning indoors more difficult. But studying is necessary for operation so I would rather learn by watching television. Once viewing is completed, the manual becomes much easier to understand.
Pros: Teaches how to use unit.
Cons: None
Conclusion: If you've bought or are planning to buy a GPS, it's worth a few more bucks to learn it quickly and pick up extra tips. Angler's Guide a must-have for novice GPS users; model-specific DVD's are must-have for novice and GPS users with 'average' knowledge.
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Review date: June 2003
Specifications/Features:
- Shape: round, 3 or 4-inch diameter; 4 or 5-foot long
- Colors: several; bright
- Composition: semi-soft, foam, it floats
-I paid: about $2.00 each
-Available from: X-marts and other retailers during summer month
Notes:
The purpose of this profile is to give an economical tip. You can find many uses for an inexpensive Funnoodle. It's primary purpose is a play toy to use in swimming pools. As fishermen, we can use our imagination for much more.
I've use an 8-inch piece to put used hooks, jigs and to wrap excess line (instead of tossing in the floor of the boat). It keeps the boat cleaner and hooks in a safe spot.
I've used them for marker buoys. I cut a 6-inch piece, carved a little from the middle and placed a couple of 1/2-ounce sinkers on one side to keep it from rotating when at rest on the water. I then added line and a duck decoy sinker (you can substitute a 2 or 3-ounce sinker). They work great and I don't lose $5 bucks if I forget to pick one up when I leave.
The best use I've found is holding pre-tied rigs. My double-hook minnow rigs and single jigs rigs with a big sinker are great on a 10-inch piece of this foam. I can easily put 14 rigs one one section. It is easy to cut slots to hold line and hooks stick in and remove easily. I can color code pieces to signify weight or use a Magic Marker to write the size on the end. Tying rigs can be done while watching television so fishing time isn't wasted.
No rating here, but these inexpensive toys have many uses limited only by your imagination.
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Berkley Crappie Sparkle Nibbles
Review date: Feb 2003
Pure Fishing 1900 18th Street
Spirit Lake, IA 51360-1099
1-800-BERKLEY
www.purefishing.com
Press Release/Ad (summarized): Visually attract crappie from a greater distance with Crappie Sparkle Nibbles. Sparkle Nibbles offer the strength of Power Bait with artificial fish scales for greater visual attraction.
Specifications/Features:
-1/4 - inch soft pellet
-weighs almost nothing
-scent & flavors gives more hold-on time for better hooksets
-disperses cloud around a bait
-disperses scale-looking sparkles
-four colors
Company Notes: Extensive study at the Fish Behavior Research Center is done on every product before it is approved.
Tim's Review
-Suggested Retail: $4.95
-I paid: $3.50 at Wal-Mart
-Direct affiliation with company: none
Notes:
I've used Crappie Nibbles since they first hit the market. Now I'm using the 'sparkles' version. Unless I'm using a fast retrieve or fast trolling, I always have one of two scents on my jig; usually a Nibble. The use of this product increases bites per hour?it's been proven by my personal tests and many other fishermen have said the same thing. It's true you can catch fish without a good scent, but you will catch more with it.
Concerning specifications, the small, soft Nibble is easy to use. Holding the bait just below the surface shows the cloud that forms around a bait. Sparkles add to the attracting ability. Available colors include: gold rush; neon chartreuse; platinum; wild fire.
Nibbles don't last long and must be replaced; but the reduced durability is a trade-off for strong, quick-acting scent; a good trade.
Tips
- keep Nibbles off of your boat carpet because they make a mess when stepped on.
- take a dozen or so Nibbles out of the bottle and set them aside for use while fishing. They become easier to put on a hook once the outside layer dries out just a little.
- a Nibble can be added to a minnow hook.
Pros: Definitely helps catch more fish and easy to use.
Cons: Can make a mess in boat carpet but washes out.
Conclusion: Any negatives are greatly overshadowed by more fish in the livewell. This is a required addition to your baits if you want to catch more fish.
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Li'l Pro Driftmaster Rodholder
Black River Tools, Inc.
6509 Hwy 260
Manning, SC 29102
803-473-4927
www.driftmaster.com
Press Release/Ad (summarized): Li'l Pro is just right for panfishing but tough enough to handle a 'big-un'. 5-degree angle keeps long pole tips from dipping into the water. A favorite for trolling for crappie.
Specifications/Features:
- Guaranteed for life against breakage
- Plated steel construction
- Heavy-duty plastic coating protects tackle
- Easy rod removal
- Holders remove for storage
- Left threads available on 4-inch models
- Variety of bases available
- 3/8-inch diameter stem
- Thumb screw lock
Tim's Review
- Suggested Retail: $15.98 (Bass Pro Shops catalog for holder and base)
- I paid: $0
- Direct Affiliation with Company: none
Available from retail outlets/catalog retailers
Notes:
Driftmaster developed rodholders for the catfish and striper guides on Santee Cooper lakes. They were put to the test for strength and durability.
I've used Li'l Pro holders for more than a dozen years for my crappie fishing. I still have my original holders although they've seen several different homemade racks. Driftmaster now has racks to position several holders and allow vertical adjustment; an important feature missing for a while.
Long stem models, Pro and Li'l Pro series, and different designs give you a choice so you can match their holders to any style of fishing; but their Li'l Pro is best for crappie fishing.
Pros: Best built, durable construction and good availability.
Cons: Adjustments limited but are stable when set.
Conclusion: I definitely recommend these holders when used with an adjustable rack (so you will have both vertical and horizontal adjustment). Also, fishermen setting up to troll crankbaits for crappie will want the Driftmaster brand because of their strength.
Previous Reviews (Summarized)
CATCH FISH WITH MAPS (BOOK)
Review Date: Nov 2002
Fishing Hot Spots (FHS) Maps; 1-800-ALL-MAPS
Retail: $9.95 from FHS
Pros: tips on map reading, locators, finding fish using maps/locators. Good graphics & photos.
Cons: some information out-of-date.
Conclusion: Excellent book for learning details of using contour maps and locators to find fish. I highly recommend.
LOUIE MANSFIELD SIGNATURE SERIES GRIZZLY ELITE JIGGING POLE
Review date: August 2002
Grizzly Jig Company; 1-800-305-9866; www.grizzlyjig.com
Retail: $44.95 additional tip $14.95 from Grizzly Jig.
Pros: 98% graphite for sensitivity; only weighs 4.5-oz; cork handle; 11 ceramic guides; trolling adaptor for handle; choice of two different rod tips?9.5-ft. short, extra-stiff or a 10.5-ft longer, light action; fixed reel seat in flyrod style position; excellent balance.
Cons: No major negatives.
Conclusion: I give this an excellent, must-have, recommendation if you jig for crappie and/or bluegill. Select one or both tips to fit your fishing style.
B'n'M Sam Heaton Signature Series Jigging Pole
Review date: August 2002
B&M Company; 1-800-647-6363;www.bnmpoles.com; email: bnmpole@ebicom.net
Retail: $39.99 to $54.99 at Bass Pro; available from many retailers.
Pros: very sensitive IM-6 graphite with a light action tip; light weight; designed for jigging; Fuji guides; lengths 9,10,11,12-ft; fixed reel seat; EVA foam handle.
Cons: tip a little soft in heavy cover
Conclusion: Highly recommended. Excellent jigging pole that telegraphs bites. A high-quality, affordable jigging pole.
CHARLIE BREWER CRAPPIE SLIDER GRUB
Review date: May 2002
Charlie Brewer Slider Co. Inc; 1-800-762-4701 www.sliderfishing.com; email:slider@sliderfishing.com
Retail: $1.70 (2 rigged, 2 spare bodies); also, heads and bodies can be bought separately by bulk.
Pros: good paddle tail action; over 30 colors; weedless designed head; four head weights.
Cons: not much action when still.
Conclusion: Excellent weedless jig rig when in thick brush and can be rigged regular on any brand head. Great choice for brush, trolling and casting. Highly recommended.
YEAR ROUND SHALLOW COVER CRAPPIE (VIDEO)
Review Date: March 2002
Bailey's Guide Service; 419-394-1261; e-mail: rab@bright.net
Retail: $14 (includes s&h) from Bailey's Guide Service
Pros: how-to guide for shallow water, vegetation and docks, good instructional tape.
Cons: shows small fish being caught.
Conclusion: This is an excellent shallow water, artificial bait video. I highly recommend.
SOUTHERN PRO UMBRELLA TUBE
Feb 2002
Southern Pro Tackle www.southernpro.com
Retail: $3.99 for 25 count. From Cabela's, Grizzly Jig, Crappie Company USA
Pros: Unique design with flared tail gives great action and a big profile, easy to change colors.
Cons: Tears easily.
Conclusion: I like the big profile and action so I use it for a lot of my vertical jigging.
TEEZUR HOTHEAD JIG
Jan 2002
TeeZur Crappie Jigs www.teezurtackle.com
Retail: $1.49 (per 5-pack)
Pros: Comes in standard weights plus a 3/32 oz, has big prism eyes, double-barb for holding bodies and tough paint.
Cons: A little costly for using techniques where you lose a lot of jigs.
Conclusion: This is my number one jighead because of the high quality. I highly recommend them.