Knots, Knots and More Knots

If you're going to go fishing, you must know how to tie good knots. This is an article with photo examples of my favorite knots. Including the ever popular "Improved Clinch Knot".

Knots for Hooks, Lures and Rigs

These knots are tested and proven to offer at least 90 percent of the original line strength when tying tackle (lures, swivels, sinkers, bobbers, etc.) to a line.

You don't have to learn all of them. But sometimes learning a complicated knot can be challenging and rewarding. On the other hand, learn the ones you're comfortable with to enjoy your hobby.

Improved Clinch Knot

The improved clinch knot is a knot that is used for securing a fishing line to the fishing lure, but can also affix fishing line to a swivel, clip, or artificial fly.

It offers up to 95 percent of the original line strength. The key is to make five turns of the tag end around the standing end before running the tag end back through the formed loop.

As always, start with plenty of line. This knot is fairly quick and easy to tie and really popular. Use for lines up to 20-pound test.

Palomar Knot

This knot is good for all kinds of light fishing lines (especially braid which will not pull out of this knot) and retains much of the original line strength.

Over 95 percent in strength, the Palomar knot is good for lines up to and over 20-pound test. Because it's double-run through the lure or hook eye, knotted, and then looped over the hook or lure, it may tangle easier. But it's still a favorite knot of many anglers.

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Indiana Fishing Report

The southern winds have brought us yet another unseasonably warm day in Indiana. In fact, the temperature is nearing the 72 degree mark. Crazy, I know. With the winds gusting to 20-30 mph from due south, I headed straight for the banks on the north side of my lake.

Lake: Private Pond
Weather: Partly Cloudy, Very Windy
Temperature: 71 Degrees
Barometer: 29.82 Fallling
Water Temp: Just above freezing since the lake just thawed.
Water Depth: 1-4 ft
Water Clarity: Murky
Time of Day: 1:30pm
Style: Shoreline Fishing

Lure: 1/4 oz jig chartreuse


Presentation: Slow rolling retrieve.

What an incredible afternoon in Indiana. Super warm, super windy. Ahh, what more can a fisherman wish for? I know you're probably getting tired of seeing this tiny little ole jig picture, but when something works, I stick with it and did it ever work today. Wow, what a great time! I may have to go back out and try my luck some more yet today.

Fish Caught: 8 Largemouth Bass, 1 Bluegill

Eddie and Brian go Fishing!

During the late fall season, Eddie and I were able to get out and get our lines wet. We fished for most of the late afternoon and well into the evening. Though the bites were few and far between, we both managed to land a couple fish. Here are the comparisons.....think he was jealous? LOL

Mine...


His...note the look on his face!

Indiana Fishing Report

As I was awoken by strong gusting SW winds, I realized a huge front was moving through. I was convinced, I must fish today! The winds where swooping in from the SW to bring us a warm, sunshine filled day. Wind gust were reaching the 20-30 mph range. During the afternoon the winds switch and were coming in from the NW strongly and bringing in cooler air FAST!
The temperature dropped from 56 to 40 degrees in about an hour.

Lake: Private Pond
Weather: Partly Cloudy, Windy
Temperature: 56-40 Degrees
Barometer: 30.08 Rising
Water Temp: ?
Water Depth: 1-4 ft
Water Clarity: Murky
Time of Day: 4:30pm
Style: Shoreline Fishing

Lure: 1/4 oz jig chartreuse


Presentation: sink to bottom, jig

Only fished for 45 mins. My fingers started to numb after that, so I had to stop even with gloves on. Overall a wonderful day. Nice and warm to start with a huge front moving through. Could you ask for more?

Fish Caught: 5 Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Video Tips & Techniques

Largemouth Bass and the Lateral Line


Night Time Bass Tactics


Big Bass on the Flats


"Fizzing" a Bass caught from deep water.


Fishing Tips with Alton Jones


Big Bass and the Barometer

Funny Fishing Video

Had to Laugh!

Norfork Lake, Arkansas

Video from Norfork Lake, Arkansas

Cincinnati Aquarium Videos

Videos I captured at Cincinnati Aquarium in Ohio in 2008

Jim catches a catfish too!

My brother Jim feels he was left out, when I posted Gary's catfish.

So buddy, this post is for you!




Seems Jim knows how to catch catfish too! A nice one at that!
Don't remember exactly when he caught this fatty, but I bet he still remembers it well. As you can see, it is night-time again. This is about the only good time to catch the big dawgs in my lake.

Ready for Spring

As I sit and look outside, I feel like I have lost something inside.

It's dark, gloomy, cold and icey out. The lake in the backyard is no longer frozen and I can't help to think...why not just go out there and get the ole line wet.

The boat is stored, the poles are dry. My mind wanders as I think about the super fall season just passed. Friends, nature and the thrill of hooking up a largemouth bass silenced by the dreary wintery weather.

When temperatures rise even above 50 degrees, I'm anxious to grab my poles and head out to find the "one that got away" in the fall. As winter bass gather and group into large schools, the lure of catching the big one remains deep in my mind. I know they are there, I know they will bite this time of year. My frozen fingers would only halt the day short. As December 21st comes closer and closer, I realize the days will get longer and the nights will get shorter.

Ahh, yet the days of spring will soon be upon us! Personally, I can't wait!

E & B Go Fishing

Some video my best friend Eddie caught as we
went out on a fishing trip this past summer.