Hello World! It's been awhile... Big changes are coming - Good changes!

First, we've added Brandon Matthews to the mix. He will be running our new section of the site called "The Fly Fishing Corner". Brandon knows his stuff when it comes to fly fishing, but you'll see that once his bio is up.

I promise to write more in 2012 - I've been too busy working and haven't had time to write OR fish much. I also have some reviews to do, more '10 Questions With...' to post and have a few cool ideas, which brings me to my next point... You'll also see more of my sexy NuCanoe Frontier :)

We will be doing a complete site overhaul, moving to a new CMS (Probably Wordpress) and really taking this site to the next level. We've outgrown Weebly - I have a ton of ideas, but I just can't execute them with this current system.

You'll even see our 'sister' company, Smallmouth Media Group, launching within the next few weeks. We hope to provide what I have dubbed, Outdoor Professionals, web & graphic design, branding, marketing, etc... We are going to strive to provide this to anyone, on any budget (I've been known to work for product too... If that's what it takes, so be it). I think everyone deserves a good web presence and it's almost impossible to do at the prices some of these firms charge... and lets face it, most of them, if not all of them, don't understand our passion. How can you make something GOOD for someone when you have no idea about their field? I'm ranting again...

So there you have it, our plans for 2012. We'll be back stronger and more annoying than ever... Well I will be anyway, I don't know about Brandon, he might not annoy you.

Ok - call me partial - but Pete has always been a huge name in the fishing industry, but now he is completely taking over the fishing world! Let's take a look at just a few of the things Mr. Pink Hat has done over the past week... Yes, all this in 1 week:

- Outdoor Life name's Pete Maina 1 of 20 of the best Anglers on the Planet! Yes, planet! Not just in Wisconsin, not just in the US of A, but the entire PLANET! How many angler's could have been put on this list? Hundreds... thousands even! This alone is enough to call game over, but we aren't done yet!

- 'The Next Bite' wins 'Best Overall Outdoor Fishing Program'. Now, I have to ask here... Outdoor fishing program? Who won the Indoor fishing program? Anyway, that's another story - Again, how many fishing shows are floating around the airwaves and intrawebs these days? Tons! 'The Next Bite' just swam on through and ate up the competition! <- Pun intended. Congratulations to not only Pete, but everyone involved with TNB, you guys deserve it!

- Pete makes the top 5 for 'Best On Air Talent' - Now, personally, I think this one could have went either way. The guy who won (Razor Dobbs - is one bad ass kinda guy) - From what I have seen from his shows, if you gave Pete a gun, he'd be Razor. If you gave Razor a fishing pole (and a stylish pink hat), he'd be Pete... Both these guys are the most entertaining in their disciplines, so it's a tie in my book... But again, I'm probably being partial.

Here's some bonus awesome for ya'll. Pete's boat windshield also got destroyed by a dancing, Shram lovin' muskie... When will it end!

Here's a link for all you PR people... http://www.petemaina.com/pages/press-release.php

This was featured in Susquehanna Fishing Magazine a few issues back, but I thought I'd repost it here for everyone to download. These are the 5 knots... and the ONLY 5 knots, that I have ever needed. Learn them, use them and you'll see why they are so awesome!

One of the most overwhelming aspects of fishing is choosing the right knot. Think about it for a minute – There are hundreds of different knots being used today, so how do you know which one is right for which situation? The short answer to this question is that there really isn’t a correct answer. It all comes down to personal preference and even your own ability to tie some of these complicated knots. I’ll show you some of my favorite knots. I chose most of these because they are simple, strong and very easy to tie – especially in mid winter when you’re freezing and can’t seem to get your hands to work.

San Diego Jam Knot -

This first knot hasn’t been used by me for very long, but I wish I would have found out about this one sooner. Anytime you feel the need to use an ‘Improved Clinch’ knot, give this one a try – The San Diego Jam.

I started using this knot when I tied my lures on straight to braid. ‘Improved Clinch’ knots just do not hold well enough with braid. I eventually started using this knot on most of my lure to line applications. This knot has not slipped or broken on me yet and that’s more than I can say for the ‘Improved Clinch’!

Rapala Knot -

The next knot is another lure to line knot. This knot is fairly popular, but I still do not see people using this as much as they should. The ‘Rapala Knot’ is a great knot to use on any hard bait. It can also be used on nymph’s while fly fishing. This knot frees the lure and allows for a more natural presentation.

This knot looks difficult, but it really is easy after a few practice runs. Keep this one simple, just tie an overhand knot, bring the tag end through the overhand knot, and then finish just like you’re tying an ‘Improved Clinch’. This knot really excels on suspending jerkbaits and nymphs, but can also be used on crankbaits and topwater lures.

World’s Fair Knot -

Another great knot that I have just recently started using is the ‘World’s Fair’ Knot. This knot is a great knot to use when you’re dropshotting. It’s fast, easy to tie and very strong. I have used this on braid, mono and fluorocarbon with no issues.

                I also use this to tie on dry flies when I need them to sit perfectly on top of the water. This is a lightweight knot that will keep your knot from pulling the fly into the water.

Alberto Knot -

                Ok, we covered knots that connect lure to line, now let’s move on to some knots I use to attach leaders onto my main line. The one knot that I use almost all the time with leaders is the ‘Alberto Knot’. This knot is a modified version of the ‘Albright Knot’ and is actually easier to tie.

This knot is very strong – I have actually broken 65 lb. braid with the knot being unaffected. Some people like to add a drop of super glue or nail polish to this knot, but I change leaders so often that I don’t see the need to do this. This is the slimmest knot I have seen and it has no problem traveling through guides.

Nail-less Nail Knot -

                Here is one for all you fly angler’s out there – ‘The Nail-less Nail Knot’. I’ll be the first to admit, I hate tying a nail knot. I still cannot tie one without having to start over multiple times, so this knot is perfect for me.

                I’ve seen a few different ways to tie this knot, but I find this is the easiest way to tie it when using those very small leaders.

The last thing I will say about tying these knots is to practice. I’ve tied most of these knots so many times that I can do them in the dark. These may feel awkward at first, but soon you will develop a muscle memory and will be able to tie these as fast as you can tie your shoes! Remember, knots are very important to landing those big fish, so make sure they are tied properly, look neat and are lubricated before tightened.   

Well like everything I normally start - I feel into a rut with this segment and slacked off! Never fear though - It's back! This week's lures are all about bottom contact:

Lure:

Tubes - Yes, the tube! One of my all time favorite lures, yet it's probably the simplest lure in my box (besides the stickbaits). It's so easy to use, even you're grandpa can use it! 

The smallmouth here in Pa are in Pre-Spawn mode (or just about to enter pre-spawn). They need to fatten up and they just can't resist a tube. Crawl one along the bottom rigged on a weighted tube hook and you'll find the fish. A good place to start looking is at the end's and beginning's of deep pools, especially if shallow flats are around. The smallies are going to be sitting in these area's stocking up on food and waiting to move up into the shallows to spawn. 

Fly:

Prince Nymph - The royalty of all nymphs! Doesn't really look like any bug I have ever seen, but it imitates just about every Mayfly nymph around. Every box needs a few Prince's, especially beadhead princes.

A lot of people have a hard time with nymphing, but I can guarantee it's because they aren't dragging the bottom with their fly. If you can't feel the bottom when you're nymphing, you aren't nymphing right! Occasionally trout will take a nymph in the middle of the water column, but 9 times out of 10, their grabbing them from the bottom. Get your fly there to find the fish! 

What happens when 1 angler has really crazy (and some downright dumb) shirt ideas AND has the graphical skillz (HAHA, NOT!) to make totally awesome stuff? The Fishing In Pa Store! Right now, it's limited to clothes (and only 2 designs) but I am uploading designs like a mad man! Keep watching the store for more products and designs. If you have any ideas, let us know and maybe we will get them made. 

Store link: http://www.zazzle.com/fishinginpa

Ok people! CONTEST TIME! All you have to do is suggest our page to friends on Facebook or retweet our twitter message (Retweet this message for your chance to WIN the Fishing In Pa Sharing Contest!) to win! If you suggest our page to friends, you must reply to our message on Facebook and tell us how many people you suggested the page to. You have until Nate's Birthday (Feb. 20th) to do this! What's up for grabs?

- El Grande Tubes - Baby Bass
- El Grande Hatch-Match Sticks - Tri-Lam Talipia
- a bunch of random no name soft plastics 
- Fishing In Pa decals

Now go! Get us some 'Likes'/followers!

No, I don't mean tie a line to your phone and throw it into the water. Many people don't realize the amount of apps out there to help make your angling adventures easier. Here are some FREE apps that I use on my days out on the water.

Catch Notes has really made my trip logging a lot faster and much less of a hassle. I created a template note that I can quickly enter my trip information, then any fish stats that are worthy of their own note. What also makes this app great is the fact that I can attach photos to any note. Most phones today attach GPS data to all photos taken, so I also snap photos of great spots I find on lakes and map them out when I get home (you may need to turn this feature on, check your phones manual on how enable this feature).

Twitter users will be familiar with Catch's Tags system. Any note can be tagged with a simple # followed by any word to make searching and organizing notes a breeze. I usually tag my notes with fish species, lake names, lure used and any other information that could lead me to more fish in the future.

Your notes are also backed up by Catch Notes 'cloud' system and can be accessed anywhere you have an internet connection. This is great for the times you want to look up a specific trip, but cannot get to your phone. It also makes it easier to share your information with others... Unless you're a snob and don't want to share! 

My Tracks is a very simple program that keeps track of trips through your phones GPS. I mainly use it when I am shore or fly fishing and have to get through some nasty areas. It's especially useful when you fish a new area, so you can find your way back... The area around Penn's Creek is pretty uncivilized and it's easy to get lost... Don't ask!

Where I use My Tracks when I'm on the water is placing markers at various points around the body of water I am on. It's a great tool to keep track of underwater cover and structure or things you should avoid while ripping across the water at 5 mph... Yes, I roll with a trolling motor people!

Time2Fish comes in 2 forms - Pay and Free. The Free app only goes out 7 days and has ads. Time2Fish uses lunar tables to predict the best times to go fishing. I personally don't use this for that reason. What I use it for is to keep track of the sunrise and sunset times.

I have tried almost all of the fishing app's available for Android, but I find these three to be the easiest and fastest to use. One app I wish I could have used was CreelCard, but I just couldn't like it. First off, you have to manually edit the fish and lure categories - which is fine, but it just takes too long to do on the phone. What would make it shine is if you could edit these values in bulk on a PC. It also seems a bit confusing at first and it takes too many steps to simply mark a point. 

Muskie anglers rejoice! '10 Questions With...' is going out with a BANG! and some teeth! To finish off the last 10 Questions With for the year is none other than the Godfather of muskies, the Man in the Big Pink Hat, the great and always stylish - Pete Maina!

1. Have you fished in Pa before? If so, where? 
Yes, only once; Pymatuning

2. What's your favorite body of water in Pa? 
Pymatuning

3. What's your favorite time of year to fish in Pa? 
September

4. Are there any differences to fishing in Pa vs. other parts of the country?
Muskies love to jump there

5. What's your biggest fish/limit from Pa? 
Approx. 45 inch muskie.

6. Any spots in Pa you'd like to fish that you haven't yet? 
Any waters that have muskie.

7. What is your favorite species to target in PA? 
Muskie

8. When the fish just aren't biting, what lure or presentation do you use to get bites? 
Soft plastics most of the time. In PA, when things were tough, jerkbait seemed best.

9. How do you stay focused when what was working is now not? 
Focus is easy; just continue to try different presentations on different structures until something clicks.

10. What's your most memorable moment in fishing? 
Dad catching his first 50 incher (55) with me - on the figure eight.

Bonus! 11. Who got your started in fishing or How did you start fishing? 
Dad owned a fishing resort too - so very easy access to water & fishing.

Bonus! 12. Any odd techniques or things you do to prepare for a tournament or a dayout on the water? 
Not so much in preparing day-prior, as I try to have everything in boat - in case I need to dream something up for a particular situation.

Bonus! 13. Any odd techniques you use while fishing? (strange rigging or using abait differently). 
Usually it's on-water adjustments, but yes, I've attempted to make things more weedless, added weights to lures and systems to get them where needed and to alter action; and, of course changed colors with markers and tape…

Bonus! 14. You can only take 1 rod and reel with you on the boat. What set up doyou choose?
 Bass Pro Shops Muskie Angler combo; with 8' 6" 2 pc. rod. Can do anything with it really, including trolling. 

Bonus! 15. What's your favorite lure/technique for fishing a heatwave? 
Jerkbait (Sebile Stick Shadd)

Bonus! 16. What's your favorite lure/technique for fishing a cold snap / midwinter? 
Slow soft plastics

Bonus! 17. What are a few lures/techniques you have in your "Panic Box"? 
Sebile Stick Shadd, Magic Swimmer; sometimes the Splasher topwater over heavy weeds. Red October tubes with different weights.

Bonus! 18. Besides Muskies, what are some other species you fish for? 
Bass, Panfish, Walleye, Eel Pout, Whitefish and a variety of saltwater fish.

Bonus! 19. Anything you would like to accomplish in the coming years? 
Sharks and get into fly fishing a bit more.

Bonus! 20. Anything you would change about your career at this point? 
Not a thing, other than more time actually fishing.

Bonus! 21. Any non-fishing items that MUST be with you while fishing (something forluck, memories, etc...)? 
Only my pink hat and some Brian Schram Fishin Rock.

Bonus! 22. Who are some anglers that you admire or inspire you? 
Al & Ron Lindner, Larry Dahlberg, Dick Pearson, Doug Johnson … Dave Mercer & Mark Zona.

Bonus! 23. Any fishing superstitions? (keep the banana's off the boat) 
I've done just fine with bananas in the boat. Occasionally, I'll get freaked that I have a bad luck shadow; very seldom, but some days it's almost amazing what can go wrong; fish come close but don't bite, when they do they'll be certain to get off; something that's never broken before (or in the history of the world) breaks; often, meanwhile others are catching fish. (The good news is I know it eventually leaves.)

We would like to thank the Pete for taking the time to do '10 Questions With'. Be sure to check out Pete, Keith and Gary on 'The Next Bite', which is currently in it's 7th season on TV and on the web at www.thenextbite.com. You can also check out Pete's website at www.PeteMaina.com! Get yourself a Pink Hat while you're there!

There are 2 things I absolutely cannot fish without: El Grande Lures and Rage Tail soft plastics. Everyone knows that Rage Tail soft plastics are some of the most innovative designs available and that they just plain catch bigger and better fish! So I thought we'd talk to the man behind the designs - The creator and designer of Rage Tail products - Mr. RageTail Steve Parks!

1. Have you fished in Pa before? If so, where?
I have never fished Pa but have several friends that live in the area who fish many of the lakes, rivers and small bodies of water regularly. From what I understand, the fishing is terrific and there are a large variety of species to target. Hope to have an opportunity to fish there in the near future.

2. What’s your favorite body of water in Pa?
Susquehanna and Delaware River systems seem to be very popular and most likely where I would start. I enjoy the Smallmouth challenge!

3. What’s your favorite time of year to fish in Pa?
Spring and Fall would be my preference as it seems that many of the larger fish are caught during those times.

4. Are there any differences to fishing in Pa vs. other parts of the country?
I'm sure that there are many similarities to the Pa rivers and lakes to all others around the country, but as with most fishing situations, details can change from one area to the next. There in lies the fun of fishing - figuring out the bite.

5. What is your favorite species to target in PA?
For me it would be Smallies and Largemouth

6. When the fish just aren't biting, what lure or presentation do you use to get bites?
I am a soft plastics enthusiast, so tough bites tell me to slow down and often downsize. Go deeper and much tighter to cover. Lightweight C rigging with an Eeliminator or Smokin’ Rooster is always a "go to" method for me. Also, flipping the thickest fish holding cover with smaller jigs or soft plastics is a confidence presentation for me during a slow bite situation.
 
7. How do you stay focused when what was working is now not?
In most cases, I think that if the fish were actively feeding on one particular bait presentation and suddenly shutdown, a slight change in depth, structure type, size of bait and speed of movement will get you back in the game. To pattern the bite is important, but to change with the fish's preference throughout the day is the key to having a truly productive day of fishing.
 
8. What’s your most memorable moment in fishing?
There are many, but each of them were back in the early 60's and 70's when I fished with my Father... he was my teacher!  
 
9. Who got your started in fishing or How did you start fishing?
Answered above.
 
10. Any odd techniques or things you do to prepare for a tournament or a day out on the water?
My confidence is in my preparation and in every part of my world. I enjoy these types of questions because it gives an opportunity to share a phrase that I coined several years ago..."Prepare to be Lucky".  I know that if my planning is good and I am prepared to the max, then I can meet the majority of challenges that arise as well as be able to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. Thus the saying "Luck is where preparation and opportunity meets".

11. Any odd techniques you use while fishing? (Strange rigging or using a bait differently).
I live in Texas and there are a variety of water types here that give me a variety of needs for change. During the mid 70's while fishing lakes with heavy concentrations of deep grass and Big Bass, I saw the need for a weighted hook presentation on a big worm that would allow a slow horizontal fall, yet with a slithering tail trailing above and behind. This was accomplished by pinching a splitshot on the belly of the hook creating something like today’s swimbait hooks. The advantage of this set up allows the worm to settle on top of the grass maintaining a basic horizontal profile. When the rod tip is lifted slightly, the head of the bait lifts easily and doesn't have a nose weight to pull up and through the grass, which can cause fouling as well as a poor bait presentation. Fishing a worm in the grass that is loaded up and hidden with stems of torn grass on the head doesn't get bit very often.  I use this exact presentation with all of my soft plastics with great results. It is slow, but deadly on big fish. I have never fished a senko style bait, but this set up will give the same slow horizontal fall, yet I get more action and more bait profiles to choose from. If you have an opportunity to review our Rage Tail Monster Bass videos, you will notice some with the (Moaner Brand) Weighted hook in their mouths. 

12. You can only take 1 rod and reel with you on the boat. What set up do you choose?
7'4" or longer, Med Heavy Falcon Cara series rod with a KVD 6.6 to 7.1 gear reel. Gamma Fluoro 25# for clear water and Braid for anything else.

13. What’s your favorite lure/technique for fishing a heatwave?
C rig Eeliminator or Smokin’ Rooster on steep drop points and/or Anaconda or Thumper worm on deep timber ledges and/or flipping the Rage Lobster in deep timber along River channel bends.

14. What’s your favorite lure/technique for fishing a cold snap / mid winter?
Dragging or flipping HackAttack Jig and Lobster Trailer or C rigging an Eeliminator. 

15. What are a few lures/techniques you have in your “Panic Box”?
I will change colors, profiles, speed of fall, types of presentation and structure type until I find the bite again... No need to panic, only a need to change and stay focused.
 
16. Besides Bass, what are some other species you fish for?
Stripers, South America Peacocks, fresh water Salmon and Trout, and on Salt water flats - Red Fish, Speckled Trout, etc.

17. Anything you would like to accomplish in the coming years?
Along with designing more soft plastic Rage Tail Products, move into designing other types of fishing lures and products as well.

18. Anything you would change about your career at this point?
Not really, I am blessed with the opportunity to do what I love more than anything else... Designing fishing products that create their own life like action, which makes fishing easier for those who might not have as much knowledge and experience as others.
 
19. Any non-fishing items that MUST be with you while fishing (something for luck, memories, etc...)?
The three P's...Preparation, Passion and Persistence = Confidence

20. Who are some anglers that you admire or inspire you?
Anyone who enjoys any fishing experience for no other reason than, "Because they FISHED"

21. Any fishing superstitions? (Keep the banana’s off the boat?)
Yes and it haunts me regularly and has proven true too many times... If I go for the small fries, the Big Girls don't like me, BUT If I go for the Big Girls.....

We would like to thank Steve for taking the time to do '10 Questions With...'. Check out Steve's awesome designs at http://www.ragetail.com and http://www.strikeking.com. Also, join the Rage Talk forums at http://www.ragetalk.com