DUO is celebrating 5000 fans on Facebook with new contest

DUO has recently reached 5000 fans on Facebook and to celebrate that nice numbers they are running a small contest on FB. The rules are very simple – all one need to do is become a DUO fan, share the image from DUO fan page and leave a comment. The contest shall run until next week`s Tuesday.

http://www.facebook.com/DUOJPN

A big catfish story

Story and photos: Igor Vukelić - Vuk

Here is a story (on Croatian) about  Igor's biggest catfish. The catch is made from canoe on river Sava, and fish is released back to the water. By the way Igor produces lures that has made countless catch. There are few photos of his handwork at the end of the post.

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Igor Vukelić nam donosi kratku priču o svom najvećem ulovu ...

U sumrak smo počeli loviti na zavoju rijeke Save usidreni iznad 4-5 metara dubine. Lijevo uz obalu je bila plaža sa povratnim tokom, voda je lagano „kuhala“ a čisto pješčano dno je postupno padalo u dubinu prema nama. Nije bilo rezultata pa dižem sidro i lovimo u pokretu. U jednom trenutku moj prijatelj Grga zateže, ali nije siguran ima li ribu jer bez otpora privlači težinu prema sebi a i kanu klizi nizvodno. Baš kada je prokomentirao da bi to mogla biti i trava ili plastična vrećica shvaćamo da ima ribu i to veliku! Prvo je krenula metar dva desno a zatim strelovito lijevo prema obali. Svinuti štap se gotovo izravnao prema površini vode, kočnica je zujala ali dva kratka, oštra udarca su bila prejaka za pribor koji je koristio. Udarivši repom po špagi som je nestao u dubini sa Stormovim Wigglewartom. 

Bacio sam odmah sidro jer smo očito na dobrom mjestu. Umjesto silikona koji sam bacao stavljem vobler te u prvom zabačaju kada je vobler ponirao prema dnu imam udarac, a riba ponovno juriša prema nama, u struju. Za tren se stvorila ispod čamca i počela nas okretati u silovitim drilovima. Dao sam Grgi štap kako bih digao sidro i u tom trenu som kreće uzvodno svom silom. Koja snaga! Veličanstveno! Zbog sigurnosti smo odlučili završiti borbu sa obale. Njena blizina mi je ulijevala samopouzdanje i snagu jer me ruka počela boljeti a i bojao sam se hoće li udice izdržati. Od svog pribora, baš na tom vobleru jedna trokuka nije bila baš dobra, dok je druga bila za morski ribolov, primjerenija velikom somu. Tada je som legnuo na kameno dno i točno sam osjetio kako špaga zapinje za kamen. Spustio sam vrh štapa prema vodi dajući mu prostora sa se sam oslobodi što je i napravio. Još nekoliko minuta je prošlo prije nego smo ga prvi puta vidjeli na površini. Jako izmoren, nije se otimao kada ga je Grga prihvatio rukavicom i izdigao iz vode. Slavlje je moglo početi! Najveća riba koju sam ulovio i to na onu jaču trokuku jeftinog kineskog voblera kojeg sam rastavio i montirao novi kljun, otežanje i žicu. Veličanstveno!

Igor sam izdrađuje voblere na koje lovi ribe, ovo su tek neki od njegovih modela.

DUO Ryuki and perch

Lures Factory

We present a brand that produces remarkable top water lures. Through years of experiences, Lures Factory has evolved itself as one of pioneer and respected company in producing life-like fishing lures and accessories. Lures Factory life-like top water lures are based on the rock-solid design and handwork production, and are one of the most beautiful lures with a great "fish like it" action. Especially frog designs are astonished.

 

MegaFrox lures are inspired and designed based on the actual frog and salamander species in the wild. Each lure is 100% handcrafted and painted by skilled artists, so there are no identical lures. Solid construction, body with internal rattling with strong stainless steel thorough-wire, equipped with extremely sharp hook and weed guard makes every single lure a perfect fish catching tool.

MegaFrox Salamander is 9 cm long lure, weighed 14,5 g based on the actual salamander species found in the wild. It has walk from side to side top water action, and it comes with 3 colors.You can retrieve slowly or faster with jerk action or twitch it with pauses.

 There are several types of MegaFrox Frogs lures, and all looks great. You should see it on the website that is still under construction at http://www.luresfactory.com/ .They are very versatile lures, with the constant retrieve and occasionally pause action they produce disturbance on the top of the water surface, and combined with internal rattling feature make vibrations and noise that are irresistible to every active fish. This should be great lure for top water bass and pike fishing. With the weed guard this frogs are suitable for fishing in the heavy weeded surface area.Recommended actions are: steady retrieve, steady retrieves with pause, steady retrieve with jerk / pop, twitch with pause, fast retrieve with twitch.

You can join Lure Factory Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/luresfactoryInt

 Also you can see some of videos on their YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/luresfactorybynss

MegaFrox - Prodigy Buzzbait is 11 cm long, 27 grams heavy buzzbait, perfect tool for long casting and for many fish species. It produces very fine and loud clanking sound  when retrieved at a constant or high speed, and leaves bubble trail behind it.  I prefer to catch pike with buzzbait, and not always on the surface. I let it go bellow the surface, and than start to retrieve and make pauses. In this pause, buzzbait collapse through the water and make flash that can be trigger for pike ;) After pause start to retrieve again, sometimes with a change of the speed. All this tips can trigger a pike to byte the lure.

Prodigy Buzzbait is equiped with premium extra strong single hook, aluminum propeller, stainless steel ball bearing, 3D eye and high quality silicone skirts. It come in 13 different colors.

In future you can expect more posts about Lures Factory products here, with some test reviews from our waters. Also info "how  and where to buy these lures" will be published.Till then you can contact company directly on the Facebook, and for retail and wholesale esquires you can email to sales@luresfactory.com.

Night game

Monster pike long 107 cm caught two times in 3 days

This is a story about one monster pike 107 cm long, caught 2 times in 3 days. First time by friend Zlatko Ranogajec 3 days ago (on a big Monarch Dok Jerk lure). Yesterday I had luck to fight the monster fish again. This time pike took Duo Realis Jerkbait 120 SP in a gold color. The rest of equipment: rod - Okuma Dead Eye Walley 7'6", 6-12 lbs, line -  Power Pro 20lb, and Shimano Aero 3000 reel. Duo Realis Jerkbait 120SP is a great lure for pike. I like to lead it with a lot of twitch and pause action. The big momma inhaled it deeply just in a pause time. After few seconds I  knew that I had a big pike on the end of my line, and now my personal best pike record  is improved for 2 cm. By the way there is a photo of one smaller pike caught by Igor. All fish are still swimming in the lake, so we hope to see em again with some more centimeters ;) Thanks to Zlatko for the information that pike are active these days, and to Igor for photos with a monster fish ;)

Zlatko Ranogajec got it first time

Same fish, two days later

Duo Realis Jerkbait 120SP

Igor and one smaller from that day

 

Another barbel from river Sava

Miro and his barbel. Lure: Rapala Countdown 7 cm

Savage-gear 2012. Cannibal and Sandeel models

Cannibal Shad in new colors and different sizes

New Savage-gear models for year 2012, can be found in fishing shops around the world, and also here in Croatia. Cannibal lure is proven on many pike, zander, bass and other fish, and now can be found in more colors. Sizes 8 mm, 10 mm, and 12,5 mm with different jig heads will cover many situation on the water, and I'm sure this lure will be even more popular. New Sandeel models are 100% saltwater lures, but can be used in sweet-water too. These are imitations of sandeel, favorite food of many sea predators like seabass, cod, pollock or halibut. They can be mounted on special Sandeel Jig Head, and have excellent performance in vertical fishing, but can be used like a swimbaits or for trolling. LB Sandeel slug can be mounted on a slug offset hook, unweighted or with a special tungsten nuggets to make your desired singing rate. LB Sandeel slug is also deadly lure for largemouth bass.

Savage Gear Catalogue

Sandeel + Sandeel Jig Head

Sandeel Slug

Big barbel

Yesterday a big barbel took my  Duo Tide Minnow 75 Sprint lure. What a nice fish!

Bass fishing tips from experts

written by: John Anderson

Anglers come in all shapes, sizes and from all walks of life but there is one common factor that puts all the anglers in a broad category – they all love fishing for bass. It is one of the most preferred outdoor activity and popular freshwater game fish in the world. From just a pleasurable activity, it has now emerged into a multi-billion dollar industry. Below are some tips from the seasoned bass anglers to help you catch more fish.

• First things first, get a map of the fishing spot you have in mind- that pool behind your house or that beautiful serene lake that you drive past while going to work.  Look for long points and submerged islands.  Fallen trees, rocks, brush, and other such structures are good hiding spots for bass. Creek channels are also popular bass hang outs.

•  Timing is everything. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to go for fishing. Some experts also suggest that you go fishing for a bass three days before or after a full moon if you are looking for a bigger catch.  Your tackle choice matters a lot here. Soft baits are the best like worms and salamanders.  Rig with the hooks and weights and fish around the bottom and around to attract the bass. But make sure it looks natural. Spoons work well in mossy and grassy areas and they tangle less.

• Stick to one spot when fishing for bass unless you are certain it is not working at all and you have tried almost with all types of lures.  You have to be patient to hook a good looking bass. Target lily pads, shaded areas, docks and edges of the lake; this is where all the fish are.

• It is best if you hire a professional fishing guide if there is any in this region - he knows the ins and outs of the local waters.

• Before you head out for a fishing trip, practice casting in your backyard with a casting plug; in bass fishing, the first cast is the most important. Accuracy, stealth and a perfect execution matters a lot.

• If you are serious about bass fishing, get a fishing magazine subscription, it helps a lot to know the waters more closely.  

• If you are using squid for bait, thaw them out and allow then to sit in their own juices before putting on the hook.

These tips are not exhaustive; these are just a few of the tips that can guarantee you a bigger catch.  Good Luck and Tight Lines./ John Anderson

Lots of fun with DUO Realis Vibration 68

DUO Realis Vibration 68

Slightly elevated water levels on river Sava in the last period was the reason to deal more with this lure, and I wasn't wrong. I was fishing with the other lures too,  but Duo Realis Vibration 68 caught many chub and a catfish. Unfortunately at the end, a giant catfish took it into the depths of the river, after my 20 lb Power Pro braid was broken. Now, I have to purchase several new models as soon as catfish are active, and go back to the river...

In Croatia you can search this one and the other DUO lures at Škorpion DNC fishing shop.
http://www.duo-intl.jp/en/product/vibration62/

How DUO lures are made?

Find all answers about DUO lure production in Japan. Enjoy watching this 2 interesting video clips.

In shallow water

Perakko DUO lure is proved to be excellent lure for the extremely low water levels and murky water. How this lure has no specific action, other than a straight line motion and turbulence produced by twin screw, it is easy to run it in a shallow water and at the surface. This was exactly what we need in our situation when we were fishing bass at one local pond. No action, and lure that can be led in 10 - 40 cm of water without scraping the bottom. Obviously this was a good trigger for smaller and average size bass, that were chasing a small fish and took our lure many times.

http://duo-inc.co.jp/en/saltwater/tetra-works/tetra-works-perakko/

Okuma Dead Eye Spinning Rods

New Okuma Dead Eye Waleye rods will fulfill your highest expectations. They are made for serious and pro anglers, for wide range of lures (jigs, crankbaits, spinners, and soft plastic lures) and primarily for walleye but will be perfect for many targeting fish (pike perch, bass or medium size pike, also sea bass, asp, and many other). I found it ideal for what I need. I have walleye action 7'6", 6-12 lbs model. Fast modern action but still sensitive rod top will give you clear picture what is happening under the surface, especially for reading the bottom and you will easy recognize fish bite. I must say that I love this rod after first day of fishing, and I'm sure that in the future this will be my main rod for this purpose. I mostly used silicone fish lure on 8 gr jigs tied to Power Pro 30lb braid while I was fishing for pike perch and pike. I can highly recommend you to consider purchasing this rod, because for the small amount of money you will get everything you need for pike perch, bass and pike.

Nymph and dry fly

No comment / Što to curi u rijeku Savu?

Ako nesnosan smrad u ovom dijelu rijeke i nije neka novost, istjecanje tekučine tamno plave boje koja ovih dana utječe u rijeku Savu kod Jakuševca, čin je kojeg još nisam vidio (a možda i nisam bio dovoljno često na tom mjestu da bih to uočio ranije). Taman kada se prošle godine naočigled popravila kvaliteta vode u Savi, ove godine ponovo curi iz cijevi sa južne strane rijeke.  Da li je nekadašnji biološki otpad koji je iz te cijevi istjecao prošlih godina, zamijenio puno opasniji kemijski ili je to jednostavno posljedica brda smeća na Jakuševcu? O kakvoj tekućini se točno radi, kakve posljedice nosi za životinje i ljude, kakava je situacija sa podzemnim vodama u tom kraju, te da li je riba u Savi jestiva ili opasna za zdravlje, s obzirom da ju dobar dio ribiča i dalje nosi kući? Pitanja su na koja bih rado ćuo odgovor, a vjerujem i mnogi od nas koji smo na ovaj ili onaj način povezani sa rijekom Savom.

Bass fishing with Michael Seewald

Michael Seewald is a famous photographer and artist from San Diego, now on a trip a here in Croatia.
As a bass angler he wanted to have some Croatian bass on his rod, so we decided to open a new bass fishing season at Ivanec lakes. First day of bass fishing season brought us rain in the morning, than sunny midday period, and heavy rain at the end of the day. We met a lot of friends on the water, and we all had a nice fishing. Some bass were pretty decent. Michael and I decided to go with a top water lures and we were not wrong. Seaspin Pro Q 9 cm lure gave me some great surface action and my biggest bass of the day. Michael had a few bigger bass on a fluke and a dozen of smaller, so I think he like how we spent  the day, even our bass are not so big like his from California. Later at the evening we met some dear fishing friends from Croatian Bass  League, so we had a great time talking about one of the most important thing at the world, fishing ;) We all learned a lot from this angler from the homeland of bass fishing.
You can look at Michael's website and his work and story about Croatia at http://www.seewald.com/Michael_seewald%27s_new_home_page.htm