Jimmy Houston has been using Real Magic forever.

First, it will increase your casting distance. Long casts catch more fish. Why you may ask? Sound travels about five times faster in water. You spook less fish with longer casts.

Real Magic reduces line-memory. This is not to be confused with line-twist. Just imagine your line drying on the spool, just like wet hair on a curler. Curly line slaps the rod during casts. Real Magic reduces that memory and “rod slap”.

You probably already know that UV light is tough on line. Real Magic provides UV protection. The reduction in friction also increases the life of your line.

Real Magic reduces water absorption, which reduces line strength by nearly 20-percent.

Line icing is a big problem in the winter. Simply spray your guides and line. Re-treat as needed.

 All braid or “super lines” are nearly the same. The quality of the coating on the line is the true difference. Real Magic protects that coating. Does the sound of braided line skidding through your guides annoy you? Then it is time to treat that line.

Fluorocarbon is dense and stiff. This very density makes it sensitive and absorbs less water. Treatment is more of a challenge. We recommend treating fluorocarbon the night before and the morning of a trip.

Real Magic makes a real difference. Two major line manufacturers tested it for themselves and agreed, “It does what it says.”

Spend more time fishing, not fighting your line. Real Magic works so well, we offer a satisfaction guarantee. The only thing between you and the fish is your line so treat it with love.

Blessings, -TJ

Benjamin, Ethan and Lily

It was a moment of time that I will never forget. The objective was clear then, rather forlorn now.

Grandsons Benjamin and Ethan were standing in their living room. In a moment of what I thought would be inspiration I said, “Boys, I’m getting a new boat next month. Please get good grades on your next report card so I can take you fishing”. Their eyes lit up as if they were looking at a Christmas tree. Their sister Lily smiled and said it was fun to fish with Paw-Paw. She knew from experience. Good grades came easily for her.

It was a misty morning while all three of them waited for their school bus. Ethan darted in front of a vehicle while playing with his brother. The driver braked and swerved but it was too late. Ethan died instantly.

My moment of “leadership” failed. Ethan will never go on that fishing trip. I dangled that trip on the boat like a carrot, hoping to inspire him. In hindsight, I realize I did that all backwards.

Leadership by example is far more effective. Had I taken Ethan fishing upfront, he would have been far more motivated to get good grades. Perhaps Ethan would have chosen to read a book like his sister that fateful morning. We will never know.

Ethan did not die for nothing, as three good things will happen.

First, the dangerous bus stop lies between two curves in the road with an intersection in the middle. We are petitioning the county to erect bus stop signs on both sides of the road. Seven other children will be safer for it.

Secondly, Ethan’s brother will be going fishing as soon as the weather warms up.

Thirdly, this grandfather learned a tough lesson about leadership.

Blessings, -TJ

TJ scans the flats photo courtesy of Larry Bozka

The annual changing of the calendar took place last Sunday. It occurred to this old salt that there are 104 fishing opportunities. (52 weekends) In addition, some of us tend to go to lunch and become “missing”. A cellphone call usually finds us fishing on a nearby river. You can only pull that off twice a year. Hey, at least the boss misses you. We are now up to 106 fishing trips.

Then there are legitimate holidays that do not fall on the weekend. (Do not go fishing on Valentine’s Day, unless you take your wife.) That adds up to 113 fishing opportunities.

Many of us can knock off work at five-o’clock. Daylight savings starts March 11 and continues until November 4. Albeit those are short trips, you could pick up your child after school to wet a line for a few hours. Fishing is better than watching TV or homework.

Everyone could use a vacation. A fishing trip in Crocodile Bay or on Lake Pickwick would be a great way to charge your batteries.

Now we are up to 353 fishing opportunities. What will we do those other three days?

You have to maintain your gear. Re-spooling reels, packing trailer bearings and tuning up your outboard will take a while. Hurry, so you don’t lose any fishing time.

Wishing you a blessed New Year, -TJ

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The reward is for an I.G.F.A. all-tackle world record weight, on four different species. They include walleye, largemouth bass, speckled sea-trout, and saltwater striper. Naturally, the fish must be taken on a Daiichi Hook.

Pre-registration is required. Simply scan the QR code with your smart-phone to register . Anglers may also visit http://www.worldrecordhooks.com/home/. Contest rules and a link to the International Game Fish Association are also there. When in the Ft. Lauderdale area, be sure to visit the I.G.F.A. headquarters. It is astounding. Plan to spend at least two hours to take it all in.

Honed from high carbon steel, Daiichi hooks feature needle-sharp points that last. What is “carbon”? Iron is only iron (think old, rusty horseshoes) until you add carbon. More carbon means more strength. This allows a smaller diameter wire. Diameter is the single most important factor in hook penetration. Ask your nurse for the biggest needle when you get your next shot. (You find out very quick that diameter really matters.)

Tempering is another factor in hook quality. Using two towels or gloves carefully bend the point and the shank. A little flex is good. That is tempering at work. We test hooks from every shipment. Pliers are the tool of choice to test small hooks. Large hooks require testing on a reverse press. If a hook straightens easily, it is probably under tempered. If a hook breaks under pressure before 75-degrees, it is likely to be over tempered.

Which point is best for world record fish?

While these inspections are redundant, it is an investment in fishing confidence.

Good luck! -TJ

Veteran's Day

So many things are happening this week. First, our new website is up and running. Eric at KMS-Inc. transferred our site to the new platform. His work continued for weeks, simplifying the navigation. Ron worked hard to update the product information. To us, our website is a living entity. We will continue to add videos, tips, and this blog of course. Look for new programs and features in the coming weeks.

 Today is Veteran’s Day. Our founder, John Campbell was a WWII veteran. Campbell invented the Tru-Turn hook in 1960 while serving at Maxwell Air Force Base. We think of him every day here at TTI-Blakemore Fishing Group.

We will gather on the front lawn at noon to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Leading the pledge will be John’s grandson, Ryon Campbell. Ryon is also an Eagle Scout and is quick to serve others. 

John would have been proud.

Blessings, -TJ

On 11/11/11 at www.ttiblakemore.com you can get 11% off your purchase for the entire day! Enter the code 111111 at the end of your purchase to get the discount.

Top three teams and Top Lady Angler

The Bass Pro Shops, Big Cat Quest Championship returned to the Mississippi River last week. Memphis rolled out the red carpet; Mother Nature threw a few curve balls. Anglers that changed up their game took home the checks.

The mighty Mississippi rose last spring and moved trees downstream. Many fishing holes had silted in. Hot spots that anglers fished last year were simply gone. Three fronts also made their way through Memphis that week. Fish would turn on, and abruptly stop. Sixty of the nation’s best anglers scrambled to find fish and fish that would bite.

Bill Dance joined the third place team of Jeff Dodd and Chris Stout. They drifted chunks of skipjack on circle hooks all day. Dance also bagged the top senior angler award.

Brothers Daryl and Jason Masingale snagged a close second place using skipjack rigged on Team Catfish hooks. Daryl took big fish honors with a 65.30-pound cat.

Phil King and Tim Haney finished first with 247.35-pounds. King said he loved competing against the river’s changes and the country’s best anglers. The team depends on their Humminbird depth finder for finding structure that catfish call home. King said they missed only two fish during the tournament with their Daiichi hooks.

Christy Crutcher bagged the top lady angler awards with over 75-pounds. Top youth angler went to Josh Raines. The team bagged a total of 134.15-pounds.

Team Fountain won the national point’s race. David Hagel won big fish honors on media day with Jeff Dodd. Kudos goes to the Memphis Bass Pro location for hosting the registration day event. You can visit the Big Cat Quest website for more info.

Big Cat Quest founder, Ken Freeman and his team did a wonderful job. Anglers enjoyed some great fellowship and serious competition.

Located under the I-40 Bridge, Mud Island served as tournament headquarters. The park features boat ramps, the river walk tour, a massive museum, and much more. Many folks think of Elvis when they think of Memphis….we think of Mud Island first.

Blessings, -TJ

Bevan with another keeper crappie

This week’s cooler temperatures are a good sign of fishing opportunities. Fish will begin their transition, following food and temperature changes.

The fall season is so much like spring. The patterns that worked for you as the dogwoods bloomed, will work as their leaves begin to fall. Those leaves will not go anywhere. Go fish! The leaves can wait on you, but the fish will not.

Fall is also championship season. Big Cat Quest, Crappie USA, and the Crappiemasters seasons end with a bang.

Speaking of Crappie, the Yamamoto crappie team of Bill Braswell and Dan Dannenmueller just clinched the Crappiemasters points race. Bill fished the trail alone for years until Dan joined him this past season. Dan is also co-publisher of Crappie NOW magazine. Bill  contributes a monthly article as well. Congratulations men!

9-11 is just a few days away. Please take a moment to remember our troops, first responders, and victims on Sunday. God Bless America!

Blessings, -TJ

Free hooks promotion ends soon.

It is hard to believe that nearly two years have passed. The Tru-Turn free hooks promotion began in 2009 and will soon end.

The promotion is extremely simple. Just complete the on-line form, print and mail it in with your UPC codes and receipt. Send in up to five UPC codes and you will get five packs free. It is a heck of a deal. Five packs of hooks for the price of a stamp. Deadline is June 30 of 2011.

Why are we giving away free hooks? It was Tru-Turn’s 50th anniversary in 2010.

Sons, Wes and Steve just want to thank everyone for their support these past 50-years. How cool is that? The link for the rebate form is at www.truturn50th.com.

We hope you take advantage of this offer before it ends. Blessings, -TJ

Steve and Wes Campbell with our biggest Tru-Turn hook

Capps and Coleman Crappie Team

Dan Galusha just bagged his 135th state record. A Road Runner rigged with a Berkley body proved too much for this bass.

The Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame honors those that contribute so much to the outdoor sports. LOHF just nominated the Capps and Coleman fishing team this past week. This team is so quick to share their knowledge and support our sport. We are so proud.

Captain Van Hubbard reported that tarpon action continues to improve. Several big Snook also “visited the boat” last week. Van is a big fan of our Daiichi Bleeding Bait Hooks. Check his website for more information.

Team Braswell and Dannenmueller (The Crappie Kings) continue to hold onto first place in the Crappiemasters trail, points race. Their rig of choice a Road Runner combined with a Yamamoto Crappie Grub. A close second in the race is Vicious Line Team, Jim and Barb Reedy.

Johnny Cassara of Jacksonville, FL has busted his share of cobia on the buck-tail Road Runner. He’s returning for some Mahi action, later this week.

Did you bag some nice fish? Let us know on the Road Runner Lures, Facebook page. Nearly 1000 anglers have already liked us. Visit often for contests, fishing tips and articles.

Blessings, -TJ

One of many of Nathaniel's Trout

Our excitement grew as the truck rolled to a stop. The Nantahala River was just a few steps away. Jeff Samsel, his son Nathaniel and Brother Ron jumped out of the truck. We quickly made our way to separate river pools.

Samsel was our chief Indian guide and spiritual adviser for this trip. It would be hard to find a better trout expert. We all quickly bagged a trout at our first spot. However, this year was different. It seemed that once you caught a trout in a pool, you were done there and had to move to catch another. This pattern continued until the shadows grew long in the afternoon. Catching multiple fish in a pool began to happen again.

We all had caught far more rainbow trout than brook trout this year. Samsel suspected that the stocking by the North Carolina Wildlife Commission might have changed things up this season. “Perhaps poachers had taken some fish home in this delayed harvest section,” Samsel thought aloud. While the fishing was not as busy as last year, it certainly was not bad. In fact, we caught some brook trout that were easily twice as big as last years.

Jeff Samsel with a nice Brook Trout

You could not ask for a better setting to catch trout. The Nantahala Gorge (Cherokee translation: “river of the noon day sun”) is a stunning background for a beautiful river. However, it is “full contact” fishing. While climbing down a steep bank, a foot slipped and I fell a good ways down. A boulder broke my fall, which prevented me from falling face-first into the river. Waders may keep you warm, but they sure are hard to climb in!

Location: Nantahala River Gorge, NC

Contact: Nantahala Outdoor Center

NC Trout info: North Carolina

Best lures: The 1/16th oz. Natural Science Road Runner for Trout Panfish in the Mayfly, Frog, and Le’ Skunk colors worked best. The Marabou Pro 2.0 1/16th oz. in the Coy’s Craw and Copper Minnow colors produced several brown trout as well.

Give trout fishing a try. Better yet, take some good friends trout fishing with you. Memories like this are meant to be shared. Blessings, -TJ

Ron with another rainbow