Dig-In Transum Mount Bracket

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First Impression: The mount seemed to be well constructed and very strong. The 8′ fiberglass pole has a decent amount of flex, and seemed to be very strong. The transum mount appeared to be beneficial in that the rod will not be in the way of the anglers on the boat. It should also allow us to anchor in slightly deeper water that the bow mount.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor
Durability
I have put the mount and pole through a series of strength tests which include strong river current, putting the pole down while the boat is moving 5 mph, and using the pole as a push pole and the result is that they both hold up incredible well.
Mounting
This category depends on the type of boat in which you are mounting too. The transum of my carolina skiff is completely flat and gave me plenty of mounting surface. Just make sure the mount is straight and screw it into the transum and you are done.
Availibility
Currently, the only way for guys in our area to get one of these products online. Click on our affiliate link and it will take you to Dig-In's website. You will soon find this product in Bass Pro Shops as well.
Diversity
Not only does this mount hold you in position, but it is a stealthy way to move around in shallow water. No matter the water type the transum mount system is usable in the depth of water the fiberglass pole permits.

Overall
Dig-In Shallow Water Anchors have produced a product that is a must for any level of angler. This product will help you catch more fish throughout the course of the year.

OPTIONS: Here are a few options that are availible with the transum mount. First, it is availible in black and chrome models, to better match the color scheme of your boat. Second, it is availible with a 5″ or 10″ offest on the bracket. What this does is allows the pole to reach a distance further away from the transum. The main reason for this is that some boats have a transum that cuts back and you need the extra 5″ to clear the boat. The last option is the length of the fiberglass pole. These poles are availilble in either a 8′, 10′, or 12′ length. Know the depth you will be fishing most of the time will enhance your decision making. See the Dig IN Shallow Water Anchors website for pricing details on the varying options.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before purchasing a Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor system. First, knowing the style of fishing that you prefer to use makes a difference. If you are fishing less than 6 feet of water at specific spots then keeping the boat still makes a difference in your success rate. Some guys will argue that keeping their boat in place with a trolling motor is the same. In some instances when the fish are feeding heavily they may be correct. However, if the fish are spawning, over pressured, or short striking then any extra noise or motion can hinder your ability to catch fish. This anchoring system has helped me catch many fish over the last year. Whatever pole length you purchase you should figure that you will be able to hold in water 1 feet shallower than the pole. For example, I have an 8 foot pole and I am able to hold in water up to 7 feet deep. If you remember the bow mount would only allow you to anchor in 6 feet of water or less. Because the mount is on the transum you can get it close to the water. You just have to make sure that it is not too low so that the mount is in the water when you are operating the outboard motor. Now depending on your boat boats transum design the depth may vary or the mount may not work. This system works best in mud or gravel bottoms. Although, I have been able to get my boat to stay in place in the rapids on the Allegheny River by wedging the pole into the rocks. The pole was no worse for wear. In closing every fisherman should consider getting rid of there old anchor and rope and purchasing this great product. I am extremely confident my transum mount anchor has helped me catch fish and will continue to help me catch fish.

You can find more information about the Dig IN Shallow Water Anchors visit their website by clicking on any of their icons or links on the fish pittsburgh website. Coming soon to Fish Pittsburgh is an entire page dedicated to this anchoring system. It will have installation videos, product reviews, and the system in action.

ABOUT THE CRITIC : You must know that I am very critical of my lures and fishing products. I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them. Accessories have to prove to me that they are worth keeping on the boat taking up valuable storage space. I consider any lure over 8 great and any lure over 6 good. Anything less than 6 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box. Acessories are a little different because if I only value them for certain bodies of water or conditions they may or may not be in the boat no matter what the rating.

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Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor – Transum Mount is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Dig-In Bow Mount

Mounting Type: Bow Mount
MSRP: $236 which includes shipping, pole, mount, & e-z release bracket.

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First Impression: The mount seemed to be well constructed and very strong. The 8′ fiberglass pole has a decent amount of flex, but seemed to be very strong. The bow mount appeared small enough to be out of the way, but strong enough to withstand the pressure of high winds.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor
Durability
I have put the mount and pole through a series of strength tests which include strong river current, putting the pole down while the boat is moving 5 mph, and using the pole as a push pole and the result is that they both hold up incredible well.
Mounting
This category depends on the type of boat in which you are mounting too. I have a flat deck that has no lip and made mounting the product very easy.
Availibility
Currently, the only way for guys in our area to get one of these products online. Click on our affiliate link and it will take you to Dig-In's website. You will soon find this product in Bass Pro Shops as well.
Diversity
Not only does this mount hold you in position, but it is a stealthy way to move around in shallow water. No matter the water type the mount system is usable.

Overall
Dig-In Shallow Water Anchors have produced a product that is a must for any level of angler.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before purchasing a Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor system. First, knowing the style of fishing that you prefer to use makes a difference. If you are fishing less than 6 feet of water at specific spots then keeping the boat still makes a difference in your success rate. Some guys will argue that keeping their boat in place with a trolling motor is the same. In some instances when the fish are feeding heavily they may be correct. However, if the fish are spawning, over pressured, or short striking then any extra noise or motion can hinder your ability to catch fish. This anchoring system has helped me catch many fish over the last year. Whatever pole length you purchase you should figure that you will be able to hold in water 2 feet shallower than the pole. For example, I have an 8 foot pole and I am able to hold in water up to 6 feet deep. Now depending on your boat/front deck that depth may vary. This system works best in mud or gravel bottoms. Although, I have been able to get my boat to stay in place in the rapids on the Allegheny River by wedging the pole into the rocks. The pole was no worse for wear. In closing every fisherman should consider getting rid of there old anchor and rope and purchasing this great product. I am extremely happy with my system and look forward to using it next year.

You can find more information about the Dig IN Shallow Water Anchors visit their website by clicking on any of their icons or links on the fish pittsburgh website.

ABOUT THE CRITIC : You must know that I am very critical of my lures and fishing products. I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them. Accessories have to prove to me that they are worth keeping on the boat taking up valuable storage space. I consider any lure over 8 great and any lure over 6 good. Anything less than 6 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box. Acessories are a little different because if I only value them for certain bodies of water or conditions they may or may not be in the boat no matter what the rating.

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Dig-In Shallow Water Anchor is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Paycheck Punching Skirts

Tested Colors/Patterns: Gas Money, Money Maker, and All the Options

MSRP: $6.69 per 2pk

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First Impression: The skirts seemed to have special coloration and really keep a wide flare out of the water and in the water. Although, the colors were stepping out of the box for me it didn’t stop me from testing them.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Paycheck Baits - Punching Skirts
Durability
I pulled these skirts through rock piles, brush piles, lily pads, and laydowns with the skirts staying in one piece. The lure holds up extremely well.
Fish Appeal
The bass have been all over these skirts when paired with the right bait. They only seem to work when a big profile baits is the key.
Special Traits
The entire lure is a special trait because it creates a jig profile but allows you to get into tight cover better. Not to metion the unique color schemes.
Price
These punching skirts seem to be high priced at first, but as you use them and realize how durable they are, you will realize that they are well worth the money.
Diversity
Punching skirts are functional in many types of cover. There are only so many ways to fish them, but the types of cover and water conditions seem to be endless.

Overall
Paycheck Baits Punching Skirts have become a main stay in my tackle box and will continue to be there. Take the time and use them and you will be successful.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before using the Paycheck Baits Punching Skirts. My first suggestion is to come into this with an open mind. Yes these skirts makes the same profile as a jig. However, in thick cover the lure pentrates and doesn’t hang up nearly as much. Whether you are fishing mat weeds, lily pads and brush piles the lure will make it through the cover fast than a jig. Not only does it make it through the cover faster, but it hangs up in the cover less because it is essentially a Texas Rig. Be sure that you peg your weight. It doesn’t matter if you are using tungsten, lead, or a metal weight, the skirt and lure preform better when the weight is pegged. Some modifications that you can make include triming the skirt and weight or lure size match with the skirt. Tougher days may requirement a smaller skirt. This is one lure that I will never be without again and you shouldn’t either.

You can find more information about the Paycheck Baits Punching Skirt visit their website.

ABOUT THE CRITIC : You must know that I am very critical of my lures. I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them. I consider any lure over 8 great and any lure over 6 good. Anything less than 6 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.

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PAYCHECK PUNCHING SKIRTS is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Tested Size(s):

Tested Colors/Patterns: SX Shad and Ultra Slick

MSRP: $5.00

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First Impression: This jerkbait has more of a wide wobble action than any I have ever seen. The thin tall body creates the action and show a different profile than other baits.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Norman Lure Company - Razor Minnow
Durability
The body, paint, bill, and o-rings on the razor minnow are top notch. However, the hooks on this lure should be changed when you purchase the lure. They tend to bend very easily.
Fish Appeal
We have found that walleye, largemouth bass and striped bass aggressively and consistently hit the razor minnow.
Special Traits
The tall thin body that creates the wide wobble action of a crankbait has this jerkbait in a class of its own.
Price
The Norman Lures Razor Minnow is reasonably price and leaves you money to replace the hooks.
Diversity
Razor Mnnows can truly only be working in two ways. First, you can slowly retrieve the lure using a cast and reel or cast in pull method. Second, these lures are very effective when trolled.

Overall
The Razor Minnow is one of the best trolling jerkbaits that I have seen. With the price of jerkbaits and lures on the rise the Razor Minnow is still a bargin as well.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before throwing these lures that will make you more successful. The first thing to do is change the hooks out. I am not sure what hooks came standard on these lures, but I would switch them to short shank VMC or Mustad hooks. Adding red hooks seemed to make a slight difference as well. This lure seemed to work best while you had a constant retrieve. Trolling seemed to be the most successful, but making long casts and retrieving with a sweeping motion and only using the reel to bring up the slack also worked. Another thing to consider is matching the forage of the lake which you are fishing. Color does matter! This bait has a perfect profile for most baitfish in our local lakes. You will not be disappointed.

You can find more information about getting the Norman Razor Minnow.

ABOUT THE CRITIC : You must know that I am very critical of my lures.  I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them.  I consider any lure over 8 great and any lure over 6 good.  Anything less than 6 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.

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NORMAN RAZOR MINNOW is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Product Type:

Tested Size(s): 3/8oz,  1/2 oz, and 3/4 oz

Tested Colors/Patterns: black/blue, natural craw

MSRP: $3.29

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First Impression: This football head is a little different then others.  It has grooved head that should help it grab the bottom and give you a better feel for what you are fishing.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – All Terrain Tackle - Football Head Jig
Durability
These jigs holding up pretty well given the areas that you fishing them. Even after banging them off rocks, roadbeds, and wood all day, the hook is still sharp and the head is not too banged up.
Fish Appeal
The largemouth have been eating them up, so what else can you ask for.
Special Traits
The grooved head really does help you feel what you are fishing, especially wood. Those grooves also seem to help the jig stand more upright when it crawls a crossed the bottom
Price
The All Terrain Tackle Football Heads are some of the more affordable on the market.
Diversity
Great diversity, you can put just about any trailer you want on them and change the action, shape, and size of the bait. These jigs are just as affective in 3 feet of water as they are in 30 feet.

Overall
These football heads are some of the better ones on the market. Good hooks, good skirts, the grooved heads, all at a good price. They work great, just casting them out and dragging them back to you.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before throwing these lures to make you more successful.  Consider what you are going to be fishing with these lures, rocks, stumps, ect. You want to be sure to use a good fluorocarbon line, 15-20 lb test.  Fluorocarbon line has many advantages, it’s more abrasive resistant, has lower stretch, and it’s virtually invisible under the water.  Another thing to consider is the trailer that you put on your jig.  Twin tail grub, craws, and creatures are all good choices.  As far as color goes, a black and blue jig with a black or black with blue fleck trailer is a classic .

You can find more information about All Terrain Tackle Football Head Jigs.

All Terrain Tackle Football Head Jig is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Product Type:

Tested Size(s): 5”

Tested Colors/Patterns: Hitch, Blue Back Herring, Fire Tiger, Shad

MSRP: $6.99

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First Impression: This is the softest swimbait I have every seen.  Has a great profile, excellent colors, and is very flexible.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Hippo Tackle 5 Hollow Core Tube Swimbaits
Durability
They are very soft so they will get ripped up after a few fish, but for as soft as they are they hold up surprising well.
Fish Appeal
Looks very life like in the water. Had alewife swimming right along with it, thought the swimbiat was one of their own
Special Traits
Much thinner then other hollow swimbaits on the market.
Price
The Hippo swimbait are not the cheapest on the market but you are getting a good quality product.
Diversity
Read the article on How to Rig soft swimbaits and you will see how versatile this bait really is

Overall
The best soft swimbait I have used to date.

RECOMMENDATIONS: Here are a few recommendations that you should consider before throwing these lures to make you more successful.  First, the better the water clarity the better the lure will work.  These lures, no matter the brand, can be unsuccessful during muddy water conditions.  Medium current conditions are optimal.  Also, through these lures with a flexible rod that has enough backbone to sink the hook.  I prefer a 6.2:1 ratio baitcasting reel.  If you are getting short strikes put a stinger treble hook on the swimbait hook.  You will be surprised how many fish you catch on this hook.

Leo’s Thoughts: I have been playing with swimbaits in general for a couple of years now.  Hippo Tackle’s 5” Hollow Core Tube Swimbait is one of the finest soft plastic swimbaits I have ever used.  They claim that the hook can be weighted or non-weighted and still run true.  This is true, but you have to retrieve the lure slow when throwing it without a weighed hook.  Slow retrieves tend to work best for weighted hooks as well.  I have never held a soft plastic swimbait that was so soft and flexible.  This translates into fantastic life-like action that matches any swimbait on the market.  The soft body has 1 down fall and that is it will rip easier.  More than likely you will still get multiple fish on the same lure, but they don’t last as long as some other brands.  Hippo has generated a nice set of colors that covers most of the baitfish options that you could want.  The only other down fall I discovered is that you can’t find them locally.  Or at least I haven’t found them locally.  For me that isn’t a problem because I order almost all of my lures online.  Overall I rank this lure a 42 out of 50 because The water conditions determine if this lure is going to work or not.  I promise you that if I am traveling to a clear water lake, these lures will be on several rods.

You can  find more information about Hippo Tackle at  http://hippotackle.com/ or buy the  Hippo Tackle 5″ Hollow Core Tube Swimbaits from here.

Hippo Tackle 5″ Hollow Core Tube Swimbaits is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Product Type:

Tested Size(s): 3” and 4”

Tested Colors/Patterns: Black/Blue, Green Pumpkin, Green Pumpkin Party

MSRP: $3.49

First Impression: This craw has good profile with large claws.  The Chigger Craw has the scent Berkley is known for.

FishPittsburgh Scorecard – Berkley Chigger Craw
Durability
Multiple fish can be caught on the same chigger craw, but watch those warm summer days because the claws seem to tear easier then.
Fish Appeal
The advantage to this craw bait is that it can be used on multiple methods: jig trailer, texas rig, Carolina rig, shaky head, and drop shot. The fish love this lure.
Special Traits
Unlike some craws the Berkley Chigger Craw has a ton of scent. Not just any scent, it is the Berkley Powerbait Scent that seems to drive fish crazy.
Price
The count size to the price is very reasonable. Add in the fact that you will more than likely catch multiple fish on each lure and it is a definite buy.
Diversity
I have caught fish on these lures on just about every body of water, every structure type, and every technique that I have tried with them. This lure is a winner.

Overall
Great overall Bait. See My Recommendations below

Mike Iaconelli shows you how he uses the Berkley Chigger Craw as jig trailer…Watch

RECOMMENDATIONS: The first this I recommend is buying some of these great lures.  Go with the colors that you are most confident in.  You will find that these lures really work well in multiple situations.  Personally, I have two methods that I really like.  First, I love texas rigging these lures and flipping them into tight cover.  No matter what stage of the spawn the bass are in and the time of year, I always managed to catch a couple pegging a ¼oz. bullet weight with a 3/0 hook and a size 4 chigger craw.  I will recommend varying the size of your hook for different cover.  My other favorite technique to use with the chigger craw is using it as a jig trailer.  I have caught more bass on bass jigs with chigger craws as trailers that I have with regular jig trailers.  They add bulk to the jig and don’t forget about the powerbait scent that is in them.  Other techniques to try with the chigger craws include:  using them on a shaky head jig, drop shot, and Carolina rig.  The 3” version is especially good for the shaky head jig and drop shot method.  Although the 4” bait is a little small and sinks it can still be effective on a Carolina rig.  Don’t be afraid to try some of the different colors that Berkley makes.  Go to www.berkley-fishing.com to find more tips and see which professional fishermen endorse this product.

ABOUT THE CRITIC : You must know that I am very critical of my lures.  I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them.  I consider any lure over 40 great and any lure over 30 good.  Anything less than 30 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.

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Berkley Chigger Craw Product Review is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Cull-Buddy

NOTES: This is a great product based on a great idea.  You tag fish and put them in the livewell, so why not mount the tags in the livewell.  This helps keep the boat more organized and saves precious time when in a tournament.  It saves time by you not looking for tags and being able to hook the tag onto the culling beam.  As far as mounting is concerned, if you don’t mind seeing the 4 bolt heads on top of your carpet the livewell lid mount is great.  I don’t truly have a solution to this problem besides mounting it inside a compartment.  Which, mounting the system in the compartment will not help you save time on the water.  By using this product I guarantee that you save time and become a more efficient tournament fisherman.  Balance beam and scale are not included with the cull-buddy.

ABOUT THE CRITIC:  You must know that I am very critical of my lures.  I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them.  I consider any lure over 40 great and any lure over 30 good.  Anything less than 30 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.

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For more information visit the Cull-Buddy website: Cull-Buddy Website

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Cull-Buddy Culling System Review is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh

Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad

RECOMMENDATIONS: First, if you purchase the manic shad, rig the lure with a barrel swivel about 8 inches up the line.  This will help eliminate line twisting.  Another thought is to use lighter line with the 3” versus a little heavier line for the 5” size.  I like 8lb test for the 3” and I used 15lb test for the 5” size.  Check your hooks before you start fishing because most of them are sharp but I found a couple that were slightly sharper than I like.  Take a file and sharpen the hook and you will be ready to catch some fish.

ABOUT THE CRITIC: You must know that I am very critical of my lures.  I only have about 3 lures that I use that would receive a perfect 50 and I personally modify those lures once I have them.  I consider any lure over 40 great and any lure over 30 good.  Anything less than 30 and you probably won’t see it in my tackle box.

First of many Smallies on 4” firetiger at Chautauqua.

Berkley Powerbait Manic Shad Review is a post from: Fish Pittsburgh