Would You Trust a Paper Clip?

My favorite part of Bassmaster magazine is the half-page write up titled "10-Minute Angler".  In this section editor James Hall gives a quick run down of simple DIY projects that nearly any competent angler can complete in just 10 minutes.  Unfortunately, I'm not very competent by my own definition because I was having a hell of a time bending and unbending paper clips for half an hour trying to test out November's project; a pre-rigged Carolina rig shortcut.

When I first saw this month's project, my pessimistic skeptic side took over:  There's no way I'm trusting some cheap little piece of crap office supply as an added link between myself and a big mean largemouth!  And then I saw a spinnerbait sitting on my coffee table.  We all trust a thin piece of aluminum on almost all of our hard baits, so what makes a paper clip any different?

Still feeling skeptical I decided to put it to the test (after all, I should probably use my weight bench and set of weights for something) so I grabbed a ten pound weight and hauled it to the sofa.  The first thing I discovered during my control test was that 10 lb test line won't support a 10 lb weight...  That's right, we're all getting jipped...  So I grabbed a 5 1/2 lb weight, good enough.

I was surprised by the results.  The paper clip held just fine in all of the tests I put it through.  I tested many different weights and strengths all the way up to 20 pounds and every time the line snapped (usually at the knot) long before the paper clip seemed to show any signs of stress.

I don't want to infringe on any copyrights or anything, so I'm not going to discuss how to rig this beast up, but I think from the pictures above you can probably figure it out.  So would you trust a paperclip with a fatty on the line?  Any other paperclip rigs you've used in the past? Tell us about it in the comments!

* On a side note, another thing that impressed me about these tests were the quality of the Rosco Barrel Swivels I used.  Even under 20 pounds of pressure they held up strong and moved freely, much more impressive than the cheapo brand I previously used.

Fishhound Product Reviews

     As some of you may know, about a month ago I started writing some product review articles for Fishhound.  If you're not familiar with the site, check them out here.  They have loads of information on fishing.  Not only bass fishing, but everything from saltwater to small streams and bank fishing.
     When I first took this opportunity, I figured it would be a great way to try out some new gear and catch some fish on some lures or techniques I haven't used before.  One of the best ways to learn anything new is to get out there and force yourself to use these new baits and techniques.  Well, that hasn't been the case so far.  The good folks at Fishhound, seeing that I'm from Phoenix, thought that a good assignment for me would be a winter coat, and a hand warmer.  Now that our temps have dropped down below the century mark, I figure that now is as good a time as any to post up my latests Fishhound articles here.  I'll put the links below in case you want to check out the products yourselves.
     I know my writing is often filled with sarcasm, parody, and overall smart-ass-ness.  But I really do approve of these products.  They are very high quality at a fairly low price point, and when ever I can I like to help out small businesses.  So, for real, if you're in the need of a new jacket or hand warmer, check these out!

Refrigiwear Softshell Jacket:

            Do you like being cold on a brisk December morning?  When the temps drop into the 30s, do you eagerly await that sudden gust of wind that blows through your attire like a Chuck Norris roundhouse kick to the jaw?  When you're battling the whitecaps in your 16-foot Bass Tracker do you live for the thrill of near freezing water crashing over the sides reminiscent of the cold locker room showers from high school?  Well, if so then do not buy this jacket!  Aside from looking cooler than Tom Cruise riding a grizzly bear duel wielding axes, this thing is going to hold in the heat while keeping the wind and water out.  This thing is so warm that the following warning is actually written on the tag: "This garment insulates from intense heat as well as cold therefore, ignition of this garment may not be immediately realized."

            That's right, you'll be so warm that you don't even realize at which point you've caught fire!  Unfortunately for you, this jacket is also water-resistant.  When you burst into flames you'll have to trust the old "stop, drop, and roll" method as spraying yourself down with a hose or even jumping into the lake isn't going to cut it.  The water beads up and simply rolls right off leaving your smoldering torso as dry as the California drought.

            I believe it was Abraham Lincoln that said, "Anyone can make a jacket, but to make a jacket that has the potential to change the world... Well that must be Refrigiwear."  On second thought, that may have been me that said that.  I've already discussed the functionality of this jacket, but I want to take a moment to talk about some of its key features.

            First and foremost, the zipper.  This thing is built tough.  I don't know what my problem with zippers is, but if I touch one, it's going to break.  I've broken zippers on tents, sleeping bags, purses, pants, and of course jackets.  However, in all my trials with this bad boy, I've still got a fully functional zipper.  I'm amazed how easily it is to get the zipper started at the bottom, as well as the smoothness of the zip all the way up.  I can even achieve full zippage one handed without having to put my beer down.  But that's not where it ends, it gets better.  At the top, Refrigiwear has added a "tunnel" of sorts for the zipper to slide into.  This magical zipper womb will keep that chilly piece of metal contained and away from your rugged, yet sophisticated, neck-beard.  Now, as an Arizona native I'm no jacket expert, but this is a feature that has been long overdue in my repertoire of jackets.

            Let me ask you another question.  Do you like holding things?  Of course not!  But don't worry, this jacket has got you covered with pockets.  In fact it has four of them.  These pockets are great for holding all kinds of objects; keys, wallets, grape fruits, hamsters, the list just goes on and on.  If you're the kind of person who limits their pocket use to hands, you are really missing out on an adventure.  Each of the four pockets comes with its very own zipper just as great as the one described above so there's no need to worry about that grape fruit escaping and causing an embarrassing scene.

            If being warm and dry with top-of-the-line zippers and pockets sounds like an enjoyable way to spend a cold day out on the water, then I highly recommend the Softshell Jacket from Refigiwear.  It will definitely keep you warm while looking cool.

Roo Outdoors Inferno Hand Pouch:

     Winter; it is a tough time for many anglers.  For some, winter means that it's time to store the boat away into the back of the garage where it becomes nothing more than a $30K shelf with a sparkly gel coat.  For those of us in the warmer climates, winter means the fish move deep, their metabolism slows and they only feed once or twice each day.  Wherever you are from San Diego to Maine winter generally means lower catch rates.  Unfortunately, there are several reasons for this.  The good news is that the more we understand why fishing tends to slow down in the colder months, the better we can counteract the elements and discover ways to put fish in the boat.  One simple way to increase your success in the colder months is to keep your hands warm with the Roo Outdoors Inferno Hand Pouch.

     There are countless variables that go into fishing during different seasons.  One article cannot possibly cover all of them across a geographical area as large as the United States.  However, there is one variable that I find to be consistent no matter where you are, what technique you use, or what species of fish you are after:  It gets colder in the winter.

This review of the Roo Outdoors Inferno Hand Pouch is not about keeping warm, it's about catching fish!  Keeping warm is easy; heavy socks, heavy gloves, and a warm hat are all you need.  Keep those extremities warm and you'll be comfortable in those low temperatures.  However, the problem an angler faces is the heavy gloves.

     Often times, fish will go deep in the winter.  They become lethargic and won't travel far to chase down bait.  This results in very subtle bites, especially when using finesse worming techniques like a dropshot or shakeyhead.  Bass anglers especially will spend hundreds of dollars on high-end sensitive rods and braided line to maximize the sensitivity so they can feel every last detail of that bait.  Unfortunately, all of that goes out the window when you begin layering gloves over your hands.  So what's the best option?  Suck it up and lose the gloves?  Of course not, a shivering cold hand won't pick up the slight tick of a line when the bait is quickly inhaled by that 8-pound bass any better than a gloved hand will.  Recently I got my hands on, and in, the Inferno Hand Pouch by Roo Outdoors.  This is the product I've been waiting for; I just didn't know it!

     All my life I've been struggling with a solution for keeping my hands warm while fishing, and the Inferno Hand Pouch finally fills that need.  Just strap it on, and it's there when you need it.  Fish as you normally would without the restraint of heavy winter gloves.  When you start feeling that chill, pop your hands in for a quick warm up.  Roo Outdoors even includes a couple 10-hour heat packs that you can pop in to get warm faster.

     Of course there are other hand pouches on the market, but the Roo Inferno stands out above the rest because of some clever engineering.  The materials used are high quality, the outer Neo-Shield shell paired with the inner PolarTec insulation creates revolutionary warmth at only 7mm thick allowing the pouch to easily contour to any body shape.  Also, the heavy-duty belt is lined with silicon grippers that keep the pouch in place all day long.  But my favorite aspect of the Inferno Hand Pouch has got to be the utility pocket on the inside.  The bonded zipper on this pocket creates a waterproof seal that keeps all your valuables safe and dry.  This is the biggest plus for me as I frequently fish from a kayak and getting wet is the norm.  Even as the days warm and Spring gets underway, I may continue to take the Roo Inferno with me just as a safe place to store my phone or camera with quick and easy access.

     Starting at only fifty dollars, the Roo Outdoors Inferno Hand Pouch is an investment that will surly pay off this winter.  Don't get caught out there on the lake missing bites because of your cold hands.  Get the Roo Inferno and start catching more winter fish today!

Want to see more?  Check out these products and more at the links below:

Fishhound

Refrigiwear

Roo Outdoors