Totally Wicked Electronic Cigarettes

Inshore insider is dedicated to fishing, but every once in a while I like to post something far from fishing stories, information others may find interesting or helpful. Besides, it’s my website, and as Cartman from South Park would say, “I do what I want”…

Those that know me see me smoking quite a few cigarettes throughout the course of a day. Stopping is always on my mind, but quitting smoking has been a never ending battle for me. I seem to always go back to the cancer sticks. Besides the obvious health risks, cigarettes put a major dent in my wallet..

With that being said, while pumping gas some time ago, I spotted a sign at the gas station advertising an alternative to smoking; the e-cigarette. I went ahead and bought one, mainly out of curiosity. It was enjoyable to use, but became too expensive to purchase the liquid filled cartridges required for the model I had. Being an entry level version, parts ran out quickly, and the e-cig became expensive to use. This resulted in going back to the old Marlborough Lights.

An e-cigarette is a simple concept. A battery is attached to a liquid atomizer that vaporizes a liquid based nicotine solution. The liquid is supplied to the atomizer in different fashions-pre filled cartridges, liquid fillable tubes and tanks are all used. The user simply pushes a button to activate the atomizer and inhales the vapor. This in turn provides your body with nicotine and even looks like you’re smoking, All that is exhaled is an odorless vapor that looks like smoke. People commonly refer to using a quality e-cig as “vaping”.

UltraScent Strike Attractant paired with a Fish On Lure-How To Rig it up…

UltraScent is a company based out of Florida that just released a product that may help you catch more fish. I don't know much about them, but they are scented “tablets” that you can attach to your lure, (or live bait rig), that UltraScent claims increases strikes from just about any fish you want to catch. These stinky tablets release a various assortment of smells for both fresh and saltwater fish, and according to their website, can last up to about an hour. I haven’t tried them yet, but eventually I plan on rigging some up and tossing a lure at some redfish. Colors, smell, and rigging of the scented tablets can be checked on their website at www.ultrascent.net. Here is a very simple rigging with one of Joe Hebert’s Fish On Lures and an edje hook.

MiHatchii "Wide Gap"Circle Hooks with Bait Stopper

I love live bait fishing. At times it can be a hassle, especially when catching your own, but locating the baitfish, throwing the net and getting dirty still has its rewards. Ninety percent of the time with live bait, I am using a circle hooks at the end of my leader. One problem with using live bait, especially with circle hooks, is the pilchard or bait of choice “double hooking” itself (usually the hook burrows in at two different locations of the head), putting off an abnormal presentation. When this happens frequently it can get pretty annoying, and you may miss that trophy fish cruising the flats while fixing your bait over and over. MiHatchii, a manufacturer of numerous styles of fishing hooks, has come out with a solution to this problem. Sam gave me some of their new hooks to try out from the ICAST show. These hooks are designed to stop double hooking. I know, there are already bait stopper “beads” out there that one can put on their hooks to somewhat solve this problem, but MiHatchii has come up with a better way.

Strike Tech Reels

Sometimes not knowing how to do certain things can keep one from pursuing a goal or achievement. I know at times, I get discouraged from a lack of knowledge on a subject, and it definitely affects my confidence. This used to be the case for me when using artificial lures in saltwater, but I overcame this with years of practice and instruction. Not all are like me of course, and some just need a little push or edge to get going. Where exactly is this going you say?

I received a Strike Tech reel from the ICAST show.  Strike Tech is a company based out of New Zealand that has come up with a pretty great idea when it comes to fishing with artificial baits. ICAST is all about innovation and the newest stuff on the market; Strike Tech reels are definitely fresh and very innovative, an perfect example of what ICAST is all about.

We all know who they are and what they do. Mirrolure has been making great hard plastics for quite a while, and we all probably have a few in our tackle box. The company is based in the Tampa Bay area which is a plus as well, at least for me.

Now, Mirrolure has come up with a line of soft plastics that are in my arsenal as well, along with my confidence baits. At first I was skeptical. I liked the designs, but every time in use, the fish either weren’t biting or they didn’t like the colors and styles being presented. It surprised me a little that Mirrolure even broke into the soft plastic market, which has nothing to do with catching fish, but the soft plastic market is tough to get into, as with everything else in the fishing industry. Now I think Mirrolure may have a winner.