One of the many benefits of living in Arizona is the year-round fishing. When most of the county is under ice, we still enjoy the open waters on our lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the winter. If you’re somebody who loves to chase panfish, particularly Crappie, there may be no better time for Arizona anglers to target this species. Crappie are not only fun to catch, but I must admit they are one of my favorites to eat as well. You can find Crappie in most of our Arizona reservoirs, and many of our urban lakes. Some of my favorite...

When winter arrives, and the days get colder, many will pull their boats out of the water and put the fishing equipment away. However, if you’re not afraid to venture out, layer up on the clothing and put in a little work, this can be one of the best times to get out and go fishing! When you are the only boat on the water, like I have been many times, this leaves very little pressure on the fish. As water temperatures continue to fall and we move into the winter months, fish activity will slow down as well.

By Ron Johnson Deciding on what fishing rod to choose can be a daunting task and an overwhelming experience at first. Fishing rods come in all lengths, models, and styles with different benefits to help your pursuit of a chosen species. If you take a set of golf clubs, for instance, each is designed with different lengths, grip, action, and weight to help maximize the best shot on the course. Finding the right fishing rod for you is just as important. Before you head to the store to make your fishing rod purchase, decide on the species you are after...

By Ron Johnson As the temperatures start to cool off from the long summer and the leaves slowly begin to change, I can’t help but get excited to bust out my fishing gear and head to the lake. The weather transition helps cool the water temperatures and puts the sluggish summer bass into a fall feeding frenzy! The Jerkbait is the perfect lure to throw in early fall and all the way into winter. My lure selection of choice is the Yo-Zuri 3DR or 3DB Jerkbait. It’s the perfect shad imitator and just what bass are looking for as they...

By Ron Johnson In this modern day of fishing, we have more tools at our disposal than ever to locate fish. Furthermore, the lures engineered today look and move so lifelike that it can be hard to separate imitation to the real thing. As a Tournament Angler and Fishing Guide, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting thousands of other Anglers every year. One of the questions I get asked about most often is if I believe fish attractants work.  I am always quick to respond with “ABSOLUTELY!” but then respond back by asking them the same question. Although some use...