Every year, new lures are introduced to the market and new fishing techniques are discovered. Although some are trends that come and go, every so often there is a new technique that really changes the game. A few years back the Ned Rig was discovered, and it has developed into one of the hottest finesse techniques used by anglers today. The Ned Rig especially excels when fishing for smallmouth bass, as anything bite size is easy pickins for these usually aggressive brownbacks. The Ned Rig is also a great technique for cold water situations when bass are less active,...

By Ron Johnson, Professional Angler  Over the years, we’ve seen countless fishing lures hit the market, but there are few that have stood the test of time like the Spinnerbait has. The Spinnerbait has been one of the best bass catching lures for decades, and spring is the perfect time to tie one on the line. The allure of a Spinnerbait is its vibration and flash, along with a profile that appears as baitfish. Here in Arizona, the Gizzard Shad and Threadfin Shad are one of the primary food sources for bass and other predators. Since Shad prefer the...

By Ron Johnson, Professional Angler Deciding on what fishing reel to use is just as important as selecting your fishing rod. In a recent blog, Ron discussed fishing rod types, length, and action to help you choose the right type for your style of fishing. Fishing Reels are also a critical component when pairing with your fishing rod, so we will discuss how to choose the best one for you. Fishing reels exist in both left- or right-hand retrieve styles and are basic to advanced depending on your skill level. All fishing reels will vary in price, and much of...

Any time you’re fishing a body of water where there are Shad, Smelt, Alewives, Gizzard Shad or other baitfish, a Soft Jerkbait should be part of your arsenal. Soft Jerkbait lures like the Kalin’s Jerk Minnow are very versatile and can be used while fishing in open water or heavy vegetation, and in just about any depth of water. This makes these types of lures a prime baitfish imitation when targeting Bass or other gamefish. Below are a few ways I recommend rigging a Jerk Minnow trying when targeting bass: A weighted Spinhead style of lure is a great way...

If you spend any amount of time in the sun, you understand the importance of using a good sunscreen. Even when it is chilly or cloudy outside. While I can’t stress protecting your skin from harmful sunrays enough, you must take extra steps to keep it away from your tackle and equipment. Sunscreen comes in a variety of applicators-from pumps, to squeeze bottles and sprays. I personally prefer the lotion style, which may take longer to apply, but it does apply more evenly and is less likely to damage your tackle, among other things. Have you ever used a can...

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.

This December, the one, the only, Santa Claus is coming to town! In fact, he is coming to Chandler and Apache Junction, making special stops at both of our Shoppers Supply stores! Bring the kids and furry friends into either of our two locations (specific times and dates listed below) to get your FREE photo with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus! We will post all photos directly on our Facebook page before Christmas so that you can share your special moment with family and friends or hang it on the fridge! Santa & Mrs. Claus will...

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...