Simple Ways to Improve Your Fishing Success

Posted February 21, 2023

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been fishing since you could hold a rod or if you’re brand new to the sport this year – every angler wants to consistently improve. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Life is already so busy, not everyone has hours upon hours for practicing and learning about fishing.

That’s why it’s important to do the simple things that can lead to more success when you’re out on the water. Here are a few examples:

Choose the Right Location

This is less about the body of water you choose to fish in and more about where in that body of water you set up. Fish will not be spread out equally throughout a lake, pond, or river. Chances are you’re going to have to move around a lot until at least one fish gives you a clue as to where the others might be. This may mean traveling further and going deeper than other anglers are willing to go.

Plan Ahead

Before you can catch a fish, you should have some sort of mental plan that you’ve thought through. Once you’re in the right location, what are you going to do when a fish tugs on your line? In what manner will you reel it in and land it? Do you plan to throw it back or keep it? Is there a certain species of fish you’re looking for? And, if so, do you know how to identify it?

Keep A Journal

Veteran anglers may scoff at this notion, but a journal can help anyone of any experience level improve and learn. Human memory is fallible. Keeping a journal will allow you to accurately track your progress. It will also serve as a record for what worked and what didn’t, allowing you to come back later to refresh your memory. Plus, you can keep track of details such as weather conditions, type of lure, where you fished etc. so you can either repeat what worked or try something new.

Invest in A Custom Rod

A good angler is more than just his equipment. But the equipment you use can positively influence your success rate. These rods can be customized to your needs, rather than the other way around. They tend to be more lightweight, making them easier to handle. Plus, you can add whatever components you want.

If you’re in the market for a custom rod, Signature Fishing Rod has a large selection available. We have more than a half-dozen different series available for sale on our website, so it should be easy to find something that works for you. Plus, they all come with a lifetime warranty and are made in the USA. If you have any questions, feel free to give us a call at 630.234.6214.

Why You Should Go on A Fishing Trip in 2023

Posted February 10, 2023

Since it’s so early in the year and lakes and rivers in many places are still frozen or close to it, it’s likely you haven’t fished at all yet in 2023. This time of year is defined by great anticipation. Anglers all over are making plans to get back out on the water as soon as the weather allows for it.

While you’re waiting, consider planning a fishing trip or excursion of some kind this year. Most anglers want to do it at some point in their life, so keep pushing it off? Why not do it this year? If you haven’t thought about it yet, here are a few reasons why you should:

Challenge Yourself

Like mostly anything else, you get better at fishing by doing it more. Through repetition, you learn not just the techniques of fishing, but how to fish certain bodies of water. There’s likely one close to home you frequent, and there’s a good chance you know it pretty well by now.

So, taking a trip to a body of water you’ve never been to can provide a bit of a challenge, as well a valuable life experience. You can fish for species you’ve never seen in person in a different style of body of water than you’re used to, in a climate different than yours, hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home. It will make you a better angler.

Create and Strengthen Bonds

Any experienced angler knows that half the fun of fishing is the company. This is why so many people get their kids involved and form lifelong friendships around the sport. You can further enhance those bonds with an extended fishing trip, where you’ll spend day after memorable day out on the water with your friend or loved one.

Unwind From Life

Stress is something that nearly every adult deals with on a regular basis. It’s also something you can leave behind on a relaxing fishing trip, where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature around you. A few hours of fishing is normally enough to relax you after a stressful period. Imagine what a few days or even a week could do for you.

If you’re going on a fishing trip this year, you’re going to want to ensure you have the right equipment. Signature Fishing Rods can fit you with the perfect custom rod for you. Call 630.234.6214 to learn more about products!

What You Should Know About Fishing Calendar Periods

Posted January 13, 2023

Every angler knows that time of year has a major impact on fishing. But it may be difficult to nail down how exactly each part of the year changes the equation.

Luckily, fishing experts Ron and Al Lindler used their knowledge to divide the year into 10 calendar periods and published their findings in their magazine, In-Fisherman and their pamphlet “The Secret Teachings of In-Fisherman: Angling Wisdom and Knowledge.”

Of course, the dates these periods begin and end are not set in stone and will vary based on a number of factors, particularly the region you’re fishing. For example: if you start at the Southern tip of the US, spring will usually arrive one week later for every 100 miles you proceed North. However, the opposite is true of fall. It’s additionally important to remember that species won’t necessarily share the same periods, especially as it relates to spawning.

The 10 periods are broken up into three sub-categories. Here’s what you should know about each of them:

Periods Determined by Fish Behavior

The fishing calendar essentially kicks off in the spring, which will tend to begin in April or May in the Northern United States. Over the course of a month and a half or so, we’ll go through the pre-spawn, spawn, and post-spawn periods. This will begin when fish are on their way to spawning areas, a good fishing time. The spawning period will feature significantly less feeding activity. Then, in the post-spawning period, male fish will be much more responsive.

Periods Determined by Ecological Conditions

Following the post-spawning, you’ll have a period called pre-summer, which is when the fish will begin their summer patterns. Once those patterns are established, you’ll have the summer peak, which tends to begin after several days of hot weather. In this time, competition for food spurs fish activity, making this one of the best times of year to fish. This will slow down during the summer period however, as algae blooms, cold fronts, and other factors make fishing difficult. Things pick back up again in the post-summer, when the weather begins to cool down.

Periods Determined by Water Temperature

The final few periods of the year begin with the fall turnover, which is when the cold surface water and warmer water below mix, homogenizing the lakes and making for poor fishing. Then begins the cold-water period, which occurs on either side of the winter period. In these times, fish establish specific patterns, making for good fishing. In the winter, the water can be frozen or close to it in much of the country.

No matter what calendar period you plan to fish this year, it’s important to have the right equipment. Signature Fishing Rods has dozens of custom rods and other gear available to give you the best possible experience. Call 630.234.6214 to learn more about products!

Reflecting on the Fishing Lessons of 2022

Posted January 3, 2023

As we begin a new year, Signature Fishing Rods would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season. We hope you enjoyed time spent with loved ones and that you receive all the fishing gear on your wish list.

Before we begin a new year, it’s important to reflect on the lessons of 2022. If you’ve been reading this blog all year, you’ve likely learned quite a bit about fishing. If not, we’ll summarize some of the most important posts of 2022 in an effort to help you become a more successful angler in 2023.

Tips On Fishing

Winter is not always the most active fishing season for most of us. But spring will be here before you know. Use the time in-between to brush up on our spring fishing tips. 2023 might be the year you take your child fishing for the first time. Now is a good time to give them some cursory information about the sport and to invest in some equipment for them. These winter months are also a perfect time to get your equipment organized and to figure out what needs replacing.

If you’re looking to take your angling to the next level in 2023, consider investing in a custom rod. They’re lighter, tailored to your needs, and are capable of adding any components you want or need. And if you desire enhanced sensitivity and a lighter rod, we have quite a few carbon core rods on sale now.

Going Deeper

If you’re an experienced angler looking to go beyond just basic tips, a good way to do so is reading our posts summarizing the fishing wisdom Ron and Al Lindner originally published in their magazine, In-Fisherman decades ago. You can read about how the success of your fishing outing comes down to three factors: the nature of the species you’re fishing, the body of water you’re in, and your presentation. You can also learn more about what the age of a lake or river will tell you about how you should fish it.

Plus, if you really miss fishing during the winter months, you can attend a sportsman’s expo, to learn more, find new equipment, and commiserate with like-minded people.

Perhaps the most important lesson of 2022 is that it’s never too late to get into fishing, so long as you have a willingness to learn and maybe some help along the way. If you’re planning on getting into fishing for the first time in 2023, Signature Fishing Rods has dozens of custom rods and other gear available to give you the best possible experience.

Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.

What To Do with Your Fishing Equipment During the Winter

Posted December 12, 2022

We’re nearing the official beginning of winter in the next week. While this is a joyful, celebratory time of year, it’s not usually a fun period for fisherman. Unless you’re going ice fishing, this time is considered the offseason for many across the United States and Canada.

However, if you’re one of those anglers who really takes pride in their work, there’s more of it to do in the offseason. Here’s what you should do with your equipment during the winter:

Take Care of Your Rods and Reels

It’s important to keep your rods and reels in good condition in the offseason. If you use smaller spinning or conventional reels, you won’t have to perform as much maintenance, but you should still take the opportunity to clean them in the offseason. It doesn’t require too much effort – just wash them down with soapy water. You can then oil them by applying a small amount of a good reel oil to moving parts. Do the same for your rod as well. If you’re unsure of how to do this, there are many videos on YouTube that can show you. This is also a good time to check your rod for any imperfections. You can coat any nicks and make sure the material on the handle is solidly attached to the rod.

Examine Your Gear

The offseason is the perfect time to take stock of your gear and make any necessary changes or improvements. If you have any hooks, snaps, or snivels that are bent, corroded, or damaged in some way, throw them away and replace them. The same goes for all other equipment – jigheads, bucktails, lures, etc. that are imperfect in some way. Winter is also a good time to check your line. If it’s old, replace it. If you feel nicks by using the tips of your forefinger and thumb, remove any line to that point. It’s better to do this now than to realize there’s a problem when you’re out fishing next year. It’s always nice to go into the year fully stocked on all the gear you need.

Get Organized

It always feels good to be organized heading into a fishing season. You can help your future self out by starting now. You can sort things by putting them in some kind of category – the style of fishing the item is involved in or what species it’s used for. Regardless of how you choose to do it, getting organized will result in you being able to travel lighter and to more quickly locate what you need in a given situation.

And if you find yourself in need of near fishing gear, such as a new custom rod, Signature Fishing Rods is the place to buy. Call 630.234.6214 to learn more about products!

The Benefits of Going to A Sportsman’s Expo

Posted November 17, 2022

Sportsman’s expos are a perfect place for enthusiasts of hunting, fishing, and outdoor life to gather, especially over the winter months when you’re not as likely to be outdoors. These expos tend to feature vendors, seminars, and activities related to these interests. The best part is they happen all over the country, so you should be able to find one happening near you at some point during the year.

These expos are great for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds, but we’re going to focus on why they’re especially beneficial for fishing enthusiasts to attend. Here are a few reasons why:

Find New Products

One of the best parts of attending an expo is seeing what all the vendors have available. Rarely do you get a chance to see so many different vendors in just one area, all looking for new customers. This gives you a chance to compare them, but also to find new products. Technology is always evolving so there are always ways to improve your equipment and give yourself an edge.

Learning Opportunity

Another common sight at these sportsman’s expos is seminars on different topics. There’s a good chance that the expo happening near you will have at least one seminar on fishing. You’ll have the chance to learn about new techniques, methods, and equipment from all kinds of professionals and experts. You’re all but guaranteed to come away from it a better angler.

Talk Shop

One of the most enjoyable aspects of going to any expo is getting the chance to meet all kinds of like-minded people from all walks of life. You’ll get the chance to relax, talk shop, hear some stories, learn a little, and maybe even impart some wisdom of your own. If you’re lucky you might even find a new fishing buddy.

Here at Signature Fishing Rods, we support all efforts to learn more about and improve at the sport of fishing. We sell custom rods for anglers of all skill levels, complete with some of the latest advancements in fishing technology. Call 630.234.6214 to learn more about products.

If you’re interested in attending an expo, our supplier Grandt Industries will be at the Ultimate Fishing Show at Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI Jan. 6 through Jan. 9.

How The Age of a River Affects How You Fish It

Posted November 8, 2022

Many people all over the world choose to do their fishing in rivers. This is due to both personal preference and geographical necessity. If you’ve done most of your fishing in lakes, creeks, oceans, or other bodies of water and you’re looking to fish a river, you should know that there are some differences between rivers and other types of fishing.

One of the most important things to know about a river before you fish it is its age. This will tell you so much about what you need to know to have a successful day of fishing. Here are some things to know about the age of a river:

Young Rivers

The youngest of rivers tend to feature clear, cold water flowing downhill, cutting through rock. They don’t often have much in the way of vegetation, so they aren’t the best at supporting life. However, they may still have both trout and grayling available to fish.

Adult and Mature Rivers

As a young river ages, it will next transition into the adult and mature stages. At this point, the water will begin to become a bit murkier, and the temperature will rise to the level of “cool.” You will see fewer Trout and, at first, more smallmouth bass. As the maturation process continues, you’ll begin to see more Walleyes, Sauger, Northern Pike, Muskies, Catfish, White Bass, Sturgeon, Crappies, Carp, and more.

Middle Aged Rivers

Rivers then transition into middle age, where you will likely see larger drainage areas and more tributaries. The water is now quite murky and getting warmer as well, while the gradient continues to decline. Species will include Northern Pike, Sauger, Crappies, Walleye, and some Largemouth Bass.

Old Rivers

As rivers reach old age, many of the trends that have been going on for centuries will continue. The water will get warmer and more turbid. The gradient continues to drop. Large drainage areas and increasingly common siltation may make dredging necessary. At this stage, you’ll find a lot of Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Crappies, and Northern Pike.

Regardless of the age of the river you’re fishing, you’re going to need to use the right equipment if you want to be successful. Signature Fishing Rods has a wide selection of different brands of custom rods. Check out the selection or call 630.234.6214 if you have any questions.

The Three Factors that Lead to Successful Fishing

Posted October 20, 2022

No one heads out for a fishing trip hoping to have moderate success. Everyone from a first timer to the most experienced fisherman heads out to the water with the hopes of having as successful of a day as possible.

Of course, the first step of a successful fishing outing is knowing what to expect. Nearly a half-century ago, Ron and Al Lindner came up with a system for successful fishing and published it in their magazine, In-Fisherman. This In-Fisherman System has a very basic premise Fish + Location + Presentation = Success. Here’s what they mean by that:

Fish’s Basic Nature

If you want to catch a certain kind of fish, you’re going to need to know as much as possible about it. Fish species respond differently to their environment based on smell, taste, touch, hearing, and sight. Where you will find them will depend partly on where they feed and where they’re found on the food chain. Other important factors to consider include comfort and reproduction needs. For example, species will prefer different water temperatures, water clarity, and other conditions for both comfort and reproduction.

Location

You can’t catch the species of fish you’re after if you don’t know where to find it. Fish tend to move on both a daily and seasonal basis. The timing of their movements, however, will depend on a few factors. First is the structure of the of the body of water – the characteristics and movement of the water, the bottom configuration and content, and the vegetation will all play a role here. The next factor is the interaction between species. Population density, competition for food, and availability of food will all be important considerations here. The final factor is reaction to outside stimuli. This will involve the seasonal temperature, the day-to-day weather, and man-made factors such as boats, swimmers, pollution, and alterations to the habitat.

Presentation

As an angler, you should strive to use the right bait in the correct manner at the exact right place and time. What works at one time may be a poor approach the following week, you have to be able to adapt. You have to consider the position (stationary or mobile) and the working method (triggers and controls) that will work best in a given situation.

Of course, if you’re going to follow the guidance of the Lindner Brothers, you’re going to need the right rod to actually catch the fish. If you’re in the market for a new one, Signature Fishing Rods has a wide selection of the best custom rods on the market. Give us a call at 630.234.6214 to learn more today!

How to Better Understand the Lake You’re Fishing

Posted September 27, 2022

One of the keys to successfully fishing in a natural lake is to understand what you’re dealing with. By paying attention to your surroundings, you can determine the relative age of the lake. This will tell you which kind of fish you’re likely to find in the lake, which will inform your strategy. Here’s some more information to help you better understand the lake you’re fishing in:

Natural Lakes Change Over Time

While no two lakes are exactly alike, they do all have something in common: they’re changing. These changes occur at all different paces. Sometimes, it may take hundreds of years for visible changes to occur. Other times, it may only take a few years. This aging process is known as eutrophication. It involves nearly everything – from the structural condition to vegetation levels to dominant fish species – changing over time.

How Lakes are Classified

In a broad sense, lakes are classified into three geological age groups: oligotrophic (young), mesotrophic (middle-aged), and eutrophic (old). The transition process takes a lake from stable, young, infertile, and cold to warm to very warm watered.

The youngest lakes tend to have rock basins, steep, sharp drop-offs, and very few weeds. The nutrient level tends to be lower, and oxygen is available except at the deepest depths. Middle-aged lakes tend to have less steep shorelines and drop-offs. The rocks are smaller and there is more sand and gravel. There’s significantly more vegetation and there are more nutrients in the water. Older lakes tend to be the most shallow. Instead of sand, there is muck or clay. The shorelines have gradual slopes and there usually isn’t a secondary drop-off. The water will be warmer and there will be abundant vegetation.

What Does This Mean for Fishing?

Because of the cold water and the lack of weed growth, young lakes don’t tend to support many fish. You will likely find Lake Trout even in the earliest of days. As the water warms up over the years, you’ll start to see more Walleye and then Largemouth Bass and Crappie as well. Meanwhile Bullhead fish tend to thrive in older lakes.

Once you identify what kind of lake you’re fishing in, you’ll know what kind of fish you’re looking for. This should help you have a more successful outing. And no matter what kind of fish you’re looking for, you’re going to need the right equipment to get the job done. Look no further than Signature Fishing Rods for all the latest custom rods. Give us a call at 630.234.6214 to learn more about our products today!

It’s Never Too Late to Get into Fishing

Posted August 25, 2022

Fishing can be a relaxing and rewarding experience available to people of all ages. While some people are birth-to-death fishermen, others take longer to get into it. Maybe your parents weren’t into fishing, or you didn’t grow up near a body of water or you just didn’t have the resources or time to commit to it.

Regardless of the reason, it’s never too late to pick up fishing as a hobby. If you’re seriously considering it, don’t let your lack of experience discourage you. Everyone has to start somewhere – the best angler in the world was once as much of an amateur as you are now. Here are some tips to prepare you for your first trip out on the water:

Get the Timing Right

The time of year you try fishing for the first time will depend on where you live or where you’re going. In most places, spring is the most pleasant time to fish. The ice has melted, and the temperatures have risen, making it a more comfortable trip for you. With moderate temperatures, fish will swim closer to the surface, making them easier to catch. It’s also wise to set out just as the sun is rising or later in evening after the peak of the sun, but before it gets dark.

Go With an Experienced Friend

If you’re just getting into fishing, chances are you have a more experienced friend who can help you get started. Ask them to come out with you the first time. They’ll be able to find a good spot, tell you what gear you’ll need and give you some pointers. They can also help you check out fishing regulations and license requirements.

Do You Research

Before you go out for your first trip, you have some research to do. You’re going to have to decide what kind of fishing you want to do and then acquire the gear that is best suited to that type of fishing. You should also investigate what kind of fish are in the body of water you’ll be visiting.

If you’re planning on getting into fishing for the first time, Signature Fishing Rods can be of service. We have dozens of custom rods and other gear available to give you the best possible experience. Call 630.234.6214 to learn more today!