Your Guide for Registering for A Fishing License in Illinois

Posted February 19, 2021

People from all over the country will travel to the State of Illinois because it has some of the best fishing grounds. Illinois is filled with more than a million acres of water. Lake Michigan is a very popular destination for salmon, and Cedar Lake attracts many bass anglers. Before you head out on the water, you’re going to need to apply for an Illinois fishing license.

When you’re applying for an Illinois fishing license, you’ll notice that there are several options to choose from depending on if you’re a local, non-resident, senior, or veteran.

Here’s a few rules you should know before applying for your fishing license:

How to Purchase an Illinois Fishing License

Purchasing a fishing license can be done online or from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Any angler who is 16 and older is required to fish with a valid license. There are a few different license options you can choose from, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has a breakdown available for those who are interested in learning more!

Each year, your license will expire on March 31st. The current year’s license will become available starting on March 1st of that year and expiring on March 31st the following year.

Rules for Children

Everyone under the age of 16 can fish without a license, and they do not need a trout stamp to fish for trout. If you are traveling elsewhere in the United States, non-resident children can still fish without a fishing license.

Rules for Seniors Applying for Fishing License

Residents who are over the age of 65 will receive a reduced fee for fishing and other sports licenses. When the resident turns 75, the fee is reduced once again through our super senior license. The price for this license is only $1 plus a $.50 handling fee.

Planning Your Fishing Trip

After applying for an IL fishing license, you can start planning your next fishing outing! However, always remember to review the applicable fishing laws and regulations in the place that you plan on fishing before heading out. Similar procedures for other states can be found on their DNR websites.

If you’re looking for new fishing equipment for your next fishing trip, contact the professionals at Signature Fishing Rods to learn more about our available fishing gear.

How to Choose the Best Fishing Lure for Your Trip

Posted February 3, 2021

To have a successful fishing trip, you need the right tools. Once you find your perfect rod, the next step is to choose your lures.

These three factors need to be considered to help determine the right lures for you:

Identify the Fish You Are Catching

Because there are many lure options, you should first determine the type of fish that you are trying to target. What kind of fish is it? How large is the body? Is it a surface or bottom feeder? The answers to all these questions can affect the type of lure you choose.

Once you can identify the kind of fish that you are looking to catch, knowing what they eat will also help you choose the best lure. Make sure you perform research on the fish before deciding on your lure.

Choose Your Lure Based on the Weather Conditions

Besides identifying the kind of fish, you’re trying to catch, the weather can also affect the type of lure you choose. If you’re fishing in heavy wind conditions, you should opt for a heavier lure. Choosing a heavier lure will help create better tension on the line. By having more tension, you’ll be able to feel more vibrations from underwater and react much quicker.

Color Match Your Lure to the Water

Believe it or not, your lure tends to work best when it matches the water’s color. If you’re fishing in clearer waters, you should stick with colors like blue and green. If you are fishing in muddy waters, it’s more acceptable to test out other darker colors of lures, because their vision is hindered.

Start with an Easy to Use Lure

At Signature Fishing Rods, we have a large selection of Radke’s Pike Minnow lures that are easy to use and will give you unbelievable results in both fresh and salt waters. Shop our collection online, and if you have further questions, give us a call at 630-234-6214!

Everything You Need to Know About Fishing in the Detroit River

Posted January 7, 2021

If you’re an avid angler, then you may be familiar with the outstanding fishing that can be done in the Detroit River. The Detroit River will draw anglers in from across the country starting in the spring and early summer. It’s easy for anglers to enjoy their walleye fishing experience by the shore or by boat.

The Detroit River is one of the best places for anglers to fish. Let’s learn about what makes it so great:

How Big is the Detroit River?

Believe it or not, the Detroit River is relatively short. It runs about 28 miles in length and is about 2.5 miles across at its widest point. Within the river, you can find numerous islands, with most of them on the American side of the river. However, most of the islands are located in the southern portion of the waterway, where the river empties into Lake Erie.

The river begins with an east-to-west flow from Lake St. Clair but curves and runs north to south. If you’re looking to fish in deep waters, the Detroit River’s deepest portion is 53 feet in its northern portion.

What Species of Fish Can Be Caught in the Detroit River?

When you go fishing in the Detroit River, you will find that there are many different species of fish that you can catch. In fact, the Detroit River is one of the most diverse and productive fisheries in the country. With the river’s great structure, you can have success fishing for walleye, bass, perch, crappie, northern pike, channel catfish, and musky.

Where to Find Fish in The Detroit River?

As the weather changes throughout the seasons, the location of the fish will relocate. At the beginning of the year, you can find spawning and pre-spawning Walleye, Sturgeon, big musky, some bass, and pike located in the main river. Walleyes prefer to swim in the heavy currents and surrounding structures. As you continue to head down the river, you can pick up some bass and later perch. In the fall months, it’s common to find muskies in the mouth of the river.

What Equipment Should You Use to Catch These Fish?

Depending on the type of fish you’re trying to catch, the correct fishing rod is needed. If you’re fishing for walleye in the heavy currents, try fishing with the All American Pro AAPS56003A. It’s a sensitive yet extremely durable rod used on the Detroit River for more than 20 years.

Need help choosing your next fishing rod? Contact the professionals at Signature Fishing Rods! Give us a call at 630-234-6214.

3 Questions to Ask to Determine the Type of Fishing Rod You Need

Posted October 6, 2020

Is it time for new fishing gear? Well, allow us to help! Before purchasing one of your unbeatable custom-made fishing rods form Signature Fishing Rods, there are some questions you should be asking yourself first!

Because we want you to have the best results with your new fishing rod, here is a list of questions you should ask yourself before choosing your fishing rod and equipment:

What Species Are You Targeting and Where Are You Going to Target Them?

One of the most important questions you should ask yourself before purchasing any new gear is what fish are you looking to catch? And where will you be catching them? Are you going to fish in rivers, lakes, saltwater, etc.? Answering these simple questions will help you narrow down your rod choices, and our professional team will be able to match you with the appropriate rod.

Do You Have a Preferred Method of Fishing?

Now that we’ve answered the basic questions, it’s now time to figure out how you want to catch your fish. If you’re an experienced angler, you probably have a preferred fishing method that you feel more confident using. Do you plan on using lures, bait, or both? Do you prefer casting?

Although these seem like minor details, they’re very important when choosing new fishing gear. Typically, fishing rods are designed to suit a particular fishing method, and they’re defined by the reel or rig that works the best with the setup.

Do You Know What Kind of Lure You Want to Use?

Two fishing techniques that anglers often try out are jigging and rigging. When you use a jig as a lure, you can catch fish like bass, muskie, northern pike, and walleye. Usually, for this style of fishing, you’ll need a sensitive blank, a lightweight rod with a medium light to medium power, fast to extra-fast tip.

On the other hand, if you’re eager to give rigging a try, you should select a longer rod with light tip action and rod power.

Who Can Answer Your Fishing Questions?

If you have questions about purchasing your next fishing rod, contact Signature Fishing Rods. We have various fishing rods, reels, and lures that will help you have a successful outing. Check out our online collection, and give us a call at 630-234-6214 when you’re ready to begin!

How to Choose the Right Fishing Line

Posted September 11, 2020

If your fishing rod isn’t working as good as it used to, it may be time for a new line. A reliable fishing line is important to have for a successful outing. It’s recommended to change your line every year.

To help you make the best decision for your rod, here are some considerations you should think about when choosing your line.

Is the Fishing Rod Suited for the Conditions of the Fish You are After?

First, it’s important to learn about the fishing rod you plan to use during your next outing. Your fishing pole’s action describes how much your rod bends when you add pressure on its tip and how quickly it returns to its regular position once you let go.

Fast action fishing poles are good for fishing heavy cover or fast current. These are usually sensitive roads that allow anglers to feel light bites and provide excellent hook setting with a relatively short motion. Fast action rods also have great lifting ability.

Medium action fishing rods offer greater casting distance than fast action fishing rods. Plus, they’re great for live bait and smaller lures.

Slow action fishing rods are excellent in handling the unexpected movement of fish near the boat. They are also great for casting distance, but their soft action makes it difficult to set hooks.

Characteristics of a Fishing Rod

There are two characteristics of your rod that you should familiarize yourself with, the action and the power of your rod.

Action of a Fishing Rod

Rods usually indicate only the power it takes to bend a rod, such as easy, medium, or light. Unlike the custom fishing rods sold at Signature Fishing Rods, the action is often not indicated. If you don’t know the action of a rod, grab the rod handle and carefully bend the tip downward. If the rod begins to bend in the upper 1/3rd of the blank toward the tip, it’s a fast action rod. If the rod bends in the middle, it’s a medium action rod, and if it bends in the lower part of the rod, it’s a slow action rod.

Power of a Fishing Rod

Light power rods are not normally used to fish for bass. You need the strength of the fishing rod to move a bass out of cover. Medium or medium/heavy power rods with fast tips are used when fishing crank-baits, spinnerbaits, and some plastic baits. The pulling of the line under water requires more power than topwater fishing but less effort than a heavy power rod. Heavy power rods are used when fishing heavy cover such as reeds, bushes, deep grass beds, or timber. This rod allows you to set the hook and get the fish out of these types of structures.

How to Choose the Best Fishing Line

Your fishing line also has different characteristics in their ability to “stretch,” visibility, and toughness.

Toughness is important if you anticipate fishing in areas with rocks, trees, or weeds. Each of these can knick a line that will make it easier to break at what always seems the wrong moment. If structure is not an issue, toughness is not as important. Visibility of line can be important, especially in clear water situations. However, be careful with lines that help with visibility. This type of line tends to be subject to losing its other characteristics quicker due to the elements.

Stretch is a characteristic that many overlook. It needs to compliment the characteristics of the rod. You do not want to use a line with no stretch with a fishing pole that does not have any softness to its bend. If you get snagged or hook a good fish, either the fishing rod or the line is likely to break. You also do not want to use a line with a lot of stretch with a fishing pole that bends easily. This makes it difficult to set the hook.

Experimenting with Fishing Lines

After years of fishing, I have found I should buy one brand of line in several different line ratings. With most of my fishing in the heavy current or heavy rock structure, I use a cut-resistant (extra tough) monofilament fishing line. Also, note that I push the rating limits on my custom fishing rod and fishing line to suit what I feel is best for my fishing situation. You should experiment to find what best works for you.

Purchase a Custom Fishing Rod in Illinois

If you’re looking for excellent custom fishing rods, poles, and reels made in the U.S.A, don’t forget to shop the online collection at Signature Fishing Rods. All rods come with a lifetime warranty. Give us a call today at 630-234-6214 with any questions!

Choosing the Right Rod for Catfishing

Posted August 25, 2020

Over recent years, catfish have been a popular target for many anglers. To help increase your chances of catching a catfish on your next trip, we’ve curated a list of some of our best tips, including determining which rod is best for the job.

Let’s learn how to catch a catfish:

Where to Catch a Catfish

Catfish can survive in many different water systems. From shallow warm waters, to fast flowing rivers, you will be able to find catfish thriving. During the day, catfish like to swim around in muddy water areas. You can find them hanging out in deep structures such as river bends, the base of drop-offs, and deep holes.

Surprisingly, your chances of catching a catfish increase in the evening. During the night, catfish will use their heightened sense of smell and taste and their whiskers to locate their food. So their chances of biting your line are a lot higher.

Choosing the Right Rod

Because catfish range in sizes, you’re going to have to plan where you are fishing before committing to a rod. If you are fishing in waters where the average catfish is about 20 pounds, but there could be a high chance of catching a fish that’s heavier (about 40-60 lbs.), then choose a medium heavy rod.

Suppose you are fishing on a body of water where most catfish can average between 80-100 lbs. Then, you’ll want to choose a heavier rod.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are fishing in a river where the average catfish is about nine or ten pounds, but you still have a great chance of catching a fish that is about 20-25 lbs. You’ll need a rod with some sensitivity. Your rod should be sensitive enough at the tip to determine when a fish is nibbling at the bait.

Choosing Your Hook

Choosing the right rod is the most important part of increasing your chances of catching a catfish. Once you know the weight of the catfish you’re aiming to catch and have selected your rod, it’s time to find your hook.

There are quite a few great hook options for you to choose from, but we suggest the following to start:

Circle Hooks
Jig Head
Float Rig

If you’re ready to give catfishing a try, make sure you set yourself up for success and get your gear from Signature Fishing Rods. We have new affordable and reliable fishing rods, fishing reels, and lures that will help you reel in a catfish. Give us a call at 630-234-6214 with any questions!

Buying A Used Fishing Rod: What You Need to Know

Posted July 7, 2020

Buying a brand new fishing rod can be pretty expensive, leaving many fishers considering the purchase of a used rod. However, there are a few things to think about before purchasing used fishing rods.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when you’re purchasing a used fishing rod.

Check the Overall Quality of Your Fishing Rod

One of the most important parts of buying a fishing rod is to check the rod’s overall quality before you consider buying it. The rod condition is indicative of how long it will last you going forward and if it’s what you’re looking for in a rod.

Check the Joints of Your Fishing Rod

When you’re looking for a used fishing rod, specifically check the joints and make sure everything fits together perfectly. If the joints are worn out, the rod will wobble during casting and have the potential of cracking when reeling in your catch.

Be sure to check the rod rings, which, if it’s in bad condition, can damage the fishing line and negatively impact the fisher’s distance from casting. In addition to the state of the fishing rod, you should also consider how much repairs would cost if necessary now or if you think something might become an issue in the immediate future.

Does Your Fishing Rod Need Repairs?

Spending a few hundred dollars on a used fishing rod seems like a cost-effective purchase. However, if you need to put another few hundred dollars worth of repair into, you would have been better off just purchasing a brand new fishing rod from the beginning.

For veteran fishers who know exactly what type of fishing rod they want to help them catch specific types of fish, buying a used rod can be a detriment to their skill level. Taking a used and potentially damaged fishing rod out for a day can be frustrating and unproductive.

What Should You Know Before Purchasing Your Used Fishing Rod?

Before purchasing your used fishing rod, you should first make sure that you know the length and duration. A ten-year-old fishing rod is a riskier purchase than a rod purchased six months ago and only used twice. Also, ask what water the rod was used in and to catch what types and weights of fish. Asking these questions will help you determine the wear of the rod.

Lastly, don’t forget to inquire about the action it has and why the seller is getting rid of the rod.

Should You Purchase a Used Fishing Rod?

Through the inspection and questioning process, you will be able to tell whether purchasing a used rod is the right decision. You should also weigh the benefits and features of the used rod against the benefits and features of a new, customized rod that you could purchase designed exactly how you want. Remember always to look, inspect, and ask before you leap into buying a used fishing rod.

Signature Fishing Rods

If you find yourself getting exhausted looking for the right used fishing rod, and you decide you want to invest in a new fishing rod, contact Signature Fishing Rods. We have new affordable and reliable fishing rods, fishing reels, and lures that will contribute to a successful outing. Do you have any questions? Give us a call at 630-234-6214.

Here’s What You Need to Know About the Action of a Rod

Posted June 15, 2020

There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the success of your fishing outing. To catch the fish you’ve been dreaming about, you need the proper gear and tackle to reel it in.

One of the most important pieces that every angler needs to fish is their rod. Depending on the rod, some will help you gain precision and distance. Before you purchase any rod, you should learn how the action and taper of your rod can help you!

The Action of Your Fishing Pole

The action describes how much your rod bends when you add pressure on its tip and how quickly it returns to its regular position once you let go. There are three levels of action that will help you get started choosing a rod. These levels are: fast, medium, and slow. It’s important to note that finding the best rod for your fishing needs is dependent on the action ratings.

Fast Action Fishing Rods

If you’re planning to fish for larger games, you’ll want to invest in a fast action rod. A fast action rod will typically only bend in the upper ⅓ or less of the blank. Another reason why you might consider fishing with a fast action rod is if you know that you will be fishing in waters with a lot of weeds and other greenery. Fast action rods are great for beginners because they are sensitive and will help the fisher monitor for bites!

Medium Action Fishing Rods

A medium action rod will bend in the top half of their length. If you’re more of a recreational fisher, this rod might be the best fit for you because it can withstand a wide range of situations. Plus, it’s known to help you catch a wide variety of species, both large and small.

Slow Action Fishing Rods

A slow action rod bends throughout the entire length of the rod. It’s by far the most flexible and can even sometimes touch the handle. It would be best if you chose a slow action rod for casting small lures for smaller fish.

If you’re looking for a new fishing rod to help you have a more successful outing, look no further. At Signature Fishing Rods, we have a wide variety of fishing rods, reels, and lures that will be sure to improve your fishing. Shop our online collection or give us a call at 630-234-6214 with any questions!

What You Should Know About Fishing Rod Blanks

Posted June 8, 2020

At Signature Fishing Rods, we are asked about the blanks used in the fishing rods that we sell. Because we offer a wide variety of customizable fishing poles, we thought it would be best to give you more information about fishing rod blanks before purchasing your own!

How to Select the Best Fishing Rod

Selecting the proper fishing rod depends upon the answers to several questions. What are your fishing for? Where are you fishing? How are you fishing?

To start, the key to a good fishing rod is its vibrations. The more vibrations it transmits, the more sensitive the rod is. The blank, handle, reel seat and guide gives a fishing rod its means of transmitting vibrations from the lure to the hand. The greater your rod’s sensitivity, the more you will understand that activity is happening beneath you in the water.

The taper of a rod results from the deliberate build-up of graphite during manufacturing. The more layers in a section, the stiffer that section becomes. The ability to set the hook is vital. The more a rod bends, the harder it is to set the hook.

Power is the amount of force needed to flex the fishing rod. When marked, most fishing rods are referring to power (ultra-lite, lite, medium lite, medium, medium-heavy, heavy, and extra heavy).

Where a rod bends is indicated by its “action.” A fast action rod bends, starting about 1/3 of the way from the tip. Its hook setting power is 2/3 of the rod. A moderate rod starts it bend about halfway down the rod while a slow action rod tends to bend throughout the rod. Grandt rods are usually fast action, which provides the maximum hook setting strength.

What is a Fishing Rod Blank Made of?

The construction of the blank determines its characteristics. Manufacturers use different quantities and types of resin, modulus count of graphite, and different directions for laying graphite. How these are applied is an important part of a rod’s strength. Grandt Industries uses high strain graphite “laid” in a unidirectional approach from end to end. This gives the blank its strength for each type of rod.

Grandt blanks range from 58 to 78 million modulus graphite count. The higher the modulus count, the more sensitive the rod. Without the appropriate manufacturing process, higher modulus counts of graphite can also make a blank brittle.

Where Can You Purchase a Great Fishing Rod?

Fishing rods sold by Signature Fishing Rods are developed and made with blanks by Grandt Industries, an innovator in the fishing rod industry for over 37 years. Grandt’s staff of professional anglers test each rod for durability, sensitivity, and hook setting power.

Shop our collection to find the best way for you to prepare for your next successful fishing trip. Need more information? Give us a call at 630-234-6214.

How I Became a Better Fisherman

Posted June 28, 2018

Sensitivity

Over the years my fishing knowledge has improved greatly. Yet even as my knowledge improved, I did not dramatically increase my ability to catch fish.

I am like anyone else and use a variety of baits, lures and techniques. If a fish hits a lure, I generally react appropriately. At first, using live bait did not go as well as hoped. Relying on Lindy Rigs or bottom bouncers in swallow or deep water, in holes or up against rocks, I did fine as long as fish hit hard. The problem was the soft or light hits. I could not feel them and only realized I missed something when I reeled in to check my bait.

Back in the 80’s I was introduced to Jim Grandt at a sports show. He tied a line on the tip of an All American Pro fishing rod and asked me to hold the rod. Jim then flicked the line with his finger and asked if I felt the vibration. One look at my face gave him the answer — a resounding “Yes”! It became clear that my “clumsy” hands needed a more sensitive rod. Since that time I have enjoyed much better success fishing. As in most things in life, to be good, the right equipment is everything.

I have been fortunate to improve my equipment with the every increase in sensitivity of fishing rods. Obviously, my favorites are Grandt Rods. Currently my favorite is the 7’0″ Cuda medium spinning rod.

I choose this rod instead of the medium light fishing rods that I normally prefer. The medium power rod is rated for a little heavier line at the top end. Yet it is light, powerful and sensitive. I generally fish a Canadian river system that has a hard bottom. Current is what distinguishes good areas of fish from the peaceful areas that few fish hold. If the gates of the control dams are opened, current can be very heavy. Current is where more and bigger fish concentrate to ambush whatever is being swept through the area. Even here light hits are numerous. I use a 1 1/2 to 2 ounce bottom bouncer and hope it is heavy enough to stay on the bottom. If not, it is time to relocate.

The 7’0″ medium Cuda allows use of a heavier line (usually 8 lb. with a 10 or 12 lb. leader). If current is not as fast as normal, I can still use the same rig in a more typical lake style fishing environment. The Cuda also has the fast action needed to fight bigger fish yet still provides the sensitivity needed.

Everyone is different. You need to determine what you like based on how you fish. Grandt Rods are built to last and give you the sensitivity needed. They come with a lifetime warranty! The 7’0″ Cuda custom rods are on sale in both casting and spinning versions now! See SignatureFishingRods.com and click on the “Featured Rods” on the top.