The vote for the 2018 top must-have fishing gear for Lake Travis is in! We followed the pros, hung out with the local fisherman and read up on the latest reviews to give you the lowdown. Then, we couldn’t resist spending a couple hours wandering around the Bass Pro Shop. It’s easy to get lost in that place! At least… that’s what I tell my wife anyway.
Every fisherman dreams of the moment when the line gets that massive strike, your reel squeals, and beer goes flying as you hold on for dear life – hoping the mother of all Largemouth Bass doesn’t get away. And I’m no exception.
When you’re scouting large game fish like the Largemouth or Striped Bass, Blue, Channel and Flathead Catfish predominant to Lake Travis; your gear matters – in more ways than one! Sensitivity, responsiveness, distance and reliability are not optional. Most bass fisherman swear by the superb handling of baitcaster reels. For a decent one, plan to spend between $77 – $160.
Top Baitcasters
- Abu Garcia Revo SX Low-Profile
- Shimano 200IHG Curado
- Lews Speed Spool SSG1SH
Spinning reels have earned their place with renowned finesse, front-end drag, trigger mechanisms, construction and the convenience of quick change spools. These reels will run between $58 – $230
Top Spinning Reels
- Shimano Stradic CI4
- Pflueger President XT SP35X
- Shimano Spirex FG series
What’s in Your Box?
Out of the millions of lures for bass and catfish, it’s hard to know where to begin. Surely, my lure collection must rival my power tool wish list. But if you want the latest bass success, the only power tools you’ll need are these top-choice lures.
Jigs
BiCO Original Lead Free
Strike King Tour Grade Football
Frogs
Jackall Kaera Frog
Lunkerhunt Lunker
Soft Baits
Yamamoto Senko
Zoom Super Speed Craw
Swimbait
River2Sea S- Waver
Megabass Grand Siglett
Crankbait
Spro John Crews Little John MD
Booyah Flex II
Top Water
Zara Spooks
Storm Arashi Cover Pop
Spinnerbaits
Double Willow Leaf Spinnerbait w/metal flake blades
Z-Man Chatterbait
Jerkbaits
Rapala Shadow Rap
Rapala Ripstop
Catfish Hunting
Hunting catfish in Lake Travis? Stinkbait is the go-to deadliest when you’re targeting large quantities of 1-3 pounders. However, for large Channel or Flathead Catfish, cut bait works great. For Blue Catfish, cut bait like Shad – or any other oily legal bait fish – is the top bait source year round. Flathead can’t resist live bait fish like Bluegill or Perch when used in moving water or trolling.
Top 3 Catfish Rigs
Slip Sinker Rig
Santee Cooper Rig
Slip Bobber Rig
Finding the ‘Big One’
Having the right fishing gear is half the battle. But optimizing your ability to find where the fish are takes skill and a Garmin Striker 7SV. Priced from $375, this fish-finder will help you; view, map and navigate out points, rocky underwater ledges, channel banks and docks where they hide.
Stuck fishing on shore?
Contact VIP Marina affordable boat rentals
512-331-5375
Original Source: https://viplaketravis.com/family-fun-lake-travis/top-must-have-fishing-gear-for-lake-travis/