RAPALA CLACKIN' MAGNUM

New for 2013 is the Rapala Clackin' Magnum which is very similar to the Rapala X-RAP Magnum Series.  The Clackin' Magnum however comes with a buiilt in rattle to help trigger more strikes.  The Clackin' Magnum comes in 4 colors and dives to over 20 feet.   The lure measures 6 1/4 inches and weighs 2 1/4 oz.  This lure should definately be a winner for monster golden dorado at La Zona.  I am definately going to test it out next April on my annual golden dorado adventure.

ALASKA SILVER SALMON TRIP FOR SEPT 2013

I have booked a fishing trip to Gary LaRose's Pumice Creek Lodge for Sept 7 to 14, 2013.  The cost for 6 days of guided/ flyout fishing is $3950 plus airfare to the lodge.  Pumice Creek Lodge is located about 45 minutes down the Alaska Peninsula from the town of King Salmon.  Here, we have options of flying to the Cinder River for silver salmon or to smaller creeks for a day of fabulous arctic char fishing.  We will be the only fishermen on these rivers other than local brown bears.  I have fished the Peninsula for 24 years and the fishing here is the best in the world.  Silvers catches of 50 per day are the norm here and they are big and fresh from the ocean.  Char can be landed in excess of 75 per day normally.  If interested in joining me on this "trip of a lifetime" contact me at doradokiller@hotmail.com

Good fishing, Bob Daly

PAPUA NEW GUINEA UPDATE

Steve Yatomi of www.adventuretravelalliance.com recently led a group of fishermen into the remote Gulf region of Papua New Guinea for monster PNG black bass and barramundi.  Facing high water conditions, guides Jason Yip who runs the operation, www.sportfishingpng.net, and his team of top guides including Angus Donald and Moli Hidaka where still able to put the group onto some fish of a life time.  A monster 44lbs PNG black bass was landed which is the 2nd largest caught on record, next to potential IGFA world record bass landed by Jason Yip earlier this year.  Also bonus barramundi up to 42lbs were landed.  The fising season in the remote Gulf starts in June and runs till November.  Jason Yip takes around 7 groups into this area.  New river systems are being explored where reports of monster bass lurk.  During my stay the chief of the natives in the area told of many unexplored/unfished rivers teeming with monster bass.  These bass in my opinon are the top freshwater fighting fish on earth.  They are landed in excessive log jams and use these to their advantage as normally if you cannot turn the bass in 2 seconds the battle is gone.  Each trip numerous rods are broken, reel drag gears stripped, bent hooks, destroyed split rings, etc...   

As Steve Yatomi says: " You don't go elephant hunting using a pea shooter" as his Bass Pro Pete Mania Musky Rod was no match to these brutes.  If you up to the challenge I highly recommend you contact Steve at zato1@earthlink.net for more information on one of the last remaining untapped regions on earth!

FRANCOIS HELIAS--IGFA MALE FRESHWATER FISHERMAN OF THE YEAR

Francois Helias of www.anglingthailand.com has recently been announced the top male freshwater fisherman for 2012 as announced by the IGFA.  Francois set a total of 5 World Records during 2012.  He also finished 2nd for top captain/guide for 2012.  Francois has more achievements than I can list here such as the IGFA 2008 liftetime achievement award for outstanding contributions to sport fishing.  Francois has literally placed Thailand on the fishng map by himself.  Having fished with Francois twice the past few years, I can highly recommend his services.  He knows the waters of Thailand better than anyone alive and has a great personality to boost!  He is a blast to hang around with and can show you all the sites in Bangkok!  Thailand has a wide variety of monster species to choose from and Francois can put together a package which fullfills your dreams.  Check out his site at www.anglingthailand.com or
email Francois at fishasia@ksc.th.com

CONGRATULATIONS FRANCOIS FROM ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS IN THE CHICAGO AREA!!

AMERICAN LEGACY FISHING COMPANY

Looking for a great deal on Shimano rods and reels?  How about Abu Garcia items, PowerPro line, MegaBass lures and a whole lot more?  Check out www.americanlegacyfishing.com   Tom Ashby constantly has unbeatable deals on these items.  If you sign up for his great newsletter, you receive $25 off your first order.  I have known Tom for a few years and his staff is always willing to work with you.  Give them a call at 8774026350
Tom was very generous on my recent trip to Papua New Guinea.  He went beyond all expectations by donating numerous items to the natives of Papua New Guinea where our camp was based!
So, please make sure to check out the American Legacy Fishing Company before you puchase your next fishing item as you will get a great deal!!

PAPUA NEW GUINEA BLACK BASS

Speaking from experience, Papua New Guinea Black Bass are the toughest pound for pound freshwater fish on earth bar none!  These brutes constantly destroy the best of tackle, bend the toughest hooks, open strong spilt rings, burn out locked down drag gears, and break rods to mention a few.  Steve Yatomi of
www.adventuretravelalliance.com hosts groups of fishermen each year into perhaps the most remote area on earth!  Here, natives have never seen modern technology and still live off the land.  You will have a chance to visit a few of these remote villages and even purchase some goods such as bow and arrows, knives, pottery, plus many others.  On my trip I found the people of Papua New Guinea to be very friendly.

Jason Yip of www.pngsportfishing.net is the only outfitter allowed by the locals to fish their waters in remote areas such as the Gulf Coast.  Here PNG bass up to 46lbs have been landed and Jason swears to have seen bass over 60lbs swimming.  There are also bonus monster barramundi to battle with .  These fish make local muskys look like whimps!  The initial strike is unbelieable as I was knocked on my face during my 40lbs PNG bass hit.  These rivers are filled with logjams and snags which the bass use to their advantage.  If you think your a top of the line fishermen, I dare you to battle the PNG black bass!  This past year the popularity has greatly increased with groups such as Yatomi's and mine putting the word out.  Only a few trips as scheduled for 2013, so I highly recommund you get in touch with Steve Yatomi as soon as possible before they are booked.  You can write Steve at zato1@earthlink.net or you can get in touch with me at doradokiller@hotmail.com for more information on this once in a lifetime total experience!

FISHING HALL OF FAMES

The Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is located in Hayward, WI.  It started in the early 1980s with the intention to recognize record freshwater fish plus promote conservation.  The foundation is a giant muskie which I have visited numerous times.  Here, numerous fish mounts, collections of vintage tackle and motors, photos, and other fishing relics are displayed.  Currently the Freshwater Hall of Fame recognizes 81 species for record consideration.

The International Game Fish Association is based in Dania Beach, Florida.  The foundation has a massive collection of record fish mounts, photos, books and other educational items.  IGFA promotes conservation worldwide and maintains records of both freshwater and saltwater species.
 The IGFA has received a bad rap as leaning toward saltwater species in my opinion.  It appears the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame is limited to species found in North America.  There is a great opportunity for the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame to expand Internationally with sought after species such as golden dorado, tigerfish, Nile perch, Papua New Guinea Bass, to name a few.
So, on your next visit to Hayward, please mention to include ALL freshwater species worldwide!!!

GIANT TUBES FOR MONSTER FISH

With the cold weather season, it pays to slow down your retrieve as the metabolism of fish starts to slow.  Often monsters will be lerking in deep water during this time of the season.  Giant tubes can often tempt these monsters into biting.  Monster tubes such as those made by the Red October Bait Company and Lindy Tackle have giant tubes up to 14 inches.  These tubes will resemble a ball of baitfish darting and changing direction when slowly retrieving the lure with constant jerks.  I have landed a few monster golden dorado on the tubes made by Lindy and plan on trying out the Red October lures on my next visit.

Klures Rippers

With the onset of the peacock bass season starting, guys are gathering tackle to land some monsters.  Kermett Adams of www.klures.com without a doubt makes the best topwater choppers on earth.  Nothing is more exciting than having a 20lbs peacock bass explode on your topwater chopper.  Kermett hand makes each lure.  They come in 2 size, the ripper chico which is 6 in, 1.5oz and the ripper grande which is 7in, 1.75oz.  I have a variety of these lures and have landed multiple monster peacock bass and golden dorado on these top of the line choppers.  Make sure to stock up on these soon!  Check them out at

www.klures.com for peacock bass, largemouth bass, and golden dorado lures.

MURCHISON FALLS UGANDA

Murchison Falls is located in Uganda approximately 6 hours drive from Entebbe.  It is located in Murchison Falls National Park.  The falls are a spectacular setting where the river plunges 140 feet through a cleft in the rocks barely 20 feet wide.  It is on the Victoria Nile below Lake Victoria.  Here, some of the largest Nile Perch on earth swim.  Nile Perch are a larger version of the barramundi and have known to exceed 200 pounds.  The IGFA all tackle record is 230 pounds landed in 2000 in Lake Nasser, Egypt.  The Nile Perch are often landed using live bait such as small tigerfish and tilapia.  Depth Raiders and Giant Rapala Shad Raps have also been know to land a few monsters.  This is definately on my radar list and hope to get there soon to battle the giants of the Rift Valley!