Product Buzz
by Tim Huffman
Slab Bites
Slab BitesCrappie fishermen catch fish without using scent, so why use it? A hungry crappie will hit anything, but neutral and negative crappie may need some coaxing. Scent increases the odds a crappie will hit a bait and hold on longer, giving you more time to detect the bite and set the hook.
Crappie Magnet’s Slab Bites are made to attract crappie. They can be put in front of a jig body because they stay in place and last longer than most other soft pellet-type attractants. They’re bigger with a larger surface area. A durable high-vis Slab Bite can be placed on a hook bend of any jig. Also, it can be placed on a hook shank or hook point when fishing a minnow. Made in the USA. Color choices include white, chartreuse or silver glitter. MSRP $2.99
Buck 50th Anniversary 112 Ranger
Buck 50th Anniversary 112 RangerAny sportsman would be proud to receive a knife for Christmas, especially this 2022, Buck 50th Anniversary 112 Ranger commemorating 50 years. It features brass bolsters, a deep clip point blade and a rich genuine ebony wood handle. It looks good and feels good. The clip point is perfect for detail work, punching holes or other chores where a slender, sharp point is needed.
The knife has 420HC Steel for wear resistance and corrosion-resistant chromium stainless steel. Blade length is 3.0 inches, knife closed length 4.25 inches, open 7.25 inches, weight 5.6 oz. and includes a leather sheath, cloth cover, unique anniversary box. MSRP $84.99
Gamma Polyflex Copolymer Fishing Line
Gamma Polyflex Copolymer Fishing LineGamma says, “Catch more fish…Guaranteed.” Your time on the water is too valuable to be compromised by your line’s performance. Owner Dale Black says, “A copolymer is a combination of bases blended together to achieve characteristics in a line you can’t get from a single base.”
Tournament fisherman and CrappieNow publisher says, “I use Gamma line because it is strong and does not fray. I also like its low memory.” It has higher break strength, it casts longer with accuracy, provides a natural presentation, it is supple and abrasion resistant, and has low coil memory. The bottom line is an easy-to-use line that gives the best chance of getting a big fish to the boat or bank. Available in moss green, fluoro blue, ultra-clear and optic yellow panfish. 6- or 8-lb, high-vis Polyflex, 330-yard filler spool, MSRP $9.95
Charlie Brewer Weedless Crappie Sliders
Charlie BrewerNeed to get a jig down into the brush? Crappie Sliders have a special hook and head design to offer Texas-style rigging. The lure can be fished in heavy cover with few hang-ups, yet hook sets are no problem.
Key tips. Use the lightest weight head possible and keep the hook point buried but next to the outside edge of the body. Use four- to six-pound test line and spinning equipment. Also, for more open water, rig the body with a standard exposed-hook jig head. The pack comes with two heads and four bodies, many color choices, MSRP $2.85. A 15-pack of 1.5-inch bodies MSRP $3.65.
Thill Crappie Cork
Thill Crappie CorkThe thrill of seeing a cork disappear never fades away. A cork maintains a set depth so there are fewer hang-ups, baits can be stopped or moved super-slow, and a cork is a great strike indicator.
The Thill Crappie Cork is unique because it features a line-friendly insert designed to grab the bobber stop without the need for a bead. Also, the ideal weight is printed on the float to eliminate the guesswork of picking the right float for the amount weight or the jig being used. It can be used as a slip float or fixed float. This float is convenient and versatile, and good when fishing for any species. It comes in multiple sizes and colors. MSRP $2.49
