Fisherman-Friendly Packaging

Informative packaging from Sebile's new Action First series.

The package instructions said to wait for all the rings to disappear after my new black Hula Popper landed on the water, so that was exactly what I did, and then I waited several seconds before I popped the lure again. That technique stretched the patience of a 10-year-old boy, but the result was my first bass caught on a topwater lure, plus many others on subsequent trips.

Any time I got a new lure as a boy, step No. 1 was to read every word printed on or tucked inside the package. I wanted to know what situations it was designed for, how it was different from my other lures, how the manufacturer suggested working it and any tips that were offered. I still sometimes use the Rapala Loop Knot that I learned from packaging instructions.

Sadly (from my perspective), information printed on most lure packages is far less instructional in nature than once was the case. Primary packaging space largely gets used for sales pitches, legal disclaimers and extra language translations, and things like inserts or added flaps are generally seen as only adding cost. Some lures do still contain instructions, but most are extremely brief and more generic than once was commonly the case, and it's not uncommon for a company to use the same couple of tips for numerous lures.

Because I do like the old way, the packaging being used for Sebile's new Action First series of lures caught my attention. Each lure in the series was created for a specific primary task, and that task is explained through illustrated tips on an peripheral packaging flap. The tips aren't long, but they are specific to each lure, as is a breakdown of features on each lure's package.

I typically need to play with a new lure at the lake to find the applications that work best for me, and at times my favorite applications probably are different from anything the lure designer had in mind. That said, I like know why a lure was created, and I think that many anglers who buy lures value a bit of instruction to help get them started with their new purchase. I think the new Sebile packaging is cool, and I hope it's a step back in the direction of more information for lure companies.

Oldest & Youngest in Forrest Wood Cup

Jimmy Houston

While looking over details about the Forrest Wood Cup, I couldn't help but notice that two of the anglers I'd most like to see enjoy success in this year's championship stand out as the oldest and youngest in the professional field. Jimmy Houston, 69, is the oldest. Jacob Wheeler, 23, is the youngest.

I can't deny that I'm pulling for Jimmy Houston above anyone else in the field. I started watching him catch bass and hearing that giggle when I was 12 years old, and his show undoubtedly played a part in my career choice, along with providing valuable early fishing lessons. I appreciate his work ethic, his smile, his love for his wife and most of all his eagerness to share God's love. Working with Jimmy on photos or a story is always a delight.

I'm also very impressed by Jimmy's place in the FLW Angler of the Year standings that earned him qualification, given the frantic schedule he runs, and I'd love to see him excel in the Cup -- which he might. Jimmy may be the most accurate and efficient caster I've ever been in the boat with, and he brings an extraordinary knowledge of bass behavior. He's also a spinnerbait specialist, and the Red River lends itself mighty nicely to tying on a BOOYAH spinnerbait and working it through a lot of thick stuff.

Jacob Wheeler - FLW Photo

I won't claim to know Rapala pro Jacob Wheeler, last year's FWC champion, very well. In fact, I met him in person for the first time last month at the ICAST show in Las Vegas. I've interviewed him for stories a few times, however, and can say that he's among the best in the business at helping with stories. He's quick to return calls and thorough with answers and seems to have a knack  for explaining why he does what he does. His helpfulness as a story source, similar to his fishing success, defies his young age and limited years as a pro. Jacob also has been a grand champion and would serve FLW well were he to bring it up another notch and become the first FWC champ to successfully defend the title and bring home another Cup.

Ice Gear in Orlando?

Folks don't set up ice-fishing shelters in Florida during January, let alone July, but the shelters will be going up tomorrow. At the same time everything from ice lures to augers will being coming out of their packaging. Orlando is the host city of the International Convention of Allied Sport Fishing Trades (ICAST), and all segments of the sportfishing industry -- including ice-fishing -- will be represented at the show.

One new name in the ice world at this year's ICAST show will be Ice Force, which is not a new brand but instead a new marketing alliance of several classic ice brands. Otter, Strike Master, Mora Ice, MarCum, Rapala, VMC and Sufix together make up Ice Force. Collectively, these brands offer ice-fishing shelters, augers, electronics, lures, hooks, line and more.

You can bet these brands will break out some new stuff that will have northern anglers seriously longing for colder days. One I've heard about is an ice-specific version of Sufix 832, a high-performance superline.

Set-up for the three-day show begins tomorrow. ICAST activities begin with a New Products Showcase preview reception Tuesday night. The show runs Wednesday through Friday, so look for lots of buzz about new fishing stuff.