Walking into the fishing section can be an intimidating experience, with the wide variety of rods, reels, line, lures and everything in-between how do you know which piece of gear you need to find success? We simplify your tackle shopping experience and highlight what you need to know to maximize your fishing budget and catch the most fish!
Tackle Profiles
Want to see what the tackle boxes for the Lip Ripper Fishing boys look like? We take an in-depth look at what Nick, Mason, and Chris’ tackle boxes look like and what they use each and every day when targeting walleye on the Missouri River, Glacial Lakes, Iowa Great Lakes, and western Nebraska reservoirs!
The emergence of custom rods initially began in the ice fishing industry multiple years ago, in recent years this trend has grown into the open water fishing industry as well. For anglers looking to take their fishing to the next level, custom rods have become a critical component of their presentation. For Lip Ripper Fishing and Propst Professional Anglers, the choice is JB Designs Custom Rods.
The Mack’s Lure Smile Blade is one of the most popular options on the market when it comes to bottom bouncing for walleye. The ability to fish these blades at extremely slow speeds makes them particularly effective throughout the entire season.
The Off Shore Planar Board is a critical component of any trolling presentation. A planar board spreads your baits apart from each other, allows you to cover more water, and keeps your boat organized when trolling crankbaits for walleye.
The Berkley Ripple Shad is one of the most popular soft plastic baits available on the market when it comes to walleye fishing. The bait features an incredible action, vibration, and is a proven fish catcher wherever walleyes swim.
The Rapala Deep Tail Dancer is a fantastic option when it comes to targeting trophy caliber walleye on some of the largest fisheries in the Midwest. The wide wobbling action attracts fish from a distance and can trigger aggressive strikes from the largest fish in the system.
The Walleye Nations Creations Reaper is quite simply put, a trophy walleye magnet. This bait was at the epicenter of the incredible trophy walleye bite on Lake Oahe in the fall of 2023, smashing the state record not once but twice.
The Rapala Shad Rap is a staple of the fishing industry and is one of the most widely known and recognizable baits in all of walleye fishing. This iconic bait works on a wide variety of waters and has been a proven fish catcher for decades.
The Berkley Flicker Shad is one of the most popular and versatile baits on the market. This bait is a staple of the walleye fishing industry, particularly when it comes to trolling crankbaits.
The Salmo Hornet is one of the most unique baits on the walleye market and features a unique profile and action that can draw strikes when other baits cannot. These baits come in smaller sizes, feature unique wobbles, and break the mold of the traditional walleye crankbait.
The Rapala Jigging Rap was one of the first vertical presentations to hit the walleye market, and the bait’s popularity has only increased with the increased usage of front-facing sonar. Whether it’s through the ice or on the boat, the Jigging Rap remains one of the top options when fishing vertically for walleye.
The Rapala Shallow Shad Rap is a favorite among both shore anglers and walleye anglers who enjoy casting crankbaits for walleye. A shallow running version of the original Shad Rap, this bait is perfect for anglers targeting walleye from shore or casting onto shallow structure.
Open Water Fishing Gear
Often lining the aisles of the fishing section of any sporting good stores, there are a wide variety of rods on the market. Understanding how the action, power, length and composition of a rod can impact your technique is critical to success. Find out everything you need to know in Selecting the Right Rod for the Job.
One of the greatest advancements in the fishing tackle industry, there are a wide variety of fishing lines on the market and all of them offer their distinct advantages and disadvantages. Learn all about line in Fishing Line Simplified!
Many anglers have found the benefits of tying their own snells. Whether these snells are used for bottom bouncing, lindy rigging or anything in-between there are numerous benefits. Find out what you need to know about tying your own snells in Snell Tying Basics.
Once you’ve learned the basics of tying your own snells, the sky is the limit when it comes to creating your own rigs. Find out some of Nick’s favorite snells in Advanced Snell Tying.
The Mack’s Lure Smile Blade is one of the most versatile blades in the fishing industry. A favorite of anglers from across the walleye belt, learn how to properly deploy this bait in Fishing the Mack’s Lure Smile Blade.
There are a wide variety of hard baits available on the market. How do you know which one is going to be the best for the type of fishing you are doing? Find out everything you need to know in Know Your Hard Baits!
Many anglers are focused on finding the “hot color.” Does this really have an impact on the number of fish they catch? Explore three case studies and make your decision in Does Color Matter to Walleye?
Often one of the cheapest components of your rig, barrel swivels bring a wide variety of benefits. Find out how to take advantage of this small component and increase your presentation as a whole in The Benefits of Barrel Swivels.
Every time you hit the water it is important to have your gear in peak condition. Many trophy caliber fish have been lost due to poorly prepared gear. Find out how to keep your gear ready for action every day you hit the water in Gear Maintenance: Day to Day!
Ice Fishing Gear
There are a wide variety of rods available in the ice fishing market. From brand name to custom rods, how do you know what the right rod is for your presentation? Find out everything you need to know in Selecting the Right Ice Rod!
One of the biggest challenges ice anglers face is reducing line twist. Unfortunately, many do not recognize this issue and fewer know how to solve this problem. Find out everything you need to know to put more fish on the ice this season in Reducing Line Twist for Increased Ice Success!
The auger market is rapidly changing and new options hit the stores every season. In a short time, two stroke engines are fewer and fewer and electric markets continue to grow each year. Find the perfect auger for you in All About Augers!
One of the fastest growing areas of the ice fishing industry is the clothing anglers hit the water with. Gone are the days of old chore overalls and thick, bulky coats. Find out how to stay warm and stay safe on the ice in Look Good, Feel Good!
Many anglers are looking to maximize their budget and make their dollars result in more fishing gear. Find out how to get the most for your money in Getting the Most Bang For Your Buck!
