The process of developing Bushido blanks continues. It was a collaboration of fishermen, rod builders and blank engineers beginning the quest for the Bushido freshwater and inshore blanks. Combining the desired specifications to new materials and practical manufacturing takes time to perfect. Each round of samples produced must graduate an exacting series of evaluations. Their weights, tip/butt target sizes, as well as applicable action deflections are critiqued and refined every step of the way. Most of the process is done in-house however, once prototyped, many models are built and fished for final approval and we seem to have a lot of volunteers for that part of the process! Look for the Freshwater & Inshore Bushido’s to arrive in Mid-2012.

Here’s a close-up of one of the Bushido Nano Super Composite Offshore Jigging & Popping blanks:

Bushido Offshore Jigging / Popping Blank

And here’s the info we’ve been waiting to see … from the American Tackle website:

COMING IN MID 2012 … Bushido Inshore & Freshwater blanks. Focusing on extreme durability and performance by matching advanced technology in material and design to newly refined actions and lengths in spinning and casting models. Born for perfect bait presentations, instant reaction timing and the strength to get the job done.

• High Strain Japanese carbon fibers
• Increased material recovery
• Increased sensitivity
• Advanced resin systems
• Multi-pattern material designs rolled under high pressure
• Refined-Purpose actions & lengths
• Comprehensive application specific model selection
• Stealthy durable “Black Satin” finish

Tight lines!

- Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

As you can see from the images above, the tube that the rod was shipped in withstood the poor handling of an “UNNAMED” shipping system.  Aside from the fact that we ship with FEDEX (who does a fantastic job), we ship our rods in specially fabricated tubes that are designed for our custom fishing rods and that can withstand even the harshest of shipping (in this case … Holiday shipping) conditions to include, bending, warping, crunching, punctures, exposure to the elements, and best of all … conveyer belt damage.  The good news is when we received the tube and removed the Cajun Custom Rod … everything was where it was supposed to be … no breaks, bends, dings, or cracks … the fishing rod arrived as originally intended .. .even with the best efforts of “UNNAMED” shipper to damage the rod.  I cannot say the same for the tube … which though completely wrecked … served its purpose faithfully … to protect its Cajun Custom Rod!

So, the simple point that we’re making in the above comments and pictures: when you want a fishing rod that performs right the first time, every time, and is hands down the very best rod that your hard-earned money can purchase … why not go to the folks that care … the folks that always got the extra mile for their customers … and the folks that build custom fishing rods the way they were meant to be … perfect in every little detail?  Here at CAJUN CUSTOM RODS, our custom fishing rods are always ready for whatever you can throw at them … to include our rod shipping process

Happy Holidays, Tight Lines, and Take A Kid Fishing!

- Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

On the July 1, the sun was shining with the occasional pocket of clouds and a light breeze (3-5 knots) out of the southwest … just enough to put a ripple on the water in the middle of the reservoir – still water around bends that were out of the wind.  Water temp throughout the reservoir held between 79-80 degrees, water clarity was an easy 4-5 feet on the main lake (1-2 feet in the back channels and fingers of the lake), air temp was 92 degrees … all excellent conditions for a great afternoon/evening of fishing.

No sooner had we dropped the boat and began to round the first bend to the northwest of the lake (from the dock) … our own fireworks began … the fish were hammering our lures.  Jack threw a pearl-white-iridescent Bomber crankbait that ran 6-8 feet and I was throwing a KVD sexy sunfish pattern crankbait that ran 3-5 feet.  We couldn’t keep the fish off the lines!  At Elwood, there is an abundance of good to great fish to include: Northern Pike (a lot of these from small to 30+ inches), Largemouth Bass (fair to good numbers in the 12-18 inch range with a few nice 20+ inchers), Yellow Perch (fair numbers in the 9-10 inch range), Walleye (folks we spoke with were catching them 15-18 inches pretty good … we never hooked into one though), Wipers (huge schools of big wipers in the 15-18 inch with a few monsters embedded), Muskie (we didn’t land any but saw a few 30+ inch fish destroy baitfish while fishing), and of course … the ominous Nebraska Catfish (we didn’t catch any).   We wrapped up the day around 10:30 PM that night and headed for the motel to get some rest … it had been a great day and we wanted to be sure we were prepped for the following day … with enough energy to do it again!

Below are a few more pictures of some of the larger fish we managed over the course of the day and evening while fishing Elwood Reservoir, just south of lexington, Nebraska:

Elwood Reservoir "Big" Largemouth Bass

Elwood Reservoir Northern Pike

Elwood Reservoir Wiper (White Bass)

Now that the Nebraska warm summer weather is here for awhile, there will be plenty of days and evenings to catch a few fond “fishing” memories of your own.  So when you get the chance, head out into the wild, find a lake, pond, stream, or river and take part in the Nebraska summer fish bite!  Remember to be safe, take a kid fishing, and tight lines!

Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

Phone: 904-738-0301

Email: info@cajuncustomrods.com

“On May 18th, I received my first handcrafted rod from Cajun Custom Rods.  It is a CCR Premier Series rod, model CB 704-1.  This rod is amazing in everyway.  The workmanship that went into this finished product is second to none.  if you are looking to upgrade your rods and improve your fishing, then you have got to go into their “Build Your Rod” page and design your custom built fishing rod today!

On May 14th, I finished 3rd in the McKinley Bassmasters tournament at a flooded Berlin Reservoir.  The spawning fish were finicky and tough to hook up with, so I was happy to escape with a decent finish there.  My fish were caught on a 3/8 oz camo colored Black Dog flipping jig and a spinnerbait.”

Cajun Custom Rods continues to support Tim’s “Fish-A-Thon” and his chosen cause to beat Parkinson’s Disease … thank you for the awesome opportunity to help make a difference. We here at CCR, challenge our faithful customers to make the same commitment … place a donation towards the fish that Tim hauls in beginning in May 2011. To do so … just click on the link below to contact Tim Directly:

Contact Tim by clicking on this link: Contact Tim

Tim’s schedule for the remaining tournaments in the 2011 bass-fishing season are viewable via www.timclarkjr.com.  Tim’s schedule for June will be:

06/04     BASSMASTER WEEKEND SERIES         OHIO RIVER

06/12      OHIO BASS FEDERATION NATION      EAST FORK

06/18      BASSMASTER WEEKEND SERIES         CHAUTAUQUA LAKE

06/25      McKINLEY BASSMASTERS                       W. BRANCH RESERVOIR

We’ll keep everyone posted and keep up the success as you fish on in the 2011 bass tournament season! West winds, tight lines, and take a kid fishing!

Jaesen Yerger – Cajun Custom Rods

Skylar Hamilton - Southern Open Day Two Weigh-In

We recently spoke with Skylar and here’s what our Cajun Custom Rods Pro Angler had to say:

“The field was full of Pro and Amateur Bass Anglers as I looked around at the other boats on day one … many of them are anglers that I grew up with … in admiration of one day being like them. The overall experience was amazing, but to find myself beating out many of those same top competitors on the circuit … and as a newcomer [and more than half the age of most] was truly an experience that I will never forget. I set my goals high, to finish top 25, and I did just that! Next year, I’m looking to fish throughout the circuit and qualify for the Elite Series … I know I can do it! “

Skylar caught over 60 bass in the two days of the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open #3, and he landed those fish on his handcrafted Cajun Custom Rods – each that he personally designed on MHX blanks (see his rod photos here). Skylar said he threw a jig and a worm setup on his custom “Mop Jig” rod and leveraged his CCR “Crankin’ Rod” anytime the conditions presented that opportunity.

“There’s no doubt, I am sure thankful for the sensitivity of the Cajun Custom Rods I fished as they helped me navigate multiple ‘soft-bite’ bass that I wouldn’t have caught on any other rod … and not just feel them, but let me set the hook on each and every one of those fish and put em’ in the boat! When the stakes are high and the pressure cooker is on ‘full blast’ … especially in these type of tournaments, you definitely want a fishing rod you can always count on … and CCR provided me just that … a winner every time … !”

We here at CCR are super proud of Skylar, and simply honored to be a contributor to this young man’s success.  He’s the right kind of “people” folks want to associate with … polite, humble, respectful, and a good sportsman … no matter the situation (not to mention the fact that Skylar is already setting the bass tournament world on fire at 16 years young).

“Keep up the pressure Skylar … we’ll always have your back  and know you got what it takes kiddo!”

For the rest of the bass-angling world … “Look out … this kids got a bright future and is certain to keep the ‘old pros’ on their toes as he continues his ‘hole-shot’ to the Winner’s Stand!”

Jaesen Yerger – Cajun Custom Rods

The air temperature was a balmy 48-52 degrees throughout the day, cooling off into the evening.  Late morning and early afternoon provided broken to mostly cloudy skies with winds out of the north to northeast at 10-15 knots.  As the day wore on, drizzle and light rain showers persisted and the winds peaked at 20+ knots with gusts up to 25 knots by approximately 4:00 PM.  Needless to say, the water was muddy with extremely limited visibility on the main lake where the wind ripped down the north to south corridor.  We figured, with the water clarity being what it was and the winds not cooperating, we’d work a pattern in the eastern and western coves with light colored lures and baits.  The coves had water clarity that was a little better with anywhere from 1-4 feet of visibility – so things were improving.

We began fishing the northeastern-most cove – I was casting a 3/4 ounce all-white colored Booyah (with extended white tail skirts) spinnerbait and my partner began with a Rapala red/green/bronze shad rap.  Initially we worked outside cover to include stand0ups, timber, and brush piles simply because we could see the fish holding in the vicinity of those structures.  Little did we know that most of the fish we were seeing were crappie … but more on that later.  With no luck within the first half hour, we shifted our pattern to the leeward side of the bank (out of the wind) and threw the same baits to similar structure either on the bank or within a few feet of the bank.  Voila!  I landed the first fish of the day and soon after another two … all three fish in the 2-2 1/2 pound size.  It didn’t take another fish for my partner to tie on his version of white spinnerbait and he too caught several bass in the relatively the same size.

Cajun Custom Rods - Lake Mozingo Bass

All of the bass to this point were males and a few had “red-tail-rubs” from building beds.  Now remember, the first few days of the previous week were absolutely gorgeous in the region … 90+ degrees, little to no wind … and full moon a-coming … the iron was right for spawn and hot bass bite.  However, the last few days of the week brought 40-60 degree temps, several rain days, and lots of wind.  The way we were reading the signs based on what we knew and were seeing (i.e., no beds due to water clarity)  was that the spawn was all set until the weather moved in because the male bass showed signs that they were hollowing out their beds.  Then, when the weather moved in, those same fish moved into cover and deeper water … holding out until more favorable conditions.

Around noon, I cast my spinnerbait to a timber laydown and “swoosh!”  A good size fish sucked in the lure … fight’s on!  A few seconds later and a good run under the bow of the boat, I had a nice 4 pounder … again a male with “rub” marks from bedding.  Again, no females to be found.  We landed a few more smaller bass and then decided to shift as winds were shifting as well … now from the northwest.  So we headed to the next cove across the lake and continued the same pattern on the other side of the lake with about the same success … a few bass here and there … but no real numbers or definitive size.

Cajun Custom Rods - Lake Mozingo Bass (spawn rub marks)

We spoke with a few other anglers on the lake and they were having about the same luck … a few bass here and there.  However, a couple of oats we spoke with were catching fish on pretty much anything they threw, just no size and about as many fish as we were landing.  We stuck to our pattern throughout the afternoon and ended up catching approximately 15 or so largemouth – the largest being the 4-pounder mentioned above.

Around 5:00 PM, we switched out and began to throw all white, skirt-tailed 1/8 ounce jigs for crappie.  My partner used a Cajun Custom Rod for spinning and I used a similar custom rod  set-up designed on the CCR “Build your Rod” area, except loaded with a Quantum Smoke casting real and the right custom casting rod for the job.  What we soon learned is that the crappie bite on lake Mozingo is “on fire!”  We fished approximately 10-20 feet off the banks and in the coves, in approximately 6-15 feet of water with those crappie jigs.  We fished them real slow … with a cast, a 3-5 second count pending water depth, and then a slow retrieve … keeping the jigs deep and steady with little to no bounce or jerk.  “Hammered” the crappie is an understatement as we probably landed anywhere between 80-100 white and black crappie for the next 2.5 hours.  All in all, we ended up keeping some of the larger ones (now cleaned and ready for a fish fry).

No bass were kept, all released safe back to lake Mozingo.  40 crappie were kept, all approximately 14-15 inches.  Our day on Mozingo was pretty good when it comes to fishing a new lake that we have never fished and definitely a lake that we’ll return to another day.  We got out and took a break, and despite the weather, stayed safe and had a blast!

Remember, if you prepare for the worst (wind, rain, cold, heat) … then you’ll always be ready and your fishing trip will be that much more enjoyable and you’ll always have “piece of mind” that you’ll get home to your loved ones safely.  Had conditions been forecast more favorable, we would have taken my boys with us … and I know they would have had a fun day catching crappie … next time for sure.  So whenever you can, keep the young ones in mind for your next fishing adventure … but when you do, be certain to be prepared as you never know what “old man weather” will send your way when you’re on the water.  Fish hard, boat safe, and take a kid fishing!

Tight lines and God Bless – Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

Skylar Hamilton - Kids Hooked on Fish!

“The day’s events were held in Morristown, TN at the Wallace Hardware Pond. There were 375 kids that showed and the event was aired on local television networks as well as the Christian Angler Outdoors TV show. I provided tips on fishing with kids and Anglers for Christ Ministries put the event on, led by Mr. Tony Sellars.

Another Smile for a First Fish - Nice Work Skylar!

The kids had a great time, and I’m glad I was there to experience a few ‘first fish’ for the young ones. Nothing like seeing a kid catch their first fish! For many kids, it could have been the first, and sadly maybe the last time they will ever go fishing, and I am glad I was able to be a part of it. It truly was a great experience!”

“Keep up the great work Skylar and we believe just what you’re practicing … take a child fishing and they’ll be hooked for life! ” – JaesenYerger, Cajun Custom Rods

Profile – Mr. Bill Bostic:

Bill is a customer and recent addition to the Cajun Custom Rods Pro Staff line-up (2011). Bill has owned Charger, Champion, War Eagle and now Phoenix bass boats.  Bill fishes many Missouri area lakes and rivers, Mark Twain, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Reservoir and Table Rock, to name a few. Bill fishes Bass World Sports tournament  circuits, as well as other charity events every year. When not competing in Bass tournaments, Bill likes to crappie fish throughout the winter months, primarily at Lake of the Ozarks.

Mr. Bill Bostic - Cajun Custom Rods

Bill’s Crankbait rod specifics are:

Fishing Rod Style: Traditional Casting Rod Layout / Crankbait

Rod Blank: 7 ft  / MHX L-842 / Medium Power / Moderate Fast Action / 8-15 lb line weight / 3/8-1 1/4 oz lure weight / Slate Finish

Guides: American Tackle / NBRLMG Micro Guides with NBRLC Stripping & Taper Guides / Stainless Steel / Black Finish

Rod Tip: American Tackle NBRLMT Micro guide tip (braced) / Stainless Steel / Black finish

Reel Seat: American Tackle  / Comfort Finish blank-thru casting style / Black Hoods

Handle System: Super Grade Premium Portuguese Cork / Full Grip with Super Grade Premium Foregrip / Black EVA Butt cap

Thread Colors: Dark Blue / Black

Fresh fishing report from Mr. Bostic below (to include a few “lunker bass” pictures):

” [Below are] a couple of pics from today, 5/11/11.  Mark Twain lake, about 110 miles Northwest of St.Louis, Mo.  Getting ready for a tourney this weekend and the crankbait bite was working, to say the least.  One photo is with a 7 pounder, the other is 4+ pounds. I actually caught 3 today in the 4 – 7 pound range, all on my CCR cranking stick!  Awesome! The feel and handling of this rod is second to none! ”

"Lunker" Largemouth - Mr. Bill Bostic (Cajun Custom Rods)

"Lunker" Largemouth #2 - Mr. Bill Bostic (Cajun Custom Rods)

“Thank you for the update and good luck in the upcoming bass fishing tournament Bill!  The pictures are fantastic and the bass, well, we’re simply thrilled to see your Cajun Custom Rod landing those “lunkers” – catching makes fishing fun!”

- Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

Cajun Custom Rods - Fremont SRA Lake 2 Largemouth

Over the last few weeks, the CCR crew has taken a few outings on the weekends to try our luck on the local bass population.  Weather has been back and forth between rain, sun, clouds, warm afternoons, cold mornings and nights, and wind … yep, we’ve simply been running the entire gamut with old man weather over the last few weeks of May and early April 2011.  However, based on what we’ve been throwing at the bass and how the bite has been improving I am certain that the spring spawn in Nebraska is going to light off hot and fast in the very near future … most likely with the full moon on or about 15 May.

Water clarity has been tea/coffee-stained when the wind is blowing, but overall most of the local lakes in the vicinity of Omaha, Nebraska have been fairly clear and a few have had excellent water clarity with visibility as far as 10-25 feet.  Fremont Lakes SRA (lake 20) is where we’ve been having the best success with 1-2.5 pound bass, but we’ve managed a few bass on our custom fishing rods in some of the older lakes in the Fremont Lake compound, to include a few nice 4-5 pounders in the older lakes (lakes 2 & 3).

So what are we casting to those local bass in Fremont to entice them for a free boat ride?  Good thing you ask, because just like our rods at CCR … we have no secrets and are willing to share the info with you to ensure you have the best fishing experience you can.  Work the banks in tight with jerk baits (red, gold, opaque white, or rust colors) or shad raps in 2 to 8 feet of water both out from the bank or parallel/diagonal from the bank.  Fish slow!  I cannot stress this enough … be patient .. the bass are there and they’re getting hungrier by the day.  The vast majority of our bites have felt like a tug, or as if you’re pulling a wet rag through the water.  When you feel that, load up and swing away … because it will take a good hook set to ensure the bass are caught … they’re somewhat finicky and soft on the bite (most likely due to the colder water temps which are averaging from 53 degrees in late May to the now balmy 56 degrees we saw last weekend).

Additionally, we’ve been throwing spinner baits (small to medium sizes in the 1/4 to 3/8 ounce weights) with the key being presentation and color.  We’re flipping when in tight to the banks and casting soft, “no splash” drops when off the points and on clear or sandy banks.  The fish are scattered right now with bass being caught in the 6-8 foot range (coming up and taking the bait) as well s coming off the banks in and around any cover, lie-downs, or timber that the environment presents.  We’re not quite slow rolling, but we certainly aren’t burning the baits … a nice steady retrieve on a 6:3:1 or slower reel seems to be doing the trick.  below are a few picks of the guys and some of their landed fish.

Jack's 1st Bass of 2011

Jack and Jon - Bass Fishing 2011

Cajun Custom Rods - Custom Fishing Rods Built to Catch Bass!

So, as you can see … the bite continues to warm with the weather.  So far, we haven’t seen any nests to include a lack of fish with any spawn rub or wear marks.  However, the fish are moving up and beginning to stage in the shallower water.  From what I know of fishing the largemouth spawn all over the U.S., I believe the “magic” combination is going to be a full may moon, stable weather in the 55-70 degree range during the days to heat up water temps to around 60 degrees and then “Booyah! The spawn is on!”

As we all hold our breath for that moment, remember, any fish caught off beds should be returned to the water ensure that the populations are continued and that we all have a few fish to catch out there … especially for the youngsters.  if you haven’t practiced C.P.R. – then let me tell you how easy it is in just a few simple words:  Catch.  Photograph. Release.  The more CPAR practiced out there the brighter our fishing is certain to be in the future.  Remember, boat safe, fish hard, practice C.P.R. and whenever you can … take a kid fishing!

Tight lines and we’ll see you on the water!

Jaesen Yerger, Cajun Custom Rods

Fishing Rod Style: Traditional Casting Rod Layout

Rod Blank: 7 ft  / MHX MB-843 / Medium Heavy Power / Fast Action / 10-17 lb line weight / 3/16-3/4 oz lure weight / Slate Finish

Guides: American Tackle / NCRLMG Micro Guides with NCRLC Stripping & Taper Guides / Stainless Steel / Chrome Finish

Rod Tip: American Tackle NCRLMT Micro guide tip (braced) / Stainless Steel / Chrome finish

Reel Seat: Pacific Bay Minima  / Skeleton casting style / Silver Hoods

Handle System: Super Grade Premium Portuguese Cork / Split Grip / No Foregrip

Thread Colors: Metallic Red / White / Metallic Blue

Decals: Holographic  “Made In The USA” Silhouette Fish Decal / Custom Text Decal

Cajun Custom Rods - "Skylar Hamilton Pro Series"

“I love this rod!  It’s lighter than any other rod I own and have a hard time switching to my other rods!  My new Cajun Custom Rod looks fantastic and when it comes to rod performance … well, let’s just say there’s nothing like fishing a rod that you design for your own fishing technique and style … a rod that is handcrafted, tuned, and balanced for you!  Thanks CCR!”

- Skylar Hamilton; Big Stone Gap, Virginia