ANGLER'S BLOG
Trout Farewell and Toothed Beginnings
Trout Farewell
August marks the end of the trout season in Poland. How quickly it has passed, right? We were just battling January frost and tired spawning fish, and in a few days, we’ll begin counting down to the New Year’s opening. How was this trout season? What did it bring? Slowly, we can attempt a small summary. Especially since the Libra Lures brand can also consider the passing season successful. The premiere of several new models from the flagship Trout Series, such as Fatty D’Worm Tournament, Flex Worm, Larva Multi, and Turbo Worm, reverberated widely in the spinning world. We have received, are receiving, and hope to continue receiving numerous photos of your catches. We’re delighted that with our lures, you’re surpassing your PB’s, catching plenty of fish, and achieving successes even in the highest-ranking competitions.
Classics of this season included surefire hits like Larva, Largo, Dying Worm, Kukolka, and Fatty D’Worm. These latter lures, still being used in the August catches, are not the easiest. Rapidly forming storm cells brought local, intense rainfalls that caused localized rises in water levels in rivers. Such abrupt fluctuations don’t aid in fishing, as fish are constantly “repositioned,” and the post-storm “coffee” is probably not liked by any angler. The last decade of this month will undoubtedly mark farewell trips, not only for us but for many, before the period of trout abstinence.
Toothed Beginnings
The end of the trout season undoubtedly heralds the upcoming autumn. Consequently, many anglers will shift their focus to our “flagship” predators. Enthusiasts of catching catfish, pike, zander, and perch should also reassess the contents of their tackle boxes, as the ongoing season is the time of the premiere of the entire “Bass Series” product line, which, let’s not shy away from this word, is revolutionary in many aspects on our market. Various variations of broadly understood worms allow for the application of dozens of diverse rigs and presentations, and consequently, entice all predators in various, hitherto unknown ways. However, you must remember that the lures of the “Bass Series” are not the only offering directed at catching large predators. You’ve surely seen the “Predator Series” tab on our website, presenting prototypes of our lures and the enigmatic “coming soon.” And that “soon” is closer than you expect! Wait patiently!
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Shore Spin Fishing World Championships – Bulgaria 2023
Libra Lures supports the Polish team
As you saw in the previous report, the Libra Lures brand is heavily involved in promoting and supporting the sport of fishing. This support extends not only to the “Trout Area” format but also to competitions involving wild fish. We support both amateur and professional competitions. On May 13-14, 2023, the world’s best spin anglers representing 17 countries gathered in Devin, Bulgaria, to compete for the title of the best shore spin anglers. Of course, the Polish team was on the starting list, as they have been among the top contenders on the world stage for years, consistently aspiring to medal positions. Proudly wearing the white and red jerseys with the eagle on their chest were: Tomasz Podkul, Piotr Bałda, Marcin Romańczuk, Andrzej Lipiński, Daniel Kowalski, Łukasz Panas, Mateusz Kwieciński, Adam Lewandowski, and Robert Sęp. As you can see, the roster consisted of skilled and experienced competitors who have “caught fish from many waters.” We emphasize with pride that Libra Lures is one of the main sponsors of our national team, and this occasion was no different!
Victory for Bulgaria
The competition spanned two days of fierce rivalry on the picturesque Vacha River, and although our contenders fought until the very end, they secured the least favored fourth place in the final standings. The hosts took the victory, with the Czech and Italian teams following behind. Individually, the Bulgarians also triumphed, claiming the top two spots and leaving the Italian competitor with only a bronze, but the fourth place also went to the hosts. In the individual rankings, the highest-placed Polish angler was Tomasz Podkul, who finished in 7th place. The next positions for our representatives were: Marcin Romańczuk (13th place), Andrzej Lipiński (15th place), and Piotr Bałda (28th place).
World Champion from the Libra Lures team
At this point, we cannot fail to mention the new double (individual and team) World Champion, Todor Kostadinov, representing Bulgaria. Todor is a member of the Bulgarian Libra Lures team, which fills us with immense pride as it clearly shows that we have the best of the best among us! The fact that Todor scored 2 section points and caught a total of 127 fish speaks volumes about his skill and preparation for the competition, leaving his opponents far behind.
Of course, despite the “medal dissatisfaction,” we extend our huge congratulations to our representatives for their fight on the challenging and very specific Bulgarian terrain. At the same time, our national team members have once again proven that they are formidable in any fishing arena. We believe that thanks to them, we will hear the strains of the “Mazurek Dąbrowskiego” (Polish national anthem) many more times in the future!
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Bass Worm Series and the scorching vacation heat
Adapting angling techniques to summer conditions
The vacation period, which usually begins in early July, is, on the one hand, a convenient time to increase the frequency of outings, but on the other hand, the prevailing low water levels and tropical heat discourage predators from feeding. However, it’s worth trying at different, often unconventional times because the warm water still necessitates feeding for our ectothermic friends.
Just as we suffer from the hot weather, predators are often lethargic and unwilling to cooperate with us. That’s when lures come to our aid, allowing for long presentations and a wide range of generated vibrations. Additionally, fish often consume relatively small amounts of food. There is plenty of small prey in the water, so it’s natural for predators to treat them as easily accessible sources of calories.
With changing weather and the overall warming climate, many natural processes are accelerating. As a result, the summer molting of crayfish can occur earlier and earlier.
In these conditions, lures from the Bass Series fit in perfectly. Although each of them is a variation of a “worm” lure, their diverse construction, underwater behavior, and possibilities for rigging allow anglers to adapt to various situations by the water. From classic drop-offs to drop shots and many rigging options popular overseas, such as Texas or Carolina rig.
Set the worm free
It’s worth remembering that all lures, like trout lures, are made from floating material. Anglers should definitely take advantage of this. How? Primarily by using rigging that minimally restricts the movement of the lure. So, let’s not opt for excessively long hooks (most strikes occur from the head side anyway) and, if possible, use offset hooks. Such articulated connections allow the lure to make additional movements independent of the angler. They work great during the “dragging” technique. Fish that chase food near the bottom (e.g., fleeing crayfish) often attack lures that move in small hops near the bottom or even slide along its surface. Not only pikeperch but also zander and, surprisingly to many, even pike feed on crayfish! Simply put, the articulated presentation of a worm will seductively rise above the bottom, attracting fish, while the weight rests on the “floor.” Even the Bass Fat Boy Wacky Worm, presented on the still relatively unpopular “wacky rig” system here, will respond beautifully to each twitch of the rod tip.
The power of seasoning
Let’s not forget that the entire Bass series is not only made from a floating material but also flavored and… salted! No, it’s not a whim or a marketing ploy. Salt, which enhances the attractiveness of lures, has been used in their production for a long time. However, it is a complex process and not easy to achieve, which is why few brands have been able to boast lures with this additive. Libra Lures guarantees quality, innovation, and above-average effectiveness with their lures. And that’s not all, because the Predator series is coming by leaps and bounds… stay tuned.. 😉
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June Fishing
Full range of species
June provides anglers with virtually a full range of species to target. Well, except for bream, which we’ll have to wait another month for. The pressure is divided among anglers pursuing catfish, chub, zander, trout, or pike. Thanks to this, practically everyone can find their spot by the water.
Since the pressure is dispersed, it also applies to trout waters, where crowds of anglers often coexist with crowds of kayakers. Well, the waters are for everyone, and we have to learn to coexist in the same domains without stepping on each other’s toes too much. On hot days, when the river levels are low, the best times are usually mornings and evenings. Although, as usual, there are exceptions to this rule. Regardless of the species you choose, our lures will meet your demands.
Lures and techniques for still waters
When heading to mountainous rivers, it’s worth equipping yourself primarily with lightly armed lures. The water level is low, and there is abundant vegetation in the water, with fish eagerly rising to the surface. Drifting just above the bed of vegetation, a plump morsel will surely be noticed by the predators lurking in the shadows. The water is teeming with food, not only in the form of vertebrates but also with various stages of insect development. There is no shortage of larvae and insects currently undergoing metamorphosis into adult forms. Fish readily take advantage of this “buffet,” attentively observing everything the water carries. For the warmer months, we highly recommend all imitations of nymphs, although we’ll cover “worm-like” lures in the next paragraph 🙂 Since we can also fish for grayling in June, it’s worth adding our smallest models to the tackle box, such as Pro Nymph, Larva, Slight Worm, Largo Slim, or the smallest Kukolka. By presenting these imitations, we can successfully catch “Cardinals” (grayling) or zander, which respond well to small lures presented with a spinning setup.
Reinforcement methods and selection of lures from the Bass Series
Anglers who focus on still waters should definitely consider the entire line of Bass Series products. Although all lures in this series are based on an elongated, slender shape, they differ drastically from each other in terms of the hydroacoustic wave they generate and their intended use for various rigging methods. For the increasingly popular DropShot technique in Poland, larger specimens of Fatty D’Worm or Dying Worm can also be used, making them excellent weapons for perch or zander. Larger counterparts in the Bass Series line will also perform well with this method, but it’s worth venturing into less popular techniques in our country, such as Wacky Rig, Carolina, or Texas Rig. Depending on the circumstances, they can become the proverbial “game changer” on our pressured and heavily fished waters.
Spinning: long days and efficient use of time
June spinning is the time everyone has been waiting for all year. The longest days, a full spectrum of species, and for many, it’s also the time for the first vacations. We have nothing else to do but enjoy the moment and make the most of it as effectively as possible. We are confident that by bringing Libra Lures lures with you, you will leave every fishing spot with triumph and more than a few personal bests.
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Libra Lures Cup 2023
Fishing in a “barrel of fish”?!
Fishing in the “Trout Area” style is one of the fastest-growing branches of our beautiful hobby. Modestly speaking, we can say that our lures have made a significant contribution to this. And since more and more anglers enjoy catching trout, it’s not surprising that the competition segment is also developing rapidly, right in the middle of “fish tanks.” What could be interesting about fishing in a “barrel of fish”? skeptics may ask. We have plenty of arguments! Sports competition, direct contact with opponents, plenty of catches, plot twists, and above all, fair and well-deserved outcomes. Not enough?
Competition Trout Area
As producers of excellent lures, we also support competition because it primarily drives development and motivates constant improvement. The same goes for our “Libra Lures Cup” tournament. With each edition, the participants raise the level of competition, and as organizers, we also make tremendous efforts to meet the challenge. Many anglers believe that our event is already the best Trout Area competition in the country. We will do everything to ensure that everyone shares this opinion 🙂
The course of the competition and its winners
This year’s edition of Libra Lures Cup 2023 took place on May 13th at the “Jeruzal – Poland” Fishery Ranch by the Pond. There were 61 participants from all over Poland at the start! Participants who, in addition to the spirit of competition, always bring lots of smiles and a friendly atmosphere to our events. The competition was planned for 9 rounds, each lasting 20 minutes. The choice of the fishery and its excellent preparation is evident from the fact that a total of 1094 trout were caught! In addition to the fish, sponsors also generously supported our project, providing participants with many valuable prizes. And since we’re talking about prizes, it’s time to announce the top performers of this year’s Libra Lures Cup 2023! And they are:
- Michał Olejnik (27 points, 42 fish)
- Paweł Piecuch (24 points, 36 fish)
- Antoni Babicz (22,5 pkt, 40 fish)
- Marcin Jagoda (22,5 pkt, 27 fish)
- Tomasz Luba (22,5 pkt, 25 fish)
- Dima Kornichevskyi (22 pkt, 30 fish)
Congratulations!
Well done gentlemen! Once again, you have shown that you excel in fishing techniques like few others! Hats off to you! The remaining 55 participants did not back down and fought until the very end of the last round. Congratulations to everyone, praise to the winners, thanks to the sponsors, and see you at the next Trout Area battles, under the banner of Libra Lures!
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Here comes the new! Libra Lures Bass Series.
Brand Libra Lures
The Libra Lures brand has permanently become a part of not only Polish, but also European fishing. Anglers, as evidenced by their results, have rightfully trusted the designers’ vast experience, which translates into the enormous popularity of models such as Larva, Dying Worm, Kukolka, Fatty D’Worm, Largo, Slight Worm, or our newest and already hugely popular Turbo Worm. Thanks to our lures, anglers have charmed many waters, and many hunters have improved their personal records. However, anglers’ expectations and Libra’s creators’ ambitions go much further, after all, man does not live by trout alone. The concept of lures designed for catching other fish species was born a long time ago. However, from the idea to the final product, the path can be long and winding. We must overcome it to deliver proven, refined, and 100% effective baits into the hands of our colleagues. We have just taken one such path. The new line of lures is before you: Bass Series.
Lures Bass Series
The new segment of lures includes four models: “Bass Fat Boy Wacky Worm”, “Bass Crazy Twist Tail Worm”, “Bass Fat Stick Worm”, and “Bass Slim Finesse Worm”. At first glance, they may seem complicated to you, but there is a lot of information about each model hidden in them. As you can see, all lures are “worm” type baits, meaning they have a shape similar to that of a earthworm, but even a layman will notice that they are extremely different from each other. The differences between the mentioned lures are not only in their appearance but also in their purpose, method of use, or armament. The topic is so extensive that each model deserves a separate entry, which will, of course, follow soon. However, to reassure those who are not entirely convinced, because it is challenging to find largemouth bass in our waters, we are rushing to explain. Just as the lures in the “Trout Series” segment find their application in catching many other fish species such as perch, roach, pikeperch, ide, or bream, we guarantee that lures from the “Bass Series” family will work perfectly when catching pike, zander, perch, or catfish.
Bass Crazy Twist Tail Worm
We have chosen this model for you as the first one. Why? Well, it is probably the most “Polish” lure from the entire family, because which spinning angler does not have a twister in their box? Ours is exceptional, however. It is 5.5 inches or 14cm long and made of a specially composed mixture that we called the “Salt Worm Project”. It was created based on a soft but very durable material and, importantly, enriched with salt, which increases the attractiveness and tastiness of our bait. Additionally, the worms are flavored with the scent of a krill. The packaging, in the form of a convenient, string bag, contains eight pieces of bait, and in addition, you have a huge selection of color variants to choose from. The Crazy Twist Tail Worm has a long but narrow body, making the bait not seem big at all and will surely be of interest to fish of all sizes. The tail is relatively large and wide, with an additional thickening on the tip, which will make it stand out from other lures. Thanks to this lure, it “starts” with only a small load and the slowest motion. This bait gives us a huge range of rigging possibilities. You can experiment with various rigs for our lures, ranging from classic jig heads, through wacky, jig rig, drop shot, to Carolina/Texas rig. In areas with lots of cover, it’s worth using an offset hook, which works great in such conditions. The key to rigging long worms is to use relatively short hooks. This way, we will not only achieve the effect of a waving tail, but also a thrilling body. Fish usually attack their prey from the head, so our hookset effectiveness won’t decrease. You can use a small amount of weight on a light trace wire to avoid stiffening the worm’s body, while still maintaining a natural movement in the water.
Perfect for the first weekend in May
With the long, May weekend coming up, many of you will surely be going after pike. It’s worth serving them something new, unknown, and unconventional. The Bass Crazy Twist Tail Worm doesn’t require specialized tackle. Each of us will find a universal rod that will work perfectly with our new bait. With the scent of krill, added salt, a soft, buoyant mixture, and a thrilling body movement, you’ll find all of these in one lure! We wish you tight lines and look forward to seeing your photos with your May catch!
