El Grande Lures...There Really is a Difference in Soft Plastics!

Several years ago I stumbled across a company in California hand pouring giant worms and lizards primarily for those fishing the Delta and the other giant bass lakes of “The Golden State.” I ordered some for a trip to Mexico. Long story short…we caught several bass on that trip to El Salto but no real giants. The Grande plastics occupied space in my Mexico plastics bag for the next few years and I all but forgot about them.

That is until one late afternoon on Lake Huites when I had scrounged up my very last chewed up lizard from the bottom of the boat. The silly thing wouldn’t even stay on the hook. I was out of lizards and the lizard bite was still going strong.

After digging through the bag for something else I found a dozen of those giant lizards…I’m talking 11” with the ribbon tail fully extended. I won’t even begin to tell you about the fish we finished up with that day on Huites…several toads and a giant or two were in the mix. But the last of the giant lizards were gone. I returned home and quickly attempted to contact the company to order more, but unfortunately, nada…not a one was available…in fact, the company and the moulds were long gone. I kinda’ forgot about the grande lizards.

Then a few years ago I heard about this guy named Jay Schurz over in Indiana hand pouring plastics of giant purportions. He was reported to be a South of the Border fin’atic like myself and had entered the plastics market place with a product called El Grande Lures. Designed originally for the Mexican bass addicts his product line was catching a following all across the US as well.

Well, I’ve now found some giant worms, stick baits and lizards once again. I won’t go into the product line. I’ll leave that up to you. You can follow the link here and visit the El Grande web site and see for yourself what I’m talking about.

I will say this, I’ve now had the opportunity to extensively “field test” the product on Lake Huites, Mexico. The fish love the Pepper Sticks and we have some destination specific colors that they seem to prefer the most. The product line is growing and there are several new releases...one is the Gila Monster, an 8-3/4” lizard that is sure to be just the ticket for the giants of Huites. The El Grande Hatch Match Stick is in a class all of its own. Then there is the El Grande Tube and the Sapo Frog. All available in proven color combinations. You will simply need to get some and experience the difference for yourself. Obviously, Lake Huites would be the best place to conduct your own “field test.”

So check out El Grande Lures for yourself and see why “Size Really Does Matter!” Then check back here at the FTA Blog often as we bring you more "Excellence in Outfitting" products.

Sportfishing Industry "Gets in on the Action" with ICAST 2010

World's largest sportfishing trade show returns to Las Vegas, July 14-16

Watch for our fishing the Americas "Excellence in Outfitting" reports from the floor on the FTA Blog, Facebook and Twitter throughout the show.

In two short weeks, the global sportfishing industry will head to Las Vegas for the 53rd International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades. Better known as ICAST, the industry trade show will once again be the center of the sportfishing world from July 14-16, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The ICAST 2010 show floor will once again be full with over 400 exhibitors occupying more than 400,000 square feet of the convention center.

Produced by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the sportfishing industry's trade association, ICAST annually brings more than 7,000 members of the global sportfishing industry together helping to drive sportfishing companies' product sales year round. ICAST is also one of the association's most recognized member services providing a once-a-year business opportunity for the global sportfishing industry. It's an opportunity for members of the sportfishing industry to meet and develop relationships with manufacturers, media, state and federal agency leaders and ASA staff and members.

"ICAST is the place where the sportfishing industry comes together to do business. It's a powerful venue for exhibitors and attendees alike," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "We are very excited about the way the show is shaping up. I'm happy to report that booth sales and registration are tracking ahead of last year at this time. With the show floor maxed out, our ICAST team is pushing hard in every aspect of the show planning to ensure that exhibitors and attendees alike have the best experience possible. ICAST 2009, held in Orlando, Fla. for the first time in 10 years, was rated an outstanding success by both exhibitors and attendees. Our goal is to ensure that 2010 is even better."

Nearly 7,400 people representing 63 countries attended ICAST 2009 which spanned 400,000 square feet of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.

"Our exhibitor and attendee registration numbers have proven that ICAST is the place to be for the sportfishing industry," Nussman said. "There is no place like ICAST to conduct business and we look forward to ICAST 2010 continuing this great tradition."

ICAST is the only place where buyers and media can: see sportfishing manufacturers' entire product lines; save money and time by taking advantage of ICAST-only product specials offered by over 100 exhibitors; attend business-related seminars ; network with a veritable "who's who" in the sportfishing industry; and help shape the future consumer market by voting for the "Best of Show" awards in 17 product categories, as well as the coveted overall "Best of Show" award in the New Product Showcase.

There is no doubt that the single most important feature for exhibitors and attendees is the New Product Showcase, ICAST's flagship feature. The Showcase offers exhibitors, buyers and media representatives a special opportunity to debut and preview hundreds of the next season's innovations in fishing gear and accessories. Buyers and credentialed media will evaluate each new product and vote for them based on their innovation, execution, workmanship and practicality. The New Product Showcase winners will be announced during the Chairman's Industry Awards Reception on Wednesday evening, July 14. This year, the Showcase voting hours, which begins Tuesday, July 13 at 5;30 p.m. during the Showcase preview reception, have been extended to 3:00 p.m., on July 14.


Fishing the Americas Media Editorial will be at the New Products Showcase and reporting to you throughout ICAST from the floor. Watch for our "Excellence in Outfitting" updates on the FTA Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Here's One Outstanding Boat Shoe from H. S. Trask

I've been wearing the Trask brand for several years now. Comfort and quality can't be beat! And here's a deal that can't be beat...a premium boat shoe that retails for $169.99 on sale at Cabela's for $99.99. And if you hurry, FREE shipping is available through July 6th.

Constructed of rugged, water-resistant bison leather, these long-wearing classics will stand up to season-after-season of wear on the boat and the shore. Plus, this amazing leather molds to your feet while delivering durability and a look that just gets better with age. H.S. Trask's exclusive structured-comfort insoles and EVA midsoles provide all-day supportive cushioning. Siped outsoles give the grip needed to move around safely on wet boat decks and docks. Brass drainage ports help keep the insides dry and fresh.

It's just a great boat shoe! Check it out: