Author Archives: Willie Luker

About Willie Luker

Willie is a native Alabamian who is proficient in a number of freshwater species but is especially fond of catching big largemouth bass! He is also a Certified Master Angler, has written about fishing for a local paper, has in the past been a contributor to FishBrain, and is currently lending his talents to Reel Adventure Fishing - your source for everything fishing.

How to Adapt Big Water Tactics to Small Currents for Big Results

In fishing, as in life in general, we can sometimes take something that works in one situation and through small adjustments or adaptations, make it work in another. Fishermen have always been some of the best innovators anyway and this post is about taking what we already have and adapting it to a slightly different environment to catch fish. It’s fun and rewarding. Many of us grew up fishing small baits in creeks, waiting patiently for bluegills or catfish to… Read More »

Fishing Line for Dummies

Understanding the 3 Common Types of Fishing Line and How to Use Them There are few pieces of tackle more important or more debated among anglers than fishing line. Fishing Line comes in many strengths, colors, and forms, which can be applied in many different situations with varying degrees of success. To the new angler or the old salt used to throwing Zebco monofilament line exclusively, the options can be dizzying and can lead to poor investments being made. In… Read More »

7 Go-To Tackle Box Essentials for More Bass

Lighten Your Load & Catch More Fish with These 7 Tackle Box Essentials Different situations call for drastically different baits. This can cause problems for anglers working on a budget, or anglers severely lacking in storage space. Personally, I carry 5 tackle boxes, and I still come up short when it comes to bait. However, if I was told I could only carry one tackle box, I feel like I know what I would need. The assortment, of course, varies… Read More »

Finesse Fishing for Bass: Mastering the Art of Subtlety

What Is Finesse Fishing… How’s It Done? Finesse fishing is a curious, tried and true way of fishing for bass. Normal bass fishing often relies on a strong presence, whether it’s a rattling crankbait or a thumping spinner blade. However, these fish oftentimes choose to ignore the brash entry of an intruder and instead key in on subtle movements of easier prey. By observing this behavior, you can tweak your method of angling to be much more productive. When finessing bass,… Read More »

Fishing for Catfish: Targeting the Elusive Bottom Dweller

Article by Willie Luker Fishing for catfish in a freshwater environment provides its own unique challenges, despite what pictures of laden stringers might tell you. As a bass angler first and foremost, I struggled for a good amount of time trying to pattern these elusive mudfish and spent many a summer night enticed only by the sound of my lighter flicking to life. It’s possible to sit for hours, craving the squeal of a well-tuned drag, only to be disappointed… Read More »

Capitalizing on Post-Rain Fishing Opportunities

Article by Will Luker The Fishing Is Really Good After the Rain! After an intense downpour in Alabama, the waters get murky, milky, and turbid. These conditions represent a significant challenge for the casual angler, to the point that they often turn anglers away! However, I’m here to honestly admit that fishing after heavy rain often represents one of my favorite times to probe the depths. With enough experience, and a helpful nudge or two in the right direction, you,… Read More »

An In-depth Guide to Bass Fishing for Beginners (and Everyone Else)

Bass (largemouth) fishing can be a deceptively difficult hobby to get into. Due to most having begun their experience at an early age, it can be hard to work your way into the loop as a late bloomer. I, personally, grew up in some of the best bass fishing turf in the world – Central Alabama. However, due to other priorities, I never touched a rod until I was 19, and on vacation with my future wife. We rented a… Read More »

Deciphering the Spawning Bass

Article by Willie Luker Understanding the Spawning Bass – the Key to Enticing More Bites When the mosquitoes start flying and the cicadas rev up their nightly choir, it is largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) spawning season in central Alabama once again. People across the world look forward to this all year long, craving the excitement that comes with the first crater you spot. People tell stories of monsters, and debate for hours about the ethics involved with participating in the bass spawning… Read More »