Trickling in

Multiple reports of fish being caught yesterday on the Columbia river above the mud puking Willamette.  Hopefully it was the front of the run nosing in as opposed to a rogue pod moving through.  The river is being reported at 41-44 degrees depending on location which is starting to warm up from last week, but the snow wont help a dang thing in that aspect!

Rumor has it that 500 fish of the quota has been caught so far this season, and with the low catch rate we may be looking at an extended season.

Try and find the cleanest water you can, out of the current and you'll find the fish.  Hopefully this is the beginning of another great season!!

Swirling Colors

Can you have to many colors?  I've been pushing so hard lately trying to get stock built back up for the upcoming season and lately my mind has started wandering.... nothing bad, just wondering about new colors.  When does it become to many?  Is there ever enough colors?  I know the combinations I'm thinking of will work, and I feel very confident they will work very good.  Is the fishing industry ready for another innovation?

What would you say to a directional flasher, meaning you ran one design if the sun was moving East and West and another if its North and South?  Hmmm....  I'm seeing people roll there eyes!!  Wait a minute, the Shortbus is serious??

How about another flasher targeted at a specific species?  I've got prototypes built already so there will be some testing coming very soon....

It may be an illness of playing with colors but honestly its kind of fun.  Thinking up a pattern, running prototypes, field testing (my favorite) and hopefully success (also my favorite)  So I ask the question, is there ever to many colors?

I hope not because I ordered a custom color that will be AMAZING once it hits the water!! 

Shortbus Evolution

16 months ago I decided to dive into the tackle business and start up Shortbus Flashers,  I still have a few of the original blades that I made by hand and pieced together scraps of tape I had just laying around and they fished just fine. 

My close fishing buddies would set down the larger brand tackle flashers and run my goofy looking pieces and what do you know, they worked!  Now it was time to convince some guides to give them a shot and wouldnt you know a couple actually took the plunge and said yes they would run them on the guided trips.

Word of mouth spread and I had the pleasure of talking with a few small tackle shops in the area who moved a few pegs around and made the extra display space and low and behold we were official! 

New colors, innovative patterns Shortbus Flashers was evolving, people giggled and said they would never work but my friends fished them anyhow and again, we struck gold on a few lines.  Guides shared tips, friends gave feedback and fish were taken as the evolution kept on.

I received a couple of phone calls yesterday, restocking needs at a couple of the established stores, phone calls from new friends asking which colors they needed to look for, a guide with another innovation on colors we're working on this weekend and three calls and e-mails of new inquiries about carrying the Shortbus Line.

A post on Facebook toward the end of the day stating my excitement with the way the Bus was rolling really hit home for me....  This isnt about luck, this isn't about trends, this is about people believing in the product, this is friends taking the time out of their day to spread the word, this is about sharing years of knowledge to improve every day.  To all my friends "little people" as was stated in responses, I want to say Thank You for the knowledge, the suggestions but most of all, thank you for the support, I hope you know just how much your support has meant to me and my vision for Shortbus Flashers.

Thank you,
JT "Shortbus"

My Thumb Kept Moving

My mind has been drifting to the upcoming springer season lately, the forecast for the upcoming year should be out very soon.  Memories from last year have been running through my mind of the days on the water, and the fish in the freezer.  But one memory keeps playing in my mind and it almost haunts me to this day.

Fishing had been red hot for the past weeks and the day was my turn to actually take my boat out for the first time, typically I find myself on others friends boats since mine is a little "frail".  Thankfully the people that I fish with are very accomplished fishermen and are typically on the fish.  Well this day was my day to pilot and I was nervous that I would blank the day.

The day started out with herring and of course flashers!  Lines deployed and weights ever so lightly ticking the bottom of the river bed, we were fishing.  The first half of the pass was uneventful and my mind immediately started second guessing the choice of fishing spots, but we trolled on.  Making the turn at the top of the run and heading back the same luck with no bites.  Shoot, here we go, the ridicule and torment of a no fish day and we werent even into the first hour of the trip!  Time to calm down....

Decisions in my head to try an adjoining troll was made without a word spoken to my fishing partner but he spoke up and asked where we were headed.  Secret place was all I could think of for an answer.  The water was shallowing up and I made the comment to watch the rods so we wouldnt snag on the old growth that I knew littered the bottom.  No more did I get the comment out when the front rod slowly starts to go down, must be the bottom I had warned about when the rod came alive!  A nice fight and the first fish into the boat!  Ok, time to relax, we werent going to be skunked!

The day went on with a second fish landed, but sadly five others had been missed.  Then the fateful words of "last pass" were made.....  We had found a submerged hump in the river that on previous passes had two hookups so the course was made to hit the hump one last time.  50', 45' in route to 20' depth with no takers on the upswing, the weights ticked the top of the ridge as it slowly started to drop off again, 25',  30' then 35' when it happened.  The rod in my hand started a slow tap tap as I looked to see if the depth had started to rise.  Nope, a fish!  Slowly lowering the rod tip to the water when a long tug of the line and a bass master hookset sunk the hooks into the jaw of the silver salmon!  Number 8 for the day!

The fish headed for the bottom and wouldnt budge, the fight was a tug of war and I wasnt winning.  Minutes later (which felt like and hour) the fish finally came off the bottom and slowly toward the boat.  The water had a green milky tint so when the fish turned to its side at 10' below the flash of silver was stunning, the fish is big.  Line started to come off of the reel again as the drag relented to the strong pulls from below, the fish slowly drifted from view.  Line and rod stayed taunt with pressure trying to coax the fish back to the awaiting net.  Minutes passed and the fish slowly relented to the pull and came back into view again.

Closer the fish came toward the surface and the size was finally revealed, this was a very nice springer.  Slowly putting pressure and a slow lift of the rod brought the fish closer to the net, and the end was in sight.  Another lift of the rod and the fish decided for a last ditch effort to escape.

You know that moment when the movie goes to slow motion to add more drama?  Your mind usually goes into slow motion when you know something bad is about to happen but it to fast to actually stop the action....  my thumb moved.... I dont know why but it moved, I knew it wasnt supposed to but it did on its own, I can still see it move in my mind.  The reel started to spin as the fish headed toward the bottom again, my thumb kept moving.  I felt the braid touch my skin and deep down I knew it was a mistake, but my thumb kept moving.  More sink touched the braid as pressure was applied, my thumb kept moving.  The fishes tail kept moving, my thumb kept moving but the reel stopped. Line and rod strain when the movie in my mind goes to full speed again.  I see the tail make one more sweep of the water then slowly move into the green of the water.  Line hanging limp with the flasher spinning in a rhythmic time.  The hooks at eye level now tell the story,  the bottom hook is bent straight.

Silence, my mind raced thinking did that really happen?  How could I have been that impatient and thumb the reel?  Silence is broken.... That was a big fish.... I sunk into the chair and called it a day.

Springer season cant come soon enough for redemption

Spring Wrap-up

July 3rd was my official last "springer" of the season, just an epic fishery this year even with the high, cold and off colored water, we still found where the fish were hiding.  From the pictures and responses I would say others using the Shortbus Flashers were finding the same success.

So, with the first official springer season under our belts, we answer the question of "what worked?"  Let me tell you hands down the new Florescent Series with Blink technology were flat putting fish in the boat!  I was absolutely amazed just how fast they went from a prototype to full on production. Honestly I was shooting for a B-10 release and had no idea what we had stumbled onto.  Springers went nuts for the colors and the pictures started pouring in with success.

Double flashers were also the rage this season, ganging a small and medium size in line would also produce very well especially in deep water where you weren't needing to bounce the bottom but it was defiantly more prevalent this year.

So whats next? B10 is just around the corner and many are starting to gear up for the season.  With a predicted record run, this will be the year you want to be in the water!  Make sure to have enough herring to get through the season, with the cooler water, you will be running bait quite a bit in the beginning and if the current closures hold, be ready for deep water fishing below the bridge. 

Make sure to have enough different colors of flashers at hand to find what they are hitting on particular days.  Along with the Florescent series, dont forget the Hunter, Watermelon and the mirror gold colors to round out your arsenal, the extra bright colors will "shine" in the big water areas this year.

More important than catching fish, please be safe on the water!!!

Hot New Color Options!

Well, I guess I still havent figured out how many color options is enough.  Shortbus Flashers wants to be an innovator on the water and be the "go to" option for getting into fish.  So, what does that take to be the best?  How about trial and error, what about thinking outside of the box?  Well lets give it a try!  Here is a sneak peak of the evolution of the Shortbus line!!

Florescent finishes!

 
I have added the color to the "Hunter" line and also put a strip of UV Tape on the back because, Mo Flash, Mo Betta!!

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No More Tangles!!

First, I want to give a huge THANK YOU to Joe Salvey of Fish Hawk Adventures 

Joe is one of the latest guides to join the Shortbus Flashers Pro Staff, and was gracious enough to call me with an exciting idea on the flasher tangling issue.  For years you've heard of people complain that the flasher comes back in a big tangled mess, and generally it has been attributed to letting the line out to fast or bouncing on the bottom.  Well, feast your eyes on this idea!!

First, the "old way" of rigging the flasher - You can see where the typical swivel gets caught in the very tight turn of the eye causing the twising of line issue.

Now, using the same swivel, just open it completely thus allowing the swivel to pass to the other side of the swivel - as you can see, the swivel is now on an end that doesnt have the quick bends that will typically bind a swivel

Next step is to bend the duo-lock open enough to pass the "tight eye" end through the eye of the flasher

With the new rigging, here is a picture of the traditional rigging and the new suggested way of rigging, and try as you might, you cant get the swivel to bind on the duo-lock.  Second benefit is the eye that is now through the eye of the flasher is small enough that it eliminates the possibility of the duo-lock getting stuck on the plastic.  Third benefit is now the swivel is orientated correctly so the ball bearings are spinning as opposed to the line getting the extra twist and the open end of the swivel is "down stream"

Again, thank you so much to Joe for sharing this info and hopefully keep everyone fishing more instead of untangling lines!!

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Whirlwind!

Wow!  That's the best way I can describe it.  The Sportsman Show was a great success, MANY long nights taping and prepping from the sales during the day.  Lots of people stopped to chuckle at the Shortbus name, but all in all the response was great from a majority of the people.

I was surprised on how well the High Contrast and 50/50 series flashers were taken.  To the tune of 10 / 1 ratio over the solid finishes!  The star of the line up was the "Hunter" series flasher.  I almost couldnt keep up with the volume of sales for it.  For those wondering what "Hunter" is, it is a clear UV tape with UV Chartreuse over 1/2 on both sides so as it spins the colors shine through the tape and reflect the color.

The response was so good that i think it will be a new line with all of the color options available.

Some springers have been reported on a little more frequent basis, but not enough to start hitting the water myself.  Its close, very close though.....

Happy trolling and good luck to all!!

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Sportsman Show

I'm nervous.  Pure and simple, I'm nervous.  Do I have enough product, will people want the flashers.  Do I have to much product.  I'm nervous.  Wednesday is the big day, setting up with two wonderful suppliers, Hoggs Hardcore Tuna Tackle and Pacific NW Sporting Goods.  Both will have the full line of flashers but I'm still nervous.

Responses have been great for the new colors, but how many do you need taped and ready?  Is 10 enough or do I need 100?  Yes I'm nervous.

GREAT support from some people who I have just met and will be running the Shortbus Flashers line in their boats this year.  Will the reports be good?  Yes I'm nervous.....

The new "Hunter" flasher pure UV finish has had some AMAZING response.... I'm nervous.

Lets get this started, calm my mind so I can sleep.  May the fishermen come in droves looking for the Shorbus Flashers.....

But yet I am still nervous.................And 4 more days of waiting.....

Internet Power

Got a heads up last night that someone posted a thread on Ifish asking about Delta Flashers VS. Shortbus Flashers.  Ifish Thread some of the questions asked were regarding the wire running down the back vs. the eyes on the end.  I do want to give a HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who replied to the thread with positive remarks, it makes the plastic bending that much more rewarding!

To answer some questions on both - the wire is a pivot point for the Delta version, the flasher travels around the shaft and you clip your swivels to either end of the flasher making the connection.  Shortbus Flashers (and others for that matter) have eyes in opposing ends and again using the swivels to connect mainline.  

Some people have mentioned that if the fish breaks the flasher, the wire will keep the fish on even if the plastic is broke.  When I have had the opportunity to talk to the users on the broken flasher, it has always came back to equipment failure meaning the swivel unclips or breaks in half.  Not a plastic issue, I actually made a video to show just how much force is needed to break a Shortbus Flasher - 

Breaking Point

Lets just say I have no idea how a fish can get that much torque on the flasher.  Unless there is a flaw in the blade or possibly a very old flasher that has turned brittle but as we all know, stuff happens.

So, good and bad of the wire? Good is that is spins very freely, bad is that it has a wire that can fray and cut lines or on the new ones, the crimp point of the solid wire has a small tag end that can bind the mono line and slice it off in a heartbeat.  If you use a good quality stainless steel ball bearing swivel, you will get as good of a spin on your Shortbus Flasher as you do the wire ones. 

So why do you pick one over the other?  Local business and the option to have ANY color combination in the Shortbus Line!

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Introducing........

WHOOT!!!!  Let me tell you right out of the gate that yesterday was stellar!! Phone lit up with Shortbus questions.  What does that mean?  First thing it means it that the springers are getting closer and people are starting to get the itch to start trolling!

Ok, rewind to yesterday morning - phone call from a hopefully soon to be named guide....  long story short, he had gotten ahold of some of my early releases and ran them at B10 season and decided that he would run them exclusively this year!

One catch.... do you make a 10" version???  Shoot... no sir not yet.  Well, CAN you make a 10"???  Ok, I may be a bit slow but when someone asks nicely if Shortbus Flashers can produce a custom size the answer is YES! 


So, here is a soft release of the 10" version.  Two weeks and they should be in my chubby little hands and pictures soon after!

Heres to a fabulous springer season!!

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2011 Color Combos

Drum roll please!!  I am proud to unveil the new color combos just added to the Shortbus Flasher line-up!!

In an effort to provide the utmost in color contrasts, we sat down with some leaders in the field and put together a hot new lineup for the 2011 season!

Introducing the "currently un-named" lineup!  So, instead of some boring names, I'm looking for help in naming the new line, just remember it has to be P.C. enough to put on the labels and for marketing, so let the names begin!

Carbon Fiber / Chartreuse

Red / Chartreuse

Chartreuse / Purple

Kelly Green / Chartreuse

Closer...

First week of January, I havent been out to fish for way to long.  My mind is already drifting to the thought of headless herring and Shortbus Flashers twirling in the off colored water of the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

What I wouldnt give for the low idle of the kicker motor in my hand, rod and reel in the other.  The slow methodical release of the line as it slowly slips toward the bottom of the river.  The light tapping of the lead just skimming inches from the bottom of the river bed following the contours but always searching for that ever reliable bump.

I wont use the rod holder for weeks into the season, I live for the extra tap on the line, the sudden plunge of the rod tip. The subtle bend in the rod as the tip slowly gets closer to the surface of the water.  Electricity in the air, the dog actually takes notice that something is about to happen....  the rod tip dances with life at the end of the line and an full swing of the rod in hope of driving the hook home and what we all live for....  The first mighty head shake of the season!

Yep, were getting closer.....

Photo courtesy of Lytle Charters

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Happy New Year

Well, here is bidding farewell to 2010 and looking forward to the new year.  Lots of changes in the life and times of Shortbus Flashers, officially started business in October with a well received response from guides and a few tackle companies I had the pleasure of talking with. Places such as Rainbows End Jigs, Fishermans Depot, The Tackle Box & Hoggs Hardcore Tuna took the chance on me and my products and have put them in their stores.  Multiple professional fishing guides have signed up for the still ongoing guide program, and some were even good enough to admit they were using the Shortbus Flashers.  To all the businesses and guides, my heart felt thank you!

Admittedly, my business starting was a little off timed, with the end of the salmon season and months before the springer season, it has given me quite a bit if time to actually get caught up and hopefully have enough stock premade to not miss my most anticipated fishing season.... SPRINGERS!!   

From the Willamette which is my favorite place to spin fishing flashers and herring, to the mighty Columbia river, it always amazes me how lucky we as fisherman in the Pacific Northwest are to have such a resource so close to home.

So, with bent plastic stacked on my work bench, shavings at my feet and stickers precut and waiting to be applied, I will deem myself officially "Ready" for the upcoming season! 

Happy New Year to you and yours, may success come your way and your fish boxes be full!

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SPRINGERS

Normally I dont wish to skip over any fishing season, but this year its an exception.  I cant wait for SPRINGERS!!  This year should be another great year for the Willamette run from what the predictions are saying.  I know, I know its just a prediction, but hey you have to hope for something!

So, its a waiting game for Shortbus Flashers.  February will be the time to get rolling, salmon in the system, Sportsman Show to showcase products, how can it not be a good year!! 

Mini Flashers

So its time to test the waters with some new designs.  Introducing the Mini Flashers!  These little guys are only 3.5" tall but what are the possibilities they possess?   Well for starters, how about a true Kokanee flasher, you can run it in front of a dodger or all by itself.  Or what about Walleye, bring some more incentive to get a big fish to your offering.

How about in front of your bait while back trolling smaller rivers, a second color in front of your larger Shortbus Flasher.  What about plunking?  Yes you can just slide it down the line along with your bait for even more attraction.

As you can see, the possibilities are almost endless!  I'm really excited about the new addition, but look forward to getting some input for these little firecrackers!

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Hogg's Hardcore Tuna Tackle

Double introduction this time!! 

Lots of you already know Hogg's Hardcore Tuna Tackle and have had the opportunity to deal with Mike locally for some time.  With the business growing he has decided to expand and put up a store front for all of you TUNA addicts to supply your year round thirst!

But..... you know as well as I do that TUNA only run for a portion of the year so what is a tackle shop going to do?  Yep, expand even more!  So, not just TUNA tackle, but also salmon and steelhead tackle for all of your West side shopping needs!  With the expansion into the salmon and steelhead tackle, Shortbus Flashers is now available at Hogg's Hardcore Tuna Tackle! 

So, the important info -- where are they?

362 SW Oak St

Hillsboro, OR 97123

(503) 887-6845

Yes, there's more!  Hogg's is having a "Before and After Thanksgiving" sale to get things started for the holidays shopping needs - Below is a small list of some things on sale and hours.  Again, please support your local stores!!!

Store hours will be as follows

Sat Nov. 20Th 9AM to 7PM

Sun Nov. 21st CLOSED

Mon. Nov 22ND 4PM to 8:30 PM

Tues. Nov 23rd 4PM to 8:30 PM

Wed Nov 24Th CLOSED

Thanksgiving day CLOSED

Fri. Nov 26Th 8AM to 2PM

Saturday Nov 27Th 9AM to 7PM


Whats on Sale

Stingray rods as follows

AZ 5056 TRHEEV 50 to 100LB Heavy action 5'6" all roller rod $59.00

Az 5056 sumhev 50 to 100LB Heavy action 5'6" RS/RT stand up rod $50.00

Pink Stingray rods for your wife

CA2056 Sumeev 5'6" 20 to 60LB turbo guides medium action stand up $48.00

AZ2056 trmeev 5'6" 20 to 60LB all roller rod $59.00

Insulated fish bags

WPS bags are $20 off regular price.


30" X 60" sale priced at $190

30" X 48" sale priced at $165

We also have 2 close out models

one bag 30" X 60" non pleated bottom $125

one bag 24" X 60" pleated bottom $125


All lures and rigging products 10% off (excludes non sale rods and reels)

Products we carry are Jinkai, Shortbus Flashers, Rosco swivels, Ballyhood, Eat Me Lures, H2o lures, Jerry Brown line one,and much more

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Guide Program Still Available

Your going to need a bigger bus!!  Words from my lovely wife when I announced two more guides has taken advantage of the Shortbus Flashers Guide Program!!  She may be right!!

Introducing JMS Fishing Adventures and Ross Bell Guide Service to the bus.  Two guides from different sides of the state. 

 

JMS Fishing Advantures is owned and operated by Jason Spielman and works the waters in the Portland metro area and along the Oregon Coast.  

Ross Bell Guide Service fishes Southern Oregon rivers like the Coquille & Rogue River for over 20 years.

Thanks again to all of the guides that have taken advantage of the Shortbus Guide Program.  If you are interested in checking out the offer, don't hesitate to call!

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Welcome to Sport Fishing West!

Some Mondays are better than others, and this one is hopefully a beginning to a great week!

Shortbus Flashers would like to welcome Sport Fishing West to the Pro Guide section!  

Chris Sessions has been a common sight in the Pacific Northwest and also into Alaska waters. Since starting guiding in the early 80's,   Chris has consistently put his clients into limits of fish which has built his reputation as one of the top guides on the water and now we will be a part of the fishing fun!

We would like to welcome Chris and Sport Fishing West to the Shortbus Flashers family!  Another great addition to a quickly growing line of quality guides.

Still more seats are available on the bus and we are actively looking for guides who want to be part of Team Shortbus Flashers, please feel free to inquire about our Guide Program, you wont be disapointed!!

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Shortbus Flashers seats are filling!

Another seat on the Shortbus has been filled!

Welcome to Steve Roberts Guide Service!  Steve guides both drift and jet boat in the Portland area and along the Oregon coast for over 25 years.  Deciding Shortbus Flashers was a good fit for his style of fishing for Salmon, Steve decided to take advantage of the Guide Program and we are proud to have him on board!  

Again, thank you very much to the guides who have entrusted Shortbus Flashers on there guided trips!  If you are a guide and are in need of some great fishing flashers to put into your arsenal, we still have more than enough seats on the bus, give us a call or e-mail to see how we can help make your trips more productive.

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