Merry Mogans and a Ho! Ho! Ho!

Are y'all in the Christmas spirit yet?  Got your lists checked twice?  Well, if you haven't even put a dent in the shopping yet, let me and the AF crew make it a bit easier for you. We'll be at the Dick's Sporting Goods store in Jacksonville (St. John's Town Center) this Saturday, December 14th from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. just to help you find that perfect Christmas gift for that lucky fisherman.  Then on Sunday (December 15th), we'll be at the Dick's store in Daytona from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. to help y'all shop there too!  

Me and the AF crew were out at 3 Dick's stores on Black Friday to help shoppers shop. Although it sounded like a crazy idea at first and it was a bit crazy at one point, to be honest with you I had a lot of fun helping everyone find that perfect gift for the fisherman in the family.  I also got to get some shopping in myself for my wife Cari and son Drayden. So, I'll be in Jacksonville and Daytona Dick's Sporting Goods stores this weekend . . . get that list of fishing gifts printed out and head on in.  We'll get you shopped, checked out and heading home to wrap it all up in no time!  

Don't worry, you have time to catch this week's episode of Addictive Fishing - "Crystal Drum."  I'm up in Crystal River with one of my favorite people to fish with, Capt. Billy Henderson.  He called me the week prior to tell me the Mogan black drum were up there and to get the camera crew up there quick.  We did, and we had a great time fishing. Tune in on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on the Sportsman Channel.  Then on Monday morning watch the most talked about episode of the season - Sails & Sam 2" at 9 a.m. I'm using the Humminbird 360 to locate the wrecks off of Stuart, FL to catch bonito, cobia and sailfish with Sam Heaton.  

I know most of you are feeling the chill of the Winter season, but we're still sweating down here in Florida. For everyone that's complaining about the weather . . . come on down, let's go fishin'!!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Giving Thanks, Black Friday and Triple Play

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us on the Addictive Fishing Crew!  We have so many things to be thankful for, but most of all we are thankful for you Mogan Maniacs.  A special Thank You goes out to this Country's service men and women and their families on this holiday. Some of them don't get to spend Thanksgiving together, and we want you to know we appreciate you and your service.  

I'm going to be celebrating Thanksgiving with my family, but don't have too long to nap after that turkey dinner . . . me, my wife Cari, AF Producerman and Trice are all going to experience Black Friday for the very first time.  That's right, I said it . . . we're going to be at 3 Dick's Sporting Goods stores this Friday and Saturday as your very own "Personal Shoppers."  Keep your eyes peeled for the 2 AF elves in Flats Pink Santa hats.  Ha!

We'll be at the Clearwater, Florida store on Friday morning from 9:00 a.m. - Noon and then heading to the Brandon, Florida store from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. On Saturday, we're heading closer to my neck of the woods and will be at the Melbourne, FL store from 9:00 a.m. - Noon.  I know there are some of you that just live for the excitement on Black Friday.  Me? I have never experienced it, but looking forward to helping you shop for that perfect fishing Christmas gift.  So, come out early and get in on the huge tackle savings at DICK'S.   

That's it for now.  I've got to go help Cari put the leaf in the table and get ready for that turkey.  Don't forget to watch Triple Play this Sunday on the Sportsman Channel at 10 a.m. (ET) and watch Airheads on Monday at 9:00 a.m. (ET). Two episodes in the same Thanksgiving weekend - gotta love it!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Drum Solo

We're drummin’ on the West Coast this week with Capt. Billy Henderson. I had so much fun shooting this episode because Billy's one of my favorite people to fish with and Crystal River, Florida is such a beautiful fishery. Capt. Billy made his very first television debut on Addictive Fishing years ago when we just begun shooting the show. It's been so many years ago that I can't remember how we actually met? Billy, help me out here! Well, anywho, he called me up and said, “You’ve got to get up here, we’re catching

some big, fat black drum and it'll make for a great show.” So I called up Mr. Producerman and booked the shoot. We had fun, got some pretty cool lookin’ black drum to show you, and it was definitely good to catch up with Capt. Billy Henderson. Check out this week’s episode “Crystal Drum” on the Sportsman Channel, Monday at 9 a.m. (ET), Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. (PT) and Sunday at 10 a.m. (ET).

We just got done shooting our first episode for the 2014 season over in Cape Canaveral, and let me tell ya, it was nice to be back home on the Space Coast after being on the road for over a month. We gotterdun with Capt. Jim Ross. I got to get our Skeeter XS240 wet, fill up the live wells and put some fish slime on the deck. I'd say she's a fishin' machine for sure! Can't wait to see what Mr. Producerman does with this footage, but I'm sure it'll be good.

I'm enjoying the "throwback" photos on Facebook lately. The only thing I don't like is this getting older stuff. This one's from Mogan Mania in 2010 . . . it just doesn't seem like three years ago, feels like just yesterday. Time flies I guess, when you're having so much fun. Here's one of our dear friend and writer, Mark Bellotte (aka "Billbird"). He was a great fisherman, fun to be around and always knew how to put our crazy stories into a well written article. He is missed. 

I'm heading out to Texas to shoot a couple of episodes. We'll also be out there for the grand opening of a new Dick's Sporting Goods store in Corpus Christi. Come out and see me and the AF crew on Saturday, November 2nd and Sunday, November 3rd from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days. There'll be a lot of grand opening deals to be had, pick up a $10 off coupon from us and check out the new store at The Shops at La Palmera on South Staples Street. Hope to see y'all there!

Until next time . . . tight lines,

Blair 

That's a hawg!!

Have you ever been out on the water in fog so thick you can't see the bow of the boat from where you stand at the console? Well, that's how foggy it was the day we went out in Tampa Bay to shoot this episode. Our guest guide, Skeeter Pro Capt. Ryan Farner had his buddy "escort" us out to the spot because his big offshore boat had radar. It was a scene from "The Fog" really, eerily quiet and a little strange. I was excited though because I was about to do something new in a fishery I really don't know much about . . . hogfish on hook and line. I've only ever spearfished for hogfish in the Keys and off of reefs, this was Capt. Ryan's specialty and so here we go! I've got to say it was a great day, super cool looking fish and probably one of the tastiest I've had too. 

Tune in Sunday (October 12th) at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday at 3:00 p.m. and Friday at 2:00 a.m. on The Sportsman Channel to see "Hogs in the Fog." Set your DVR's if you can't tune in on time, or check back online, Mr. Producerman has the full length episode up on YouTube for y'all to watch! Click here for a preview. Isn't that just a cool lookin' fish? 

I just got back from opening a new Dick's Sporting Goods store in Savannah, GA and it was awesome to meet the folks up there. I was happy to see (for the 1st time on the shelves) the Mogan Maiden pink Sabalos reels . . . Yup, they're here!! They will make that Flats Pink rod look extra good. Check 'em out at Dick's y'all. 

Gotta make this week's blog quick . . . I'm getting ready to hunt and leaving early in the a.m. Have a great weekend!

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Got More To Show Ya!

We're breaking out some footage you haven't seen yet this season! This stuff is the stuff Mr. Producerman can't fit into an episode, but it's good stuff, so he puts it all together in the "Bits and Bites" episode each year. This episode you'll see me hooking into snook, redfish and fishing with another "first" on AF. First time in 15 years of shooting Addictive Fishing Television we've had a lady angler on the show. And, what a better way to do it than with Engel Pro and model, Miss Darcie . . . she's fishing with the Flats Pink rod, rigged with FINS Pink Windtamer and decked out in Pink to catch her first Mogan Redfish, ever.  

You'll get to see some footage of me fishing with Capt. Ed Zyak from Jensen Beach that you didn't get to see from the "Baitbuster Bridge" episode too. Fishing with Ed is always fun. He knows the fishery, knows DOA Lures and knows all things Humminbird / Minn Kota too. Never a doubt that I learn something when I fish with this guy!

If you saw last week's "Baitbuster Bridge" episode then you saw the snook both Capt. Greg Snyder and I caught, but there was a lot more footage to be seen. We'll get to show you some more in this week's episode. Tune in tomorrow, Friday, August 15th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports for this week's episode "Bits and Bites." Check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.

Been traveling a bit again lately, this time I'm on the West Coast of the U.S. - California. My wife, Cari is from Orange County and we're back to visit family and go to her high school reunion. I've fished out here a few years ago for Calico and Vermilion Snapper and had a blast. 

Trying to get some fishing in this trip between Angels Baseball games, reunions and family, but not sure I'll get to it. No worries, I'll be back in March for a tradeshow and to do some fishing then . . . and I've seen a lot of Skeeters out here too. Besides, when I come home to Florida I'm back on the water immediately shooting episodes up in the Carolinas so a break out here in California is just fine with me. 

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Going Glades

This photo's not technically a "flashback" since we just shot it a couple of weeks ago, and I've already shared it on Facebook. But I've got to say how much I love catching snook and this one was caught the night before a shoot we had down in South Florida with my long time cameraman George. Sweet little backwater snook!

Gotta make this week's update short . . . we're heading out on the water to shoot another episode, and sticking close to home while getting all my gear and my boat ready has gotten me a little stir crazy. I think I better do some fishin' before we go fishin'! 

I'm also getting ready to head to another Dick's Sporting Goods store grand opening. If y'all haven't been out to one yet, they're a lot of fun and you can really load up on some great deals! I'll be in Clermont, Florida next weekend (on Saturday, June 28th from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at the newest store at the Sandhills Commons. Stop by to say "hey" and I'll help ya pick out a new Flats Blue or Flats Pink rod, some killer Mirrolure topwater plugs, DOA Lures and rig it all up with the right Seaguar leader and FINS braid.  

Tune in to this week's episode "Going Glades" (Friday, June 20th at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox SunSports). I'm fishing the Everglades again with my good friend Capt. Gary Thompson. Y'all might remember a show we did in 2007 ("Tarpon Time") with Capt. Gary. I was battling big tarpon in the mosquito canals down there, and this year we went back for more, but did something a little different. I'm fishing for redfish and snook on this episode and we had a blast. 

Check it out tomorrow!  Also check the AF website for replay times on Sunday and Wednesday.

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Deadwood - This Week's New Episode

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE BELOW

Hog tied!

In 2010 we celebrated 10 years of Addictive Fishing at our annual Mogan Mania event. Back then I remember thinking, "I can't believe it's been 10 years" . . . now, I can't believe we're on our 15th season of AF. We'll have to celebrate it nice and big coming up at the next Mogan Mania. Big news to share for all y'all who have joined us in the past at Mogan Mania events, and for those who haven't, this will be the year to start! 

Tune in this week to an encore presentation of "Hogs in the Fog." One of my favorite episodes yet this season (maybe from all seasons). I got to do something I'd never done before - catch hogfish on hook and line. I've only ever spearfished for hogfish in the Keys and off of reefs, but this was Capt. Ryan's specialty and so off we went! It was a really, eerie, foggy start to the day that day. Our guest guide, Skeeter Pro Capt. Ryan Farner had his buddy "escort" us out to the spot because his big offshore boat had radar. I was excited though because I was about to do something new in a fishery I really don't know much about. I've got to say it was a great day, super cool looking fish and probably one of the tastiest I've had too. 

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, May 9th) at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. on Fox Sun Sports to see "Hogs in the Fog." Set your DVR's if you can't tune in on time, or go to YouTube for the full length episode.  Click here for a preview.

We're shooting a lot this month, getting shows in the can and fish on my line! Tomorrow I'm going out to film with a television and industry legend. I think I'll leave you with that tease and tell ya who it is later. Bah!

Happy Mother's Day to my mom Linda and my wife, Cari. So lucky to have such great women in my life. A special Happy Mother's Day to all you wonderful Mother's out there. You don't have an easy job, you often don't get any glory, but we appreciate you and we love you!

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

That's a hawg!

Have you ever been out on the water in fog so thick you can't see the bow of the boat from where you stand at the console? Well, that's how foggy it was the day we went out in Tampa Bay to shoot this episode. Our guest guide, Skeeter Pro Capt. Ryan Farner had his buddy "escort" us out to the spot because his big offshore boat had radar. It was a scene from "The Fog" really, eerily quiet and a little strange. I was excited though because I was about to do something new in a fishery I really don't know much about . . . hogfish on hook and line. I've only ever spearfished for hogfish in the Keys and off of reefs, this was Capt. Ryan's specialty and so here we go! I've got to say it was a great day, super cool looking fish and probably one of the tastiest I've had too. 

Tune in tomorrow (Friday, April 11th) at 10:30 a.m., Sunday at 9:30 p.m. and Wednesday at 7:00 a.m. on Fox Sun Sports to see "Hogs in the Fog." Set your DVR's if you can't tune in on time, or check back sometime next week online, Mr. Producerman will have the full length episode up on YouTube for y'all to watch soon! Click here for a preview.

We just got back this week from Chokoloskee shooting another episode with Capt. Brian Sanders. We caravaned down to the Everglades with both Skeeters (SX220 and SX240) to shoot this episode just in time before the latest weather front moved in on Tuesday with rain, WIND and cool weather. Man, the wind sure does blow! Anyway, we got a snook episode, fishing with the Mirrodine. Can't wait to show y'all this pretty 28 inch snook I caught and released. I said I wouldn't keep another snook for at least 5 years since our freeze of 2010 that killed so much of the population. It's nice to see them making a comeback, but it's a slow process. Glad we have the folks at Mote Aquaculture Park and Project Snook doing their thing.  

We're heading to Destin to shoot a couple of episodes next week and also fish a cool Cobia tournament with some of my favorite Skeeter folks from Legendary Marine. If you're in the panhandle, you should come see us and check it out!

After Destin, I'll be heading back South to Tampa for a weekend of fun on Saturday, April 26th and Sunday, April 27th. Lots to tell you about, but can't get to it right now. Tampa Bay just mark it on your calendars to come out and see me, the AF crew, our new Skeeter boats, Capt. Chad Manning and Capt. Ryan Farner from the AF episodes, and lots, lots more. Details coming soon!!

I'm heading out to wash the boat, re-rig and get ready for more fishing!!

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Staying Cooler

The weather's still chilly in Florida, went fishing last week and the Pompano were just not biting, I'm tired of wearing shoes, and I'm ready for the thermometer to heat back up again.  The good news is when the Florida heat and humidity do return, I'm all set with keeping things cool on my boat. 

Engel sent us a pretty nice gift last month to kick the year off right . . . I think they've got us covered for every size and function that I can possibly think of. That nice big grey box up front is an fridge freezer powered by a cigarette lighter plug. That's what I'm most excited about! I can take it with me on long road trips, when I go hunting, store fish and game, and it's portable. The next cooler in the Engel line up that makes me happy is the BoomBox. That thing is actually the best stereo I think I've ever owned! It's got a JL Audio system in it and functions as a small cooler to keep a few beers (or your beverage of choice) cold while you crank up the tunes and tap your toes. It connects to the Bluetooth function on your phone and puts out killer crisp sound. I've always been impressed with Engel coolers, but now I'm simply blown away. You should check 'em out! 

Another thing to check out is the new AF website design. Mr. Producerman's been busy tweeking up the layout, adding more videos, after the fight webisodes, where to stay section, and book a fishing trip with AF guest guides, the schwag shop featuring Flats Blue fishing rods and more! Tell us what you think with the new Contact Form at the bottom of the page.

We're heading to Miami next month for the boat show . . . stop by the Skeeter Boats booth and see me, check out the new Saltwater SX series and register to win some seriously cool AF Sponsor Schwag! 

I mentioned it earlier that I was out fishing and the Pompano just weren't biting, right. Well, I forgot to mention that I was fishing with Capt. Mark Nichols, creator of DOA Lures. We were trying to film an episode of AF, and the fish just weren't cooperating. As always, we had a great time with Mark, and we'll be back for sure to finish what we started.

How can I resist River Palm Cottages' hospitality and fishing with Mark Nichols? Seriously, could you resist this? 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Happy Fishing New Year!!

I spent Christmas fishing off of Catalina Island in Southern California with my son Drayden, spent ringing in the New Year back home in Florida with my wife Cari out on the air boat just blowing off the last of 2014. Made it through a Coast to Coast holiday season, back hitting the gym and getting saltwater on everything again. Now, it's time to go fishing y'all! 

Got a lot in store this 2015 season . . . shooting new shows, some new locales, new guides fishing with us, opening new Dick's Sporting Goods stores, got some new sponsors and new product to show off. Can't wait to show ya. To kick things off, we'll be in Miami next month for the Miami International Boat Show. I'll be in the Skeeter booth next to all of those good lookin' SX Series Saltwater boats. We'll be giving away some big prizes too, so make sure you stop on by to get registered to win:  Minn Kota Talon, Minn Kota Trolling Motor, Humminbird (999HD SI Unit), Capt. Blair Wiggins Flats Blue rod and Flats Pink rod with Sabalos reels, Dick's Sporting Goods gift cards, Costa Del Mar glasses, Engel Coolers, Star Brite Bucket of everything you need to clean your boat, RV, car, motorcycle, you name it . . . oh, it's going to be good. I'll have more details later, but thought I'd get your attention now! 

Mr. Producerman's been busy too! He took some time off the water to spend a few days on designing a new AF website. Here's a sneak peak:

This week's blog is going to be quick. My fingers are out of shape, haven't been typing in a while. Ha! Looking forward to seeing y'all this season on the water, at Dick's, at boat shows, events and on the road. Happy New Year Y'all!!

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

This weather blows!

Here's a great time on the water from 2008 . . . sure can't wait to be holding one of these again for y'all on television - soon!!

So, the last time I left y'all we were heading to Panama City Beach and then on to Slidell, Louisiana for the grand opening of two Dick's Sporting Goods stores. We did that and had a great time meeting the folks of the Florida panhandle and Louisiana. There was a great turnout at both new stores and I have to admit, it was fun to see all the Flats Blue and Flats Pink rods walking around the store. Our plan was to then drive on to Buras, LA with the AF film crew to shoot some episodes, but a cold front and rain was blowin' straight toward us from Texas. So, we changed directions and headed back East to Jensen Beach to see if we could squeeze out at least one episode. NOPE! 

We dunked both Skeeter boats (the SX240 and SX220), got the film crew ready, had Capt. Mark Nichols and Capt. Ed Zyak of DOA Lures on board and nothing. I mean absolutely nothing. Mark hooked into a big jack, but other than that . . . zilch! Now, the wind's blowing and our next chance to get out and film is next week. Cross your fingers, pray to the fishing gods, and wish us luck!

In the meantime, you can come see me and the AF crew in North Ft. Myers on Saturday (March 15th) at the new Dick's store that just opened. We'll be there from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. kicking off their Spring Season with an in-store only promotion: buy a Flats Blue or Flats Pink rod, get a Sabalos reel FREE. 

We'll also be at the Bradenton store on Sunday (March 16th) from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The buy a Flats Blue or Flats Pink rod / get a Sabalos reel FREE promotion starts on Sunday for the rest of the Florida Dick's stores and runs until Saturday, March 22nd, so don't miss your chance to pick up this Flats Blue/Pink combo for $99 ($89 if you come see me and get a $10 off coupon). Remember, every season starts at Dick's! (It's true.)

Right now I'm just focused on getting episodes shot and traveling to Dick's grand openings, other than that it's pretty quiet. We've had a tough start to the television shoot season, but we'll pull it out. I'm gonna make this week's blog short and get my fish mojo working again. Y'all have any superstitious routines or preparations you always do before fishing? I'd love to hear what works for you. 

Tune in this week to AF on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. ET (Sportsman Channel), Monday at 9:00 a.m. and again on Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. But remember, if you can't watch it on TV, you can always subscribe to the AF YouTube channel for full episodes anywhere / any time.

Hope this wind stops blowing and we get a break in the weather!!

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Going to Miami!

It's February. It's boat show season. And the only way to kick it off is in Miami at the International Boat Show!! Talk about a kid in a candy store, great people watching and boats, boats, boats!! 

Click this link to watch "Mogan Man Goes to Miami" video --> 

They have it all at this show and I'll be there hoping to see y'all! Stop by the Skeeter Booth (M12) and register to win some incredible stuff from my awesome sponsors - Dick's Sporting Goods gift cards, Engel Coolers, Minn Kota Talon, Minn Kota trolling motor, Humminbird electronics, Wright & McGill Flats Pink and Flats Blue rods, Sabalos reels, and Star Brite Bucket of the best cleaning supplies on the market. Seriously, all you have to do is show up, fill out the registration form and wait for someone to call your name! 

I'm loading up the boat with the prizes and heading South to the Skeeter House today. Make sure you stop by the booth this week not only to register for some killer prizes, but to check out the SX Series Skeeter Saltwater Boats. Cool features, top of the line boats and one of the best warranties on the market. I look forward to meeting y'all and hopefully seeing some familiar faces.  

If you can't make it down to Miami this week / weekend, I'll be back up in Inverness next weekend at Skeeter Dealer, Apopka Marine. I'll be there on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and again on Sunday from 9 a.m. - Noon. Stop on by! 

Gotta run and get down to Miami!

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair