Big Reds, Blue Marbles and Campin' out

This week, I've got another story for ya from our trip to Corpus Christi, Texas. Saturday we were there at DICK'S and a woman was looking for a new tackle set up.  She was tired of the bull reds breaking her rods at the Pier.  I showed her the strength of the Flats Blue rod, did my very own rod demo for her and she walked out to go fishing "cautiously optimistic".  We got back into DICK'S on Sunday morning, and the Lodge Manager there hands me a note with a photo on his phone.  The photo was this woman I had sold the rod to the day before, holding a 40 3/4" bull red. Here's the note she left at the store before I got there. Love stories like this . . . they make what I do even better!  

A couple of weekends ago I got to experience something awesome.  I got to see a hard-working awesome young man become an Eagle Scout.  I met Kenny years ago as a kid and he's grown up to be a fine young man. Kenny DiBiase of Scout Troop 101 in Sanibel, FL received his Eagle Scout badge on November 9th and I was there to see it, and to present him with the Blue Marble (from the Blue Marbles Project) for his outstanding environmental achievement. 

Kenny developed a program called Protect Our Waters because of his lifelong love of his home waters in Sanibel, and fishing, combined with is desire to help others and protect our fragile environment.  We have a lot in common, but I sure learned a lot from him.  This 17 year old sure has a bright future.  Nice work with the Protect Our Waters program Kenny and keep it up!   

Last weekend I came over to see some old friends, meet new fans and camp out for a night at Ft. DeSoto Park in St. Petersburg, Florida.  We had a little get together called - Mogan Maniac West Coast Campout.  It was a lot of fun catching fish, cutting up and telling stories around the campfire.  

There was a little camper there, her name was Lexi and she lit the place up! What a doll.  She is only 2 1/2 years old, but could hold a conversation with ya like she was 7.  She knew my name when I walked up and put a big smile on my face.  

Thanks to everyone who joined us.  A big shout out to Jody from Minnesota who drove his big rig down to meet me. His dad's a big fan, but for health reasons couldn't make it to see us.  Lounge Member Rich Leber took Jody out on his boat and hooked him into his first cobia.  He'll never forget it and we'll never forget how much fun it is to reminisce with our fans that have been around for so very long. Thank you!

I think I'm staying put for . . . oh, wait . . . nope, I'm heading back to Tampa Bay to shoot an episode on the water with Skeeter Pro, Capt. Chad Manning.  Then off to the woods for some hunting and then I'm home for Turkey Day.  Hope I wake up from that big meal because I'll be in 2 Dick's Sporting Goods stores on Black Friday to help y'all pick out the perfect Christmas fishing gift.  That's right, I will be in Clearwater and in Brandon at DICK'S on Black Friday.  I'll let you know which store at what time later, but if you're one of those shoppers that makes it out the day after Thanksgiving . . . I'll be there as your personal shopper with a big tackle sale!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Triple it . . .

Mmmwahahahahaha!!!  It's that creepy time of year and AF has put together a video unlike any you've seen from us before.  Check out the "Spooky Halloween Enzyme Massacre" from StarTron.   StarTron is the world's best fuel additive for all your engines.  It counters the effects of ethanol that's in today's gas, gives you better performance and increases fuel economy.  It's scary good!  Turn your speakers up and get ready to be frightened . . . here's a little Halloween treat for y'all!

Ahhh, it feels good to sleep in my own bed again.  I'm back in Florida finally, after what seems like forever. Been fishing in Louisiana for about a month, and now getting ready to smile pretty for the camera again.  I'll be joining my Skeeter Boats team in Destin for a photo shoot coming up and then back home to shoot an episode (1st one of the 2014 season) in Cape Canaveral with Capt. Jim Ross.  Speaking of Cape Canaveral, this week's episode was shot with Capt. Jamie Glasner while fishing in my backyard.  We caught some really nice tripletail on a blustery day.  The water was super choppy, the wind was blowin', but the tripletail were bitin' and that's all that matters!  Don't miss this week's episode on the Sportsman Channel, "Triple Play" on Monday at 9 a.m. (ET), Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. (PT) and Sunday at 10 a.m. (ET).   

I'll also be spending Halloween in Corpus Christi with the AF Crew.  We're heading out to Texas soon to shoot a couple of episodes for the new season.  I'll have more details for you soon, but we'll be there the weekend of November 2nd and 3rd for an event and hope you can come out to meet us.  I'll have my new Skeeter boats with me too . . . these are some sweet rides, and I hope you can make it out to see us all.  I'll fill you in on all the details later, but mark it on your calendars!  

I recently was emailed this photo from a long time fan/friend of AF.  Kind of got me thinkin' . . . how many of you have a "throwback" photo with an old AF logo, tshirt, hat, etc.? Would love to see them all.  

Post your best throwback photo on Facebook, Google+ in the Mogan Lounge, or Instagram for your chance to win a killer AF Prize Pak.  

I've got a couple days here at home before it's back on the road, so I think I'm goin' fishin'!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

After the Fight

The leaves are changing colors, the weather's cooling off, football season has begun, hunting season is here and AF episodes are now on the Sportsman Channel. We'll be airing all of the epic episodes from the 2013 Addictive Fishing season on Sportsman Channel - don't miss this week's episode "The Goon Squad" on Sunday at 10 a.m. (ET), Monday at 9 a.m. (ET) and Tuesday at 10:30 p.m. (PT). Shooting this episode sure tested my patience, but we got'erdun! I was fishing my backyard, the Mosquito Lagoon with Capt. Tyler Vollmer, and we caught some big sea trout and really nice redfish. Check it out! 

Mr. Producerman has put together one of my favorite things to share with y'all . . . the "After The Fight" webisodes. This is a chance for Kevin and me to fill y'all in on what went into shooting an episode. Sometimes we have something happen on a shoot that may not make it into the episode or we didn't have time to tell you the full story, so we both get to sit down in the studio and tell you all about it. Producerman will release an "After The Fight" webisode each week, so make sure you check it out. Here's one from "The Good Squad."

We got to pick up our first of two Skeeter boats this week. Thanks to Ingman Marine in Port Charlotte for taking good care of them (and us). We came home with our new SX220 with a sweet Yamaha SHO250 engine, new EVERYTHING on it - check out that cool, red 12' Talon I'm sporting in the back. That's also a Humminbird 360 imaging unit back there . . . no doubt, this boat is a sick ride! 

Well, I've got to get my new Skeeter wet so if I see ya on the water make sure you say "hey!"

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Down Time

We wrapped up shooting the 2013 season just a few weeks ago when me and my wife, Cari headed over to Tampa to shoot my final episode of the season.  This week's episode is the Season Finale.  We take a look back at some of our favorite segments and Mr. Producerman always delivers your favorite, the bloopers.  Don't miss this week's episode Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox Sun Sports (replays Sunday 9:30 p.m. ET / Tuesday 6:00 a.m. ET).  

AF moves to the Sportsman Channel for the Fall and Winter months! While most of you will be shoveling snow, putting on more layers, and turning on the heat, you can watch me fishing some of the hottest spots and catching all the Mogans.  We'll be airing AF epic episodes from the 2013 season on Sportsman Channel - air dates and times will be on addictivefishing.com.   

I'm still in Louisiana hanging out with a few folks from Humminbird and Skeeter Boats.  We're taking writers out, learning some cool new things about electronics, and I've actually been fishing on a Skeeter bass boat in the bayou. I just fished with professional bass angler and Humminbird Sonar Guru, Doug Vahrenberg.  I learned a lot about imaging and using my electronics from him, and I taught Doug a thing or two about fishing in Louisiana (oh, and the bugs).  Doug was getting eaten alive by the flies all day and here's what I told him.  "Let them bite you and leave them until they're really biting you good.  Then you bang your ankles together, and they fall off dead!"  Works for me.  

We don't have much down time here in the "off season." We're scheduled to be back on the water shooting new episodes for the 2014 season in just a few weeks.  I need to get in the woods and do some huntin' soon! We've got a few Halloween treats coming up for you from Star Tron, and watch out Texas, we're heading your way in early November.  

Like I said, not much down time around here this year.  Not complaining, just trying to keep my schedule straight. Whew! 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

That's all folks . . .

If I'm not fishing, then I'm hunting.  How many of y'all do the same thing?  It's a good time of year . . . kids head back to school, we wrap up shooting and get a break, and I head up to the woods to do some hunting.  We wrapped up shooting the 2013 season just a few weeks ago when me and my wife, Cari headed over to Tampa to shoot my final episode of the season.  This week's episode is the Season Finale.  We take a look back at some of our favorite episodes and Mr. Producerman always delivers your favorite segment, the bloopers.  Don't miss this week's episode Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox Sun Sports (replays Sunday 9:30 p.m. ET / Tuesday 6:00 a.m. ET).  

I can't wait to pick up my new Skeeter boats.  We get to show you the SX240 and the SX220 Bay boats this season on AF.  They just arrived from the factory in Kilgore, TX.  They're loaded, sweet lookin' and I can't wait to get them wet!  

Last week I told y'all we were playing hooky.  Well, Mr. Producerman and Trice just came down out of the mountains of Georgia.  They like to get away for a little recharge each year after we wrap the season.  This year, they went to Amicalola Falls to hike and do a little zip lining. Heard it was fun!  They've been a little busy in the off season though, so may have to do one more quick little trip before production of the new season starts up again.  

Me?  I'm headed back to Louisiana to spend some time on the water with the folks from Humminbird and a few writers.  I need to learn some more about the cool products and how to use them better.  I never get tired of learning new tricks and tips when it comes to fishing.  

Oh, and while I'm out there, we've cooked up a little surprise for my son Drayden who just turned 21 . . . don't know where the time goes.  Happy Birthday son!  (I'll share details of the surprise with ya when I get back.) 

We'll start up another contest soon, so keep fishing and keep snapping photos!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,
Blair

Editing Room

Mr. Producerman cleaned out the hard drive and found some extra footage that didn't make it on TV the first time because we had too much.  He likes to call this episode "Bits and Bites." For example, y'all didn't get to see what all happened on Day 3 of our trip to the Dry Tortugas, when it was finally grouper season! Some more footage you get to see this time is from a day I was doing R and D on the new Gen 2 rods over in Canaveral. I was on a "solo mission," but I decided to bring along my cameraman, 'cause he likes to fish too. I hooked into a nice 15 lb tripletail on the 7'2" . . . can't wait to show y'all this fight. There's still a few more fish fights you didn't get to see so check out this week’s episode “Bits and Bites” – Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox Sun Sports (replays Sunday 9:30 p.m. ET / Tuesday 6:00 a.m. ET).

If you're near the Tampa Bay area this weekend, stop in to the Tampa Boat Show at the Convention Center and say hello to the folks over at the Central Marine Service & Boat Sales booth. They're the Skeeter Boats dealer in town and will be showing off the new 2014 line of XS bay boats and giving demo rides in the new SX240.  

I'm heading to Louisiana to prefish a tournament, then I think I'm going to get lost in the woods for awhile and do some hunting.  Mr. Producerman and Trice are heading to the Blue Ridge mountains to do some hiking and recharge because we've got a busy and exciting 2014 season coming up and we'll be back on the water shooting shows before we know it!  

Tune in to AF this weekend.  If you miss it on TV, you can always stay connected on Google+ in the Mogan Lounge, on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.  If you don't have cable, you need to get Roku . . . AF is now in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and the rest of the Roku universe too!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair

Hall of Famer

I didn't know it when we were filming this episode, but I was fishing with a Legendary Hall of Famer! We wrapped up shooting, I came home to a press release in my email inbox announcing "Johnson Outdoors’ Sam Heaton to be Inducted into “Legends” Hall of Fame.  Nationally renowned guide, outdoorsman and captain, Sam Heaton has been selected to be inducted into the “Legends of the Outdoors” National Hall of Fame.  Founded by Garry Mason, the “Legends of the Outdoors” Hall of Fame was established to recognize outdoor sportsmen and sportswomen who have played an integral part in setting the standards and guidelines for the rest of the outdoor world to follow." 

I always knew Sam was special, but a legend?  Congrats Sam, We're all so proud of ya!  Even better that we're airing our episode shot with Sam off of Stuart, Florida for blackfin tuna, cobia and sailfish this week. This was another 1st for us on Addictive Fishing . . . a double sailfish hookup. Sam's a real character, and he knows his stuff. Don't miss this week's episode, "Sails & Sam" on Fox Sun Sports (Friday, 10:30 a.m. ET / Sunday 9:30 p.m. ET / Tuesday 6:00 a.m. ET).

We had such a great time in Tallahassee last weekend!  I think we set a record for how many photos were taken with fans and Mogan Maniacs.  It was great to meet y'all and thanks for coming in to kick off the opening of the new Dick's Sporting Goods.  


And although I'm a proud Gator fan, it still was a real pleasure getting to meet Coach Bobby Bowden while in FSU territory. Thanks again to everyone who came out to see us . . . you make what I do so much fun! 

This Labor Day weekend y'all will probably be on the water, or watching NFL and College Football, or finishing out the summer with a big 'ol barbeque. No matter what you do have fun and be safe.  I'm heading out to Louisiana soon, and my new Skeeter boats should be here when I get back.  I think Christmas is coming a little early for AF this year!  


Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair  

   

Throwing Flats Pink . . .

I’m now throwing a little pink into the mix.  My Flats Blue rods by Wright & McGill are now available in Flats Pink.  Whenever I’d run into y’all at Dick’s Sporting Goods appearances, boat shows or even at the boat ramp, you’d always ask me when I’m gonna come out with a Flats Pink version of my rod.  Well, I listened, Wright & McGill went to work, and now they’re available for anyone who’s ready to throw a Flats Pink rod.  Personally, I’d be happy with pink or blue . . . the action is the same and it’s a great rod for the price.  Check them out right now only at www.dickssportinggoods.com. Almost forgot to tell you that each week I'll also be sharing a video tip with you on the Flats Blue rods (and the Flats Pink).  A lot of people ask me which rod they need to get for the type of fishing they do.  I go through each rod in the line up and give you some tips on what fish to target, what size reel to rig, what pound test braid to use, what lure to rig up, etc.  This week I go over the 7'2" Inshore spinning rod.  Check the AF Facebook page or the AF YouTube channel for more videos.  

We just got back from fishing off of Key West around the Marquesas and down by the Dry Tortugas.  We were fishing on the Star Brite (62’ Viking) and our guide was Capt. Chris Trosset.  Capt. Chris comes from a legendary Key West fishing family.  His dad “RT” is well known in these waters and Chris has gills behind his ears just like his old man.  I can’t say it enough . . . if y’all ever get the chance to fish down in Key West, you really have to give Capt. Chris Trosset a call.  You’ll leave Key West with sore muscles, a cooler full of fish and a lifetime of great memories.  A huge thank you to Capt. Pete Dornau, Gregor Dornau, Bill Lindsey, Mario & Kevin Cote of the Star Brite crew, for taking such good care of us. You’ll get to see the killer footage and fish we caught coming up soon in 3 different episodes.   

This week we’re running episode #2 again for y’all . . . it’s the episode we shot while out on the “Left Coast” of the country, in California.  My wife Cari is originally from California and I finally got to see what that fishery is all about.  I had fun catching Calico bass out of the Pacific kelp beds with Eric Bent.  Check out this week’s episode, “Catalina Blue,” Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET on Fox Sun Sports (replays Sunday 9:30 p.m. ET / Tuesday 6:00 a.m. ET).  

And the winner of the “Show Your Mogan” contest this time is . . . . (drum roll please) . . . Amir Mettawa from Instagram.  By the looks of how dark he is, that snook looks like he lives there and if you had to pull him out from under that dock, you sure had to work at it.   Nice job!  Snook are a lot of fun to catch, but they don’t make it easy for you.  Your Mogan Prize Pak will be on its way soon!  I’ll be picking a winner again in two weeks so make sure you get your photo entered.  Don’t forget to tell me where you caught your Mogan and what you were using.  Here’s how you enter:    Facebookers must submit their photo in the “Show Your Mogan” contest Event Page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/465598803509643/  Instagram users must upload photos with hashtag: #showyourmogan

I’d like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mother’s out there, especially my Mom and my wife Cari.  Thanks for all you do!  I’ve got a busy week coming up after I get to spend a quiet weekend with my family.  Heading back out to film more episodes and then off to Texas for some tournament fishing.  I’ll keep you posted in next week’s blog. 

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair Wiggins

Brrrrrrrrrr!

Y'all still cold, shoveling snow and freezin' your butts off up north? Well, if it makes you feel any better it's cold here in Florida too! Reminds me of our trip to Colorado with the Wright & McGill folks a couple of years back. We did a little ice fishing and backcountry snowmobiling. It was fun, but cold! 

I haven't been doing much fishing or anything else outside lately so I'm getting a little cabin fever and itching to get back on the water soon. Good news is, by the time it is warm enough my new Skeeter SX240 Bay boat will be ready and I'll be breakin' her in with a saltwater bath. I get to pick her up at the Miami Boat Show next month and can't wait.  

Want to see my newest Skeeter? Stop by the booth and say "hi!"  I'll be at the boat show Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Skeeter and the rest of the AF sponsor team have teamed up for a couple of cool giveaways . . . I'll fill you in on the details the closer we get to the weekend in Miami, but make sure you stay tuned for the chance to win a new Flats Blue rod, Flats Pink rod, Sabalos reel, Minn Kota Talon, Humminbird Fishfinder, Costa shades, Star Brite cleaning products, Trokar Mirrolure, FINS braid, Mogan Spoon, and more good stuff. You'll definitely have to come see me at the Skeeter booth!

What have y'all been doing this winter? Catching any fish? Ice fishing? Make sure you share your photos with us on Facebook or Instagram. I love checking online and seeing what everyone else is catching. If you're not fishing get your fix by watching this week's episode of Addictive Fishing on the Sportsman Channel. On Sunday, January 26th at 10 a.m. you can check out the "Bits and Bites" episode . . . it's all the footage you didn't get to see during the season. I'm hooking into blackfin tuna, grouper, redfish and triple tail. Then, on Monday at 9 a.m. and Tuesday at 2:30 a.m. watch the episode we shot out in California, "San Clemente," my first time ever catching calico bass.  

I was going through some old photos recently and came across this one sent in to us back in 2005. Producerman and I went to high school with the brother of the guy on the far right in the AF visor.  We sent over a care package of DVDs, visors and goodies for Flip Stalling's troop in Afghanistan and this is what they sent us back.  Pretty cool!  I wonder where these guys are today?  Thank you then and thank you now military men and women for your service!!  

Stay safe on the snow and keep thinking warm thoughts!  

Until next week . . . tight lines,

Blair