This Fisherbabe LOVES Her $30 Dollar Rod...

and cannot understand why everyone makes fun of her when she states "I fish with an Ugly Stik"!!!!! I mean, I understand that there are more expensive and fancier rods out there. But I know that my Ugly Stik will hold up and serve me well. SO WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL?????

I am starting to become a little hurt and maybe even offended by some of the remarks I get when I pledge my allegiance to Ugly Stik Rods. I mean...ok so ya...I have been a little ticked off at the company lately because they will not make MY PINK ROD...but that is another issue that I will not go into again here!!! I just wanna know why its so bad that I love my cheap, old ugly stik.

Some of the most recent responses I have received are:

"You are NOT serious"

"You cannot possibly be serious"

"Why do you fish with that cheap, old thing"

"Do you know anything about fishing gear"

"Oh sweet thang...you need serious help"

and my favorite..."Awwwww...that is SOOO cute"

Now...I will not deny that I like being called cute, but Ugly Stiks are not cute...and I am not cute for using one. I am just a fisherbabe who likes products that are dependable, sturdy, trustworthy, strong, and capable. I like companies that have strong reputations for good products and great customer service.

I fish in locations that are remote and isolated. There are no corner marinas or tackle shops. I get dropped off by a float plane in the middle of an island with the instructions to "lay out a tarp if there is an emergency and we will get to you in a day or two." This is not a place in which you want your gear to break down.

So I use Ugly Stiks because I trust them. I know that they will work. I know that under most circumstances my rod will last me not only this trip but MANY trips to come...and all for under $30.00!!! What can beat that!!

Now this post is not meant to insinuate that my choice is better than anyone elses. As a matter of fact, there are a lot of rods that I would like to try someday. I would really like to fish with a St. Croix rod and a G. Loomis rod. I would LOVE to try them out and see how they stand up to my kind of fishing trips!! I am sure they would be awesome!!

I know that, if I ever get to try these new rods, I will be super impressed and they will work beautifully. But I also know that I will have an ugly stik hidden away in my rod case...just in case.

So I wanna know...What kinds of rods do you fish with and what have been your favorites over the years??? Has anyone ever given you a hard time for liking your favorite gear??? Feel free to join in if you are into another sport and tell us what comments you have encountered with your gear choices!!!!

Happy Commenting ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

This One's For The Girls...

It's been a LONG time since I did a post for all the fisherbabes out there, but I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss some of my favorite products that I LOVE for all those trips where running water may not be a luxury that is afforded. These products are also great for camping or in those particular situations where the bathrooms are so EEEEWWWWYY that they do not require an explanation...you all know which ones I mean!! Britney Spears may love to party barefoot on nasty infested bathroom floors, but this diva does not!!! So the following products are ones that I have found to be essential to ensuring that I still feel like princess even when sitting in the outhouse!!

1. Neutrogena Make-Up Remover Wipes

These are THE BEST make-up remover wipes that I have found on the market yet!! I have tried many, many different types of these wipes, but the Neutrogena brand has always been gentle and refreshing. These wipes are the best because they are resealable and very gentle. They do NOT need water to work as they are pre-moistened. PLUS, you do not need to rinse your face after using them. Therefore, these are the the MOST portable wipes that I found so far!! I even use them at home!!

http://www.neutrogena.com/

2. CoverGirl Lip Stains

I LOVE THESE STAINS!!! They really stay on!! I think they speak for themselves, and I even wear them when we go out because I know that I will not have to refresh them at all!! I really can just slide some chapstick on my lips throughout the night and be done!! This is really important when you're on the water, because you still want to look pretty but who wants to take out a mirror or a compact. That's just silly!! These are great because you put them on in the morning before heading to the lake and you're done!! I suggest slicking any type of chapstick with a sunblock over the top for an all day dose of sun protection AND a nice sheen!!

http://www.covergirl.com/

3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock

I am a huge fan of this sunblock because I have very sensitive skin. As I previously stated, I have used Neutrogena for many years because I know I can always count on the gentleness of the product. This sunblock is really great because it comes in protection up to 100!! Plus it also doubles as a great under makeup moisturizer!! Its dry touch which means its not at all greasy and great feeling on the skin!!

http://www.neutrogena.com/

4. Clinique SuperBalanced Make-Up

This is my favorite type of make-up for all kinds of reasons. First of all, it feels great on the skin because YOU CANNOT FEEL IT!! It's the first makeup that I have found that really feels like you are wearing nothing when you have it on. It also stays on great all day!! I like to mix it with a moisturizer (50/50) and set it with a light pressed powder when I am on the water. I mean I LOVE to fish...but I wanna look pretty when I do it :)

http://www.clinique.com/

5. Colgate Wisps

These are great. They are pocket sized and can fit right into your tackle box. They have a bead of freshness in the middle and little bristles to clean and freshen after a meal in the boat...I mean every fishin' diva knows that we are all so awesome that there is always a chance their boat mate might try to steal a kiss!! Better be ready girls!!

http://www.colgate.com/

6. Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant

Princesses have to smell sweet at all times. Close your ears if you are reading this guys so you can keep thinking girls don't sweat!!

Even if you do not need prescription strength deodorant, this is a smart buy. It allows you to wear those layers and layers of clothing without worrying about sweating!! Plus, if you are some place hot! hot! hot! it takes care of you in your bikini!!!

http://www.secret.com/

7. Green Rootine Dry Shampoo (Sephora)

I LOVE DRY SHAMPOOS...and this one has the brush attached. How Convenient!! This shampoo cleans and refreshes hair without the use of water!! We all know weight limits are a problem when you are flying into a great fishing location. You cannot afford to bring along extra cosmetics and hair supplies. However, this does not mean we want to look like old hags by the end of the week. This dry shampoo comes in two different colors (light and dark) and works so well to refresh hair mid week!! Beautiful hair and big fish...what fisherbabe could ask for more!!

For all you blonde fisherbabes like me, I also want to suggest a cheap alternative. Sometimes, if I do not have time to shop before leaving, I will just throw some loose translucent power in my bag with a brush. This works great for blondes and gives you a quick lift and the appearance of a highlight. Plus, its quick and cheap!!

http://www.sephora.com/

8. Smooth Away Hair Removers

Ok Girls...I saved the best for last. This thing is a miracle!!! They really do work and come in sizes that fit perfectly for legs, underarms, and the bikini area. I HATE not being able to take my razor and shaving cream along with me on the trip. But the weight restrictions suck. PLUS I never like to put chemicals into the lake that aren't ABSOLUTELY necessary. This product ensures a sexy, goddess like hair-free body even 4 days into a 10 day (running water-less) fishing trip in the wild!!

http://www.getsmoothaway.com/

Ok Girls...there you have them - my all time favorite products to keep your inner princess happy the whole time you fish.

Guys - I apologize for the girlie post, but even you guys should use the sunblock!!! Have a great rest of your weekend!!

Happy Shopping ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

Fun New Stuff From GetReeled.Com...

I know that many of my readers are members of getreeled.com , and we all know how fun that site is!! I recently had the chance to speak with the creator of getreeled.com (Ben) and was so excited to hear about the great new stuff he has in store for the site. For those of you that are not members of getreeled.com, you are missing out. GetReeled is a social networking site specifically for anglers like you and me!!! I have met so many great people from this site that share my passion for fishing and the outdoors. In my opinion, it is the best site of its kind and really offers a great, professional place to meet friends and fellow anglers!! The site is approaching 8,000 members and has been in existence for only a little over a year. I think that number speaks to how useful and fun anglers think this site really is!!

Besides an update of Getreeled.com, I was particularly interested to find out that he will be launching a new site on August 1st called “The Ultimate Fishing Directory”. Even though the site has not officially launched, he is allowing me to bring my readers a sneak peek of this brand new site!!! This Ultimate Fishing Directory is a social networking directory where fishing businesses can easily connect directly with fishing enthusiasts. Imagine combining the search capabilities of Google with the community nature of Facebook. The possibilities here are endless and exciting!!! Whether you’re looking for a local bait and tackle shop, a lodge for your next vacation, or an experienced charter, the site has made it extremely simple to find what you are looking for. Not only will you be able to search for the exact fishing listing that you want, but you’ll be able to explore videos, photos and comments left by others who have used that particular service or product. We all know the value of good, solid research when it comes to all things fishing. Finally, it’s like someone has taken my fishing notebook (you know you all have one) and put it online!!! It is sooo incredibly convenient!! As for business owners, this new site is FABULOUS. It really allows a business to connect more effectively with the customer. I have found that a lot of other websites are kind of boring and hard to navigate. Other directory sites simply list your basic phone number, and you never get a place where you can really read and compare comments from other anglers. The Ultimate Fishing Directory, however, portrays businesses in a really positive light and brings a company to life with its ability to add pictures, videos, maps, or online brochures.

During our conversation, Ben expressed that many companies had inquired about advertising possibilities. He stated that he was afraid that offering those types of opportunities to businesses would interfere with the angler’s usage of the getreeled.com site. However, The Ultimate Fishing Directory takes the ability to advertise easily and effectively to a whole new level and offers each business its own personal page. It puts businesses in the right place at the right time without ever inconveniencing the reader. PLUS, it offers monthly updates (via email) on how well your page is performing.

You guys know that I do not promote businesses, products, or websites that I do not completely believe in and use myself. I have tried out both sites and use them regularly. I am so totally excited about the new possibilities of these sites!!

If you are an angler and are not a member of GetReeled, then I suggest you go to http://www.getreeled.com/ right this second to sign up!!! If you are an angler who is planning a trip soon or you just need to do some research on anything fishing related, I suggest you give The Ultimate Fishing Directory a try at http://www.ultimatefishingdirectory.com/.

If you are business owner who is serious about promoting your business and you want an effective, professional way to attract anglers from all over the world, I suggest you sign up for the directory ASAP!! Just go to http://www.ultimatefishingdirectory.com/ to sign up. The whole process takes only 10-15 minutes, and you will have thousands of anglers being directed to your business on a daily basis!!

It is so awesome to find great fishing sites to pass onto my readers. I am so excited about these two sites and the new opportunities they present to those of us who are really passionate about the sport of fishing. Check them out soon and have fun!!!

Happy Fishing ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

Packages From Travel Manitoba...

are really awesome to get in the mail!!! Today, I received my cool stuff from Travel Manitoba for catching a whole lotta fish on my last fishing trip!!!

First of all, I received my badge for catching 5 master angler sized fish (41" or above). This badge was pretty awesome...I must admit!! This is the bronze badge which is awarded to anglers who catch their first trophy sized fish of qualifying size. However...I want them ALL!!! They even have a DIAMOND one...and as we all know, diamonds are a girl's best friend!!! Next...I pulled out the NORTHERN PIKE SPECIALIST BADGE!!! To recieve this badge, an angler must catch FIVE fish of qualifying size. My five qualifying fish were 43", 43", 43", 43", and 43.5"!!! Third, I pulled out the "Catch and Release Badge". I got this badge because I released all of the fish that I caught. Although I understand why other anglers choose to keep certain fish, I advocate always releasing trophy sized fish. As a matter of fact, many lakes regulate the sizes of fish that can be kept, and mandate that all fish of a certain size be released back into the waters. Last, I pulled out my Northern Pike Specialist Certificate which I am seriously contemplating framing along with the five certificates I received for each of my trophy fish. I think they deserve to be framed. It's extremely pretty AND it says SPECIALIST. It really does not get better than that!!! I love fishing in Manitoba because they really are great about rewarding their anglers for the awesome catches of the year. I have been looking forward to receiving this package since May when I sent the applications off. If you are fishing soon or have been fishing recently in Manitoba, you can go to http://www.travelmanitoba.com/ for more information on this awesome program. Just remember that they only take a certain number of submissions each year. There is also a deadline...so hurry!!! Happy Trophy Fishing Catching~ LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

The Best Thing About Blogging...

is meeting new friends. I had a lovely conversation with one of my blogger friends today, and it was the first time I have spoken to someone on the phone that I have met through my blog.

I love meeting new people who share my passion for fishing and for life!!! I wanted to take a post to thank you all for stopping by, for commenting, and for making my blogging experience more FABULOUS than I could have ever imagined it could be.

I have met more great people over the past four months than I could have ever imagined, and I really look forward to getting to know you all better in the future. I am the luckiest fisherbabe EVER!!!

Happy Friend Making ~ LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe :)

Cane Poles, Bobbers, and Beer...

Well all...today is my birthday. Yes...I was born 21 years ago today...lol JUST KIDDING!!! I am not sure I would even go back to 21 but to be honest, today I am 29. Yes...thats right...30 minus 1!!! Everyone keeps telling me to enjoy the last year of my 20's, and personally, I think that is a crummy way to say happy birthday to a princess!! Besides I think I look ok for being 30 minus 1!!

Anyway...as I sit here mulling over the idea of the end of my 20's, I find myself thinking instead of my 5's and 10's. Believe it or not, my daddy did not fish. It was my mother who took me fishing when I was a little girl and introduced me to digging for worms (which back then I thought was completely icky) and cane poles that we made from the bamboo that grew wild on farms around our town (which I thought was completely cool).

I distinctly remember the first time I saw my mom "catch her bait." I thought I would throw up when she handed me a piece of a tiny fish she just caught and told me that even Barbie Dolls bait their own hooks. I thought she was crazy back then...but I appreciate it now and thank her for introducing me to such a great sport and for letting me wear my tiara while digging for worms.

I miss those cane poles, and every once in a while when I am at Cabela's and I see them sitting sadly in those barrels, I have to admit I want one. I was too young to have a beer while fishing back then...but I think a cane pole, a bobber, some cheese bait, and a beer sounds quite nice now.

I think next year I will celebrate that way. After all, its the end of a decade of one age and the start of something new and exciting. I want to celebrate sitting on a shoreline with a cane pole in one hand and a beer in the other. Anyone wanna come along for LIZZYPALOOZA? We can make a trip of it!!

Hmmmm...you know...I bet I could even paint that damn cane pole PINK...

Off to have a beer with the family...

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

Spoons In My Kitchen...

And I do not mean the regular kind of eating spoons...you know for cereal and stuff...I mean Cabelas Canadian Casting Spoons. There is also Trilene Line in various types and tests. What's my point you may ask?? Well...I am beginning to feel like I live in a tackle shop and maybe a little like I am losing my mind...LOL :) Just a few minutes ago, I found a Fishing Lure in my freezer. Yes...I was taking out some hamburger for supper and there it was. I hope that I did not actually place it there in some wierd completely unnecessary way. I am hoping that the hook got stuck on something that was actually meant for the freezer...but with me you never know. Which brings forth the previous question of "why are there Spoons and Trilene in my kitchen? Before I became an avid fisherbabe and I first got married, I got really angry at my hubby for leaving his fishing tackle all over our house. I would put it up and there it would be again the next day...right there on our dining room table or on our couch. So we had a talk and he began keeping his stuff out of our living room. He really is a good, sweet fisherhubby. :) Then a few years ago, the stuff started reappearing. I asked my hubby, "why did you leave your line in my kitchen?" His response was..."I did not leave my line in your kitchen. In fact, I do not have any line. I need new line. That, I believe, is your line." My response, "WHAT THE HELL?" It is now worse than I could have ever imagined, and today as I was cleaning and preparing for the arrival of my mother, I took to the basement:

• 10 spools of trilene line in various kinds and tests
• 1 brand new Shimano Cardiff 200a Reel
• 20 various fishing magazines
• 1 tackle box (unused)
• 4 cabelas canadian casting spoons
• 4 other types of lures
• 3 coolers
• 1 package of hooks
• 1 package of bobbers
• 1 hook out
• 2 packages of mosquito coils
• 1 jar of lure primer paint

AND IT WAS ALL MINE. YES ALL OF IT!!! I found it in my guest bedroom, my kitchen, my dining room, in my couch, under my table, and in my freezer. I think maybe I am worse than my hubby when it comes to buying tackle. And I still have no idea why there are fishing lures in my freezer...

Happy Cleaning ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

The Fort for the Fourth...

I am actively trying to talk my Fisherhubby into moving out west. There is just something about Western Nebraska that takes me back to the 1900's and makes me wanna stay home, catch dinner, churn butter, and bake bread all day. This year we spent the Fourth of July at Fort Robinson in Western Nebraska. Here is my attempt at Nature Photography...Enjoy :)

I love the windmills in the middle of the pastures and the gravel roads that lead to wonderful spring fed ponds. The bluffs that you can climb and the wild antelopes that graze freely are so peaceful. The west offers the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen...it does not get better than pink sky and an ice cold beer!!! One of these days I am going to talk him into it. He is a farmer at heart anyways...I have always known that. Someday we will have our own home on our own pasture with our own spring fed ponds. Ahhhhhhhh...dreams :)

Happy Day Dreaming ~

LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe

The Cutest Fisherbabe Of All...

This is the daughter of my husband's best friend in the whole world...and I think it could be the most beautiful thing I have ever seen...

It does not get better than kids fishing...so find a kid and introduce them to this sport that consumes our lives and holds a deep place in our hearts.

Isn't she just absolutely adorable?

Happy Teachings ~ LIZZY aka The Fisherbabe