This was a “trip of firsts”- the first pike fishing day of the year on the islands, my first fish landed this year, which was also the first fish landed in Ed’s new boat, and also the first fish I caught on a swimbait (a reaction strike slow sink Revolution Shad). That’s a lot of firsts for one fish! Even though swimbaits were working really well for me best lure of the day was still the Rapala Glidin’ Rap.

Also, we’re thinking about putting together a small gathering on the islands for all of our local readers so register for our forums and get involved! More photos from my trip after the break- all photos credited to Ed F.

Available on PSP, PS2, PS3, XBOX 360 and Wii for around $40.

GAMEPLAY WITH FISHING ROD CONTROLLER PICTURE-IN-PICTURE

The road to creating a great fishing video game is very difficult, which is probably why there are so many bad fishing games out there. Trying to please fishermen and gamers alike is even more difficult. Today’s gamers demand more than ever in terms of graphics and entertaining gameplay while fishermen want an game style that feels like fishing. A good fishing game doesn’t have to capture every aspect of fishing, it only has to capture the rush you feel when you’re fishing.

Rapala and Activision have teamed up to combine their respective fields of expertise into an entertaining and immersive video game for every major gaming console (PS2, PS3, 360, Wii) and handheld (PSP, DS, iPhone/iTouch/iPad). Unfortunately I can’t review the game for every platform, though I may pick up the iPhone version later. I was however lucky enough to receive Rapala Pro Bass Fishing for the 360, complete with the full motion fishing rod controller, and since I was home sick with the flu it provided the perfect opportunity to really sit down and grind some lakes.

Continue Reading “Review: Rapala Pro Bass Fishing For Xbox360″

Rapala’s new game is available on every platform you could imagine- Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, PSP, DS, Wii, and it was even just announced on the iPhone. Plus the 360, PS3, and Wii owners can pick up one of the new full motion wireless Rapala Rod & Reel controllers. That’s right, the 360 controller is wireless!

Rapala has also pushed the envelope on the tournament mode where you will face off against the Rapala Pro staff in over 20 tournament events in more sports-style presentation including, announcer commentary, live updates, leader boards, in-depth analysis and heart pounding final weigh-ins complete with chariot-style entrances and pyrotechnics! Once you’ve mastered these lakes grab a friend for some head-to-head fishing and angling skills competitions. One thing you can always count on in a Rapala game is a huge library of gear and high quality models with serious action, just check out this huge list of gear available in game.

I will be reviewing Rapala Pro Bass Fishing for Xbox 360 this weekend, it was delivered to my office this morning, but as I’m home sick I had to asked my friend Phil to bring it to me. So it’s not here yet… It’s actually turned out for the best since I’ve been home sick and likely won’t be going outdoors this weekend it’s time to brew up some piping hot peppermint tea and get ready! More photos after the break.

SANTA MONICA, CA – September 29, 2010 — It’s time to experience pro tournament fishing action like never before! Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) today announced Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is now available for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®2 computer entertainment systems, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation®3 system versions are available with first of a kind wireless Rapala Rod & Reel controllers and an innovative new Rapala Rod & Reel peripheral is available for Wii™. The PlayStation®3 system version game is also compatible with the Move motion controller. Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is all about the intensity and adrenaline of live fishing competition!

Players will test their fortitude against some of the world’s leading fishing pros in over 20 tournament events on seven of North America’s prime freshwater fishing locations. Every win will help unlock additional lures and equipment from Rapala and other leading manufacturers, essential for catching over 20 species of trophy fish, each with its unique feeding habits and behaviors. The action is presented as a live TV event with commentary and live updates from real-world announcers including Barry Brueland of InFisherman TV, competitive leader boards and heart-pounding final weigh-ins.

Featuring full motion controls, players will be able to cast, reel, jig, set the hook and more as if they had an actual fishing rod in their hands. The wireless Rod & Reel controllers for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 system feel and behave much like a genuine rod and reel, responding accurately to players’ every motion for an immersive fishing experience. Players will also be able to challenge their friends in head-to-head multiplayer in over 50 different fishing and angling competitions.

Rapala Pro Bass Fishing is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. For more information visit www.RapalaFishingGames.com.

1. Rapala X-Rap
Pattern: Clown

Rapala took the fishing world by storm when they introduced the X-Rap line of lures. The 4 3/4 inch XR12 lure in clown pattern should be in every pike fishermans tacklebox. What makes them so great? They cast far, the can be retrieved at any speed or twitched to create an irresistible swimming action. These lures can be extremely effective when pike are lazy. Simply pause your retrieve and allow the X-Rap to suspend. This action will often bring pike in close and they’ll inhale the lure once you start your retrieve again.

Buy the Rapala X-Rap from our OpenSky Store!

2. Suick Red Hot Thriller
Pattern: Firetiger

Suick lures have been around since the 1930s – the very fact that they are still sold today proves that these lures can catch big fish. I became a believer in these lures back in 2005 when Jon and I were fishing for spring pike at Little Vermilion in Northern Ontario. We were both watching the lures rise and dive just below the surface when all of a sudden a mound of water began to raise behind the lure. Within seconds a massive pike smashed the lure with extreme prejudice and almost pulled the rod from my hands. I haven’t been on another pike trip without that lure in my tackle box.

Buy the Suick from our OpenSky Store! Buy now and save 15% off a 3 pack of Suicks – use promo code FISHINGFURY15OFF

3. Rapala Glidin’ Rap
Pattern: Hot Olive

Another Rapala makes the list. This is a pretty new lures here in North America and is already a new favorite for us, specifically the Hot Olive pattern. Its got a great side to side sliding and gliding action that proved the be the most reliable pike lure we used at Toronto Islands this year. This lure is 4.75 inches long and 1.3 oz. And for all of you fishermen who prefer bigger lures, Rapala is adding a 6 inch, 2.5 oz model into the mix, as well as three new colours.

4. Rockstar Lures
Pattern: Heavy Metal Silver

What can I say about these lures? I love them. The biggest pike I’ve ever caught came on one of these beauties. Of course, you may say my opinion is biased since I am the creator of the big spinners, featuring #8 French blades, but these lures we created solely for catching pike. They cast far, can be trolled, and they create an irresistible vibration under the water thanks to large blades.

5. Mepps Black Fury
Pattern: Yellow or Chartreuse

Last and certainly not least, the Black Fury. I prefer to use the #5, 1/2 oz version personally, but pike will go after smaller incarnations as well. If you ask me, there is no better lure for covering water than this French spinner. Fast or slow, deep or shallow, this lure produces fish. Mepps does make larger versions of the Black Fury specifically for pike and musky, but the plain old #5 has produced more pike for me then any other lure. For an added sense of security I usually remove the standard hook and replace it with a larger one just to make sure the big ones don’t get away.

Available only during ice fishing season – December through late February – Lakemaid Beer Winter Edition is a refreshing, smooth, classic American lager inspired by freshwater mermaids, known as lakemaids, who live in the lakes and rivers of North Country. Long ago, these beautiful creatures of the deep found their way inland from the oceans, down tributaries such as the St. Lawrence Seaway, into the Great Lakes and then, to cool, clear freshwater lakes and rivers throughout fishing country.

The introduction of Lakemaid Beer Winter Edition is in direct response to the success of the summer or open water edition of Lakemaid Beer, which was introduced two years ago by the August Schell Brewery, the second oldest family owned brewery in the United States, and Rapala, manufacturer of legendary Rapala fishing lures and knives. The response was so overwhelming to the summer edition of Lakemaid Beer that Schell’s and Rapala decided to offer a winter brew especially for ice fishermen. Same great beer, only colder!

And if these scantily clad Lakemaids on every bottle aren’t enough to make you want to buy a bottle, Lakemaid Beer will be donating a portion of the proceeds from Lakemaid Beer Winter Edition, to the International Game Fish Association, www.igfa.org, to help with gamefish research and freshwater conservation efforts.

In other news, August Schell Brewing Company, the brewery behind Lakemaid Beer is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2010! You don’t spend 150 years in the business if you don’t know how to make a great beer!