You and a group of friends are planning a fly fishing trip. You've sat and talked about a destination but haven't made a final choice. How in the world do you decide on just one location?
What follows are a few things that should be considered before you decide on a fly fishing trip destination -- including fly fishing guides, lodges, trip planners, and travel experts. Everything you need to know to plan and prepare your next fly fishing trip.
First and foremost, be sure everyone in your fly fishing group has a chance to express their opinion about they they expect.
#1 What species of fish is your group planning to fish for?
Some may want to fish for trout; others may not care what kind of fish they catch. Each person should put in his or her 2 cents before definite plans are made. If an agreement can't be reached, choose a fly fishing destination that you all vote on. Majority rules.
Consider a fly fishing destination where multiple species of fish can be caught. Some fly fishing destinations have several fish species in one lake.
Are you looking for trophy fish or great action? This can make a difference in where you want to go. You'll want to determine whether most of the people in your group would rather spend most of the attempting to catch a single "trophy fish" or spend most of the day catching any type fish one after the other.
Everyone in the group should take into consideration how much they're willing to spend on a fly fishing vacation. Some may have lots of spare cash, while others may be on a tight budget. Be respectful and considerate of everyone in the group.
#2 What about accommodations? Is everyone in the group willing to rough it, or do you want to rent a cabin or stay in a resort?
To help you decide, consider these points:
Will you and the others in your fly fishing group be comfortable camping where there are no bathroom or shower facilities?
Are you planning on taking food supplies and cooking over a campfire? Or do you want to eat at restaurants or in dining rooms where the food is prepared and served to you? Remember that cooking your own food means washing dishes and keeping food out of the reach of wildlife.
Search online for guides, outfitters and lodges in the area that you will be visiting. What discounts are available? When is the best time of year to plan your fly fishing trip? What species of fish are found in the waters of that particular area? Will a fly fishing trip to this destination be within everyone's budget?
Once you've decided on your fly fishing expedition, be sure to get a list of the rules and regulations for that location. Licenses will be a must. Can you purchase them ahead of time, or do you have to buy them after your arrival? What is the fly fishing limit? What are the rules about catch and release? Be sure you know and follow all the rules so your fly fishing trip won't be ruined by a hefty fine.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tips For Choosing A Destination For Your Next Fly Fishing Trip
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Putting Together All The Right Fishing Gear
When it comes to fishing, there are so many things that will need to be purchased in order to have everything needed to be a true success at it.
While things such as a fishing rod rack are not as important as other fishing gear, there are things out there that you may want to pick up over time as they can help make things go easier. There are things however that are extremely important fishing gear and should not be left off the shopping list.
You want to make sure that your fishing trip is as fun as possible so that means that you must be prepared. The fishing gear that you need will vary depending upon the type of waters you plan on fishing in and the type of fish that you are seeking. While it is a good idea to have a little bit of everything when it comes to fishing gear, you may want to start slow because of the expense.
Research exactly what it is that you will need in order to make the most out of your trip and get that fishing gear and nothing more unless you can really afford it. Do everything you can to make sure that you are at least not going on your trip with less then what should be required.
Making Smart Purchases When it comes to fishing gear, you will soon discover that even the cheapest priced items can quickly add up once you see everything that you have to get. This is why it is so important to make sure that you are making smart decisions in your shopping adventure for fishing gear. You do not want to get ripped off by paying too much for something but at the same time you don’t want to waste money and time on cheap stuff that will just fall apart. Making smart decisions on the fishing gear you purchase is the ultimate goal so that your experience fishing is a smooth one.
Before you make any large purchases make sure that you are shopping around to make sure that you cannot get a better deal somewhere else. Whether you are looking in a fishing gear catalog, in a sporting goods store, or looking though an online store, make sure that you are getting the best price available. The more money you save now, the more money you can spend on fishing gear in the future. So take you time and be a smart consumer and get the deals that you deserve on all of your fishing gear needs.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Live Bait Fishing Tips - Keeping Your Baits Alive
Obviously you can’t live bait if you can’t keep it alive, and this can often be quite a task. Keeping your baits happy, healthy and kicking can be approached in many ways, so I have put down a few key tips to remember; and some good alternatives to fully plumbed live bait tanks.
I will start with problems that affect even perfectly plumbed tanks and go from there.
COMMON PROBLEMS
If you have a fully plumbed, top of the line bait tank, then you are well ahead of the game but will still have fish dying. If the tank becomes overcrowded fish will start to die.
Remember the bigger the baits the less will survive in your tank. Baits so big they can’t freely swim around the tank will have a high mortality rate. Once fish have died make sure to remove them from the tank as it will affect the remaining survivors.
When you are catching bait make sure to handle them as little as possible. If possible catch bait with long shank hooks then hold the shank of the hook and shake the bait off and straight into the tank. That way you never touch the fish.
ALTERNATIVE TANKS
If you don’t have an inbuilt tank, or room for this, the next best thing is to use an esky. In a good sized tinnie I have even plumbed a good quality esky with great results, the next best thing to an esky is the good old fashioned ‘kill box’ the ones commercial fishos use for storing their catch.
Eskies work very well as bait tanks because one major problem for keeping fish alive is change in water temperature. Not only are fish very sensitive to temperature change but when water warms up it loses its dissolved oxygen killing the fish.
A 50 litre tank of water in summer warms up very quickly, this is very important to remember when you don’t have any circulation in your tank. The temperature problem also relates to colour, try and use white tanks so they don’t attract more heat.
FRESH WATER
Without having the tank plumbed you will have to use a bucket to constantly refresh the water in the tank, its hard work but often worth it. You can also purchase small bait pumps that will help but I’ve found that you still need to use the bucket but just not as often.
When you pour water into your tank don’t try to be gentle, this is a mistake, it is best to do it from a good height and create a lot of foam, this is oxygen mixing with the water and benefits your baits.
OXYGEN
Another key point is the shape of the tank. Ideally a high surface area is great which again is why most eskies work well and so do ‘kill boxes’.
The higher the surface area the more oxygen can dissolve into the water, this is also why little kiddy wading pools are perfect when fishing from the shore.
THE BASKET CASE
One last useful tip for boat fishos is to have a laundry basket that is deep and narrow in shape. Put some weight in the bottom of the basket and flotation around the top of the basket.
When you are at anchor simply put this in the water and tie it of to the side of the boat. Transfer your livebaits from your tank into the basket while fishing at anchor and they will stay healthier than in any livebait tank. Always have a small net for transferring the baits so as not to damage your baits.
Remember the better you handle your livebaits the better baits they’re going to be.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Amazing Bass Fishing Tips - Save Time, Effort And Money
Author: Abhishek Agarwal
Many a good angler has learnt a lot by keeping his eyes and ears peeled during his amateur days of fishing. A lot can be learnt just by observing and listening to the "gurus" talk about a sport or pastime that you are interested in. In the sport of bass fishing many good catches have been the result of a good bass fishing tip from the experts in their field.
Let us take for instance, a sea bass fishing expedition. An amateur will not know that the kid of tackle he is using is not suited for the kind of fish he is trying to lure. An experienced fisherman will tip him on the mistake he is making and this could lead to him making a catch where he would never have been able to without the tip. Something as simple as changing tackle can make a big difference.
Even if you are a seasoned fisherman it pays to keep your mind open to newer ideas and techniques of catching the elusive bass. Remember that people are fishing for bass the world over and all is not known about the mighty bass. The different species of bass feed under different conditions. Trying a technique of luring a sea bass could help you hook a bass in a freshwater lake. It has been known to happen, and these do not occur by fluke, but by anglers trying out newer tips they have learnt from others in the field.
It will only pay to keep abreast with the latest news in he area of fishing. There are newer technologies being developed and newer equipment being placed in the market. If you are aware of the latest equipment you could use, you can perhaps make the most of it with your experience as a bass hunter. Sometimes a bass fishing tip will save you a lot of bother. Yu may be out looking for a spot to fish and come up against a person who has visited a spot where the fish are "biting" as they say. Instead of looking for a sot yourself you have been presented with one through ha tip from another angler who has successfully been fishing those waters.
Reading fishing tips written by the more experienced of fishermen can save you a lot of bother and money too. These tips will enable you to choose the best fishing tackle and lure as well as save you time by educating you on the best spots for you to fish for bass. Fishing tips from the gurus can prevent you making many mistakes and make a success of your favorite pastime.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/amazing-bass-fishing-tips-save-time-effort-and-money-269018.html
About the Author: Abhishek is a Fishing addict! Visit his website http://www.fishing-masters.com/ and download his FREE Fishing Report "How To Plan And Budget The Fishing Trip Of Your Dreams!" and learn some amazing Fishing tips and tricks for FREE. Discover how to have a perfect Fishing trip on a shoe-string budget. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! http://www.fishing-masters.com/Wednesday, July 30, 2008
How to Select A Suitable Fly Fishing Rod
Author: Allen Bohart
Fly Fishing is a unique form of fishing that is as artistic in nature as it is technical. Fly fishing has evolved from being a sombre pastime to an extremely passionate sport among anglers. Fly fishing, initially developed for catching trout and salmon, quickly developed into a favorite recreational habit for many around the world looking to take a sabbatical from the rigors of daily life.
Unlike traditional forms of fishing, fly fishing involves the use of an artificial fly as bait. The fly is tied to a hook with the use of fur, thread, feathers and other similar materials. The basic logic behind this is to create an illusion of food that attracts the fish to the hook.
There are two major fly fishing forms, one being the traditional dry fly fishing and the other wet fly fishing. Out of these, dry fly fishing is widely regarded as the classic form in which the angler casts the bait upstream to catch trout or salmon. The sight of a fish jumping upstream in anticipation of bait beats most other fishing experiences hands down and this is just one the many reasons why more and more people are attracted to the charms of fly fishing.
Fly fishing is generally regarded to be one of the toughest forms of the fishing sport and demands a lot of patience and skill from the fly fisherman. As fly-fishing fun requires agility and sharpness, the correct selection of fly fishing rods holds utmost importance. There are many different types of fly fishing rods around the market and one should always pick out an appropriate fly fishing rod after review of certain aspects such as their weight, length, and the place where fly fishing is to be attempted.
One of the best ways for a fly fishing amateur to kick start things is to try out his luck using a bamboo fly fishing rod. Most fly fisherman swear by them due to their lightweight and greater flexibility. Bamboo fly fishing rods were the first fly fishing rods to be created and their immense flexibility makes them an asset to both amateur fly fishers and astute fly fishers who prefer a much more refined style of fly fishing. However on the down side, bamboo fly fishing rods are much more delicate and as making them requires substantial skill, they are pretty heavy on the wallet too.
Great alternatives for bamboo fishing rods are graphite fly fishing rods and fiberglass fly fishing rods. Graphite rods do tend to be a bit on the stiffer side but their additional strength, performance, and durability does indeed give fly fisherman a lot of options to work with. On the other hand, fiberglass fishing rods have grown in stature and number over the past decade or so and are now the most common fly fishing rods around the fly fishing community. Fiberglass rods are strong and also have the added advantage of being flexible and durable. However, they do tend to be a bit on the heavier side and much of their usage is dependent on the strength and the skill of the fisherman wielding them.
The act of fly fishing is best enjoyed in the company of friends and relatives. Fly fishing offers the best way to spend a dull afternoon in the lap of nature with close friends and relatives complete with competition to make the biggest catch. So, go ahead and take a dip into the charm of fly fishing and find a great way to enjoy your much cherished weekends.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/how-to-select-a-suitable-fly-fishing-rod-445990.html
About the Author:Fly fishing rods are not the only type of rod that needs careful selection criteria. For more on all types of fishing rods, be sure to visit http://www.anglingrods.com/ today.Monday, June 30, 2008
Trout Fishing on Maligne Lake: Secrets Revealed
Author: Craig Mumby
Maligne Lake secrets revealed………….
One of Alberta’s most popular, but unforgiving lakes is Maligne Lake located in Jasper National Park. This lake has some of the best rainbow and brook trout fishing found in the country…..if you know the tricks. An average sized rainbow weighs in at around 2 to 2.5 pounds with consistent 4 to 5 pounders. The brook trout fishery is incredible. Averaging at a pound and a half, you get consistent 3 to 4 pounders and one fish was weighed in at an incredible 12 and a half pounds. This was years ago, but the gentleman who caught this monster still hangs around at the boat ramp just waiting to tell his tale and pull out the old photo album.
There are many ways to fish for these two trout species, but we’re going to concentrate on one specific technique and that’s trolling sinking fly lines. Very rarely do you hear, or read, about trolling sinking lines, but this technique has proven to me to be the most productive ways of fishing many mountain lakes, none more so than Maligne Lake.
Maligne Lake is 5,479 ft. (1670m) above sea level in the Canadian Rockies thus it can be frozen right into the beginning of June. The first three weeks to one month after ice out and the last few weeks of September is primetime if you want to see some real action. Being so high in the mountains you have to be prepared for the climate. I’ve fished blizzards in the first week of August and days when one minute you’re in fleece pants and rain gear and five minutes later shorts and a t-shirt, then right back again. I always recommend you dress in layers with some good rain gear on board. Then you’re prepared for anything.
Since there is gas motor restrictions on this lake you need to get yourself an electric motor. There a several places in town that rent this equipment and provide rental boats on many of the lakes in the park. You can rent freighter canoes which are long, sturdy canoes that cover water a lot quicker than the aluminium boats available, but either will do for day trips. Since this is a very large lake you can only cover a limited amount of water if you’re just day fishing. There are campsites available along the lake should you wish to camp for a night or two. If this is the case you will be in for a treat as this is one of the more beautiful lakes in the world the further away from the dock you venture (this lake is 23 km long).
Set up:
First off, get yourself a fly rod. It doesn’t have to be a fancy outfit and you don’t even have to know how to cast. Trolling is far and away the most effective way to locate active fish on Maligne Lake due to its immense size. You can use anywhere from a 5 weight up to a 7 weight rod. I always preferred a 9 ft. 7 weight set up. It’s sturdy enough to pull a variety of baits. Minnow baits are some of the top producers and if you use too light of a rod retrieving your line to check your presentation can be quite the battle even without the fish on the other end.
There are some reels that have some advantages. Multipliers and large spool reels certainly come in handy. A multiplier will increase the retrieval ratio, so for every turn of the reel your spool will turn twice, or three times. A large spool reel means the diameter of the spool is greater than normal spool size and will in turn increase the amount of line gained per reel rotation. When trolling fly lines there is a lot of slack created by water resistance and the higher the gear ratio the better if you’re not used to fishing with this equipment.
Line is important. The line, combined with boat control, is the most key component to this technique. This doesn’t mean you need the proper brand of line just the proper “type” of sinking line. There are six different types of full sink fly line, type 1 being the slowest sinking (shallowest running) to type 6 that is the fastest sinking (deepest running). Using type 1 you can troll just under the surface to type 6 where you can effectively fish from 15’ to 20’ depending on your trolling speed.
For leader material do not go out and buy pre packaged tapered leaders. Since you are not casting there is no need for the tapered line, in fact it would be counter productive because you are using a lot of lures that create water resistance and the thin tip would not be strong enough. I recommend you buy a spool of fluorocarbon line. I use 8 pound Vanish, but any fluorocarbon will do the trick. Fluorocarbon is completely invisible under water and has less stretch than monofilament which I find advantageous in setting hooks. Long leaders are important. If you’re using lures instead of flies tying a swivel into the leader is a must. I like about 12 ft. leaders with a swivel about 9 feet away from the lure. One other thing that I like to use is the slip-on leader loops. This helps guide the leader through the eyes of the rod instead of some knots that can get caught up and potentially break the line. They’re very easy to put on and can save you some headaches if you’re just getting started. The staff at the local tackle shop is always happy to help with your set up and point you in the right direction.
There are a wide range of flies and lures will work with this set up, but remember the line is a sinking line and it is not necessary to use fast diving lures with big lips. An assortment of flies: streamers, leaches, shrimp patterns are all very good. For lures use the lightest gear possible. Minnow baits are the most effective; Flatfish being the most consistent, with Rapalas and Hot Shots coming in a close second. In the years I guided on this lake I can count on one hand how many times I used something other than flies (shrimp, or a brookie pattern streamer) and/or a Flatfish. Those two types of flies and an assortment of flatfish always produced. Even on those famous frustrating mid-summer Maligne days.
Getting a portable fish finder is very beneficial. This is a very clear lake for the most part and this tends to push the fish down to the 10’ – 20’ range. There are times when the runoff from the mountains clouds the lake with silt and I find they spread out a little more and you have to work at different depths to locate the active fish. It’s not as important to pay attention to the fish being marked on the screen, but knowing your depth is very important in a successful day on the water. For the most part I try never to leave the range of 10’ to 25’ of water. Being a successful fisherman means you know how to play the percentages. There will be fish all over the water column from one foot up down to well over a hundred feet, but the highest percentage of fish that you can effectively fish for should be within range of the equipment listed above, if worked properly. If you don’t have access to a fish finder a good map will do, or just stick to the shore and keep an eye out for shallower water. Being a clear lake for the most part it is relatively easy to spot the drop offs and keep your lines out of trouble.
Technique:
“Ripping” flies is one of the most consistent techniques for picking up active fish. To do this you will want a nice long fluorocarbon leader, no need for a swivel down to your fly, all on your type 6 sinking line. These fish love big flies! The best fly in my box is a #2 double shrimp pattern. Followed by a brook trout streamer, or a leech pattern, but anything big (#2 - #6) will do on most days. The key to ripping is exactly what it sounds like. Let your line out until the backing, keeping the trolling speed a little higher than what you might be used to and repetitively jerk the rod as hard as you can. Most people don’t jerk the rod as hard as they should. This is another benefit of the heavier 7 weight rod; it makes this motion a lot easier on the arms. Essentially, this will make your fly almost swim through the water like a jerk bait and you get a lot of impulsive strikes.
Ripping flies can be very straining on the body. Your forearms and back get a big workout, so if you want a break, or are just interested in relaxing on the water bring a good selection of flatfish, hot shot’s and rapalas. I find you catch more fish on lures as opposed to flies, but the fast pace ripping is certainly more interactive and the fish really hit hard.
If you’re just getting used to fishing this way always check the action of your lure at the side of the boat before you lower your line so you know how to gauge the speed for your troll. For example, flatfish are designed to have a lot of action at a very slow rate of speed, so by trolling dead slow you achieve the perfect action, that you will notice on your rod tip, and be able to get deeper than lures that require faster action. So, when you want to get to some deeper fish with your type 6 line troll dead slow with a flatfish, kwikfish, or hot shots and you can effectively fish at around 20 ft. Rapalas, or the more streamlined body baits need a little faster speed and should be running around 10’ – 18’.
I’ve found that early in the season the first third of the lake is the most productive; up about the five mile mark. Mid summer I spend more time around the 4 mile to 9 mile marker. And later in the season when the brook trout start to spawn the far end of the lake in front of the major creeks like Warren and Coronet.
Early season, when the ice comes out the first bay, aptly named “home bay”, is some of the best fishing in the lake and easily accessible. Home bay is one of the most consistent spots on the lake year round and often overlooked by the guides who just want to get down the lake to make the trip more of an adventure for their clients. At the top end of the bay (outwards to the lake), on the right hand side of the channel there is excellent fishing. There is a very abrupt drop off with the odd boulder pile that you can see on most days from about 7’ down to 15’ – 30’ at mid channel and into the next bay, and then troll straight down the channel for 100 metres or so. This is called “rainbow alley” to the locals. Watch out for the tour boats that seem to get in the way constantly. Ripping double shrimp patterns and a slow troll with a flatfish, or hot shots will do the trick. Try zigzagging over the drop off slightly changing your boat speed so as to vary your depth and lure action.
Mid-summer concentrate a little further up the lake. I like Trappers creek, Leah creek, Upper Maligne River inlet and 5 mile point. These are the most proven spots on the lake and fairly easy to find for newcomers because that is where the guide boats usually are working. Working points, drop offs and creek outflows are all where you want to target. Anyone of them down the lake can hold fish.
Late in the season, it’s worth it to go down the lake, past the narrows and famous Spirit Island to the “far end”. This is one of the most scenic locations I’ve had the pleasure of fishing in my life and find it almost spiritual. You are in what feels like uncharted territory past the tour boats and the capabilities of most visitors to the lake. Stunning mountains that run straight into the lake and glaciers so close you could walk up and touch them. This is your playground late in the season. If you do want to plan a trip down the lake I recommend you plan a multi-day trip. There are campsites both at the narrows and the far end of the lake at Coronet Creek. It is definitely worth it, some of my fondest memories are from trips down the lake for days at a time.
Try getting right up close to the creeks as there are some very abrupt drop offs and pull the usual flatfish, or break out the flies and start ripping. Pre spawn these brookies will school up right in front of these creeks in astounding numbers and sometimes you can see large numbers of them rolling around.
Getting used to the way the lines follow the boat is also very important if you want to work a lake properly. Sinking lines have much greater water resistance due its greater diameter and don’t cut the water nearly as quickly as monofilament. For example, when you make a fairly sharp turn the line will swing more with your turn and follow the path of the boat instead of cut across water and thus stalling your lure. This allows you to work your bait more accurately. To within a few feet you can estimate your depth and where behind the boat your fly, or lure, is running. Boat control is absolutely crucial when working deeper structure and you can actually work the lines to ride right up a drop off or sink down, whatever the case may be. So, if you’re trolling in 20’ feet of water and you see that the bottom is rising, all you have to do is gradually speed up so your line is elevated by water resistance caused by the speed of the boat. The reverse is also true when you come to a drop off slow right down and let the line sink with the bottom and speed back up when your line is deep enough. This will put more fish in your boat and you’ll find a lot fun out of concentrating on the bottom and trying to work it properly. Some of my bigger fish have been caught this way.
No matter the time of year you visit, if you find even one fish, work the area again. Several times even. Often when you find one fish there are others in the immediate area. Try coming in from different angles and at different depths. I’ve seen what was easily over forty fish come out of one small area in under an hour by a couple different boats repeatedly circling the area. After working the lake for a while and getting a good feeling about the fish behaviour I would never leave an area immediately after catching a fish. Every single spot that produced a fish got at least one or two additional passes. Sometimes you don’t get a follow up fish, and sometimes you don’t have to leave the spot for hours and are consistently catching fish.
Don’t get me wrong there are lots of ways to catch fish and I wouldn’t presume to say this is the only way to catch fish on Maligne Lake. Many anglers are very successful casting chronomid patterns to a strike indicator, some do well trolling wabler’s to flies, or lures, with spinning rods. But as former guide on this lake the only way I would fish, day in and day out, is trolling my sinking lines. Remember, it is always good to check in at the local tackle shop and get up to date information and help with the proper set ups. I know the guys at On-line Sport and Tackle on Patricia St. will be happy to help point you in the right direction and set you up with whatever rental equipment you may need. And remember to try this technique out on your local lakes as it is one of the best ways to produce large numbers of fish, even on some of the toughest days.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/trout-fishing-on-maligne-lake-secrets-revealed-280977.html
Craig Mumby is one of Canada’s most successful anglers. He is twenty eight years old and has been in the sport fishing industry since the age of 18 when he started working with Bob Izumi’s “Real Fishing” show and Izumi Outdoors Ltd. He has fished professionally as a guide for nearly every Canadian sport fish country wide from Ontario to the BC coast. He is originally from Toronto where he attended Upper Canada College and grew up fishing Ontario’s many lakes and river systems. Currently, Craig guides out of the prestigious Langara Island Lodge in the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. He recently decided to put pen to paper and share his many secrets with fellow fishermen worldwide.
Find more Great Trout Fishing Tips Here.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Fishing From Your Kayak? Here Is Some Gear You Might Need
As a kayaker, you might not always want to run the white water. Sometimes, you want to take it easy and do some fishing.
If you plan to fish from your kayak, you will need some necessary gear and accessories. Kayak fishing gear is easy to shop for and fun to use! You will find a variety of gear to make your kayak fishing trip that much smoother and organized.
The access bar is the first accessory that you must buy. The bar attaches to either side of your kayak and is where you can hold your fishing rod and GPS system, if you own one.
Serious fishers also often invest in seats. You will probably find yourself sitting in your kayak for long stretches of time. Seats will come in handy during these times.
Bait tanks and anchors are two other fishing-gear requirements. When you find that hot fishing spot, you know you want to stay there, which will make your anchor come in handy! Bait tanks are excellent if you fish for minnows. Depending on the style of fishing you are practicing, you may or may not need these items.
Fishing gear is essential, especially because you are fishing from a small boat. The key to this is to make sure everything is as organized and compact as possible. This will help you feel that you have plenty of room and, therefore, much more comfortable. Gear for kayaks is designed with organization and practical use in mind.
You will find some awesome gadgets for your new kayak fishing adventure! Convert your kayak into a professional fishing boat with only a few accessories that can add fun to your fishing trip.
You will be able to find such fishing gear at online kayak and fishing retailers.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Organizing Your Fishing Tackle Before Your Next Vacation
Whether you are at home or at your fishing cabin, you should take some thought to organizing your fishing gear so that it is clean, in good repair, and ready to use the next time you head out. This can save a lot of time and money that could be better spent on fishing.
At home, you should have a permanent place for your fishing gear for long-term storage. Fishing rods should go into racks where they are kept off the floor and away from children and pets. Tackle should be organized in a big tackle box. Waders (clean and dry) should be hung or kept in a storage tub.
If you have never organized your fishing gear, you may have to spend a significant amount of time restoring some of it into proper shape for use. You may want to tackle (ha ha) it in sections - focus on your rods and reels separately from your tackle.
Your rods and reels should be clean and serviceable. You can clean cork handles with mild soap and a scrub brush. WD-40 and an old toothbrush can help with reels. You should check your line and, if at all worn or frayed, cut off enough that you won't worry about it snapping the next time someone uses it.
Make or purchase a rack to stand your fishing rods in. This will eliminate damage caused by leaning against the wall or being accidentally stepped on and will also keep your rods away from children and pets.
Fishing lures and bait are probably going to be your worst enemy if you've not organized them sometime in the last decade. However, going through it will end up paying dividends the next time you just want to grab a tackle box and GO.
The first thing is to gather all of your tackle that you can find into one place. Separate the plastic from the metal, surface from spoon from spinner, etc. Organizing by color also works for some. Basically, you can organize your lures however best suits you. As you separate each lure, make sure that it is clean and not rusty before you assign it to a pile.
You can use freezer bags to organize soft baits, but for fishing lures, hard tackle boxes are best. There are many varieties on the market. If you fish for many different species, you might find that a 'main' tackle box for all of your equipment and a 'grab and go' tackle box will suit your diverse fishing needs.
Label all of your tackle, so you don't have to stop and think about replacing equipment in your new system. Tape or glue labels to the compartments of your hard tackle boxes and get a permanent marker for your freezer bags.
Tackle is best stored in a cool/dry situation rather than the variable temperatures and humidity of a boat or shed. Store in a room or basement.
Organizing your gear may take a long time and some effort. However, when you pack your bags for your next trip to the cabin, you'll be glad that you did. With a little time put in, you'll be able to grab your rod and tackle and just go for that next big catch!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
8 Bass Fishing Tips for A Good Catch
Fishing is an interesting hobby. This can be done anywhere that has water so it won't be that hard to get started. In some countries such as the United States, this is considered to be a popular sport.
In order to win, the player must reel in the biggest fish and not how many are in the bucket. When it is captured, an official will weigh it and then throw it back into the water. This sport is better known as Bass fishing.
Bass fishing is something that the person will not learn or be good at overnight. Here are some tips for those who want to excel in bass fishing.
1. To excel well in bass fishing, one has to study the creature. The individual should know where it lives which includes the environment and water temperatures where these are located.
2. If the water is warm, there won't be that much Bass in the water. However, there may some around given that there is nothing the fish can do. More of these will be found in moderate temperatures where these fish will put up a fight before being caught.
3. Bass love to hang out over sheltered areas where old trees that have fallen into the water are used by smaller fish as a home. This information will tell the individual what type of bait or lure to use given the conditions.
4. The next tip is basically the type of equipment that the person is going to be using. There are so many brands to choose from for the rod, reels and lines so it is best to ask the sales clerk which is the best to use given the conditions of the water.
5. The use of high tech gadgets is sometimes the best thing around when fishing for bass. This will make sure the person is in the right spot instead of doing the hit or miss process that will make the competition get ahead in this sport.
6. The conditions are very different when going from one fishing location to the next. Before going into the water, asking the locals for some tips is a good way to get a head start.
7. During the tournament, it will be a good idea to befriend the other competitors. After it has ended, this will be a good time to learn some valuable lessons so that the person can improve the next time one decides to join.
8. There are bass fishing groups online and memberships that provide training to first timers and veterans alike. It wouldn't hurt to join one of these organizations. After all, no one can really say the individual is an expert given that the winners are different every time.
The tips mentioned for bass fishing will surely be helpful for those who want to participant in a competition or are just there to have fun. One indicator that the person is improving is based on the number of fish caught and how heavy it is.
The player may not win this time but it can happen in the future competitions. It takes a lot of practice and patience to be just as good as the pros so one has to hang in there because that time will come.
Please check out more great Bass fishing tips here.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A Bass Fishing Tip is Only as Good as the Bass You're Catching
Author: Robert Gravener
No matter how experienced you are as fishermen, you should always be willing (and trying!) to get your hands on some good tips on how to catch your favorite fish. The true test of the fishing tip lies in a) the source, b) it's proven success and c) it helping you in catching more fish! What works for you might not be what works for someone else. Worse yet - what doesn't work for you (but you think it does) gives all the fish to someone else.
Good Bass Fishing Tips
There are lots fishing tips that are floating around with special emphasis on catching bass. One of the most important tips however (not only for bass fishing but for any other species) is that the fisherman has to be extremely familiar with the fish he/she wants to catch. If you are fishing for bass, you should know where they live, what they eat, where they like to frequent and why, how to locate them in the morning and at night, and the best way to attract them. This may be precisely what you are looking for. This is where the research comes in on finding those bass fishing tips.
Bass Fishing Tip #1
You cannot fish for bass, or any other fish, unless you are comfortable with the location / destination the fishing for that species takes place. For example, there is specific type of bass called the Peacock Bass that lives in the Amazon River. If you want to catch it, pack your bags and head to the Amazons because you won't find it anywhere else. So, know where your fish live before you attempt to start catching them somewhere they don't swim. Believe it or not, simple mistakes like not knowing where the bass you're fishing for is not uncommon. Don't be the dummy!
Bass fishing Tip #3
Summer is the season for fishing, especially for bass fishing. It's just too bad that summer boating, hot tempratures, etc. make bass fishing more difficult. But if you're a goal setter and a die-hard fisherman set on catching some great bass, you will have to plan a trip to your summer destination... like Florida - or at least some place where the bass live and you can take your pick. They will be following the crayfish which is their favorite food. If you have a well known spot or place you always enjoy fishing then take advantage! Steer clear of popular boating areas that scare the fish away. If you do not, I would recommend looking at one of the fishing guides we've reviewed - lots of great information to get you on your way.
Bass Fishing Tip #4
Unless you have a fair idea of what you are doing, no matter how many fish are in the sea, you won't be able to catch one of them. They guy next to you who's been fishing since he was 5 with his father and grandfather will be catching everything you're not. You should know how to use each and every piece in your angling box; carrying with you adequate lures and live bait which are ONLY for bass. The method of fishing, your style of fishing and the fishing implements you carry will have to complement one another perfectly if you want to have an easy and enjoyable time bass fishing.
There is a lot to learn, so be patient, it will come. I congratulate you on taking the first steps to learning great new tips on making your perfect catch. For more tips, have a look at the bass fishing guides we've reviewed - these are a great start to getting you on your way to catching all the bass you can dream of. Good luck and happy fishing!
Check out the Largemouth Bass Extreme Fishing Guide - Top Secret Techniques Of The Professionals Exposed.Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/free-articles/a-bass-fishing-tip-is-only-as-good-as-the-bass-youre-catching-38049.html
About the Author:Robert and the Bass Fishing Team have been interested in fishing since 1992 we enjoy regularly sharing knowledge and experiences to the Bass Fishing community. Explore the world of Bass Fishing at http://www.catchbassfishing.com/.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fishing in the South Pacific
The South Pacific has long been known because of the exciting experiences the waters can offer. It has been famous to tourists and even neighboring countries because of adventures and excitements it can offer. Many fishermen come to New Zealand when summers draws to a close. This is the season when tuna and billfish swim closer to the shores to find a warmer place.
During the remaining seven months of the year, that is the time for the fishermen to have a great time especially the months after the winter. You do not need many things to bring to enjoy the exciting destinations of the South Pacific. All you need is your clothes and hats and off you go.
Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, Tonga and Niue are places that most tourists visit to fish. These spots have been the highest rated fishing vacation sites because of the abundant fish and the weather as well. These spots have temperatures that attract fish, which explains why there are abundant fish in these places. Fishing in these spots is never complicated. You can even target sailfish and mahi-mahi with your own tackle.
Sailfish have been famous for their aerobatics with their sails dashing in the sunlight. It is also in the South Pacific that you will witness a big bull mahi-mahi lure you out. For the adventurers, this is also a chance for you to cast “poppers” and jigs to a dogtooth tuna or a trevally.
These hotspots are perfect not only to those who like to cook what they catch but also for those who have the “catch and release” philosophy. Game fishermen in these places usually catch sailfish, Northern Blue Tuna, Marlin, Spanish mackerel, Red Emperor, Trevally and Cod.
If you are someone who loves fly-fishing, creek fishing and blue water fishing, then the South Pacific is perfect for you. Whether you are an expert or a beginner, there are many skilled and experienced fishing guides and best quality boats that are safe and will ensure that you will have the best fishing experience.
It is recommended to hire a sport fishing or a specialist game fishing boat for to have fun and make the most out of your fishing trip. Game fishing and sport fishing are both popular in these spots. These are games that were used to be played only by the rich but on these spots anybody can play!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
CARP FISHING BAIT FLAVOURS - Natural and synthetic products for big fish!
Everyone seems fixated by fishing flavours. Commonly the question asked is “What flavour bait are you using?” For most fishermen, what matters is that they like their smell of their flavour, which is an interesting point for debate... The fact is among the diverse multitude of flavours used in fishing baits are some which stand out more than others, but few fishermen know how or why this is the case.
It is easy to buy a cheap flavour at Wal-Mart or Tescos and us it in your bait. However, what you are buying is very often inferior to more expensive flavours. For example, vanilla flavour has a myriad of grades or levels of purity, freshness and various solvents may be added (even water) and extraction methods will vary. Vanilla bean extract is expensive. The genuine extract depends on very many volatile components which help explain part of its success. But natural extracts also contain other very stimulatory compounds which are vital to a top quality flavour and are easily detected by humans and fish!
It is common practice for flavour producers to ‘cut’ pure extracts and natural flavours, using a solvent or solvents like glycerol or ethanol alcohol for instance. Many things can happen to a flavour! Indeed the ‘aroma profile of a flavour, and its taste can be altered many times in many ways before it is bottled and consequently unleashed upon your fish as part of your bait. One aspect that might surprise you is just how bitter tasting many ‘sweet’ or ‘fruit’ flavours truly are. (Many flavours produced for fishing baits include an intense sweetener like Talin, or concentrated lactose or fructose.)
Flavours for the food industry are not all ideal for use in baits; their molecules often behave dramatically differently in water than in air so their effects on the fish will differ. Can you imagine sniffing in natural garlic extract in water? For a start you would not smell that distinctive garlic aroma as you would in air, as this is the result of a reaction with the air, not water. This also points to a deeper level of how many flavours or natural extracts work. They may also have hidden properties that you may not have realised. They sometimes have metabolism and circulatory stimulation properties, significant antimicrobial properties, preservative properties (low pH and alcohol for example), immunity stimulation, or even simulate or closely resemble nervous system or brain chemicals. (Even betaine HCL has antioxidant properties and citric acid has been used in many baits for years.
Yes, there’s so much more to flavours than meets the nose! Leading bait manufacturers have had to get increasingly innovative and technical to keep the effectiveness and standard of their products high against fast expanding competition for market share from smaller companies. Flavorists and food nutritionists, even marine biologists and fish scientists are employed for their skills. The use of fermenting sugars and esters is common.
The addition of amino acid products, palatants, and oils of savoury and fruit extraction in combination with natural fruit extracts, with new generation flavour enhancers and sweeteners in combination make many modern flavours a different class to most from the food industry. Combining different fruit esters to produce attractive flavours is a common practice, these days other solvents and substances are often added.
Among other ingredients, various acids, nature identical and synthetically produced flavour components identical to natural ones are combined with synthetic flavour components to produce a preferable profile and taste. The funny thing is that many flavours may be initially synthetically produced with synthetic and nature identical flavour components and then have the natural extract added to give it a more natural smell or taste. The cost of natural flavors can be extreme compared to synthetic and natural combinations. Volatiles like aldehydes and benzoates and hexanoates are included in many flavours. Some ‘volatiles’ you’d normally not dream of putting into foods of any kind except poisons! Many of the so-called ‘E-numbers’ are included and many are linked to mood changes in children with hyperactivity and so on.
Fishing flavours are all about your own personal confidence and real bait testing. If you think you have the very best of a type of flavour, you never know, there might be one that will catch you even more fish. Commercially available fishing flavours are evolving at an incredible rate. Even the ubiquitous “Tutti Fruitti” or “Scopex” or Strawberry variations are being challenged by cranberry and pineapple today with good reason. It is interesting to note that strawberry flavour ingredients can be reproduced synthetically using all the ‘volatile’ flavour components in natural strawberry, but which now can be synthetically reproduced. However, the additional aspects of natural strawberry such as its healing properties among others, will be absent.
The flavour possibilities in fishing are endless. For example, when you investigate flavours that are used in combination with ‘liquid food’ additives, to boost the nutritional value and ‘food’ signals of pellets, boilies, ground baits and even meats and live baits like maggots and worms... These days even sweetcorn, hemp, bread, worm and bloodworm flavours are available and used to even boost the taste and attraction of the real thing and may include real extracts of that food too!
The author has many more fishing and bait ‘edges’ up his sleeve. Every single one can have a huge impact on catches.
By Tim Richardson.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Guaranteed To Improve Your Results By Super-Accelerating Your Largemouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Bass Fishing
Who Else Wants To Learn The Art Of Casting, The Insider Techniques Used To Catch A Ton of Bass From A Boat, And Become More 'In Tune' With The Bass, And Using Lures Effectively In Just A Few Short Days?
It doesn't matter if you've never fished a day in your life, or you're the best fisherman in the world... This Bass Fishing guide will help you not land more Bass, but make you feel more like the PRO that you really are!
You are going to read about Bass Fishing here and if you find that what you have read here is something which is worth reading, our task would then be fulfilled.
The bass can be found in many different places throughout the North American continent. Like all bass fishing, bass fly fishing has exploded in popularity. The largemouth bass is considered by many the greatest of all gamefish. Once limited to just the Eastern United States, the largemouth bass has been introduced all over the continent.
Understanding some basic principles of largemouth bass fishing will increase your chances of having a satisfying outing and a good catch to earn bragging rights the next time you catch up with your fishing buddies.
Many tips and techniques that you must know for largemouth bass fishing:
- Bait is crucial in fishing. The fish will often let you know what they prefer simply by how often they are biting. If you are using live bait then make sure the bait is kept fresh and not allowed to go off.
- Plastic worms in a variety of colors according to many fisherman are usually a preferred option. By having a range of colors, you can mix them up and if you are getting good results with one then stick with it.
- Areas where the fish can congregate such as around rocks and weed are good options. Even try around jetty structures or other areas of cover. Largemouth bass are expert at ambushing their intended prey.
- Largemouth bass are comfortable in deep or shallow water but they usually like staying out of a current flow. Your gear should include equipment for both levels of water. Always have selection of surface and deep water lures. Water currents are a factor as well. If there is a current present, then look at fishing the covered areas.
The great Largemouth Bass has soared in popularity like few other game fish. No matter where you live or what season it happens to be, largemouth bass fishing is almost guaranteed to be an interesting endeavor, as largemouth bass is one of the large variations of bass – and is known for putting up a fierce fight against anglers.
Learn more tips and techniques for largemouth bass fishing, please check out the Largemouth Bass Extreme Fishing Guide.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Weather and conditions will dictate success early in new fishing season
DON MACLEAN
The Cape Breton Post
While the general sport fishing season opened in most areas of Cape Breton Tuesday many lakes and rivers remain locked in ice. Hopefully warming weather will soon result in open water and improved fishing conditions.
Regardless of the weather, and fishing conditions, many anglers I know went fishing on opening day regardless of the weather. It takes more than ice, rain or snow to keep them from their first day on the water.
Early season fishing places special demands on the angler. Not only is the weather unpredictable, but conditions on the water can vary greatly from year to year.
This spring, while many areas remain frozen, the lack of snow means that many rivers will be running lower than normal.
A check of the 2008 regulations booklet, which accompanies your licence, shows there are only a few changes for this season Cape Breton anglers should be aware of. Most of the changes relate to Atlantic salmon anglers who will see a reduction in the number of tags they will be issued. The number is being reduced from eight to four.
In addition salmon anglers will be required to fish with barbless flies. This regulation is being phased in on two different dates. Salmon anglers fishing in rivers running into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, such as the Margaree, will have to fish with barbless hooks beginning on Oct. 1. Salmon anglers fishing for this species in rivers running into the Atlantic side of Cape Breton will have to use barbless flies from the beginning of the Atlantic salmon season. This regulation only applies to salmon anglers or those fishing rivers scheduled for salmon fishing, such as the Margaree.
Other than that the regulations are the same as they were last year. Most lakes and rivers open on April 1 but a few are delayed until April 15, while both Baddeck and Middle Rivers and the lower end of River Denys in the area from River Denys bridge down to Boom Island remain closed until May 15.The area above River Denys bridge opened Tuesday. Anglers should check their regulations booklet before they head out to the water.
While many anglers will head to a lake for their first trip others will be concentrating on rivers and streams for their early season fishing.
While high and dirty water will force most trout to seek cover behind rocks, logs and other structures, the lower flows this spring will allow trout to move throughout the river.
When lakes open up after the winter they provide special challenges for anglers. Spring time trout will often be found in areas where they can find food. Generally speaking food will be concentrated in two areas of lakes during the early season, brooks and inshore.
Fishing the mouths of brooks running into lakes is always a safe bet. Small fish such as minnows will gather to eat any insects washed into the lake and in turn these will attract trout. If the lake you fish has a run of smelt, trout will be attracted in the spring to eat smelt coming down after spawning.
Tight Lines.
Tip Of The Week
Remember to wear you life jacket when fishing. The water is cold at the start of the season.
Cape Breton native Don MacLean is a fisheries biologist and a resident of Pictou. He writes on sportfishing for a variety of publications.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Advantages And Disadvantages of Fly Fishing From A Canoe
Some people like to fly fish from their canoe. But there are advantages and disadvantages to this unusual combinations of activities.
People usually fly fish from land, standing still in water or from a larger boat. Fly fishing from a canoe may seem crazy at first, but there are many advantages to be had. There are also disadvantages, but after you overcome them, you are sure to have a wonderful fishing adventure.
Disadvantages
You will have to overcome some disadvantages before you even try to fly fish from a canoe. You might find it hard in the beginning to maintain control of your line since you are closer to the water than usual. If you catch a fish, you might find it difficult to reel in without tipping the canoe. Especially if it is a giant fish! Another disadvantage might be the tendency of the canoe to disturb the water. If you can stay motionless and are accustomed to the boat then disturbing the water will not be a problem. When you get over these few disadvantages, you will experience the best fishing ever!
Advantages
The advantages of fly fishing in a canoe are significant if you can overcome the disadvantages listed above. Being in a canoe lets the fisher go over more water quickly. This is essential for good fly fishing. You can also get into untapped fishing holes that otherwise they would not have been able to reach. Such locations usually do not allow motor boats, so a canoe is excellent! Another advantage is the silence. They do not have loud motors or propellers, only smooth, quiet rowing. This is an essential factor for fly fishers!
If you have a canoe, you are ready to try fly fishing. It is helpful for you to own the shortest canoe you can get. A shorter boat will make fly fishing a lot easier. Try it sometime. It is relaxing and fun.
Discover Original Tips And Techniques From Early Fly Fishing Masters And Classics.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
About the Author: You can find great deals, tips and news, information and reviews about canoes and kayaks at CanoesAndKayaks.info.
This article can be reproduced in full as long as the resource box and live links remain intact. Copyright http://www.canoesandkayaks.info.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Top Water Bass Fishing Tips
It's 5:30am and you're already on the water. The water is like glass and all is quiet around you. Next to you in the boat is a cooler filled with your favorite beverage (whether it's beer or Pepsi is up to you!). As you approach your favorite hole, you pick up your rod and tie on a surface lure. You cast your line toward the shore and present your topwater offering.
All of a sudden, the water explodes and you are in the battle of your life with a lunker largemouth! He feels like he goes maybe 3 or 4 pounds. As you get him boat side, you reach down and lift him out of the water. Larger than you expected, around 5 pounds! You turn and drop your prize into the live well and prepare for the next cast...
The thrill of topwater bass fishing is addictive. There is a BIG difference between catching that elusive largemouth off the bottom, from the middle or from the surface. Topwater bass fishing is a more visual experience than other types of fishing. There are specific types of rods and lures for topwater bass fishing.
Rods
Most anglers will tell you that a 6 to 6 ½ foot rod with a medium action will suffice. If the action of the rod is too stiff, you will yank your bait right out of the fish's mouth when you set the hook. A medium action rod is the best fit for topwater bass fishing.
These rods are available in a price range of about $20 to over $200. Do you need to spend a bunch of money on a rod? Regardless of the price tag, medium action is medium action. On the other hand, if you go with a $20 rod, you can expect $20 worth of performance. Find yourself a rod somewhere in the middle and you won't go wrong.
Lures
When it comes to lures, there are a great many to choose from. Here is a list of the top ten I have read about recently:
1. Heddon's Zara Spook.
2. Custom Bait's Senko.
3. Yum's Floating Worm (with a Texas style rig).
4. Zoom's Superfluke.
5. Heddon's Torpedo.
6. Lazer Eye's Buzzbait
7. Smithwick's Stick Bait aka Hard Jerk Bait.
8. Rebel's Pop-R bait.
9. Snag Proof's Tournament Frog.
10. Any spinner bait. These are made by numerous companies.
All these lures have their own unique presentations. When presented properly, these baits are historically known to produce quality bass. This is true across regional boundaries, weather conditions and water temps.
A big tip
Now you have the rod and the lures you need for topwater bass fishing, there is one more thing you should know. Here it is: Since topwater fishing is a visual type of fishing, most anglers will set the hook too soon and yank the bait out of the fish's mouth. To prevent this, do NOT set the hook immediately when you see the strike! Wait a second, reel in some slack and when you feel the pressure of the bass on the line, THEN set the hook. You will land more lunkers that way and be a much happier angler to boot.
Stephen Long is an author for Sportsmans Article Resource, providing you the latest fishing and hunting tips and techniques for the outdoorsman. Sportsmans article resource is an article resource directory for free online articles.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
4 Types Of Fishing Rods For the Avid Angler!
Author: Abhishek Agarwal
Fishing done either for recreation (as a part of one's hobby or pastime) or done for a source of living requires the right kind of tool to make profit out of it. Judging by stone inscriptions, fishing rods go back to ancient Egypt, China, Greece and Rome.
Prior to widespread availability of synthetic materials, such as fiberglass and graphite composites, fishing rods were typically made from split Tonkin bamboo. A fishing rod or a fishing pole is a tool used to catch fish, usually in conjunction with the sport of angling. (Sustenance and commercial fishing usually involves nets).
A length of fishing line is attached to a long, flexible rod or pole: one end terminates in a hook for catching the fish.
Types of fishing rods :
1) Carbon fibre pole : These high-tech poles are commonly used for coarse fishing in Europe, they are made using a variety of different qualities of carbon fibre which is reflected in the price, the prices range from about GBP 100 to GBP 5,000.
Although cheaper models can be purchased from local tackle dealers for about GBP 50. Varying in length from 5 meters through to the longest at about 18.5 meters, they allow very precise positioning of the bait.
2) Fly rods : Fly Fishing rods are long, thin, flexible fishing rods designed to cast a fly usually consisting of a hook tied with fur, feathers, foam, or other lightweight material.
Originally made of split bamboo, most modern fly rods are constructed from man-made composite materials, including fiberglass, carbon/graphite, or graphite/boron composites.
3) Ultra-light rods : These rods are used to fish for smaller species, they provide more sport with larger fish, or to enable fishing with lighter line and smaller lures.
4) Ice Fishing rods : These are typically very short spinning rods, varying between 24 and 36 inches in length, used to fish through holes in the cover ice of frozen lakes, rivers and ponds.
Rod specifications :
1) Power : Also known as "power value" or "rod weight." Rods may be classified as Ultra-Light, Light, Medium-Light, Medium, Medium-Heavy, Heavy, Ultra-Heavy, or other similar combinations. Power is often an indicator of what types of fishing, species of fish, or size of fish a particular pole may be best used for.
Ultra-light rods are suitable for catching small bait fish and also pan fish, or situations where rod responsiveness is critical. Ultra-Heavy rods are used in deep sea fishing, surf fishing, or for heavy fish by weight.
2) Action : "Action" refers to the responsiveness of the rod to bending force, and the speed with which the rod returns to its neutral position. An action may be slow, medium, fast, or a combination (e.g. medium-fast.) Fast Action rods flex most in the tip section. Slow rods flex more towards the butt of the rod.
Hence keeping in mind the types of fishing rods available in the market along with their various specifications one has to be really careful before placing an order for a fishing pole.
The easiest way of selecting a fishing rod for oneself is to know first the type of fish that one would be fishing so that he can easily eliminate the other varieties and select the one that suits his choice of fish the best.
Interested in Fly Fishing? Check out this guide here.Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/4-types-of-fishing-rods-for-the-avid-angler-207846.html
About the Author:Download Abhishek's FREE Fishing Report "How To Plan And Budget The Fishing Trip Of Your Dreams!" and learn some amazing Fishing tips and tricks - And save a lot of your time, money and effort!
Click here to visit http://www.fishing-masters.com/
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Fishing Tips for beginners
Is fishing right for you?
Personally I think fishing can apply to anyone who loves beautiful scenery and having a fun fight with fish. As long as you have around $50 to get started I say fishing is perfect for you.

Things to buy
Rod (buy one under $15, that includes the reel) Tackle box Hooks, strings, scissors, weights, ect... Fake Lure
With this as your start up your looking at a great start to fishing.
Place to Fish
A local lake would be a nice place, or anywhere where it is pretty known for fishing. I am pretty sure you have one or two buddies who fish ask them.
Where are Fish?
Fish are located mainly in shallow areas. the places with many plants have a variety of small to medium fish. If you want to catch the big fish i say take a boat and go deeper into the lake. Now you don't need a $30,000 boat to get to the middle. Try using one of those fishing/rubber/motar boats. My company actually sells them. Now if your looking for Bass go to rocky areas. For most other large fish you need to test your luck and go for it. You can try fish trackers but that is a form of cheating.
Baits VS Lures
When I started out I bought many baits and lures to test them out. The difference between worms and lures is that worms will attract small fish and certain lures will catch you that large mouth bass you saw on TV. For starters I would start out with worms and minnows, and when you start gaining experience I would start using lures. Be careful as %80 of the lures out there DO NOT WORK. From my seven years of fishing i can only recommend5 Lures to you that bring easy results. Everything else actually tend to scare fish away. You can find links at the bottom of the page.
Lake Fishing
Get on a rubber/motar boat because you and I know you can't afford the huge titanic ones. Go to a unpopulated perimeter of the lake where there are no man made structures. Now cast your line down. Look around water to see any rocks or messy plants that might get your hook stuck. But don't go to waters where there is nothing you can see below but plain ground. If that's all your seeing then that means there are no fish there either. It's common sense "if I was a fish where would I be?" I would be in a place where I can be well hidden and protected.
Necessary VS Un-Necessary equipment
Your browsing through wal mart and you see this fish video surveilance that guarantees you to find large fish. I will tell you right now that underwater cameras are a complete waste of money. Many newbies will by these bad equipment and waste their money. Seriously, most lakes and rivers are pitch green, you won't be able to see a thing. I say go for the fish tracker.
Big Fish VS Small fish
Big fish are located towards the middle of the deeper waters and small fish are locate din the weedy and rocky areas. Bass are located in both waters. You should fish between 4Am - 11AM as these are the safest time to fish "sunrise".
I hoped I helped getting you set up. PleaseVisit my Site!
for more fishing gear fun!.
I hate Scammers that don't sell as advertised! So i created a business to fight back. Visit my website at http://www.fishingshopper.info/
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Best Lures To Use In Fishing
Author: Nicky Pilkington
The evolution of fishing gear and accessories along with the development of the bass fishing industry brought about the development of various lures specifically used for different fish species.
There are many types or class of lures and they all depend on what type of fish works for them. Many only work for specific types but some cover a wide range of species of fish.
Below are some of the typical lures used for fishing.
Light Standard Casting Lures
For Standard casting lures, they are mostly able to attract a wide range of fish varieties from albacore, bluefish, bonita, oho and crappies. These lures are also excellent for certain species of bass fish and work best when retrieved from water at low to medium speed. They pass through water with undetectably synthetic material.
Their sizes are excellent for lightweight fish and a host of freshwater species. They range from 1/16 oz. to 3 oz.
The hand painted eye is enticing enough to allow schooling of fish. This feature allows for more chances of trapping one of the target fish in the water.
Heavy Standard Casting Lures
Heavy Standard Casting Lures are excellent for quite heavy fish specifically, walleye and bass. While the lightweight lures are used in most circumstances, it was shown that heavy counterparts provide more reliable fishing output.
Moreover, the heavy standard lures are able to catch fish than diamond and light standard casting lures.
Long Casting/Jigging Lures
Perhaps the most popular among the fishing lures are the long, tapered jigging lures. They are perhaps the most commonly used fishing lures among the fishermen in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Just recently, it was found out that the long casting lures work best for catching trout and pike. They were also found to effectively catch stripers and bluefish. They can catch tuna and walleye in a breeze!
Unlike heavy standard lures, this gear won't produce good fish-catch output up to 180-200 ft under water but be sure to effectively match your lure color, bait and related accessories to maximize performance.
Deadly Diamond Lures
These lures are one of the smallest with sizes ranging from 1/8 to 1oz. They can seamlessly attract attention among fish and could form a school of fish in a minute!
The reason is it lies on its structural surface formation and cut. The top handle is cut like a diamond and causes the reflection of light striking on its surface. The diamond lures are best for catching bass fish varieties, crappie and stripers although they work on a small range of fish species.
Make fishing lures - Plugs - Bugs - Spoons - Spinners - Sinkers - Jigs - SquidsArticle Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/best-lures-to-use-in-fishing-10131.html
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Winter Carp Fishing Boilies Pellet and Paste Bait Tips
by: Tim Richards
Many fishermen get an anxiety attack thinking about their baits in winter and rightly so! Most commercially produced baits are not made to be ideal winter baits but in part to fulfil typical customer expectations which lead to more buyer confidence in the bait. This produces quite a few baits having constant features which may not necessarily always lead to the best bait option.
For example, such a winter bait will last more than 12 hours in water as a functional durable hook bait. Or exude a smell which is recognisable to a buyer to fit a current fashion (like pineapple for example. Or have a fair degree of initial hardness when first immersed in water and even have a dry centre. Such baits require a period of soaking in order to allow the bait to open up its texture and structure enough to release good soluble attraction into the water. Often winter baits can be so over-flavoured that they repel fish. Over-flavouring of baits works but can be a disadvantage on many waters where the same bait and flavours have been used too much to keep a real edge.
Many effective winter baits having a more open texture, containing more coarse ingredients like bird foods, (egg biscuit, hempseed, wheat germ meal etc,) the levels are often in less than ideal proportions that could lead to a more attractive and digestible bait. A bait with an open soft structure and capable of leaching soluble attractors while retaining attractive nutritional signals and taste factors is often much better than a dense textured bait which inhibits the dispersal of its attractors even if its a high protein milk protein bait. Very important taste signals which are received by carps taste receptors can directly influence the longevity of feeding on your bait and even if it is eaten at all.
Many baits will have high proportions of finely milled flours. In some carp studies it was found that carp preferred to eat coarse food items such as cracked maize, as opposed to finely milled maize flour made into dough balls. (This has much to do with nutrition being lost during the milling process – taste the difference between milled oats and natural oats for example.) Cracking open a piece of natural maize releases more concentrated flavour than the dough balls made from maize flour.
There has been a long growing trend towards use of so-called ‘food baits’ by carp anglers in many countries. This in theory means that carp get used to eating such a bait feeling the nutritional benefits that it contains and keep coming back for more. Such baits retain higher levels of taste substances after long immersion in water, than say a cheap ‘crap bait’ made from soya, semolina, rice flour or maize meal.
The cheap low food value bait base mix has very little in regards to nutritional attraction which contribute to taste attraction. In the case of the average commercially produced bait, results are often very similar between them because the ingredients used are so often the same or very similar and are offering similar nutritional rewards. Having been fed on these baits constantly by numbers of anglers and being hooked on them often fish can reduce their feeding on this bait now they need this supplemental nutrition offered less.
Some anglers say that carp do not differentiate between different anglers’ balanced nutritional baits, arguing they will eat them all anyway once flavours and most taste factors have leached out; the real difference being an individual angler’s abilities. This is very true in that years ago a low nutrition bait with a flavour could not match the attraction profile and nutritional rewards of constantly eating a balanced nutritional bait. At that time such baits could really produce astounding results. But these days most busy carp waters are fed such a wide range of baits, (which now form much of the bulk of the fish stocks diet,) that differences in catch rates between the commercially produced baits are mostly very similar, with few really standing out for long.
Even the new baits with added enzymes claiming to contain ‘optimum levels of the right amino acids for the best concentration and release of the most stimulating amino acids to carp,’ do not seem to work everywhere to the same degree of success compared to average baits. It seems that every carp water is different in regards to the relative nutritional requirements and possible deficiencies or not that carp may have. Much depends upon exactly how carp respond to each type of bait as a direct consequence of the nutrition that can be detected in it and efficiently digested and assimilated from it. There is evidence that use of the new generation of more highly preserved quality food baits, when used together with low flavour fresh frozen type baits on the same base mix can offer special attraction advantageous.
It’s the bait which offers more stimulating taste or a different nutritional attraction profile or a more stimulatory physiological effect that can get around the natural and angler-conditioned defences of carp. Many anglers have missed the potent physiological effects of essential oil mixtures including improved digestion and changes metabolism stimulation. An energized cold water carp is going to move faster and further, be more generally active, eat more bait, give you more chances of more pick-ups and even more far enough fast enough to self-hook itself against your lead, when they might otherwise not do so. I am personally extremely interested in the physiological, physical, mental, mood altering, general health and energy promoting effects of carp bait additives and ingredients. We have been catching carp for years by ‘drugging them’ and fishing baits are now more scientifically complex now than ever before.
You don’t need the latest commercial bait to catch winter fish, but using a totally new bait against established ones is a very effective test. Simple baits like worms can produce carp which may have switch-off to boilies for example. Flavoured and dyed sweetcorn has certain mineral and taste benefits for example that make for a great natural bait. Being carbohydrate based it is very much more digestible than higher protein boilies and pellets, but again, using the right quantity for conditions matters. I can eat only so much sweetcorn in a short time and carp are just the same.
However, sometimes in winter you can find that using the quantity of bait you would normally consider using in the summer can really pay off. In this scenario your bait had better be digestible. For those so inclined treated tiger nuts skinned to remove the oily outer layer can work well in cold conditions. Using a boilie base mix made using a higher ratio of water to eggs or a modern binder gel to form baits in paste or un-boiled form minus the digestive inhibiting effect of eggs is very effective (originally milk protein baits were used in paste form to extremely good effect. In winter fishing, your ‘background free baits’ used are of supreme importance. Using this feed very creatively using various techniques can decide a blank or ‘red letter day.’ In winter the activity of so-called nuisance fish may be very much reduced due to the cold, so take advantage. Tiny paste baits or 5 millimetres regularly introduced into spots where carp feed comfortably can really attract and stimulate fish without over-feeding. Using matching bird food / milk protein pellets and paste baits with a paste bait on the hook is great too. Sometimes the presence of ‘nuisance fish’ like roach or small carp can be a good indication that your location is spot-on as such a spot is sure to be where your target larger carp will feed. Often very short hook links with a back-stop, light lead and slackened line will hook a fish when a heavy lead inline set-up might produce single bleeps (if that) where a hook is ejected by leveraging the lead on a tight line especially.
The commercial bait designers and manufacturers are really to be congratulated for their huge efforts to improve their products. Sure products have a life-cycle of varying durations and keeping new products coming and market share are important too. But it’s good to know that the research and long-term bait-testing has often been done by the reputable companies who really do care and want their customers to achieve their dreams and keep coming back for more bait because it consistently catches fish all year round.
The baits which stand out in winter are often far more digestible. It appears that the amino acids and great palatability of certain quality milk protein ingredients in correctly prepared milk protein baits really stimulate carp in the winter. It may be that the solubility of whey products and caseinates and enzyme treated caseins do something unique to carp. It does show that in winter, digestibility is only part of the equation. I’m sure that the relatively lower pH of high protein milk protein ingredients is one reason why they are effective apart from the obvious nutritional attraction.
However, high protein baits are far more difficult for carp to digest (if not actually possible with many ingredients) and there are many other ingredients that produce much more digestible winter baits. Bird foods are used in winter baits with good reason. being much lower in protein, but are packed with very attractive components which supply many of the oils, vitamins, minerals, protein and oils etc carp need. Bird foods contain many attractive flavours and additives naturally. There is evidence to suggest for example that the effects of powerful antioxidant substances in bird foods contribute to their attraction. Some of the elements of that very famous winter carp bait additive ‘Robin red’ phenols.
It’s also a bit like tasting fast grown glasshouse produced tomatoes. (Usually by hydroponics where the plant food components like many minerals are in a watery solution and are regulated and piped to the tomato plants.) The flavour of these is in part due to the variety, but mostly upon the levels of taste producing factors like minerals are part of the tomato. Your tomatoes which are grown outside in the garden soil will taste much richer and be more nutritionally better for you, being packed with natural minerals from the soil. Their flavour profile will be totally different.
Bearing in mind that we are very like carp in that we are composed mostly of water and minerals, you can understand perhaps a bit more why the baits with minerals are detected as they are essential in the fish’s diet as they are in ours too. Try doing a comparison with baits based on semolina and soya flour with and without an added mineral and vitamin complex as a bait soak and see the difference. Of course the minerals taste will influence more efficient bait detection too and over time, granular type minerals will slowly dissolve some at different rates.
Many baits ingredients are quoted as being included for nutritional balancing of the bait. The big point is not the nutrition in the abstract (as per aquaculture quoted optimums) but the two-fold advantage of an energetic reward for the fish’s activity in finding and eating your bait. And perhaps even more importantly, various nutritional ingredients produce more long-term and short-term immersion food signals. This leads to easier bait detection by carp chemoreception by both long range external food detection receptors, like those along the lateral line, right down to the excitation of the palatial gustatory taste receptors in the mouth leading to the positive swallowing of your bait and the greatest chance of hooking the fish with the hook deep inside the mouth.
I have used many milk protein based baits in the last 30 years and found they produce better over all and especially in the winter, when they have been ‘cured.’ By this I mean (at the minimum) they have partly been pre-digested by bacterial action by heating in a sealed container in a warm environment and removing water moisture as it builds-up. This process can be increased by using any of a range of enzymes now available, but even the addition of papain helps. Milk protein baits have not worked for everyone on every water, despite their awesome performance on others.
Apparently strange things can happen when using milk protein baits. They have for years now had to compete with the more suitable amino acid profiles of marine based boilies and are comparatively much more expensive. Again it’s about using the right bait in the right place at the right time and these baits certainly can out-fish those naturally oily fishmeal baits especially in winter. Using enzyme treated fishmeals and protein (with emulsifiers) to better the nutritional attraction profile and leak-off of a winter milk protein bait makes much more sense than using a bait that is a very dense bait with very little digestibility and limited attraction properties.
Many anglers favour bird food baits with a quarter or a third of the formula consisting of a mixture of high protein milk ingredients combined with open coarse textured bird foods. I have found wheat based baits lots of oat bran and wheatgerm with a little milk protein and bird food ingredients in a very open textured soft bait easy to make and work very instantly. Raising your intense sweetener level in such a winter bait is beneficial. Many lower pH flavours like the fruits, spices and savoury ones like butter, milk or cream have proven effective in winter baits, many for widely different reasons. (Not all flavours are even remotely similar and some are definitely in a class of their own.) Certain extracts have amazing immunity boosting and antimicrobial effects. Essential oils and their derivatives are excellent in the winter.
The taste of many successful flavours will be found to match the flavour of certain molecules in the bait ingredients and I’m sure this can contribute to the flavours effects. Some proven winter flavours attract fish from range such as the very popular ‘Robin red’ based liquids for instance. This can be a bonus if you cannot fish the exact spot or desired swim that puts you directly on tightly shoaled winter carp and you can draw fish into your area.
I have fished a top quality milk protein bait with no flavours against milk protein baits with added flavours (in summer) and been shocked to blank which those flavoured baits caught. Having cured the same baits I returned and banked much bigger fish than those flavoured baits caught. Winter baits are as much a question of personal confidence in your bait (and location) as anything else. Many winter bait combinations and mixtures have come I’m sure as a result of pure desperation and very persistent and confusing trials and often by accident as much as design over the decades if truth be told... The world of bait is pitted with real life fishing variables, but then if carp fishing was too easy, would we bother going carp fishing in the deepest coldest darkest most bone-chilling winter days and nights?
Winter fishing is becoming far more popular these days as our fishing banks become more crowded with warm weather carp anglers and cold weather clothing and equipment is so well designed now. For most carp anglers today, the thought of sitting all day under a 45 inch umbrella on a deck chair in chilling rubber Wellington boots with your feet literally freezing to the ground are long gone (Phew!) Some days our coffee was more whisky than coffee to stave off the cold and keep our spirits up! Attitude counts for so much in winter.
I remember having fished for 4 nights without a bite in freezing conditions, when that evening a new angler turned up and offered to share the curry he’d prepared at home. He even offered a can of beer which I very much appreciated (I normally avoid any alcohol on the bank) But its often fellow anglers camaraderie and creative ways of dealing with the elements that makes a session memorable rather than just the fish caught. Even the best anglers will admit that there are times when absolutely no-one is catching fish and even the thought of the remotest possibility of a take and a ‘good social’ on the bank keeps us going.
The sometimes drastic extremes of weathers now officially confirmed as being the result of global warming offer us new opportunities with milder winters and the timing of our fishing sessions really does count. Changing weather patterns and seasonal extensions mean carp can be feeding for longer and earlier than in the past – so go for it; those big winter carp are waiting for you and most of all, aim to have fun!
The author has many more fishing and bait ‘edges.’ Just one could impact on your catches.
Check out the popular Carp Fishing Secrets
About The Author
Tim Richardson is a homemade carp and catfish bait-maker, and proven big fish angler. His bait making and bait enhancing books / ebooks are even used by members of the “British Carp Study Group” for reference. View this dedicated bait secrets website now...
For the unique and acclaimed new massive expert bait making / enhancing ‘bibles’ ebooks / books:
“BIG CATFISH AND CARP BAIT SECRETS!”
And: “BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!” (AND "FLAVOUR, FEEDING TRIGGERS AND CHEMORECEPTION SECRETS") SEE:
http://www.baitbigfish.com
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Pros and Cons of the Top Saltwater Fishing Reels
Author: Daniel Eggertsen
There are so many different saltwater fishing reels available, how do you know which one to use and when? As you already know different reels are designed to work better in different environments and with different species of fish. Therefore, the first thing you will need to do is determine where you plan on doing your fishing so you can choose the reel that will work the best for that environment.
You will also need to determine which species you are most interested in catching and whether or not you are just fishing for fun or searching for that trophy fish. When choosing your reel take into consideration that over time the saltwater will eat away at the reel so you need equipment that is designed to hold up under these conditions. Here you will find a description of the top 5 saltwater fishing reels along with the pros and cons of each one to help you determine which one would be best for you.
Spinfisher SSm
Pros - This reel was designed to handle the saltwater environment. It is made with a drag knob supported with a stainless steel shaft to prevent it from being damaged by the saltwater. It has a balance rotor that reduces the amount of fatigue the angler feels because it prevents the reel from wobbling which in turn produces a great performance. This makes it easier to handle so you struggle less and exert less energy. It has Penn's Leveline spool-wrap so you can count on the line being flat and level for every retrieval you perform. It has 5 stainless steel ball bearings, full-metal body, infinite anti-reverse and it is also available in three sizes. This one is a great design that provides a smooth performance every time.
Cons - At this time there are no bad points to report about this reel.
Abu Garcia Cardinal C3
Pros - The Abu Garcia Cardinal C3 is a good reel that performs great for any saltwater fishing. It is designed with instant anti-reverse for hook sets, which is a very important feature for the serious angler. Cleaning is a breeze, just remove three screws to clean and oil all the parts. If you do a lot of fishing this is very important to maintain the life of your reel. This reel also has a great "stamina drag system" that can hold up to long hours of hard fishing. The 5ball-bearing design makes retrieval easy and it is a great reel for anyone who enjoys fishing every chance they get.
Cons - The main complaint with this reel is the fact that it provided little in the way of instructions and so it may be difficult for an inexperienced angle to understand exactly how everything should work.
Daiwa BG-15 Spinning Reel
Pros - This spinning reel has a lot to offer with three ball bearings that provide you with smooth action when fishing. It is great for the saltwater because it is designed with a very hard anodized finish that resists corrosion. It is also made with a 5.1 to 1 gear ratio making it perfect for saltwater fishing. You will also enjoy the high performance drag system and durability of the Teflon and stainless steel washers.
Cons - The bad thing about the design of this Daiwa spinning reel is that it does not have a full time anti-reverse and it weighs approximately 12.3 ounces. This will make it more difficult for many anglers to use.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/pros-and-cons-of-the-top-saltwater-fishing-reels-308393.html
About the Author: Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on inshore saltwater fishing here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/Safety Comes First During Fishing
Author: James Brown
Fishing accounts a good percentage for families' favorite weekend activity. It can be a good time for father and son to have a man-to-man talk, that sort of conversation. It can be friends' way to get in touch after a long vacation or simply, it can be anyone's source of livelihood or hobby. Similar to others, safety is always a primary concern for everyone. There are several ways to manage it and sustain everyone's safety while in the fisting site. Check the following measures:
Water is not dangerous at all as long as there is control in place. Children should not be left unattended and must not stay nearby where the possibility of accidents may happen. Fishing buddies can look after each other in pairs to exercise responsibility for the partner.
Proper clothing should be worn. Appropriate gear to protect yourself should be made available at all times and must be in good working condition.
Before heading to the fishing destination, it is important to check the weather forecast to prepare everyone in case an anticipated rain shower is due. In this case, you can bring the right protective gear.
One common protective gear is the life jacket or vest and each person must have his or her own. This is not a suit only worn when something unlikely is happening. It is imperative that this should be worn anytime you are present in a body of water. Never neglect this safety tip as this can be preventive. It is the law in case you have forgotten.
Knowing how to swim is necessary for those who are into fishing. It is as equally important that you know how to swim; this is for your own safety. Don't be too eager to swim however, make sure you know the area, you have another partner who also knows how to swim and you are in the best physical condition.
For fishing equipment, be careful when casting your fishing tackle because it can catch up with another person or any other object that can be a cause of accidents. Make sure the area nearby is clear from any trees and electric lines. Exercise a huge amount of responsibility when handling, using and storing your fishing equipment. Do not have it lying around the area or someone may stumble on it.
There are rules to ensure safety when you wade through the water. Make sure you have experienced wading or have someone who's experienced. Protect your ankles with the proper gear to avoid cuts and other objects to stick to your feet. Boots, high-top footwear, lightweight and long pants are all appropriate clothing during fishing.
Other safety essentials should be within reach namely maps, insect repellents, radio, water, emergency or flash lights.
Fishing can be that particular activity that most people enjoy. While enjoyment is top of the mind, responsible fun is directly related to that. Take some time on your next plan to review the above mentioned checklist if you decide to go fishing. Safety is never a waste of time.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/safety-comes-first-during-fishing-327124.html
About the Author: James Brown writes about GI Joe's coupons, DicksSportingGoods.com on-line coupons and TheSportsAuthority.com coupon code
