Should You Hire a Fly Fishing Guide?

I was having a conversation with an acquaintance the other day who told me that he was planning a vacation to an area where there are some great opportunities for fly fishing. I asked him, “Will you be hiring a guide for the river?”

My friend thought this was unnecessary. “I know how to cast and fly fish, why would I need to spend money on a guide?” he asked.

When heading off to unknown waters, it’s often a very good idea to seek out a local guide for at least one of the days you will be fishing even if you are a seasoned angler. Most guides want you to be successful and can put you on to the fish quickly with their local knowledge of the water and fly patterns that are most commonly taken by the fish. Often, they will have their own “secrets” that you won’t find on Internet forums and message boards.

If you are a novice, a guide can help you with casting problems and will probably be able to teach you about reading water.

Not only that, a fly fishing guide can help keep you safe. Many rivers and waters have their own dangerous areas and knowing where they are and how to deal with them is often something that can only come with intimate knowledge of a river. One day, while fishing the Sixemile Water River in Northern Ireland, I was wading in knee deep water when my guide warned me about a deep drop off right beside me. If I had not hired my guide, it’s quite possible I would have taken a wrong step and perhaps suffered some injury, or at least a ruined day with broken gear.

When you are talking with a guide with the idea of hiring him or her, be honest with them about your fly fishing experience. If you’ve only been out a few times, don’t tell them you are an expert and can wade fast water. It will only make for a frustrating day for both of you.

Be sure to ask your guide if they provide gear and what type. Will you need to bring along your own waders? What kind of waders does the guide recommend? Will they provide the flies and if so, is there an extra charge for that? What about lunch? Some guides will provide a boxed lunch while others would like you to bring along your own. Don’t judge a guide by whether or not he provides lunch, however. Some just aren’t that great in the kitchen but are terrific on the river.

Calling up fly shops that are local to where you want to fish can be a very good way of learning who is recommended in the area. Be sure to find out whether your guide is trained in basic first aid and let them know of any special medical requirements of physical restrictions you might have.

With the two of you working together, you should have a great day regardless of the conditions you are fishing in.

ou are invited to learn more about the sport by visiting All About Fly Fishing. Be sure to check out our resources on fly fishing guides.

Fly Fishing Competitions - Could They Be For You?

Up until a few years ago, I had no desire to compete in a fly fishing competition. “Why would I want to stress myself out doing something that I enjoy and that releases my stress?” I asked myself.  I enjoy wading down a river, casting to trout sipping dry flies off the surface, or watching wild birds flying to and from their nests. Of course, the experience of hooking and netting a fish is the best part of it, but it’s not all there is to fly fishing, for me. I can go out and catch nothing all day, and still consider it a “good day.”

So why would anyone consider, other than try to see who is “best,” a fly fishing competition?

In 2006, I was asked by an acquaintance of mine to join his team that was competing in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships that year. I was hesitant at first, but then decided that I would. It would be fun to go out on practice sessions with anglers I had never fished with before. I also thought I might have an advantage: The competition that year was being held on a river I considered my “home waters.” I knew the river fairly well and I knew what flies had caught me fish in the past.  Boy, was I wrong!

As far as the final standings were concerned, I did not do well at all.  The atmosphere of competing was something so removed from my mind as far as fly fishing was concerned that I “blanked” (expression used when an angler catches no fish during a competition session) almost every session. I lost fish that I normally would have brought to the net. My casting was terrible. I simply wasn’t used to the pressure of competing in a fly fishing competition. As far as any “home advantage, the anglers that eventually took medals in that competition were not from the area and had never fished that river before.

However, that experience also provided me with knowledge that I would not have gained if I had not competed. In a fly fishing competition that is sanctioned by the International Fly Fishing Federation (FIPS-Mouche) or by a national organization that is a member of FIPS-Mouche, the rules for competition are quite rigid - everything from barbless hooks, maximum size of beads on dressed flies, the distance between flies on a leader, and even how you fish from a boat (you must be seated at all times).

One of the most important things I learned was how to make best use of my time when fly fishing. Often, when fly fishing for leisure, we’ll scratch our heads and wonder how to fish a particular fly, or even wonder at what fly to tie on our leaders when it doesn’t appear there are any insects hatching off the water.  What depth should we fish?  When you have a competition session that is only 3 hours long and you don’t get to choose the start and end time, you learn quickly that organization and time management can be just as important as any fishing or casting skills that you have. You learn how to make decisions quickly and get your fly into the water where it can catch fish.

In 2007, I again competed - this time, in Northern Alberta. It would be a type of angling I had done very little of previously - lake style fly fishing involving sitting in a row boat that is drifting with the wind.  Long rods and the use of a variety of types of lines were required.  And because there are two competitors per boat, good casting skills even in high winds are needed. No one wanted to return to shore after a session with their boat mate talking about how they took a fly to their head during one of your casts! So this provided me the opportunity to learn new fly fishing skills to fish in situations I’d never fished in before. These new skills definitely carry over into my leisure fly fishing and made me a better all round angler.

Although the competitions are competitive, there is also much camaraderie during the events. Knowledge between competitors is often shared and you’ll find that the best competitors will even try to get you into some fish or give you some tips - as long as they are ahead of you, of course!  I made many new friends as a result of the competitions I entered.

If you want to seriously improve your fly fishing skills, don’t discount the idea of competing once or twice a year.

Ian Scott is a free lance writer who spends much of his time when not working and writing about a variety of topics, with a fly rod in hand. He is a frequent contributor to About Fly Fishing. You can visit his account of the 2006 Canadian Fly Fishing Championships here. Follow along with his regular fly fishing activities at his blog.

Fly Fishing Competitions - Could They Be For You?

Up until a few years ago, I had no desire to compete in a fly fishing competition. “Why would I want to stress myself out doing something that I enjoy and that releases my stress?” I asked myself.  I enjoy wading down a river, casting to trout sipping dry flies off the surface, or watching wild birds flying to and from their nests. Of course, the experience of hooking and netting a fish is the best part of it, but it’s not all there is to fly fishing, for me. I can go out and catch nothing all day, and still consider it a “good day.”

So why would anyone consider, other than try to see who is “best,” a fly fishing competition?

In 2006, I was asked by an acquaintance of mine to join his team that was competing in the Canadian Fly Fishing Championships that year. I was hesitant at first, but then decided that I would. It would be fun to go out on practice sessions with anglers I had never fished with before. I also thought I might have an advantage: The competition that year was being held on a river I considered my “home waters.” I knew the river fairly well and I knew what flies had caught me fish in the past.  Boy, was I wrong!

As far as the final standings were concerned, I did not do well at all.  The atmosphere of competing was something so removed from my mind as far as fly fishing was concerned that I “blanked” (expression used when an angler catches no fish during a competition session) almost every session. I lost fish that I normally would have brought to the net. My casting was terrible. I simply wasn’t used to the pressure of competing in a fly fishing competition. As far as any “home advantage, the anglers that eventually took medals in that competition were not from the area and had never fished that river before.

However, that experience also provided me with knowledge that I would not have gained if I had not competed. In a fly fishing competition that is sanctioned by the International Fly Fishing Federation (FIPS-Mouche) or by a national organization that is a member of FIPS-Mouche, the rules for competition are quite rigid - everything from barbless hooks, maximum size of beads on dressed flies, the distance between flies on a leader, and even how you fish from a boat (you must be seated at all times).

One of the most important things I learned was how to make best use of my time when fly fishing. Often, when fly fishing for leisure, we’ll scratch our heads and wonder how to fish a particular fly, or even wonder at what fly to tie on our leaders when it doesn’t appear there are any insects hatching off the water.  What depth should we fish?  When you have a competition session that is only 3 hours long and you don’t get to choose the start and end time, you learn quickly that organization and time management can be just as important as any fishing or casting skills that you have. You learn how to make decisions quickly and get your fly into the water where it can catch fish.

In 2007, I again competed - this time, in Northern Alberta. It would be a type of angling I had done very little of previously - lake style fly fishing involving sitting in a row boat that is drifting with the wind.  Long rods and the use of a variety of types of lines were required.  And because there are two competitors per boat, good casting skills even in high winds are needed. No one wanted to return to shore after a session with their boat mate talking about how they took a fly to their head during one of your casts! So this provided me the opportunity to learn new fly fishing skills to fish in situations I’d never fished in before. These new skills definitely carry over into my leisure fly fishing and made me a better all round angler.

Although the competitions are competitive, there is also much camaraderie during the events. Knowledge between competitors is often shared and you’ll find that the best competitors will even try to get you into some fish or give you some tips - as long as they are ahead of you, of course!  I made many new friends as a result of the competitions I entered.

If you want to seriously improve your fly fishing skills, don’t discount the idea of competing once or twice a year.

Ian Scott is a free lance writer who spends much of his time when not working and writing about a variety of topics, with a fly rod in hand. He is a frequent contributor to About Fly Fishing. You can visit his account of the 2006 Canadian Fly Fishing Championships here. Follow along with his regular fly fishing activities at his blog.

Surf Fishing Rigs For Striped Bass

If you are a surf angler, hooking a sizable striped bass in the surf is one of the most exciting experiences you can have. The secret is choosing the right rig and the right bait for the job. Here are my two favorite surf fishing rigs for this sought after fish.

The Fish Finder Rig

There are various forms of the fish finder rig, but the one detailed here has caught more striped bass than any other. This surf fishing rig is best used with live bait, eels hooked through the the tail are always the top choice, followed by either menhaden or herring. Leader length between hook and swivel should be around 20 inches. Attaching a weight slide above the swivel will make the bait presentation much better than a fixed version. Striped bass have excellent eyesight so try and keep the rig as simple as possible. The fish finder rig works well because it allows the live bait to move naturally in the current.

The Hi Low Rig

There are also many versions of the high low rig, but this is the one that seems to catch the most striped bass. This rig works well because smaller bass tend to sit higher in the water while the larger fish will stay closer to the bottom. For this surf fishing rig tie two 5 inch dropper loops on a 5 foot length of leader, keeping the loops around 12 inches apart and tie your hooks to the end of the loops. 15 inches below the bottom loop attach a weight snap, and 15 inches above the top loop tie on a swivel for the main line. The object of this rig is for the fish to hook themselves, so circle hooks will work the best. Try using a larger bait like bunker chunks on the bottom loop, and a slightly smaller bait like blood worms for the top loop.

Using these two surf fishing rigs will greatly improve your chances of hooking and landing a striped bass.

Visit Surf Fishing Tips And Techniques and find out which baits are best for which fish and more great tips to increase your catch rate.

Different Types of Fishing Rods

Fishing rods are one of the most important accessories without which there’s no point in going for fishing. Different types of fishing rods are available for different types of fishing. Check out the main 9 types of fishing rods that are used often:

1.Spinning Rods: These are the most common types of fishing rods that are easily available in the market. They are used for both heavyweight and lightweight fishing and are commonly used for catching walleye, bass and trout. Spinning rods are strong and durable enough to withstand the pressure or stress exerted by the fish on the rod. Designed as an eggbeater reel they are useful for retrieving and casting baits and lures. The usual length of a spin rod is between 1.6m to 2.5m.

2.Jigging Rods: These types of rods are generally seen on commercial boats as they can easily handle large baits and heavy lures. They are made of very strong and solid material as they need to tackle the changing currents of the ocean.

3.Surf Rods: Considered to be the longest among fishing rods, they are heavier than others. Surf rods are useful for catching big fishes. Their length usually vary between 3m to 4.2m.  

4.Carbon Fiber Rods: These are hi-tech rods that are mainly used for coarse fishing. A variety of carbon fibers are used to manufacture them. Positioning of the bait in this type of fishing rod helps to catch big fishes.

5.Fly Rods: Fly fishing rods are generally used for catching fresh water fishes like halibut, salmon and trout. They are mostly built of carbon graphite. The three different types of fly fishing rods include:

1.Bamboo Fly Fishing Rod: This common fishing rod is preferred by most of the people who go fishing, as it is quite durable and suitable for most kinds of fishing situations. These  type of fishing rods are very flexible and lightweight.

2.Graphite Fly Fishing Rods: These type of fly fishing rods are little stiff yet strong and effective. Many fishermen prefer using this due to their strength and performance. These fishing rods are available in various designs and patterns.

3.Fiberglass Fly Fishing Rod: Most of the fishing rods these days are being made of fiberglass. It is little heavier than the other two, which makes it unpopular among some fishermen.

6.Tenkara Rods: They are a combination of other rods, having all the facilities of carbon rods, fly rods, and telescopic rods. The length of these rods range from 11 to 13 feet. They are also very light, portable and easily available at almost every fishing tackle shop.

7.Game Fishing Rods: Game fishing rods are mainly used in deeper saltwater for game fishing. They are designed in such a way that they can catch large fishes like pelagic fish. They are quite thick and don't bend easily. In place of regular line guides, they have roller guides.  

8.Boat Rods: They are considered to be a subclass of spin rods. Boat rods are heavier and shorter than other rods and are mainly used in saltwater fishing.

9.Trout Fishing Rods: The length of a trout fishing rod ranges from 7 to 10 feet. These rods are lighter than  bass fishing rods. Most of them are made of granite and sometimes fiberglass.

Other types of fishing rods include crappie fishing rods, bass fishing rods, ice fishing rods, sea fishing rods, and ultra light fishing rods.

Mikus Debra is a reputed name in fishing industry. Here he shares some relevant details about shopping for fishing accessories like fishing tackle.

Dos and Don’ts for Successful Fishing

Fishing is such a sport that requires a lot of accessories. It’s not just about setting up a bait; a lot of things have to be kept in mind while fishing, whether its sea fishing or lure fishing. Go through the dos and don’ts mentioned below to acquire the skill required to have success in fishing.

Dos:
1.Setting the hook: The hook has to be set very carefully before you start any kind of fishing such as fly fishing. Start reeling only when you are sure that the fish is hooked properly.

2.Consider the line: Make sure that the line doesn’t get wrapped around the tip of the fishing rod. This is because, if so happens then you may loose control over the reel and the line may break.

3.Pressure on the fish: Try not to give the fish any chance to spit out the bait or the lure which you have set for it. Always keep the tip of the rod out of the water. To maintain a steady pressure, you need to keep on reeling to ensure that the line reaches straight to the fish.

4.Try to get an effective lure or bait: The bait or the lure is the most important part of fishing. You should always go for those lures or baits that have the most effective results almost on every fish. Jigs can be a better option for fishing in deep water, shoreline, lakes, ponds, rivers, etc. They can catch crappies, walleyes, perch, bluegills and many more.

5.Try to cast the bait near a structure: Fishes generally hang around rocks, docks and logs. So try to cast the bait near these structures to catch hold of more fish. You can even cast baits near weed beds as fishes are easily available at these places.

6.Consider the drag: Before you go for fishing make sure that your drag is working properly. You can keep  control on the fish if you can use the drag properly.

7.Match the bait with the fish: Always try to go for live baits or the ones that fish generally feed on. If you provide the fish what it wants then you have higher chances of catching it.

8.Consider the fishing equipments: You should take good care of the fishing equipments and change the line frequently to avoid breakage. Oil the reel regularly so that it can be turned easily.

Don'ts:

Following are some common mistakes made by most of the anglers and you should avoid them for successful fishing:

9.Don't repeat the same spot: One of the main mistakes that you should avoid is repeating the same spot again and again. It may so happen that you get a good number of fish at a particular spot one day, but it is not necessary that every day you will have that luck at the same spot. So, don't waste time on a single spot if you are not getting any bite.

10.Don't loose concentration: All types of fishing, be it coarse fishing or fly fishing, require a lot of patience. Don't get distracted or you’ll end up with a lot less than you’d have caught if you had put your whole concentration into it.

11.Don't use the same bait every time: It’s not necessary that you’ll be able to catch fish using the same bait again and again. If you caught fish earlier using the same bait, you may not be able to do the same again. If you are not getting any bite then change the bait but don't waste time using the same bait again and again.

12.Don't use the wrong gear: Different fishing gears are required for catching different types of fishes. So, always consider the type of fish you want to catch. If you want to do bass fishing then don't use the gear that is good for cat fish and trout.

Mikus Debra is a reputed name in fishing industry. Here he shares some relevant details about shopping for fishing accessories like fishing tackle.

Fishing Equipment

Do you want to go fishing? Do you want to take part in sports fishing?  If you do then you have to be prepared with various fishing equipments to be able to perform well in the sport.  

In this article, we will discuss a bit about fishing equipment.  This will be helpful you if you want to go sports fishing or if you want to go fishing for pleasure; this guide will likewise help you.

Hook, Line and Sinker

Hook, line and sinker are used in basic fishing.   Hooks are usually attached to a pole with a line.  The sinker is necessary to make sure that the bait will be left in the waters for the fishes to see.

The requirement in the appearance of the hook, line and sinker under the water is never to be visible to the fishes.

While the improvements in the modern fishing industry have included many different tools, the basic hook, line and sinker remains necessary for pleasure fishing activities.

Fishing rods

Fishing rods of today have different materials and different uses.  There are fishing rods using carbon fiber, fiberglass and most commonly bamboo.  The flexibility of the fishing rod is necessary in today's fishing but usually, just a bamboo fishing rod may be enough.

Fishing reels

A fishing reel is mounted on an axle.  Fishing reels are used in conjunction with fishing rods.  They are often used to ensure the movement of the bait underwater.  Usually the reels are used to mock the real life baits movement underwater.

Bite indicators

In modern fishing activities, a bite indicator is necessary so that fishes will be unable to escape.  If a fish already ate your bait and you did not notice it, by mere waggling, the fish may be able to escape your line.  You do onto want this and thus a bite indicator is necessary for you.  

Especially in cases of catch and release fishing where the hook goes shallow in the mouth of the fish, it will easily escape if you have no bite indicator.

There are now electronic bite indicators in addition to float bite indicators.

Spears

While spears are used in the olden days to catch fishes, in today's fishing industry, spearguns are used.  Slings are added to the usual spears.  In the case of Hawaiian slings, it uses a sling separated with the spears.  It is just like an underwater bow and arrow.

Fishing Nets

Fishing nets are likewise an olden day fishing equipment.  Nevertheless, fishing nets are still used in today's fishing industry.

There are other fishing equipments such as traps, fly fishing tackle and fishing lures among others.

To be able to perform in the sport well, you will need to know the standard fishing equipment used and go from there.

Again, if you are fishing for pleasure and doing a catch and release activity, then fishing equipments that will not harm the fishes are necessary.

How about fishing boats?  You may not need it but if you want to, then this is a fishing equipment where you might need to invest on.

www.sport1912.com work on large number of http://www.sport1912.com

“> fishing equipments and http://www.sport1912.com

“> fishing lures at low prices. So if you are fishing in the same location often will help you enjoy your fishing expedition most of the time.

Australian fishing

HI TO ALL ANGLERS.
I have decided to do something radical and give away for free,valuable information gained from many years experience and countless hour upon hour of hard earned knowledge.I caught my first fish at the age of 3 years and for the next 30+ years i spent my life on the water both professionally and recreationally.I am an Aussie and have caught just about every type of fish of every size found around the Aussie coastline.I am prepared to share my know-how with whoever is interested.These are genuine tips,I know they work,I have caught all my fish using the tips and tecniques as described.
READ.USE.LEARN.ENJOY,TIGHT LINES.
WEATHER:
I have fished through all sorts of weather from Hot,Cold,Windy,Storms,Rain and found as long as the barometer is staying still or rising the weather only worries the fisherman not the fish.
BAROMETER:
It won't matter where you are fishing lakes,Rivers,Oceans a rising barometer is always best.A falling barometer will slow fishing down in some cases it will stop fish feeding altogether.
TIDES:
Play a key role in fishing,Depending on what species you are after depends on what tide you fish.
BEACH FISHING TIDES:
Mulloway and sharks like the last of the run in tide and high water,Fish the deep gutters at night time.
Tailor and Salmon like the run in tide.
Whiting,Bream,Dart,Flathead like low water and the first of the run in tide.
RIVER FISHING TIDES:
Mangrove Jack,Bream,Whiting,Tailor,Treavelly,Grunter,Salmon all like a run in tide.
Mulloway:Likes low water and the first of run in tide.
Flathead like a run out tide.
BAY FISHING TIDES:
Squid,Gummy sharks,Snapper,Whiting like the run in tide.
OFFSHORE FISHING TIDES:
Snapper,Jewfish,Marlin like a tide change high or low.
Reef fish,Tailor,Mackeral,Yellowtail kingfish,Sampson fish,Amberjack,Pearl Perch, like a run in tide.Sharks,Cobia,Wahoo like the last of a run out tide.
MOON PHASES:
I believe the new moon through to 2 nights before the full are the best time for fishing and I won't start fishing again until 2 nights after the full.Then I will fish right through until the next full moon.THE reason is I believe, over the full there is too much current!The full moon usually means king tides which means lots off current for some reason shuts the fish down.Maybe the extra water is cooler which stops the fish feeding?Whatever the reason! The 4 nights around the full moon are good nights to stay home and watch fishing movies.The falling moon isn't a bad time to go fishing because the current is slowing down after the full,The fish start coming back on the chew.Things are a bit slow but with some patience you will get a feed.The dark moon is pretty much the same as the falling moon,things are a bit slow with next to no current and very small tides with patience you will get a feed.The rising moon,Let the fun begin,the current starts to move,the fish start to feed,now is the time to go and catch that big one.
REEF FISH:
I tend to chase mixed reef fish over flat ground with a ferny bottom over the dark moon,Running up to the full moon fish on top of shoals this is the best for big reds and scarlet Sea Perch. The reason being with less tide I find the fish like to move around and graze.When fishing around the full moon you will find the fish around structures such as bommies and ledges because the fish will be hiding to get out of the current.As the moon falls, you can start fishing the deeper water where the fish will star grazing again. Only fish a couple hours each side of the tide change for best results.Fresh squid best bait for all reef fish.

 

Always fishing
http://www.fishinghints.blogspot.com

Different Types Of Fishing Lures

Fishing is a popular outdoor activity, which many people want to enjoy especially on weekends.  Fishing is usually a family event but in cases of sports fishing, then it can be a group activity or in case of family joining the event, this usually involves several members of the family who have the inclination to fishing.

If you want to go fishing, you may want to know the types of fishing lures that will help you catch as much fish, as you want.

Lures now come in different forms and sizes.  While there is this diversity, in some cases, fishes have already learned to recognize a fishing lure and can therefore avoid them.  This is the reason why there are many different types of fishing lures in today's fishing industry.

Let us now move on to the types of fishing lures and the effectiveness they have in a leisure activity or sporting activity.

Jig Fishing Lure

A jig fishing lure is a weighted hook with a lead head opposite the sharp tip.  Often the jig involves a minnow or a plastics worm to get the attention of the fish.  In this case, the operator will need to move the rod to move the jig, which adds to the attractiveness of the jig to the fishes.

Surface Fishing Lures

Surface lures are fishing lures that are used to mimic fish preys on top of the waters.  They are usually used with popping sound or burbling sound, which adds to its attractiveness.  The surface fishing lures need to be moving as well, the operators will need to apply movement skillfully to resemble of the real things.  It will help him use the surface lures effectively.

Plugs

Plugs on the other hand are crank baits.  These lures are designed to resemble the body shape of a fish and are made to run underwater. These plugs need to move to make sure that it will catch the attention of fishes and therefore lure them into the hook.

Spoon lures

Spoon lures are flashy fishing lures especially when it catches the light.  It also moved in a wobbling or darting direction, this adds its ability to catch attention of the fish.

Artificial flies

Flies are preys for fishes.  Thus, artificial flies are effectively used; they are commonly used with fly rods and reel in fly-fishing.  

Swimbait

Swimbait is an effective fishing lure especially when it is designed like a minnow.  Usually soft plastic minnow is reeled like a plug.  They may sometime have swimming tails and thus they are called swimbaits.

Spinnerbait

Spinnerbait is likewise a fishing lure used in leisure fishing.  This is made of pieces of wire bent in an angle with a hook in the lower end and towing a flashy spinner mechanism.  The movement catches fishes’ attention underwater.

These different lures do not need to be used all at the same time.  However, having diversity especially if you are fishing in the same location often will help you enjoy your fishing expedition most of the time.

www.sport1912.com work on large number of http://www.sport1912.com

“> fishing equipments and http://www.sport1912.com

“> fishing lures at low prices. So if you are fishing in the same location often will help you enjoy your fishing expedition most of the time.

Crappie Secrets

He typically starts his fishing in the winter while the water is low.  He scouts out his favorite spots.  He finds the brush piles.  He notes stands of dead timber.  He does a complete job of the scouting.

His fishing day typically starts on a Friday night.  He spends some time checking the boat over.  He cranks the engine.  He makes sure the gas cans are full.  He checks all his poles and rigs them.

On Saturday morning, he kisses his wife before dawn and heads out to his favorite spots.  He launches the boat, checks his maps, and off he goes to those spots he found during the low water.

When he gets to his favorite spot, Joe kills the motor and takes a look at the weather conditions.  Depending on if it is overcast or sunny, he will pick different colors.  As the sun comes up, he looks at the water.  Same story, the color of the water will tell him what colors to pick.

Joe Don picks a color, hones a hook, rigs up and starts fishing.  No fish are biting yet.  Joe Don checks to make sure he is in the right spot and he is.  He decides to go with a different color.  Wham, he gets hit by a big crappie.  As the day changes, Joe Don probably switches color 20 times.

By noon, Joe has caught his limit of crappie.  He heads for home.  Joe knows that dinner tonight is going to be a delicious plate of succulent, tender fried crappie.  He know that tomorrow morning he will catch his limit again.

Now that folks is the way to catch a mess of crappie.

Are you making any of these 3 classic mistakes which will prevent you from EVER knowing crappie secrets? I hate to admit it but I made all three of them myself! Find out what they are and how to avoid them by coming to visit here right now before you never know all those crappie secrets.

What to Look For in a Fish Reel?

There are two basic classifications of fish reels: the conventional and the fixed-spool. Conventional reels are commonly used in saltwater fishing. It works via revolving spools. Fixed-spool fishing reels on the hand have immobile spools.

Fixed-spool reels are cheaper than conventional or multiplier reels. These are best for inexperienced users. The fixed-spool reel is designed with a post or axle where the spool rotates. The post and the rod point in the same direction. It is also equipped with a bail arm which draws the fishing line. The bail arm moves in and out to lay down the line properly. It can be opened to make a cast. Then hold the line using your fingertip and shoot. The line will then fly with the bait.

Multiplier reel is expensive and heavier than fixed-spool. Its post is perpendicular with the rod. It takes an expert to handle it well. Some models come with a guide in properly laying the fishing line. Others may require your hand to guide the line back to the spool when retrieving it.

Fishing reels can also be classified as spinning, spincasting, or baitcasting. The most common of these three types is the spinning reel. It is a fixed-spool fishing reel. The housing is parallel to the axis of the rod. The handle is turned to spin the housing around the spool.

Spinning reels range in sizes from very light to medium-large. These are less sensitive compared to baitcasting reels. Big spinning reels are sometimes bulky to accommodate heavy bait and lure. Backlash is not likely to happen when using the spinning type.

A baitcasting reel is conventional. It is small and conveniently fits the hand. It can be used for small saltwater fish. Such type is sensitive to even slight movements at the end of the line. However, backlash is possible to occur during casting and it is not suitable for ultra light line size.

Spincasting is somewhat a combination of the conventional and fixed-spool reel. It is very easy to use this type and is recommended for use to beginners. It is also called push button reels because a simple push of the button is what it only takes for it to work. However, it is not very sensitive to movements at the end of the line.

The features of fishing reels will be your guide in shopping for a good one. At the same time, identify what kind of an enthusiast are you. Match your fish reel to your skill level for a most wonderful experience each time you hit the waters to fish.

Saltwater fishing either for livelihood or sport demands a strong fishing reel. Get a high performing reel if you want to catch the biggest fish. Penn International is a credible big fish reels maker. They offer international reels, conventional, baitcast and spinning reels.

Everol is another brand that has been providing exquisite reels since 1958. This Italian company uses the best anti-corrosive materials in their products. Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel is also made of the highest quality. It is suitable for hard-fighting big game fish.

Reel weights are significant for the good performance of the reel. The weight of the fishing line must conform to the design of the fishing reel. Sinkers or weights are needed to place the fishing bait deeper in the water. Reel weights have various kinds and sizes. Sliding, split shots, trolling, casting or dipsey are the typical types of reel weights.

For more information on Fishing for Pacific Marlins and Fishing for Sockeye Salmon.Please visit our website.

Enjoying Some Halibut Fishing Today

Love to fish; why not head out for some Halibut fishing this year. It’s a great sport and one if you know some techniques you can increase your chances of catching a nice big halibut. In spring the Halibut love to sit closer to shore, it’s where the food is that they will enjoy eating. But read on and get some great tips to use.

Using jigs to fish for Halibut is one of the things you should consider. These jigs come in many different sizes and shapes. The most popular choice of jig size would be 8 to 12 ounces. Though if you are fishing in more shallow water, use a bit smaller size. The hook should be on the upper part of the jig to avoid a snag near the bottom.

Add a piece of herring to a jig that is shaped like a herring, and your chances of getting a fish while halibut fishing should increase. Attracting Halibut will be the sound that jig will make when it hits the bottom, and also the smell of the bait. If they know there is food around, you will hopefully be bringing home your limit.

Normally you should stick with water that is around 80 to 180 feet deep, possibly moving once in a while to deeper water up to 300 feet deep. Also consider the use of a spreader bar on which you can place some herring to. Use treble hooks with this type of bait and test line of 40 to 80 pounds.

Halibut fishing should be done near the bottom of the area, or within five feet of the bottom. Move your jig after you’ve hit bottom, and lower it down slowly. You shouldn’t be in much danger of losing the bait, since halibut fishing will done in sandy or gravel bottomed areas.

Most halibut fishing will be done where the bottom is gravel or sand, so not too often will you lose any equipment. After you’ve notice that a halibut has nibbled on your line, set the hook. You can do this by lifting up the rod; make sure you reel in the line at the same time. After you’ve made sure the halibut is hooked make sure you pump the rod and keep that line tight.

Once the halibut gets close to the top you will experience a strong run. Have your equipment drag set for that, and get ready for them to dive. You should also have a gaff hook and harpoon on board to help bring in the fish. A harpoon can have line on the end of it, just watch for it to come back up, and start bringing the halibut in again.

Think about bleeding them before you get them on the boat it will help them taste better. Good luck for your halibut fishing.

If fishing is your passion and if you are truly looking forward to a great destination for fishing, Fishing Vancouver Island is a perfect destination. You can go for Salmon fishing and can have great experience to keep memories alive for a lifetime.

Fishing for Catfish

Before I tell you how to catch catfish, I'd like to relate this true story. On July 1st, 2005, a Mekong giant catfish was netted by researchers who were identifying and studying fresh water fish species in all parts of the world. The fish weighed in at 646 pounds and was the size of a grizzly bear. It is the world's record holding freshwater fish.Catfish migrate as the seasons change. When you know that the fish are spawning, take your fishing gear and head out to your favorite fishing hole. Catfish spawn near rocky structures and in contours of the waterbed. Use a topographical map that shows hidden structures and contours to know where to cast. These spots are where you will catch the big cats.

Catfish are scavengers, so dead bait works best. Any type of liver or poultry giblets will attract catfish, as will nightcrawlers, shad and shrimp. Use split shot sinkers and a bobber (float) to display baits at various depths.

Once you find a catfish spawning ground, return to it over the course of the next month to six weeks. Different species of catfish spawn at different times, so you have a good opportunity to catch catfish over the next few weeks.

Remember, the warmer the water, the closer to the surface the catfish will lurk. This is especially true in dirty or murky water. When water is clear, catfish tend to stay in the depths where they feel safe.

If fishing is your passion and if you are truly looking forward to a great destination for fishing. You can go for Catfish Fishing and can have great experience to keep memories alive for a lifetime.

New England Fall Bass Fishing

New England Fall Bass Fishing

Fall Bass Fishing.

Every fall season thousands upon thousands of tourists flood New England states to drive around and look at leaves. I am writing this article to inform you all that there is something much more interesting you could be doing in the fall in New England… Bass fishing. Who would want to drive around and look at dying leaves when they knew they could be pulling in a very ALIVE lunker bass on the end of their line. This is New England Fall Bass Fishing.

The difficulty in landing bass in the fall is the ever fluctuating weather. In other seasons predictable weather leads to predictable fishing patterns and behavior. The fall takes this predictability out of the equation and throws us into a world of unknowns. Fortunately, being the smart anglers that we are, we can understand all of the weather possibilities that fall may throw at us, and know how to best conquer them. Thus, here are my fall bass fishing tips to you. 

The first thing to consider when bass fishing in the fall is where the bass will most likely hold. In the fall temperatures begin to slowly drop thus making it more comfortable for fish to come to shallower waters which are now cooling down to their optimal temperature. Towards the end of the summer, water is at its warmest, which is often out of a bass’ comfort zone. This leads to locating them much deeper in the water column. Towards the end of summer is also the time in which their food supply becomes most scarce. So the good news is this: (a) When fall begins, temperatures begin to drop to optimal ranges, and because of this (b) bass will come into the shallows, and most importantly, (c) they will be absolutely starving. Knowing this we will elect to fish in the shallows for the beginning of the fall season. As far as lure selection and presentation is concerned when early fall bass fishing, lures and tactics that you would use in the spring can be revisited with great results in the fall. Remember, the fish will be in water that is close to their optimal range for activity so don’t be shy throwing shallow running crankbaits and spinners to trigger a reaction strike. Bass fishing New England waters in the early fall creates opportunity for some explosive days of fishing.

In mid-fall the water in the shallows continues to cool until it reaches equilibrium with the temperature of the deeper water. This is by far the most difficult part of the fall to fish, because bass no longer have a preferred temperature zone to relate to, and thus can be found pretty much anywhere in the lake. For those of us who do not own fish finders the only option is to use process of elimination to find fish. The only advice I can offer here is to invest in a fish finder. If you don’t have a fish finder or the budget to purchase one fish all structure you can get a lure to and use process of elimination to find which pattern will work that particular day.

Late fall bass fishing comes when winter approaches and water temperatures in the shallows plummett below temperatures in the depths. This is when bass retreat to deeper structure where they will stay until spring. When water temperatures drop below a range of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit, being cold blooded, bass become torpid and less willing to bite. This is a concern when approaching late fall bass fishing. We will need to create a presentation that is slow, and worthwhile for a bass. When I say worthwhile, I am referring to the size of your bait, a fish that is frozen to the gills is going to be less likely to expend energy for a mere snack, thus putting something that would be considered a larger meal in front of its face will yield better results. On top of this, slow down. With lethargic fish we must be patient and leave the bait in the strike zone for a longer period of time. Large jigs and carolina rigged plastics are a couple of surefire approaches to filling your livewell in the late fall.

Understanding these three phases of fall bass fishing and understanding when each is taking place will allow you to make informed decisions on where to locate fish, and how to have them end up in your boat.

New England fall bass fishing is one of my favorite fishing situations to approach. Nothing can top the feeding frenzy that is created when malnourished bass come into shallow waters to gorge themselves before winter hits. If you take anything from this article to the water with you next fall understand the three distinct phases of the fall and how bass will relate to their environments as a function of water temperature.

-Happy Bassin’

My name is Jake, I am an avid fisherman, mostly for Largemouth Bass, I have been fishing all my life and enjoy spreading the love of fishing to all interested!

Bass Fishing Tips

Fishing Vancouver Island Is Some Of The Best Fishing In The World

Campbell River is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and the Cowichan River is the “Fly Fishing Capital of Canada’ and you will find both these rivers on Vancouver Island. Fishing Vancouver Island is therefore some of the best fishing in the world, but this extends to both fresh and saltwater fishing, as the Island is surrounded by the waters of the Pacific Ocean

For seven years consecutively this Island has been found to be the “Top North American Island” for fishing by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. From the Pacific Rim to Port Hardy in the north and Victoria in the south the sport fishing is excellent all-year-round. The First Nations sites, wildlife and Whale watching in this region are also popular activities.

As far as fishing goes the opportunities are unlimited, whether you are new to the hobby, or it has been your sport for as long as you can remember, there is something available that you will enjoy. Island communities are all close to the coastal areas and this makes tours and other services excellent. Because the climate is mild and the seas are protected, all year round vacationing is available too.

As far as the species of fish you can expect to catch the British Columbia coast is the home to some of the Chinook salmon and you find five species of salmon altogether coho, sockeye, pink and chum. Steelhead is another game fish which puts up a hard fight and they are highly prized. Cutthroat and rainbow trout abound and are found in most of the lakes and rivers, and Halibut is famous for being caught her as it is simple to catch and reach very large sizes. The coastal waters off the Island are also well populated with Rockcod and Lingcod.

If you take you family with you, there is no shortage of activities for them while you are off fishing and being sea-sick off the side of a boat. Shrimping, clamming and crabbing are great fun and can easily be accomplished from the sea shore. Served together with your prize catch, the seafood platters you can make will be fit for Royal consumption.

Ocean kayaking and whale watching is extremely popular in Telegraph Cove and fishing from the Johnstone Strait and Broughton Archipelago is indescribably wonderful.

Speaking of Whale watching, there no other experience quite like this, especially when done from the deck of a se-going vessel. Whales such as Humpback, Grey and Orca frolic in the waves, like children in a pond, and besides the great fishing, a once in a life time experience like watching these thousand pound beasts at play is an absolute must.

If fishing is your passion and if you are truly looking forward to a great destination for fishing, Fishing Vancouver Island is a perfect destination. You can go for Salmon fishing and can have great experience to keep memories alive for a lifetime.

Fly Fishing Rods

One of the most important tools for catching fish is the fishing rod. The act of fishing is very relaxing, invigorating and it tells a thing or two about how aquatic life is and also the lesson of being patient.ofcourse, eating what you caught is a high in itself. There is very good competition between many of the fishermen and they try and oust the other by one way or the other. Using the right kind of tools can help to attain success and come out as the winner.

One of the first and foremost considerations to having the right tool is to choose what you want to catch. When you know what to catch, you can decide the size of the tool you would use. Determining the type of fish one needs to catch can only lead to the right choice for the fishing rod. Other things to be kept in mind while fishing is the size of the fish, water conditions and the method of fishing. Having a sound idea about all the above factors greatly improve the chances of catching fish before even actually being near the water.

A fly fishing rod is usually best suited for either catching trout or salmon. A flexible fishing rod is what one will need to catch these fishes. To bring home the fish you desire, you would need the right fishing rod to start with and then followed by the line, nets and various other tools. When catching salmon, one has to continuously hold the fishing rod and therefore one should see the grip of the rod before buying it. You would feel that the fishing rod is a tad too expensive when you buy it but it would be well worth the price after you hold that salmon u caught in your hand.

Fly fishing rods for sale are available throughout the country and are a good bet for a good catch. If winter fishing is what you like and want then there are ice fishing rods that can be used in a frozen lake. These rods allow you to fish in frozen water through holes. The ice fishing rods, owing to the rough conditions it's used in are much more durable and strong than other types of fishing rods. Choosing the right rod for you can be a bit tricky as there are different sizes and types.So, one may need to experiment with different rods before finding the right one.

In case of coarse fishing, you need a carbon fiber rod. This type of rod is best for catching any of the cyprinid family. That is the primary reason to know the type of fish you need to catch before buying the fishing rod. Other types of rods are spinning rod, ultra light and surf rods. All fishing rods are designed for different types of fish and one need to see what one is most comfortable with. The amount of money you can spend is another big factor but I would advise to not compromise for sub standard rods for it may be all worth while when you have that fish in your hand.

Vas Blagodarskiy is a freelance writer who recommends you to check out the Bass Fishing Secrets Revealed website.

The Perfect Way to Get Away

Life can be full of busyness and stress and therefore it is important to set aside time for vacation. One great vacation idea is to book a fishing trip with an offshore fishing charter. Whether you need a day a way or a week, an offshore fishing charter can offer you an exciting adventure. Offshore fishing can be enjoyed in many different places. You can travel far to exotic destinations or drive to the nearest beach to enjoy this great sport. Before booking your trip, you need to decide what type of offshore fishing you would like to do. Deep sea fishing charters take anglers miles from shore and fish for larger species such as shark, marlin, or tuna. The charter boat is rigged with heavy duty fishing rods that are attached to the boat. You typically don't actively fish but wait until one of the rods has hooked a big fish. The fight, at this point, can be quite intense and take minutes or hours to reel the fish in. This is an exciting way to fishing that requires patience and strength. You can also find offshore fishing charters that fish closer to land and specialize in bottom fishing. A lot of times, a charter will take you to an area with coral or a bride for bottom fishing. You will use bait that goes to the bottom of the ocean where you will present it to the fish swimming below. Grouper and snapper are often fished for in the manner. Be sure to contact a top offshore guide to help you bottom fish.

Offshore fishing charters will make your fishing vacation memorable and fun. Be sure to go with one that has top notch equipment and years of experience. This will ensure that your trip is safe but also successful. When you start reeling in big fish, the stresses of work will be far from your mind.

For further information on offshore fishing charters and Fishing Guides please visit http://www.fishingguidesworld.com

Fly Fishing Rivers with Huge Trout

Fly fishing as a sport or recreation is popular among fishing enthusiasts. The trout is the largest in the char family. Trout are usually caught in lakes and rivers. These fish do not thrive in warm waters and instead go to colder places in order to survive.

The United States has a lot of fly fishing rivers. Some of these famous for their big trouts are the Big Horn in Montana, AU Sable in Michigan, and Green in Utah.  Fall, Hat, Lower Sacramento, Owens, Pit, and Mc Cloud are rivers in California. These rivers offer great fly fishing aside from the big trout found there.

The Green River is located beneath the Flaming Gorge Dam. The tail water helps the river to be colder and make it conducive for the survival of trout here. The water maintains a stable temperature all year round making it a suitable habitat for trout. It is found in Northern Utah and extends over 30 miles. The upper stretch is the Red Canyon stretch. This spot is a good place to catch trout. Visitors in the Flaming Gorge National Park love fly fishing here.

Some of the trout in Green River can weigh up to about 30 pounds. The average sized measures around 16 inches. Brown trout are the common catch. Few rainbows and some cutthroats are also found here.  The water is clear with greenish bottom. That is why the river is named Green. It is also a suitable place for pools and it offers scenic views for the visitors.

The San Juan River in New Mexico is one of the best fly fishing rivers in the world. This river has a large population of trout. The usual trout’s size caught in the San Juan River measures 20 inches. Other fish like cut bows, rainbows and brown trout measure about 17 inches. Flies or tippets or worms can be used as baits while fishing.

The river is slow flowing and wide. It extends through the Navajo Dam. The tail water is crystal clear. The cold tail water is fed by the snow coming from the San Juan Mountains. The tail water at the river averages 45oF or 7oC throughout the year. This is really a perfect place for trout to live.

The Madison River in Montana is also a favorite spot for fly fishing. The water in this river runs steadily at the same speed. It makes a good choice for the novice and hobbyists. The trout and other native fish rise on the surface to catch grasshoppers abounding in the area. The spring season is a perfect time to catch rainbows here. Browns are usually caught during the autumn.

The Madison River is also called the "50 mile Rifle." The river flows for 50 miles in a steady line. Fish commonly caught in the river weighs around 6 pounds. Fishermen in the area ride on boats or tubes. The river and lakes fed by it are productive. Fly fishing techniques differ from river to river. Different conditions of the river, water behavior and the weather make it more challenging for fly fishing.

The Snake River runs through the Jackson Hole in Yellow Stone National Park. It then enters the Snake River Canyon going to the Palisades reservoir. Fly fishing is more convenient here if done on drift boat. It has plenty of cutthroat trout native in the area. Trout can be catch in the Snake River from early April to the end of October.  This is the time when it gets really cold here.

For more information on Fly Fishing Rivers and Fly Fishing San Juan Riverplease visit our website.

Galveston Island and fishing on Galveston Bay one year after Hurricane Ike

On September 13th, 2008 Hurricane Ike made landfall directly over Galveston Island in Texas. Hurricane Ike was a category 2 storm, but as we all found out it caused massive damage and destruction equivalent to a category 4 storm. Hurricane Ike stretched over 500 miles, had howling winds up to 110 mph and a storm surge of 13-20 feet. Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States and it was blamed for up to 200 deaths nation wide. Residents up and down the Texas gulf coast to the Louisiana coast were greatly effected by this storm, but Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula were the hardest areas hit. The storm surge of up to 20 feet and flooding were the main culprits of most of the coastal damage. Unfortunately homes, businesses, landmarks, and even lives were lost due to Hurricane Ike. It had been 23 years since Galveston Island had experienced a storm of this magnitude, hopefully it will be over another 23 years until they experience another one.
 
 It has been just over a year since Hurricane Ike ravaged the gulf coast and changed so many peoples lives. The land clean up and rebuilding is still underway on Galveston Island and in near by communities. The good news is that businesses are opening, houses are being rebuilt and visitors are returning to Galveston Island. Galveston Island is looking better and better every day. I participated in the water clean up of the entire Galveston bay complex from March 2009 through July 2009. I spent most of those days on the water watching trees, cars, boats, parts of houses, refrigerators, telephone poles among many other things being pulled out from the bay system. The land clean up and rebuilding will probably continue for a few more years, but the bay and beach clean up is finally complete. East bay, West bay, Trinity bay and the surrounding waters are actually cleaner now than they were before Hurricane Ike.
 
 Fishing in Galveston was not negatively effected by Hurricane Ike. In fact the fishing on Galveston bays have been really good to excellent since Ike and I see it only getting better. I have been fishing the Galveston bays all my life and Ike didn’t change fishing at all. I have been catching quality fish at the same spots that I have always caught them at. The mid bay reefs and the shorelines are all in excellent shape. The fish are very healthy and the numbers are still there. For someone that has enjoyed countless memorable days on the waters surrounding Galveston Island, that is wonderful news. Many people might still think that fishing in and around Galveston is not up to past standards or that the bays are still filled with debris, but that could not be farther from the truth. Go to www.galveston-fishing.com to see some catches from recent fishing trips. All the bays are really clean and the fish are ready to be caught. Galveston Bay is one of the best fisheries on the gulf coast so don’t hesitate to visit Galveston Island and spend a quality day on the water fishing.
 
 Capt. Alan Pereyra
 www.galveston-fishing.com

Galveston Island and fishing on Galveston Bay one year after Hurricane Ike

On September 13th, 2008 Hurricane Ike made landfall directly over Galveston Island in Texas. Hurricane Ike was a category 2 storm, but as we all found out it caused massive damage and destruction equivalent to a category 4 storm. Hurricane Ike stretched over 500 miles, had howling winds up to 110 mph and a storm surge of 13-20 feet. Hurricane Ike was the third most destructive hurricane to ever make landfall in the United States and it was blamed for up to 200 deaths nation wide. Residents up and down the Texas gulf coast to the Louisiana coast were greatly effected by this storm, but Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula were the hardest areas hit. The storm surge of up to 20 feet and flooding were the main culprits of most of the coastal damage. Unfortunately homes, businesses, landmarks, and even lives were lost due to Hurricane Ike. It had been 23 years since Galveston Island had experienced a storm of this magnitude, hopefully it will be over another 23 years until they experience another one.
 
 It has been just over a year since Hurricane Ike ravaged the gulf coast and changed so many peoples lives. The land clean up and rebuilding is still underway on Galveston Island and in near by communities. The good news is that businesses are opening, houses are being rebuilt and visitors are returning to Galveston Island. Galveston Island is looking better and better every day. I participated in the water clean up of the entire Galveston bay complex from March 2009 through July 2009. I spent most of those days on the water watching trees, cars, boats, parts of houses, refrigerators, telephone poles among many other things being pulled out from the bay system. The land clean up and rebuilding will probably continue for a few more years, but the bay and beach clean up is finally complete. East bay, West bay, Trinity bay and the surrounding waters are actually cleaner now than they were before Hurricane Ike.
 
 Fishing in Galveston was not negatively effected by Hurricane Ike. In fact the fishing on Galveston bays have been really good to excellent since Ike and I see it only getting better. I have been fishing the Galveston bays all my life and Ike didn’t change fishing at all. I have been catching quality fish at the same spots that I have always caught them at. The mid bay reefs and the shorelines are all in excellent shape. The fish are very healthy and the numbers are still there. For someone that has enjoyed countless memorable days on the waters surrounding Galveston Island, that is wonderful news. Many people might still think that fishing in and around Galveston is not up to past standards or that the bays are still filled with debris, but that could not be farther from the truth. Go to www.galveston-fishing.com to see some catches from recent fishing trips. All the bays are really clean and the fish are ready to be caught. Galveston Bay is one of the best fisheries on the gulf coast so don’t hesitate to visit Galveston Island and spend a quality day on the water fishing.
 
 Capt. Alan Pereyra
 www.galveston-fishing.com

How To Catch Fall Crappie!

Tips on how to catch fall crappie can be boiled down to one thing; finding them, determining just what is on their menu for today and then present it in a way that is pleasing to their palates.  In short, you have to ’sell’ the menu!

 After that, the rest is fairly easy.  Fall crappie are a little harder to find, because they’re generally in deeper water than in the spring and you have to use a bit of finesse to get them in the boat.

As freshwater fish go, the crappie is hands down the best eating fish around.  Catching them can be a touch and go proposition since they are only a little less finicky when it comes to eating, than my cat Spike.  The bait that worked yesterday may be a loser today.

They are also notorious for being very fickle about depth. Yesterday’s success may have little to do with your luck today.  If the fish aren’t biting, it’s time to experiment!

In the fall I find fish by drifting across a large body of water.  With several lines in the water set at different depths, if I snag a crappie at the same depth twice, it’s very probable that that is where they’re going to be holding.  I have tried this method of fishing many times and it has always had a high success rate for me, though it doesn’t work all the time.

Crappie judge their favorite foods by its color.  If you are using only minnows, you’ll just have to trust your luck to the silvery colors of their bodies.  If you are using jigs, then you have the opportunity to experiment.

All artificial baits should simulate the action of a minnow, although the crappie will eat crawfish, worms and just about anything else if it’s handy.  By far, the minnow seems to be its favorite snack.   

If the water is clear, use a silver and black color jig.  These are natural shades of a minnow and they just might be on their menu today.  That said, maybe a yellow, chartreuse or even pink one could work equally well.  The point is that you have to keep experiment until you find one that works.

Try your luck with vibrant colors like chartreuse, white, yellow, hot cranberry and fiery blue marabou jigs when the water is dingy or muddy.  These are easier for the fish to see than natural tones.

If you are going to use a spinner bait, tie on the smallest one you can find.  Crappie are lazy and small baits seem to be more enticing than large ones.  It really doesn’t make sense, but then I’m not a fish!

Like a good waiter, how you present whichever bait you are using is the key to catching crappie.  I have found that generally the slower you retrieve your crappie tidbit, the better your chances are of catching them.

Fishing in the fall down here in the south is a great confidence builder, whether you catch fish or not.  You’ll leave the lake with the knowledge that you are indeed an outdoorsman for having survived the rigors fishing in the fall.

Bob Alexander is well experienced in outdoor cooking, fishing and leisure living. Bob is also the author and owner of this article. Visit his sites at:
http://www.redfishbob.com
http://www.bluemarlinbob.com

Bass Fishing Trips

Bass fishing is the most popular type of freshwater fishing and popular among fisherman of all experience levels. Bass fishing can be a serious competitive sport or just a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Another great thing about bass fishing is that it can be enjoyed almost anywhere and they are found in lakes and streams all over the country. Largemouth bass are usually fished in lakes while smallmouth bass are caught by fly fisherman. Over the years, many new techniques and technology have helped the sport grow rapidly. Artificial lures have become big business and the sport has gained fame through the popularity of a few professional bass fishing circuits.

Anglers of all experience levels can benefit from the services of bass fishing guides. A good bass fishing guide can help direct you to the best spots on the water. They are experienced with the local area and know the best times and spots to catch big fish. They also know what bait to use and proper technique. A quality bass fishing guide will make your tip much more enjoyable and successful. Most states have lakes with great bass fishing, so do your research and find the best locations. Florida is well known for its great bass fishing. Be sure to look into Lake Okeechobee for some fantastic bass fishing. Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, and Kentucky are also home to quality bass fishing guides. Texas is another state that is home to some of the top bass fishing in the state. The bass fishing guides on Lake Texoma are worth checking out and can help you catch some serious largemouth bass. The internet is a great resource for information on bass fishing. There are several websites devoted to techniques and instruction which will help you catch more fish. Directory sites, like FishingGuidesWorld.com, assist you in the best bass fishing guides and allow you to read other users recommendations. Plan your next bass fishing trip and have an unforgettable fishing experience.

For further information on Bass Fishing Guides and Fishing Guides please visit http://www.fishingguidesworld.com

The New Reaction Bait Rod - Shimano Cumara Reaction Rods!

While taking it one step at a time, Shimano has focused on precision engineering for over 80 years. They have created some of the most innovative products and processes found in our world today. With the introduction of the new Shimano Cumara Reaction Rods, Shimano has proven themselves yet again.

These Cumara Reaction rods take the Reaction Bait rods to a whole new spectrum! This series of rods was designed to fish moving baits in a variety of cover and depths. From shallow depths to down deep, hard cover to soft cover, the new shimano rods will allow you to fish moving baits in just about any situation. There are 12 rods in this series which are all casting versions. All twelve rods include a unique hook keeper with lightweight and sensitive IM-10 graphite blanks.

The unique hook keeper resembles a more traditional wire hanger positioned above and away from the grip. This keeps the crankbaits away from the grip, thus reducing damage to the foam grip and providing safety from all the treble hooks on the baits.

One of the many features of this rod is Shimano’s custom split reel seat design for significant sensitivity to the anglers hand when detecting changes in the action of the bait or just subtle bites. The Fuji SIC guides are another feature of the new shimano rods. The unique frame design of the Fuji guides keeps the line from tangling even for some of the braided lines which are notorious for the line tangling capability. Finally, the weight of the rods is so light that it almost feels like you are holding “nothing” and definitely helps in the prevention of getting a tired arm.

The rod product manager for Shimano, Justin Poe, says anglers will find the “specific Cumara Reaction rod whether they want to fish deep crankbaits in open water, or buzz baits in heavy grass cover”. He states the new cumara rods compliment the Cumara Bottom Contact rods when the fishing situation calls for rip baits, topwaters, and spinnerbaits. He claims they will deliver high performance comfort and feel.

In conclusion, Shimano Cumara Reaction rods are technologically enhanced and innovative rods. These 12 casting rods are designed specifically to fish moving baits at different depths and diverse cover. With the sensitive performance, sleek appearance, and lightweight the new Cumara rods are ranking high!

Jonah Li is the owner of Hi’s Tackle Box, a leading retail fishing store and outfitter based on the west coast. Specializing in bass fishing tackle, Shimano Cumara Reaction Rods, saltwater fishing and other types of freshwater angling. With over 40 years of fishing experience and over 25 years of retail fishing tackle experience, store owner Jonah, shares his unique perspective on the world fishing tackle and being a fishing tackle retailer.

For more information about our business visit: ” target=”_blank”>www.histackleboxshop.com/”>http://www.HisTackleBoxShop.com

Have you ever looked at buying closeout fishing tackle and accessories? Sometimes the deals can be terrific. You will be able to buy brand new, name brand items that may have been discontinued by the manufacturer. Most retailers only have the most current items in their stores. So, when a manufacturer discontinues items at the end of a season the retailer can sometimes return them back to the manufacturer or exchanges them for the new models. Sometimes a store may go out of business and a company may purchase all their items. Then they will sell to discounters and other retailers that sell closeout fishing supplies or discontinued items of any kind..

Every year manufacturers evaluate what items are selling and which are not. Then they evaluate profitability, marketing and the brand overall. Do we make changes so we can compete with other brands that are similar and make them more desirable? Maybe come up with new ways to make them ultimately sell better and provide better profits for the company. When the evaluations are decided, they will then decide to make changes for whatever reasons they may have or simply discontinue an item. When the company brand managers decide to discontinue an item, they also need to decide what to do with the remaining inventory. Another process now starts in their thinking. How much can we get for these items and how fast can we get them out of our warehouse?

Sport Fishing Opportunities

If you need to spice up your life a little bit, try to think of some exciting outdoor activities for a change of pace. Getting outdoors and being active helps you get your mind off of the stresses of life and relaxes you. Sport fishing is one particular outdoor activity that will get your adrenaline rushing and help you forget about your job or anything else that causes you stress. Sport fishing can be enjoyed in several different ways. Deep sea sport fishing is one of the most exciting ways to enjoy this great sport. Deep sea fishing with a top charter will give you a chance to see the beauty of the ocean while fighting some large species of fish. Marlin and Tuna are popular fish to catch offshore. Backwater sport fishing is also a fun way to enjoy fishing. The waters are much calmer and it doesn't take as long to be where the fish are. Many anglers enjoy fishing for redfish or speckled trout in the bays, jetties, and backwaters. These fish also put up a good fight and are good to eat later.

Sport fishing trips are a great adventure but they take thoughtful planning to ensure a fun trip. The best place to start researching your trip is online. There are several websites that help you narrow down potential destinations and also spotlight the top sport fishing charters in that area. One such site, FishingGuidesWorld.com, allows fisherman and women to review and recommend sport fishing charters to each other. Talking to other people about their experience is a great way to find the best fishing charters. A top sport fishing charters can make your trip much more enjoyable as they put you on fish and teach you the best technique for reeling them in. Most of the good sport fishing charters are guides that are experienced and the type of bait to use. They also know what locations to hit depending on the season and weather patterns. Sport fishing charters will help you catch more fish and have a world class fishing experience.

For further information on sport fishing charters and Fishing Guides please visit http://www.fishingguidesworld.com

Catching Live Baits for Saltwater Fishing

Popular bait catching equipment includes cast nets, sabiki rigs, seines, dip nets, minnow and fish traps and umbrella nets. These options allow anglers to catch live bait such as shrimp, crabs, squid, silversides, glass minnows, mummichugs, spot, pinfish, pigfish, ballyhoo, herring, shad, eels and other small fish suitable as live baits or to store for later use.

Cast nets are excellent tools for catching bait. They work well in the surf, along shorelines and from boats. To catch bait effectively, a quality cast net is important. Cheap versions may not open or sink correctly, which allow fish to escape in some situations.

Minnow traps are easy to use. These traps consist of 2 bucket shaped sections that snap together. Each half is made of wire and has a funnel shaped entrance. A line secures the trap to a dock or piling. The trap is baited with fish scraps, bread, raw chicken necks or other baits and left overnight. Minnow traps work well for smaller baits such as minnows and grass shrimp.

Spot, small perch and other baits can be caught using fish traps. These are special traps which are designed to catch fish more than crabs. Cans of cat food are sometimes pierced enough to leak and used for bait in spot traps. Other baits such as fish scraps can also be used for attracting baitfish to the trap. Always check local regulations before attempting to catch bait with traps.

Seines work well but are bulky, expensive and require a large amount of effort. Seines are fine mesh nets with a pole on each end. Fishermen work in pairs, pulling the net across the bottom and up onto a shallow shoreline. Seines will catch practically everything in their path, including small fish, crabs, shrimp and other baits.

Dip nets are sometimes useful, especially at night under lights. An area can be dipped blindly, or sprinkled with cat food and swept with the dip net after a few moments.

Perhaps the easiest way to catch bait is with a sabiki rig. This special leader features a daisy chain of small lures. Anglers sometimes bait the sabiki hooks with tiny bits of bloodworm as an added attractant. The rig is then slowly worked along the bottom near pilings or over structure. The rig will catch spot, perch, herring and even silversides or other species of minnows.

Finding live bait while fishing in the ocean can be difficult. There are a few possibilities, but rarely can any option be relied on totally. One option is to stop on a wreck or reef and jig artificial lures for small fish.

Also worth checking are buoys or floating debris. Often small jacks or other pelagic fish will congregate under floating objects and strike a small flashy lure or a light leader and baited hook. In some cases a bottom rig will also catch small fish, depending on the location.

As night falls in the ocean, options get better. Squid, tinker mackerel or other baitfish often appear around the lights of an anchored boat at night. Squid will take a baited line, or special jig, while tinker mackerel will eagerly attack the essential Sabiki rig which should be standard equipment on summer overnight trips.

Virginia deep sea fishing charters sometimes use this technique to catch fish which are then used as live baits for tuna, mahi mahi, swordfish and other offshore fish species.

Learning to brine baits is a good way to use leftover fishing bait. Brining will preserve and toughen bait, making it suitable for freezing and more useful after thawing.

A basic method for brining baits - Kosher salt coating

Step 1. Prepare baits by rinsing in sea water. Cut larger baits such as fish bellies or squid into strips.

Step 2. Add baits and coarse kosher salt to a ziploc bag and shake vigorously. Add enough salt to thoroughly coat all the baits.

Step 3. Purge excess air from the bag and freeze.

Most baits will remain somewhat flexible due to the salt, even when frozen. Well brined baits often last up to a year.

Read more about fishing and seafood at Virginia Saltwater Fishing, Chesapeake Bay and Fresh Seafood.

Kings on the Run

Mature kings are doin' their thing right now in West Michigan Rivers and drowned river mouths. It wasn't too many years ago that the thought was these fish wouldn't strike baits or lures; hence the whole snagging mess. What a mistake that was, both in terms of the environment and for angler knowledge in general.

We now know that river and lake run kings will hammer angler's offerings if not for food, maybe just out of pure meanness. And there are many ways to catch them. Trolling and casting presentations as well as spawn presentations all prove very effective on late summer mature kings.

As a full time guide I start targeting river mouth kings in the Manistee, usually in mid-August and move south to the White and Muskegon rivers as the runs in these rivers peak later. Traveling from north to south in this manner I can usually hit active fish for six weeks or more.

Three presentations account for the majority of the kings we land from the river mouths and lower ends of the rivers

CRANKIN'

Casting crankbaits for river kings is by far my favorite way to catch them. Kings smash into cranks like you have snagged a locomotive. And crankbaits are so versatile, you can fish them close to cover, you can fish them fast and shallow or slow and deep.

Cranks work best in water from four to eight feet in depth and they’re especially effective early in the season when rivers are low and slow. When the rivers are low and slow there are some areas where there isn’t enough current to effectively drop back plugs or drift spawn. Cranks have their own inherent action and vibration which proves especially annoying to river run kings.

My favorite crankbait for catching river kings is Dave's Deep Ka-Boom Shiner in Firetiger. Other productive lures include Deep Thunderstick Juniors, and Rapala Shad Raps.

While it's tempting to think big when it comes to salmon fishing, I've found that medium sized cranks seem to out perform larger ones. A lot of that probably has to do with the fact that larger cranks tend to run deeper than smaller ones.

Also, don't over look jerk baits like Dave's Ka-Boom Shiner, X-Raps and shallow Husky Jerks. At times, especially during early mornings, kings will take these lures right near the surface. And if you think that top-water for bass is fun, you should see one of these lures being mauled by a raging king.

Last year on a particularly hot day of fishing one of my clients was quickly reeling in a fouled crank. It was spinning along the top of the water when a king slammed the mess. After that I experimented with Bass type buzzbaits and found them remarkably productive for kings staging right at the river mouths in low light conditions. One word of warning: Cheap is good. One king on a buzzbait and the bait is destroyed.

When it comes to crankbait color, my most consistent producer is a fire-tiger pattern. But other combinations of chrome and chartreuse or orange also work well especially on sunny days.

Fishing near cover is key to crankin' up river kings. Crank near log jams if you can find them, or trees that have fallen partially into the water. If there's a tree in the water be sure to crank just up stream and downstream of it.

No matter how good the cover looks, if the fish aren't there it's worthless. If you’re not seeing actively rolling, or jumping fish, they’re probably not in the area.

Another trick for triggering strikes is to change the swimming direction of the crankbait. By moving your rod tip from an upstream angle to a down stream angle and back again, you subtly change the direction the lure is swimming. And often that subtle change is all that is needed to trigger a strike. On a typical retrieve I usually change the direction two or three times.

SKEIN & FLOATS

A big chunk of salmon roe suspended below a bobber can be unbelievably productive, especially right at the river mouths. I like large slip floats on 20# Siglon F floating line made by SunLine. This line floats on top of the water which is a big advantage for this type of fishing because it's much easier to stay in contact with the float.

I run the Siglon F right to the float and then attach a 15# fluorocarbon leader by way of a blood knot from just below the float to the hook. Last year I experimented with Owner circle hooks and found them to perform very well. All the fish were hooked right in the corner of the mouth keeping the line from rubbing against the fishes teeth.

Long rods (eleven feet or more), allows for long leads from the float to the bait. Last year at the mouth of the Manistee we were setting the floats about 10 feet above the bait, while fishing about 20 feet of water. This rigging produced a few 20 plus fish days. Catching kings on a rig most reminiscent of bluegill fishing is a thrill that takes you back to simpler times.

BACK BOUNCING

Back bouncing skein and tied spawn sacks is a very effective technique, especially for fish that have been in the river a while. While much of the back bouncing on the Big Manistee happens from boat anchored above holes, I've found that a mobile approach, using an electric trolling motor to be much more effective.

I use the trolling motor to move slightly slower than the speed of the current working the skein on pencil sinker rigs out behind the boat. Fishing in this manner allows me to fish entire runs and holes from top to bottom. There's no question that there are times to sit tight a concentrate on one area. More often than not though, covering water puts more fish in the boat.

For back bouncing I like nine foot medium-heavy action spinning rods and a quality reel spooled with 15 lb. mono . From a sliding pencil sinker to the skein I like 12 lb. fluorocarbon with a stout #4 egg hook.

There's no question that our salmon are smaller than they were just ten years ago. But catching them in rivers on comparatively light tackle will still test the mettle of the most experienced angler. This September give West Michigan's river kings a shot I'll guarantee the last thing you'll complain about is the size of the fish.

Capt. Kyle Buck runs Great Lakes Guide Service based out of Muskegon MI.

Those interested in a guided trip can contact Great Lakes Guide Service at
(231) 638-5752 or www.glguideservice.com also visit for a complete list of Capt. Kyle Buck’s seminar schedule including - Crank crushin’ king’s power point presentation. For Muskegon River Fishing, Muskegon Fishing Guide, Lake Michigan Guide Services.

The Best Baitcasting reel

The dawn of a new era in fishing using a baitcaster is upon us. This reel, made by U.S. Reels company is a baitcasting reel that represents a new era in the mechanics of baitcasting reels. Much like U.S. Reels supercaster spinning reels, the SC1000 and the SC1000 Pro were designed to address an ongoing problem with the existing baitcasting reel designs you find with all other reel manufacturers.

Everyone that uses a traditional baitcasting reel is aware of backlashes. This happens when you cast your line out and you don’t properly “thumb” the spool. What happens is backlash and a lot of line that gets tangled up. The reason this happens, is the traditional level wind spool has to pause when you cast out the line then accelerates to catch up. This acceleration can begin a backlash! So how do you minimize backlash? First you must properly “thumb the spool in order to control or stop the backlash or you create a baitcaster with no eyelet, which adds to the backlash problem.

That’s exactly what the U.S Reels company did. They created a reel with no eyelet, which will allow the line to leave the reel straight and virtually free of friction, regardless of the position of the line. How does it work?

The new baitcaster has an “angled bar levelwind” which is the heart of the system that levels the line on the spool by a rotating angle bar which creates a see-saw effect to guide the line instead of an eyelet. The rolling motion of the bar levels the line, but during the casting phase does not restrict the line like a typical levelwind eyelet.

The levelwind is also adjustable. The height of the new levelwind system regulates casting control. When in the highest position, the angled bar minimizes the need to thumb the reel during a cast and yet the reel casts farther than most reels because the reel is not limited by the eyelet. When in a lower position look out because the reel will literally cast a long, long distance.

The spool on this reel actually rotates the wrong way. It works better this way because it is best mechanically with the angle bar action levelwind. An angle is required for the see- saw action to work. When the line comes from below, it creates this angle. Spool control is easier with the spool turning into the thumb, rather than moving away from the thumb. Backlashes are rare. If they do happen, they come untangled easier. There isn’t much of a learning curve with this reel compared to a traditional levelwind baitcasting reel. If you always wanted to fish with a baitcaster but were afraid of backlashes, well this is the reel for you! Either way this reel makes fishing with a baitcast style reel much easier, and more enjoyable.

Jeff Bausch has been fishing for over 40 years. He started a lake map business with the best fishing spots marked plus a fishing newspaper many years ago. Fishing has always been a passion, now he is sharing his fishing knowledge about how to use lake maps and how to fish any lake with great success. U.S.Reels Fishing Tackle Supply store with all your fishing needs.