Choosing a good deep sea fishing charter

Warranambool is located in Victoria and is a popular place for deep sea fishing and whale watching. In fact, Warranambool is called Victoria's Southern Right Whale Nursery. The whales swim within 100 hundred meters of the shore so you can hire a fishing charter and see the whales in all their glory. You can also hire a deep sea fishing charter, as the waters around the area offers a wide variety of reef fish that include squid, snapper, gummy shark, morwong, and couta, just to name a few. Here are few tips and guidelines while choosing a fishing charter.

• The first thing to consider is what you need the charter for.? Are you looking at a day of whale watching? Or are you aiming for the big catch of the day? Or specifically interested in tuna fishing in Victoria? Your needs will dictate the terms of your fishing charter. You may find some fishing charters that specifically carter to whale watching and some that will help you with deep sea fishing.

• If it's fishing you're looking at, you need to evaluate your skill and level of competence. You will find fishing charters specially for first timers and some that are meant for more experienced fisherman. Some people consider fishing to be their time with themselves away from the family! While some think it's a great way to spend time with the family. In Warranambool, you will find fishing charters for family outgoings and solitary fishing experiences! So pick one accordingly and you are sure to have a more enjoyable experience.

• Are you looking for a particular type of fish? Is it a snapper, or has tuna fishing in Victoria piqued your interest? You can find fishing charters that specialise in particular species of fish that makes things a lot easier for you and you are sure to find what you are looking for!

• While considering your options, ask the locals for recommendations. You can also read some travel blogs and see what other travellers like you have to say and what they recommend. It is also a good idea to visit bait shops, the marina and stores that sell fishing goods for some leads.

• Meet with the captains of the shortlisted charters and ask them about the trip and services they have to offer. Have a look at the charter; is it a vessel that looks comfortable and one that you will be comfortable to travel on? Make sure the deep fishing charter you choose is safe and in good condition.

• Price is another important aspect of hiring a fishing charter. You don't want to exhaust your holiday fund on one fishing trip! So find a charter that is well priced. Peak season rates will be higher than usual. Also make sure you find out about the deposit amount and terms and conditions of the rental.

When it comes to selecting a deep sea charter, there are numerous factors to consider. Not only do you want to find a charter that is reputable and professional, you also want to look for one that will meet your individual needs. This means that before you even make preparations to spend a day on the open water, you should decide what it is that you specifically want from the experience.

On the other hand, high speed trolling is a very popular option for more experienced anglers who may not have all of their own equipment to go out on an expedition of their own. High speed trolling is best done during the summer months, when conditions are optimal to catch larger game fish, such as bull dolphin, yahoo, and sailfish.

One of the best things you can do when searching for a charter that will meet your needs is to ask the captain up front what it is they offer. You certainly don’t want to waste your time and money on an expedition that is not suited to your needs. Many charter services are very up front about the different options they offer. As a result, you can determine which type of charter is the best fit for your individual needs.

After you decide what type of specific experience you want, you should determine how much you are willing to pay for the charter. For smaller boats (that typically hold between two to four people, prices typically start at around $200 -– $400. To hire a bigger boat for an all-day fishing excursion, you’re looking at between $900- and $1,200. Another important factor to consider is the reputation of the charter.

Search online if you need to find out more about fishing charters in Warranambool or are looking to hire a deep sea fishing charter. For more info visit our website www.southerncoastcharters.com.au.

Eduardo Dean is a Travel Guide and specialises in organising Fishing Charters.
www.southerncoastcharters.com.au

The Best Salmon and Fishing Rod

A lot of steelhead and salmon fisherman are starting to take serious look at the St Croix Wild River fishing rods.  These rods are premium rods that can be found in many boats on rivers in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Heck you can find these rods on just about every lake or river in the US.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the craftsmanship with all St Croix rods.  Using quality reel sets, guides and a patented graphite, these rods are extremely sensitive without sacrificing powerful hook sets.  Depending on which series you purchase you can expect to pay from $100 up to $400.  Some of their rods are feather light, and super sensitive.  I know we love to use these rods for fishing for steelhead on the Columbia River.

For steelhead and salmon fisherman you have your choice of these St Croix rods.

• Triump Series
• Wild River Salmon
• Legend Elite
• Avid Series

What I have noticed recently is the move to longer rods for steelhead/salmon.  As you know these fish are powerful and will not give up quickly.  The longer your rod the easier it is on your arms to land the fish.  I made the mistake recently of using a 8′6″ rod and hooked into a 13 pound steelhead.  The normal time it takes to land a smaller fish is less than 5 minutes.  A fish of this size can either come in quickly or they will give you a fight that lasts 10-15 minutes depending on how soft your drag is.

That 8′6″ rod is a great rod but it took it’s toll on my arms.  I couldn’t believe how tired I was after landing that fish.  Had I been using my St Croix noodle rod like I normally do, it wouldn’t have been as fatiqued.  

Why was I using the smaller rod in the first place?

I like to fish with two rods to keep my bait in front of the fish longer.  I have one loaded with schrimp and the other fishing.  When I pull in the line, if my schrimp is gone, I cast the other rod out and get my other rod ready for the next time.  Since I don’t have 2 noodle rods, I have to use my old rod, so that is why carry two rods.

These steelhead and salmon rods come with a very unique warranty that you truly need to check out on their website. Depending on which series of rod you purchase, you will either receive a limited lifetime warranty, 5 year warranty or a one year warranty.  

The next time you are at your local sporting goods store, go visit the rod section and take a look at these rods.  They are light, have two coats of slow drying “flex coat” and they use a patented IPC and ART technology that allows the rod to be smaller, but strong enough for any salmon you can catch.  

If you are going to compare these rods to other rods, my best advice is to put a reel on both rods and then play around with them. You can feel the difference and for your next birthday or Christmas ask for these rods, you won’t be disappointed.

You’ve gotta take a look at their Avid Pearl rod for women, it’s ubelievable St Croix Fishing Rods. If you like to fish in the winter then please take a look at some of the heaters you could have sitting in your boat keeping you warm. Portable Heaters Guide

Clean Fish Pool

Getting a pool in your backyard is a great addtion in your house. It need a great quantity of motivation. Caring, keeping, watching the quality of water are what you must set. Koi fish depend on the quality of the H2O. It’s important keeping the H2O is safe. The pool water in fact benefits from our pool system fish staying in your water.

The hobby of fish saving is today extended in fact progressively live data as ebooks and assist points and recommendations are today ready. Learning more on the particular maintennace of the H2O is really important because it will evidence that the wellness of your Koi pond fish is right.

Purified H2O does not mean that you own a good water, this is a popular misunderstanding. Clear H2O is not that it’s safe. Simply as dirty H2O does not mean that it is healthy. Checking the ammonium hydroxide and nitrite grades including the alga is the particular way to confirm that it’s clean. You could purchase plenty of kits available to assist you. One of the most serious aspect is that you will want to determine what the cause of improper levels could be. The guilty is frequently the filter. The water should be going through the scheme to fast lowering the levels of ammonia water and nitrite.

Before you being adding several fish to the pond it’s crucial that you see how to understand the levels, keep the quality and love how to keep it good. It doesn’t need being very smart to maintain a good pond that is free and clear of potentially life threatening troubles for the fish. Before you start you should to spend time learning about. There is a great amount of info available to you on-line.

There is a good mount of rewards that come from this hobby.

Find other interesting articles from the same author at Treatment rheumatoid arthritis.

Morris Sharpe has been writing his articles for a few years now. Recently his interests turned on a new subject, Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. He invites you to visit his latest website at Treatment rheumatoid arthritis where discusses things such as Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis.

How to Get Paid for Fishing

To many, fishing is more than a hobby – it is a lifelong passion.  The early morning drive to the lake, the quiet hours on the boat, the long and lazy afternoons of waiting for a bite.  Fishing is a favorite pastime of not only men, but many women and children as well.  Some take it very seriously and devote as much time as possible to the sport, while others may be too busy to get out there as often as they would like.  Maybe you dream about spending your days out on the water, your fishing pole in hand, without worrying about rushing back to shore in time to get to your regular 9 to 5.

If you've often wished you could leave the grind and trade it in for a leisurely life full of doing what you love, there may be a way to do so. The obvious route is to pursue a career in angling or with a large fishing outfit. Unfortunately, unless you live in geographic areas where this is possible, it may be difficult to achieve. There are, however, some ways in which you can earn money for fishing.  Whether you leave your day job or simply make money on the side with your favorite hobby, consider these ideas for getting paid to do what you love.

Write About Your Experiences

One of the most common ways to earn money for fishing is to create content, in the form of articles or stories, about your experiences while fishing.  Writing about fishing can be in the form of travel journaling, instructional (how-to) pieces, or many other types of stories.  One would think that writing about fishing is something that's difficult to break into.  The fact is, demand for content related to fishing is greater than the existing supply of writers is able to meet. 

If you decide you want to get paid for fishing by writing about your experiences, there are many different opportunities available.  You can develop your own Web site and self-publish your articles and stories, then sell space to advertisers who will gladly pay you.  You can also sell articles to other Web sites, content development companies or even magazines and journals.  Make sure to brush up on your writing skills and pay close attention to grammar, punctuation and style.

Train Others To Do What You Love

If writing is not really your thing, but you have a knack for teaching, you could package and market a fishing training service.  Imagine taking a group of two or three eager students out on your own boat and training them with your own equipment for a handsome fee.  Many men and women would love to take up fishing as a hobby but simply don't know how or where to start.  Beginning your own fishing school could be as simple as placing an ad in your local newspaper or online.  You can also create fliers about your service and post them in places where potential new fishers would see them.  Keep in mind that to be successful in this type of undertaking, you must have excellent communication skills and a lot of patience.

Organize and Lead Fishing Outings

Yet another way to get paid for fishing requires a bit more coordination and planning on your part.  Consider packaging and marketing touristic fishing expeditions.  You can do this with your own fishing boat or by renting a fishing boat and working the cost in to the fee each individual will pay to participate in the trip.  You can add services such as lessons, meals and drinks, and visiting points of interest.

 

Terry Mitchell is the owner and operator of Foxrater - http://www.foxrater.com - the web’s top free insurance quote site. It allows people to enter their zip code and compare the rates of auto, homeowners, health, and life insurance companies doing business in their area.

Freshwater Fish Finders

Not all fish finders work well in all types of fishing.  If you like to fish in freshwater then you should look for a fish finder that will work best for freshwater fishing.

In general single frequency fish finders are adequate for freshwater fishing.  Single frequency fish finders work well in most lakes, rivers and in shallow coastal fishing and they are generally less expensive.  Single frequency fish finders have less depth penetration than dual frequency models, but for freshwater that is generally acceptable.  Most freshwater fishing is not in deep water so being able to see to depths of 1000 feet or more is not needed.  The single frequency fish finders will often have a larger cone angle which will let you see a broader area at a more shallow depth.

If you happen to fish in the Great Lakes or other very deep lakes or rivers then a dual frequency fish finder will serve you better.  The dual frequency settings will allow you greater visibility at deeper depth and overall deeper depth penetration. 

Another aspect of freshwater fishing to consider when choosing a fish finder is what type of craft you use for fishing.  Many people use kayaks, float tubes, canoes or small boats when fishing in freshwater.  If you use one of these smaller crafts you should consider a portable fish finder.  Both Eagle and Humminbird make portable fish finders that are both affordable and an excellent choice for shallow freshwater. 

For very shallow water, two to ten feet, one of the best choices is the Humminbird Fishin Buddy line.  These fishfinders are portable and also have side viewing capability which allows you to see fish off to the side of your boat.  Plus you can adjust the shaft on these models to see at different depths.  There are several different models in this line and they are all inexpensive.  If you prefer fixed mounted fish finders, the Fishin Buddy line can also be mounted to your craft using the included bracket.

The Eagle portable fish finders are also a good option for people who fish from small crafts or from multiple boats.  These portable fish finders generally have suction cup mounting systems and are quite versatile.  In general the Eagle portable fish finders are also extremely affordable and definitely offer a good value for your dollar.

If you are selecting a fish finder for freshwater fishing, consider the water depth and type of craft you usually use.  Unless you are fishing in truly deep water, like the Great Lakes, you can often get great results from some of the more inexpensive models.  If you are in the market for your first fish finder then you may want to start with a simpler model and trade up to the more advanced models as you gain experience with finding fish easily.

Karen Janos is an expert on fish finders. When she is not fishing she is the webmaster for http://www.fishfindersdirect.com.

The Worlds Best Sea Fishing Attractor!

Click here to Visit my eBay Store 

Norway-based Esca Global announces the worldwide launch of its revolutionary new product platform, Esca Technology. Esca Technology convincingly mimics natural lure lights in the sea to attract fish and trigger their hunting and biting instincts, and thus tips the odds in the angler's favour. Tests have shown an increased catch from 50 % to 700 %.

A revolutionary new product

Esca Global AS is the only company in the world to offer attractors that imitate the lure lights used in nature by marine life. Esca Technology is the ultimate fish attractor. This revolutionary new product is destined to become an essential addition to even the best-stocked tackle box. ESCA technology is integrated into small units that can be used as add-ons to any lures, on their own, or in combination with Esca accessories to maximize your fishing experience. Esca technology was also picked as one of Angling International's pick of the best lures of 2009 to guarantee sales in your store.

 

How does it work? 

Click here to Visit my eBay Store

On contact with salt water, the Esca units mimic the light wavelengths, intensity and frequencies of different types of fish and plankton. Esca's blue light wave, for example, is identical to the light wave emitted by krill – the main food source for almost all fish species. Not only does the Esca technology include light waves that act as attractors, but the technology also creates an electrical field around the products thereby triggering hunting and biting instincts. All living organisms including fish are surrounded by an electrical field. When the fish sense the field around Esca products, they bite – and bite harder.its own electricity and uses no batteries. It activates on contact with salt water, deactivates when out of water, and works for more than 100 hours of active fishing. The units weigh 7 grams and are comprised of high quality technological components that are gold-coated and contain no lead and are therefore environmental friendly. The products are extremely robust and reliable and can withstand pressures at depths of up to 500 meters. Various light colors 

Esca technology generates 

Esca and bait is a winning combination

When fishing with bait alone, fish that are down-current may smell the bait while the fish that are up-current are not alerted. Imagine what happens when Esca and bait are combined. The upstream fish will now also be attracted by the light and the bait, while all fish, whether drawn in by the light or the bait, will have their biting instincts stimulated by the electromagnetic fields around Esca. Suddenly, fishing occurs in 360 degrees rather than only downstream. In darker environments where visibility can pose a challenge, a synergetic effect is achieved when combining Esca and nearly all types of fishing lures or tackle. In addition to acting as an attractor and bite stimulator, Esca improves visibility of the lure and tackle – thereby improving the fisherman's odds.

We are a genuine UK based company offering quality items at prices far cheaper than the high street. Every item is carefully packaged using the latest technology to ensure safe shipment to you. Enjoy your visit!

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

There are many different ways to enjoy the sport of fishing and it depends on what you are looking for. Some fisherman and fisherwomen are looking for a quiet peaceful getaway in which they can enjoy the calmness of nature. Such anglers tend to prefer fly fishing as it can be peaceful and quiet. Others, however, are looking for a type of fishing that is a little more adventurous and provides an adrenaline rush. These anglers tend to prefer deep sea fishing charters as they can get miles away from land and battle the ocean and fish. Most of the fish caught in this type of fishing take hard work to reel in, as they are large and put up a good fight. Some species can actually take hours to reel in after they have been hooked. As you can imagine, this takes a toll on the angler and he or she must overcome the fish to bring it in to the boat. There is an intensity to deep sea fishing that is usually not found in other kinds of fishing and that is why it draws many people to the sport.

In the United States, there are several great locations from which to depart on a deep sea fishing trip. Both coasts are home to experienced deep sea fishing charters that offer trips in search of unique species of fish. In addition, the southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida are full of deep sea fishing charters that leave daily to fish the ocean waters. It is important to choose an experienced charter when booking your trip. The best deep sea fishing charters will have a good boat, the latest equipment, and the proper safety devices on board. It is also important that the charter have the latest licenses and safety certifications so that they are in compliance with local regulations. Deep sea fishing is exciting and thrilling but also should be done in a safe manner.

For further information on Deep Sea Charters and Deep Sea Fishing Charters please visit www.fishingguidesworld.com

Deep Sea Fishing Charters

There are many different ways to enjoy the sport of fishing and it depends on what you are looking for. Some fisherman and fisherwomen are looking for a quiet peaceful getaway in which they can enjoy the calmness of nature. Such anglers tend to prefer fly fishing as it can be peaceful and quiet. Others, however, are looking for a type of fishing that is a little more adventurous and provides an adrenaline rush. These anglers tend to prefer deep sea fishing charters as they can get miles away from land and battle the ocean and fish. Most of the fish caught in this type of fishing take hard work to reel in, as they are large and put up a good fight. Some species can actually take hours to reel in after they have been hooked. As you can imagine, this takes a toll on the angler and he or she must overcome the fish to bring it in to the boat. There is an intensity to deep sea fishing that is usually not found in other kinds of fishing and that is why it draws many people to the sport.

In the United States, there are several great locations from which to depart on a deep sea fishing trip. Both coasts are home to experienced deep sea fishing charters that offer trips in search of unique species of fish. In addition, the southern states like Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Florida are full of deep sea fishing charters that leave daily to fish the ocean waters. It is important to choose an experienced charter when booking your trip. The best deep sea fishing charters will have a good boat, the latest equipment, and the proper safety devices on board. It is also important that the charter have the latest licenses and safety certifications so that they are in compliance with local regulations. Deep sea fishing is exciting and thrilling but also should be done in a safe manner.

For further information on Deep Sea Charters and Deep Sea Fishing Charters please visit www.fishingguidesworld.com

Fly Fishing Lakes Can Be a Blast!

You’ve got your fly fishing gear with you, but there’s no rivers or streams nearby. Just lakes and ponds. Well, guess what? Get that fly gear out with you on the lake!

Many people seem to have the mistaken impression that fly fishing is only for rivers and streams. Nothing could be further from the truth. Often referred to as “stillwater” lakes and ponds can offer some tremendous opportunities for the fly angler.

Generally speaking, fish grow larger in lakes and ponds than they do when they are living in a river all year. And contrary to some beliefs, stillwater fish are not always near the bottom when they are feeding. I’ve had lots of fun with the dry fly when casting to rising trout on lakes in Ontario and Alberta.

Approaching a lake that you don’t know where the fish are can sometimes be a bit more challenging than fly fishing a river, but it’s not impossible. Often, good fishing can be had casting from the bank as it can be from a watercraft.

It is helpful to have some additional gear at times. Along with my floating fly line, I take a long a “slow glass” line which is just subsurface and then a couple of different sinking lines. One of the sinking lines sinks at a rate of 3 inches per second, while the other sinks at 7 inches per second. Sometimes, for good measure I’ll take along a spool with line that sinks at 5 inches per second.

Trying these lines will give you the ability to try different depths and retrieves while attempting to locate feeding fish.

Flies used on lakes can be similar to those used on rivers too. But sometimes, larger beefier patterns like leeches tied from rabbit strip can be more effective. At the same time, many lakes have excellent chironomid or midge hatches, and tying these imitations can be simple and quick.

So don’t let the fact that you may be only near lakes stop you from taking up fly fishing!

You are invited to learn more about fly fishing at All About Fly Fishing.

Follow along with Ian’s regular fly fishing trips at his blog, and be sure to take a look at some favorite fly patterns.

More Success Fly Fishing Lakes

Do you really want to have more success when you are fly fishing lakes? Lakes offer some tremendous opportunities for fly anglers and often, bigger fish than are typically found in small rivers and streams can be had. Even large ponds can hold some big old brutes of fish.

Although many anglers when fly fishing lakes will use traditional patterns such as Woolly Buggers, leeches and wet flies, often overlooked are chironoids.

This is a shame as chironomids are a large part of a fish’s diet in lakes. In North America, there are over a thousand varieties of these midges that don’t bite. They are also found in rivers and streams but are especially effective in stillwater fly fishing.

If you would like to have more catches when you visit lakes, it would be to your benefit to get to know more about chironomids and their various stages including the pupae and larva stage of their development. When the fish are taking them, chironomid fly fishing can be hot!

One of the nice things about chironomid fly patterns is their simplicity and ease to tie up. Effective patterns can be as simple as wrapping red stretchy material such as red Flextreme around a grub hook and securing it. The addition of a bead head and/or peacock herl at the head can add to the effectiveness of the pattern.

Another effective chironomid pattern is a simple tie of French Oval copper tinsel around the shank of a grub hook with a bead head and floss for breathers or gills. Of course, there are many other patterns that are simple to tie that you might have success with.

The best way to fish chironomid patterns is very slowly. Chironomids in a lake often have very little movement and are affected by the lake conditions and currents. When fishing them, give the line a quick twitch and then allow the fly to sink and move downward in the water and be moved around by the lake’s natural motions upon it. Often you will find a fish will take on this long pause after you’ve twitched your line.

Another effective way to fish them is to retrieve them very slowly.

Where legal, chironomids can be deadly when fished in a tandem of two or three flies. Experiment with them at various depths of the lake, and enjoy more success while stillwater fly fishing and try some of these midge and chironomid fly patterns.

You are invited to learn more about fly fishing at All About Fly Fishing. Follow along on some of Ian’s fly fishing trips at his blog.

Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Rod Building

1. Can I Really Build My Own Fishing Rod?

You sure can! Almost anyone can build their own fishing rod. Although you will develop more skills the more fishing rods you build, you can have every confidence in being able to build your own functional rod the first time around, and one that is better quality than many ‘off the rack’ fishing rods.

2. Is It Difficult To Build A Fishing Rod?

It is not all that difficult to build a fishing rod. Many children even are taught to build rods, and do very well at it.

3. Will I Save Money?

Although there are inexpensive rods on the market, you certainly can save money by building your own rods in comparison to others of a similar quality. Of course, you may wish to use even higher quality components than what you would find on an ‘off the rack’ fishing rod, which may cost you a tiny bit more, but the quality will far exceed what you can purchase on a factory built one.

4. Do I Need To Purchase Special Tools?

Although if you continue on with rod building for any length of time you may want to purchase some tools, it certainly is not necessary to own or use a great deal. Many rod builders simply fashion their own tools which assist them in building their rods. The only tools that you really need to build a quality rod are perhaps a round file and sandpaper. You will need some type of brush or applicator as well for the epoxy finish. Many ingenious devices have been made by rod builders from commonly found parts to make more extensive rod building easier.

5. Any Books Available?

There are several excellent books available on fishing rod building. There are a couple that are adequate for the beginner, and even large volumes that go into great detail on all aspects of rod building. We can recommend one to you.

6. How Do I Choose Components?

The first thing you need to do is decide what type of rod you want to build. Do you primarily fly fish? Spinfish? Do you want a bait casting rod or even a salt water surf rod? Once you have decided that, you will find that most blank manufacturers have made it fairly easy to choose one of their products. Fishing rod blanks usually are described with the specifications and ratings for which they are suited. You can pick a blank from both graphite and fibreglass, that has been made for particular fishing situations.

Some considerations in choosing your blank include:

• Cost
• Material
• Power (Ultra Light to Heavy)
• Action (Slow to Fast or Extra Fast)
• Length

There are other personal considerations as well.

Ian Scott is a frequent contributor to About Fly Fishing and owns CustomTackle.Com

Gear For Stillwater Fly Fishing

Stillwater fly fishing can be very rewarding and enjoyable. Some anglers believe that it is necessary to own specialized gear in order to fly fish on lakes and lochs. While specialized gear can be helpful, it’s not always necessary to have long heavier rods or sinking lines. Fishing from the bank or shore will often get an angler into feeding fish, so even watercraft are not always required.

When fishing ponds and lakes, I will often use a 5 wt. rod with floating line. Flies will depend on local insect activity, but include everything from dry flies when the fish are taking them, nymphs, streamers, wet flies and chironomids.

There are times when I will want to use some other gear such as sinking lines. When there is no action near the surface, I like to take along a cassette reel system that has spools of different line types. This means I can quickly change my line when searching for fish at various depths. My preference is to use Sixth Sense fly lines, and I’ll carry the “slow glass” which sinks just under the surface; a line that sinks at the rate of 3″ per second; line that sinks at the rate of 5″ per second; and finally, one that sinks at 7″ per second.

When fly fishing for larger fish in lakes, I also prefer a heavier rod of at least 10 1/2 feet in length. These rods are also helpful when casting in windy conditions.

When the fish are not biting within casting distance of the shore or bank, having some type of watercraft is of course an advantage. If you are on a budget but want to get out away from the shore, consider an inflatable float tube. They are easily transported and can make stillwater fly fishing very enjoyable!

You are invited to learn more about fly fishing at All About Fly Fishing.

How Hard is it to Build a Fishing Rod?

If you are like me, you may be thinking that building your own custom built fishing rod would be a difficult endeavour. When I first discovered that it was possible to custom build a fishing rod, I put off the decision to do it. I thought I probably didn’t have enough skill. Probably special tools were needed. I thought it might be a complicated task that would take up too much space in my home.

When I finally decided to get more information, I was about 18 years old (30 years ago!) and was surprised to discover just how easy building my own fishing rod could be!  Not only that, work space requirements are not much at all.  All you really need is space that is a bit wider than the section lengths of the rod blank you choose to build your rod on.  For example, if you are building a 7 foot rod that comes in two pieces, all you’ll need is a bit more space than 3 1/2 feet wide.

Custom building fishing rods can get complicated depending if you want to even make your own reel seats and cork handles, but for most of us, purchasing the components is what we’ll do.  Generally, for fly and spinning rods, you’ll need to purchase:

• The fishing rod blank.
• Cork handle (spinning rods require a “butt grip” and  a “fore grip.”
• Reel seat.
• Guides and tip top.
• Nylon rod wrapping thread.
• Epoxy.
• Rod wrapping finish epoxy.
• Winding check that is put on the rod at the tip end of the fore grip.
• Hook Keeper if desired on your rod.
• Butt cap

The basic steps to building your own spin fishing rod are:

1. Determine where the spine of the fishing rod blank is, and mark it on the blank. This will be used to determine on which axis of the blank the guides will be secured.
2. Enlarge the pre-drilled hole in the cork grip(s) to fit the butt of the blank, if required.
3. Fit the butt grip onto the blank after applying epoxy to the blank where the butt grip will be.
4. Fit the reel seat to the blank by building up the area between the blank and inside of the reel seat, using strips of masking tape and then apply epoxy to secure the reel seat in place. Align the reel seat correctly with the axis of the rod that the guides will be on.
5. Fit the fore grip to the blank after applying epoxy.
6. Set the rod aside to allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours.
7. Determine the spacing of the guides - a beginner may want to refer to a general guide spacing chart and make minor adjustments depending on the rod blank being used.
8. Using a file, grind down the feet of the guides so they taper thinly where the thread will be wrapped over.
9. Attach the guides to the rod blank using a strip of masking tape. The use of the masking tape is temporary.
10. Using the thread, wrap and secure the guide feet, removing the masking tape as the approaches the tape.
11. Secure the tip top with hot melt glue.
12. Make a decorative wrap above the fore grip if desired and attach the hook keeper in the same way the guides were attached.
13. Apply rod wrapping finish to the threads.
14. If you have a slow RPM (7 to 20 RPM) motor that you can attach the rod to, that’s perfect for ensuring there is no sagging of the finish while it is curing. If not, you can turn the rod by hand for the first half hour and then 25 degree turns every 10 or fifteen minutes for a few hours after.
15. When the thread wrap finish has cured, attach the Butt cap to the butt end of the rod.

Some of the above steps such as wrapping the guides with thread may take a bit of practice, but is not difficult to do. Once you’ve built your first rod, you’ll want to learn more about all the different components that are available to you, finishes, and probably increase your skills in making decorative thread wraps.

One thing for sure - you’ll be very proud when you catch your first fish on the rod you’ve built yourself!

You are invited to visit Custom Tackle.Com for more information on building your own fishing rod and to learn more about the fishing rod blanks and components available to you.

Can I Save Money by Custom Building My Own Fishing Rod?

Will you save money by building your own custom fishing rod?  It’s a tricky question and in today’s economy, some anglers are wondering if it can be done.  While it is possible to save money if you hunt out for the biggest discounts on the rod building components you want to use. As well, you can probably get a fishing rod quite inexpensively at one of the big box stores.  The price will be a lot less than buying a high quality blank and components for your rod.

Building your own fishing rod is not about saving money however.  It’s about building something that you will be proud of and that is customized to your fishing style. It’s about ensuring the rod has been done right.  It’s about selecting the exact components you want, including their quality.

When you build your own rod, you have a selection of styles of handles, reel seats, and guides to choose from. You will probably be able to source much higher quality cork for your grips than you will get with a rod off the rack at the local big box store. You will be able to upgrade the quality of the guides and even test cast your rod with a variety of guide sizes to decide which ones are optimal for that blank you’ve chosen.

In the end, it is unlikely you will save money by building your own rod, however you will possess a tool that could become a family heirloom and something you will be able to take great pride in whenever you go fishing!

You are invited to visit Custom Tackle.Com for more information on building your own fishing rod and to learn more about the fishing rod blanks and components available to you.

What Tools Do I Need to Build My Own Fishing Rod?

“Surely you need some specialized tools and equipment to build that fishing rod,” an angling friend once remarked to me. It provided me with a great opportunity to talk about the craft of custom fishing rod building and motivate some interest.

Some people think that in order to build your own rod, you need expensive and specialized equipment. However, the fact is you probably have what you need in your home already in order to get started on your first rod.

Here’s a list of the tools and equipment you will need:

Round File

If you purchase a cork handle kit, where the cork rings have already been shaped into a grip, you will probably need a round file in order to enlarge the pre-drilled hole of the grip.

Masking Tape

Reel seats for most fishing rods come with an inner diameter that is much larger than the diameter of the rod blank. You will need to fill up this space, and a practical way to do this is with masking tape.  You wrap masking tape to make a few “pillars” on the blank that will enable the reel seat to fit snugly.  Expoxy is applied to the blank and masking tape pillars of course, prior to installing the reel seat.

Coffee Mug

Sipping coffee while building your rod can be comforting - but a coffee mug also has another purpose. When you put the guides on your rod, you wrap the feet of the guides with nylon thread. A coffee mug makes a great holder for the spool of thread while you are wrapping and keeps the spool secure.

A Couple of Heavy Books

When you are wrapping thread around the guide feet, you will want to have some tension on the thread. Running the thread under a couple of heavy books is a good way of obtaining the tension you need.

Scalpel or Razor Blade

When you finish wrapping thread over the feet of the guides, you will want to trim the thread very close. A sharp razor blade or scalpel is perfect for this.

Measuring Tape

A measuring tape is helpful to have a general guideline for where the guides will be placed on your fishing rod blank.  Later, with some test casting, you can make adjustments to ensure the guides are placed perfectly along the rod in order to obtain the best casting and fish fighting performance.

And that is all you need!

Later, if you decide to pursue the craft of custom fishing rod building, you may want to invest in other tools such as thread wrapping machines that hold the rod between rollers as you wrap thread, a lathe if you decide to purchase cork rings and turn the handle yourself to the desired shape and diameter for your hands, and perhaps a small low rpm motor to turn the rod after you’ve applied finish to the thread wraps.

So take a look around and see if you have the tools and equipment you need already to build your first rod.

You are invited to visit Custom Tackle.Com for more information on building your own fishing rod and to learn more about the fishing rod blanks and components available to you.

Can I Really Build My Own Fishing Rod?

“Can I really build my own custom fishing rod?” I’m often asked when I show anglers some of the rods I’ve built over the years. Some seem to think that special tools are required or that a great deal of skill is required to build fishing rods.

The fact is, even children have been taught to build fishing rods! It is not a complicated procedure nor does it have to be time consuming. And just some of the benefits of building your own rod include:

• Customizing it to fit you instead of just getting a rod off the rack made for the average angler.
• Selecting the components (handle, reel seat, and guides) that you want on your rod.
• The feeling of pride when you hook and land the first fish on a rod you built yourself can’t be beat!

The first time you make your own custom built fishing rod, you will probably want to resist the urge to create fancy intricate decorative thread wraps as they can be time consuming with a learning curve involved. However, you will still be able to build something that is both attractive and that you will be proud of.

There are a number of rod handle kits available that are simply epoxied onto the rod blank and these are fantastic for those who don’t have the tools or space to make fishing rod handles from 1/2″ cork rings. These kits may also include a reel seat, or you can select an individual reel seat yourself.

Guides (sometimes referred to as “eyes” - that the fishing line goes through) are secured to the blank of a fishing rod using nylon thread. A finish that is especially designed to go over thread on fishing rods is then applied.

There are a number of great resources available and many people willing to help you along the way when you decide to build your first custom fishing rod. Why not plan to make a winter project of it? Next spring, you could be catching fish on a rod you’ve built yourself!

You are invited to visit Custom Tackle.Com for more information on building your own fishing rod and to learn more about the fishing rod blanks and components available to you.

Fall Freshwater Fishing

The cool evenings of fall signal water temperatures dropping in the lakes. That means fishing will go through another transition period. The lakes are turning over and the oxygen is getting mixed back into the deep water. The shallow water cools first, and this moves the baitfish and the gamefish up into areas where a crankbait or light jig will work effectively.

A lot of people love fall because they make the transition and adjust their tactics to suit the situation. Others still insist on using the techniques that caught fish all summer, and sometimes these anglers can get very frustrated. One example would be the angler who uses his sonar in the summertime to locate a big school of walleyes, and then backtrolls through them with a live-bait rig and catches a limit of fish. After the lake turns over, this won’t work as well because those walleyes spread out and you see only a few fish here and there. Instead of relying on your sonar to find fish, drop a lure that can cover some ground like a bottom bouncer with a spinner or a crankbait. Keep moving and pick up one here and there until you get your limit.

Walleyes might move very shallow in the lake you’re fishing, maybe as shallow as a couple of feet. Fall is a great time to anchor the boat and toss out a slip bobber to find these shallow fish. If there are walleyes in a few feet of water on a shallow rock pile, they won’t hesitate to take a minnow right in front of them. The best way to get it there is with a bobber.

The big pike move back into the shallow water in the fall. You might have been catching those big pike in the spring when the shallow water was cooler and then they disappeared for the summer. They are back. Back in the cooler shallow water where they can feed on all those baitfish. Big pike are feeding aggressively so don’t hesitate to give them a moving lure. Big bucktail spinnerbaits zipped over the top of the vegetation work well. Rock piles can be a big pike magnet if there are perch in the lake. Tie on a perch colored crankbait, and get it down to those rocks. There might be a 10 pounder sitting there.

Fishing for big bluegills in the fall can be a lot of fun. These fish will be in that shallow heavy cover. You may have been catching them on the deep weedlines just a few weeks ago, but now you need to pitch those wax worms into the lily pads and around the bulrush beds. The big sunfish will spread out too, so don’t get locked into one spot. If you are fishing a big bed of lily pads you will want to make sure to drop that bobber into all the pockets in that bed.

Fall is a great time to be fishing, especially if you want to catch some big fish. Let it be known that the fish are transitioning this time of the year because of water temperatures and lake turnover, so anglers must transition, also.

 

 

Dwight Schewe enjoys fishing and the great outdoors. He is also the owner of harborfishingtackle.com. You can visit his site at http://www.harborfishingtackle.com.

Top Snapper Fishing Tips For This Season

My top Snapper catching tips for this snapper season are designed to help you catch a great fish this year.

Firstly, lets start with fishing tackle.

Snapper fishing is popular enough to warrant specific fishing rods and reels, as well as a particular line and hook setup. Not to mentioned the other options such as soft plastics which I will also look at.

Snapper Rods

Buying the right snapper fishing rod is important. Snapper are a fighting fish, and love to take line and run hard away from the boat. A Snapper rod should be longer than a normal boat rod and have a strong butt section for good lifting power (some snapper may be will over 10kg in weight) and a reasonably soft tip action to allow maximum pressure to be applied to the hook at all times.

My tip is to buy a fibreglass snapper rod, length of 7 foot (2.1m) and about 7-8 guides. There are variations on this, and if you can’t find a ‘Snapper rod, then a spinning rod designed for catching Barramundi in Northern Australia would be a close approximation.

Snapper Fishing Reels

Ahh, now we get to the important item, the best fishing reel for snapper!

There are 3 options. A regular spinning reel with anti reverse, a bait runner style spinning reel (dual drag settings) or an overhead reel.

Most of the experienced snapper fisherman I know use the bait runner style spinning reel. It has a number of advantages, those being :

• Spinning reels are easier to use for beginners than overhead reels
• They can retrieve line more quickly
• The dual drag feature allows the fish to run with your bait, before striking.

This last point is the most important. Snapper don’t like to feel tension on a bait. If they take a bait, they don’t want to have to ‘pull’ it. once a Snapper takes a fish, it will swim off, and the bait will move a little further into its mouth. Itis at this point you want to strike, by flicking the reel from its ‘light drag’ mode to regular drag. This process is designed to get a great hook set.

So my best tip for a snapper reel si to buy a baitrunner style reel, with the rod style mentioned above.

Line and Hooks

Snapper tackle should be reaosnably heavy. There is no real advantage either way for using braid or monofilament line. It comes down to personal preference.

Hook sizes are determined by location, bait, and fish size.

in Westernpost bay in Victoria for example, and in some South Australian waters, larger fish are possible so a hook size of 7/0 or even larger would be appropriate. For other bays, perhaps where there are more ‘pinkies’ or junior snapper, a hooks size of 5/0 might be best.

Line should be strong enough to withstand the fight, but enough to leave a bit of sport! My tip is to use Mono line at about 20lb strength.

Bait

There are lots of options for bait, but my top tip is to try a few. Most popular are whole Silver Whiting, whole and portion squid, whole pilchards, and soft plastics, and snapper snatchers.

In Victoria, fresh Silver Whiting are most popular, along with Pilchards.

For Soft Plastics, my tip is to try 5″ shads in bright green and pink. In the Berkley range of soft plastics, this colour is know as Nuclear Chicken.

Fishing Areas and tactics

For bait fishing, cast out, leave no tension on your line, and wait on dusk/dawn for the best chance. Look for changes in bottom elevation, structure like rocks etc where fish might congregate. Snapper move throughout bays during the season, into shallower and deeper areas based on water temperature and moon phase. Find a local takle shop to get their best tips for the area!

For Soft Plastics, cast out with a medium weight plastic. Let it fall to the bottom, and twitch return back to the boat. Snapper tend to feed near the bottom, so keep your plastic low. When you get nearer the boat, twitching all the way up through the water to the boat could give good results.

Snapper snatchers are baited jigs that can be retrived, or left at the bottom. You can get great results with these!

In summary, those are some good tips to help you catch more Snapper. Buy the right Snapper fishing tackle, like rod, reel and bait and you have taken care of the basics. Then, its up to you to find the fish!

Tacklemania.com.au has a great range of fishing rods and fishing tackle to choose from with some great value high quality brands. Tacklemania retails online and ships worldwide and is a specialist in Snapper Fishing tackle. See our range of Snapper Fishing Rods and Fishing Tackle online.

Hawaii Fishing: A How To Guide for the Experience of a Lifetime

There are as many Hawaii fishing options as there are Hawaiian fish. Whether you decide to stand on the shore and leisurely cast your line, take a half-day to do some bottom fishing or head off on a full-out deep sea adventure, you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime. That said, fishing in Hawaii is a popular activity (for good reason) so unless you have fishermen friends on the island, be sure to charter your boat far in advance!

What should I bring on my Hawaii fishing trip?
Most charter boats will provide you with equipment, but you should always call ahead and make sure you have everything you need before you go. Many boats also offer lunch, snacks, and/or drinks as well as other amenities such as hot and cold fresh water, restrooms and music.

If you are prone to motion sickness, be sure to take medication beforehand. Count on bringing your own sunscreen, suit, and towel. Don't forget some sunglasses to cut the glare and a light jacket to cut the wind!

What kind of fish can I catch?
If you're bottom fishing around Oahu and using squid for bait, you'll likely be targeting species such as Opelu, Ta'ape, Akule, Moana, Weke, Ulua, Menpachi, Snapper, Bonefish and O'ie.

Big game fishing off Kauai might bring you Pacific Blue Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna, Wahoo or Dolphin Fish.

Exploring the Big Island's fishing grounds around Kona could land you Mahi Mahi, Ono, tuna, Short Nose Spearfish, Striped Marlin or Blue Marlin.

Truthfully, the fishing is good on nearly every island year round and you never know just what you'll pull out of the water – which, of course, is half the fun.

Can I keep the fish I catch?
This depends on the type of boat you've chartered. While it is often customary to leave your catch with the captain and crew to help defray their expenses, there's plenty of operations who let you keep it all, help you mount it (if that's what you want to do) or even cook it up for you right on the boat while you reminisce about the day's excitement.

Anything else I should know about planning my Hawaii fishing trip?
There are generally two types of fishing trips you can charter: private and shared. "Private" means that you will be the only people on the boat, whoever you bring with you, and the crewman. "Shared" means the crew will try to schedule your trip together with other people wanting to go around the same time. Private tours are generally more expensive, but offer more customized experiences. Shared tours offer the opportunity to make friends with new people who share your interests.

Taking a Hawaii fishing trip is an opportunity to give yourself a one-of-a-kind experience. If the thought of basking on a deck out in the middle of the ocean, having a belly full of fish you caught yourself, watching for the green flash of the Hawaiian sunset and listening for whale-song appeals to you, then a Hawaii fishing trip is the way to go!

Get more information about Hawaii fishing and plan your adventure all in one place at: www.alohatopten.com.

Hawaii Fishing: Is Bottom Fishing the Way to Go?

If you're trying to plan your Hawaii fishing excursion, you have no shortage of options ways that you can go about it. It can all seem a bit overwhelming, really. What type of Hawaii fishing trip is the best way to go? If you are looking for a fun filled day with the family that still gets you the very real experience of being on a boat, the answer to that question may very well be bottom fishing!

What is Bottom Fishing?
Bottom fishing is, quite simply, fishing for the critters who live at the bottom of the ocean. It is one of the easier ways to catch fish, making it ideal if you're just out for the day and would like to brag to your friends back home about the fish you caught while on vacation.

Where do I go to Bottom Fish in Hawaii?
Almost every island has boats you can charter which will generally take you off-shore up to about 100 miles.  Generally, the water best for bottom fishing is around 60-180 feet deep and offers you the opportunity to catch smaller varieties of many different species of fish.

What kind of fish can I catch while Bottom Fishing in Hawaii?
The answer to this depends on where you're fishing as well as what kind of bait and tools you are using.  Many charter boats will help you target fish such as Bonefish, Moana, Weke, Ulua, Ta'ape, Opelu, Menpachi, O'ie, Snapper and Akule – all are very tasty and enjoyable fish to hunt.

Do I get to keep the fish I catch in Hawaii and do I need a license?
You do not currently need a license to fish in Hawaii's oceans and it is generally customary to give your catch to the crew to help them defray costs. However, many charter boats will also let you keep your catch, help you cook it or even help you mount it – depending upon what you want.

If I charter a bottom fishing trip in Hawaii, what else can I expect?
The answer to this again depends on the type of tour you book, but many Hawaii fishing boats include such amenities as hot and cold fresh water, restrooms, showers, private cabin space, BBQ lunches and even hydrophones to listen to the whales.

Some will take you just off-shore to lay anchor and wait; others will sail to multiple locations around any given island. You can book both private and shared tours, but you should always book in advance – Hawaii fishing is a popular activity, after all!

Most boats provide all the equipment and training you'll need, although you should always plan on bringing your own sunscreen, bathing suit, towel and motion sickness medication if you need it.

So, should you choose a bottom fishing tour be when planning your Hawaii fishing trip? It certainly can't hurt. Plus, it'll give you a great idea about whether you want to go farther from shore for a longer excursion the next time or whether you'd rather stick to casting off the shore!

Get the help you need planning your Hawaii fishing adventure with one-stop Hawaii travel planning at: www.alohatopten.com

Best Hawaii Snorkeling: an Adventure You’ll Never Forget

If you're looking for the best Hawaii snorkeling spots, you'll find something to suit your tastes no matter which island you visit. From Oahu to Kauai there are options that will take you on amphibious vehicles, let you swim with the dolphins, get close enough to touch green sea turtles or cart you far out into the ocean blue for a deep sea adventure you'll never forget. Let's take a look at a few of the most popular places.

Oahu – The Friendly Isle

Oahu lays claims to such natural wonders as Hanauma Nature Preserve – an underwater conservation area, home to over 450 species of the tamest fish you'll find on the islands.  Move on to ecological field days such as those found at Kaneohe Bay, where you can ride out on Captain Bob's catamaran to explore the one and only barrier reef found in the United States. Tour options are available to fit any budget and preference. You can go on an exclusive snorkeling tour complete with an interpretive guide and BBQ lunch, take an adventure ride on the "DUCK," an amphibious vehicle touring out of Koko Marina, or you can simply rent some equipment and find a place to enjoy the island your own way.

Maui – The Valley Isle

Many people consider Maui the premier location for snorkeling in the world due to its protected beaches and abundance of sea life. Taking a glass-bottomed catamaran to snorkel in Molokini crater, with its 100-ft visibility depth is a must-do for any Maui adventure, as is Dolphin Cove which affords an opportunity to get up close and personal with the resident pod of Spinner Dolphins. And you certainly don't want to miss the opportunity to swim through the diversity of marine life found at Honolua Bay, or snacking on fresh fruit and eating homemade cinnamon rolls afterwards while you enjoy a personalized snorkel tour led by a marine naturalist who can help you understand what you've seen along the way.

Hawaii – The Big Island

As if the opportunity of being on an island as it's created isn't enough, the Big Island offers some excellent snorkeling as well. Take a cruise at Pawai Bay, near Kona, for another opportunity to swim with dolphins and turtles.  Snorkel off the coast of one of the world-famous black sand beaches and take a raft out to the sea caves and lava tubes or kick back in the wind-protected Kealakekua Bay – an underwater marine preserve and home to the Captain Cook monument which celebrate the epic legends surrounding his arrival.

Kauai – The Garden Isle

As the oldest and wettest island in the Hawaiian chain, a swing through Kauai is required in order to make any Hawaiian trip complete. Spend some time getting your sea fins at Poipu Beach, hit the largest reef on Kauai along Anini and then set out for some great snorkeling along the Na Pali Coast.

Every island offers unique snorkeling gems. No matter which island you pick, it's easy to put together an adventure that fits your personality. If you want a guided tour, you've got it. If you want a deep-sea adventure, it's yours for the taking. If you'd like to rough it, rental gear is available. There is no such thing as "THE" best Hawaii snorkeling, for each new place reveals that many more adventures await.

For more information about the best Hawaii snorkeling spots and one-stop Hawaii adventure planning, visit www.alohatopten.com.

Best Hawaii Snorkeling: Maui Hotspots

With more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian island, it's no wonder that some of the best Hawaii snorkeling is found on Maui. Whether you're hoping to catch a glimpse of dolphins, sea turtles or simply want an off-island adventure, you've come to the right place. Let's review some of the most popular touring options.

Perhaps one of the best loved snorkeling spots on the island, Honolua Bay on the north western end of Maui abounds with a diversity of marine life – thanks to its status as a Marine Life Conservation District. There are high, rocky cliffs on both sides keeping the waters calm and an old cement boat ramp dividing the shoreline in two. Snorkeling is best on the right side of the ramp, where the sea floor is rockier.

Kapalua bay is another good place to find a protected cove ideal for snorkeling. Also found on the northwest side of Maui, Kapalua's calm waters are a good place to bring the kids or anyone new to snorkeling, unsure of their abilities.

Ka'anapali Beach, on Maui's western coast, has been rated one of the best beaches in the world with its three mile long stretch of white, powdery sand and well-mannered surf.  There are lots of amenities close by, including the Whaler's Village and several popular hotels so it's a good place to find snorkeling, beaching, and accommodations all in one spot.

If you're looking for turtles, a good place to find them is in Turtle Town, a stretch of coastline running between Nahuna Point and Black Sand Beach on Maui's southwest side. Haleakala protects much of south Maui from the wind, making it an ideal location for good snorkeling most of the year.

Of course, no snorkeling trip on Maui would be complete without visiting Molokini Crater, a small volcanic island about 3 miles off Maui's southwestern coast. Although Molokini is only accessible by boat, it boasts some of the best snorkeling and diving in all Hawaii. On a clear day, visibility can exceed 150 ft and exotic creatures ranging from humpback whales to monk seals have been known to frequent the area.

Of course, these are just some of the best Hawaii snorkeling spots, but they give you a feel for where to start while adventuring on Maui. Most of these adventures can be set up as tour boat day trips complete with meals, activities for the kids and interpretive guides to help you understand what you're seeing along the way.  It's a great way to maximize your experience if you're short on time or simply don't want the hassle of trying to get from Point A to Point B on your own.

Finding the best Hawaii snorkeling spots can lead you on the adventure of a lifetime – an adventure so good that you may think twice about catching your flight home!

For more information about the best Hawaii snorkeling spots and one-stop Hawaii adventure planning, visit www.alohatopten.com.

Hawaii Fishing on the Big Island: An Opportunity to Land Some Whoppers!

If you are gearing up for a deep sea Hawaii fishing trip, the Big Island offers some of the best waters in Hawaii for big game. From Mahi Mahi to black, blue or striped marlin, your odds of landing the big guys couldn't get much better than this.

Kona Waters Hold Many State Records for Largest Fish
It's astonishing, really, to look at the list of record breaking fish pulled out of the Big Island's west-side waters around Kona. The complete list is too long to cover comprehensively in this article, but some of the highlights include:

A 1,205 lb black marlin caught on an 80-lb test line after a grueling 12 ½ hour struggle to pull it in. (Believed to be the largest black ever caught in the Northern Hemisphere!)

A 1,207 lb, 12 foot long Mako shark caught with a 3 lb skipjack tuna for bait on a 130 lb test line.

A 503 lb broadbill swordfish caught with a handline.

A 228 lb big eye tuna (Thunnus obesus) caught around a C-buoy and a 73.5 lb Albacore tuna caught in 700 fathoms of water using bait and a Shimano 130-class reel.

An 82 lb Mahi Mahi (Dorado), a 145.5 lb Amberjack, and a 150 lb Moray eel speared while diving in 80 ft of water!

Ok, Ok, I'm excited! How do I get on a boat?!
Interestingly enough, a decent number of these whoppers were actually landed on charter boats – which is likely to be the kind of boat you'll be on if you are just visiting Hawaii for a fishing trip.

Because of record-breaking monsters like these and because the fishing is generally good all year around, Hawaii fishing draws people from all over the world. The plus side of this is that you'll find no shortage of options when looking for a boat to take you onto the water.  The drawback is that you'll have to book early and plan on spending a pretty penny if you are the kind of person who wants a private touring experience.

Then again, the chance to fight it out and have bragging rights for bringing in a record breaking fish makes every dime spent more than worthwhile considering the privilege of getting out onto the Hawaiian blue.

Plus, many charter boats provide all the equipment and food you need, meaning that the only thing you have to worry about on your Hawaii fishing trip is what you're going to do with that monster once you reel him in!

For more information about big game Hawaii fishing and one-stop Hawaii travel planning visit: www.alohatopten.com.

Best Hawaii Snorkeling: Big Island Hotspots

If you're looking for the best Hawaii snorkeling spots away from the crowds, the Big Island is the place to go. Even though the island is almost twice the size of all the other islands put together, it only houses about 15% of the state's population. It also has the largest diversity of weather – from tropical to monsoonal to desert to permafrost – which makes touring around the island an absolutely incredible experience. Here's a review of some of the best snorkeling places you can find.

Kealakekua Bay is just south of Kailua-Kona, near the town of Captain Cook. It is a marine sanctuary with 80-100ft of visibility and bountiful sea life. Snorkeling here is an incredible experience, giving you the opportunity to see more fish than you can name and even the occasional turtle.

For a full day and night adventure, swing by Kaunaoa Bay, also called Mauna Kea Beach. Here you'll find a beautiful, cove-shelter beach with calm snorkeling waters ideal for kids and beginners. At night, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel shines floodlights onto the water to attract plankton, which in turn attracts manta rays that you can watch gracefully sliding through the waters.

Rafting along the Kona coast affords you the opportunity to explore sea caves and lava tubes as you snorkel along. This adventure is a once in a life time opportunity, but not to be tried without a guide or at least the proper level of mastery.

If you're the type to seek out what few others behold, the black sand beaches and the snorkeling off the coast are not to be missed.  Of course, neither is the rich history found in the City of Refuge, otherwise known as Honaunau Bay.

Aside from being a premier snorkeling site, this area is overlooked by Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park.  The Park stands in the location where law-breakers and defeated warriors sought sanctuary; it is an excellent educational opportunity in Hawaiian culture and history.

Of course, these areas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the best Hawaii snorkeling spots, but they're enough to get you started. Fortunately, it is easy to schedule tours of every kind in any and all of these locations. Whether you're looking for a guided, interpretive tour that will help you understand the ecology of what you see on your swim or you are after a more adrenaline-pumping experience such as rafting the Kona coast, you're sure to find the best Hawaii snorkeling and more on the Big Island!

For more information about the best Hawaii snorkeling spots and one-stop Hawaii adventure planning, visit www.alohatopten.com.

Hawaii Fishing – Fun for the Whole Family

If you and the family are headed to Hawaii, a Hawaii fishing trip is an experience not to be missed. What's great is that there are boat tours to match your needs no matter what they may be – whether you're looking for a day trip with the kids, floating just off-shore or whether you're looking to get away from it all far out on the ocean blue.

Picking the Fishing Trip that Best Suits your Needs
The first thing you need to consider when planning your Hawaii fishing trip is what kind of game you're after. There are some species you can catch right off shore, but you'll increase your options by venturing out onto the deeper waters.

If you are planning on taking your kids, the option called a "bottom fishing" trip may be your best choice. This means that the boat will take you into water roughly 60-180ft deep, usually not more than 100 miles off-shore, and that you'll be fishing for the species which live along the ocean floor. Generally, you'll be targeting species such as Opelu, Snapper, Weke, Akule, Ta'ape, Menpachi, Bonefish, Moana and Ulua.

If you have a little more time and gumption, you might consider taking a deep sea fishing trip off the coast of Kauai or the Big Island. This affords you the opportunity to reel in much larger species such as Mahi Mahi, Ono, various Tuna species, Short Nose Spearfish, Striped, Blue, and Black Marlin – just to name a few. Who knows, you may get lucky and break the state record held by a 1,205 lb Black Marlin caught off the coast of Kona!

What else is on the included on the fishing boat?
Of course, this depends on what kind of boat you charter, but it's not uncommon to have such amenities as hot and cold fresh water, showers, restrooms, private cabins and even BBQ lunches in which you'll get to eat the very fish you've caught! What's more, your captain may even have a hydrophone so that you can listen to the whales singing (assuming you're there during the right season, of course.)

Most boats will provide you with all the equipment and training you'll need, so you won't have to worry about that end of the planning. All you'll generally need to bring is your own sunscreen, towel, suit and motion sickness medication if you need it.

No matter how you end up doing it, your Hawaii fishing trip is sure to be an adventure you'll never forget, so book early, stay late, and go home happy!

Get the help you need planning your Hawaii fishing adventure with one-stop Hawaii travel planning at: www.alohatopten.com.

Walleye Fishing Techniques

Walleye fishing is a fascinating sport, and there is nothing like catching these fish to make a fishing trip enjoyable. The walleye is a species of fish that is native to Canada and the northern United States. The name walleye comes from the fact that the eyes of this fish reflect light, the way the eyes of a cat do. It is olive or gold in color, with the maximum size ever recorded of a walleye being 42 inches long and 25 pounds in weight. Walleye is considered by many people to be the best tasting freshwater fish, and sport fishermen seek it out as well as commercial fishing companies.

Best spring fishing action for walleye is in May and June, just after the spawn. Spawning occurs in water from 42 to 56 degrees. Look for walleyes to gather and spawn in gravelly or sandy bays, off shoreline bars, or in open water gravel flats. Moderate wave action is needed to assist eggs in hatching. Walleyes spawn over a three week period, primarily after dark, in water depths of 3 to 12 feet. On cloudy, breezy days, it is not uncommon to catch walleye in less than 10 feet of water. Walleye prefer overcast days over sunny days. Walleye can be very finicky and downright uncooperative at times depending on weather conditions and what they are feeding on.

Early in the spring walleye prefer live bait over artificial bait. You can do well fishing shallow water with leadhead jigs tipped with chubs or shinners. Make sure you troll or drift along the submerged weed beds. Fishing shallow rock piles and shoreline points can also provide good walleye action. It is a good idea to keep track of the wind direction each day. If the wind is in the same direction for 2 or 3 days you will do well fishing the windy side of the lake. The baitfish will move to these areas and the walleye will follow the baitfish to feed on them.

As the lake water starts to warm up the walleye will go into deeper water. You may do better changing from minnows to leeches. Leadhead jigs can still be used or you can use lindy-rigs. Lindy-rigs are a 2 to 3 foot long leader with a plain hook attached to one end with the other attached to a swivel with a slip sinker above it. You may find fish on tops of sand bars and sunken islands as the water continues to warm up. The tops of these bars and islands may only be good during overcast days. On sunny days you may have to fish the dropoffs and edges of these bars and sunken islands. It is important that you add more weight to your line to stay in contact with the bottom. During the warmer days of summer you may want to change to nightcrawlers for bait. This time of year can be called dog days of summer. It can be tough to catch walleye during the summer months.

In the fall of the year as the water cools down again the walleye will return to those same shallow areas of the lake. During this time you will be able to catch them again with the jig and minnow combination. Trolling with crankbaits, such as shadraps can also be good. If you have a lot of sunny days in the fall, you may want to try fishing late in the day or evening. Fall fishing can be more challenging, but at the same time it can be rewarding.

 

Dwight Schewe enjoys fishing and the great outdoors. He is the owner of harborfishingtackle.com. You can visit his site at http://www.harborfishingtackle.com.

Kastmaster Lures

Kastmaster lures are living legend trough fishermen, their design has not been modified since the 50´s.Why?Their design is simple, but very effective for fresh and saltwater fish.They are universal, kastmaster can be cast, trolled or vertically jigged.It´s very deadly and it´s very cheap. Lure design is very aerodynamic and deadly, it acts like injured fish in water.You can cast the Kastmaster very long distances and for trout fishing, it will beat may crankbaits.There are many colors to choose from, when buying a kastmaster lure.It strong design will guarantee that, the lure will not break.The 1/12 oz. and 1/8 oz. sized gold versions should be found in any trout fisherman’s fishing tackle box.

The greatest bonus with this lure is, that this lure can be casted trough out very long distances, it´s one of the best fishing spoon´s ever made, that´s why it has been for so long time in fisherman´s tackle box.This lure is a real master, when it comes to trout fishing and every real trout fishermen should have one of these, but there is one minus with this lure, when you buy one, then you should change the hooks, because the hooks which come with the original package are not sharp enough, so you should change them.If you are planing to go to fishing and catch some trout, then don´t forget the Kastmaster fishing lure.The design of the lure makes it really versatile and strong and aerodynamic it´s really THE lure when catching fish in freshwater or in saltwater.

If you want more info visit Kastmaster lures

I have been fishing for more than 15 years..

About Jerkbaits

Jerk lures are topwater,sinking or suspending.Jerk lures weight begins at 1.23 oz(35 gr) and ends about 4.23-5.29oz (120-150 gr)

In early spring when waters are still cold and fish is deeper you should use fast sinking lures.
When the waters warm up and fish move to lower waters, slow sinking lures will be better.After fish have spawn, better lures will be more natural looking and more aggressive, you should use topwater or suspending lures.

In summer when pikes are active then rolling should be faster.Usually people get big pikes at evening, when pikes are near a reef.In my opinion best jerk lures to warm water are Sweet Shad, Salmo Slider, Baby Jerko, Dikkop, Piglet and Buster Jerk II.My personal favorite is salmo slider.In lakes pikes are at summer in the deepest places so using jerk may not be such a good idea there.

 When waters get cold again pike gets very active and it´s easy to catch them, almost with every cast you get one, problem is that they all are so small, exept few.

When autumn continues you should increase size of your jerk lures and you can bring out jerks with peaceful game.Pike may now be very low.Big pikes cached at low water will give you unforgettable moments.

At the end of the season most of pikes goes deeper in the water again and now you can bring out the deeper lures again.Few pikes will still remain in lower waters to eat.Now it´s time for peaceful lures.At the end of the season you may get less pikes but the size of the pike can be a pleasant surprise.

There are many jerk baits out there and i cannot say which are the best, but there are some better and some not so good jerk bait lures..Mos remarkable jerk bait lure is Salmo Slider, it is just impossible do not get a fish with this lure, i strongly recommend you to get this lure.What makes this lure so special then, you may ask, it is special because in jerk fishing the most important time is stop and when you stop lure goes deeper and when Salmo Slider goes deeper it plays from one side to another.Many other lures have that also, but those lures just don’t have the same results somehow..If you are planing to begin jerk fishing then think out side of the box by saying that i mean don´t use American nr. 1 lure or Rapala in that matter..Search for other companies also, like Salmo, Salmo is very good company when it comes to jerk baits.It´s not only my opinion many fishermen who are familiar to jerk fishing will tell you do use Salmo Slider.

For more info please visit my site Jerkbait

I have been fishing for more than 15 years…

Fishing rod case

First do you need to put only rod in your fishing rod case or to you need to but your fishing reel also there.If you don