Tuesday, 29 April 2008

The Excitement of Trout Fishing

The thrill of trout fishing! It is the best, isnt it? No matter where you plan to go trout fishing or if you plan on catching brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout or cutthroat trout, you know you are more than likely going to enjoy your trip. The sport is a sport of its own, set aside from other types of fishing. Some believe trout fishing is the most difficult of any type of fishing. Regardless of if you believe this or not, there are many reasons to love trout fishing.

To begin with, trout fishing is all about being smarter than the fish! You need to know how that fish is going to react long before it does. How do you know this and do this? For one, you need to know about the animal itself. Trout are very smart animals. They know that they are prey, so they will avoid anything they think is going to harm them. So, you, the fisherman, need to be smarter and catch the trout unaware. That is why when you are trout fishing, you will more then likely cast from quite a distance. Trout come up to the surface to feed. If they lay their eyes on you, they are gone. No hope of catching it. Instead, casting from a distance is important to keep you out of the picture.

Trout fishing is also a demanding sport because it takes knowledge. Its not enough to know about how the trout react, but you have to know what equipment you need. When you go to your local sporting goods stores or tackle shop, you will find that there is often a large line of products designed for trout fishing. The lure that you use will need to be something that will enter the water unnoticeable and without causing a splash. The trout fishing line you use will need to be pretty much clear, but strong. There is much more equipment specific things you can invest in to help you with your trout fishing. Simply look around the store to see what jumps out at you!

Some of the best things about trout fishing are the trips you can enjoy. You can plan a trout fishing trip to last a day, a weekend, or a week. You can book your trout fishing trip to be in a nearby lake or river. But, think about booking a trout fishing trip out of the country! If not, perhaps you would like to consider an out of state trout fishing trip. Not only are these the best ways to enjoy the sport and all types of trout fishing, but you get to see some of the most beautiful places in the world!

It goes without saying that trout fishing is one of the best sports out there. If you are a beginner looking to learn, the best knowledge you can obtain is experience. Yes, you can purchase all that equipment, but nothing will teach and help you more then experience in trout fishing.


About the author:

Ken Austin
http://trout-fishing.gdrmarketing.com



Hawaii Sport Fishing

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you
have one heck of an adventure awaiting you! Anglers from all
over the world journey to these deep blues waters teeming
with trophy fish. This is where you come to get the big
ones. In fact the biggest fish ever caught on rod and reel
was a blue marlin caught just off Oahu, weighing in at a
hefty 1805 lbs.! Hawaii is so legendary among sport fishing
enthusiasts that several "big-game" tournaments are held
here every year, including the granddaddy of them all, the
Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, luring fishermen
from all over the globe.

Hawaii sport fishing is the home of big-game fish. Some of
the species you'll encounter here are three types of marlin;
blue, black and striped. It's entirely possible to hook
yourself a "grander", meaning a monster fish weighing at
least 1000 lbs.! Other top game fish include Ahi (Yellowfin
Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), Mahimahi (Dolphin fish), and Skipjack
Tuna. All of these babies can give you a reel-spinning run
for your money, and an experience you'll not soon forget! In
fact the tuna are among the fiercest, most tireless fighters
of the bunch! Only the striped marlin is a sometimes
resident, showing up only in winter. All of the others can
be found year-round. Some of the best fishing spots you'll
want to try would include Kona; long regarded as the best
big-game fishing in the world. Oahu's North Shore is more
famous for it's surfing, but it's just under the surface
here where the real action begins! Actually, there's pretty
much not a bad place for Hawaii sport fishing: some are just
more excellent than others!

Booking your Hawaii sport fishing adventure is easy. There
are literally hundreds of charter fishing boats operating
here, offering you a ton of choices. Some things to keep in
mind would be to consider how long you'll want to be out.
Most offer half or full day trips, but also know that of you
want the best chance at hooking a big-game fish, a longer
trip may be called for to give yourself time to get to the
best fishing grounds and keep your line in the water awhile.
No experience or fishing license is required, and should you
hook a trophy fish, taxidermy can be arranged. Come and
experience Hawaii sport fishing and come home with a little
something for that bare wall!




About the author:

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at
Hawaii
Vacation Directory, a top resource for your Hawaiian
holiday adventure!

Choosing The Proper Fly Fishing Leader and Tippet

Selecting the correct tapered leader and tippet for the type of fishing you are about to do is crucial. Nothing can spook fish quicker than an oversized tippet for the particular situation. On the other hand, and undersized tippet can result in the fly fisher losing their trophy before they even get a photo opportunity. We will start at the very basic of leader and tippet selection and then get more specific, and hopefully conclude with enough information so well always have the proper leader and tippet for all upcoming fishing scenarios.

What is leader and tippet

Leader and tippet is the final connection between the fly fisher and their fly. It is the section of line after the fly line and before the fly. Its purpose is to transfer energy from the fly line down to the fly, allow for natural presentation of the fly, and then be strong enough for the fly fisher to retrieve any fish that might strike at the naturally presented fly. Sounds simple enough, but this is fly fishing, and fly fishers have been around a long time. And as a group we seem to think about everything related to our sport a lot, and therefore probably have over complicated things a tad.

The leader in fly fishing is tapered. It is thicker at the butt section, then at the tippet section. It is usually divided into three sections, the butt is tied directly to the fly line, and is the longest portion of the leader, about 60%. The mid-section is next and its purpose is to taper down to the tippet without losing a lot of strength. The final section is the tippet, it is the actual section that is tied to the fly. It is the thinnest section, it needs to be strong, yet allow for a natural drift, without alarming the fish that your offering is connected to a person that will pull back.

Commercial leaders by and large achieve all this in one smooth product. Although there are still knotted leaders out there, by and large knotless leaders are the choice. It is possible to construct you own leaders and many people do. But that is the topic of another article. A fly fisher does, however need to know how to attach new tippet portion to the fly line, I prefer the double surgeons knot, but the blood knot is also popular. Learn how to tie these knots before fighting that monster! A poorly tied knot will reveal itself at the most opportune times.

X factor

Now comes the fun part. A new set of numbers to learn. Different numbers then choosing flies or fly rods. Fly fishing is overwrought with numbering systems, and unfortunately leaders and tippets you are just going to need to learn. They are sized on the X numbering system. So when you hear someone say they are switching to a 6X, you now know they are talking about their tippet. X measures the diameter of the leader minus .011. So a 6X would measure .005. A 0X would actually measure .011. One really only needs to remember the HIGER the X, the smaller the diameter. The other number worth noting the test, or breaking factor, a 4lb test leader will break when more than 4lbs pressure are applied. This is worth noting, and many a trophy are lost when violating that #.

There are many variable to consider when selecting the right X, but the two most common are the size of fish you are going after, and the size of fly you are using when going after them. A quick guide is as follows:

X Fly
0 2-6
1 4-8
2 4-10
3 6-12
4 6-14
5 12-16
6 16-20
7 20-24
8 24 and smaller

Length

One must also think about the length of the leader itself. Leaders are sold these days anywhere from 4 feet to 15 feet. There are many things to consider when deciding on length, some are variable like wind and water clarity. Other variable are static like size of fish, current, etc.

Typically the easier it is to spook a fish, the longer the leader you will need to use. So

The industry seems to have settled on 91/2 feet as a good all-around length. For everything from trout to steelhead to tarpon. It is a good length to handle for all levels of fly casters, and it gives enough distance between the splash down of the fly line and the fly as to not spook most fish under most circumstances.

From this standard we can then begin to think of reasons we might need to adjust. Spring creeks or spring fed lakes will probably require 15 feet of leader. Whereas sinking tip lines used in spring run off will use as leaders as short as 4 feet. A weed choked largemouth bass pond will require a shorter, stouter leader, and therefore you will be able to muscle your fish away from snags. But a trout caught in a spring creek will have the advantage because your leader will easily break off due to its lightness. Windy days might require one to shorten up a bit to ease in casting. When switching from nymphing to dry flies one might need to lengthen a bit.

Summary

I hope this has clarified and not complicated things a bit. What all this means is one must carry a good assortment of tapered leaders and even more importantly tippets with them at all times. There are many times I switch sizes in the same day. If I am fighting fish deep in faster current during the day, I might go down one X factor, and then in the evening if I am dry fly fishing in shallow slow water, Ill go up two X factors.

Not having the correct tippet can handicap ones ability to land fish, either by breaking off if too small, or spooking them if too large. It is a nominal expense compared to the rest of your equipment, and a bad place to start watching that fly fishing budget. So make sure youre well stocked for every imaginable situation before you hit the water. I guarantee you at some point you will be glad you are.

About The Author

Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company. http://www.bigyflyco.com/flyfishinghome.html. He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com. This article will appear in the Big Y Fly Fishing E-Zine at Http://www.bigyflyco.com/Bigyflyfishingezine.html.

4 Critical Fly Fishing Tips

Good Fly Presentation

Obviously, the goal when casting a fly is to present the fly to the fish in a realistic manner. You are trying to simulate nature here. If you are going for trout in a stream, for instance, this means a drag-free float of 36 inches over a precise spot that marks the window of a feeding fish.

Also remember that the Evening Secret (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/4_Fly_Fishing_Tips.php) will swarm fish to your spot consistantly, and help you catch more fish.

Never randomly cast you have got to pick a spot and hit it. Throw tight loops that put the fly on target. One important method that can be used is to overcast the target and stop the line short while it is in the air. The fly should come back to you and fall on the water with slack in the leader.

The best trout fishermen fish with only 30 to 35 feet of line, but make up for this with accurate casting. They read waters will and put the fly in the p ay zone time after time. One of the most important thins they do is to recognize that presentation and approach are much more important than pattern.

It is different for bass. Whether a surface bug or a streamer, the offering must move past a spot where a bass is apt to hold. As the boat drifts, it is important to pick a precise time to shoot a cast to the target. Too soon or too late, and the fly wont be in the right spot. This is where the double haul form of casting becomes essential. It generates line speed and enables the caster to pick 30 or 40 feet of line off the water and shoot another without false casting.

When bassing, make your presentation, retrieve 10 to 20 feet, pick up, and cast again without the need to false cast. After each one, drop the rod type and keep the butt of the rod near your belt buckle with the tip-top of the rod pointing at the line. A simple lift will let you execute the next pickup or strike a fish.

Leader Connection

If you are a fly caster, you know that a smooth connection between the leader and fly line is important in presentation. The best way to do this is to nail-knot a six-inch piece of 25-30 pound leader material to the end of the fly line. A loop like those found on snelled hooks is then tied into the opposite end. The connecting leader must also have a loop.

Connecting the leader itself is done by passing the loop attached to the fly line through the loop on the leader; reaching through the fly line loop. Next, grab the butt section of the leader and pull the leader up through until the tippet passes the loop. Last, just pull the loops together by tugging on the fly line and the butt section in opposite directions.

Strategy

If you are every in a situation where see large brown trout in open water and hold, your best bet is to use a No. 12 Cinnamon Ant and sink it. If this doesnt work, move to the No.16 Adams fly. Still nothing? Switch to the No. 20 Black Ant. Last-ditch effort would be to use a 3X tippet and use a No. 6 nymph or streamer.

Typically the bigger trout will leave small morsels to the small guys, preferring the bigger bites that are easy to get. They are very economical feeders.

High Rider Dry Flys

If your best dry-fly patterns are failing you, it may be time to switch to spiders and variants. Many times a spider or variant will bring trout to the surface, then you can switch back to a conventional dry fly.

These spiders and variants will delicately drop to the water, usually somersaulting or jumping after touching it. Fish find this very alluring.

High riding is another attribute of these flies. When tied properly, their hackles support the hook above the waters surface, thus imitating a natural fly much more closely than the ordinary fly does.

About The Author

Copyright 2005 EveningSecretFishing.com FishingLong-Time Fisherman and President of EveningSecretFishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/4_Fly_Fishing_Tips.php).

Feel free to use this article on your website or anywhere else - but all links and bio information must remain in tact.

Night Fishing Preparation

I have to admit this subject bores me to tears. Amazingly, the simple fact is that every time I interviewed a fisherman about night fishing tips he mentioned preparation at the top of the list.

As boring as the topic can be, make it a habit to go through this section as a checklist before embarking an a night fishing excursion. I am guilty of forgetting some essentials from time to time make sure you dont!

Early morning, evening, and night fishing can be extremely fulfilling (in terms of the FUN you have and the amount of big fish you CATCH). It all depends on how prepared you are for the trip. Here are some tips to make sure that you have an amazing experience, and catch a ton of big fish.

Before I begin, I wanted to give you a chance to take your night fishing to the next level. The Evening Secret (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/Night_Fishing_Preparation.php) is the best kept secret in all of fishing.

Equipment Checks & Stuff You Must Consider

Go through each tackle box you are going to take and locate every item you need, making sure everything is in the proper place. It is important to be even more organized than normal because with night fishing you must rely on your sense of touch and sound to find what you are looking for. The more organized your gear and tackle is, the easier it is for you to find what you need. It is so frustrating to not be able to find your pliers, hooks, extra line, etc. in the dark! You must have visual knowledge of where these things are!

Make sure to bring several light sources on your trip. Have some extra flashlights and a good high candle power beam. Dont forget to bring extra batteries!

Pre-tie enough leaders and rigs to last the entire trip. This will save you tons of time, and youll be glad you took this extra step of preparation!

If you dont have a first aid kit, get one! If you have one, double check it! You are more prone to injury at night, and be prepared to handle little cuts and bruises especially if you are on a boat!

L.E.D. headlamps are very effective. If at all possible, have one on hand. The headlight helps with unhooking (and much more) they are convenient than a handheld light. There are some L.E.D. headlights that put out great light, and the batteries last a long time. Also, tying on lures can almost be impossible in total darkness without the help of a headlamp that keeps both hands free. The less time an angler spends changing lures and retying in the dark, the more time the angler will spend fishing.

Because fish caught tend to be bigger at night it would pay to step up a line class. This puts you more in control of the fight and will save time in getting the fish to the boat.

Boat Preparation (if you fish off of a boat, be prepared to be prepared!)

Night fishing from a boat can be very productive and safe if you have the right equipment, you are organized, stick to a set plan, and are confident about the area you intend to fish.

If you are going out on a boat, make sure it is in good working order! This goes without saying, but it is so important I will say it anyway You dont want to get stuck out there at night. Really, you should always check your boat no matter what time you go out fishing. However, you want to be especially sure to double, triple, and quadruple check everything if you are going on an evening trip!

Know the layout on the boat; it is important to avoid accidents. In your artificial lighting your reaction time to problems and unmanned rods bending is going to be at least double. Take some time to place your gear appropriately, and take note of where everything is before the sun goes down. Everything takes twice as long at night as it is.

Bow and stern lights are required and essential equipment on your boat and they must be lit when visibility is reduced. Striking unseen objects at night is the most often reported nighttime accident and unlit boats lead as those unseen objects. The temptation to venture forth without proper lighting is not only illegal, but also extremely foolish.

A proper and fully functional warning device (horn) becomes a vital piece of equipment in the darkness. It can be used to warn approaching craft as to your presence and also can be used to draw attention in the event of problems arising. Although not required unless off shore, visual distress signals (flares) should be on board.

An approved type fire extinguisher that is currently dated should be onboard and in a convenient and ready location. During a fire is no time to find out that the extinguisher will not function because it is out of date.

A paddle is required (for smallish boats), not optional equipment, and again should be in a convenient and accessible location.

An anchoring device with adequate line in both size and length for your boat. Deployment of the anchor should occur at the first sign of trouble to keep your boat in its present safe location. Too often then anchor is the last thing thought of and boats end up drifting into dangerous situations.

Some sort of bailing device should be on board. Pumps are useless when the battery goes dead.

A radio with weather band capability is not only recommended for day operation but is an essential piece of equipment at night. Those clouds that look harmless that you see floating over can be hiding a serious storm. The whole world could know about it but if you have no means of hearing the warnings you can be caught by natures worst.

Navigation tools, which are helpful in the daylight, become absolutely essential for safety at night. Obviously your best choice for nighttime operation would be a GPS. However, a compass would be a considerable assistant in the dark. Not only is everything different out there at night, but also things such as fog can move in with no apparent warning and without a means of determining direction you are dead in the water.

Personal floatation devices (properly fitted) for each person on board are at the top of the list and should be worn by everyone when fishing at night. Finding someone that has fallen overboard in the daytime is generally easy, but in the dark can be quite difficult. A throw able flotation device is also required equipment and should be in a convenient location.

Make sure that your boat batteries have a full charge before leaving home. In most states your boat lights have to remain on throughout the night. Running a black light, electric trolling motor, fish finders, and other gadgets can take a toll on the battery through the course of a night trip. It may be wise to carry an extra battery aboard just in case.

Insect repellent is a must. You should never leave the boat ramp without a good bottle for those trips when the bugs are biting more than the bass.

Make sure you are anchored securely and not drifting. This is critical if you are fishing close to headlands or structure where there is turbulent water. When you are settled, get a radio check and try all lights on board before it gets dark, so if there is a problem, it can be fixed before nightfall.

First aid kit, basic tools, manuals etc. are all recommended.

Check The Weather

As obvious as this one is, too many people forget to do a simple check of the forecast. Try to pick a night where the weather forecast is good. It is tough enough to move around in the dark as it is. Bad weather makes it even harder. This can really make or break your fishing trip.

About The Author

Copyright 2005 EveningSecretFishing.com FishingLong-Time Fisherman and friend of EveningSecretFishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/Night_Fishing_Preparation.php)

Feel free to use this article on your website or anywhere else - but all links and bio information must remain in tact.




The Things You Won't Look Out For (But Should) When Night Fishing

5 Things To Be Careful of When Night Fishing

Night fishing can be some of the most exciting, rewarding and fulfilling fishing you ever do in your life. It can also be the most dangerous fishing you ever do as well. Here are 5 quick things to look out for and be careful of next time you venture out...

(By the way, make sure to check out the Evening Secret which has been a great addition many night fishing arsenals) (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/obstacle.php)

One - Trees can make your trip miserable.

We used to fish at the same lake every weekend for 6 months during the day. I knew this lake like the back of my hand, so it seemed anyway. One Saturday night, we decided to try our luck night fishing on this lake.

Once we got out in the water, we were catching fish like no other. Maybe it was carelessness or the adrenaline flowing, but we were whipping around the lake to get to our favorite daytime spot, anxious to see if we would get the same results.

What appeared to be open water was actually a graveyard of fallen trees and submerged tree stumps. I'm sure you can imagine the damage the boat received. Just goes to show you the waters are completely different at night than in the day. Sure we knew the water had trees throughout, but they were much easier to see during the day.

Two - Other boaters

While you have control over the lights on your boat, you don't have that luxury with other boats on the water with you. Some people do not abide by the law and they choose to not use their lights when night fishing for whatever reason. Seeing another boat at night when they do not have their lights on can be a challenge.

Three - Insects

Big fish aren't the only things that come out at night. Expect to find more mosquitoes and black flies at night, eager to snack on your skin. Always bring some bug spray (deet) with you.

Four - Wildlife

Like insects, you may find an increase in animals out at night with you. One in particular are snakes. For some reason, we come across more snakes at night than during the day.

Five - Fishing with others

It is hard to see your partner's rod when he is casting at night. Many times have I been snagged by a lure being casted by my partner. Keep an eye out for your co-fishermen when you cast your line.

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/obstacle.php)

Friday, 25 April 2008

Night Fishing Preparation, The Key To Success

Preparation is the Key To Successful Night Fishing, You Better Have These...

Night fishing requires quite a bit more preparation than daytime fishing does. Even if you "think" you know the waters pretty well, you need to take extra precautions when fishing at night.

Quick Tip: Part of your preparation should include gearing up with the Evening Secret. It really will take your evening fishing to a new level. (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-preparation.php)

If you are night fishing from a boat, you have even more to think about. Make sure you have enough flotation devices onboard and that they are easily accessible. If someone falls overboard, it is much more difficult to see them at night, so you need to be able to throw a flotation device out to them quickly.

Proper lighting on your boat is also essential. Enough flashlights and batteries should be an obvious commodity, but you would be surprised how many times those batteries that you "thought" were new, die off within minutes of the trip.

You should have a GPS monitor at all times (good compasses are better than nothing if you can't afford a GPS). However, don't go out and buy a GPS right before your first night-fishing voyage. Buy one in advance and learn how to use it first! Trust me, it is no fun trying to read the manual when it's pitch dark and you're lost.

Not only are the tree stumps harder to see at night, so are the shallow waters. It definitely pays to learn the waters well before heading out at night.

Before you venture out into the darkness, make sure you let someone know (back onshore) where you are going or are planning to go. If you aren't back home at a specific time you suggest, at least others will know where to start looking for you.

It's also a good idea to pack your insect repellant. Night fishing not only brings out the best fish, but also the meanest bugs. It's prime feeding time for many insects, and to them, you look pretty tasty on that open water.

Prepare your rods, reels and lures BEFORE you hit the water. There is nothing worse than getting out in the water and realizing you forgot to bring your favorite lure.

A little nap during the afternoon before you head out is also a good idea. Of course, if you are catching a lot, I doubt you will be tempted to doze off.

And remember, safety always comes first. I am yet to see a fish worth getting seriously injured or killed over.

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-preparation.php)

The Secret About Night Fishing Line

The Best Type Of Line For Night Fishing

Here is a topic that is often debated between night fishermen. Depending on how you like to fish at night, here is what you should look for in general:

Sidebar: There is a device discovered in 1947 that will keep your night line tighter than anything else. The "Evening Secret" is amazing, and you should at least check it out. (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-line.php)

If you are going to be fishing with a blacklight, you will want to be sure you spool up a clear blue fluorescent line. The clear blue is especially made to work well with blacklight night fishing, so it is highly recommended.

When you go night fishing, never use a line that is less than 20lb test. 20lb is the minimum weight you should even think about. You won't be dealing with those wimpy "day fish".

Ideally, if you are blacklight fishing, you will want to use the 20lb clear blue fluorescent line. When the blacklight hits that line, you will be amazed at how well that line shows up.

Of course, if you do not need to watch your line closely (such as when you are using a spinnerbait) then the color is not as important.

Why do you need a minimum of 20lb test line?

Simple, the fish you will be catching at night are going to be bigger! Sometimes we catch fish twice the size as those we caught during the day at the same spot.

The bigger fish feed at night, so while your buddies are catching the little guys during the day, you can come in and take the 'monsters' at night.

Berkley makes a good clear blue line for night fishing. You should probably get a spool before you plan a night fishing trip. It is called the Berkley Trilene XT Fluorescent Clear Blue. You can pick up a pony spool for about $2.50 and a filler spool for under $6.00.

If you are not blacklight fishing, the color is not as important as the strength of the line. Just make sure it is strong enough to handle the big boys you may come across out there at night.

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-line.php)

Night Boat Fishing Checklist

Boat Fishing At Night Checklist

Here is an easy checklist of items you will need before you head out for a night fishing trip.

** Two Flashlights with new batteries in each.

-Sure enough, one of those flashlights is not going to work when you get out on the water. Of course, this usually happens when you only have one flashlight with you.

(While it isn't mandatory, if you are serious about night fishing, you should have an Evening Secret on your boat - for maximum catching at night.) (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)

** Pair of needle nose pliers

-Since it is harder to see your line at night than during the day, you have a greater chance of hooking the fish deeper than usual with the delayed reaction time. The pliers will make your life much easier in these cases.

** Insect repellant

-A good mosquito repellant is critical to your sanity on the water. We have used "Skin-so-soft" by Avon and I think it works the best out of any of them. Anything with deet is better than nothing at all.

** Plenty of lures, line, extra rod & reel, etc

-This is an obvious one.

** Extra fuse for the boat.

-If you blow a fuse out on the water and your boat lights go out, you could be in trouble.

** Blacklight

- Using a blacklight with a clear blue fluorescent line will really help you see those hits faster.

** Spare boat battery

- Running all of those lights, blacklights, etc can put a strain on your battery. Better safe than sorry.

** First Aid kit

- Whether you end up with a snake bite or get hooked by your buddy's cast, you will need proper medication, Band-Aids and peroxide, etc.

** Cell Phone

- Although sometimes you may find it difficult to get a good signal on the water, a cell phone can literally save your life if you get into trouble.

There are many other things you should pack for your trip. These are just some of the bigger items we have found useful in the past.

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/boat-prep.php)

The Truth About Night Fishing

Why Night Fishing Beats Day Fishing Any Day of the Week

Without a doubt, night fishing is better than day fishing for many reasons.

One of the biggest reasons is the size of the fish you can catch at night. In almost every circumstance, you will catch bigger fish at night than you can during the day. There are several reasons for this. Bigger fish tend to feed at night. Maybe the reason these fish were able to get so big is because they were smart enough to not eat during the day when dinner may include a fisherman's hook inside it.

Note: One other huge reason why you will have a big advantage at night is that you can use the Evening Secret at night. Why will this increase your catches? Check it out to see. (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-day.php)

I like to think the big fish just sit around all day and take bets on which little fish is going to get caught by a fisherman. Ok, maybe that is a little far fetched, but it's fun to imagine.

Bigger fish also seem to feed on baitfish in more shallow water than during the day.

Since the fish are less likely to associate night time to fishermen, they tend to take the bait with less resistance and hesitation. Almost like they are thinking to themselves "There is no way this is a fisherman's bait, it midnight for crying out loud". This results in better hooking of the fish.

Maybe it's the fact that fish are more likely to feed based on sound and vibration at night, unlike the day when they can also use vision.

Since you will be catching bigger fish at night, you can also use bigger bait. Personally, I find it easier to use bigger lures anyway, so it works out better for me at the same time.

You don't have to worry about all the other boats zipping around you at night, like you do during the day. This alone is enough to make some fishermen want to only fish at night. The peaceful serenity at night is hard to beat.

If you fish at night in the summertime, you will also appreciate the cooler weather compared to fishing during the day.

If you have never been night fishing before, you need to get out there and try it at least once. You may never want to fish during the day again!

About The Author

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-day.php)

Fishing In Jamaica

Fishing in Jamaica is part of a dream vacation for many. There are many excellent fishing spots, as is evidenced by Jamaica's international popularity as a fishing destination and tournament site. Deep-sea fishing trips are easily chartered, as are fishing tours of the region. As an island nation, fishing is important to the local economy, a part of the local culture. Thus, the savvy visitor may be able to arrange to do his fishing outside of the usual tourist spots, and instead enjoy a few of the places known and loved by local fishers.

Suzie-Q Deep Sea Fishing Charters operates out of Falmouth, which is close to Montego Bay, offers both 8-hour and 4-hour charters for up to 12 people. There are a wide variety of fish available in the fishing region, including blue marlin, white marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, black-finned tuna, yellow-finned tuna, skipjack, kingfish, mackerel, and sailfish. Reservation must be made 48 hours in advance, and rates are $500 for 4 hours with up to 8 people, $900 for 8 hours. $30 per extra person, up to a total of 14, will be charged.

Jamaica Deep Sea Adventures, found at the Port Antonio marina, prides itself on the fine equipment it provides for its fishers. One of the special items is a chair designed specifically for supporting the fisher while he is struggling with large fish. Fishers can expect to be dropping their lines up to 6,000 feet into the beautiful salt waters that are home to numerous species of fish, including barracuda, tuna, and marlin.

Montego Bay is home to No Problem Fishing Charters. They offer half day charters for $360 and full day charters for $690. Also in Montego Bay are Pier One Marina, where chartered fishing excursions can be arranged, and North Coast Marine Charters, which operates out of Half Moon Hotel and Wynham Rose Hall Hotel.

Families will enjoy using Salty Angler Fishing Charters of Montego Bay, because children are welcomed and beginner's lessons are readily available. It should be noted, however, that this is catch and release fishing only. They have a variety of fishing experiences available, including open water fishing, coastal fishing, night fishing, fly fishing and light tackle fishing.

At the Lost Beach Resort, located in Negril, a different sort of fishing trip can be arranged. For a fee, a trip with a local fisherman can be set up. Fishers will accompany the local fisherman in his wooden skiff and fish by line or by pot. It is a fascinating experience and a wonderful way to learn a bit about the local culture.

Near Treasure Beach and also around Port Antonio, small wooden boats can be chartered or rented for hand-line fishing. As with most fishing expeditions in Jamaica, the local hotels can help to locate and arrange the most suitable fishing experience.

Jamaica has a broad range of fishing opportunities, from adventurous and exciting to relaxing and peaceful. Tours and charters are not only for the sports fisherman, but also can be enjoyed safely by families. Jamaican waters draw fishers from all over the world, and for good reason. Each fishing day has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

About The Author:
This article provided courtesy of http://www.fishing-vacation-guide.com

Copyright Ryan Larson - http://www.fishing-vacation-guide.com

Friday, 18 April 2008

Wader Repairs

Repairing waders can be a huge pain in the butt, which is the reason that they need to be stored in the proper manner. If they are stored in the proper manner, a good pair of waders, whether they be breathable or neoprene, will last a very long time. If not stored properly, especially in the case off breathable waders, they can spring more leaks than a poorly built dam. Proper storage of your investment is key to minimizing leaks. The way to store waders is upside down. And in the case of breathable waders, they need to be stored inside out and upside down. If your waders are stored in these two manners, many leaks will be avoided.

When we are walking through brush along rivers and streams, inevitably punctures will occur. This is why it's always a good idea to carry a wader repair kit with you in your fishing vest. Better safe than sorry, right. Some punctures can be dealt with for at of time, but others reserve your waders to the realm of being useless. When these large tears occur in either neoprene or breathable waders there is only one solution in my opinion.

That solution is called Aquaseal. Aquaseal is a gel like substance that comes in a tube. You simply turn your waders inside out and cover the entire torn area with a liberal amount of Aquaseal and allow it to dry. This will completely save your waders and make them waterproof once again. For large punctures and tears, Aquaseal is the answer to your problem. I've saved what used to be considered un-savable waders through a tube of Aquaseal.

Many wader repairs can be accomplished through the use of a wader repair kit or a tube of Aquaseal, but sometimes waders are beyond repair. This usually results from not being stored properly (upside down), in which case pin hole leaks show up all over the place. This is a very frustrating experience (I've been through it) , and will no doubt teach you to always store your waders in the proper manner. Remember, take care of your waders, and they will take care of you. Abuse your waders and they will spring more leaks than that dam I was referring to earlier.
Article Source: www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Friday, 4 April 2008

What Makes A Good Spinning Reel

Many anglers wonder what the difference is between spinning reels. In all honesty there isn't a ton of difference, and there are many quality spinning reels available for very affordable prices. As a matter of fact, for ultra light to light action fishing (which are the sizes that offer the most "sport" to your fishing experience) it's probably not necessary to spend any more than $50 for a quality spinning reel. Some manufactures that produce quality spinning reels would include: Daiwa, Pflueger, Quantum, and Shimano. My personal favorite id Pflueger, but this is simply my personal preference.
The biggest single factor in picking out a good spinning reel is the amount of ball bearings that are in the drive mechanism (which is where the handle is turned). Generally the more ball bearings, the better. Why is this? Simply because the less ball bearings there are, the more "play" there is in the crank, and the less play there is, the better. I personally like having very little or no "play" in the handle of my spinning reel. To me, this play factor is the biggest single factor in a good spinning reel.
After this what your looking for are mainly ascetics. After all, you want your reel to look good with the rod your using, right? Not only look good but fit properly. This is usually fairly simple. If you have an ultra light action rod, buy an ultra light reel, and if you have a light action rod buy a light action spinning reel. This information can be found in small print at the base of your fishing rod, in case you didn't know.
Another consideration, that is again up to personal preference, is the location of the drag adjustment. The drag adjustment will be either on the spool or heel end of the spinning reel, and is a consideration. I prefer my drag adjustment be on the spool end, but again this is largely up to personal preference. My fishing buddy prefers his on the heel of his spinning reel.
The bottom line is that any of the manufactures mentioned in this article would be a fine choice for a good spinning reel. Problems usually arise when anglers buy from un-known manufacturers or try to be too frugal. I would personally be really wary of any spinning reel that cost less than $20. However for $25-50 you should be able to find a really good spinning reel.
From: free-articles-zone.com

Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Boat Covers : Comprehensive Weather Shield

An exposure to bad weather is as troublesome for the boats as it is for the creatures. Wind, rain and dirt can ruin a boat's interiors. Boat covers are essential for the weather proofing of your boat when it is stored and not in use. In order to protect the boat from problems related to weather, use boat covers. Each time the boat is stored, it must be kept within one of the durable boat covers. It is helpful to keep the boat in a novel condition.

The material boat covers can be made up of cotton/polyester, PVC etc. All you need is that the fabric must be waterproof. The wind carries dirt and other waste materials with it. For optimum protection the fabric of boat covers are made windproof and dust-proof. The dust can carry moisture, which can prove to be corrosive for the metallic parts of the boat. The boat covers consists of zippers to snug your boat, which can be used to close all the entrances for further protection.

The boat enthusiasts are very picky about the boat accessories. To cater to the needs of the choosy people, boat covers come in variety of colours and styles to suit their preferences. Boat covers, not only protects the boat against the weather but also it restricts the entrance of rodents. Rodents like rats and cockroaches gnaw away all the interiors. If the boat is exposed to these creatures, then they will give the boat's interior a messed up look and stinking interiors.

The repairing can cost very expensive. So, it is better to prevent the boat. When the boat is not in use and stored with one of the durable boat covers, it avoids a lot of hassles pertaining to destruction of boat. With boat covers on, minor smash ups with other boats during handling does not affect the boat surface. Without boat covers a smash up can result in chipping of the paint, which can spoil the show. Keep your boat up-to-date using boat covers.


Article Source: Free-Articles-Zone.com