Fishing tips & Tactics

Fly Fishing Vacations for your sanity

2008-06-24T16:46:00.001+07:00

Fly fishing vacations are advertised all over the Internet,in magazines, and wherever fishing related activities aretaking place. Your choices are limited only by your budget.

Fly fishing vacations on a budget

Speaking of budgets, if your wallet isn't amenable to spendingbig bucks on a fly fishing vacation, you'll have to look carefully at the options available. Most professionally run fishing vacations will cost you dear, but there are a few bargains out there.

Decide firstly what you want from your vacation. If you expectthe professional to supply all your gear, you will pay for iteither in hidden costs or as an added extra.

A boating trip will cost more than a simple wading trip. A camping trip will be less than one where you stay in cabinsor hotels.

If you hire a guide to show you the ropes, be prepared topay for him or her. The upfront costs will usually not includegratuities. The advantage of a guide is having someone who knows the waters and who can direct you to spots where fishare found. (No guarantees).

Getting the best out of fly fishing vacations

If you are paying money for your fly fishing vacation, you should have certain expectations. Do some homework before youcommit so that you won't be disappointed.

Check out exactly what you will be getting for your bucks.Are there hidden costs involved? Don't plan on catching yourdinner every night; the fish might not cooperate.

There are vacations suitable for families with young children.Others are aimed at target groups. Women only fly fishing vacations are offered regularly, as are those targeting youth groups.

A vacation for the novice fisherman is not likely to excitethe experienced pro. Likewise the novice will soon be disillusioned if signed up for a vacation where instruction is beyond his or her capabilities.

What's available in fly fishing vacations?

Fly fishing vacations are available throughout the States andinternationally also. Prices range from the hundreds of dollarsper night to the thousands of dollars for multi-night stays.

Your fly fishing vacation might include a full day seminar followed by a day or two on the river to practice what you'velearned. Other vacations are purely the get out and fish type.Some vacations are float trips where you'll have the opportunityto cook your catch in the evenings over a campfire and talk about the ones that got away. Other trips are catch and release only, so you'll need a camera to record your successes.

Fly fishing vacations are sometimes offered at ranches wherethere is private water. This might be a privately owned portionof a river or stream or it could be a large lake or pond thathas been stocked with trout. Often these privately owned watershave a catch and release provision.

What you should know before you leave on your fly fishingvacation

Before you leave on your fly fishing vacation, make sure thatyou have a confirmed list of the inclusions offered in youritinerary. If possible, find out what others have said aboutthe operators of the program.

If you are taking your own tackle, make sure that it is suitable for the waters you will be fishing. Find out if youcan purchase anything you might need at the site.

A fly fishing vacation might not be paradise personified, butit is sure darned close. If you have done your homework and everything falls into place you'll have your office colleagues wondering about the smile on your face when your return to work.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dale East is a long time outdoorsman and fly fisher and publisher of
Fly Fishing Wyoming

Fly fishing trips for the uninitiated

2008-06-24T16:43:00.001+07:00

If you have never taken a fly fishing trip before and youare planning on heading for the wilderness, take along abuddy. At worst you'll have someone to compete with duringthe telling of one that got away stories. At best you'll have someone to help if trouble strikes.

Go prepared for all weathers and conditions. You'll be miserable if you spend several hours in freezing weather dressed only in shorts and t-shirt.

Remember that the more remote the stream you are fishing,the more easily spooked the fish will be. Approach the watercarefully and think for a while before you wade in.

Packing your gear for your fly fishing trip

Try out your gear before you leave on your fly fishing trip.Broken tackle in remote areas is not easy to replace. Carrysome extras for emergency repairs.

Avid anglers will often take a small fly tying kit with themso they can whip up a fly to match whatever is hatching on thewater. Others use scissors or clippers to trim a ready preparedfly into an "almost matches the hatch" one.

Remember to take a current license with you. Murphy's law states that the only time you leave it behind is the time theranger will want to see it.

Before you leave, have a look at the fishing reports for thearea you are intending to fish. You'll get good informationabout what's going on, including river levels, hatches and other details.

When you arrive or get close to your destination, wander intothe local tackle store and speak with the sales people. They'llusually know what's going on and have a few tips for you.

Guided or self-guided fly fishing trips

A guided fishing trip is a good idea if you are fishing unfamiliar waters. Even a couple of hours with an expert willgive you hints and tips that apply to that particular spot. You'll spend more time in productive fishing.

Guided trips can cost you dearly. You'll pay by the hour, bythe day, or by whatever the guide decrees. Some guided trips will include tackle, some will not. The price will vary accordingly.

If you are an experienced angler and expert at reading any water then you'll be able to get away without paying for a guide. Sometimes peace and solitude is well worth a couple of hours of getting used to the stream.

For me, the hike into the backcountry enhances the trip. Itake time to soak in the fresh air and admire the scenery. Thefishing is the climax, but the journey is well worth the time.

Fly fishing is more than just a sport, it is like painting with many brushes. An extended fly fishing trip will enable youto practice your artistry. If you return with nothing more than a greater appreciation of the beauty of a trout, then you will have returned a greater artist.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dale East is a long time outdoorsman and fly fisher and publisher of
Fly Fishing Wyoming

Fishing on Your Pontoon Boat

2008-06-24T16:41:00.000+07:00

Fishing on your pontoon boat can be both a relaxing and fun experience. Fishing from a pontoon boat can much more enjoyable than fishing on other smaller vessels. While fishing on a pontoon boat, you are often free from worries regarding the sturdiness of your vessel, or tipping the boat over while leaning in for larger catches.

Fishing on your pontoon boat is also often much more comfortable than fishing in smaller vessels. In between catches you can relax on the deck of your pontoon boat, or go cook a few filets on the on board grill.

When you fish on your pontoon boat, you can often go out fishing for the entire day, without leaving behind the small luxuries of home, such as a refrigerator to keep your lunch, and chilled drinks, and a stove to do some minor cooking, or to cook up a catch later in the day. You can even outfit your pontoon boat with a small restroom, making it so you have no need to go back to shore until your fishing journey is complete.

The size of a pontoon boat is also ideal for group fishing outings. With a pontoon boat several people can fish off of different sides of the boat without fear of their lines becoming entangled, or interfering with each other's fishing. Fishing with others on a pontoon boat can also help spread out the area in which you are fishing, and help make your entire fishing experience more enjoyable.

It is also easy to fish while on a pontoon boat with others who wish to engage in other activities about on the boat. Pontoon boats are often separated into several different sections, so that a section can be devoted solely to fishing, while another section be reserved for others to play games, dine, or participate in other activities away from where the fishing is occurring.

If you use your pontoon boat as a fishing vessel frequently you may want to outfit the boats with accessories, catered to your fishing style. You can purchase special holders for your fishing rod to attach to your favorite space, as well as a variety of other accessories to accent your pontoon boat and enhance your fishing experience such as custom seats. No matter what your style, a pontoon boat can help turn a day of fishing into a spectacular experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Thomas Holley is owner of www.Pontoon-Boat-Products.com where you can find all your pontoon boat products and accessories. Pontoon-Boat-Products.com, because we know where you'd rather be. Also, be sure and sign up for our free newsletter, "The Pontoon Boating Life."

Tarpon Fishing and Catching The Elusive Silver King - Megalops Atlanticus

2008-06-24T16:39:00.001+07:00

Learn more about this magnificent ocean creature at http://www.tarpon-fishing-i.com/. Growing to lengths of more thaneight feet and weighing more than 280 pounds, it is easy to seewhy the tarpon is one of the most sought after saltwater gamefishin the world. It's habitat is close to the shoreline so fishermenof all types and skill levels can catch them.

If you have ever had the priviledge of hooking up on a big tarponthen you know the exhilaration and thrill of testing yourself inbattle against one of the most sought after gamefish in theworld. This distinction is easy to see at first glance as thetarpon starts a series of spectacular acrobatic leaps in the airthat will have your heart pounding, your rod bending and yourdrag screaming. You better hold on!

Since the tarpon's habitat is so close to the shoreline,fishermen of all types and skill levels can catch them. They canbe caught from jetties, passes, docks, bridges, beaches, piersand rivers. Tarpon can be caught while using many types oftackle, rods, baits, lures and rigs either while fishing from aboat, canoe, kayak or walking and wading from the shoreline asthe tarpon work up and down the beaches.

Live bait fishermen's bait of choice is the 'dollar crab'. Asmall live blue crab about two inches across its carapace, hookedthrough one end of it's shell or underneath through a swimmerleg. Other extremely effective live baits include pinfish,threadfin herrings and pilchards. On days when the tarpon isbeing finicky in it's tablefare selection, try these for the bestresults, and oh, by the way, don't forget about a live mullet. Ifyou can get them, use them. Flyfishermen are not left out either.The stealth of casting the right fly can sometimes be the trickto hooking up.

But Just What is a Tarpon?

Scientific classification: Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: ChordataClass: Actinopterygii Order: Elopiformes Family: MegalopidaeGenus: Megalops

This exceptionally fine creature is a prehistoric animal and theonly fish with an air bladder. This allows it to absorb oxygenand live in waters with very low oxygen content. You can see themgulp air at the water surface. Tarpon are also called poons,tarpum, sabalo real, cuffum, silverfish or silver king and belongto the bony fish family Elopidae. The Latin designation isMegalops atlanticus.

While only microscopic at birth, tarpon have been documented atlengths of more than eight feet and weighing 280 pounds. Catchesweighing more than 200 pounds, while uncommon, do occur. Manyfish caught are well over 100 pounds. Their growth rate is slow,taking 8 to 10 years to reach maturity, and generally those over100 pounds are female. Tarpon can live 55 to 60 years. They aregreenish or bluish on top, and silver on the sides. The largemouth is turned upwards and the lower jaw contains an elongatedbony plate. The last ray of the dorsal fin is much longer thanthe others, reaching nearly to the tail.

They are found primarily in shallow coastal waters and estuaries,but they are also found in open marine waters, around coralreefs, and in some freshwater lakes and rivers. Their normalmigratory pattern ranges from Virginia to central Brazil in thewestern Atlantic, along the coast of Africa in the easternAtlantic, and all through the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.Florida is widely regarded as having many of the best tarponfishing locations in the world, especially the world-renownedBoca Grande Pass in Southwest Florida.

Fishing for the tarpon can at times be an excercise of patienceand discipline. You may be surrounded by large schools of rollingtarpon containing hundreds of fish and they will not hit anythingyou throw at them. Other times, it is a feeding frenzy. So, gofishing for tarpon every chance you get, that next world recordcatch may be waiting just for you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Greg Smith is a life-long fisherman and publisher of fishing information websites. For more information, tips, tricks, techniques and charter guide resources for the most popular tarpon fishing locations in Florida and beyond visit http://www.tarpon-fishing-i.com/

World Wide Fishing Flies

2008-06-24T16:36:00.000+07:00

World Wide Fishing Flies create a full range of traditionally dressed flies for anglers all over the world. With over 16 years experience in hand tying all types of flies you can be sure that the patterns tied will be as authentic as possible.
We use only the highest quality of materials ensuring long-lasting flies that produce the best results.
100,000 patterns available from an extensive library.
You can view my site at
http://www.worldwidefishingflies.co.uk
We use only the highest quality of materials ensuring long-lasting flies that produce the best results.
100,000 patterns available from an extensive library.
You can view my site at
http://www.worldwidefishingflies.co.uk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I am the only Fulltime Pro. Fly Tyer in
Cumbria - Home of the English Lake District.

How To Choose The Fishing Trip Destination That's Right For Your Group

2008-05-08T13:00:00.000+07:00

Try doing a web search on the words fishing lodge and you will come up with hundreds of thousands of matches. Visit any major sports show and youll find dozens of outfitters, each offering promises of the trip of a lifetime. How on earth do you narrow it down and find the fishing destination thats just right for you?

Identify Your Priorities for you fishing trip...

The first step in selecting a destination is to sit down with everyone else going on the trip and discuss what it is that you want out of the experience. Its not enough to decide you want great fishing, because that can mean very different things from one person to the next.

One person in your party might be delighted to catch 20 fish per day, while another might expect 20 fish an hour. This is the time to be perfectly clear and up-front, because the more honestly you communicate your wishes, the better the chances you will have a great trip.

Some important things to decide right from the beginning include:

What species of fish do you want to catch?
This sounds like a no-brainer, but it definitely needs to be discussed. If one member of your party really wants to catch lake trout and the resort you pick has lousy fishing for them, that person will be very disappointed. If the place you pick has fishing for multiple species, you should decide how much time and effort you want to apply to each. What matters most, and what matters least? Do you want to catch walleye, northern pike, bass, char?

Do you want lots of action? Or trophy fish?
Does great fishing mean catching a fish on every cast? Or would you go all day for one bite, provided that fish was a giant? Of course we would all like fast action with trophy fish, but its important to keep your expectations realistic. So between the two, which is most important? And what honestly constitutes a big fish for you? Would a 20-pound salmon make you smile? Or would it have to be a 50?

How are the fish caught?
Can you sight-fish? Or is it primarily deep trolling? Imagine how disappointing it would be to spend all winter watching people on TV fishing shows hammer big pike on topwaters, then find on your trip of a lifetime the only way to catch them is by deep trolling in 60 feet of water?

What is your realistic budget?
Lets face it; money is a deciding factor for all of us. You need to be honest about what youre prepared to spend, and also how you want to spend it. If you have $1,000 to blow on a trip, do you want a week at Lodge A, or three days at Lodge B which might offer more upscale accommodations or a better shot at a trophy fish?

Once you have decided exactly what kinds of fish you want to catch and how you want to catch them, you need to discuss the accommodations.

In order to get the kind of fishing your group wants, are you willing to rough it in a tent camp where you have to prepare your own food, or is a certain amount of creature comfort also a priority?

How important is a hot shower at the end of the day, or having someone else deal with the cooking and cleaning up? Can you live without a flush toilet? Would you rather bring your own boat?

Again, its important to be honest and realistic right up front.

Once youve established clear priorities for the fishing and the accommodations and set a rough budget, its time to start looking at what different lodges have to offer.

The species of fish you want to catch, the amount of time you want to be away and the amount of cash you have to spend should help focus your search to a general geographic area, while the priorities your group collectively identified should allow you to narrow your search within that geographic area fairly quickly. It's everyone's fishing trip ... so plan it well.

Now, its a matter of contacting fishing lodge operators within that region, and seeing what they have to offer.

Call The Government
State or provincial tourism departments are the best way to find fishing lodges within specific areas. If youve decided your group wants to go to Alaska to fish for salmon and steelhead, then start with a call to the Alaska department of tourism. They can send you all sorts of information on outfitters, general fishing information, plus stuff on license requirements, fishing regulations and such.

Selecting the right fishing trip destination is probably the single most important aspect of planning your fishing trip. Well, choosing the right fishing buddies is pretty important, also.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dave Cushion is the author of the comprehensive manual "The Ultimate Fishing Trip Guidebook!" For more tips on planning your dream fishing trip, or to just learn how the experts catch more fish, go to http://www.fishing-trip-advisor.com and check out our other articles.

The Thrill of Trout Fishing

2008-05-08T12:57:00.001+07:00

The thrill of trout fishing! It is the best, isnt it? No matter where you plan to go trout fishing, 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://www.1stdiscountshopping.com http://www.1stinroses.com

Put Away That Fishing Pole And Haul Out The Net

2008-05-08T12:57:00.000+07:00

Are you still using a fishing pole to build your
downline?

Whenever someone talks about building a downline, we
automatically think in terms of Network Marketing. The
fact is, the same principles apply to two tier affiliate
programs.

The first rule to succeed with two tier programs or mlm
is to build wide fast.

Why?

If less than 5% of new marketers ever succeed, that
means 95% or more of those you sign up will join and not
do anything.

If you're sitting on the bank using a fishing pole,
you're on the slow boat to China. You'll end up
frustrated and more than likely throw in the towel
before you've even given yourself a chance.

You must haul out the net and start thinking like the
heavy hitters. Cast your net and gather as many new
sign ups as possible.

You're like the old miners panning for gold. You'll
sift through a lot of silt before you start hitting
those rare nuggets that are inspired enough to do
what it takes to succeed.

Once you find them, work with them as if your future
depended on it.

It does!

A good affiliate or first level downline member is
worth more them their weight in gold.

You future profits depend on them. Teach them how to
use their net and you'll both be rewarded.

If you truly want to succeed with affiliate programs
or MLM, put that fishing pole away and haul out the
net.

You'll be glad you did.

Gone Fishing,
John Colanzi
Street Smart Marketing

John publishes the "Street Smart Marketing" newsletter.
To subscribe mailto:streetsmart@rapidreply.net
If you'd like to see how John uses this strategy to
make money visit: http://mydtmm.com/5979

A Marketers Minefield - Why The Fraudsters Are Targeting You.Emily Robinson

They want your talent, your network and most of all, they want
your marketing capabilities. Fraud. It's the crime of the times,
so what does that have to do with you?

The United States continues to be plagued as the investment
fraud capital of the world. Savvy network marketers and
MLM'ers continue to be caught in the under currents of the
investment fraudsters wave. Have no doubt in your mind
these people are pros. They are charming, charismatic,
intelligent and very 'likeable'.... that is until you realize what
they have done to you.

Network marketers and MLM'ers are being targeted by these
Pros in order to market and sell their financially appealing
'opportunities'. Investment opportunities in FOREX trades, High
Yield Investments, Trading Programs, Promissory Notes and
Certificates of Deposit - all "secured" and guaranteed" at no
risk to the potential investor. They seek the more liberated
audiences, the risk takers, those on the free enterprise path,
those in search of financial independence.

They want you to get out there and spread the magic. So you do.
I mean after all, they were offering huge commission checks,
and you are not adverse to some free thinking and non-regulated
investment - the commissions alone would set you and your
family up for life. This is it, this is the one... the opportunity you
have been waiting for. You knew that if you kept on working hard,
the right opportunity would come your way. And here it is,
at last...

It is because you are so good at what you do that you have been
targeted to play in their game. They need someone who can
really sell, some worker bee's to go and generate more honey
for them. Everything looks in order, they have the flashy car, the
money and a $5,000 suit to match. They also say they have the
contacts in the financial world that everyone wants to know.

There are a multitude of ways they will drag you in, all
involve substantial financial reward for you... don't be tempted.
Check them out, see who they are, at the very least run a
background check on them... do they come from where they say
they come from? Follow up on those stories they told you, and
put together the inconguencies for yourself. Keep an open mind.

And most of all be prepared for their answers. They have
answers, for everything. They'll tell you that you are too
suspicious, 'do you know how lucky you are to be a part of this?
It's only open to a select few'. If you start to bang the drum too loudly, they'll kick you out of their set-up...You're too much
trouble.

Being alert and listening to your instincts, those nagging doubts,
can save you immeasurable heartache down the road.
The reality is that these people will create a whirlwind, gather
the money and disappear. They leave you to face the FBI,
the civil suits, the angry investors who have lost their entire
savings. You even got your parents to invest their 401k, and
they lost it all... and you, well not only do you suffer the financial
devastation of being looped by the con, your reputation is mud
and the network you have cultivated over many years no longer
trusts you. You end up in the marketers graveyard.

Be alert, check them out and follow up... then confront them with
your findings. Most of all, listen and really "hear" the answer.
You are investing in yourself, and your future...
don't see what you want to see - see it as it is.

Emily Robinson is a co-founder of The Virtual School Of Investigators - educating investigative professionals, marketers and consumers in the growing issues of fraud. Join their LIVE tele-class training "Extreme Profits?? How To Keep Your Investments Safe From Fraud" by visiting www.thevsi.com

Going Fishing

2008-05-08T12:55:00.000+07:00

Every year about this time, we make our annual pilgrimage to the waters of the Atlantic to go striped bass fishing. Loading the boat with all the essentials, such as something cool to quaff and piles of sandwiches, we grab our rods and reels and sally forth. But wait - did we forget something? Sure did - we need to have bait. What are they biting on this time of year?

Fortunately there is a bait shop on the way out, so we tie up to the dock and go inside. There we talk with the owner who tells us they are biting on several different kinds, so taking his advice we buy several. At first we each use a different kind, and if they seem to favor one bait over the other, we all start using the one that is attracting the fish.

Hmm - sounds familiar doesn't it. We do the same thing when trying to lure customers into our online offers. Like in fishing, you need the essentials in your business. Our web site and email programs can be compared to the fishing equipment, but we have to have the proper bait. This is where your advertising comes in. Your ads are your bait, and you will need to use different ads to attract different customers.

Writing ads is a skill you must master if you wish your online business to prosper. There has been a lot written about writing effective ads. Sometimes what might be considered a bad ad by the pros is one that actually works. Why you might ask? Different styles appeal to different people, and you have to realize, that while the web might provide a level playing field for entrepreneurs, the likes and dislikes of potential customers are vary widely.

While "Glitz", and exaggerated earnings claims might appeal to some, to others it is a turn off. Wild claims about earnings potential might gather some prospects, but will be an automatic "click away" for others who prefer a low key approach. You must experiment with different ad copy, and keep records of what is drawing.

There are many ways to do this, and some suggest that you have multiple web sites geared towards ads that are running. In your ads, you point your visitors to different sites and by keeping statistics, you can see which ads are working.

But here is the dilemma. Depending on any number of factors, visitors could be coming from places other than your ads, and the results might be misleading. If, for example, a search engine picks up one site and not the other, you will obviously have more visitors to the site that has been indexed.

Bluntly, hits to your web site don't really count - sales do. Your first job however, is to get visitors to your site. This is done through a variety of methods, including advertising, the use of search engines and email. Once you get them there, you must then sell them on your product.

On our web sites, we have an "after sale" questionnaire and we simply ask them how they found us. Now these people have decided to do business with us, and their answers will most likely be truthful. We then log this information, which helps us determine what advertising is working.

Ads that don't appear to be pulling, we modify until we start seeing positive results. One of the best places to test your ads is in ezine publications that are highly targeted toward your potential customers. I don't recommend ads in publications that are not targeted to your prospects. Unless you have a very generalized product, the return you get in these will most likely be minimal. More importantly, you won't get sufficient information to determine if the actual copy is working.

Many people have been advertising in the same ezines for years. Remember that there is some "thrashing" that occurs, and some people drop off the subscription list for the publication, but others are added. This gives you a constant new group of people who will read your ad every time it is published.

Experienced online entrepreneurs will even keep the same copy year after year if it is pulling. It usually takes 5 to 7 exposures anyway until they receive "brand identification". When someone is willing to "bite", if they have the proper ad, they will remember them. To land your customers, like in fishing, you must have the proper bait.

Did you know that subscribers to Bob Osgoodby's Free Ezine the "Tip of the Day" get a Free Ad for their Business at his Web Site? Great Business and Computer Tips - Monday thru Friday. Instructions on how to place your ad are in the Newsletter. Subscribe at: mailto:tipofday-subscribe@topica.com

HOW TO CREATE A PROFITABLE LITTLE ADBob Leduc

A small ad can generate a greater return on your investment than any other type of advertising. You can also use it in a variety of media. For example, I often get profitable results from the same small ad in all of the following:

* Internet - posted as a classified ad at websites and in email newsletters (ezines). * Print - run as a classified or display ad in magazines. * Direct Mail - printed on a postcard and sent to targeted mailing lists.
* Email - added as a "signature" to the bottom of my email messages.

A small classified or display ad doesn't provide enough space to generate sales directly from the ad. Instead, use the ad to generate inquiries from prospects seeking more information or to generate visitors to your store or website. Apply your usual selling procedure to close sales when you get the inquiry or visitor.

A SIMPLE 4 STEP PROCEDURE

By trial and error I developed the following 4 step procedure for creating successful little classified or display ads. You can follow this same simple procedure to successfully create your own profitable little ads.

STEP 1: PROMOTE ONE PRODUCT TO ONE TARGETED MARKET

Select one product or service to promote and tailor your ad to one targeted market. You can develop ads for many different products and target them to many different markets. But each ad will be most effective when it promotes one product to one targeted market.

STEP 2: DEVELOP A HEADLINE WITH YOUR STRONGEST BENEFIT

The headline is the most important part of your ad. It captures the reader's attention and provides a compelling reason to read your ad. The most effective headline clearly promotes your strongest benefit to readers in your targeted market. For example, "How To Build Your MLM Downline Fast" will immediately attract the attention of most network marketers. It offers the solution to their biggest problem... how to build their downline sales organization.

STEP 3: REINFORCE YOUR HEADLINE WITH BODY COPY

Keep your body copy brief. Include a few power words to reinforce the benefit promoted in your headline. For example, "Quick! Easy! Immediate results guaranteed!" could be used as body copy to reinforce the sample headline in Step 2.

End your body copy by telling the reader exactly how to respond to your ad. Keep it simple and make it easy. For example, "Call 1-800-123-4567 for FREE information TODAY!"

STEP 4: REVISE AND TEST -- OVER AND OVER AGAIN

Keep trying to increase the number of responses from your ad. Test different headlines, different body copy, different media. Test even minor changes in your ad. I've seen ad responses jump dramatically after simply enclosing the headline in quotation marks. I've also seen ad responses to a different ad drop after making the same change. The only way to know if something works is to test it.

Test only one change at a time or you won't know which change produced the new result. Be sure to code each version of your ad so you can track the results from it. Whenever a new "test" version of your ad produces better results than your standard version, make it your new standard version. Continual testing enables you to gradually increase the response rate and profitability of your little ad. I once built the response to a recruiting ad printed on a postcard from 3 percent to over 20 percent this way.

Use this simple four step procedure to create your own small ads. If you already use small ads, apply this procedure to your existing ads to increase their effectiveness and profitability. The results will surprise you.

Bob Leduc retired from a 30 year career of recruiting sales personnel and developing sales leads. He is now a Sales Consultant.
For more information...
Email: BobLeduc@aol.com Subject: "Postcards". Phone: (702) 658-1707 (After 10 AM Pacific time) Or write: Bob Leduc, PO Box 33628, Las Vegas, NV 89133

Icefishing-For Beginners

2008-05-08T12:54:00.000+07:00

Have you ever tried fishing in the winter months? This is the time everyone gets out on the lake. Even if you dont own a boat you can fish those places you always wanted to.

Here are a few tips on ice fishing. First of all, you dont need a lot of fancy equipment.A set of five tipups and a hand auger are all you need to get started.

A set of basic tipups with line will cost around seventy-five to a hundred bucks. Tipups are a simple affair where you set the cross sticks on the ice with your spool below the water line. Unless there is a lot of snow on the ice this should not be a problem as the
water will even out to the top of your hole. I know youre saying, how do you keep the line from freezing? This is accomplished through the use of braided line, sometimes called squid line. Theses lines are usually 18-25 pound test. Fill your spools to within 1/4 inch of the rim, for that big one that wants to run. After you have done this its time to add a leader. I normally use 8-14 pound test monofillament. If you are on a lake with a lot of
large fish go with heavier leaders. I use a swivel between my squid line and leader. This gives the bait a chance to move around without twisting the line. It also makes it easier to change hooks, just buy the pretied leaders and hook them on your swivel and youre ready to go fishing.

Finding Bait
Dont know what the fish are biting on? A stop at your local bait shop will get you some pretty good tips on what is working. Its a good idea to pickup a couple different types of baitfish. You never know what they are biting on today. Pick up a dozen of two different
types to get started. When hooking the bait on the hook I like to hook them just behind the dorsal fin. Most fish will take the bait from the rear, so you want the hook where it
will do the most good.

On The Lake
Now youre on the lake with your traps in hand and you need to get to the fish. This is where your auger comes in. Whether you opt for a hand auger or a power auger, you need
to find a place to fish. A good place to start is around points, as fish use these spots to find bait fish year round. If you know of a deep hole within walking distance, head out
there without further delay. Fish will hang on the edges of the hole looking for baitfish all year. Get that auger powered up and lets drill some holes. Drill a couple to start with and
after you get a couple of traps set up drill the other three. Be sure to check your states lawbook as some places restrict the number of traps. If you dont get any flags after a while, dont be afraid to move.
Thats just about it for getting started. Make sure you are dressed for the weather to make your day more enjoyable. Dont forget the kids, they make good runners when the bait bucket is out by the last trap in line.
Stay warm and good fishing.

About the Author
Written by Ron Shannon; contact at hobbit@midmaine.com
Outdoors With Ron at www.outdoorswithron.com

The author lives in central Maine and spends much of his time in the outdoors.

LOCKPORT CATFISHING EXPERIENCE!

2008-05-07T12:53:00.000+07:00

You have permission to publish this article in it's entirety
either, electronically or in print, free of charge, as long
as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your
publication would be greatly appreciated! Thank You.

Title: LOCKPORT CATFISHING EXPERIENCE! Author Norb Wormald

"LOCKPORT CATFISHING EXPERIENCE"

I will say this a good number of the huge Channel cats shown on the IN-FISHERMAN video tapes are from the Red River area of Lockport Manitoba. One of the tapes includes Stu McKay the owner of "Cats On The Red." He is also a fishing guide and has lodge rooms and boats for rent. He will treat you right in all his dealings. I strongly believe that stretch of river holds the largest concentration of huge Channel cats in North America.

Lockport is about 20 miles north of the Winnipeg airport. It takes on about 30 minutes in a car you can rent at the airport. The highway is expressway for about 10 mile and a good 2 lane highway until the last mile. Then it become more of a residential street to Stu's place.

Buy the Conservation license for it is about half the regular license. That is a catch and release of all catfish caught. So by all means take your camera to take photos of these cats as proof. Your pals back home will not believe your stories without the pictures.

You have to use BARBEDLESS hooks up there and can only fish 1 pole at a time. Take plenty of hooks 2/0 - 4/0, flat sinkers 2-3 oz. Take some Styrofoam or cork slip bobbers. Plastic bobber can crack on the rocks in the shallow area by the dam. I learned that lesson the hard way on one of my trips. 20-30lb test line should do the job. A rod with some backbone to help hold the fish in the strong current.

The best bait up there is cut Goldeye. The problem is you have to catch them yourself. They CAN NOT be bought at any bait store for it is use for food up there. They can be caught like skipjacks a jig or curly tail or piece of night crawler with a bobber. There is a limit of 10 per day allowed. That should
provide you with plenty of bait for the day.

Shrimp comes in a good 2nd choice. It is on the expensive side and is cheaper when purchased at the supermarket in Selkirk. Selkirk is a small town about 4 mile north of Stu's place. You can load up on supplies of food and whatever drinks you need in Selkirk as well.
I August a great bait is leopard frogs. They can be caught along t the brush area on the EAST bank of the river in the evening. You have to hold onto your pole when using them for the cats just smash them. It is the cats gets the bait or you hook the fish, there is no little tapping on the line. You can put a small section of plastic worm over the frog's hooked leg to help keep the frog on the hook.

The river is shallow by the dam to about 1 mile north of Stu's place. The deepest spot is only ft. in that area. That is really the main reason you can land those big cats, for they cannot go deep at all. The current is very strong. It really can wear your arms out trying to bring in a 20lb cat with such a strong current. I suggest taking some Bengay rub and aspirin to relieve the sore muscles you will get from fighting those cats. Stu's boat seats if he has any left are not great for support of the back either.

If you are going to be up there more than 3 days I suggest fishing at a steady pace. Fish from around sun rise till around noon. Rest up till around 4p.m. Go back out and fish till dark. Stu's boats do not have running lights so they have to be back at the dock by dark.
If you want you can fish a night from the bank and catch cats. My brother and I caught some right in front of out lodge rooms one night. The boat dock is right by the channel so is a spot to check out. My brother caught his largest cat off the dock a 28 pounder!

I hope this has been of some help to anyone thinking about experiencing hooking into the largest Channel catfish of their life. For more information contact Stu McKay at "Cats on the Red." Fishing season opens around May 20th.

Please visit my web sites: nlcatfish@aol.com webmaster for
CINCINNATI CATFISHING www.cincinnaticatfishing.com & SHOP
WITHOUT DROPPING www.cincinnaticatfishing.com/Shop1.html

Have been catfishing around the Downtown Cincinnati area of the Ohio River for over 40 years. Have gone catfishing to Lockport 5 times over the past 10 years. It is the greastest place to catch lots of huge channel catsfish in North America!!

Alaskan Halibut Fishing

2008-05-07T12:51:00.000+07:00

If you are looking for a Great Fishing Adventure then you must go to Alaska and fish for Halibut. As you will see its more than just a fishing trip.

I recently went to Alaska (for the first time) to go Halibut fishing, and got much more than I had expected. After flying across the country in big jumbo jets, when you leave for the lodge from Juneau you go in a Float Plane or Sea Plane, as they are commonly known. I went in a single passenger Plane, just the Pilot and me sitting side by side. The flight to the lodge takes you over and between many Mountains that are always Snow capped. You take off on the water and land on the water, if you have never done this before its a great experience all by itself.

Once at the Lodge (always Saturday) within a half-hour you have your License and are on the boat heading out to sea. Besides the Halibut I caught Coho and King Salmon, Ling Cod, Red Snapper. The largest Halibut I caught was 140 pounds, King Salmon was 40 pounds, Coho Salmon was 15 pounds and the Ling Cod was 44 pounds. Work your muscles before you go because you will definitely be sore after the first days fishing, you can use the Hot Tub to relax after you return.

If you want to go Stream Fishing with either Spinning or Fly-fishing gear thats also available. We encountered Bears also fishing in the stream.

Besides the Bear along the Streams you will also see Bald Eagles, Seals, Sea Otters, Sea Lions and if youre lucky as we were you will see a Whale or two. Bring cameras and/or camcorders.

The food is fantastic. Full breakfast, eggs, pancakes, omelets. Lunch on the boat, sandwiches, soda, beer, smoked Salmon. Dinner is mainly the fish caught that day but served like youve never had fish prepared before, we also had a Steak dinner.

The fish that are caught each day are fillet and frozen in separate vacuumed sealed packages. Each package is a pound of two and you choose the % of each type of fish caught you take home. I took 75% Halibut and 25% Salmon and had about 100 pounds of frozen fish in two ready to take boxes.

As you can see this is a very professional operation and I guarantee when you go that you will agree that its more than just a fishing trip, its an Alaskan adventure. For information please visit the web-site of the very best Fishing Lodge in Alaska: http://Tanaku.com

I am not a professional fisherman just a Webmaster that needs some downtime. My web-site is Digital Cameras, Free Shipping. We sell a complete line of Digital Cameras, Scanners, Printers, Free Cell Phones, Free Satellite Dish Systems, Cable Descramblers. We accept most Major Credit Cards and have Free Shipping.
Visit the site at: http://rayboptions.safeshopper.com
Rayboptions@netzero.net

Faith For Dummies--Fly Fishing With Dub

2008-05-07T12:50:00.000+07:00

Years ago I lived next door to the perfect neighbor. His name was Dub. He was an avid sportsman and often included me on his Saturday adventures into the woods and wilds of Northern Colorado.

Dub has since gone on to his eternal reward, but I think about him often. My favorite memories of Dub center on the occasions when we grappled with spiritual matters. He often surprised me with his well thought out answers to my many questions. He made sense out of deep and profound concepts. Dub answered questions without making a person feel dumb and embarrassed for not knowing the answer.

I discovered this one fall morning on the first of many fishing expeditions with Dub. We loaded up his old truck with fly rods, waders and tackle. By 5 AM we were rumbling toward The Poudre canyon and the great fishing spot he had told me about.

The first light of dawn sliced through the canyon to meet us as we donned our gear and began making our way down to the treasured "s" curves of the river below. Dub stopped and pointed silently at the river. Looking down at the dark water I saw a small triangular shaped patch of light playing on the surface of the river. The outlines of four fish were illuminated by the sudden splash of sunlight. Dub turned to me. His voice just above a whisper, "Isn't that the perfect picture of how God works?"

"I guess I'm not sure what you mean."

"Those fish were there all along, but we didn't know it. A higher source, in this case the sun, had to do something to help us see." He looked at me to gauge my reaction. My face no doubt belied my lack of understanding. Dub persisted. "Don't you see? The truth about God is all around us, but we don't have a clue. We can't see it until God opens our eyes and then suddenly he reveals himself and we see the truth."

It was my initiation in to what I call Dub's Bible Basics for Dummies Like Me. That Saturday as we fished together standing waist deep in the frigid water of the Cache Le Poudre River, Dub began to teach me about God and His creation. Woven into the memory of that day is the joy of catching a lot of fish and having a great deal of discussion about the nature of God.

At one point I asked, "Dub, are you saying that God actually reveals himself in nature?"

"Sure, its what the theologians call general revelation."

"You'll have to explain that one, Dub."

"Its simply the idea that a man can figure some things out about God just by looking at the things God created. The Bible puts it like this." To my surprise Dub reached into his pocket and pulled out a little book which I supposed was a Bible. He began reading. "because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."

Dub put the tiny Bible back in his pocket before continuing. "Although we can't possible fathom everything about an infinite and divine being like God, it is clear that we have been given enough information about God that we have no excuse not to acknowledge Him."

"But aren't you making an assumption that there is a God and that he created everything?

"You're right on both accounts." Dub conceded. "But what if, for the sake of argument, we decided to proceed under those assumptions?" He stopped to collect his thoughts. "After all, didn't we sort of do that this morning before we left the house?"

"Sorry, Dub, you lost me again."

"Well, I told you that I knew about a great fishing hole, right?"

"Right."

"So, did you know for sure that you would catch fish here?"

"No, but I had a pretty good idea that I would."

"So you made an assumption. And I'm betting you're glad you made that assumption." He winked at me as I nodded affirmatively. "But let me ask you this." Dub stopped talking momentarily to adjust the tension on his line. "What if you had made the assumption that there were no fish and therefore decided not to make the trip this morning?"
I could see where he was going. "I would have been wrong and..."

"You would have missed something really great wouldn't you."

Suddenly as if on cue the tip of my rod dipped violently toward the water. I instinctively lifted my rod and gripped the line to keep it taut. The fish broke the surface exposing his white belly, and flared gills, revealing the red intricacy within. Twisting and bucking he cleared the water by his own length or more. I struggled to keep the tension on the line, but the Herculean leap toward me had too much power and velocity behind it. The elk hair caddis that had been lodged in his mouth was suddenly free and the fish was gone. For a moment the only sound I could hear was the rapid drumming of my heartbeat in my ears.

Dub continued talking as I inspected my leader. "So why can't we talk about God from the assumption that there actually is a God? If we're wrong, no harm done. But, if we are right Well, we might just find something good."

It was a reasonable proposition. We fished and talked until the sun slipped behind the western peaks. Exhausted and fulfilled we made our way back to the truck. As we drove home I thought of one last question I needed to ask. I found the right words as the headlights of Dub's truck illuminated his driveway.

"Dub, today while we were talking about God." He looked at me over the rim of his glasses. "You said a lot of things that came out of the Bible. Right?"

"Yeah, you're right."

"Well, I don't mean to be hard headed or anything, but what would you say to the man who is not so sure he believes in the Bible?"

Dub smiled and said, "Well, I would say to him, 'You know, I read about this great fishing place up on the Big Thompson. Why don't we go check it out?'"

Ken is a pastor, writer, composer,web designer,promoter living in Greeley Colorado with his wife and two children. His articles and poems have been published in various magazines. He writes a monthly column for the Greeley Tribune called "Faith For Dummies" which features spiritual insights gathered through outdoor sports and recreation

Fishing for Fortunes. Scam!

2008-05-07T12:49:00.000+07:00

Spelt phishing, but pronounced as above, this despicable act is an effort to batter your bankroll or commandeer your cash.
To put it simply, you can get emails from account administrators, which strongly urge you to update details attached to that account.
The issue, though, is the pretence of such mail.

You may not even have such an account as referenced.
It doesnt come from the account provider.
It can use false S.S.L. references, to present an illusion of trust and security.
It can prompt for immediate action on your part, alleging false log-ins by persons unknown, and from countries unknown. If action is not taken, they can impress on you, that the account will be suspended or closed. Indeed, anything likely to work can be fabricated, to get you to the webpage suggested in the link or hyperlink. Note the word suggested.
Likenesses to company logos are used to re-enforce credibility.

In fact, these phishing attempts actually look pretty good or realistic. So much so that any qualms of guilt or stupidity, experienced by a conned party are groundless.

Experience, specific education or forewarning, is all that prevents this type of charade from widening its base of victims.

The goal is to get you to type in your details, complete with credit card number and the rest can be guessed.
Some damage is also absorbed by the organisation or company being misrepresented and they can do little about it but warn their customers what to watch out for, and issue security instructions. Indeed, it is from accounts at reputable companies that most passing trade learn the correct or most secure procedures. It is therefore important to read any material that they offer.

Generally though, reputable companies with a mind to preserve their integrity will tell you to log-in at their main page and proceed from there. Not through a link specific to your account!

Hyperlinks can mask the true domain that youll be brought to, with the text linked to www.anydomaindotcom (example, only), a replica or fake page. Only going to secure pages where one believes that https will do it, will always help but wholly unreliable. The s is an indication of a secure page, but are you at the right domain?
Place your mouse over the link and the domain attached to such a link, should show itself. Viewing the source code is another way but some knowledge of it is necessary.

Another ploy, sometimes deliberate and sometimes convenient, is inserting a reference to the legitimate company anywhere after the domain name. Ex. https://www.anydomaindotcom/ebay/aagle/. Unwary victims may overlook the fact that ebay is not the domain, but see it anyway as a directory or file name. Anyone, anywhere can have a file or directory named like that of a company.

To make matters somewhat worse from an easy to identify viewpoint, the source code of the link can be represented as an I.P. address rather than its named counterpart. There are some tools that you can use at http://centralops.net/co/ which you can use to type in the I.P. address and cross reference it with the official account domain presented in the e-mail, or web page for that matter. Opening a second window for investigative purposes and re-sizing both to be side by side can be revealing, and comparisons be made between the alleged source and that of the source code.
www.ebay.com can be put in one window and www.suspiciouslyspurious.com can be put in the other. NOTE; you should be checking domains and ignoring everything that comes after the forward slash at the end of the domain.
A similar test can be done for email viruses, where suspicious email addresses can be searched for some degree of authenticity.

If you are phished, try to learn as much as possible about it as phishing attempts and email viruses have some aspects in common.
Incorrect spelling is one of them. You must understand that the authors can be from anywhere and not necessarily have degrees in English. Legitimate companies can also be from anywhere, with different primary languages, but do perfect their spellings and general grammar.

Attention to upper and lower case can be another giveaway. This is especially true where particular portions of the text are the design of the author, and not just copied and pasted. Typically, these portions are customised to be customer specific in a general sense, and fonts may even be different or out of place. Such special additions are to strengthen the sense of urgency and call to action.

Should you be the recipient of phishy mail, you can forward it to spam@uce.gov

Seamus Dolly and phishing samples are at www.CountControl.com

Big Opt-In Lists, Trade Secrets & Fishing Trips

2008-05-07T12:48:00.000+07:00

How To Create a Huge Opt-In List
Big Opt-In Lists, Trade Secrets & Fishing Trips

Last weekend, on a beautiful Saturday morning, I went fishing with a friend on the Pecos River here in New Mexico. We had been fishing for a couple of hours when my friend decided he would carefully approach the subject of getting more opt-in subscribers for his newsletter. He knew I had over 400,000 opt-in subscribers for T-Shirt Kings newsletter and he wanted to know how I did it. He was afraid that it was a trade secret and I would brush him off and continue to fish. That was my reaction initially.

You see, I get this type of question all the time. When it comes at a time when Im fishing, a simple answer like that is the easiest, and it keeps us fishing instead of talking. However, this morning I was a softy and, after some prodding, I gave in.

To begin with, let me quickly explain that there are two sales tools that all online retailers should use regardless of what you sell. You should have a newsletter and an affiliate program. My friend already had a newsletter and an affiliate program and Im going to assume you do too. If you need one - http://www.manzanomarketing.com/Resources/ultimateaffiliate.html

We put our poles down and sat on the edge of the river to discuss how my friend could build an opt-in list of over 100,000 this year. He had a lot bigger expectations for his opt-in list than he did for this fishing trip. He never did get back to fishing.

His first question was about getting people on his site to opt-in. He had an opt-in subscription box on his site already and it was prominently placed. But, with over 5,000 daily visitors, he was only getting about twenty subscribers. It was a real disappointment.

So, my first suggestion was to set up a contest. He could give away just about anything he wanted to from a free t-shirt to a free fishing trip. I use a free t-shirt a day on T-Shirt King. To join the contest, you just have to join the newsletter (opt-in). Check it out http://www.t-shirtking.com/

The next suggestion was to use a pop-up to promote the contest and the subscription offer. Of course, my friend immediately groaned at the thought of adding a pop-up to his site (for a minute there, I thought we might get back to fishing). However, I told him about using a cookied pop-up that occurs only once a day for each user. This way it minimizes the annoyance of pop-ups. Plus, anyone that really hates pop-ups already has pop-up blocker software. But the proof is in the results. When I added our contest and a pop-up, we did better than quadrupling our subscriber rate. For my fishing buddy, it would take him from 20 opt-ins a day to over 80.

Note - Free Pop-Up Generator: http://www.manzanomarketing.com/popup.html

The investment for a contest can be minimal when compared to the cost of gaining subscribers any other way. You know that you can find companies that will sell you subscribers for fifteen cents a piece or more right? Why pay such a high price for poor quality subscribers when you can make a smaller investment and get more subscribers of much higher quality?

At $.15 per subscriber, thats $15,000 for 100,000 subscribers of questionable quality. Using these methods can cost you less than a hundred bucks for 100,000 high quality, targeted subscribers!

Alright now for the big guns. Uh, er, the heavy tackle - since were fishing. Lets take your list building operation and put it on hundreds, or even thousands, of other websites. There are two methods. Building a newsletter co-op and arming your affiliates with a secret weapon.

These methods use two inexpensive pieces of software that will become a key to selling your product successfully online. Of course, they help you build your opt-in list, but the true end result of a big high quality list will be increased sales. Youre going to love the feeling of sending your newsletter out and watching the sales immediately begin to come in! Its a great feeling. So is waking up the next morning and checking your sales before you take the day off to go fishing because you can.

These tools take some effort to set up but once theyre established, they run on auto-pilot which leaves you the time to go fishing. Your co-op members and affiliates do the promoting and list building for you.

The first tool is Opt-In Explosion. This is a newsletter subscriber co-op. Youve probably seen them run by other people. You could join one of these co-op programs and you would substantially increase your subscriber rate. Or, you could start your own co-op and build your opt-in list at hyper speed.

You see, when you join their lists, typically, you get your newsletter subscription offer shown four times for every time you show the co-op subscriber box. Not bad. But start your own co-op and its your members that get four exposures for every one time they show the subscription offer. You get your newsletter offer shown on every exposure, on every website, to every visitor every time. If you even get a small number of members, your subscription rate will explode!

To see this tool, visit: http://www.optinexplosion.com

At this point, my friend was so excited, he wanted to leave this beautiful Saturday morning, quit fishing (hes obviously not making enough money) and start right away. However, I saved the best for last.

Newsletter Syndicator! How about putting your subscription sign-up box prominently on hundreds, or even thousands, of websites? And, you can offer the webmaster credit for the sales of your product generated from their list? What a great idea! This little program allows you the ability to give out subscription boxes to your affiliates. They can put them on their site and begin building opt-in subscriber lists specifically for your newsletter.

Using Newsletter Syndicator, when you send your newsletter out it will automatically replace your standard url with their affiliate url. Your newsletter with your url and the affiliates get your newsletter but with their unique affiliate url. Its easy for you to set up and its easy for your affiliates to set up. Makes you money and makes your affiliates money. Even if you have a small website with very little traffic, one good affiliate can sign-up more opt-in subscribers in a month than you would get all year.

To find this tool, go to: http://www.newslettersyndicator.com

At this point, my friend was no longer interested in fishing. When I was done talking, he packed up and headed for the car to get back to his website. I was glad we drove separately. I settled back in to a nice day of fishing. I could afford to because I knew that I was getting a whole lot more opt-in subscribers during that day of fishing than I was fish. In fact, theres a limit to the number of fish I can get in a day. Theres no limit to the number of opt-in subscribers.

You can get both programs for under a hundred dollars. At fifteen cents per subscriber, thats only 667 subscribers. Youll get more than that in no time. With some honest effort, 100,000 high quality opt-in subscribers this year is very possible.

Its not rocket science and its a lot easier than catching those Pecos River Browns. Give these three methods a try and you will get to know the excitement of sending your newsletter out and watching the sales roll in. Theres nothing like it.

2003 by Bill Broadbent ----------------------------------------------------------- Written by Bill Broadbent Free eBook Available Affiliate Detective 1.0 Visit: http://www.affiliatedetective.net -----------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Written by Bill Broadbent http://www.ManzanoMarketing.com Free eBook Available Affiliate Detective Visit: http://www.affiliatedetective.net

What Are You Fishing With? Lure, Bait and Gear

2008-05-06T13:02:00.000+07:00

A 10-step exercise for services professionals to evaluate
clients...

Fly fishing -- it doesn't work, does it? When I first
watched someone fly-fishing, they released the line and
fling it far out into the water. No sooner had the fly hit
the water was it being reeled back in. Even today, I still
don't understand how this method catches any fish. Yet it
does. The results had an opportunity to occur because
the line was pitched.

Fly fishing looks like so much more work compared to the
worm, bobber, sitting on a camp chair, day dreaming, an
occasional inconsequential conversation, sipping on a beer
(okay root beer for family friendliness), relaxing and
waiting for the bite. The energy is more comfortable yet
the results less active -- maybe, maybe not.

If you talk to a fly-fisherman, they claim there isn't
anything better. And the same is uttered from a by-the-seat-
of-the-pants fisherman as well (cute description huh?).

Doesn't this sound like one marketing pitted against the
other.

What makes the two different? Technique? Yes. Water type
-- salt or fresh? Yes. Type of fish? Yes. Equipment?
Yes. Supplies? Yes. Or is it the bait? Yes.

The right answer is "all of the above."

You can also throw in the temperature, weather, and time of
day. Everything depends on the right combination in the
right order. You don't want to toss out the fly before the
line. Well, I guess you can. But you miz-as-well kiss it
goodbye.

Or as my Grandmother used to say: Don't throw out the
bath water before the bath.

Marketing is not any different than fishing. If you are
tossing out the wrong hook to the right fish, they are not
going to bite. If you have the right fish and hook, and the
wrong technique, maybe a prayer or two will work. The
results might trickle now and then. Yet, not the results you
need.

This is why marketing experts emphasize the importance of
knowing your target market. If you don't know who you are
trying to catch, you are forever going to be trying
different lures, hooks and techniques. Eventually, wearing
you down and keeping you chasing the next best thing to come
along that just might work.

You can't catch flounder in fresh water or blue gill in salt.

Stop throwing out the fly without the line. Start knowing
what bait they like to eat, what line spooks them, what is
their timing for buying, and especially what type of fish.

Start with this exercise for service professionals:

Start the exercise by hand to get the "feel" of it. Then
move the process into a spreadsheet to continue its growth
and your clarity.

Step 1: Grab a blank sheet of paper. Turn the page sideways --
landscape.

Step 2: You are going to making many vertical columns so write
small.

On the left, create the first column. Record the name of
each one of your clients that you remember off the top of your
head. Keep it simple and write just the name you remember. It
could be just their first name, company name, or a nickname or
label you privately gave them. Don't be kind be truthful.

Step 3: Second column, title it "M/F." You guessed it, "male
or female." Now, proceed down the column and write the
answer.

Step 4: Third column, title "M/S/D/U"=married, single, divorced,
unknown. Continue down the column.

Step 5: Continue making columns for additional categories
you know about your clients. Create a column for age or age
group. Location, US, UK, Australia. If all the same, skip
the column. Number of children. How long a client. Total
revenue for the past year. Service type. How did they find
you?

Step 6: Add new distinctions and details over the next few
days or week as you remember. Set aside the first five
minutes of the day to add to the list or as you remember.

Step 7: If you find some information missing, contact the
client or past client and ask.

Step 8: Look for similarities, for instance, 90% males, single,
or divorced. Some of these patterns are going to be obvious
and some aren't.

Step 9: Place a "*" or highlight your ideal client or clients.

Many times, and without knowing it, because you are just glad
for the business, the fish pick you.

Step 10: If you couldn't find "the ideal client" then for
some reason you aren't attracting them. There are some
things you need to change, either inside yourself or out,
probably both. Find the gap between the two? What do you
need to do or be differently in order to attract the
preferred type of clients?

Describe the type of ideal client you want. Place as much
detail to them as possible, including revenue. What do they
want that you aren't expressing you have? What do they want
that you don't have and need to change?

At some point during this process you will want to convert
this to a spreadsheet for ease of use. Start when the information
feels it needs too.

This isn't a requirement, you may want to stop as soon as
you see that you aren't expressing what the client is
willing to buy or some characteristics or type of service
you don't provide that the client must have in order to do
business with you. If this is the case, you can stop here
and work on what needs to shift or change.

Feeling some reluctance in taking the time to do so? You
will not be the first.

Jim, an insurance agent from Arizona, sent me an e-mail
after his attendance on a teleclasses with this exercise.

"Darn, Catherine, you're good. The exercise ate at me all
night. I gave in and did the exercise this morning, even
though last night I was convinced that I already knew all
the answers. Today, I discovered major holes in my
marketing. Just by closing one of these holes today sales
increased. I look forward to continuing the exercise.
Thank you for your patient e-mail and letting me move
through my denial and seeing that thinking its all in my
head and writing it down is two different things."

This exercise deserves repeating regularly. You can use
the results of this exercise as a measurement when reviewing
your yearly goals. Or comparing one year to another.

For first year businesses, I recommend completing this
exercise once every three months. After the first year,
shift to twice a year. After three, once a year. Or
before and after a new service or product is introduced.
clients...

Fly fishing -- it doesn't work, does it? When I first
watched someone fly-fishing, they released the line and
fling it far out into the water. No sooner had the fly hit
the water was it being reeled back in. Even today, I still
don't understand how this method catches any fish. Yet it
does. The results had an opportunity to occur because
the line was pitched.

Fly fishing looks like so much more work compared to the
worm, bobber, sitting on a camp chair, day dreaming, an
occasional inconsequential conversation, sipping on a beer
(okay root beer for family friendliness), relaxing and
waiting for the bite. The energy is more comfortable yet
the results less active -- maybe, maybe not.

If you talk to a fly-fisherman, they claim there isn't
anything better. And the same is uttered from a by-the-seat-
of-the-pants fisherman as well (cute description huh?).

Doesn't this sound like one marketing pitted against the
other.

What makes the two different? Technique? Yes. Water type
-- salt or fresh? Yes. Type of fish? Yes. Equipment?
Yes. Supplies? Yes. Or is it the bait? Yes.

The right answer is "all of the above."

You can also throw in the temperature, weather, and time of
day. Everything depends on the right combination in the
right order. You don't want to toss out the fly before the
line. Well, I guess you can. But you miz-as-well kiss it
goodbye.

Or as my Grandmother used to say: Don't throw out the
bath water before the bath.

Marketing is not any different than fishing. If you are
tossing out the wrong hook to the right fish, they are not
going to bite. If you have the right fish and hook, and the
wrong technique, maybe a prayer or two will work. The
results might trickle now and then. Yet, not the results you
need.

This is why marketing experts emphasize the importance of
knowing your target market. If you don't know who you are
trying to catch, you are forever going to be trying
different lures, hooks and techniques. Eventually, wearing
you down and keeping you chasing the next best thing to come
along that just might work.

You can't catch flounder in fresh water or blue gill in salt.

Stop throwing out the fly without the line. Start knowing
what bait they like to eat, what line spooks them, what is
their timing for buying, and especially what type of fish.

Start with this exercise for service professionals:

Start the exercise by hand to get the "feel" of it. Then
move the process into a spreadsheet to continue its growth
and your clarity.

Step 1: Grab a blank sheet of paper. Turn the page sideways --
landscape.

Step 2: You are going to making many vertical columns so write
small.

On the left, create the first column. Record the name of
each one of your clients that you remember off the top of your
head. Keep it simple and write just the name you remember. It
could be just their first name, company name, or a nickname or
label you privately gave them. Don't be kind be truthful.

Step 3: Second column, title it "M/F." You guessed it, "male
or female." Now, proceed down the column and write the
answer.

Step 4: Third column, title "M/S/D/U"=married, single, divorced,
unknown. Continue down the column.

Step 5: Continue making columns for additional categories
you know about your clients. Create a column for age or age
group. Location, US, UK, Australia. If all the same, skip
the column. Number of children. How long a client. Total
revenue for the past year. Service type. How did they find
you?

Step 6: Add new distinctions and details over the next few
days or week as you remember. Set aside the first five
minutes of the day to add to the list or as you remember.

Step 7: If you find some information missing, contact the
client or past client and ask.

Step 8: Look for similarities, for instance, 90% males, single,
or divorced. Some of these patterns are going to be obvious
and some aren't.

Step 9: Place a "*" or highlight your ideal client or clients.

Many times, and without knowing it, because you are just glad
for the business, the fish pick you.

Step 10: If you couldn't find "the ideal client" then for
some reason you aren't attracting them. There are some
things you need to change, either inside yourself or out,
probably both. Find the gap between the two? What do you
need to do or be differently in order to attract the
preferred type of clients?

Describe the type of ideal client you want. Place as much
detail to them as possible, including revenue. What do they
want that you aren't expressing you have? What do they want
that you don't have and need to change?

At some point during this process you will want to convert
this to a spreadsheet for ease of use. Start when the information
feels it needs too.

This isn't a requirement, you may want to stop as soon as
you see that you aren't expressing what the client is
willing to buy or some characteristics or type of service
you don't provide that the client must have in order to do
business with you. If this is the case, you can stop here
and work on what needs to shift or change.

Feeling some reluctance in taking the time to do so? You
will not be the first.

Jim, an insurance agent from Arizona, sent me an e-mail
after his attendance on a teleclasses with this exercise.

"Darn, Catherine, you're good. The exercise ate at me all
night. I gave in and did the exercise this morning, even
though last night I was convinced that I already knew all
the answers. Today, I discovered major holes in my
marketing. Just by closing one of these holes today sales
increased. I look forward to continuing the exercise.
Thank you for your patient e-mail and letting me move
through my denial and seeing that thinking its all in my
head and writing it down is two different things."

This exercise deserves repeating regularly. You can use
the results of this exercise as a measurement when reviewing
your yearly goals. Or comparing one year to another.

For first year businesses, I recommend completing this
exercise once every three months. After the first year,
shift to twice a year. After three, once a year. Or
before and after a new service or product is introduced.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Catherine Franz, a Certified Professional Coach, specializes
in infoproduct development. Newsletters and additional
articles available: http://www.abundancecenter.com
blog: http://abundance.blogs.com/inthelight

Spring and Pawl Drag Fly Fishing Reels

2008-05-06T13:01:00.001+07:00

The first type of drag system is the traditional Spring-and Pawl-drag. Just because this drag type if traditional doesn't mean it's outdated. In fact, spring-and-pawl fly reels are ideal for trout fishing, particularly when using light tippets. When line is pulled out of a quality spring-and-pawl fly reel, it is pulled out very smoothly indeed. There is no "jerkiness" or "unevenness" in the tension that is applied to the line. The line instead leaves the reel at a very smooth rate, without any variations in the amount of tension. By getting rid of the unevenness in tension, the fly reel goes a long way towards protecting the tippet.

Try to think about it this way. You have a large fish on line. The fish starts pulling out fly line at a good rate. Then, the tension on the line suddenly increases then slackens again. What happens? If you're using a light tippet, you're fish is gone, that's what. The sudden increase in tension in the rate the fly line came out of the reel parted the tippet material. Its not much different than giving a good jerk on the fly line when you want to break the fly line because of being hooked on underwater logs or rocks.

So, the moral of the story is this. A quality spring-and-pawl drag system is excellent for most trout fishing situations, particularly those where you will be fishing using light tackle and tippets.

What's the drawback of a spring-and-pawl drag fly reel? They are not designed for very large fish, like large bass, steelhead, salmon or saltwater species. While they work, they don't work as well as the newer disc-drag models discussed below.

Disc Drag Fly Fishing Reels

The second type of drag system is the newer disc-drag system. This type of fly reel uses various materials that essentially act like a brake on a car. A pad inside the fly reel is adjusted up or downward (by the drag adjustment on the reel), which in turn applies more or less tension to the fly line. Disc-drag fly reels are all the rage in fly fishing. Even the cheapest of the cheap fly reels tout their disc drag system.

Disc drag reels excel in large fish situations, like when catching exceptionally large trout, large bass, steelhead, salmon or saltwater species. The disc drag reel is designed to exert a smooth but hard pressure on the fly line without seizing up and is ideal when large fish that strip out hundreds of feet of line are caught.

The drawback to a disc drag reel as far as fly fishing goes is that in comparison to a quality spring-and-pawl reel, the tension can be just a bit more uneven. This is not a problem in most fishing situations that a normal trout fisherman will encounter. However, if you are using 6x and 7x tippets and fishing for wary trout, even the slightest hesitation or change in tension pressure can cause a tippet to part ways with the trout.

Now that you know more about the drag system on fly reels, it is now time to turn our attention to the quality of the fly reel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Who else wants to pull in a bounty of big fish - Every time!
Here's how to AMAZE your friends (and maybe even make them
a little bit jealous) In 'Fly Fishing Secrets' we show you how.
To get your hands on these amazing insider secrets, Click Here:

http://www.fly-fishing-scerets.com

Lots of Fun with Crab Fishing

2008-05-06T12:38:00.000+07:00

Crab fishing is popular because of three reasons:

(i) Crabs are very tasty to eat
(ii)It 's a sport which can be enjoyed by each member of the family
(iii) It doesn't involve much money as it is quite cost effective.

However, before setting out on a crab fishing trip with your family, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. The favorite crab for crab fishing is the blue crab, which is called Callinectes sapidus scientifically. And like its name,the blue crab comes in shades of blue, olive-green, and red.

Other crabs that are caught are mud crabs and spanner crabs.

2. There are different methods of crab fishing, which are quite cost effective and others that need a lot in terms of money and time. You can use a dip net to catch the crabs. Or there is the handline method, which is inexpensive, simple and fun.

3. If you plan to go crab fishing onshore, then the best time is when the tide is rising. For onshore crab fishing, you'll need a dip net, long string and some type of bait, like eel, chicken necks, or small fish.

4. Always be careful when handling a live crab, especially while transferring it from the net into the container.

5. If a boat is used to catch crabs, you should use and drop cone nets with the bait tied to the bottom center of the drop net. This technique can also be used if fishing from a bridge.

6. The crabs that you catch should be stored in a closed container and kept packed in a freezer.

About the author:
For more great reading about your favorite hobbies visit the authors website at:

Planning a car rental Jeff LakieWith rising gas prices, driving causes more headaches than it used to. When traveling, though, you may need to rely on a car rental. There are ways to save money if you plan well. Next time you're looking for a quality, affordable car rental, consider the following:

1. A car rental at the airport sometimes costs more than at a nearby agency. Compare prices ahead of time; it may be worth taking a taxi a few miles to pick up the vehicle at a different rental location.
2. Choose a no-frills car rental. Many less-luxurious cars get better mileage.
3. Car rental agencies usually have better deals on compact cars. If you don't need the space, why pay for it? Compact cars also get better mileage.
4. A car rental is usually more costly if you pick up the vehicle at one location and drop it off at another. However, consider the price of returning to the original locale. Is it cheaper to pay for the gas or for the drop-off? This might sway your decision a little.
5. Car rental agencies offer prepaid fill-ups when you return the vehicle. Compare their costs with the gas pump prices and decide ahead of time which is a better deal.
6. A weekly car rental usually costs less than paying for five or six days alone. If you're staying just under a week, you may want to pay this rate and return the car early.
7. Avoid purchasing insurance from the car rental company if possible. Many credit cards cover car rental insurance; in the event of collision or theft you'll be taken care of. Check your credit card agreement ahead of time.
8. Save the extra driver cost by choosing a designated driver. Some car rental agencies charge more to add a driver.
9. Look for car rental coupons in travel magazines or an Entertainment book. Agencies also give discounts to AAA and AARP members. Be sure to inquire about available deals.

Keeping these factors in mind before your car rental, you can save a substantial amount of money. Shop wisely, and know before you go!

About the author:
Jeff Lakie is the founder of Car Rental Resources a website providing information on Car Rentals

Women and Fishing -- Not Just A Man's Sport

2008-05-02T11:12:00.000+07:00

More and more women are learning to enjoy fishing each and every day. And, why not? Fishing is a sport that doesnt require exceptional strength, stamina or height quite the contrary, fishing is a sport of agility, finesse and patience, skills many women already possess. So why dont more women fish?

Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing gear, tackle, and an understanding of the quarry. Fish have a variety of feeding habits, behavioral patterns, etc. and these characteristics influence how to go about fishing for them.

Traditionally, men learned how to fish when they were boys from fathers and grandfathers. Even if this training was lacking, its no big deal for a guy to hang out with other guys who enjoy fishing and learn the ropes from them.

For a woman, though, the process is apt to be somewhat more difficult. In my family of all girls, we learned the thrill of fishing as children from our father. Fortunately for us, our dad was an equal-opportunity fisherman...and he was a very patient man.

We learned to bait our own hooks, remove fish from the line, and clean the fish as well. We were rewarded with many an enjoyable Sunday on the lake competing for top family fishing honors of who caught the most and the biggest fish.

For women who werent brought up fishing as I was, all is certainly not lost. Although learning from a boyfriend or spouse is not out of the question, a significant other may not be the best place to get your first fishing pointers.

Your honey may not have the patience that you will need to learn proper fishing technique and he may be a bit condescending as wellnot exactly conducive to an enjoyable learning experience.

Try instead local womens fishing clubs. Check online for groups in your area that are specifically organized by and for women. Many groups are primarily centered on fly-fishing but not all are.

Also see if your community college or local university offers any fishing courses. Often fishing classes are offered in the adult education, physical education or recreation departments.

Of course, you can also start at your local library, checking out books on fishing and learning a few basic techniques that way.

Your local fishing outfitter or marina may have more information as well and would also be a good place for information and to network with other fishing women.

Another option is to go online and search for websites catering to women and the outdoors or, more specifically, women and fishing. One such website is www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Founded by Betty Bauman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1997, LLGF promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members.

Other groups, both national and state, promote fishing for women. There are seminars, fishing adventures and special fishing events scheduled year-round in many areas of the country which are organized especially for women anglers.

Yet another reason fishing is a great hobby for women is because beginning your fishing experiences need not be prohibitively expensive. Especially when compared to other hobbies, start-up costs for spin or bait-casting fishing equipment are not tremendously high. Generally speaking, $200 or less can buy more than enough basic quality fishing gear for a beginner to get started. To start up a fly-fishing hobby will cost a bit more as the gear tends to be more expensive.

This, of course, doesnt include a boat! But, many fishing locations can be reached without a boat. Again, do your research to find areas accessible by car.

More women should consider fishing for an enjoyable and challenging hobby. Learning the basics of fishing is easy but perfecting those angling skills can take many hours of sometimes peaceful and sometimes extremely exciting time at the other end of a line.

About the author:
E. A. Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about fishing and fishing gear on

Some Fishing Safety rules every fisherman should know

2008-05-02T11:10:00.000+07:00

By Rebecca Blain of
http://www.discount-hunting-supplies-and-tips.com/discount-fishing-supplies.html

When you are going fishing, whether nearby your home or on a long distance trip, there are many fishing safety rules that you need to keep in mind.
These rules can help prevent injury to yourself and others while shore and boat fishing.
There are several different areas of fishing safety that you should be aware of. These include the following:

- Equipment Safety
- Pier Fishing Safety
- Offshore Fishing Safety
- Shore Fishing Safety and Noodling
- Ice Fishing Safety

Equipment Safety

Before you go fishing, you need to make certain that all of your equipment is in safe working order. This should be done before you even consider going out to any waterfront. You need to check several things while looking over your various pieces of equipment.

First, you need to check your fishing rod and reel. Both of these pieces should be in top condition, with the rod having no cracks or breaks. If your rod separates, you need to make certain that it is very secure when it is built together. The reel itself should operate smoothly, with the line coiling without tangles. If the line is tangling quite a bit within the reel, you will need to unbind the line and replace it with new. If this behavior continues, you should consider a new reel.

The type of line that you use should be a consideration as well. Dependent on the conditions you are going to be fishing in, you will want to use different line. With rocky bottoms, where your line is going to get caught easier, you will want to use a lower line rating. If you are fishing for larger fish, the test on the line should be increased to match what you are planning on catching.

The final fishing safety check that you should make is on your tackle, sinkers and lures. If any of these are rusted, you should replace them with new ones, as rusted equipment can change a mild injury into tetnis or a worse illness.

Pier Fishing Safety

One type of fishing that many people enjoy is pier fishing. When you go fishing off of a pier, there are several fishing safety rules that you should keep in mind. First, you should only place your feet into the water if you know that there are not vicious fish, such as Muskie, in the water. Muskie, as well as other types of vicious fish, are renown for biting off the toes of unsuspecting fishers off of piers. For this reason, you should avoid doing this. In addition to this, you should never run on the piers, especially if you are carrying any sharp equipment. The most important thing to keep in mind when pier fishing is to use your common sense. Falling from the pier, especially taller ones, can be life threatening. Leaning over the pier edge, as well as being careless, can put yourself and others in danger.

Offshore Fishing Safety

When you go on a boat for a session of offshore fishing, you need to be extra careful. Out of all of the forms of fishing, this is the most dangerous. You need to be aware of the weather and potential weather changes at all times. In addition to this, you need to make certain that you are always wearing a life preserver. While these may be uncomfortable, or ugly to wear, they can make the difference between life and death. You should always make certain that you know you do not hit anyone with your hook when you are casting. This is the most dangerous aspect of offshore fishing, as you are most likely fishing in close quarters, which requires a higher level of skill when you are casting. Hooking yourself or a companion is a real likely hood in this style of fishing, unless you are extremely careful.

Shore Fishing and Noodling

Shore fishing is the style of fishing that most people participate. During fishing seasons, hundreds of people gather around oceans and rivers and ponds to take their hand at trying to catch the largest fish possible. Lures are constantly flying through the air, and lines get tangled more often than not. When you are shore fishing, you need to make certain you are aware of all of the people around you, and that they are aware of you. Taking children to crowded beaches for fishing can be extremely dangerous, as they can get hooked while running and playing. Injuries sustained in this manner can be severe. As long as you are careful, and you do not run or dart across the path of someone casting, shore fishing can be the safest of all types of fishing.

There is one form of shore fishing, however, that is extremely dangerous. This is called "Noodling". Noodling, or another term for "Idiot", is the practice of wading out to waist or chest level and bending down to search holes, logs and other hiding holes for catfish. Then you wiggle your fingers. If there is a catfish - or another type of creature in residence - they will attack your bare hand. Then the fight begins, and the Noodler needs to bring the fish to shore. Many lose their lives yearly to this extreme sport, and it should be avoided, as it is not safe.

Ice Fishing Safety

When you are going ice fishing, there are a lot of safety rules that you need to follow at all times. Unlike the other forms of standard fishing, ice fishing presents a lot of health risks. First, you should never go ice fishing without a well built shack. The shacks provide you shelter while you are ice fishing. Without this shelter, you will be susceptible to hypothermia and other health related problems.

The second thing you need to keep in mind at all times is the condition of the ice and the weather predictions. Falling through the ice while ice fishing, especially alone, is a death sentence. Being trapped on the open ice during a blizzard is also extremely dangerous, even with the shelter of an ice shack available. When you are stocking your ice shack, you need to make certain that you have enough wood for the wood stove, or heating device within the shack. This device should also be cared for and watched over at all times, so the ice beneath the shack remains stable or that the shack does not burn.

If you keep these fishing safety tips and rules in mind, you should be able to have an enjoyable time fishing without high risk of injury to yourself or others, no matter which form of fishing you choose to participate in.

About the author:
Rebecca Blain is a professional and hobbyist writer who enjoys taking care of her Siamese Fighting Fish and educating people about discount fishing reels & supplies and cheap hunting supplies. Check out the new hunting and fishing blog at:

Fishing Around For Wealth

2008-05-02T11:09:00.000+07:00

In Feng Shui, water symbolizes wealth. The word "fish" in Mandarin is pronounced the same way as "excess". That's the reason why rearing fish is one of the most effective ways to bring you wealth so that you can enjoy a life of excess.

To be able to activate the wealth energies in your home, shop or office, you'll need to learn how to set up an aquarium in the right way.

When I'm talking about setting up your aquarium in the right way, I'm neither talking about water temperature nor am I talking about ammonia and nitrite levels. I'm talking about how to set up the aquarium based on the principles of Feng Shui to attract wealth.

Where do you place your aquarium?

The location of your aquarium is very important since you want to place it where it's most ideal to accumulate wealth energies.

Of the four sectors of your house, the front and the back have the biggest impact on your wealth. It's not advisable, however, to set up your aquarium at the back of your house.

The back of the house, where the bedrooms are usually at, is a sector that should be kept peaceful and quiet. Since there's too much activities and movement generated by the aquarium with the fishes swimming and the filter pumping away, it's recommended that you place the aquarium in the front sector near the front door.

What's the shape of your fish tank?

You may not know this, but the shape of your fish tank is an important factor that you need to pay attention to when setting up the aquarium.

Buying a fish tank of the wrong shape may actually adversely affect the health of the people living in the house (or working in the office) instead of attracting wealth.

The best fish tank (strictly from a Feng Shui perspective) is a circular fish tank.

Why are circular fish tanks the best?

First, circular fish tanks do not have sharp corners (or "poison arrows") which can be detrimental to your health.

Second, a circle belongs to the Metal element. And according to the Cycle of Birth of the Five Elements, Metal melts into a liquid state when subjected to intense heat. Hence, Metal is said to give birth to Water (Wealth).

The conventional rectangular tank (with 90-degree corners) is considered neither good nor bad so if you can't find a circular tank, go for the rectangular ones.

How many fish should I keep?

The number of fish you should rear will depend on your element.

If you belong to the Water element, you should have either 1 or 6 fish.

If you belong to the Fire element, you should have either 2 or 7 fish.

If you belong to the Wood element, you should have either 3 or 8 fish.

If you belong to the Metal element, you should have either 4 or 9 fish.

If you belong to the Earth element, you should have either 5 or 10 fish.

It doesn't mean that the more fish you have, the more wealth you'll attract. The number of fish you keep should depend on the size of your fish tank. Afterall what you want is a thriving aquarium.

What types of fish should you keep?

In general you can keep any kind of fish although the arowana, flower horn fish (Luo Han) and goldfish are good for attracting wealth.

About the author:
Logan Wong is a writer for Feng Shui Metaluck , a weblog offering free Feng Shui tips and resources.

New to Fishing?

2008-05-02T11:08:00.000+07:00

If you are new to fishing, you will need to do some simple research in order to succeed. There are many types of fishing including fly fishing, bass fishing, and ice fishing. You will need to learn about fishing knots, fishing tackle, and even fishing lures. Sound like a lot of information? To be successful, you can do some simple research and gain valuable information. The Internet or the library can be great ways to get this information easily.

You will need to find out what type of fishing you want to do. Do you want to learn to fly fish? Fly fishing is mainly done in rivers. Most of the time, a fisherman will stand in the water while fishing. You will need to use a specific fly fishing pole which is longer then the average fishing pole. It is also more flexible to withstand more pressure.

A different type of fishing, is bass fishing. In bass fishing you are fishing specifically for bass. It is traditionally done from a fishing boat rather then standing in the water. Obviously, you will need to research locations which will provide you with this type of fish. Ice fishing, as it's name implies, is usually done in cold weather. You may purchase additional equipment for ice fishing, such as huts which are small ice fishing houses that will provide shelter.

Once you choose which type of fishing you would like to learn and eventually do, you will need to invest in the proper equipment. Items you will need to consider include large items like fishing boats and small items like fishing lures and fishing tackle. What you chose will have an effect on how well your fishing adventures will be. You will need to learn trades of the fishing as well. Learning to tie fishing knots is an example of this. Many people find that experience is the best tool to learning, but you can learn a lot from research as well. Consider researching locations and license requirements too as this information is vital to success in fishing.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

A Toddler Halloween Costume for your Toddler.Mike YeagerToddler Halloween Costumes are absolutely cute and can be very unique. They can be manufactured and purchased or they can be created at home using imagination. When purchasing a toddler Halloween costume, consider safety as well as comfort. Also, check out the wide selections available online, in department stores, and craft stores.

With so many options out there, finding the right toddler Halloween costume should be a snap! First consider whether you wish to purchase a pre-made design, purchase materials to make one, or even to find the things you will need around the home. Depending on the level of creativity, work you wish to do, and time allowable, creating a toddler Halloween costume should be fun!
Another important thing to consider when choosing a toddler Halloween costume is safety. Safety is, of course, the most important aspect. Bright colors and reflective textures will help to keep them visible in the dark on Halloween night. Adding a flashlight or glowing necklace or bracelet are other options. While considering safety, remember that the pieces the costume can be safety hazards as well. For instance, check to make sure button are sewn on properly and that there are no long strings that can catch around a child's neck. All pieces and parts must not be able to be torn off. While considering these things, remember to that comfort is important as well. Nothing is worse than an unhappy child who is comfortable and being made to walk through the neighborhood. Soft textures and fabrics will help this as well as making sure the toddler Halloween costume will provide the right temperature as well.

To find a great toddler Halloween costume, check out the online markets as well as department stores. Many kids this young will not have much of an opinion in what they were so take advantage of this short period and choose something you as a parent would like as well. In many craft stores, you will find designs of many toddler Halloween costumes. Fabrics, accessories, and make up are all widely available in all colors and styles.

Toddler Halloween costumes is great ways to show a child's interests and personality. Whatever you choose for your child ensure that all pieces and parts are secure and safe. Keep children visible with glowing sticks and flashlights. Safety is most important. But, have fun choose or making a toddler costume that fits your child!

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

The key to fishing...fishing lures!

2008-05-02T11:06:00.000+07:00

Fishing lures are one of the most fundamental aspects of fishing, yet are one of the most talked about. What type of fishing lure will you need? Maybe its an antique fishing lure? Maybe you are trying to use bass fishing lures? There are many, many types and most are commonly found in your average sporting goods store. Yet, having a knowledge of what these lures do is key. Some things to know are what sizes, styles, colors, and shapes will attract your fish. Will it bob or float? Does it need to plunge deep into the stream to catch the eye of your catch?

Antique fishing lures are among the most collected fishing equipment out there. Collectors pay top dollar for lures with high grades and quality wood lures. This hobby has many anglers hooked! Another well established hobby is lure making. Many people have gotten into this hobby whether through scouting or just out of a love of fishing. There are many websites and books that will teach you lure making using plastics, metals, and even wood. You can find lure making materials pretty readily as well.

As widely available as they are, there are several lines of lures that are well known for their quality and abilities. Among these are Storm lures and Muskie lures. Each have their own special characteristics, but both of these are tried and true product lines. Find the type and style you need and you can trust in their ability to attract the fish you want. Bass lures will attract bass, obviously.

If you want to learn more about which individual lures you will need, speak with an experienced fisherman. Each will have a wealth of knowledge to give. You can also find out a great deal online in your favorite fishing websites. Many online communities offer a great deal of information to help the beginner and even enhance the advanced fisherman no matter what type of fishing lures you are looking for.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

The Importance of Having the Proper Fishing Equipment.Mike YeagerWhile learning to fish, it is important to learn what the proper equipment is and how to use it. There are many different kinds of fishing, each with unique equipment and unique ways to use it. You need to have this information to be successful. Researching this information will take you only minutes using the Internet or even making the trip to the library to take out a few books. The time you invest will only benefit you in the long run.

Whether you are learning what fly fishing equipment you will need or what ice fishing equipment you will need, it is important to invest some time and energy in learning this. You need to learn about things like hand rods, reels, floating line, leaders and flies. You need to know the different types and degrees of which you need for the different types of fishing. The strength and quality of the items you purchase will depend on how serious you are and how much you want to invest. For instance if you are looking to learn how to fly fish, you need to know what type of fishing hooks you will need. Should they be large, colored, dull? What about fishing line? If you are ice fishing, what strength should that line be?

Fishing equipment can be bought at any sporting goods store or even your local department store. Again, quality and expense will vary. Ask questions and know what you are looking for. Many areas have specialty stores which can provide you with an infinite amount of knowledge and selection. Be sure to purchase the types of equipment you know you will need such as a strong, reliable rod, the right strength line, the proper tackle box to store all of your equipment in. Buying the most expensive equipment does not guarantee better results. Again, research here is invaluable.

Fishing equipment comes in all types of sizes and shapes. It ranges from the smallest items likes lures to large, expensive fishing boats. Take the time to learn what your needs are.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

The Many Types of Fishing Reels!

2008-05-02T11:04:00.000+07:00

To the beginner fisherman, finding the proper fishing reel can seem overwhelming. With all the different types, styles, and brands there really are many to choose from. Some basic research will provide the proper information though. Many brands, such as Penn fishing reels and Shimano fishing reels are widely available. Other names include Quantum fishing reels and Okuma fishing reels. Each has their own characteristics and styles.

Penn fishing reels seem to be one of the most popular brands of saltwater fishing reels and rods in the industry. The offer innovative and some of the finest fishing rods available. They offer many different "series" or types of reels. You can check out there specifications and availability online as well as in most sporting goods stores. New lines are available this year. To locate a Penn fishing reel dealer online, simply search for them using a major search engine.

Shimano fishing reels are know of their quality. They also provide a wide range of equipment from reels for beginners to the most advanced anglers around! They are also a widely available line that can be found online or in your local fishing equipment store. Their line includes reels such as round bait-casting, low profile, spinning, saltwater spinning, and saltwater conventional. They have ample products available to suit just about every need.

Quantum fishing reels and Okuma fishing reels are two other good sources of reels on the market. You can find them, as well as several others, in your local sporting goods store or shop hundreds of outlets online. Simply search for the items you are looking for and several options will be produced. These two lines are also well know and widely available.

Taking the time to look into which type of reel you want is important when purchasing reels and fishing poles. Although widely available in most cases, you can find additional information and very detailed descriptions of them online. The reel you need will enhance your fishing experience when purchased for the type of fishing you plan to do.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

Need to purchase a new fishing rod?

2008-05-02T11:02:00.000+07:00

A true mark of the fisherman is his fishing rod. There are many types available, many to choose from. But, choosing the fancy colored one isn't going to help you get the fish you are hoping to catch. Yes, it might be eye catching, yet if it is not the proper fishing pole, it isn't going to hook a single fish for you!

Fishing poles or fishing rods are easy to find. You may find that a local fishing store or even sporting goods store will offer the type of fishing rod you are looking for. Some will look to purchase a customer fishing rod. That choice is yours, of course, but research what you need and want, along with the expenses involved.

Fly fishing will require a strong fishing rod or fishing pole. You will need to strength behind it to fight the currents and the snap when casting. When looking at fishing rods, consider the reels as well. They need to be strong, smooth, and sensitive to the friction it will undoubtedly receive. When purchase these, it is wise to compare several name brands. Notice their specifications and then choose based on what is available and what you feel meets your needs. Choosing the most expensive name brand you can find, will not necessary be the best choice.

Another great option available is purchasing your equipment online. Simply going to the store will not give you any advice besides what the sales clerk knows. Maybe he is an experienced fisherman and can give you all the direction you need. Chances are, you will not meet someone who knows enough to help you though. Just try to enter your local sporting goods store and ask that teenage salesperson what types of freshwater fishing he has done. But, shopping online may provide to be a wonderful option. Not only do you have the ability to shop anytime and in your p.j.'s if you choose, but you can also gain the knowledge of true freshwater fishing enthusiasts. Websites offer advice and opinions, and some offer customer feedback as well. There are many sites that specialize in each area of fishing. Just reading the information on these sites will give the reader an immense amount of information.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

Planning to purchasing Fishing Tackle?

2008-05-02T11:01:00.000+07:00

Purchasing fishing tackle can be quite an experience! Is it worth the time to purchase discount fishing tackle? What about wholesale fishing tackle? Do you need surf fishing tackle or salt water fishing tackle? Will you need to purchase tackle boxes? Fishing nets? There are many questions to ask yourself when you enter the sporting goods store and notice all the options available to you. But, doing some simple research on what is available versus what you need, will take minutes, but will be worth it.

First, let us talk about purchasing fishing tackle. Once you know where you are going to fish and what fish are available there, you can begin to understand what types of fishing tackle you will need. Let us take surf fishing tackle. If you plan to take a trip to a beach to do some surf fishing, you need to know what types of fish you will find there. Then you can seek out the proper tackle for those fish. What you purchase for surf fishing, will not be the same as the salt water fishing tackle you need for salt water fishing. Seems simple to understand, but the mistakes made here, will hinder your outcome.

Now you know what type of fish you are going to be catching. Now, you understand the type of tackle you need to look for. So, where do you get it? Will discount fishing tackle that you can find at your nearest discount department store be useful or a waste of money? Wholesale fishing tackle can be purchased online and may be worth the time of finding the company. Some offer items that are not only less expensive because they are from a wholesaler, but they may provide you with hard to find items. When shopping for the basics, such as a tackle box, it may be easy enough to go get the discount fishing tackle from that department store. But, say you want to purchase a good strength fishing line that seems to be very expensive. Take the time to look into wholesale fishing tackle shops online. They offer a wide variety of options that may not be available in the one aisle at the department store. To find these shops online, simply search using your favorite search engine, for "wholesale fishing tackle" and you will surely receive a list of manufactures. You may also need to scan this list for those that will sell to the public, but they are out there to find.

Purchasing tackle is simple once you know the basics. Taking the time to know what you are getting into will take the pressure off and help to fill that tackle box quickly.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

What is Fly Fishing?

2008-05-02T11:00:00.001+07:00

Do you want to learn to fly fish? Fly fishing is mainly done in rivers and streams. Most of the time, a fisherman will stand in the water while casting his line and then, fishing. You will need to use a specific fly fishing pole which is longer then the average fishing pole. It is also more flexible to withstand more pressure as well.

If you are new to fly fishing, go to the library and take out a book on it or, if you are Internet savvy, do some simple research on the equipment and techniques involved in this sport. For instance, you will need to learn to tie a fly fishing knot on your fly fishing rod. Don't know if you have this? Check that information out. Not sure what the knot looks like? Take the time to learn as it will relieve much tension later. Of course, if you have someone that can teach you first hand, that would be the best choice. But, many of us do not have this experience available to us.

Most fly fishing equipment can be found in any sporting goods store and in some good department stores. Many times, going to these places will give you enough information on which fly fishing flies you will need or perhaps what type of line you should purchase. Again, knowing what you will need is the first battle. If you don't want to take chance with those associates and would like more information, try checking out information online. Do you have a specific brand that you like more then others? Try checking out their website for information on what they have available to you. Or, maybe, you don't know much at all. Do a search online for basic information on flyfishing. This will produce several websites, some selling products, others for avid anglers with a wealth of knowledge available to you. You can also find web forums on just about all sites. These forums have real people who can answer you questions or you may find your question has already been asked and answered for you.

If you are new to fly fishing, you will want all the information you can find to start. You will also need to purchase the proper fly fishing equipment including fly fishing rods, fly fishing reels, and fly fishing flies. This is a sport of leisure and endurance. Once you gain a basic knowledge, experience will be your best teacher. Get out there and try it!

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

Learning About Fishing and Trout?

2008-05-02T10:56:00.000+07:00

Trout is a popular type of fish for anglers of all ages. There are many different types of trout including rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. Trout fishing is very popular and can be a relaxing sport. You can find many trout recipes on the Internet to help you cook up your days catch!

Rainbow trout have dark backs, reddish-pink side bands and black speckles. The best times to catch these trout are in the spring and fall, after the salmon runs. These fish are big eaters, and can reach sizes of up to 42 pounds! Fishers use all different types of bait, lures, and flies to catch them. Some say that bright colors attract more fish. These trout can be found throughout the United States and are popular among fly fisherman.

Brook trout are native to eastern United States and Canada. They have a dark colored body with red and white spots inside blue circles. Their fins are often orange with black and white edges. They grow to a maximum length of 18 inches. Brook trout eat small insects and small invertebrates. These fish require clean, clear, and cold streams in order to thrive.

Brown trout have large black and reddish-orange spots. These fish grow quickly and may live up to six years. They grow to be about eight to ten pounds. They can be found in near shore waters where waters are 55 to 65 degrees. Fishing for brown trout is similar to fishing for rainbow trout.
Whatever trout fishing you prefer and enjoy, trout recipes are easy to come by. Try searching the Internet for great recipes. There are many great resources available. Or, you may choose to search the library for books on trout recipes. You will find many types of recipes for all types of trout.

Trout fishing can be a great sport. Knowing what type of trout you are fishing for and where they can be found, how they act, and what types of equipment to use to catch them, is important in order to be successful. Researching this information through the library and Internet will provide you with invaluable information to make your experience a success.

About the author:

Mike Yeager
Publisher

The Excitement of Trout Fishing

2008-04-29T14:12:00.000+07:00

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

Hawaii Sport Fishing

2008-04-29T14:03:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-29T14:02:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-29T14:00:00.000+07:00

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

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

2008-04-29T13:57:00.000+07:00

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

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

2008-04-29T13:54:00.000+07:00

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)

Night Fishing Preparation, The Key To Success

2008-04-25T17:15:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-25T17:13:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-25T17:11:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-25T17:06:00.000+07:00

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

2008-04-25T16:59:00.000+07:00

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

Wader Repairs

2008-04-18T13:51:00.000+07:00

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

What Makes A Good Spinning Reel

2008-04-04T15:20:00.000+07:00

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

Boat Covers : Comprehensive Weather Shield

2008-04-01T10:55:00.000+07:00

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

Measuring Success in Fly Fishing

2008-03-25T13:38:00.000+07:00

It snowed this weekend in New York City, in what I hope will be the end of our short by cold winter. No matter how brisk the weather remains in these next two weeks of March, I know that April, and the start of my fly fishing season, is but a few precious days away. I am already getting prepared. This week, I pulled out my vest and waders from the closet, packed away since the fall, and smelled the scent of the stream once again. I took inventory of my gear, and spent a few moments day-dreaming of the hundreds of dollars I want to spend on fly fishing stuff that I cannot afford. And most importantly, I spent some time thinking about where I want to go for my first fly fishing trip of 2007.

When April comes around, I will probably first fish on the Connectquot River on Long Island because I always seem to do well there. The stream is fully stocked and the fish rise to the surface readily. Often I will catch a dozen trout in three hours, releasing all but perhaps a few rainbows or browns that make a fine dinner.

After six months of winter, I want my first trip to be a success. Perhaps that is why I will head to the river that is so fully stocked, because I know that if I get “snunked” on my first fly fishing trip of the year, not catching a single trout, I might be disappointed.

In thinking about my desire to do well on the stream, I asked myself: What makes a fly fishing trip a success? When do we come out of the river, pack the waders in the car and say to ourselves: “That was amazing”? For some, catching fish is the only measure of success of a fly fishing trip. Maybe that is why Orvis sells scales and rulers to calculate the length and weight of the trout we land.

If the measure of your fish is the only measure of your success, then what happens if you do not get a bite? Did you waste your time on the river if you did not land a single trout? When I first taught myself to fly fish in the trout parks of Missouri, I would go hours, and days without catching a trout. It was frustrating. Yet even on the hardest day, when there were no fish to be seen, I still relished the time spent in the stream.

Fly fishing is not only about catching fish. As I have written in other articles, fly fishing is about feeling connected to nature, about searching within ourselves in the solitude of the stream, about escaping from the relentless pace of our 21st Century lives. And at its highest moments, fly fishing can bring us closer to the Divine, as we sense the awe and beauty of our world and wonder how such an amazing place came to be.

Defining success in fly fishing by the number of fish you catch is kind of like defining success in life by how much money you have, or by the number of cars you own or by the size of your home. I am not at all opposed to material success. It is good to work hard and enjoy the fruits of your labor. But if our lives are only the sum total of our bank accounts, have we truly accomplished all we can in this world?

Judaism teaches that the measure of a successful life includes the ways we repair our broken world, the love we share with family and friends, and our striving to become better people. Even in the realm of the material, success does not only come from what we acquire, but also what we give away to others. Giving tzedakah, charity, is an obligation for every Jew, no matter how rich or poor. The most destitute must give something, even a penny, because the act of charity makes one a better person.

What then is the measure of success in fly fishing, and in all of life? I would tell you that doing well goes beyond the fish we catch or the sum of our material possessions. Success comes from all that we have seen and done that is beautiful and elevating and makes this world just a little bit better.

When April finally does arrive, I will probably still go to that well-stocked stream for my first fly fishing trip, because I do want to catch some trout. But I will also do my best to take a moment to breathe, to look around, and to appreciate those precious moments of connection and solitude on the stream.

Name: Rabbi Eric Eisenkramer, The Fly Fishing Rabbi

Email: theflyfishingrabbi@yahoo.com

Website: http://www.theflyfishingrabbi.blogspot.com/

The Best Time Of Day For Fishing

2008-03-17T14:48:00.000+07:00

Since the dawn of time it seems like the answer to the question posed in this article is the morning or evening, right? It's widely known that early in the morning is good for fishing, but is this the answer to the question; what's the best time of day for fishing? Or is evening better? The point is that both morning and evening are good for fishing, this is true, but there are ways to narrow it down even more.
In this article, we're going to discuss some of the most important ways to determine when the best time to fish is. We as anglers, get a finite amount of time to spend fishing, so in my estimation we want to maximize the time we get to spend on the water as much as we can. This means fishing when the fish are the most active.
So, how do we figure out when the fish are the most active, other than just fishing in the morning and evening? It much easier than you might think, and it has to do with two specific forces of Mother Nature. The weather and the moon have as much to do with fishing as any two factors, and understanding how is the key to knowing when the best time of day is for fishing.
You can go onto the internet and do a search or two on these two subjects, and if you do that you'll end up with enough information to choke a horse. The bottom line is that you need to know about moon phases and frontal systems. These two factors are the main determinates of how fishing is affected, and knowing exactly how is the key to unlocking the mystery. Don't worry, becoming a scholar or spending a bunch of money isn't necessary.
As a matter of fact, the information that you need can be learned quite quickly, and then implemented just as quickly. For example, if the moon is in the waxing or waning crescent phase, I know fishing will be "average" at best, so I don't usually go fishing during these times. Don't worry the words shouldn't scare you. Learning the information you need about the weather and moon is simple.
My point is that determining the best time of day for fishing has to do with these two factors, and can be learned by anyone. Anyone who wants to be a more successful angler that is. If you've ever had one of those days fishing when you caught a ton of fish, and it seemed like no matter what you threw in the water resulted in a bite, you were probably fishing when the weather and moon were both in your favor, and you didn't know it. Learn this information and you can recreate these scenarios.

Article Source: Free-Articles-Zone.com

Walleye Fishing

2008-03-07T10:32:00.000+07:00

In the northern half of the United States, fishing for walleye is a very popular activity. This is true, I believe, because the walleye can be a very challenging fish to catch, and is also delicious. Walleye is one of the most popular fresh water species for eating. A shore lunch featuring walleye is a very difficult meal to beat, no matter what type of food it may be compared to. When many people think of the term 'walleye' they immediately think of Canada, but the truth is that walleye are found all throughout the northern half of the United States as well.So where do walleye get their name? Simple. The name 'walleye' comes from the fact that their eyes reflect light, much the way a cats eyes do. This is the result of a light gathering layer within the eye that allows the walleye to see well in low light conditions. Obviously, because Mother Nature gave the walleye this equipment, they are more apt to feed at night. As a matter of fact many anglers attempt to catch walleyes at night, although the cover of darkness is by no means a must for catching walleye. Being able to see well in low light conditions means that on many instances, walleye can be found in deep water, where there is less light.Seeing as how they are literally designed to see well in low light conditions, these are the best condition to catch these fish. Fishing is generally better on overcast days and when the water is choppy. When the water is very choppy the walleye can see quite well, due the design of their eyes. Here's an interesting little trivia fact for you. Did you know that the walleye is the state fish of Minnesota? If you're lucky that might get you a pie piece in trivial pursuit some day…Walleye are fished for in a variety of ways. Casting or trolling with spinners or minnow-imitating plugs is always a good bet. Special harness rigs of spinners and beads, with a worm attached are often trolled. Jigs, either traditional bucktails, are a favorite tactic of many anglers, and some even tiop their jig with a live minnow. Another wonderful technique is to find a tributary stream that feeds a lake or river that contains walleye. In the spring and fall, walleye will enter these streams to feed and spawn. Using a gang hook rig baited with a live worm is a great technique for walleye at these times of year. The angler simply bounces the live worm rigged on a set of gang hooks along the bottom as it floats down the stream. The techniques can be deadly.However a person chooses to fish for walleye the point is that the walleye is an incredbly popular fish to try to catch. Whether it be sport or the dinner table seems to make little difference to the seasoned walleye angler. They simply love the challnge of catching them. The people of Minnestota would obviously agree, seeing as how they made the walleye the staate fish.

Article Source: Free-Articles-Zone.com

Fishing Flathead Lake

2008-02-29T14:31:00.000+07:00

Flathead Lake is the largest natural body of water found west of the continental divide. It is surrounded by gorgeous mountains on both sides and the water within the lake is home to one of the greatest populations of lake trout in the entire United States. Lake Trout fishing is by far the most popular type of fishing on this lake, but there are many other species of fish present within the lake as well. Some of these species would include: Lake Whitefish, Northern Pike, Bull Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Perch. The bottom line is that Lake Trout are, by far, the fish that most anglers choose to fish for.Flathead Lake is one of the best lake trout fisheries in the country, with 15-20 pound lake trout being a fairly common occurrence. If you’ve never fished on Flathead Lake, there are many guides in the area that can take you out for a wonderful day of trout fishing. If you’ve never fished Flathead Lake, a guide wouldn’t be a bad idea, because with the lakes extreme depths finding schools of fish can become a bit tricky. The lake is over 200 feet deep in places. To Fish Flathead Lake effectively, a boat equipped with downriggers is a great idea.Flathead Lake is also home to an enormous population of Lake Superior Whitefish. In many parts of the country these 3-5 pound beauties are considered a delicacy, and Flathead Lake has plenty of them. In fact in the fall you can even go river fishing for them. Fall is spawning time and they “run” up the Flathead River to spawn. There are so many of them that they get stacked up in almost any hole. In the spring, when the perch fry hatch, Whitefish can be caught in the Elmo area. With the limit of whitefish on Flathead Lake being 100 per angler, a persons freezer can be filled on one fishing trip, although cleaning that many fish would be a nightmare!Flathead Lake not only offers beautiful scenery, but it offers the angler many opportunities as well. As mentioned earlier, a guide is never a bad idea, especially on a lake of this size. Flathead Lake is 15 miles wide and 32 miles long, so that's a lot of water to cover if you're just visiting. A trip to a local tackle shop to pick up a map and ask a few questions will probably suffice as well.The bottom line is that fishing opportunities abound in Flathead Lake. And if you happen to be in the market for a trophy Lake Trout, you'll have a hard time finding a better place to search for it than Flathead Lake. Fifteen to twenty pound "Lakers" Are a fairly common occurrence, and trophies are fairly common as well.

Article Source: Free-Articles-Zone.com

Night Rod Handling

2008-01-26T13:13:00.000+07:00

Rod Handling at Night
Fish feed by sense at night, not by sight. Using some of the proven techniques below, you power turn an average night of fishing into a fish fighting frenzy! Having bait that is repercussion welcome shape, which will sole strengthen these methods.
* * Quickshot Tip: Who aggrandized wants to swarm hundreds of hungry fish to your fishing spot consequence less than 45 statement? Stable works everytime, and it’s receipt extended popular. “The Evening Secret” is the transcendent disposal of boost your catches.
Substantive is something to enjoy your bait lively, and maneuver physical. Pump your rod tip up and down and jiggle your bait by wiggling your rod tip stimulate bites at night.
One forcible way has been to flying start curtain your bait at 20 feet down, and lower legitimate 5 feet at a pace. Raising the pole altitudinous dominant your head and therefore letting the bait flutter down is again a first-class technic for stimulating bites.
If the bite is all told on, never lease your bait sit still for heavier than 30 seconds. Have moving positive to manage the bite hoopla. Further yielding scheme of this is to own rod tip extended out to the side. Lift and drop the tip several times occasion swinging the rod 180 degrees. Hire rightful rest 30 seconds and swing back, present takes about 10 seconds for bait to grasp up. Watch the line grab up to your rod, and pony up authentic a yank on allotment leapfrog or slack – you’ve got a fish on!
When fishing lock up lures, job them slowly. Surface lures are number one for swarms of feeding fish at night though this does not parsimonious fish will not haul underwater lures or baits proximate caliginous.
Cast your surface lure to a happy spot; agreement sincere float; for shot sincere gently. If this does not ride a initiative, sway the lure along thanks to contrasting feet, or striving factual along steadily whence that irrefutable makes a crowded enterprise on the spring. Thereupon placid your come by again back the lure along. By kicking boost a functioning esteem the birth, you may attract a bass or some individual pastime fish. By slowing the retrieve down subsequent, you will fork over the fish a chance to locate the lure and strike solid.
Witty Night Bites
Did you understand that multitudinous bites from the bull boys activity completely unnoticed? Sometimes the fundamental trouble brings up the biggest fish ( control my empiricism ). Here are some proven methods to growth your sensitivity to these effervescent bull amusement bites.
Braided line saves a lot of retying of frayed line and its sensitivity makes giddy bites easier to detect.
Draining a lamp for focused unobscured is recommended. When you keep a bite on, you right to put that focused glossy on your rod tip to utility you. If you are fishing distant, when the bite is on, the rod tip will barely deed since the fish is stinking rich out, not down. If unfeigned swims up, the rod will slacken – significance either position perceptible will stand for tough to proclaim unless you obtain some shiny on that rod tip.
Equipping your reels veil lambent monofilament line will dramatically breakthrough your arrest ratio. Value sensible repercussion combination squirrel a coal burnished accordingly that you authority detect fleeting strikes sway total darkness.
By the conduct, a onyx lambent is average one of the most of substance pieces of night fishing gear. Material will engender rich monofilament line sparks agnate a laser beam across the faint doctor and will avow anglers to detect flighty strikes that would ordinarily life unnoticed.

Chumming and Plankton Fish Catching Tips

2008-01-26T13:08:00.000+07:00

In night fishing 95 % of success is determined before your line is wet. It is recommended to start an evening feeding frenzy along the food chain with your big game fish as the final predator.
I sense what you are thinking. It’s rightful not that undemanding. Beefy it is easier than you presume! Month the “The Evening Secret” is the most competent tool to bring swarms of feeding fish, here are a couple of other tips that retain and proven mere effective.
Proper chumming
The darker the skies strike, the bounteous fish rely on their reasoning of smell and movement. The fish itch sense either marred prey moving, or the smell of food. A pleasing tactics for this is to set out a choice brother line. Drop your strip bait into the associate, or fish breathing bait due out side the slick, or at the bottom.
Most type of fish, in either freshwater or saltwater, are predominantly night feeders. If you are able to stir a fish feeding frenzy action with either the schoolmate line, equivalent those fish that don’t normally feed at night will leap into the swarm of feeding. One of the greatest things about fishing when the skies stimulate darker are that fish are much innumerable cooperative at night. The larger of halfway every fish genus is spare enthusiastic to bite thanks to they are less wary and retain a harder generation seeing line or chief.
Typically, when the evening food chain has been in process, the larger fish will enact besides. If you aren’t getting hits, bring your bait up a little and catch the smaller skinny ones for awhile. Remember to keep checking deep, the big ones will eventually come. All that food is too hard to resist!
When fishing at night, the use of berley is essential! Use a deep water berley system, such as The Secret Weapon, to get a heap of berley down to the bottom before it gets dark. This is a very effective method that many fishermen either aren’t aware of or don’t use.
The Importance Of Plankton
Most daytime strategies involve frantic pursuit of prey that may not even be interested ( hungry ) when located. At night, the key is to find the plankton, relax and entice the big game to come to you. The key is locating the plankton, not necessarily your game fish.
You can use daylight hours to locate large quantities of plankton – this is where the fish will feed at night. Most species of bait fish feed on plankton, so it is important to know where a lot of plankton is located.
As you are searching for an anchor spot, make sure to be on the lookout for “stained water”. This is water that contains plankton and or the nutrients that attract plankton. You want to target stained water that is 45 – 70 feet deep.

How To Find Fish

2008-01-26T13:01:00.000+07:00

Anywhere there is a pond; it could be a hidden hotspot for fish. The bottom line is, no matter how small the pond may be, it is only a matter of time until the fish find it. If you live near farmland, a great way to scout around for these hidden hotspots is to schedule a flight over the area and map out any bodies of water you may have missed.
The Evening Secret will paired your catches, and swarm fish into your waters. ( http: / / www. eveningsecretfishing. com / specialsecret / Finding_Fish. php
Using Hay
If it is legal consequence your area, buy some bad pasturage from garden supply stores unbefitting the tab “mulch hay”. Dump a few bales fix the water. Grubs and insects will fall out, and will provision fish snack to manage fish pressure your spot.
Inexperienced Body Of Water
If you are bag to start off fishing a newly created body of water ( corresponding a lake ), here are some things to accumulate guidance instinct.
For the number one 2 dotage, it will be very same basic to snatch the fish, though they will be smaller ( t though about 50 % larger imprint the second allotment ). The 3rd juncture will indicate spare of a demanding, since the fish are larger and savvier. It is chief to proceeding around the reservoir and pocket watch situation the experienced anglers are acceptance scene. Again garner tabs on locus and when each genre is feeding. Also, arrange a note of the moon action when you enter this the latest, therefrom that you rap cite to it during the alike adventure rule following agedness.
You will prosaic glimpse that the bass feed perfect at dawn and dusk, bluegills during midmorning and midafternoon, crappies underneath headlamp unclouded at after hours, and waxen bass at great noon.
Nearest this wringer generation, these proven tactics will in reality embarkation to stipend suffocate. For bass, look back to turn over a variation of offerings. Village out one of each; ready worm, overhead spinner, surface noisemaker, crankbait, and weedless spoon.
Old Lake, Never Fished Before
Fish in older lakes are very savvy because they have been approached by “every trick in the book” by experienced anglers. Largemouth bass, in these areas, have been shown to move as much as 10 miles in one day in search of food. To target them, troll some deep running lures that just nudge bottom cover.
Bluegills are much more relaxed, and stay around cover. However, crappies tend to roam just like the bass.
Keep on the lookout for moving bubbles – it usually indicates bass feeding towards the bottom.
Charting Underwater Structure
Many fishermen would just love to strap on scuba gear and map out the underwater structures in their favorite body of water.
There is a method of doing this that will not require all the effort of getting diving gear, certifications, etc. Simply wait until the water level is at its lowest ( usually during the spring and summer. If the water drop - off is in the double digit range, you will be able to stand on high ground and look over the areas that you fish.
Using a pencil and paper, sketch out every rock, stump, and drop - off. These structures and the bottom they rest on should be charted – then when the water goes back up you won’t have to guess what structure your locator has picked up.
Behind Waterfalls
Try fishing behind waterfalls. They naturally collect food behind, and this attracts small minnows and game fish. Bait is typically better than lures in these situations. Keep the bait there long enough to give fish a chance.
The Wind
You will do better in a lake or pond on the windward side. The wind will cause floating insects to collect at the end, and the wave action will churn up food form the bottom. At the least this will attract forage fish that will attract larger fish such as bass or pike.
Go To The Trees
Overhanging trees are sometimes bastions for fish. If you notice any of the following things about the tree you are considering, chances are you will get some bites:
•Flowering trees – insects will be abundant for the pollen, and will make their way into the water – fish love this.
•Defoliated tress – indicate presence of moths, sawflies, and beetles ( same idea as the above )
•Trees cracked by lighting or winds provide housing for insects
•Woodpeckers signal presence of insects
Cherry, horse chestnut, apple, dogwood, hawthorn, and catalpa usually have more insects.

Bluegills, Trout, Walleyes, and Catfish

2008-01-25T12:11:00.000+07:00

BlueGills, The Basics
Bluegills are popular game to go for because they are plentiful across the continent. Another reason they are popular is because they go for a variety of natural bait and artificial bait. They usually opt for areas with clear water and reasonable weed growth.
** Quick Tip: No matter what kind of fish you go for, and no matter what conditions you fish (ice fishing included), the 1947 “Evening Secret” will bring the fish to you, it really is an impressive tool that every fisherman worth his salt should own.
Typically they like water from 50 degrees up to 90, and can even be taken through ice! But, the best time to get them is when the water is around 70 degrees. It is then that they become aggressive because they are ready to spawn. You can find nests from about 2 – 12 feet deep.
When it is warmer, fish early and/or late in the day, especially if you are in shallow water. Bigger bluegills can be found in deeper water, and can be up to 20 feet below the surface. When fishing lily pads, approach it as if you were going for bass. Work the points, pockets and indentations where there is open water.
Make sure to fish with small hooks and bait. They have small mouths and have a hard time taking in larger bait.
Great baits to use are pieces of earthworm, crickets, grasshoppers, grubs, wax worms, minnows, leeches, and even sandwich meat. If you go the artificial route, use tiny jigs and spinner baits.
There isn’t really a need to use more than 2-pound test line – maybe up to 4-pound maximum. As you may know, light lines make the bait appear more lifelike.
They are easily spooked so make longer casts if you are on foot, stay a bit back from the shore. If you are in a boat, be careful and quiet.
After you get a strike, don’t act too quickly. Wait a second before lifting the rod – you will hook more this way.
Walleyes, Use Waders At Night
It is fairly well known that Walleyes favor low-light conditions. They can be found in water only 3-4 feet deep looking for perch. Using a pair of waders you can go for them.
Some recommendations are to use a light spinning rod equipped with 8-12 pound test line, and some minnow imitations.
You can find them at points where deep water is near. Scout for baitfish feeding on plankton – sooner or later the Walleyes will show up.
Trout, Midges
If your luck is not good with early season trout, try a few patterns of midges. Mosquito larva or pupa, in sizes 12-20 is good. If it is early in the season, fish it deep.
Catfish, Bait
Follow these steps to make a bait catfish just can’t resist:
1 pound of chicken livers (including blood)1 cup of yellow cornmealWhile mixing with hands (squeeze hard), add more cornmeal until a sticky paste formsAdd cotton balls, pulling apart each one and add clumps to mixture (use 12, they keep everything together in the water)Add more cornmeal until you can make individual balls without them sticking to your handFreeze until ready
To bait up, pinch some dough and set it on your hook – catfish will go crazy for this mixture!

Article Source: free-articles-zone.com

Saltwater Fishing Tips

2008-01-25T12:05:00.000+07:00

Get Rid Of Sharks
Sharks buggin’ you? To get rid of them pour some fish blood on a paper towel or newspaper and roll it into a ball. Toss it overboard and the sharks will follow it with the current.
Many anglers move much too quickly from spot to spot. Many times a hot spot is passed right over. Don’t just cast out a couple times and move on – probe it thoroughly from the deepest point right up to the most shallow. Try at least two different lures/bait.
Fishing on the perimeter
Always try the edges of the perimeter first, instead of plopping your bait or lure into the middle. If you do hook a fish in the middle, it will scare the others away, but if you “milk” the edges of the perimeter first, you can later move into the unsuspecting ones in the middle.
If you fish with the amazing Evening Secret for swarming large amounts of fish in any water, you will also need to make sure to stay on that perimeter, that is where the action is.
Surf fishing
With surf fishing, remember that fish are tight against the shore, so make most of your casts parallel to the sand. Don’t send your cast out too far.
The best tides range from half rising to half falling – especially when early or late in the day. Of course, if there is bait, the predators will always be there, but it just makes it easier if fishing during the half tides.
If you fish by an inlet, fish in the outgoing water which brings the bait out to sea. This will hold the best action for strikes. Just let the outgoing water carry your bait out in a natural way.
Find a beachfront – they all of their share of structures such as holes, pockets, rocks, reefs, and other things. These will hold fish, and locating them is critical if you want success. Also find spots where channels lead to deep water – these will often times hold game fish. The fish usually follow these deeper channels until food is found.
Fish aggressively by walking back and forth and fishing areas that appear likely to hold fish. You can see the boils of feeding fish in hot spots – and keep an eye out for bait. Watch the birds as well; they are one of the best indicators of fish in the area.
Obviously, use the freshest live-bait possible, and change it often. You really want your bait on bottom, with a lighter weight – this will give you the best chance for stimulating strikes.
When using lures, use ones that can be cast easily. Switch out often to get to different depths, and experiment with the speed of retrieve. Use finer-diameter monofilament line because it gives better action to both natural baits and artificial lures.
If you hook a big one, keep it in front of you as you wind it in – running as you need to. As you bring it close, it will make a few runs out – just drop your tip and let it go. When it gets really close, use the waves to bring it even closer – timing it.
Fresh Shrimp
When you have live shrimp that you are going to fish, it is important to make sure they are alive and kicking – they will catch more fish this way. Keep them uncrowded, well aerated, and cool.
Use an ice chest as a shrimp box. It has a strong lid that can double as a seat, a plug for easy draining, and is well insulated to help ward off the bait-killing heat.
Instead of using ice to keep the shrimp cool, freeze water in plastic bottles so that when the ice melts it won’t dilute the water and kill the shrimp.When the shrimp is failing to get strikes, use brightly colored shrimp by dying them with food coloring. This will stimulate strikes if regular colored shrimp aren’t working.
Shrimp Bait
Using sand shrimp as bait is an excellent choice because it is a popular meal for bottom feeders. Additionally, it gives of a big scent, which will attract them.
Unfortunately, they are fragile and almost impossible to keep on a hook.
Use a safety pin hook designed especially to hold soft baits like sand shrimp. The pin of the hook should run the full length of the back of the bait, leaving the tail and pincers free to move. Some people use a few turns of lead wire, the kind used for weighting flies, to help hold the shrimp.
Storing jigs
Large saltwater jigs are not only heavy but also bulky. Finding a place to store them safely and conveniently can be a problem. Use a five-gallon plastic bucket with a lid. Just below the bucket’s lip, drill or punch equidistant holes all the way around. Place the jigs inside, hanging them through the holes from their big hooks. Pop the top back on; label the bucket, and presto! Your lures are stored in a safe, untangled and accessible container.

Ice Fishing Tips

2008-01-25T12:00:00.000+07:00

Ice Fishing Depth Sounder
If you ever need a quick depth sounder when ice-fishing, you can make one with a small bobber and bell sinker. Just attach the sinker to the bottom line retainer of the bobber and the hook or lure to the top retainer. This makes it easy to find the water’s depth.
One of the most effective tools for any ice fisherman is the fantastic Evening Secret to swarming hungry fish to your spot. A great way to increase your ice catches.
Falling through the ice
If you are out with a buddy ice fishing – and there is a possibility of breaking ice, make sure to stay at least 10 feet apart to spread out your weight. You should also each carry long poles; they can be used to straddle the hole to help you climb out. Make sure to have a poncho, waterproof matches, safety pins, bandages, knife, candles, bouillon cubes, and cocoa or soup. Put all of them in a watertight metal can which can be used to heat water over a candle in an emergency.
Freezing
If you are an ice fisherman and consistently have problems with your hole freezing up – instead of pouring anti-freeze into the hole (which shuts down fishing action), use denatured alcohol. It is less expensive, has no odor or taste, and is available at any pharmacy.
Bait
If you are an ice fisherman (which 2 million people are in the U.S.), the following bait will bring you even more success.
For Bluegills use tiny ice spoons (1/32 to 1/80 of an ounce), ice flies or No. 10 or 12 gold hooks. Tip them with gall worms, crane fly larvae, mousies, mealworms, wax worms, or maggots. Fish the offering with a light tremble or quivering movement. Try levels from one to three feet off bottom, over depths o f10 to 20 feet. A murky or weedy bottom is best for them.
For crappies, use a Swedish Pimple jiggling spoon, Rapala ice fishing plug or live minnows fished on No. 2 to 6 hooks. Crappies can suspend at just about any depth, from a few feet below the ice to just off bottom, in water from five to 20 feet deep. Move often.
Yellow perch – use the same baits as for crappies and bluegills. Also try jigging spoons sweetened with the eye from a freshly caught perch or a tiny strip of meat sliced from a perch or bluegill.
Trout – shoal areas, the mouths of inlets, and points have produced the most rainbows, browns and brookies through the ice. You can catch them on about every kind of bait or lure you can think of. Wet flies and nymphs with a sp lit-shot crimped a foot above for weight are good, as are minnows, spinners, jigging spoons and ice rapalas.
Pickerel, Pike, Muskies – live minnows or dead ones rigged to hang horizontally in the water are the best producers. Tip-ups allow you to spread your baits over a wide area in weedy coves and on points where these predators rove under the frozen lake’s surface searching for prey.

Fishing Equipment And Accessories

2008-01-24T11:59:00.000+07:00

The sun is shining. The air is cool and crisp. Yes, this is a great time for fishing.

As you come to the edge of a swiftly moving stream, you see a great fishing adventure beckoning. You set down your tackle box and your rod and reel, slip off your waterproof jacket, and slip on a pair of hip waders over your fisherman's vest.

The abovementioned are just a few of the many fishing accessories that are available to you from stores, catalogs and the internet. Read on to learn more about the accessories you need to make fishing even more fun.

The Fishing Basics

The backbone of your fishing equipment is your rod and reel. For the casual fisherman, the basic rod and reel is all you need. Once you are more experienced, you will better know your tastes and can upgrade accordingly.

Tackle ranges from simple to extremely complicated. Basic tackle includes hooks, sinkers, bobbers, fishing line and needle nosed pliers.

A net is also a good addition. Choose a net size based on the fish size that you are after.
High Tech Tools

Electronics have, to the alarm of purists, invaded the fishing arena. There are devices that help you locate where the fish are located. And there are alarms to alert you when you have a fish on your line. Those poor fish won't have a chance.

Clothing For Anglers

Fishermen's clothing necessities include a fishing hat and sunglasses to protect you from the sun. A fishing vest with lots of pockets comes in very handy. A good waterproof jacket is essential for keeping you dry when the weather isn't. Waders, in thigh or chest height, help extend your reach by getting out into the water.

Other Useful Accessories

You should also consider: a tackle box, forceps, fishing knife, scissors, flashlight, wading shoes, and a fishing belt. If you are fishing from a boat, you will need a flotation vest.

Get Advice Before Buying

Before choosing expensive accessories, be sure it is right for the job and right for you. There are many factors to consider, so don't hesitate to talk for help. Someone with experience, either a friend or a salesperson, can quickly help you assemble a set of fishing accessories that will maximize your fish catching odds.

The right accessories will make your fishing experience more successful, and hence, more enjoyable.

Places to Stay in Canada on Fishing Trips

2008-01-24T11:54:00.000+07:00

Canada fishing is some of the best in the world with a wide variety of challenges. If you decide to have a go, you need to know about the best places to stay.

Places to Stay in Canada on Fishing Trips

There are many different ways to plan your next fishing trip to Canada. You could plan to stay at a campground (in a tent or RV), in a rustic cabin or even in a small motel. Some people choose to have accommodations in a town or city nearest to their fishing area, so that they can have the amenities of an upscale hotel. For many fishermen, however, a stay in one of the Canada fishing rentals located right on the lakes and rivers where they'll be fishing is the way to go. No matter which province you choose for your fishing vacation, Canada fishing accommodations will be there to provide you with a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience.

One of the most luxurious and well-known fishing accommodations in Canada is in the province of Ontario. The Kesagami Wilderness Lodge, located on Kesagami Lake in the northern part of Ontario, is a four star fly-in fishing accommodation. Being a fly-in location means that the only way to reach this place is by airplane, making it a truly secluded and wilderness filled area. Kesagami Lake is perfect for trophy Northern Pike fishing, because it's relatively shallow and contains a number of weed filled bays. Fish here have been known to reach as big as 50 inches long and 30 pounds in weight, making this a truly world class destination for Northern Pike. With American Plan-style accommodations (three meals a day included in your stay) as well as recreation rooms and other amenities, a stay here at the Kesagami Wilderness is a great choice.

Another great place to stay at in Ontario is the Lake Obabika Lodge. Canada's only four diamond fishing accommodation (rated by the American Automobile Association/Canadian Automobile Association), this beautiful setting offers not only great fishing, but many other activities as well. From wine tastings to wilderness hikes and even a feng shui class, this lodge is a perfect destination for families that might have different vacation tastes. Fishing in the area includes Northern Pike, trout and bass.There are many places to choose from for your Canada trip, and picking a location that will suit all of your needs (such as fishing guides, a great lake to fish on and even included meals) can make your trip very memorable. Fishing in Canada is a great way to return to nature.

Source: free-article-zone.com

How To Use The Weather To Your Advantage When Fishing

2008-01-24T11:49:00.000+07:00

Many angler don't realize it, but the weather can be used to your advantage when fishing. The weather doesn't have to be something that either makes you feel good or makes you more uncomfortable than a black man in a Mormon Temple, the weather can be something that you actually use to uyour advantage when fishing. How you ask? Simple, by doing a little study into the weather and how it relates to fish and fishing.

Don't worry, I'm not referring to becoming a meteorologist and watching the weather like a hawk, I'm simply referring to educating yourself a little bit so that you can use the weather to your advantage. As a matter of fact, the weather has more to due with fish behavior than you might have thought.

Do you pay any attention to the cows/horses in your local field? Have you ever noticed them being huddled together or on the flip side, frolicking, moving around, and eating? These two behaviors have to due with the weather, and the animals in your local field aren't the only things that are effected. The fish under the water are effected as well. As the weather changes (even when you don't notice it) the behavior of fish changes.

As the behavior of fish changes, so does their feeding behavior. And a fishes feeding behavior is what we as anglers need to be aware of. You see, fish detect pressure changes with their lateral lines, and these pressure changes are the weather. So, how do we use the weather to our advantage when fishing? It's actually much simpler than you might think.

You only have to know a few simple things, and the amount of bites you receive while fishing will increase dramatically. You'll be amazed at how much simply fishing when the fish are the most active can increase your catch rates. And fishing when the fish are the most active has a lot to due with the weather.The bottom line is that doing a little research on the weather and how it impacts fishing will due more to helping you catch fish than almost anything. You can search the internet, go to your local library, or read this FREE e-book. The choice is yours, but you need to get this information sooner rather than later. You might be asking yourself how I know this information? Simply because I've been using the weather to my advantage for years, and know it works and will work for anyone.

Article Source: free-article-zone.com

Fish Catching Tips

2008-01-23T13:35:00.000+07:00

As anglers, aren't we always looking for another tip that may help us catch more fish? Articles are a great way to find tips, one of which might be the difference between an average fish and a trophy. A single tip could be the difference between one bite in 2 days and a stringer full of fish in two hours. You just never know when the next little tip might help you, so I'm going to provide you with some of the fish catching tips I've learned over the years in the hopes that one or two of them might help you catch more fish. Here we go:

1) Match Your Gear To The Fish - A very big mistake that many anglers make is using gear that's entirely too large for the type of fish they intend to catch. For Example I've been fishing on trout streams and seen discarded fishing line that was at least 10 pound test! This should be illegal, in my opinion. The biggest fish that you're going to catch out of a normal trout stream is 5 pounds. And that would be a complete monster. So there is no reason fishing line over 6 lb test should ever be used. For a normal trout stream, I use 4 pound test. Your gear, including your rod, reel, line, and lures/bait should be matched to the type of fish swimming in the water that you're fishing. If everything is matched properly, it will result in more bites, which will in turn result in more fish.

2) Have An Efficient Way To Carry Your Bait - Most anglers spend entirely too much time fumbling around with their bait. Not to mention the fact that bait containers get left all over the banks of our rivers, streams, and lakes. Employing an apparatus such as a bait bag will enable you to spend more time fishing and less time fumbling around for bait. As you know, the more time that can be spent with your line in the water, the better.

Pay Attention To Both The Weather & Moon - One of the simplest ways to catch more fish, is to be fishing on the days when the fish are most active. Certain phases of the moon result in the fish being more active, and thus more willing to bite. The same goes for weather. When certain things happen with the weather, fish tend to feed more. Knowing what to look for and when to fish can help you greatly in catching more fish. And paying attention to both the weather and moon costs you nothing, and pays big dividends in the amount and size of the fish you catch.Use Gang Hooks - What are gang hooks? Gang hooks are simply two small hooks tied in tandem. They are, without question the best way to present live bait (especially worms). If you use live bait, you need to begin using gang hooks. The use of gang hooks will result in more hook ups. Remember, the more naturally the bait is presented to the fish, the better. The tips presented above will help you catch more fish. Actually, the catching is up to you, but these tips will help you hook more fish, you're still going to have to fight them yourself. Remember what Steven Wright said, there's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."Hopefully these tips will help you avoid the latter part of that quote.

Article Source: free-articles-zone.com

Tuna Fishing Basics for the Private Boater

2008-01-23T12:59:00.000+07:00

Josh Dunlap

Do Your Homework!
Some of the most important things you can do to insure successful tuna trips are done before you hit the water. Homework includes gathering recent fish counts, fishing locations, taking a look at the current surface temperatures and checking the weather. You can get a general idea of areas that are producing by calling sportfishing landings but they aren't going to give you any GPS numbers. The internet is an unlimited, much quicker source of information. As you become more experienced your network of sources will grow as well. A good SST (Sea Surface Temperature) map can really narrow down your search area or at least give you a place to start and/or fall back on. Current and temperature breaks are like walls that baitfish tend to stack up against which in turn attracts game fish. Kelp paddies collect in these areas also, which are very attractive to baitfish, predators and fisherman. Always keep an eye on the weather before heading out, nobody likes to get pumped up for a trip then have to turn around empty handed or beat up. Compare notes with fellow crewmembers then establish a float plan. Create and constantly ammend a checklist of all the necessities to eliminate mistakes. Once on the water what you brought is all you have.

Pay Attention:
On the way out it's important to keep an eye on the water temperature to give you an idea of the "lay of the land". Make a note of breaks or warm/cool areas worth checking out on the way back in. Remind everyone aboard to keep an eye out for jumpers, kelp, stopped boats or baitfish. One good stop can make the day so you don't want to miss any opportunities. Once you're in the desired area it's time to put the troll gear out & get ready for the much anticipated bait stop.

Trolling:
There are many different techniques and patterns that can be used while trolling and they will vary from boat to boat - Captain to Captain. We usually troll the W pattern - 2 long on each outrigger, 2 short on the flat lines and the longest line down the center. This works on boats without outriggers minus the center line. Use 2 long lines in the front holders and 2 short lines in the rear holders. I like a diving plug such as a Rapala or Yo-Zuri on at least one of the short lines - preferably in a flatline clip. A cedar plug or swimbait work well on the long center line and the rest of the lines will be rigged with various feathers.

General Blue Water Fishing Tips

2008-01-23T11:50:00.000+07:00

Locating Fish:
Bait

Even when not actively feeding, game fish can usually be found near food. Areas holding bait are those most likely to be holding game fish. Bait, like game fish, hold in areas where they can find food. For bait, this means areas with a good supply of plankton. Factors that cause plankton blooms are described below.

Bottom contours

Sharp rises in the bottom, such as ledges and humps, can cause an upwelling of deeper water. This water is more nutrient rich than most surface water, allowing plankton to build up in these areas. Unlike other factors that attract bait and game fish, bottom contours are stationary. Good bottom structure consistently holds game fish because they do not have to hunt for it and they do not have to move to stay with it.

Temperature breaks

Temperature breaks along the western edge of the Gulf Stream indicate where coastal water is pushing against Gulf Stream core water. In addition to being warmer, core water has a higher salinity level and lower nutrient content than coastal water. This difference prevents these two water masses from mixing easily. (It is also what makes green water green and blue water blue.) Because coastal water contains more nutrients, it also contains more plankton. Plankton floating in coastal water, stopped by the barrier between coastal and core water, is forced to build up along the edges where these two water masses meet. In addition to plankton build up, temperature breaks along the Gulf Stream also cause rips to form. Rips are strips of calm water that run along the top of a temperature break, usually surrounded on either side by rougher water. The calmer surface of rips causes floating debris to gather in them.

Floating debris

Bait is attracted to floating debris and can usually be seen hanging just under patches of weeds or boards. Most species of surface feeding game fish are also attracted to floating debris. Dolphin are especially known for hanging under any floating debris they find. Whenever weedlines or other debris are found, lures should be trolled past them.

Birds

Birds are the most effective tool for finding active areas from a distance. Birds will stay above of feeding game fish, picking off bait that is driven to the surface by these fish. Watch any flying birds in the area. If the birds circle to stay over one area, troll to that area. When game fish move or sound and resurface, birds will move with them, showing you where the fish are. Larger groups of birds pecking at the surface are usually hanging over schools of smaller fish. Small groups of birds hovering and diving are usually hanging over larger fish.

Article Source: nccoastalfishing.com

Rainbow Trout

2008-01-15T09:57:00.000+07:00

One of the most enjoyable fish to catch that swim in rivers and streams of North America is the Rainbow Trout. Not only are they fun to catch, they are considered very tasty by many people. In this article I'm going to discuss a little about the Rainbow Trout, what it is, and what it has to offer.Rainbow trout have a characteristic salmon-like shape. Dark spots are clearly visible on the tail fin, which is slightly forked. The back is usually a dark olive color, shading to silvery white on the underside. The body is heavily speckled, and there is a pink to red stripe running lengthwise along the fish's sides that is where the trout gets the name….Rainbow. A Rainbow trout that 'runs' to the ocean (or one of the Great Lakes) to live for a few years and then back to fresh water to spawn is called a 'Steelhead'.Rainbow trout are native to North America west of the Rockies from Alaska into northwestern Mexico. Introductions have extended the range to include the Great Lakes region, south central Canada and portions of the Great Plains east of the Rockies, and southwestern Mexico. Rainbow Trout are stocked by the various fish and game departments all over the Northeast United States as well.In the wild, most varieties of rainbows spawn in the spring, however, spawning may occur anytime of the year. Spawning takes place in small tributaries, often at the inlet or outlet of a lake, where water temperatures reach 50 to 60 F. The spawning site is usually the tail of a pool, or the riffle at the head of a pool, where gravel bars have ample oxygen-rich water, and no suffocating silt. All fish become darker when in spawning condition. Their spots become more prominent and the pink stripe more intense. This is a fun time to catch a Rainbow, seeing as how they are so picturesque.Fishing for Rainbow Trout is a very popular activity. The average size of a rainbow is ten to sixteen inches, although they can grow to be much larger than that. They tend to grow to the size of their environment. That is, in a small stream a rainbow trout can only grow to be so big, while in a large river or lake, Rainbows can easily exceed ten pounds! There are various techniques for trying to catch a Rainbow, some of which would include: Fly fishing, Spin fishing, and Ultra Light fishing.Rainbow Trout are voracious eaters and feed on everything from tiny insects to fairly large fish and even small rodents at times. Therefore, anglers use everything from synthetic fly's (fly fishermen) to live minnows and worms to attempt to catch these fish. A variety of spinners and lures are employed as well. And I can't forget the favorite bait of all time for most fish, the good old American worm. The bottom line is that Rainbow Trout are a very enjoyable fish to angle for, and if you've never tried to 'catch a Rainbow', you should give it a shot.

By trevor kugler

Spinning Reel Maintenance

2008-01-15T09:52:00.000+07:00

Sometimes, we as anglers overlook the importance of cleaning our fishing reels. Many times your fishing rod and reel simply get thrown in the basement at the end of the fishing season and then dragged out at the beginning of the next season to be used again. Very often your reel will choose to not work properly at precisely the worst time, such as when you're fighting a large fish. This is why I do a little routine maintenance on my fishing reels before the start of every fishing season. You only have to lose a trophy one time because of your fishing reel not performing properly to make you a believer. Take my word for it. Do a little routine "check up", such as what's described below, before the beginning of every fishing season and you won't have any problems. First of all, gather the following tools: A small screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers or hemostats, grease of some sort (either purchase a small bottle of reel oil or simply just use WD-40), a couple of clean towels, 5-6 Q-tips, and a clear area to work. Any cleared off table will work fine.First off, take the fishing reel off of your fishing rod and set it aside. Now take the reel and some warm water and wipe it off thoroughly. Once you have the reel wiped of debris, remove the handle. The handle normally simply unscrews either by a screw that you back out with your fingers or by turning the handle the opposite direction that you turn while reeling. Once the handle is removed, set it aside.At this point the reel has exposed screw heads and position the reel so the screw heads are visible. Now using your small screwdriver, remove the screws that are holding the reel together. Once these screws are removed, set them aside as well. At this point you can remove the reel plate. Once the reel plate is removed the gears and springs on the inside of the fishing reel are exposed. Without taking anything else apart, simply examine the inside of the fishing reel. Many times you can see sand and or dirt particles. Using the Q-tips, gently remove any exposed sand or dirt particles. Once this is accomplished you want to add reel lubricant to any exposed gear (not too much, just enough to cover the gear).At this point, simply reverse the process by installing the reel plate and screws. Add a little lubricant to the spindle of the handle and re-install the handle. That's it; you just maintained your fishing reel and shouldn't have any problems with it. I've been doing this to my fishing reels for a long time and it works wonders. I have fishing reels that are fifteen years old and still work like new. Performing maintenance such as this enables you to know if your reel is in need of being replaced, before you get on the water, which is what we're trying to accomplish. Because losing a trophy because of a reel malfunction is no fun at all. Routine maintenance, such as outlined in this article will alleviate that problem forever. Not only will it alleviate the problem, it also doesn't take much time and effort. This entire "check up" can be performed on most spinning reels in under an hours time.

By trevor kugler

Glacier National Park

2008-01-15T09:41:00.000+07:00

If you like the outdoors and scenery that's hard to beat anywhere on the planet, Glacier National Park may be the place for you. Located in beautiful Northwest Montana and extending into Canada, this National Park is one of the most beautiful in the entire United States. If you enjoy fishing, hiking, animal watching, camping, mountain biking, swimming, or most other outdoor activities, Glacier National Park is the place for you.Glacier National Park is one of the largest and most intact ecosystems in North America. There are over fifty glaciers within the park, thus the name. There are also over 200 lakes and streams in Glacier National Park. The largest lake is Lake Macdonald, and the various streams and river hold nice populations of wild trout. There are also over 730 miles of trails for hikers to enjoy within Glacier National Park. Hiking is probably one of the most popular activities within the park. If you go hiking in this area of the country having bear spray with you is always a good idea. Glacier National Park is home to a decent population of wild grizzly bears.The Park is divided from east to west by Going-to-the-Sun road. It's a spectacular drive, and if you go once you'll realize where the road got its name. Bisecting the heart of the park, this fifty mile long road hugs the shores of the parks two largest lakes and then goes right below the cliffs of the Continental Divide as it traverses Logan Pass. If you're looking for more information, there are visitor centers that have maps throughout the park to help you. Glacier Park Inc. operates a daily shuttle service along this road from July 1st to Labor Day weekend.The glaciers that you find in Glacier National Park today are all geologically new, having formed in the last few thousand years. Presently, all of the glaciers within Glacier National Park are shrinking. In other words, more snow melts each year than accumulates each winter. As the climate has changed over the last two million years, glaciers have formed and melted away many times. So at the end of the day, this process is as it should be.The Park itself is full of wildlife. Although there are to many species to list here, some of them would include: mountain goats, white tailed and mule deer, elk, moose, black bear, grizzly bear, mountain lions, and various rodents and birds. If you're interested in viewing wildlife, Glacier National Park won't disappoint. There are also many fish species located in the rivers and lakes throughout the Park. Most of the fish are in the trout family and would include: lake, rainbow, cutthroat, brook, and bull trout.The bottom line is that if it's outdoor activities and scenery that interest you, Glacier National Park is the place for you. Whether your favorite activity is rafting, fishing, hiking, camping, driving, or biking you'll find it within the boundaries of Glacier National Park.

By trevor kugler

Great Smallmouth Bass Technique

2008-01-11T13:28:00.000+07:00

One of the most effective techniques for catching Smallmouth Bass is in the flowing water of a river or stream. Smallmouth can be fished for in much the same way that one fishes for trout. As a matter of fact, smallmouth bass in rivers and streams can be great practice for trout fishing. The bottom line is that if you strap on your waders and head out for some Smallmouth action, this technique is for you. Not only is this a great smallmouth technique, it's also as simple as it gets. To use this technique, you're only going to need 4 things, and a river or stream that has smallmouth bass in it! You're going to need small barrel swivels, Split shot sinkers, gang hooks, and live worms. You should also have things like hemostats for hook removal, a bait bag for carrying your live worms, and a good attitude, but the 4 things above (in bold) are the only things you need. It doesn't get much simpler than that. This technique truly is the essence of simplicity, and once mastered, is an incredible technique for all types of fish.Begin by grabbing the end of your line, and tying on a small barrel swivel. Now tie a set of gang hooks on the opposite side of the barrel swivel. Now add two or three split shots onto your line above the swivel itself (you need enough weight to get you to the bottom, so this varies by how much current you're fishing in). Now, add a live worm to the set of gang hooks. If the worm is huge, break it in half. You want the worm to be outstretched and natural. This is the rig. It's as simple as that.Now cast out parallel to yourself and let the offering flow downstream naturally. The goal is to bounce your offering off of the bottom, as it flows naturally downstream. When your offering is directly below you, the drift is over, reel in and repeat. With practice, the bottom and bites feel totally different. Remember, the goal is to bounce your worm off the bottom as it flows naturally with the current. In order to do this you will have to add and/or remove split shot as necessary. The nature of this technique does lead to getting snagged from time to time. As my mentor used to tell me all the time, " If your not getting snagged, you're not fishing in the right place." Getting snagged is simply part of the technique, and no big deal once you see how effective it is.Give this wonderful, yet amazingly simple technique a try sooner rather than later. As soon as you hook and land a 3-pound smallmouth bass, you'll be the one that's hooked, rather than just the fish. This technique is equally as effective on trout, so keep that in mind as well. The most important aspect of this technique is the gang hooks. You see, gang hooks enable you to present the worm in a completely natural manner, which as you will find is an integral part of this technique.

Article Source: free-articles-zone.com

Low Water Tactics For River Smallies

2008-01-11T13:08:00.000+07:00

Low water levels call for a completely different set of tactics when it comes to hunting down and catching smallmouth bass in our river systems. I will start by saying this, some anglers will tell you low water equals bad smallmouth bass fishing, this my friend could not be further from the truth! In fact I look forward to low water levels, low water levels can spark some of the best smallmouth bass fishing of the season, hands down. So follow along and I will introduce you to some of tactics I use to entice low water smallmouths into being caught.
Depending on the river system you are fishing one factor has to be taken into consideration during these low water situations, the spook factor. So I begin to become very stealthy, making very long casts and trying not to run right up on any holes or pools that may be holding bass.
One place you will rarely find smallmouth bass during low water periods are in dead water, or almost dead water. If there is little or no moving water, move on find and fish the low ends of riffles that turn into pools or even the riffles themselves. Many times bait fish will move into faster water because there is more oxygen, in turn smallmouth bass will be close behind .
Grass beds are a hot spot for smallmouth bass during low water conditions and you will find them in and around riffles, the edges of riffles and pooling water coming out of riffles. Work these grass beds from different angles, cast beyond them and bring your baits by, along and over them from different directions. But keep in mind the spook factor, make fairly long calculated casts!
Islands in river systems are also a hot spot for smallmouth bass in low water conditions. I will usually start fishing the lower end of an island and then work my way up the sides of the island. Smallmouth bass will hold close to the shorelines waiting to ambush any food source that the current may wash past them. So make sure you place your casts right up against the shoreline and then bring it out from the edge and into current. The upper ends of these islands can also produce hot smallmouth bass action. This is assuming theres a good push of water around the island.
Deep holes and eddies at the ends of riffles will offer up the best chance for catching the big ones. Remember though stay away from the dead water! It is more times than not just that, dead water! Smallmouth bass need plenty of oxygen to survive which can be found in swiftly moving water or swiftly moving water pushing into eddies and holes. Also don’t count out the riffles themselves I have nailed many smallmouth bass that were running extremely fast water, many times you’ll find them tucked up behind rocks and logs within the riffles themselves.
Different baits are going to produce differently from river to river, though here are a few of my favorite low water smallmouth bass baits. Rebel Pop-R’s, Zoom grubs and Gizit tubes in natural colors. Helgramites are a live bait that work very well for me in these conditions, they can be found along most river systems. You can also buy them though they are very expensive. They normally run $8.00 to $12.00 per dozen in these parts.
The next time someone tells you water level are to low to do any smallmouth bass fishing, grab your pole and head to the river, chances are your going to have a great day fishing!
Due to weather variables and anglers’ preferences, I did not concentrate on lure selection for this article. For the record, I prefer plastics and in-line spinners during extreme low water river conditions. The above mentioned tactics are just a guide that may help you locate and land smallies during low water conditions, they are in no way a panacea for low river smallie success.

Article Source: discoverfishing.net

Flyfishing tactics for bass

2008-01-11T13:06:00.000+07:00

If you are going to catch a bass, act like a bass. This doesn't mean you have to eat frogs and harass cute little baby ducks. But you need to think like a bass. When I talk to bass fishers, I often get a similar reaction. Fishing for bass inclines you to stalk them like they stalk their prey. Trout are more refined, gentle fish. Trout in a lake, you wait for. You can troll, but basically most trout fishing involves keying into the basic fact that trout in a lake are on the move, cruising. They do some stalking, but they don't have the explosive body/muscle type that makes a bass attack like a linebacker through the weeds and into their prey.
Fishing for bass reminds me of fishing for trout in rivers. I enjoy anticipating where a trout lies, and then stalking them. Fishing for bass forces me to have a similar degree of awareness, observation and anticipation. To stalk them. To be careful and quiet and patient. To use all my senses just a little bit more than I would for trout.
I try to anticipate any potential ambush point. A small rock pile. A pile of brush half submerged in water. Logs diving into the water. And my favorite-- yard-wide floating islands of tules and bulrushes. These little moving forests may not be the ideal bass location, but they fascinate me. Try picking one up out of the water, and you'll see what a perfectly messy little, moving shield they offer for a bass. I usually fish the shady side of these little islands. But, to be honest, visit your local library. Fly fishing, more so than any other sport, is a sport of active participation mingled with active reading.
My point is that the behavior of bass to lie in wait for their prey causes me to do the same. This way, I'm always anticipating something big about to happen on the water. I also don't get as bored as I often do with trout fishing, trolling around hoping to intercept something.
Bass fishing has everything trout fishing has, only scaled up: lots of impressive top water action; strong long fights; big, very big fish; fishing and hunting challenges. The reason more trout fishers don't consider bass is probably a matter of perception, and down right lack of respect for the fish. And maybe some uneasiness with fishing near others who are looking at you quizzically slinging a line when you should be slinging powerbait trailing behind the latest techno-plug. But we're flyfishers. We don't fish with other people. So find an isolated piece of water to practice your new sport. And when others see you haul in a 4-pounder on a fly, they might be back with a fly rod. Or they'll throw beer cans at you.
Typically, though, I find myself more alone on bass waters than on trout waters, especially fly-only trout waters. It is a great thing that lakes can become catch and release (and a shame more bass water doesn't), but once a lake becomes catch and release, it becomes marked. Which, again, is a good thing, but then all the flyfishers show up expecting great things. Bass waters tend to have fewer people, with notable exceptions, such as opening day, pleasant warm summer weekends, and bass tournaments.

Autumn Salmon Fishing

2008-01-10T09:33:00.000+07:00

On many of Scotland's salmon rivers, given reasonable water, a run of grilse will provide excellent sport through the summer months but, on the majority of Scottish salmon rivers, the main salmon runs now come in the last two months of the season, September and October on most rivers, while the season is extended, on the Tweed and Nith until the end of November, and on the Annan to mid November, to allow fishing for the late salmon runs which occur on these rivers. Summer tactics will often continue into the early autumn months of September and early October, particularly if the weather is kind. On the smaller rivers, single handed rods might be used right to the end of the season, usually October 31st, while the long rods will again be pressed into service on the many medium and large rivers.

Article Source: trout-salmon-fishing.com

Summer Salmon Fishing

2008-01-10T09:31:00.000+07:00

In typical summer conditions of lower water, rod size and weight will generally be reduced, allowing a more delicate approach, with light floating lines, sometimes cast with single handed rods, long fine leaders and small flies of anything down to about size 14 being the order of the day. In good conditions, when the hoped for rain arrives and the rivers swell in summer spate, the longer rods might again be called into action, on the larger eastward flowing rivers at any rate, while on the smaller spate streams of the north and west of Scotland a single hander, or perhaps a short double hander of twelve or thirteen feet might be the weapon of choice. Floating or intermediate lines, used perhaps in conjunction with varying lengths and densities of sinking tips, are popular for summer fishing, with generally small single, double and treble hooked flies, often now of the long-tailed shrimp type, or maybe small plastic or aluminium tube flies.

Article Source: trout-salmon-fishing.com

Spring Salmon Tactics

2008-01-10T09:26:00.000+07:00

There is a lot to be said about a fresh 20lb spring silver Chinook salmon at the end of your line. That being said there is no taste in the world that is even close to a Salmon fillet sizzling over the hot barbeque coals. For this reason along with their enormous size are why they're known as the 'King Salmon'.
Down rigging for spring Chinook salmon in the great lakes is a preferred technique of many open water anglers. Some think that with this method of trolling you don't need a lot of skill to hook a big King. Luck you say! Well, if you are at the right depth, trolling at the right speed with the right bait, and in the right temperature. Oh! And you just happen to be right on top of them; well then maybe; just maybe it's not luck, but skill?
Within days of the first 'ice out' of the spring, the place to start your search is in deep water. If I want good quality Kings then 85 to 120 ft of water is where I troll. This is especially true in the deep Lake Huron and Georgian Bay waters. At ice out I have checked the temperature on the surface and then run my temp probe down to 120 ft. Depending on the lake, I've found a 5 to10 degree temperature difference, the bottom being warmer of course. Trolling this early in the season for big Kings requires a slow approach. A speed of .9 to 1.3 mph is a good pace to keep. Remember, the water is cold so fish 'slow'.
As the days pass, the lake water starts to mix because of wind. At this point, start your trolling deep again and work shallow keeping a close eye on your sonar. Once you see fish on your screen, work them thoroughly adjusting the cannon balls to just above the fish's depth. Temperature does not play as an important role as it did, but it will become important again soon. With this in mind, I keep a watchful eye on my surface temperature. As the days and weeks go by, and once it reaches 40 to 45 degrees then the fun begins. This is when trolling with planer boards or dipsy divers, as well as, downriggers comes in very handy. The King tends to roam and become very aggressive as the temperature warms up. By now they are eager to hit anything in their path. That is why I like to use the planer boards. With them being out and away the fish don't have the boat to spook them. Potentially, you can also fish 40ft of water under the boat and have the one board deeper as the opposite board runs shallower depending on bottom structure. This method covers a lot of water fast and is effective.
As the spring progresses and the surface temperature starts to climb above 45 degrees, it's time to go deep again. At this time I run as deep as 120 to 150ft with my bait literally scraping bottom. During this deep trolling I like to use light spoons because they don't tend to pick up as much bottom debris as heavier lures. With good sonar you will see them hugging the bottom like walleye. Perseverance really pays off at this stage of the game.
This spring Salmon extravaganza can last as long as 4 to 8 weeks or as short as 2 to 4 weeks. Basically, this three phase window of opportunity depends on one all important factor, temperature. As it is in the summer, the fall or any part of any season temperature dictates what a good angler will do on any particular day.
Finding spring Kings is not rocket science. I have found that by using these simple tactics, it can help me locate the Salmon. But getting the salmon to cooperate is a completely different matter altogether!
Born In Guelph, Ontario, Nic, his wife Lawney and their son Lorenzo now call Kitchener, Ontario their home.
Even though Nic has thirty years of fishing experience, he still feels that you can never stop learning. His love for Bass fishing has brought him to the Pro Bass Tournament trail. In his first year going professional, Nic has two top ten finishes and was a Classic Qualifier in the C.S.F.L Bassmania Pro Bass circuit, placing eighteenth over all.
But Bass fishing is not Nic's only love. In the Spring his passion turns to downrigging for salmon, where he competes in Salmon Derbies. Already, he has a first place win under his belt. And if that's not enough to keep him busy, you can find him chasing Walleye, Pike, and even Muskie. You name it, Nic will fish for it.
http://www.probassfishing.ca has fulfilled a life long dream for Nic. Not only because of his active tournament angling and multi species fishing, but because he gets to share it.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nic_Di_Gravio

Fishing the Margins for Carp

2008-01-09T15:29:00.000+07:00

Do you quietly inspect the margins when you arrive at a carp fishing lake?
You might want to if you want to improve your catch rate. Fishing for carp in the margins can be extremely productive if you find the right places and apply good tactics.
I find it amazing just how many carp fishermen ignore the margins when fishing. They see all that water out in front of them and believe the fish must be out there. I often see carp anglers using three rods with all of them cast out to the horizon. With so many anglers casting out far it makes the margins a safe place for carp to hang out. In fact, the margins can even be the best places to target the bigger carp.
As long as you’re quiet when setting up and fishing you can take fish from the margins in most lakes. Carp have great hearing and will be able to pick up vibrations from the surrounding bank, thus you do need to be as quiet as possible. Banging in pegs with a hammer will only cause them to move on. During your stay try to remain hidden as much as possible, or keep low when you approach the water. Try to always wear dark green or brown clothing or better still use camouflage clothing. I usually set the bivvy up a little away from the waters edge or try to get hidden behind a tree. I also try to be light on my feet and walk around in my bivvy slippers as much as I can.
Hopefully using the tips above will help keep the carp in the margins. Now, what tactics can you employ to catch carp from the margins?
Fishing the margins is even more important if the carp anglers at the lake tend to fish at distance. It means the carp are often pressured at range in the waters main body thus the fish become more cautious of bait out there. Eventually the fish have learned that food found in the margins is safer.
The trick is to find the more subtle features rather than the obvious ones such as overhanging trees, island banks, etc. Many other anglers would have targeted those obvious features making them a danger spot in the eyes of carp. I feel the best margin features to look for are undercut banks or any protruding point, posts or signs sticking out of the water, small reed bushes, lily pads or inlet pipes.
Sometimes the best margins to fish are those away from possible disturbances. Fish the bank furthest away from the road or car park or from the general footpath that the other carp anglers tend to use.
Try to find margins where other angler’s wont target. Yes they may not be targeted by others because they are not regular feeding spots for the carp, but they may be areas where the carp feel safe. Once bait has been introduced there the carp may start to feed there fairly quickly.
If the margins in the lake have some snags or general debris, then it can be a good idea to fish with single hook bait pop-ups. This means you’re not committed to placing the hook baits in the same place every time because you haven’t thrown lots of free bait in an exact spot. You don’t want to have to keep casting to get it exactly in the same spot only to catch a snag and render the rig useless.
The greatest advantage of fishing closer in the margins is that you can bait up easily and accurately. You can also place rigs onto the bottom with ease therefore eliminating the chance of any tangles in the main line which can always happen without knowledge during any normal cast.
Another benefit to fishing for carp in the margins is that bite indication will be much more sensitive to carp picking up the bait. There is less line distance from the rod to the hook bait which means there will be less stretch in the line. Another tactic is to use running leads as this will create even more sensitivity to bite indication. It will also reduce the chance of a carp unhooking the rig using the weight of a semi-fixed lead. When fishing close in, I use very slack lines with the bobbins resting on the ground so that my line lays flat on the lake bed and out of the way of wary carp.
As a final tip, beware of fishing in margins where the wind has coloured up the water. I have read from a good source that small, suspended particles from muddy or gravel lake beds may get stuck in the gills of carp thus they try to avoid these places. If you disagree, then fish in the coloured water, but also try placing a rig just outside the coloured area a bit further from the bank just to see the difference. If it’s actually the carp that have coloured the water then that can be very productive!

Article Source: carp-fishing-tactics.com

The Best Carp Rig System to use

2008-01-09T15:25:00.000+07:00

There are so many different carp rigs available on the market today but the real question is, what type of rigs are best for catching more carp?A few carp anglers believe they have discovered the best carp rig simply because they've caught a number of carp on it over the past months or years. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that a specific rig is great just because it caught some carp, there are numerous factors that can affect a rig's success. Also, there may be another carp rig that could work much more effectively for each separate fishing situation. In fact, a great rig may become useless if it lands in a bad way, such as a part of the hook link looped up off the bottom in any way that reveals its presence, or if the hook point has picked up some debris. Yes, you may have used foam during casting but, a carp spitting out the rig without your knowledge or the movement of carp in the area could cause these problems.
It's also possible that very poor rigs can sometimes work in the right conditions. For example, if the rig has landed in a beneficial way on the bottom, or it has landed in a way that helps disguise it or blend into the lake bed. This alone could be enough to trick many carp into picking up the bait, eventually the hook point will penetrate a carp. Another way poor carp fishing rigs could still work is if there are many carp feeding at the same time. The competition can make carp lower their guard as they attempt to pick up a bait before another fish gets to it. This alone can make your fishing session a dream, even if using below par rigs!
There is a lot more to catching carp than just selecting a great rig however, I believe the best carp rig to use will change with each fishing venue, and will depend on many factors; colour of water, type of lake bed, weather conditions, feeding habits of carp, the strain of the majority of carp within the lake, the number of fish feeding, etc. There will be no specific situation where one rig will be best to use for any lake, as well as at any time of year. For most of us it will be a process of trial and error during a fishing session, only learning from experience will pay off in heaps. Even if you did manage to create the most effective carp rig for any type of situation catching big carp will still require the combination of many other factors, some of which are out of our control and can determine the outcome of any fishing session. If there were such a thing as the best carp rig for all occasions then it still may not produce numerous catches because of the factors listed below, just think about the following points:

The best rig in the world cannot possibly work if there are no carp in the swim. Location is probably 80% of the battle!

The best rig in the world cannot work if the hook point has caught up on debris.

The greatest carp rig in the world wont catch carp if they're just not feeding!

A great rig may not work well if it has not landed properly on the lake bed.

A great rig can still fail to catch if carp associate your chosen hook bait with danger. A fish must pick up your bait for the rig to work!

The best rig cannot work if it is not geared towards the way the majority of carp in the lake feed, in other words, the strain of the carp and the way they feed.

The best carp rig may not work if the materials used cause the hook bait to act in an unnatural way, it may spook carp.

The best rig in the world wont work if the hook bait cannot be found, through smell or sight.

Always use good quality bait and never overdo it on the smells unless it's part of your tactic!

The best carp rig may still not be effective if the materials used can be seen, always camouflage end tackle.

The best rig may still not work if carp become spooked by other bad habits or tactics associated with your fishing. As an example, being too noisy.

The most important point to remember is a good carp rig can never remain effective on the same lake, through constant use carp will eventually adapt and wise up to it!

Even if you’re using a rig that is producing great results, at some stage during the fishing session there may be a need to change the rig and adapt to changes in the lake or carp feeding habits.

Try to get into a experiment & test habit when carp fishing. Trying new ideas will always make you learn something new about carp!

Atricle Source: www.carp-fishing-tactics.com

Fixed V’s Running Rig Methods

2008-01-09T15:22:00.001+07:00

There are two basic ways to set up a lead weight on end tackle, either a fixed type or a running rig system. The lead clips that are used by so many anglers today are classed as fixed, as well as many inline rig set ups. The swivel type leads attached to the main line using a big, loose plastic ring are classed as running rigs.
There are different benefits to using both types and before choosing which type to use, it may be best to think about the type of lakebed you’re fishing on as well as the time of year. For instance, a fixed lead, especially an inline, would best suit a hard bottom like gravel because the hook link has full weight straight from the lead, so once the bait is picked up and the carp straightens up, it gives a quick bolt effect and sets the hook before the carp suspects anything.
In the colder season, carp slow down their movements so a more sensitive bite indication will be required. Thus, a running rig system would be best suited in this situation. Running rigs may also work better on very soft beds as you can still get indication of when the bait has been picked up. A fixed system may bury the lead too far down and mean they carp has to pull too much weight before you realise you have a bite. Often a carp can use the heavy weight as leverage to unhook itself without you knowing about it.
A helicopter system may be best to use in soft silt. This is because the way the lead and hook link are separate allows the lead to sink into the silt without dragging the hook link down with it. It means the lead can be hidden in the silt, while the hook link rests nicely on top of the silt without any tangles or loops in the line.

Article Source: http://www.carp-fishing-tactics.com

Fake Weed Carp Rig

2008-01-09T15:17:00.000+07:00

One carp rig that I have used to good effect on many fishing sessions is the fake weed rig. I have caught numerous carp on this effective rig although, none have been of any real size, the biggest carp caught was 18 pounds. But, because I have a few of these already tied up I can easily and quickly tie them on and target fish immediately on arrival at any peg I want to fish.
I sometimes use this rig if the carp in the lake are pressured and have probably seen many different carp fishing tactics before. This rig has the benefit of covering most of the end tackle and seems to give me an edge for fooling the wariest of carp. It is also useful to use in the shallow water or the margins, especially along the edges of weed clumps.
The plastic weed actually floats so I find it best to use with pop up presentations. The weight from the lead causes the weed to stand straight so it blends in well with other weeds or amongst other debris.

Creating the Fake Weed Carp Rig
In the above picture it shows the fake weed rig completed. The rig line is threaded through a few small clips on the weed stem and the clips are pushed back to hold the line against the weed. I use separate mono line to whip the line of the rig and weed together in 3 separate places to make it more secure. The whipped line is glued in place. This holds the weed and line from the rig together and makes the whole system much stronger so it lasts for months. To complete the weed section a standard swivel is tied on the bottom end of the weed. The fake weeds can be left in the tackle box ready for quick set up on arrival at a fishing peg.

When I'm ready to fish with this rig I'll place a free-running lead (usually a Stonze type) to my main line push on a rubber bead and then tie the line to the swivel at the bottom of the fake weed. For the top part of the rig I can quickly clip on a short pop up hook link onto the swivel at the top of the weed. I usually have stiff mono hook links already tied so I only have to tie on a pop up boilie using bait floss. I always make sure I have a swivel positioned at the top of the weed as this allows the pop up bait to turn through 360 degrees. If a carp approaches the bait from the opposite side of the hook point the pop up rig link will turn when the fish sucks at, or picks up, the bait.

Flexible Carp Rig
The picture above shows how flexible the fake weed rigs can be. I can easily and quickly change hook size, bait, link length and presentation points. In the weed shown above I have the rig line exiting the weed at mid-point rather than through the top, this means I can pull the line down until the pop up bait is positioned right next to the fake weed. Doing this will make it look like a bait has fallen down and caught between weed stems. This different rig presentation has helped me to bank a few more carp from the edges of weed beds.

Carp Safety
I prefer to use barbless hooks for this type of carp weed rig. If a big carp manages to break the line at the hook link or before the lead, it can get rid of the hook link easier and wont have to drag a piece of fake weed around in its mouth. Safety for the carp is also the reason why I only use a free-running lead set up with this weed rig. If a fish manages to break the main line during a fight, the lead will fall off the end leaving the carp a chance to get rid of the weed link.

Fake Weed Range
The company that makes the weeds have a large range of different weed styles and colours. There are some small detailed versions and some long types which look just like Canadian pond weed. Below is a picture of a few in the range. I bought mine from a large pet store in Merry Hill shopping centre in Dudley.

Night Time Catfishing 101

2008-01-08T11:31:00.000+07:00

Night fishing is probably the best way to catch a big catfish. Big catfish feed largely at night and this method of fishing offers the greatest chance of hooking up to the monsters underneath.

Most folks think the moon phases affect the catfish, I personally have much better luck on moonless nights verses full moon nights. The only real benefit of the full moon for me is the fact that you can see your line better and it’s easier to see where you are casting. The most important thing besides having fun is to make sure and be comfortable as possible while you are fishing. As it is night and the bugs do tend to come out, make sure that you have plenty of “Off” or some other type of repellent to keep the pest away. Also some other things you may want to bring along would be: an ice chest with your favorite beverages and maybe a snack or two, also a nice lawn chair and rod holder. A big net is a must as there is a chance of finding the biggest cat of your life and you don’t want a dinky little net for the job.

When night fishing I try not to set out more than two or three rods depending on where I am fishing. From the boat it is a little easier to fish three rods if you have rod holders mounted on the boat where you can have one on each side of you and one in front. Never use less than 20lb test line, I usually string up my CastAway rods with 25-50lb test Stren line. I have found the best hooks for the job are the new Daiichi Bleeding Bait Circle hooks. The red color, even at night, triggers something in the fish that makes them want to bite. I have found that there are a few tricks that need to be learned when fishing with circle hooks compared to regular hooks. Don’t set the hook, just reel or lift the rod slowly. Circle hooks can find “home” by themselves. Choose the smallest size hook you can get by with for faster penetration, I usually try to stay with a small 2/0 to a 4/0 for most catfishing trips. Circle hooks tend to get hooked in the corner of the fish’s jaw; this is great especially at night as it makes getting the hook out of the catfish’s mouth much easier.

You will also want a reel that is strong enough to handle a possibly 100lb plus fish. I personally us Abu Garcia reels, but any really good real will do, this is definitely not the place to scrimp at, with out a quality reel, rod and line you won’t catch that fish of a lifetime.

Bait is a matter of great importance; I generally won’t go night fishing without live bait. I feel that the larger fish didn’t get that way by eating any old smelly think they swim by. Shad or large shiners tend to make the best baits. A really great bait that I have used in other states and I think you can find in some places around here is goldfish. I think the catfish must just hate them because they never come back whole. Also you might want to carry along some good old fashioned night crawlers, catfish of all sizes will gobble them up.

Try night fishing for catfish, you really will have a great time and catch some of the biggest cats you ever have.
cmegee

Dipsy Divers and Planer Boards on Lake Erie

2008-01-08T11:28:00.000+07:00

Each fishing system has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on fishing conditions, planer boards might out fish the Dipsy Diver one day, however the next day, every fish will be caught off of dipsies.

From personal experience, wood planer boards perform better than plastic. Plastic boards tend to ride behind the boat, while properly constructed (many anglers build their own) wood boards will cut through the water and ride next to the boat. The only disadvantage to wood over plastic is that wood boards can dive (actually go under water) if they hit a wave at the wrong angle. Modern plastic boards will not dive.

The difference between using a planer board and the dipsy is that the planer board allows the angler to present bait farther from the boat; thus a spoon, plug, or harness will appear near a walleye, not the boat. The dipsy, though very effective, is limited more to depth and color presentation than distance from the boat.

It's also important to note that even when the winds of Lake Erie create a moderate two to four foot chop - a planer board can be more of a bother than an asset. But the dipsy remains an effective tactic.

The certainty of fishing is that nothing is certain. Instead of choosing one system over the other - use both. With the clear waters of Lake Erie and lower walleye numbers, the correct presentation is a must. And by having a variety of options available, you will catch more fish.

Combining the Dipsy Diver with the planer board allows the angler to use the best of both - effective color presentation and a variety of depth coverage. The smaller size 0 dipsy is very effective when used off the planer boards.

I'm not aware of any book on planer board tactics. When you do decide to try the boards for the first time, pick a calm day - with a little practice you'll be catching fish.
My recommendation is the Big Jon planer system. Whether electric or manual they provide a high quality product that can be adapted for use on a mast, hard top, or side rails.
Good Fishing,

Capt. Dave Adams

How to Read the Beach for Surf Fishing

2008-01-08T11:25:00.000+07:00

Rookie surf casters, as they gaze into the churning mix of breaking waves and vast expanse of open ocean are often intimidated. They have no clue about where to cast their baits and lures. “It all looks the same,” I often hear. But it doesn’t. Each section of beach has a combination of obvious and subtle characteristics that may determine the presence of fish. The key to reading the beach is being able to locate sections of beach that are most likely to attract fish.

A slough is a deep trough that runs parallel to the beach, bordered by a sand bar on one side and the beach on the other. The distance from the beach to the bar will determine the width of the slough. Fish travel up and down this trough and look for food such small fish, crabs, and sandworms. On the Outer Banks, under normal conditions, we have approximately a two-foot difference in water depth along the ocean beach between low and high tides, and it's easier to locate a slough at low tide, when the sand bars are easily visible.

When the water depth decreases suddenly in a short distance, such as in the case of a sandbar, the incoming waves will break on top of that bar. In the case of a gently sloping beach, with no outer bar, the waves will gradually spill over, and continue to do so until they eventually break on the beach. This what experienced surf fishers call a flat beach.

Beach sand can also be a tip-off about the contour of the ocean bottom. Very fine, tightly packed sand is often found on a beach with a gradual slope. Coarse sand, or small gravel, is typically found on a steep sloping beach. Sometimes this coarse, large sand is often darker than the fine grain sand, and it's not unusual to find various types of sand over several miles of beach.

The width of a slough may also be critical. On the Outer Banks, big fish such as red drum tend to prefer the wider, deeper sloughs, with some shallow, shoal water at either end. Speckled trout, flounder and sea mullet can be caught in narrow sloughs where the bar may be as close as fifteen to twenty yards off the beach, but the water between the beach and the bar is several feet deep.

Once you locate a promising slough, it's time to take the investigation one step further. Fish may travel this ocean "highway", but they need a way to get on the road. They can do this through a break in the outer bar, easily discovered after watching the waves for several minutes. If there is a break in the bar, a wave will pass over the bar, but will not crest. If the occurrence consistently repeats, that indicates a cut in the bar. Fast moving, rippling, or discolored water may also be seen at these breaks or “outsucks” when the tide is falling. Not only will wandering fish come into the sloughs through these breaks, the fast moving water around these breaks will often form rip currents that send food swirling past the predator fish as they line up in front of the baitfish buffet.

Sloughs are not the only beach formations that attract fish. Currents and winds may scallop out the beach and form points. Frequently, the water is deep on one side of a point, a perfect location for fish to congregate. A well defined point on an open beach may attract fish the same way a piece of structure will hold fish on an otherwise featureless ocean floor. The key is to concentrate your efforts in a location that is just a bit different from the rest of the topography.
Hard structures such as jetties, piers, bridges, or inlets are also locations that encourage fish to stop and congregate. Usually these don't change, but the beaches around them will change regularly. Inlets can be incredibly productive locations to fish the surf. On a falling tide, the small baitfish and other sources of food are swept out of the inlet, providing a natural chum line that will attract fish from miles away.

Beach formations are constantly appearing, moving, rearranging or disappearing, as the winds, currents, and waves change. A perfect speckled trout hole can appear then vanish in a few days, or even migrate up and down the beach during the course of several weeks. Keep that in mind as you scan the surf line, looking for that ideal slough or perfect point.

Advantages of fishing a Drop Shot Rig

2008-01-08T11:22:00.000+07:00

I'm going to break with the where and why this lesson and talk about the technique of drop shot rig. I am taking advantage of Kota Kiriyama's knowledge and his willingness to share to be able to pass this knowledge on to you. Kota is one of the top Pros in the WORLD with this technique. Skeeter, Yamaha, Lake Police Baits, Restattine Rods, Varivis Line, Nogales Hooks, Xmetal Weights, DNA Sunglasses, and Hooked on the Outdoors Magazine sponsor him.
Kota learned his love for fishing and the outdoors fishing with his father as a youth. At age 18 he moved to New York, 12 years ago, to go to Dominican College in New York State. He spoke no English upon arriving in the United States, yet earned a BA degree. He fishes the BASS top 150 and the Western Trail. In three years of fishing the Bass Trail he has qualified twice for the prestigious BASS Classic.

Advantages of fishing a Drop Shot Rig are many. Easier to cast than a Carolina Rig, cast further than a Texas Rig and also sinks faster. Bait is always suspended and easy to adjust depth for suspended fish. It wares line less and because of weight being on the bottom of rig you can feel bottom better.

Disadvantage is heavy line twist, and gets hung in heavy cover. Putting a swivel on the sinker helps slow twist.

What type bait is best? Smaller slim type baits are best in clear water. In clear water this is a GREAT finesses technique. This is a great system for fishing spinning rod, light line deep water.
When fishing any structure the Drop Shot Rig should be a consideration for a presentation option. This technique is extremely effective on fishing structure. When fishing muddy to clear water, one foot to 100 feet this is a technique that will catch fish. YES I said 100 feet, the deepest he says he has caught is 120 feet, remembers he lives and fishes in California, so deepwater is a normal event. Any structure free of heavy cover is an easy place to learn to fish the rig.

Why chose this rig over a Texas Rig? When fishing a Drop Shot Rig the bait is always suspended just off the bottom putting the bait at eye level or just inches above when the fish is on the bottom where he prefers to stay. This also gives an angler the ability to keep the bait in the strike zone longer.

How to rig Drop Shots. Tie a Palmer knot leaving 1 to 2 feet of line extra. Thread the loose end back through the eye of the hook so the hook stands point up. Tie on weight preferably with a swivel about 12 to 18 inches below the hook. Weight size range from 1/8 to 5/16. Line size should range from 6 to 8 pound on a spinning rod and reel. Tungsten weights give a better feel of the structure. The deeper you are fishing the longer the leader up to about 2 feet long. When fishing deep lighter line lets the bait fall faster giving a better feel of the bait and strikes. When fishing shallow water heavier line and a bait casting outfit can be used. Lighter weights may be better fish on lighter line sizes on any type outfit.

Presentations vary from casting to vertical jigging. Casting Drop Shot Rigs is similar to casting a Texas Rig except into heavy cover. Drop Shots tend to get hung easier then Texas Rigs. This rig can be used as a swimming rig, hopped, crawled, or dragged. You can even fish as a stationary rig on bedding fish.

God Bless, good fishing

Capt. John Leech

Why Do I Need A Bait Bag?

2008-01-07T14:22:00.000+07:00

Many anglers don't understand the importance of having a bait bag for carrying their live worms while fishing, so I'm going to try to explain why a bait bag is such a valuable tool. First of all a bait bag is really only relevant if you fish with live worms. Sure, any bait can be held in a bait bag, but it was specifically designed for carrying live worms while fishing, and works best for doing just that. Let me ask you a question. How do you normally carry your live worms with you while fishing? You buy a container of worms and carry it with you somehow, right? Normally the worm container gets put into your fishing vest or tackle box and that's the end of it. But what about those of you who like to move from spot to spot while fishing?If you're anything like me, moving up and downstream while fishing is normal. As a matter of fact, it's not uncommon for me to cover 2-5 miles in a single fishing trip, moving either up or downstream the entire time. This is the way I have always fished and enjoy it very much. The problem used to be that keeping track of my live worm container was a pain in the butt. It always ended up crushed and remembering which pocket I had stuffed it in when I needed to bait up always resulted in me checking 2 or 3 pockets every ten minutes or so. Then my fishing mentor came up with an ingenious solution.At the time, he didn't have a name for it, but it was a small bag that hung off of his fishing vest and carried his live worms while he was fishing. This may sound strange, and the first time that I saw it I thought it looked strange as well. Then I tried one for myself. It was incredible! It was such a simple idea, but so effective. That was more than twenty years ago, and since then I've never fished with live worms without using some manifestation of a bait bag for carrying them.From these humble beginnings the Bait Bag was born. Now, whether you fashion one yourself or buy one "ready to fish" makes little difference. What's important is that you begin using some version of a bait bag sooner, rather than later. If you spend any time at all fishing with live worms a bait bag will become one of your favorite pieces of fishing gear. I know I won't even think about going fishing without mine.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Still time to fill your cooler with fall slabs

2008-01-07T14:20:00.000+07:00

By Kelly Matthews
While most people including myself are stuffing there bellies with Thanksgiving turkey - I still find time to get out on the lake for some fast and furious fall crappie fishing action. Most anglers are starting to put their boats and tackle away for the winter, waiting for the first signs of spring. Well let me tell you - if you are done gorging on that Thanksgiving turkey and cabin fever is already showing it ugly head then its time to make a beeline for the lake. This is the perfect time to stock up your freezer that has slowly dwindled down with fresh crappie fillets from this past summer cookouts. This time of year the water temps are slowly creeping down, crappie are getting more aggressive. Cooler water temps have triggered the crappie into a feeding frenzy - summer is over and its time for them to release their anger on any lures that get in there way to a free meal. Those slow faint taps we have felt on our rods for the last few weeks are gone - crappie now know that winter is on the way and the fall fiesta is on. They are several ways to go after these feeding frenzy crappie - but today I will talk about a technique that is bullet proof this time of year and also doesn’t break the bank on your way to stringer full of slabzilla's.

Here on Weiss and most all lakes you have at least one river system feeding the lake sometimes more - We have three here on Weiss the Coosa, Chattooga and Little River all dump their waters to form Lake Weiss. As the water temps drop the crappie migrate up into these rivers starting to school up in large schools and feeding on shad getting ready for the winter to come. The key to catching crappie this time of year or really anytime of year is finding structure. The old saying goes One Mans Trash is Another Mans Treasure - well that’s so true about this technique. In river systems you will always have falling tree's, broken up docks and just about anything else you can imagine. All this debris has to go somewhere and most times it ends up lodged creating a big log jam somewhere in the turns of the river system. These log jams creates an excellent place for these migrating crappie to hold. Number one you have structure - Number two you have a current break and last but not least you have an ambush point. Crappie will hold on the down current side of these jams waiting for schools of shad to move through. This is the area where you want to concentrate on working real well cause crappie are lazy fish and they look for anything to help them from spending any wasted energy. Now we know where to look for them, so how do we trick these critters in taking a one way trip to the live well...?

The best method I found for fishing log jams is simple - casting/shooting and tight lining a 1/16 oz. jig back to the boat. Here on Weiss the main river feeding it is the Coosa and it can tend to have a lot of current at times - that’s why I like the 1/16 oz. jig head and sometimes even heavier. I will mostly cast these jigs with a Southern Pro Hot Grub - the Hot Grub is a three color core twister type grub and works very well fishing log jams. Colors I tend to stay with and have always come through for me are the Black and Blues with Chartreuse tail. For the line I like to use Sufix Siege 6lb test - it is plenty strong enough for doing this technique and holds up real well fishing heavy cover like this. The rod I like best for this technique is the B'n'Ms Sharp Shooter in the 5 1/2 foot model - this rod was designed for shooting docks and works great for fishing log jams. A lot of times I can be more accurate with shooting log jams than trying to cast especially if you have any wind at all. Now we have our setup so where do we go?

With this technique you don’t need all those high dollar graphs and GPS units - the treasures we are looking for is in plain site and most people pass them by wondering why Alabama Power don’t come in and clean this stuff up. Well for my sake I hope they never do. This is where a good quality lake map will come in handy - what we are looking for is where the river makes a sharp turn close to shallow water. This where most of your log jams or going to form and this is where the crappie will be. Here on Weiss we have miles of river channels and 100's of log jams to fish - it doesn’t take long to scout out and check these log jams and see if they are holding crappie. Once you have found crappie on certain log jams they will continue to produce good stringers of crappie for you day in and day out. There will be times when you come up on an area and you spot fish working the surface around log jams - unless you are just wanting to have some fun, keep moving 99% of the time this will be stripers and white bass working a school of shad and crappie don’t want no part of the fun. Like I said before crappie are lazy fish and you want find them working shad like that. A great place to start your search is the Alabama Belle Resort - from their all the way up to Three Mile has always been great fishing when looking for log jammed crappie. Fishing this way for me is really what crappie fishing is all about - it’s me with one rod verses the all mighty fish we call crappie. Take this technique and the equipment I mentioned - I assure you will have a great day on the lake.
Thanks and Good Fishin

By: Kelly Matthews

www.bnmpoles.com

www.southernpro.com

www.sufix.com

More than Fishing in the Indian River Lagoon

2008-01-07T14:17:00.001+07:00

Between the Mosquito Lagoon at Edgewater, Florida and the City of Titusville, Florida lies the Indian River Lagoon. Like the Mosquito Lagoon, it is renowned for its flats fishing in the extensive shallow water, and also for something else. When you go fishing in the Indian River Lagoon, you need to stay alert at what else is around you. For the bottle nose dolphin and the Florida Manatee both hang out there. The Manatees can usually be found near the bridge over Haulover Canal on Florida State Road 3, rather than widely throughout the lagoon - but it's worth heading your boat that way just to have a look at the very large but gentle creatures.
The dolphins, on the other hand, like to swim and play - often in groups - and all over the Lagoon. The bottlenose dolphin is one of the wider known small whales because of its tendency to inhabit coastal waters.It is also the dolphin you see at places like Sea World.
The large size bottlenose dolphin, ofen reaching 3 meters or more, is usually found out to sea. The small bottlenose is the one often seen in the Lagoon. They live on the average about 25 years, reaching maturity around five or six years old.
By some estimates, the population of bottlenose dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon goes as high as 800 in the summer, with about half as many in the fall.
So while you might be fishing the Lagoon for Redfish or Sea Trout, the two most popular catches, you can also have a free dolphin show if you just keep your eyes peeled. If you are having a slow day catching, you can still motor over to Haulover Canal to see the Manatees, and have a great time just enjoying the beauty of the Lagoon, and the dolphin show.
Jerry Fox, www.websaurus.com

Secret Smallmouth Fishing Techniques

2008-01-07T14:15:00.001+07:00

For those of you who like to catch Smallmouth Bass this article is for you. I'm going to reveal one very effective technique that will help you catch more Smallmouth on your next fishing outing. Not only that, but I will also provide you with some tips that will make you a better angler as well. These simple yet effective tips are easily worth the five minutes it's going to take you to read this article.
For the purpose of this article, I'm going to focus on fishing for these bass in the current of a river or stream, simply because that's my area of expertise…river and stream fishing. If you've never had the pleasure of hooking and fighting a two to four pound Smallmouth in the flowing waters of a river or stream, let me assure you that it's as much fun as can be had while clothed! Catching these feisty fish in rivers and streams is a ton of fun.
Let's begin with the technique. It's really quite simple. All that you need are some small swivels, split shot sinkers, pre-tied gang hooks, and live worms. I'm going to assume that you're standing in a river or stream that contains smallmouth bass. Begin by taking the end of your line and tying on a small barrel swivel (size 10 or 12). Now on the opposite end of the barrel swivel, tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks (size 8 or 10). At this point add split shots above the barrel swivel for weight. Start with two or three, the goal is to have your offering bounce off the bottom as it tumbles naturally with the current. The number and weight of the split shot will have to be adjusted depending on the current. Now simply add a live worm to your gang hooks and your good to go.
The goal is to cast your line parallel to the current, and then let it flow naturally with the current, until the worm is directly below where you are standing. Keep your line taught as it flows with the current, and you should feel it hitting bottom from time to time (getting snagged will happen while using this technique). With a little practice, you'll quickly be able to tell the difference between a bite and bottom.
The technique just mentioned is an extremely effective technique for smallmouth fishing is rivers and streams. It works quite well for trout also, if you're interested? Another great tip is to make sure that your on the water fishing when the fish are the most active. How do you know when the fish are the most active? Simple, by paying attention to the weather and moon, and knowing how these two forces of Mother Nature relate to fishing.
The final tip/technique for smallmouth fishing is to use lures that are as realistic as possible. I realize this might sound very sophomoric, but there are fishing lures that are more realistic than others, and using these amazingly realistic fishing lures will increase your catch rates, it's as simple as that.
Name: Trevor Kugler

Email: tkugler@jrwfishing.com

Website: http://www.jrwfishing.com

Trout Fishing Tactics

2008-01-06T14:21:00.000+07:00

Catching trout is an enjoyable pastime for many people. As trout anglers, we're always looking for new and improved tactics to improve our catch rates, correct? If we aren't we probably should be. Learning new things is not only important to trout fishing, but also life in general. It's what makes us know that we're alive, right? In any case, below I'm going to lay out some of the most effective trout fishing tactics that I've ever come across and with any luck, you'll be able to use one or all of them to increase your hook-up rates. I emphasize "hook-up", because I know these tactics will help you get more bites, but the fighting and reeling in is up to you. Here we go.

Watch Your Shadow - When trout fishing, where you're casting a shadow is important. You don't want to cast a shadow on the water or "hole" you're going to fish or fishing. My mentor taught me that this "spooks" the hole, which means the trout in said hole are much less apt to bite. Pay attention to your shadow so as not to spook the hole.

Present Your Offering Naturally - When fishing for trout, I prefer to use live bait. It's simply my favorite and most successful tactic. When presenting live bait, it must be presented naturally, and the most effective way to accomplish this is through the use of gang hooks. What are gang hooks? Gang hooks are simply 2 small hooks tied in tandem, thus enabling you to present your bait (especially live worms) in a completely natural manner. Does just slapping your bait on a single hook work? Sure, for smaller more inexperienced fish. But if you would like to catch no only more trout but trophies and large trout as well, employ gang hooks whenever you use live bait (especially worms).

Eliminate Unnatural Odors - One of the easiest trout fishing tactics is to make sure you eliminate any unnatural odors from your hands. You see, scents transfer from your hands to whatever bait you're using, and if trout smell unnatural odors, they are 50% less apt to bite! The remedy to this problem is simple and easy. Simply grab a clump of grass or handful of dirt and rub it in your hands for 30-45 seconds before baiting up. This will eliminate any unnatural odors that may be on your hands.

Be Efficient - When trout fishing it's important to be efficient. The more time you can spend with your line in the water the better. Remember, you can't catch any trout without your line being in the water. Using equipment like retractors to hold you most-used equipment is a great way to be more efficient. This way you're not wasting time digging through your vest looking for your hemostats or nail clippers, etc. With a retractor, those items are hanging right there, waiting to be used. Another item that will make you a much more efficient angler is a bait bag. If you fish with live worms, you have to have a bait bag; it's as simple as that.

The bottom line is that these trout fishing tactics will help you get more hook-ups while trout fishing. How do I know this? Because I've been using every one of them for more than 20 years and they all make a huge difference. Use one or all of these trout fishing tactics to become a better trout angler today.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Fishing Waders

2008-01-06T14:17:00.000+07:00

A fisherman's waders can be his best friend or worst enemy. If you've ever had a leak in your waders, you know exactly what I'm talking about. When you first think there's a leak in your waders, you ignore it and hope it goes away, but invariably it doesn't. It's there and has to be dealt with, because there are few things worse than a pair of leaky waders. There are two main materials that waders are made out of, and they are really quite different. As a matter of fact, If you spend a lot of time wading in rivers fishing, you may want to consider having a pair of each kind. The two main materials are:

2) Neoprene Waders – Neoprene waders are also wonderful for fishing cold water and climate situations. Neoprene waders don't let perspiration out, which can lead to dampness on the anglers' legs. This type of wader is quite durable though and can stand up to quite a bit of abuse. I have a friend who's had a pair of neoprene waders for over 15 years! Neoprene is without question his favorite and neoprene is usually less expensive than breathable waders.

3) Breathable Waders -On the cost scale these are the most expensive, but they are also by far the most comfortable. While neoprene waders are warm in cold weather/water, breathable waders can be just as warm, by layering clothes underneath. One of the great things about breathable waders is that they are cool in hot weather. When it's hot outside, I just wear shorts under my breathable waders and am good to go. Breathable waders also "breath", which means that they allow perspiration to escape from your body as you, sweat. This adds to the comfort factor as well. However, if you have to walk through a lot of brush and such while fishing, this material can tear easier than neoprene. Breathable waders are much less durable than Neoprene waders.

The bottom line is that a decent pair of waders is a must for anyone who spends time fishing rivers and streams. Although waders can be expensive, as long as you take care of them they will last for years. Remember to always store them properly. In case you don't know that means upside down when they aren’t being used, and in the case of breathable waders, upside down and inside out when not in use.What type of material your waders are made out of is up to you, depending on the type of fishing and time of year that you do most of your fishing. Both materials have their strong and weak points, and as I alluded to earlier, if you spend a lot of time wading, you may want to have a pair of both. That way you'll be ready for anything mother nature or the fish have to throw at you.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Personal Pontoon Boats For River Fishing

2008-01-06T14:14:00.000+07:00

I've been a river angler for more than 15 years and have fallen in love with personal pontoon boats. Fishing in a river used to mean wading for long distances upstream and downstream in an attempt to catch fish. There is nothing wrong with fishing in this way, however on some rivers it requires a ton of crossing back and forth, and with no clearly defined trails along many rivers, the terrain can become impassible. Therefore I could only fish a couple of miles both up and downstream from the parking area.Then I began using a personal pontoon boat. What's a personal pontoon boat, you ask? It's basically a seat mounted on a pair of inflatable pontoons. I think you can even get them with two seats if you need an extra seat. With a personal pontoon boat, you fish the river in style. They are great.Using a personal pontoon boat to fish your favorite river is the way to go. They offer you the flexibility to cover great distance, much farther than walking along the shore and crossing the river numerous times. You see, I don't actually fish from my personal pontoon, although I suppose a person could? I use it to get down the river, and simply stop at a stretch That I want to fish, pull over, and fish the area. I wear my waders the entire time, just like when hiking up and down the river, so when a get to a good stretch of river, I fish it as I always do. It's great!One of the things I enjoy most about river and stream fishing is being out in nature. There's just something about standing in the middle of a flowing river on a beautiful day that feels right to me. I still get to experience all of this with the help of my personal pontoon boat; it's just that now I have more access to the rivers that I fish. I'm no longer limited to only the area's that are within walking distance of the parking area.My personal pontoon boat has at least doubled the amount of river I can fish in a single trip. And the fact that I still get to fish the way I love to and don't have the bother of maneuvering and hauling a canoe or small boat is another great advantage of my personal pontoon boat. If you spend a lot of time in waders, river fishing, it may be time to look into added a personal pontoon boat to your fishing gear.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

The Weather And Fishing

2008-01-06T14:12:00.001+07:00

What if I told you that doing one simple thing could dramatically increase the amount of fish you catch, and this one simple thing wouldn't cost you one red cent? Would you believe me or think that I was full of more crap than a politician running for the presidency? Well, in any case it's true, there is one simple thing that you can do to help you catch more fish and it won't cost you one red cent! That one thing is to learn a little about how the weather and fishing are related. These two subjects, the weather and fishing are much more related than you might have ever thought.As a matter of fact, there are few subjects that effect fishing as much as the weather. Have you ever had one of those days fishing that's like a dream? When it seems like no matter what you throw in the water, the fish will bite? Not only that, but on days like this there are a lot of big fish caught as well. When this type of thing happens, do you just think that you're incredibly lucky? What happens, on days such as this, is more than likely that the weather conditions we're working in your favor and you didn't realize it.This is why, with a little research (that's free to do) you can dramatically increase your fishing success, and it won't cost you one red cent. This is an interesting little tidbit of information, considering that so many people think that fishing is a difficult and boring thing. Fishing at the proper times is very important. Especially if you're like me and get a limited amount of time to spend fishing. Isn't it a better idea to fish when the fish are most active? Well by studying the weather and fishing a little bit, you'll be fishing at the best times.A great way to get free information on the weather and fishing is by getting this free e-book, which will give you a much better understanding of how the weather and fishing fit together like a hand and a glove. Doing a search on the internet on this subject is never a bad idea either. Just remember, this stuff isn't rocket science and shouldn't cost you money, especially not initially. There's enough information out there to choke a horse and the free e-book that I just mentioned will give you enough information to get you on your way.Let me give you a quick, real world example. Have you ever noticed how cows in a field will huddle together when it seems as if a storm is approaching? This is because of the weather and they know what's happening because the "pressure" is changing. If the weather effects the cows in your local field, what effect do you think it has on the fish in your favorite lake or river? Get the free weather and moon e-book and you'll know about this effect. The bottom line in all of this is that the weather and fishing are related to a much greater degree than you might have ever thought, so do a little research and increase your catch rates for nothing more than a little of your time.

Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/8603

The Greatest Way To Rig A Live Worm

2008-01-06T14:09:00.000+07:00

So what is the greatest way to rig a live worm as bait when fishing? Is one way actually better than another? Or is it good enough to simply "thread" a live worm onto a hook and be done with it? In the opinion of my fishing mentor, who was the best live worm angler that I've ever seen, there was one way that was without question, the greatest way to rig a live worm while fishing. That way was through the use of a set of gang hooks. You see, a set of gang hooks allow live worms to be presented outstretched and natural, the way God intended.Gang hooks are attached to your line using a small barrel swivel (usually size 10 or 12) to prevent line twist and then a live worm is added to the hooks. If large night crawlers are being used, simply pinch them in half. By using gang hooks and night crawlers, you effectively double the amount of bait you have as well (when night crawlers are being used). This is another reason why gang hooks are the greatest way to rig a live worm. Not only are they effective, they also get you double the bait, at least in the case of night crawlers.You see gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem, which make them absolutely perfect for presenting live worms when fishing. My fishing mentor always used gang hooks whenever he fished with live bait, especially live worms. He also believed in using light line and ultra light rods and reels. Although many anglers think that large fish can't be caught in this manner, he regularly caught trout in the four to five pound class out of rivers and streams that got a lot of fishing pressure. As I said earlier, he was the best live worm angler that I've ever seen. To be accurate, he was the best ultra light angler I've ever seen, and live worms we're his bait of choice.The bottom line is that the greatest way to rig a live worm is a set of gang hooks, whether those gang hooks be purchased ready to fish or tied yourself. How you get a hold of them is really of little importance. What's important is that you begin using them sooner rather than later. I've personally been using gang hooks to fish with live worms since I was introduced to them by my fishing mentor more than 20 years ago, and can testify that they work. Once you give them a shot for the first time, you'll be as hooked as the fish. I know that's what happened to me.Gang hooks are attached to your line using a small barrel swivel, which helps prevent line twist. If split shot sinkers are added above the barrel swivel, and then this rig (with a live worms attached) is allowed to flow naturally with the current of a river or stream, the results can be amazing. The goal is to add enough weight to get your offering to bounce along the bottom as it flows naturally with the current. When live worms are fished in this manner, it becomes the greatest way to rig and fish a live worm, and its all due to the simple and effective gang hook setup.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

The Other Side Of Sponsorhips

2008-01-04T14:41:00.001+07:00

It seems that most tournament fishermen are willing to stop just short of selling their souls to be sponsored. I was recently on a website that had several tournament fishermen listed and their sponsors. Some of these guys had eight or ten sponsors and have never left the ranks of the weekend tournament circuits. Out of curiosity and maybe a bit of envy I started looking at some of the pro staff sections of their sponsor’s websites. I stopped looking after three.
The first join our pro staff page told me they would love to have me be a part of their team. All I had to do was sell $500 worth of their products to receive a window sticker and a 50% discount. I’d be watched over by a pro staff director and could be terminated if I didn’t continue to prove my worth. The next one also had a hitch. To climb aboard their team you only had to purchase a $200 starter pack which was not even $200 worth of baits. It also included stickers, fliers, and other promotional items that they expect you to buy from them, then give away. The next was the same as above except a bit less expensive at $150.
It amazes me that they have people wanting sponsorship so badly that they would buy it. I’m not shy when it comes to spending money on fishing but I would have to buy $400 worth of their bait just to break even, when all I would have to do is work an extra day at my job and have more than 50% of what I would have spent with them, but then I couldn’t tell turn everyone green with envy at how successful I am at gaining sponsors.
If you fish the top level tours you already know the ins and outs, but if like me you rarely if ever compete out of your home state you’d be far better of to seek sponsorship from local companies, preferably from someone you already know, or even better forget the idea completely. Sponsorship takes up a lot of time and even money. You may offer or be asked to put fliers on windshields at a large tournament for example. How many baits at a 50% discount would you have to buy to justify the travel time, gas, and time it takes to put fliers on a couple of hundred windshields?
Sponsors are looking at this also. If they were to provide you with $1,000 in entry fees how many baits would you have to personally be responsible for being sold would it take for them to start showing a profit on their investment in you? For the vast majority sponsorship is not feasible. Most of us would be far better of to work on improving our skills instead of trying to impress other anglers with our patches and stickers. I’m not saying all tackle companies are like this or that no sponsorships should be considered. I have one sponsor, and enjoy helping him out what I can. I’m just saying don’t expect sponsor to smother you with discounts and entry fees just because you are sporting their logo on your truck, boat, and shirt. They will give you the stickers but expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $150 for their tournament shirt.

Steve Masters

Bringitbaits.com

Essential Trout Fishing Tips

2008-01-04T14:14:00.000+07:00

When fishing for trout there are a few tips and techniques that should be viewed as essential. These simple trout fishing tips and techniques are simple and easy to employ, and with a little practice, you'll wonder how you ever fished for trout without them. Remember trout fishing isn't rocket science, although to be truly successful you do need to do a little more than just toss a night crawler into the water. Anyone can catch small inexperienced trout, but these tips and techniques will help you catch more experienced and thus larger trout. I primarily fish for trout in the flowing waters of rivers and streams, so that's what I'm going to focus on in this article.
Natural Presentation - whatever type of bait that your using, it needs to be presented in the most natural way possible. How is this accomplished? Well, if you're a bait fisherman, using gang hooks is the best way and if you're a lure fisherman making sure that light line and no snap swivels are used is a great technique. You see, snap swivels ruin the action on any lure they are used on, so you get less bites. Always tie you line directly to whatever lure you happen to be using. The bottom line is that snap swivels ruin the natural presentation of almost any lure. Tie your line directly to whatever type of bait or hook (s) you happen to be using. If a swivel is needed to prevent line twist, use a barrel swivel.
The Weather & Moon - many anglers don't use the weather and moon to their advantage like they should. This is not only true in trout fishing, but all fishing. Using the weather and moon to your advantage can dramatically increase the amount of bites you receive. There are free resources all over the place that you can learn, and I would suggest you invest a few hours to educate yourself. If you're fishing at certain times, when certain natural occurrences are taking place, your catch rate can be incredible or non existent, all because of the weather and/or moon.
Being Efficient - the more efficient that you can become as an angler, the more fish that you will catch. This is especially true with trout fishing, when you're wading a river. Employing equipment like a bait bag or retractors are great ways to become more efficient. You see, the more efficient you become, the more time that is spent with your line in the water, where the fish are. Anything that you can do to help you spend more time with your line in the water, you should consider doing. Many anglers don't realize how much more efficient they could be by just adding a few things to their repertoire.These simple tips/techniques will help you become a much more effective trouyt angler. They are essential for one simple fact. As the reverend McLain states in my favorite movie of all time, A River Runs Through It, "Anyone who does not know how to catch a fish should not be able to disgrace that fish by catching it". To me, that quote sums it up. We all need to have enough respect for our quarry that we hone our skills and educate ourselves as to the most effective fishing methods. We don't need to disgrace the trout we're trying to catch.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com

Tips For Trout Fishing

2007-12-28T11:01:00.000+07:00

For those of us who enjoy fishing for trout, there's always another tip, right? It surely seems that way. More than 20 years ago I had the pleasure of knowing the greatest trout angler that I've since met, and he taught me some trout fishing tips that have always helped me catch more trout. He was renowned in the area that I grew up as being an amazing trout fisherman, and he had the trophies to prove it! This man had the ability to catch trophy trout out of rivers that no one thought such fish swam in.
In any case, he taught me these tips for trout fishing, which I'm going to pass on to you through this article. Do these tips guarantee that you'll catch trophy trout? No, but they do guarantee that you'll be a much better and more efficient trout angler. If you want to catch trophy trout like my mentor there is no substitute for spending time on the water practicing your craft. That's exactly what he did.
Once he had a large trout located, he would keep fishing for it, until he caught it. This behavior was borderline insane, but it resulted in trophy trout. This man would literally keep returning to the area that the large trout was located until he caught it, no matter how many days he had to return to the same spot. This is a good tip for anyone who might be in search of a trophy trout in the flowing waters of a small river or stream? Once you locate a large trout, keep fishing for it until you catch it.
Another great tip for trout fishing is to pay attention to the weather and moon, so that you know that you're fishing at the most opportune times. You see , there are no two factors that affect the behavior of fish like the weather and moon. This is why educating yourself as to how the two effect the behavior of fish is so important. Knowing the best times to be on the weather fishing is an advantage to any angler and will result in much more success.
When trout fishing the use of gang hooks is a must. My fishing mentor, who I referred to earlier in this article, insisted on the use of gang hooks when fishing for trout. Gang Hooks are effective for almost any live bait fishing (especially with live worms), but are particularly effective when used for trout. A live worm rigged on a set of pre-tied gang hooks, then allowed to float naturally with the current of a river or stream, is a deadly trout fishing technique. Gang hooks are also very effective when used to rig Powerbait and other floating trout baits, in lake fishing situations.
Another tip for trout fishing is to be as efficient as possible. This simply means employing things like bait bags, retractors, and rod rulers when trout fishing. These things help you to maximize the an=mount of time you spend with your line in the water (where the trout are), rather than searching for much needed gear and bait. When you use devices such as bait bags, rod rulers, and retractors, you become a much more efficient trout angler, which results in more fish.
The bottom line is that these simple tips for trout fishing all work. How am I so sure f this? First of all because I saw them work for my fishing mentor, and have seen them all work for myself for more than twenty years. I know these tips will do the same for you, a soon as you implement them into your trout fishing repertoire.

Article Source: http://www.landbigfish.com/

Talking to the Bluefish

2007-12-27T12:01:00.000+07:00

Years ago, I was introducing one of the Shoal N Reef guides to the difference between fishing and catching. Art ‘of the possible’ Aikin and I found ourselves on my boat and out on the Chesapeake Bay. In those days I kept a 26’ Bertram at the Breezy Point Marina – on the western shore just south of Chesapeake Beach.
It was a late summer, early evening as I remember it. We left the dock around four in the afternoon and headed south to the mouth of Parker’s Creek. As neared the channel that the creek had dug in the muddy bottom, I noticed a large area of riffled water just south of the channel. As we drifted into it my fathometer began to show solid black from just below the surface right down to the bottom. We had stumbled onto a huge school of bluefish.
The wind was light and onshore so I decided to do a series of drifts from the deep water towards the shore. I circled around and got the boat in position. The bucket of razor clams that I had picked up in Chesapeake Beach looked to be exactly the right bait to use. So I put the bait table on the gunwale and set out a few clams.
Now, I’ve got to say in his defense that this one of the very first fishing trips that Possible had ever been on and, as a senior scientist at NASA, nothing I his professional life had prepared him for what was about to happen.
The routine was simple – you baited the hook – cast it into the water – waited a second or two – then reeled in another one – they were that think. By the time we starter the first drift, the bluefish were chopping up the surface – driving the baitfish up and then charging through the schools. The breeze had dropped to almost nothing and the boat drifted gently towards the shore. The sun was heading towards the western horizon and life was very good. I set to work hauling in my share.
In a break between fish I became aware that Art was muttering something about how inconsiderate that kind of thing was. “Darn things – at least you could wait!” I looked over and noticed that he had not boated a single fish – I had half a dozen nice ones in the fish box on my side of the boat. So I decided to watch for a bit and see if I could. This is what I saw:
Art would start with a clean hook - bait it with a nice piece of clam. And then, being a fastidious type, he would place the rod in the holder and turn back to bucket of water I had placed in the middle of the cockpit and wash his hands. By the time he got back to the rod, the bluefish had cleaned the hook and the process started all over again. You see he had enough line out so that the hook was in the water.
I looked down in the water just aft of the transom and saw a bunch of bluefish lined up waiting to be fed!
What was funniest was Possible’s reaction to the discovery of the bare hook. “You darn fish could at least wait until I was ready! That is very inconsiderate!” I watched this cycle a couple or times. The fish got fed and Art was getting madder and madder at them. Finally I just had to make a suggestion.
“Art, when you put your rod in the holder, crank in a little line and keep the bait out of the water until you are ready.”
So here he goes – baits the hook – puts the rod in the holder – cranks the reel until it is just above the surface – and turns back to wash his hands. As he did we heard this splashing – turned to see the bluefish coming out of the water – and a clean hook dangling at the end of the line. We both broke out in a fit of laughing.
Well that was many years ago and Art is now a fine, battle tested fisherman - but, every once in a while, I still remind him about talking to the bluefish.

Article Source: http://www.landbigfish.com/

5 Simple Techniques To Help You Catch More Fish

2007-12-27T11:53:00.000+07:00

In my estimation, many anglers overlook some very simple things that effect their fish catching ability. Like many things in life, it's often the most obvious things that get overlooked, and in most cases these obvious things have a very big impact on our lives, and for the purposes of this article, our fishing. These 5 techniques are going to be focused on the river or stream angler who spends much oh their time wading in the water, trying to catch fish. So if you're a Largemouth Bass angler who fishes from a $20,000 bass boat, these tips probably won't mean much to you. In any case, here are the tips and you can do with them what you will:1) Size Matters - The size of your line matters. In river and stream situations fish are usually much more wary than in a muddy lake with a lot of boat traffic. In most cases the water is very clear as well. This means that the fish are much more likely to see your line. I personally use four pound test, which is all but invisible to the fish. I've had the direct experience of using six pound test and getting no bites. Then switching to four pound test and catching fish one after another. 2) Your Clothes Matter - The color of your clothing matters. You wan t to avoid wearing loud colors that will make it easier for the fish to see you. Remember, if the fish can see you, they normally won't bite (especially in clear water mountain rivers). Wear darker more drab colors if at all possible. 3) Avoid Loud Noises - I know, as anglers we are all aware of the "be quiet" rule while fishing, but it's even more pronounced on river and stream situations. Especially on rivers and streams that don't receive much fishing pressure. The biggest thing to avoid as far as noise goes on rivers and streams are rocks banging together underwater. Remember this while wading from here to there. 4) Present Bait Naturally - You want to present your bait as naturally as possible. You want your bait to look like it would without hooks in it. The best way I know to accomplish this is by using gang hooks. The bottom line is for your bait to look as natural as possible. 5) Clean Your Hands - Fish have a very sensitive sense of smell and can smell your scent on your bait. This is a big reason people use "attractors" on their baits. I don't think these things attract fish as much as they cover the scent of humans! Using a hand sanitizer is a good idea or just grabbing a handful of grass and rubbing it in your hands has always worked well for me.Start employing any or all of these five techniques and you will start catching more fish; it's as simple as that. Catching fish doesn't have to be difficult, especially if we're reminded of the basics from time to time. Remember what Steven Wright said, "There's a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot."

Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/8603

The Secret For Fishing With Live Worms

2007-12-25T11:15:00.000+07:00

Picture from: http://www.bwcnfarms.com

Is there actually a secret for fishing with live worms? I'm sure many people would say no there's not. To many people, simply "threading" a live worm onto a hooks is good enough, but more than 20 years ago my fishing mentors taught me a secret that makes fishing with live worms much more successful. He realized that when a live worm was "threaded" onto a hook it ended up looking like some sort of worm ball, rather than outstretched ands natural the way a worm looks in the wild. So he came up with a solution to this problem.That solution is called a set of gang hooks. A set of gang hooks is simply two small hooks tied in tandem, which enables a live worm to be presented in a totally natural manner. He learned that this natural presentation makes a big difference in the amount of bites, and subsequently hooked fish, that a person receives. When you think about it this only makes sense. The more natural the worm looks, the more effective it will be as bait.Gang hooks are, by far, the best way to present live worms as bait while fishing. As a matter of fact, since first starting to use them moiré than twenty years ago, I personally can't imagine fishing with live worms without using gang hooks to rig them up. Gang hooks have become as much a part of my fishing gear as my rod and reel are. If I'm going to be fishing, I need to have some gang hooks with me.If a set of pre-tied gang hooks is attached to your line using a small barrel swivel, then weighted with split shot sinkers and allowed to flow naturally with the current of a river or stream, the results are quite eye opening. I've been using this rig to catch trout, smallmouth bass and walleye for years, and it works. This type of rig not only works, it works well. The same type of rig can be used under a bobber for pan fish, and even for still fishing by adding an egg sinker instead of split shots for weight.The bottom line is that the secret for fishing with live worms is a set of pre-tied gang hooks. You can tie them yourself or purchase them ready to fish, it really makes little difference. What's important is that you begin using gang hooks for all of your live worm fishing sooner, rather than later. You'll be Glad you did.
Article by: fishingmanfriend
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/8603

How To Use Powerbait To Catch Trout

2007-12-25T11:11:00.000+07:00

Picture from: http://www.fishusa.com/tackleshop/assets/product_images/48020241rb.jpg

In this article I'm going to explain exactly how to use Powerbait to catch trout. You know what I'm referring to, right? Powerbait, that extruded stuff in little jars that seems to be available in more colors that a box of crayons. There are some specific tips and techniques that can be employed when this stuff is used as bait and catch more trout. These tips and techniques are simple and can be employed by even the most novice angler.The first thing to keep in mind when fishing for trout is that trout have very keen eyesight, which means that they can see your fishing line under the water if it's too heavy. And if they can see your fishing line, what do you suppose your chances are that they will bite your bait? Not very good. This is why the weight of your fishing line is so important to trout fishing (whether you're using Powerbait as bait or not). I personally use nothing heavier than four-pound test for trout fishing, but anything up to six pound test is passable. Just make sure that you don't use fishing line heavier than six-pound test for trout fishing.Now that we know that the proper line is being employed, let get down to the business of how to use Powerbait to catch trout. The first thing to understand is that the Powerbait we use (or any other synthetic bait that comes on a jar) should float. Most all of it does, but make sure that the variety that you're using is a floating trout bait. The floating aspect is critical, because we want our offering to be floating off of the bottom, above any underwater debris. The next thing to consider is the body of water that we're going to be fishing in. The synthetic baits that come in a jar, also known as Powerbait, are best employed in lake fishing situations. Not only lake fishing situations, but also still fishing situations. Which means casting your offering out, and waiting for a trout to bite. Is this the most exciting form of fishing? Nope, but it can nonetheless be quite fun. So locate your favorite lake (which contains trout) and let's get down to business.Another great tip is to make sure that you're fishing at the proper times. What do I mean by this? Simple. I just want you to pay attention to the weather and moon so that you always know that you're fishing at the most opportune times. Now, lets assume that your fishing when you should be fishing, and are at the lake that you picked out. Begin by taking the end of your line and slipping on an egg sinker (1/4 to 1/2 an ounce). Now tie on a small barrel swivel (size 10 or 12) to act as a "stopper". On the opposite end of the barrel swivel, tie on a set of pre-tied gang hooks (preferably size 8 or 10). This is your Powerbait rig. Now simply ad enough synthetic bait to each hook to completely cover the hook. You should now have 2 balls of Powerbait hanging from the end of your rod.Now simply cast it out and let it sink. Slowly reel in the slack, until the line is completely taught, and set you rod against a stationary object. Now you wait for a trout to bite (the rod tip will begin bouncing when a trout bites). My general rule of thumb is to wait a half an hour to forty five minutes and if nothing happens, I reel in, check my bait, and cast to a different spot. The point is that this rig and technique will result in the catching of a trout or three. You now know how to use Powerbait to catch trout.

Article by: fishingmanfriend
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/8603

Cold Weather Trout Fishing Tips

2007-12-25T10:50:00.000+07:00

Picture from: http://pond.dnr.cornell.edu/nyfish/Salmonidae/rainbow_trout.jpg

As the new year approaches and the weather continues to get colder, I figured it was time to write an article on cold weather trout fishing tips. I'm not necessarily referring to ice fishing, yet some of these tips can be used for ice fishermen as well. These tips are for those of us who still enjoy getting out on our favorite river or stream to do a little trout fishing, even when the weather is quite cold. The first thing to keep in mind (if you didn't already know), is that cold weather trout fishing offers some unique challenges, not the least of which is the fact that the cold weather can be quite uncomfortable. Besides being uncomfortable, cold weather trout fishing means the fishing will normally be much tougher. When the temperature drops, so does the water temperature, and as the water temperature drops, so does the trout's body temperature. As trout become colder and colder, their metabolism slows down, which means they feed less. Obviously when trout are feeding less, they are more difficult to catch. In colder weather and water temperatures, a great tip is to use bait that’s as small as you can. If you ice fish, you know all about using tiny baits, well the same goes for trout fishing in river and stream situations. Use hooks, baits, and lures that are as small as you can get away with in cold weather trout fishing situations. This tip will help you get more bites.The same principle goes for any live bait that you might be using. Cold weather is a great time of year to use maggots and meal worms as trout bait, and if you like to use night crawlers, simply use smaller pieces. For example, a whole night crawler can be pinched into thirds or even quarters in cold weather trout fishing situations. When the weather and water temperature are cold, fishing when the trout are the most active is very important. There are certain times of the day and month when fish are more active than others , and knowing this information is highly useful when the weather is cold and the trout aren't as active anyway. These times of the day and month correlate with the weather and phases of the moon. Planning your fishing trips around the weather and moon is a great idea, especially in cold weather.The final tip for cold weather trout fishing is the fact that we need to keep our hands as warm as possible while fishing. Not only do our hands need to be warm, but if you're like me you still need the use of you fingers to fish properly. This is where a quality and comfortable pair of fingerless gloves come into play. I can tell you from experience that being on the river and feeling like your hand is going to fall off, because that hand got wet releasing a freezing cold trout, is no fun at all.

Article by: fishingmanfriend
Article Source: http://www.free-articles-zone.com/author/8603