Archive for August, 2009

Useful Striped Bass Fishing Techniques

There are always new and innovative striped bass fishing techniques and other largemouth bass fishing techniques that you can take into stride and really use to your advantage when you are out on the water. If you want to be the best fisherman that you can be, and have the most chances of success of catching striped bass when you are out on the water, then you are going to want to learn as many of these striped bass fishing techniques as you can.

Schools

Learning that striped bass typically run in schools is one of the best striped bass fishing techniques that you will ever get. Therefore you need to be aware that while you may have great success one day, and the next day you don’t have any luck at all, this is probably because most to all of the striped bass in the area have left together as a group.

Likes and Dislikes

As a fisherman, if you want to be successful in your endeavor after the striped bass fish, then you need to make yourself more aware of what their likes and dislikes are. This is the only way that you are going to be able to learn about the fish and know what to expect them to do.

They prefer cleaner water for one, whereas some of the other types of bass do not. So you are going to want to stick around in the areas of the water that are clearer and cleaner, and make sure that you then use appropriate lures on your line as well, nothing too shiny.

Research on Your Own Time

Remember that these are certainly not the only striped bass fishing techniques out there, and there are plenty of others that you could use to your advantage here as well. To hone your skills as a fisherman, you need to always be on top of your game and that means spending time doing research on your own as well.

You can use the Internet for one to do your own research and to find out things like what the best striped bass fishing techniques are that you can use.

Also remember that striped bass fishing can be some of the most challenging bass fishing that a person can take on, so you really only want to try it out after you have at least a bit of experience with bass fishing in other areas.

Go here for more about fishing tips and bass fly fishing techniques.

Sure there are lots of different bass fishing techniques that you could learn about, but there are just a few in particular which are considered as staples to know if you want to be any sort of a bass fisherman. These are bass fishing techniques that you are going to be able to put in your arsenal belt and use time and time again.

Smallmouth or Largemouth?

Remember that before you are ever going to be able to utilize the best bass fishing techniques, you are going to have to determine whether you are going fishing for smallmouth or largemouth bass. This is because not only are you going to be using different techniques depending on the type of bass that you are going after, but as well almost completely different equipment as well.

Whether you are going for striped bass fishing techniques or black bass fishing tips that you want to try, here are a few basic ideas for techniques that you are sure to be able to use at some point in your bass fishing.

The Importance of Good Location

Every experienced fisherman in the world knows how incredibly important choosing the right location to go fishing is. If you are not in the right area, there are not going to be any bass around and so of course you are not going to get any bites.

So then one of the best bass fishing techniques that you are going to want to remember is to always pick the best location that you can.

There are some areas in particular that are known for being great for bass fishing and which you are surely going to want to check out. Take Crystal Lake for one, which is definitely one of the best bass fishing techniques that you will ever get.

Smallmouth fishing in particular is always very good, at all times of the year. Spring is the best though, as the bass are in their pre-spawn and are very active. You will probably even see them jumping up out of the water, which is a really thrilling thing to see, something that you are never going to forget. Remember that spinner baits are great to use here, but plastics and live bait is going to be the most effective for you in these situations.

The best idea, just as with fishing in any other area, is going to be for you to keep a variety of baits in your tackle box at all times.

Go here for more about fishing tips and bass fly fishing techniques.

How To Select The Right Fly Fishing Line

Puget Sound Fly Fishing
Image by lx-88 via Flickr

To succeed at fly fishing requires that you use a well balanced fishing system that in turn requires that you use the right line, reel, rod and leader – all of which need to work well with one another. It is therefore very important that you pay special attention to buying the right kind of leader and fly fishing line and to also ensure that these two work well together. In order to purchase the right fly fishing line you have to take into account various considerations that include getting the weight of the line correct and you also need to get the line taper right. In addition, you have to get the proper buoyancy and color as well as learn about backing as well as leaders.

Fly Fishing Line Weight

Many factors need to be taken into consideration when it comes to picking the right fly fishing line. The line weight is the most important factor and requires that you choose between weights of between one and fifteen in which the former is the lightest while the latter is the heaviest. Light weights are ideal for delicate fishing and also to cast for light flies.

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Heavier lines are better when you cast large as well as wind-resistant and even heavy flies. The line taper is another important consideration when buying the fly fishing line and if properly chosen it will help you in making more efficient casts.

Another important consideration that needs to be addressed when choosing your fly fishing line, the density of the line affects the buoyancy of the line and here you can choose between floating (F) lines and Intermediate or (I) lines, as too between sinking or (S) lines and even floating/sinking (F/S) lines.

For beginners, the color of the fly fishing line should be most visible and so they should select from colors such as orange, yellow and lime green which are easily visible on the water and this helps ensure that you are first able to recognize and then correct any mistakes made when casting.

Finally, you have to consider backing which adds some length to your fly line and this ensures that you can catch big as well as strong fish and it also aids in retrieving the line faster while also minimizing any recoil.

The first thing that you should learn after having purchased your fly fishing gear is what the proper way of going about the fly fishing setup is. if you go through some of the books on this subject you will come across different takes on what you should and should not do. What you do need to know is learning about how to select the rod and to also select the right kind of line.

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Fishing for Fishing Reels

From bait casting reels to spinning reels, there’s a fishing rod reel designed to best suit a particular fish you’re looking to catch, as well as the fishing spot of your choice. There are three general types of reels: spinning reels, bait casting reels and fly casting reels. Here’s a run-through of these three:

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Spinning Reels

Spinning reels like Shimano reels come in 2 types, open and closed faced reels. Closed-faced reels tend to be less expensive and easier to use, making this an ideal beginner’s and/or children’s reel. Another feature that makes this a good choice for newbies is the push button release feature used when casting. Open-faced reels tend to be trickier to use The weight capacity on open-faced reels are higher making it a good choice for bigger fish like trout.

Bait Casting Reel

Baitcasting reels like the new Shimano Curado 200 e7 can be a little tricky to handle. Be very careful on your first cast, this reel is different, you’ll possibly receive a backlash. This is because the line off a bait casting reel is pulled by the weight of the lure you use. Most bait casting reels have a device that makes sure the line is laid evenly across the cylinder to prevent tangles. But even then, many beginning casters may still experience some frustration with this one.

Fly Casting Reels

Fly fishing reels typically cost more than spinning fishing reels and bait casting reels. There are two main items you should be aware of when buying a fly fishing reel:

The first thing to remember is that since you will be out to catch bigger fish, you will do better to choose a metal reel over plastic ones. Quantum reels are a good choice given their light metal alloy construction. These may cost more but they tend to be more durable and will be worth the extra cash you fork over now. Another thing to look out for is the responsiveness to drag. What you’re looking for is a reel that will withstand the strain and tension that will be put on it especially with large fish. If you intend to pursue fishing beyond the weekend hobby, you can work your way from closed-faced to open-faced reels.

As far as lines are concerned, the lighter the line, the smaller the reel you should get. Always make sure the reel you’re getting is compatible with the type of line you plan on using. If in doubt, feel free to consult with more experienced fishing enthusiasts or your local fishing supply store.

In addition to line weight, you also need to consider reel speeds. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to get a medium speed reel so you get a nice good balance between fast and slow reels. Low-speed reels tend to be better for bigger fish, while high speed ones are for smaller fish.

Finally, whether you’re right- and left-handed is also important. Be careful to buy a fishing reel that best fits your needs. Reels for right-handed folks rotate clockwise, while left-handed ones turn counter clockwise.

You may also want to check out http://www.fishingreels4less.com to get started with some inexpensive, cheap reels. From there, you can work your way up as you get a better feel for the sport. But after all’s been said and done, the important thing is that you’re having fun enjoying nature and it’s bounty.

Farming Worms

Raising earthworms can be an entertaining hobby.  Worm byproducts can be used for a number of different things. You may want to raise earthworms solely for yourself, or you may want to go grand and raise them on a large scale in order to sell them. One of the most popular reasons for raising earthworms is to use them for live and affordable fish food. The benefits are proven and you can even have fun in the whole process.

Do you have an aquarium full of fish?  If so, its no surprise to you how expensive fish food can be. Fish need protein in their food to remain healthy. A good amount of protein in their diet can ensure your aquarium is healthy and happy for a long time. This is precisely why white worms are a great option when you want to begin raising worms.

White worms are very high in protein and are cheaper to cultivate in your home than some other species. These worms can grow as large as 1 inch and are composed of about 80 percent protein. The huge amount of protein within them is perfect for stimulating your fish farm. The large percentage of protein will also enable your smaller fish to grow faster and be healthier on the whole.  As for the cost, you can usually start your own white worm harvest for about 5 or 10 dollars. This is much cheaper than most other options available when you are thinking of raising worms.

So now you are wondering how you would go about raising earthworms. Begin with a simple plastic container that has a tight fitting lid.  Make a few holes in the container with a sharp instrument so that air can pass through easily. Next you fill the container half way with soil and peat moss. Place on top a piece of bread that has been soaked in milk. This piece of bread is the integral part if you want to be successful in raising worms.

The bread itself will begin to mold and when it does remove the molded spots with a spoon or knife. Put the previously purchased worm culture into the container. After 4 days, your worm culture will have grown substantially and be fully established. Make sure you wait 4 days before you remove some worms so that they have the chance to reproduce enough to become self sustained.

In just a few simple steps and a few short days you have gone about raising worms.

Buy Cheap Fishing Rods

Landing the catch of a lifetime or going home crying, depends on a number of factors. But none quite so strongly as the choice of fishing rod used.

Fishing rods are made from different types of materials: from bamboo and wood to fiberglass and graphite. Fishing rods vary in size from 4 feet all the way up to 15 feet, with about 6 feet being average.

The question in your mind right now would probably be: How do I choose the right fishing rod?

That all depends on what kind of fishing your doing, the fishing spot of your choice and, of course, how much you’re willing to spend on your fishing gear.

But first things first. Let’s start with length. The length of the rod varies depending on the type of fish and area you have to cast.

Short rods of about 4 to 6 feet are best if your favorite fishing spot hole has lots of trees and overhanging branches like those in lakes and rivers. The more open the space, such as those in open waters, the longer the rods can get.

For larger, heavier sport fish like the pike & walleye, thick rods are best. The most common type being the spinning fishing rods. Lighter, more flexible poles (like Powell fishing rods) that work for smaller fish tend to snap when you’re angling for the bigger ones.

When it comes to the type of material used, few get any cheaper than bamboo rods, (going for about $5) which are great for children and beginning anglers. That is not to say that all bamboo poles are inexpensive. Handcrafted bamboo fly rods typically bring higher prices, usually upwards of a hundred dollars.

Rods made out of fiber glass are also good choices for beginners and children. They not only have a good balance of flexibility and durability, they are also fairly low-maintenance. Fenwick fishing rods were one of the first to use fiber glass for angling, which makes them one of the first-in-mind brands when it comes to this category.

Graphite rods like the Carrot stix fishing rods and carbon steel like Kistler rods are the rods of choice for more experienced fishing enthusiasts because it is both strong and light.

Taking notes of things like rod length, location, material type, flexibility and other details, fishing may seem such a daunting activity. But remove all the bells and whistles and you’re left with the most important point: to enjoy the outdoors. How many rods you own is up to you.

To find a good deal for what can be the first of many fishing rods, http://www.fishingrods4less.com.

The Alaska King Salmon is the official state fish and final prize for any fisherman trying to find the thrill of landing a large one. King Salmon worldwide famous Kenai Stream are plentiful and large. Sport fishermen in the Kenai have caught prize salmon weighing just about 100-pounds, and it isn’t unusual for anglers to haul in 40 and 50 pounders. Thousands of folk travel to the Kenai Stream and, with an approved stream guide, pursue its most valued bounty– the King.

What do you use for bait? There are a few types of rigs that are best for captivating Alaska King Salmon. Spin-N-Glows, Vibrex Spinners, and plugs are three effective lures that usually provide perfect results. Two common fishing techniques used on guide boats on the Kenai are back trolling and drifting; while a 3rd and relatively new strategy called back bouncing is also becoming effective.

Back trolling often incorporates Spin-N-Glows and salmon eggs or plugs. Some other effective lures for back trolling are Magnum Shake Worts, Flashtrap Spinners, Tadpollys, Kwikfish and Flatfish. As well as the lure, you will also, depending upon the current, depth of the water, and location on the river, utilize divers, trolling weights, and diving lures. Baits that move erratically and revolve, especially those that create the illusion of a water creature in distress, will help attract salmon.

When back trolling, the guide has the ship work against the current, running the motor at the same speed or a bit slower than the river. This helps hold the ship in the same position on or to move slowly down the river. The boat should be moving downstream slower than the lures are downstream before the ship. Often the boat. Usually the bait moves close to the brook with a diver or weight attached eighteen inches away from it to make allowance for correct depth. You’ll know you’ve a a King Salmon on your line when the rod goes down and stays down.

Drifting is comparable to back trolling less the bait is allowed to delicately bounce off the base of the river while the ship drifts with the current. Weights are used to keep the line at the right depth. This technique is not easy to master since it isn’t always east to distinguish between a fish taking the bait and your line hitting off the bottom. A pause in the movement of the line frequently indicates a hit.

With back rebounding, the bait is bounced off the bottom as the ship is slowly backed over a hole. Sink-N-Glows, a Vibrex spinner or similar lures when correctly weighted frequently yield good results. When fishing, if you are feeling a tug set the hook probabilities are there’s a salmon there.

If using a plug, you will want to use K-15’s or K-16’s – you want something enormous. Divers work well to get the plug to the right depth and colorful, gaudy colors are counseled due to their abilities to attract attention.

If you’re planning on fishing the Kenai River and can’t find the right kind of lure at home, don’t worry. A number of these items won’t be accessible in your region of the country but bait and tackle shops across the Kenai have no shortage of Spin-N-Glows, Vibrex spinners, Tadpollys, Kwikfish and more.

If you elect to order your fishing trip through a licensed guide, you will find that their data, ability, and supplies will result in a less stressful and a more productive trip. When you go fishing for the Alaska King Salmon you want to exploit every opportunity you have to make your limit, enjoying some of the best fishing on this earth.

Do you like to cook? If so, visit cooking101.org and get easy recipes you can use everyday to make delicious meals for the entire family and you might also want to take a look at how to make salmon pasta.

Hawaiian Fishing Vacations

Whether an amateur or an experienced fishing fan, one of the best places to enjoy the sport is in the Hawaiian Islands.  Hawaii fishing offers each type of fishing against a background of spectacular scenery.  Many records have been set here for catches.  The islands offer varied competitions for the serious rival but fun fishing and families and small children are encouraged to participate in the game. 

It’s a good idea to become familiar with the regulations covering kit restrictions, seasonal restrictions and controlled areas and rules governing licenses and authorizes.  Many companies operate charter boats, supplying skippers and expert guides, some of whom have been involved with Hawaii fishing for 20 years or more . 

Bottom fishing in Waikiki does not require any previous experience and its great fun for all the family.  Charter boats can be prepared, supplied with rod, tackle, squid bait, juice or water and round trip transport from numerous Waikiki hotels.  In season, passengers may be in a position to watch humpback whales.  Some boats carry barbecues to cook the catch, which is probably going to be snapper, manpachi, bonefish or akule. 

Bass fishing is hot here, especially in the reservoirs on Kauai Island.  The Peacock Bass is especially prized, as it is powerful and can be tricky to land.  It lives in shallow waters, requiring the use of stealth boats, and is only to be found in Hawaii, Florida, Venezuela and Columbia.  Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass are also caught here.  Guides with bass experience are available to advise people of any capability. 

Kona Island is enclosed by a mountain range and is therefore sheltered, leading to lake calm waters on the coast.  Deep Sea fishing, so popular on Hawaii fishing trips, can be pursued here, a short distance from the shore.  The stocks include six species of billfish and tuna, wahoo, dorado and several enormous game bottom fish.  There is also spearfish, snapper and grouper. 

The prize fish for all game fishing participants is the blue marlin.  World records in Hawaii fishing fairly often involve the marlin and there are several charter firms that offer boats with experienced crews to take folk out, particularly off Oahu Island.  This island also has the prospect of catching wahoo, dolphin fish, yellowfin tuna and skipjack tuna.  Skipjack tuna is also to be found off Haleiwa. 

As well as fishing, there are a number of other outside activities to enjoy, such as surfing, rafting, snorkeling and kayaking.  Taking a copter ride is a good way of seeing the islands and many visitors explore by staying in camping grounds.  There are also many first class golf courses.

If you are looking for top class saltwater fishing without leaving the mainland US then take a look at what is offered by Key West, the last of the Florida Keys. The fishing fleet there has an amazing choice of fishing, with the highlight being the fishing for tarpon. Lots of details on Key West fishing can be found on the http://www.light-tackle-fishing.com website

Large Mouth Bass Go For Flies

Fishing for bass can provide some of the most exciting fly fishing in the country. The largemouth bass is probably the most popular game fish in America. The popularity of fishing for bass is partly because no other freshwater fish has a wider distribution. Largemouth bass can be found from southern Canada to South America. Smallmouth bass are also excellent for fly fishing, but they prefer slightly cooler waters and are not widespread as the largemouth variety.

Generally, the warmer the water, the larger the bass will grow. For example, a four or five pound bass may be large for a northern lake, but warmer southern waters regularly produce fish weighing 10 pounds or more. The temperature of the water is a key factor in the food available for bass to eat.

Just after spawning is usually the best time to catch bass. This will also depend on water temperatures. For largemouth bass, spawning takes place when the water temperatures reached the low to mid-60s. In a cold climate state like Michigan, bass may spawn in June, while a warmer state like Lousiana spawning may start in February.

The behavior of the largemouth bass is also influenced considerably by the  temperature at the top of the water. On hot summer days, they usually feed during the early morning hours and then again during the last few hours of daylight, when the sun isn’t as bright and the water temperature is cooler. Bass are generally found in areas of the water that have a lot of vegetation and cover. They spend a lot of time near the water’s edge among the grasses, reeds, and other plants.

Many fly fishermen use bass bugs and poppers when fishing for largemouth bass. Poppers were designed as a surface lure to be skipped across the top of the water in a series of quick retrieves. Other good fly patterns for largemouth bass or the Muddler Minnow and the Wooly Worm. There are some fly fishermen that prefer to use streamers and bucktail.

When fly fishing for bass, the fly is worked differently than it is for trout. Poppers are worked not only for their appearance but also for their sound. Generally, when a fly is cast for bass it should be allowed to remain unmoving for a longer period of time than for trout. Over half of bass strikes are made when the fly is stationary. Bass tend to inspect your fly for some time before making the decision whether to take it or not.

At times, fly fishermen like to tease the bass with repeated casts over the area where they think he’s hiding. Teasing can sometimes be a very effective method in bringing a lazy fish up for a strike when nothing else seems to work.

The sport of fly fishing for large mouth bass can be difficult but the rewards for success is well worth the effort.You should try it!