Fishing

 

If you're in search of excitement, aerial acrobatics and a strong tug at the end of your line, look no further than the largemouth bass.

Sharpening Your Fishing Skills – Basic Tips For Amateurs

 

When it comes to tackling the mighty and elusive Bass, it pays to have some good bass fishing tips from the masters at the game. Many people spend hours fishing for bass and never catch anything; little do they know that the kind of tackle they are using is not the kind that the bass will bite. Or the time of day they are fishing is not the time the bass is used to feeding. No matter what level of expertise you have achieved at fishing for bass, you will always heave something to learn on every fishing trip.

Before setting out for a bass fishing expedition you should ask around at the dock or the people returning from their trip. They will be able to inform you of the best locations that bass has been sighted or what kind of lure is best suited for the time of year and day.

If you are new to the sport it will help a great deal to understand the times of day the bass will be most likely to attack bait. Different species of bass feed differently and in different conditions. Sea bass can be very difficult to sight, leave alone tackle. A good tip from experienced fishermen can make a huge difference to your sea bass fishing trip.

Keeping in with the fishing community will help you know when the fishing tournaments are going to be organized and where. If you are out of the circuit you will have to rely on tips about the derbies and tournaments. A tip in time will help you set your schedule and organize a good fishing expedition and perhaps bring home a trophy you will feel proud to mount.

Even when it comes to locating the best locations for bass fishing, many people do so by relying o fishing tips. There is no hard and fast rule that bass will be feeding under certain locations, sometimes the bass can be very unpredictable and this is the time bass fishing tips come in handy. Many tips are passed down the line by word of mouth and here is where many an angler has found his favorite place to fish for bass. Tips from experienced anglers are food for thought and many a good catch has resulted from a good fishing tip. Luck, as they say has a place in every sport and you never know you might just be lucky to get a good bass fishing tip just by keeping your ears and eyes open. After all, in a tournament, anglers will not give away a good tip and risk losing out to someone else.

Bass Fishing Basics

 

Widespread distribution and aggressive behavior has helped establish the largemouth bass as North America's most popular game fish. Current range of distribution includes the fringes of southern Canada, temperate regions of Mexico and every state in the U.S. except Alaska. Due to the largemouth's accessible nature and willingness to strike a wide variety of lures with ferocity, it's no wonder Mr. Bucketmouth holds a treasured place in the hearts and minds of anglers everywhere.

A SPORT FOR EVERYONE
One of the greatest aspects of bass fishing is that anyone can do it. A bold statement, I'll admit, but one that holds true regardless of your experience level, financial position or background. Although an expensive bass boat and top-of-the-line equipment is often associated with the sport, a tremendous amount of enjoyment can be had simply fishing from the shore with a handful of simple lures and an inexpensive rod to keep you company.
Another encouraging fact is that largemouth bass can be found in most lakes, rivers, streams and ponds across the continent, probably no further than a few miles from your home!

Largemouth bass fight hard and are cunning enough to provide excitement and intrigue, making them a great target species for the entire family. From young to old, a jostling bass at the end of the line will always get the heart rate up a notch or two. If you enjoy competition, largemouth are the number one game fish when it comes to tournaments, so joining a local bass club and fishing tournaments can be an exciting way to hone your bassin' skills.

Overcast days will push largemouth out from cover, oftentimes making them easier to locate and catch.

BUCKETMOUTH INDEED!
They will eat a wide variety of prey, but the top three choices would have to be baitfish (perch, bluegill, shad and minnows), crawfish and frogs. Due to the size of their cavernous mouths -- hence the moniker "bucketmouth" -- bass can eat prey up to half the size of their body length, and it's not uncommon to find ten-inch perch or jumbo bullfrogs inside the stomach cavities of this freshwater brawler.
The neat thing about largemouth bass is that you can catch them on a wide variety of lures, including plastics, topwaters, crankbaits and live bait. (To learn what lures to use and why, check out our guide to Bass Tackle Basics.)
WHERE TO LOOK
Those new to the sport of bass fishing are probably thinking, "Okay, so where do I find them?" Although there are numerous places within a body of water where largemouth can be found, the most important ingredient for locating largemouth is aquatic vegetation (weeds).
Largemouth bass and weeds go hand-in-hand, and very rarely will you find one without the other. Key vegetation to concentrate on would be lily pads, hydrilla, bulrushes, grasses and coontail. Bass use this vegetation for a number of different reasons, namely shelter, protection and as an ambush point for capturing prey. (Weeds also attract many types of baitfish and other food sources, hence the presence of the marauding bass.)

Finding vegetation is key to locating bass.

If you can find a mixture of more than one type of vegetation, the spot will often produce much better. And if that vegetation is found intermixed with other features such as wood, rock, undercut banks or sand, then your chances for success improve significantly.
"Slop" is another excellent vegetation to seek out. Amongst anglers, slop refers to any vegetation that congregates on the surface of the water, usually composed of a mixture of dying weeds or vegetation sliced up from outboard props. Depending on wind direction and the structure it butts up against, you will often find slop to be a gold mine. Largemouth will sit under this canopy of green stuff, waiting for bait to swim by, or amphibians to travel overhead. Weedless baits like hollow body frogs and Texas-rigged soft plastics will often trigger these fish into striking.
Light penetration is another important variable. As the sun reaches higher in the sky, largemouth will retreat from the open areas in order to bury in the weeds, searching out the cooler water that this shade provides. This is an important concept to grasp as anglers should target sparse weeds or open water during early morning and evening periods, and then move to thicker cover during midday when the sun is directly overhead.
The warmer and sunnier the day, the closer to cover bass will be found. It also goes without saying that cloudy or rainy days will pull bass further out from the weeds as they more actively roam in search of food during these low-light periods. Fast moving lures -- spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, topwaters and jerkbaits -- will account for the most fish during these aggressive periods.

The largemouth bass truly lives up to its moniker of bucketmouth.

If you haven't guessed by now, vegetation provides important cover for bass to key in on. Very rarely will a largemouth hang out in open water void of any cover. Other excellent structures and covers that bass will seek out are boat docks (they love to hide out underneath in the dark recesses), stumps, logs and fallen trees (underneath and alongside the wood), undercut banks (underneath), and bridge pilings (adjacent to the structure itself.) Finding these features will help you in locating the bass that call these places home.
A great way to put a bend in your rod is to always think of bass fishing as a game of hide-and-seek. Try to uncover the hidden fish and eventually you will find them.
Another important aspect to consider when searching for largemouth bass is their affinity for shallow water. Unlike their cousin the smallmouth bass, largemouth thrive in skinny water, meaning that 75-percent of your fishing will likely be done in water ten-feet deep or less. In fact, plenty of my time is concentrated on water that is between two and six-feet deep! Sure, bass can be found in deeper water under certain conditions (cold fronts, post spawn, late fall and winter), but for my money, I'd have to bet on shallow water for coughing up the most fish on a consistent basis. Shore anglers can certainly excel by grasping this information, as moving up and down a shoreline, looking for features mentioned above, can be the best way to thoroughly cover prime bass habitat.
The most important piece of advice I can give to those interested in bass fishing is to stay focused and have fun. Whether you catch one fish or twenty, practicing and mastering new techniques and tactics are sure-fire ways to bring down the learning curve.
Bass fishing is a wonderful sport that is fun for the entire family. Take it from me. Largemouth fishing will become very, very addictive in no time. Have a great season and go catch a bunch!

Techniques of River Fly Fishing

 

Fly fishing is a great past time and hobby for many nowadays and it has even evolved into a competitive sport on the international arena with competitions being held annually across the world. River fly fishing and in the sea as well have become immensely popular and offer great prizes as well. River fly fishing or fly fishing in a lake is the more preferred option because of the fact that the waters there are generally calmer. This would be more apt for the lake, but it stands true that when fly fishing, in land is a somewhat safer option than in the deep sea, especially for a beginner. River fly fishing entails a large number of options for the type of fish that one wants to catch. There are trout and salmon which are the most commonly caught types of fish and are widely found in most rivers. Trout fly fishing is quite a hobby and a sport for many who enjoy the challenges posed by the smart fish.

Salmon fly fishing is all about skill. Fly fishing is not an easy sport and it takes a lot of practise to get the hang of it. There are a lot of factors that bear upon your skill and the result when you go fly fishing. Things like your gear and even the weather can make a difference. Choosing the right equipment is a major factor when going trout fly fishing.

One has to choose the right size rod which is suitably weighted. The flexibility of your rod has to be in consistence with the kind of fish you are fishing for. Similarly the reel, spool and line and flies that buy should be able to handle the rigours of salmon fly fishing or trout fly fishing. Unless your equipment is suitable you will have a tough time getting the fish, especially if you are a beginner. Though it may sound daunting, selecting the right equipment for river fly fishing is not a tough task thanks to the help available in various forms both online and offline. Even the attendant at your local store will be able to help you pick out the right equipment for your fly fishing needs.

Some interesting tips to having a successful trout fly fishing session involve certain amount and planning and thinking from other perspectives. Observe the fish and their feeding patterns. There will be a fixed pattern or at least a variation of similar nature. Based on this you will be able to figure out the size of flies that the fish consistently target. This will help you in attaining greater hits from the fish and hence a better catch as well. With the average fly size in mind, go for a fly that would be one size larger and then see your fly fishing trip working miracles. Also look out for feeding grounds. You will notice that there are specific areas where fly fishing has yielded better catch. Larger fish will lurk at specific areas and if you can identify them, you will hit the jackpot.

Tips To Succeed In Saltwater Fishing Tackle

 

Have you ever been deep sea fishing? It is great fun and many people consider it the adventure of a lifetime. Saltwater fishing tackle is specialized equipment that is made just for this particular sport. Most coastal towns have a tackle store that should carry everything you need. Here is a guide to purchasing that equipment.

The starting point is to gather as much information as you can on saltwater fishing and the tackle you will need, as well as other important factors, including the weather and sea conditions, location, the type and size big fish likely to be found at the site, and even the number of people who'll be making the trip with you. Once you have the answers to these, you will be in a better position to select the kind of fishing rod, reel and tackle that will be ideal to meet your needs during your expedition.

Selecting sea fishing tackle can be a pretty bewildering exercise, considering the hundreds of choices available to you. This shouldn't be much of a problem, because you can consult any experienced, deep sea fishermen who will willingly give you some valuable advice. On the other hand, there are several online reviews and articles on fishing tackle, as well as printed literature and magazines that you could read to gain knowledge on the subject.

Good tackle choices can make or break the success of your deep sea fishing trip. Some saltwater fishing tackle you will need include swivels, leader, flies, sinkers and lures, along with hooks. These items need to be purchased specific to saltwater fish, with the swivel being the most important part of your terminal tackle.

Swivels help to keep your line from breaking when it twists due to the weight of a fish that you might have on the hook and the twisting that the line will undergo as the big fish fights to break free. Different types include the snap swivel, the barrel swivel and the crane ball-bearing swivel.

A leader is another important item. It prevents your fishing line from being severed on the teeth of the fish or any debris or rocks it may rub up against. There are many different types of leaders you can purchase. Which one you buy will depend on what you are fishing for and where you are fishing.

Lures are the same. They are specialized based on the type of fish you are after. A fishing tackle shop should have a good saltwater fishing tackle set that you can buy in one kit if that is what you would prefer. This option can save you a lot of time and money.

Perfect Form: The Fly-Fishing Cast

 

1. Start

To practice fly-fishing, tie a 1-inch piece of bright yarn to the end of your leader. Place the rod on the ground and pull about 25 feet of line straight out from the end of the rod. Now pick up the rod and grab the first foot of loose line coming off the reel. Hold it at waistlevel with your left hand, between the reel and the lowest guide. With your feet positioned about bend your knees slightly and square your shoulders to the rod. And relax; you can't cast if you're tense.

2. Grip

Hold the rod in your right hand with your thumb on top of the grip (your left hand if you're a lefty). The rod should be parallel to the ground.

3. The Backcast

In one fluid motion, pull the rod up in an arc toward the front of your right shoulder, raising the tip. Start slowly and pick up speed as the reel approaches your shoulder. Keep a straight wrist. Bending your wrist will cause the loop that's developing in the line to grow too big and hit the water or stop dead. Stop the rod sharply when it's just behind your head (it helps to turn slightly to watch the line unroll behind you). Don't begin the forward cast until the line has straightened out behind you.

4. The Cast

Using your arm and not your wrist, bring the rod forward with a smooth, controlled motion. Accelerate your hand as it moves forward, but don't try to muscle the rod. Whipping the rod too hard only makes the line slap the water, and that scares away fish. Stop the rod firmly as soon as it passes a position parallel to the ground.

Now That You Can Cast Like A Derby Winner...

Use a fly rod that's worthy of your skills. "With a custom- made rod, an experienced angler can double the number of fish he catches," says Ken Carman, president of Biscayne Rod Manufacturing Company. A craftsman can make a handmade rod that's tailored to your typical quarry, with an action that improves your particular casting technique. Surprisingly, custom rods cost little more than good factory models--about $250 and up for quick-action graphite rods, or $500 and up for natural split bamboo, which has a stiffer feel.

For a list of manufacturers, order Black's 1998 Fly Fishing Guide ($13, plus $4 shipping and handling; 800-224-9464). We'll recommend a few: Saltwater: Biscayne Rod Manufacturing Company, (305) 884-0808 Freshwater graphite rods: Manhattan Custom Tackle, (800) 219-2000 Small- stream trout: Harper Creek Custom Rods,(704) 265-1100

From Hooked To Cooked

When you haul in your catch, admire it, then brain it with a rock (be quick and decisive). Now gut it by slicing an opening up the belly from just in front of the tail to below the gills. Cut a collar shape around the neck and hook your finger inside the jaw to pull out the guts. Dust the flesh with flour or bread crumbs and sauté in butter or olive oil for 4 minutes on each side, or until the meat is opaque. Then zip out the spine; most of the rib bones will follow. Make a simple pan sauce with a tablespoon of sour cream, a teaspoon of prepared horseradish, and lemon juice. Serve with biscuits and grilled asparagus for the best meal you'll eat this summer.

Fly Fishing Outfit

If you are having problems selecting a fly fishing outfit, there are a few things that you will want to consider. First, you are going to have to think about how you are going to be using the rod. If you will be dealing with fly fishing outfitters or guides, they will provide you with the gear that you need. However, there are a few situations that require specialized gear, and if you find yourself in one of them, keep these tips in mind to ensure that you make the right buying decision.

If you are going to be traveling for your next fly fishing expedition, then you are going to want a rod that will break down. Thankfully, a travel fly fishing outfit is exactly what you are looking for. These rod, and reel combos come in 4-5 pieces usually, and break down into a small travel case that will protect your gear during transit. These rods do carry a price tag, but for the convenience, it is extremely worth it.

For getting down and dirty in the saltwater, you are going to want a heavier duty, and heavier weight fly rod than if you were fishing for smaller fish in some freshwater streams. A saltwater fly fishing outfit will typically range from 3wt on the lower end of the spectrum, up to 8 and 9wt on the beefier side. If you are targeting hard hitting fish, you are going to want to make sure that you have an outfit to back it up. The fights can last for as long as an hour, and will test the strength of your gear every time the fish takes off with more line.

For beginners, you are going to want to make sure you take your time finding the right fly fishing outfit. A beginners fly fishing outfit will typically be made of graphite, contain a single action reel, along with a double tapered line. This configuration is by far the easiest for beginners to learn the sport on, and is the best way to save a few bucks at the same time. As long as you keep these tips in mind while you are shopping for your new fly fishing outfit, you are going to save yourself a lot of time and frustration when it comes down to getting to use the rod on a regular basis. Buying uncomfortable fishing tackle will discourage you from getting on the water as much as you want to.

Introduction to Bass Fishing

 

Many freshwater and saltwater fish are referred to as bass. While some are not truly bass, many have similar physical characteristics that resemble bass. Fishresource.com focuses on the six most prominent freshwater sportfish bass: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rock Bass, Striped Bass, Whiterock Bass and the White Bass. Follow the links to each for detailed information on the species and the techniques to catch them.

Fishing the Rocky Shorelines

 

The northeast’s beaches and shorelines are what most would consider “rocky terrain.” In fact, a large portion of the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts coastlines are dotted with boulders, rocks and gravel, creating a terrific habitat for the predator fish and their food of choice. While fishing the nearby beaches and their connected rock piles, another man-made rock structure cannot be disregarded by the angler.

Jetties

Curbing beach erosion, stopping storm surges from doing more damage and creating causeways into rivers and salt ponds, the jetty was created by human hands.  Of course we all understand this rational, and it’s helpful that the fisherman understands that at one point or another, these areas are going to be rich ground for some great fishing.

Baitfishes often spend their final moments of life up against the walls of these jetties.  In fact, bluefish, striped bass, weakfish and false albacore love these areas simply because they are rife with turbulent waters that are fast moving.  The baitfish become confused in these areas and turn out to be an easy meal for a hungry school of predators.  One reason they are so close to the walls of the jetty is that the water is generally most turbulent in that area.

The jetty has become home to whelks, mussels and periwinkles and they are often joined by scup and tautogs.  These fish love the jetty for the protection they believe it offers – initially they feed of the algae and moss but eventually they feed on each other.  The jetty does offer a significant advantage to them – the rocks allow them to nestle in and stay away from their larger predators.

The ideal time for fishing at the jetty is high tide.  In fact, the closer you can start fishing to high tide the more abundant your catch will be. Baitfish tend to be more focused during this time as the water is even more turbulent and they tend to need to stay more focused to keep their bearings.  Causeways that lead to local rivers and ponds will be filled with baitfish as the tide ebbs and flows.

Blackfish and porgy are normally easy to catch, as they rarely roam very far from the rock walls. They have everything they need to survive there in the rocks. You can take advantage of this by making shorter casts and not using unnecessary amounts of weight to present your baits.

One overlooked necessity in jetty fishing is safety equipment. While safety at all times should be a first consideration on every fishing trip, fishing a jetty means additional safety precautions you might not think about for shore fishing.  As with any fishing, a personal flotation device is a must.  Don’t try fishing without one at any time, but especially if you are fishing a jetty. Remember, these waters are extremely turbulent and you could turn an afternoon of fishing enjoyment into an afternoon of disaster without taking the proper precautions. If you are planning on jetty fishing you will want to invest in a pair of cleats.  Algae and moss are rich on these rocky surfaces which remain wet almost the entire season.  A misstep can easily cause a broken arm, a broken leg or a broken ankle or other more critical injuries.  Common sense precautions can keep you safe during your fishing trip and the minor expenses involved in securing this gear can save your life.

Beach and jetty fishing in the northeast offer great opportunities for fishing.  You can get the best of both in one day by visiting the great shorelines that are found here.  If you start off fishing for blackfish and decide it’s time for a bluefish or striper, they are not too far away.  The shores of the northeast offer a lot of opportunities for a memorable fishing trip for you, your friends and you family. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities.

There are many great types of reels to use when fishing from rocky shorelines, some of them include BG90 and Shimano Calcutta Spinning

Clearwater/Big Pier 60 Fishing Report 11/22/09

“The big story is flounder. There’s more than I’ve ever seen. Most of them are 14-15 inches with some up to 19 inches and many 17-18 inch fish being caught as well. Many anglers are catching their limit of 10 fish a day on shrimp, small sardines, and squid,” reports Tom Leonard of Big Pier 60 Bait & Tackle (727-462-6466). pier60fishing.com

Fishing has been great for Spanish mackerel up to 20 inches first thing in morning. Kingfish up to 15 lbs are being caught, with the occasional kingfish flipping rods over the rail, and spooling a few anglers as well. A few large fish have actually been landed by the experience regulars, Leonard said.

Whiting and silver trout starting to show up. The whiting have been averaging about 12-13 inches. Silver trout are also starting to show. Live shrimp, cut pieces of shrimp, and squid have been productive for both fish. Snook are still being caught. On Friday three slot size fish were caught at night within a half hour. Most of the snook are being caught on small live ladyfish. Speckled trout are still a solid bite, but most anglers not really targeting them since the season is closed, Leonard reports.

There’s also lot of bluefish being caught on spoons and live bait. Sheepshead are also starting bite consistently on crabs and shrimp down around the pilings. Most of the sheepshead are just legal size, the big fish haven’t shown up in any numbers just yet. “There’s also lots of odds and ends such as spadefish, magrove snapper, and short grouper being caught sporadically. There’s also still a lot of small sharks such as bonnet heads, spinners, and black tips, being caught. Water temperature on Sunday was 75 degrees. Pier hours are now Sunday-Thursday 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday 24 hours, reports Leonard.

Tight Lines: Fall's cooler temperatures create favorable fishing conditions

Every year, fall factors, like cooler water temperatures and fewer hours of daylight, change the way fish feed and the methods that anglers use to catch them.

This weekend's wind is going to be borderline for anglers heading out to their favorite reef. Northeast winds at 10-15 knots could put a damper on our offshore ideas of getting a good snapper or grouper bite.

These fish will be at your favorite drops, but cross your fingers for calm-enough seas to allow the run. Boston mackeral, cigar minnows, and squid are perfect go-to baits. FA, FC, RL ,HH, AH, BA, and FB are just a few local reefs to fish. Rock piles, natural ledges, wrecks and culverts are all good choices for fall bottom bumping.

Surf fishing continues to be good, especially when the seas lie down enough to make the fishing easier. Plenty of whiting of all sizes have been reported being caught, and in good numbers.

Good news for those anglers who enjoy pompano fishing - reports have come in that these tasty critters are showing up. What a great day it would be if you're out surf fishing and catch a mixed bag of whiting and pompano. Fresh, dead shrimp and clams will be your definite go-to bait when surf fishing in the fall.

The north and south jetties continue to bring good reports of bull reds, puppy drum and sharks at the tips of either side. Fishing on the bottom with shrimp, mullet and crabs will do the trick.

High tide is in the middle of the day, giving you a perfect incoming tide to fish the rocks. Fishing along either side on the ocean or river will produce trout, reds, sheephead, puppy drum, mangrove snappers and hopefully a slot red. Fishing a 1/4- or 3/8-ounce jighead with a grub like a Bass Assassin, Contender, Berkley Gulp or Cotee can be deadly with the cooler water temperatures.

'Tis the season for those anglers who love trout, reds and puppy drum fishing in the river. There's nothing better than floating a live shrimp or casting a 1/4-ounce jig with a rigged grub this time of year. High tide fishing against the bank can prove to be deadly this time of year.

Lanceford Creek, Egans Creek, Tiger Basin and Bells River are just a few of the many hot spots. Top water plug fishing can also be awesome early in the morning. Hope and cross your fingers for good weather. ... 'til next week, Capt. Jim

The Environment and Catch and Release Fishing

 

 

At Fishresource.com we always encourage the respect of our natural resources and conservation to ensure that others and future generations will have the same to enjoy. We preach that "...the outdoors. It was not passed down to us from our parents, but loaned to us from our children..."

Always try to leave your fishing spot exactly as it was when you came to it - never leave behind food containers, plastic bags or garbage. Even fishing line can be very dangerous to wildlife, especially birds, and lead to the tangling of limbs, etc. Many fishing and tackle shops will accept old or tangled line for recycling. please bring it in to them or dispose of properly in the garbage.

Catch and Release Fishing: This is a term that is rapidly growing in popularity and one that we support greatly at Fishresource.com. It revolves around the belief that fish should never be wasted. If you catch a fish that is under the legal limit, for example, or that you do not wish to keep, release it quickly to give it the best chance of survival. We recommend that unless you would like to eat your catch, throw it back. You can keep it by taking a picture of it - taxidermists will now provide you with a to scale replica of your catch, that you can hang on your wall, by working with a picture - gone are the days where you have to physically bring in the fish!

Whenever possible, keep the fish in the water and avoid physically handling it and carefully backing out the hook through the lip. In the event that the fish has swallowed the hook or it is hooked in such a way that removal would be too damaging to the fish, cut the line as close to the lure or hook as possible, and release the fish.

If by chance you need to revive a fish from being out of water for too long, simply moving it very gently back and forth in the water will often do the trick. This provides the oxygen to the gills, much in the same way as we receive oxygen from taking air in and out of our lungs. When it begins to struggle or show signs of movement, let it go

Fishing Safely

Fishing Safely

Often safety is a matter of common sense, and fishing safely is no different. The various sections of this site have safety hints, tips and reminders pertaining to each subject. Fishing safely, however, can refer to a broad range of subjects from putting on sun screen in advance of heading out on the water, to wearing a Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD). Please look for safety hints and tips on whichever page you are on.

Fishing Accessories

 

Fishing Accessories

There is an almost endless list of fishing related accessories and almost endless space to store them. There are glove compartments in your car or truck, tackle boxes, storage areas on boats, pockets and pouches on fishing vests, and the list goes on. Tackle boxes store everything from lures, hooks, weights, swivels, scissors, pliers and wire cutters, etc. You may need live bait containers, such as minnow buckets or worm containers, fish chains (stringers) or coolers with ice to keep your catch fresh. Nets to land fish are always a good idea; rod and reel cases to ensure no damage when transporting, and of course first aid kits. Don't forget film for the camera! We could go on and on about accessories, because, at the end of the day, you can never have enough fishing stuff!

Amazing Crappie Fishing Tips Here

You’d be shocked how many crappie get away from fisherman all over the country after the fish have been hooked. I’m willing to bet it happens to you at least a few times every time you go fishing. Here is our surefire Crappie Fishing Tips to limit your crappie “getaways”. Match your line color to the water your are fishing in. As a rule of thumb the cleaner the water is the more you need to disguise your line. Don’t try and “muscle” the fish after you set the hook…unless you want to brag about the fish lips hanging on your hook.

Fishing Accessories

 

Fishing Accessories

There is an almost endless list of fishing related accessories and almost endless space to store them. There are glove compartments in your car or truck, tackle boxes, storage areas on boats, pockets and pouches on fishing vests, and the list goes on. Tackle boxes store everything from lures, hooks, weights, swivels, scissors, pliers and wire cutters, etc. You may need live bait containers, such as minnow buckets or worm containers, fish chains (stringers) or coolers with ice to keep your catch fresh. Nets to land fish are always a good idea; rod and reel cases to ensure no damage when transporting, and of course first aid kits. Don't forget film for the camera! We could go on and on about accessories, because, at the end of the day, you can never have enough fishing stuff!

Spinning and Spin casting

Spinning and Spin casting

For most beginners, Spin casting and spinning are two different methods that are easily and quickly learned. Both Spin casting as well as spinning tackle are generally available in packages where the rod is matched with the reel. For additional detail please refer to our detailed pages on spinning and Spin casting Again, ask for assistance when unsure.

The nice thing about these methods is that you can present the bait or the lure fairly accurately where the fish are. You can cast good distances with reasonable accuracy and work the bait and lures effectively, especially in deeper water. In addition, you can also accommodate larger fish on the end of your line relatively easily, due to the nature of the spinning and Spin casting equipment.

We generally encourage children who are starting to fish to begin with Spin casting equipment, since the Spin casting outfits generally use a rod with a grip similar to a pistol and top mounted reels which release line with the push of a button.

Spinning gear can be a little trickier to learn, however, is our favourite and most often used with the crew at Fishresource.com. It uses a relatively straight handle and bottom mounted reel that hangs off the rod. The line is released, not through the release of a button, but by your index finger.

Both spinning and Spin casting are excellent methods to for beginners that can be learned quickly and the equipment can be found at almost any tackle or sporting goods store.

Lures

 

Lures

When you walk into a tackle shop or a sporting goods store, you can literally look at aisle after aisle of fishing lures. To state that there is a wide range of artificial lures available is an understatement. There are so many different kinds, for every kind of fishing imaginable, that the beginner can easily be overwhelmed or pick the wrong one for the kind of fishing they intend to do.

There are basically four major categories of lures for freshwater fishing, and they are: plugs, spinners and spoons, jigs and finally soft plastics.

Snap Swivels

 

Snap Swivels

Swivels basically do two things as well: they keep your line from twisting, particularly with lures that spin, and when tied to the end of your line, they allow you to easily switch hooks and lures. Our experience has been that the swivels that come attached to specific lures, do not swivel properly and we generally advise to add a snap swivel to all spinning lures.

Bobbers and Floats

Bobbers and Floats

Bobbers or floats attach to your line and basically do two things: they keep your bait suspended at a particular level, and they jerk, dance or "bob" to indicate a bite. Small ball bobbers can be clipped on the line at the bottom and the top, and are easiest to use, as well as the longer stick floats.

Photo tips for preserving memories from the field

      

Nothing ignites the memory of a great hunt or fishing trip like a great photograph.

But far too many hunters and anglers give the snapshot short shrift.

That's a shame, because getting really nice photos is a lot easier than bagging a 5x5 buck or catching a 10-pound walleye. Today's point-and-shoot cameras are idiot-proof. All you need are a few basic skills to make a photo keepsake that reflects the time, effort and passion you put into the outdoors.

Here's seven steps to better outdoor photography:

1. Learn to point and shoot. You can sight a rifle to shoot 1-inch groups at 200 yards, but you can't shoot your dit cam? L-A-M-E. Something in the Y chromosome wards men away from instruction manuals. Recognize it, accept it and overcome it. Women have no excuse.

One key: Figure out how to control the flash so you can turn it on and off, depending on the situation. More about that later.

2. Carry the camera with you. Why do most photos show deer splayed in a pickup bed or hanging in a garage? Because that's where you left the camera. We can all agree nature provides a far superior backdrop and lighting.

So, forget the SLR; instead, buy the smallest point-and-shoot you can afford so you will carry it in the field.

3. Fill the frame. This single step will improve your photos more than just about anything.

Most amateurs stand way too far from their subjects. Pose your subject so her face is clearly visible in relation to the deer's head, her honkin' bass or that first hard-earned greenhead. Then, watching the viewfinder, creep closer until the important elements dominate the frame.

Word of caution: Make sure you know how your auto-focus indicator works to make sure you're not too close.

4. The flash. Learn how and when to use a fill flash.

How: Read the manual so you can override the camera's automatic mode. This allows you to turn the flash on and off as needed.

When: In very bright, direct sunlight, a fill flash removes harsh shadows and reveals detail. Or, if the subject is backlit by the sun, a fill flash might salvage what otherwise would have been an accidental silhouette.

5. See the light. Pose your subject so the sun falls on his face. In other words, if the sun is behind him, turn him the other way.

Also, take advantage of early morning or late afternoon sun when possible - the sweetest light of the day makes a dramatic difference.

6. Move around. Try different points of reference. Crouch, stand up or lay on your belly until you find the right angle. You'll know it when you see it in the view finder.

7. Shoot 'em up. Pros burn through frames like you burned through ammo with your first pellet gun. Get a high-memory photo card (they're cheap nowadays) so you won't be afraid to press the button. Try some with and without fill flash, and don't forget to switch angles. You'll be amazed how often one frame is the perfect frame.

Weights and Sinkers

Weights and Sinkers

     Like hooks, there are many different kinds but for the beginner, we recommend the split shot, which are inexpensive, easy to use and versatile. Purchase several sizes of removable split shot and squeeze them on with your pliers. Most sinkers have traditionally been made of lead, however, more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as bismuth and tin, are slowly becoming available.

Hooks

 

Hooks

There's a very large variety of every kind of hook imaginable available. A single hook for beginners is recommended from #6 to #10 (the higher the number the smaller the hook). As your angling skill increases, and you get more adept at reeling in fish while keeping tension on the line, you can consider making your hooks barbless by breaking off the barb on the end with pliers to make it easier to remove from the fish.

Rods and Reels

Rods and Reels

When selecting a fishing rod, there are several things that you should look for. Firstly, you should be able to hold the fishing rod comfortably in one hand. You can purchase many inexpensive combination packages, and rods and reels can be sold as a unit or separately with a good starter set available in the $30 range. You'll need to know what type of fish you'll be after as the weight of the fish relates to the strength of the line you use.

introduction of fishing

So, you are interested in fishing. This is a great place to start, especially if you've never fished before. Here you will find some general concepts and be introduced to some of the basics of freshwater fishing.

Learning to fish can be an intimidating task, especially with all of the equipment, types of fishing techniques, legislation, etc. Our objective is to make it simple for you to get started so your experience is a rewarding one. You may find yourself addicted before you know it, keeping your rod and tackle box in your trunk at all times. Just in case...

People fish from all walks of life all around the world. It is a sport that offers rewards that range from the excitement of landing a trophy fish, to the peace of mind and serenity that only the great outdoors can bring, but most of all, fishing is fun. Simply ask any of the millions of anglers in North America and they will tell you.

Making sure that you have the right tool for the right job is critical with whatever you are doing, and angling is no different. If you match your tackle to the fish you are looking to hook, you greatly increase your chance of being successful.

This is a good general rule, which applies not only to the tackle you choose, but also to boats, rods, reels, lines, etc. And, don't forget the sunscreen!

For valuable hints and tips on what kind of equipment and tackle is appropriate for different species, please visit the detailed sections on Freshwater Fish Species. You will find techniques and suggestions to help you land more fish.

To get fishing quickly, you will generally need the following items for freshwater fishing:

• A fishing rod and reel
• Monofilament fishing line (4 to 8 pound test)
• Fishing weights
• Hooks (number 6 to 10 in size)
• A good plastic or wood bobber or float
• Live bait or lures
• A fishing license
• A camera

Most sporting goods stores or fishing tackle shops should be able to set you up with everything that you need. Some will also be able to issue licenses. Ask for help selecting the equipment, especially if you are just starting out. Most shops will also carry the local state or provincial fishing handbooks, which generally cover the local legislation as well as being excellent guides for the local species and the catch limits, etc.

Five tips to reel in big catches in fall turnover

       Zeeland, MI —

     Fall turnover, which is the mixing and changing of the water, is taking place on many lakes.
As the air and water cools, the game fish change their locations. Some will move deep, often between 20 and 40 feet.

The sharpest drop-off in the lake will hold schools of bass and walleye. Others will find the warmest shallow water that has forage. Mud bottoms and a green coontail weedbed are prime locations. These areas often have frogs, minnows and young bluegill.

Cabbage weeds die first and the oxygen content is not as suitable to a fish. Coontail will stay green until ice-over.

These five tips will provide a nice a change in strategy that will often deliver large fish and quantities before the ice takes over.

• Tip No. 1, fish slow.

Regardless of the lure being used, a slow presentation is best. A fat plug with a short bill that has a wide wobble under a very slow retrieve is perfect. Any change in the retrieve might easily be a fish, so set the hook hard.

• No. 2, afternoons provide better fishing than mornings.

Once the sun starts warming up, the fish start feeding. Late afternoons often have the warmest water of the day. Sleep in and have that second cup of coffee.

Fish after dark for pig walleye. Walleye feed aggressively under darkness and wind swept points are prime. Rocky reefs draw fish and a spotlight will identify feeding fish. Their eyes stand out like a beacon. Locate the fish and turn off your light.

Drift or quietly slide in and start casting shallow running minnow-imitating plugs. Rapala Husky Jerks and the Smithwick Rogues are perfect for this scenario. Both lures are buoyant and will hold in place briefly when stopping the retrieve. This is when most of the strikes will take place.

• No. 3, large baits produce the largest fish.

The food supply has shrunk from the summer peak and most of the forage is large. Use large lures for the largest fish and plan on catching your biggest fish of the year. 

Long lures, often six inches, out-perform the shorter lures both on numbers of fish and in size. Lures with a red eye work best and glow tape is an added bonus at night. Witch Craft tape makes these additions simple and cheap.

• No. 4, if you like livebait then this is your time of the year.

We land a bunch of large smallmouth fishing a jig with a four-inch red tail chubb. These really are bonus fish because we are chasing down fat walleye that are on deep water structure.

Allow the fish a few minutes to run with a large minnow before setting the hook. A quick strike rig eliminates the wait because of the small trailer treble hook.

The Laser hook from Eagle Claw works great in this set-up. Another neat twist is the addition of pork. Add a piece of Uncle Josh pork on a large hook and fish in the same manner as minnow.

A jig and pig or a jig and pork can be used in place of a minnow and a slip sinker. This set-up is versatile and should be used in any depth fished.

• No. 5, boat control is a must.

This is where my trolling motor comes into play. Keep the batteries fully charged because wind is common during late fall. Watch your graph and use the zoom. My unit easily tracks the bottom and blows up the smallest detail. The unit is old and inexpensive, but the zoom feature is the key.

From now until the freeze, think outside of the box and enjoy some of the finest fishing of the year. Schools of walleye are often located near the Holland pier suspended four-to-eight feet down. Cast or troll above these schools for arm-jarring action.

fly fishing tips

Fly fishing is a popular method of angling that is primarily used for salmon and trout. However, fly
fishing is growing in popularity for other species such as northern pike, panfish, bass, carp and a
number of saltwater species such as tarpon, bonefish, snook and redfish.

fishing tips

Rory’s Tips: The full moon is Nov. 2, so it will be almost full for spook night, so don’t expect to go trick-or-treat fishing for crappie or stripers at night using submersible lights or you’ll likely end up haunting an empty bag.

With windy cooler weather visiting the state this week, we may be experiencing the swan song for the great autumn fishing in the warm-water lakes, but it could prompt increased salmonid activity in the high country, especially in lakes with brown trout and brookies. Browns spawn in autumn, and brookies spawn in late autumn, early winter. So at the very least, these two species should be getting more active as they stage for the spawn.

Once the spawns get under way, be sure to put some salmon eggs on the tips of your lures and other offerings. But watch the weather reports: snow was expected Wednesday and Thursday, but the front was expected to clear out by the weekend. We’ll see.

This coming week, we will be stocking the Lower Salt River below Saguaro Lake with trout for the first time, Parker Canyon Lake will get its second stocking of the season, Patagonia will get is first seasonal trout stocking, Dead Horse Ranch State Park will get its first stocking, and Wet Beaver Creek will get its last stocking until March.

So my best tip right now is to strip the fishing line off those reels you have been using all summer and replace the line with the smallest diameter fishing line possible. Old line can lose you some nice fish. A good rule of thumb is change of season, change of line, especially here in Arizona with our summer heat.

This is a great time to try for cool-water fish, such as northern pike and walleye. There are plenty of northerns in Upper Lake Mary, Ashurst and Long Lake. For walleye, the two best are Show Low Lake and Fool Hollow, but Upper Lake Mary also has some.

For the warm-water lakes, right now I would look for action in the lakes with smallmouth bass. Try Roosevelt, especially around the more rocky areas. Apache Lake might well be worth a visit, even though the bronzebacks are still in the comeback mode here (the drive should be terrific). I really like Canyon at these transition times — it’s tough to fish, but hauling in one huge toad will make you smile in remembrance all winter.

But if you really want a treat right now, try Fossil Creek in the Verde Valley for native chub. It’s catch-and-release only, and the chub are numerous but still small. But the eye candy is beyond compare. This travertine stream is definitely an Arizona treasure. We hiked it last week, and were greeted with spectacular scenes one after the other.

During the hike, we discussed what the future may hold for Fossil Creek. While we didn’t have any brilliant bouts of inspiration, one thing is abundantly clear — this travertine stream is an Arizona treasure that should be afforded special treatment and consideration.

So for my last tip this week, grab your ultra light or fly-fishing tackle and take along a camera with plenty of memory for a real October treat — Fossil Creek. When we were there, autumn colors were just starting. The cold, wet weather this week might just turn this area into an autumn color hot spot.

Enjoy, maybe I’ll see you out there.

Learn how to get started

Setting up your equipment:

Put your rod together, ensuring that the line guides (rings) are aligned. Attach the reel to your rod at the top of the handle, ensuring that the reel spool lines up with the rod's first line guide. Open the bale-arm of the reel and thread the line through all the line guides.

To attach the float, thread the line through the small eye at the base of the float.

Now, you have to add the shot to cock the float, ie make the float sit at the right level in the water. The float you select will have a guide printed on it, telling you how much split shot is needed. An important rule when float fishing is that the bulk of the split shot, around 90%, is placed at the base of the float. The rest of the shot should be smaller in size and spread equally down the line.

Next take a size 18 ready-tied hook to nylon from the packet and tie it to the end of the line.

Note: If fishing with a small pole you only need to connect the sections together up to the required length you wish to fish, then attach a length of line and a float as described above or attach a ready tied pole rig.

Next, you need to plumb the depth of the water you are fishing, ie find out how deep it is. Attach the plummet to the hook and let it hang below the float. Swing the plummet into the anticipated fishing area using a gentle under arm cast. The float will either sink or lie flat on the water depending on whether it is set too shallow or too deep. Bring the rig back in and adjust accordingly until the exact depth is found by sliding the float up or down the line until just the painted tip is showing above the water surface. Remember you want your hook to lie either on the bottom or just slightly above the bottom.

The float rig is now set up; remove the plummet and you’re ready to fish. Now set up the rest of your tackle so it is close at hand. You need to fish from a sitting position so get yourself comfortable on your chair or box and insert your rod rest in front of you so when you place the rod on it with butt of the rod on your knee the rod tip is just touching the water. Make sure your landing net is set up and your bait and catapult are at hand.

Bait

There are many different types of bait out on the market nowadays, but the most commonly known, and the bait which is eaten by nearly all fresh water species of fish is the maggot.

Starting your session:

When you begin your session it is recommended that you start off by feeding six to ten maggots at a time - this means throwing six to ten maggots into the water so that the fish get used to seeing the bait.. Keep feeding six to ten maggots every couple of minutes, even if you are not getting any bites. The key to successful loose feeding is to keep the bait trickling in. Feed little and often.

Attach one or two maggots to your hook, cast into your chosen swim and get ready to strike when your float is pulled by a fish eating your bait.

my fishing experience at Kelong

last week I went fishing with my colleagues in the kelong in Gelang Patah. weather is very good and catches quite satisfactory. we catch a fish, stingrays and more than 20 fish gutter. notion to fish Siakap not achieved. his tips here carried live bait.

Fishing Tips and Tricks

Fishing can be quite challenging if you are ether new to the sport or if you just simply lack the knowledge that is required to catch a lot of fish. Anyone can basically go out on a lake and catch a few fish, but it takes a pro fisherman to be able to catch his/her limit almost every time that they go fishing.

I am going to discuss a few tips and tricks that will help you improve your fishing skills. These tips are not hard at all to implement into your style and are quite easy to do. Just remember to try them out and see if they work for you. Some of them may work and some may not but at least you will be able to find something that will work for you.

In the future or when I get around to doing so I will include a section about fly fishing tips as well. I might just write another hub about it so be on the lookout for it.

Every fishing style and location is going to react differently, so be sure to always try new things to see what works best for you.

Fishing Tips

The first tip that I can give you is all about choosing the best location to fish from. If you have a boat or some kind of transportation on the water, you will be a lot better off then someone who has to fish from shore. If you have some money but do not have a boat, consider looking for one as they will make your fishing experience much more fulfilling and easier on your part.

Generally fish will stick to a location that has a lot of weeds and plants. The reason for this is because these areas are crawling with bugs and other things that fish love to feed on. It is a little bit annoying to fish in these locations because of the fact of potential snags but this is usually where the fish are. You are just going to have to learn how to deal with it unless you want to fish somewhere else.

On hot summer days the fish tend to go to deeper waters so these places might not work as well. When the water gets warm the fish will try to find cooler waters. This is usually underneath a drop of rocks or just simply deeper waters in the middle of the lake. A good Bass fishing tips is that Bass fish love to swim in deeper waters, so if you are going to go bass fishing you might want to keep that in mind.

Fishing Tips For Beginners

 

There are many kinds of fishing equipments in stores, numerous fishing methods in books, and fishing advices online. To make it all simple, here are the basic things you need to know for your first time fishing adventure.

1) How to fish with bait
* Tackle. To plunk the bait, you should purchase lead weights. The weight of the lead would vary depending on the current of the environment. Anglers commonly use and recommend bank sinkers with a number-two hook.
To avoid sinkers to slide, you would need a swivel to act as a stop. To protect the knot, you could use plastic beads between the swivel and weight. Using two appropriate swivels could allow you to rig the sliding sinkers.
* Bait. The commonly used bait for all kinds of fishes is worms. Another popular bait is chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting soft and allowing the bait to stay within your hooks.
Some of the commonly used baits are cut-baits which include skin from fried chicken, fish entrails, grasshoppers, salmon eggs, shrimps and crayfish tails.

2) How to fish - There are three basic methods for fishing.
* Plunking - It is the most common method used. Use a suitable amount of weight for you to be able to take hold of the bait in a position which is against any current. An option in plunking is to use minimal weight for the bait to move along with the water current.
* Back bouncing - It is done by lifting the bait out the bottom and raising the tip of the rod for one to two feet. Allowing the bait to walk with the current, you should free the back reel or spool. Repeat the steps when the lure settles down on the bottom. Back bouncing is effective in deeper water like fishing in a boat.
* Drift-fishing - It is a simple method wherein you cast upstream or downstream. This may vary depending on the current's amount. You should count the appropriate depth and start reeling.

3) How to fish from a boat - It is important to determine in which location you would perform your fishing. Deeper water needs heavier jigheads compared when fishing on shore.
* With heavy weight which keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with any current. A good technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with a fishing device called bottom-walker.
Fishing is easy as long as you're enjoying the trip. Bring some of your family and friends along and make your first time fishing a memorable one.
Travis Clemens is a life time fisherman and he knows the ins and outs of gettinem on the hook! You too can gettem on the hook with Travis as your guide

夜间垂钓

夜钓鱼是最常用实行深，西南和东南，在炎热天气下白天捕鱼会感到身体不适及非生产性明确高原水库。当低音深入白天。他们往往被捕获，只有在这些湖泊曳。然而，在夜间，低音往往走高较浅，他们在夜间饲草饲料，如虾。夜间捕鱼很有趣，但需要额外的安全措施。请注意障碍，始终在黑暗中穿上救生衣。
何时去
当低音退出白天打，当它变得不舒服的热水湖是好的信号，它的时间开始夜间捕鱼。夜间捕鱼时通常是实行水是在60年代中期和温暖。
地方鱼
凡在晚上鱼是一个普遍的问题低音渔民要求。一般来说，鱼在晚上接近，但不是，你在今年捕获的鱼同期相同的地方。低音别动，在大多数情况下很远的距离。小嘴鲈鱼，特别是，经证实，在呆在家。如果你发现一个大河手臂好渔业在春季，移动到第一个可用水深和结构看，如岩石堆，渠道落，杂草床等
   由于夏天穿的，低音往往将更深地，也不会拿出浅，即使在晚上，在许多湖泊。夜间垂钓是高效的低音在20英尺地带。更深层意义，许多渔民难以保持与联系，吸引鱼上钩时，罢工。其他地方的尝试包括：
在天然湖泊浅海岸线，特别是在接近weedbeds。
水下路基或其他人造水库结构。
砾石或岩石银行在虾丰富。
点燃船码头。
引诱及打击
一般来说，许多渔民使用较重的处理比在夜间会期间清水湖泊白天有效。可以更容易地“感觉”更重的诱惑在比轻有一天晚上，更容易在夜间钩大鱼土地使用胖设备。以下是一些诱惑尝试：
头发夹具和猪肉外皮- 3 / 8盎司（smallmouths）
橡胶夹具和猪肉外皮- 3 / 8盎司或重（largemouths）
Spinnerbaits -使用猪肉外皮，如果需要的话。
塑料蠕虫。
Topwater诱饵，特别是雷和摇摆器。
对于地下诱饵，对比深色（紫spinnerbait /红色猪肉青蛙等），证明是有效天黑以后。对于topwaters，黑色是在大多数情况下的最佳选择，因为它提供了最强烈对比的鱼迎头赶上。常量检索最好是在夜间捕捞一topwater更少的，因为它错过了罢工的结果。
其它设备
许多钓鱼者使用低音“黑灯”和荧光线，当夜幕捕鱼。根据黑光照明，霓虹灯一样发光及荧光线微妙的罢工使容易被检测到。但是，其他垂钓者避免黑灯，他们相信，他们可能吓走一些低音。以吸引更多的“感觉如spinnerbaits”可以很容易在夜间捕捞有或没有黑光。
   为了避免缠结和破碎设备，许多渔民采取与他们只在晚上一个或两个棒/辘。许多人只使用单钩诱惑，如spinnerbaits或夹具。确保你的船有工作运行灯。携带手电筒，天黑之后要格外小心。

Langkawi Fishing Competiton

Twenty teams from Thailand, Singapore, India and Malaysia have confirmed their participation in this year’s Langkawi International Fishing Tournament, which will be held for three days in Tukun Perak Island, starting Nov 12.

Langkawi Tourism Action Council facilities and services manager Suziana Wan Othman said Thailand would send four teams, Singapore (two), India (one) while the rest of some 120 anglers were from Malaysia.

Tukun Perak island, about 96 nautical miles of Langkawi, has been identified as the venue for the competition as the water there is home to many types of huge fish species.

The best team stands to win RM10,000 in cash while the first and second runners-up will receive RM7,000 and RM5,000 respectively.

The cash prize for the individual category is RM5,000 for the winner and RM3,000 and RM2,000 respectively for the first and second runners-up.

Further information can be obtained from the council at telephone number 04-9698080 or fax at 04-9698081.

– edited from BERNAMA