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.