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Three Essential 'How To's' for The Fishing Amateur

by Deon

When you first take up a new hobby the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming at first. Taking up fishing is no different. There are just so many kinds of fishing equipments in stores and online. The are thousands of books and even more websites all giving the 'best' advise. The truth is that you can probably learn something very usefull from each one of these resources. The challenge however is that when you are so overwhelmed you tend to never really take any of the advise in.

To make it all simple, here are the basic things you need to know for your first fishing adventure. If you need any additional information and lnow-how, it's better to add on. Start simple. Start with the basics and grow your knowlege and expertise.

1) Fishing 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) Fishing Methods:

- 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) Fishing 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 a skill that most people can pick up quite easily. You don't need to be a world champion to enjoy fishing. Remember that the real purpose of fishing is to have fun and to enjoy the experience of being close to nature. Why not bring some of your family and friends along and make your first time fishing a memorable one.

About the Author

The article is published with the permission of <strong>Fishing Canada Alaska.Com</strong>. For more up to date information and tips on Fishing in Canada and Alaska, please feel free to visit http://fishingalaskacanada.com

 

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The Challenges Of Saltwater Fishing 

by Brian Kendall

Whether you are fishing out in the sea or in a river, there are always challenges to get round. It is necessary to have patience and try your utmost to catch the fish when they finally turn up.

First of all, you will need to get a fishing license from your local government and the laws regarding fishing are different depending on what state you live in.For salt water fishing you will have to get a boat. Depending on how many people join you, the vessel size would vary from a row boat to a yacht.

In shore fishing can be done on a fifteen foot sailboat with a cuddy forward to shelter passengers from the rain. The boat needs to be sturdy so that waves or bumps along the beach and rocks don't affect it but it shouldn't be too heavy.

Start by throwing your line out at the edges not the middle so that it doesn't scare the fish away. You will encourage the fish in the middle by sticking to the edges. A cod line will be a benefit to a person who wants to go "down below". You can use a perch line as well. If it is mackerel fishing season, you can benefit from a mackerel jig too.

The best time to start fishing is on ebb tide. That is early in the morning because that would make your day more productive and if the wind is light or fair, it would help you on your journey home. Try to find a spot where the locals go fishing. That is your best bet for a successful day.

Don't be too impatient, many anglers would move from one spot onto the next and this motion may reduce your chances that day. Start from the shallowest spot to the deepest, throwing your line out a few times without changing your bait.

Another thing that may affect your fishing chances are sharks. If you have one following you, pour fish blood onto a newspaper or a paper towel. Roll it into a ball and throw it overboard. The sharks will follow the current and the fish will return thereby increasing your likelihood of obtaining fish.

About the Author

Brian Kendall is a staff writer at The Sailing Zone and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Outdoor Sports Enthusiast.

 

 

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Taking A Closer Look At Fishing Rods

by Areeb Khatib

Contemporary fishing rods do not resemble the primitive cane poles and which can easily retrieve the fish caught in its bait with the aid of the reels in its rod.

Some of the fishing rods sport sophisticated movable shafts that can move except handle and can make it easier to catch a struggling fish caught on snare bait.

The basic design of a fishing rod has remained unchanged. It is thick at the handle (bottom) and tapered and thinner at the tip to make it flexible and provide it handling stability.

Fishing rods are normally 6 and 16 feet (2 and 5m) and have variable capacity to tolerate fishing activity strains. Length of the pole determines the withstanding power of a rod and also decides upon the angling rod's performance.

One of the smallest and less sophisticated fishing gadgets are the Cane poles, which has a basic fly line attached to it and are either made of bamboo or other flexible materials. A cane pole lacks a reel used for applying or for retrieving a baited fish.

Spinning rods are normally used for fishes like trout, walleye and bass fish but are also good for catching any heavyweight or lightweight fish. Measuring 5 and 7 (1.5 and 2.5m) they are the most popular rods presently. Being very flexible and stress resistant they are used in bass fish competition. To prevent line tangles during unfolding of fold lines they accommodate bigger and tougher fly lines.

For heavy catches around 180 to 200 feet under the ocean's surface the jigging rods are the best. Being made of fine, solid material they are heavy and can catch fish even in alternating currents. Often erratic undersea current disturb the fly line and consequently the lure. So to avoid confusion the fly lines of jigging rods are made long and heavy. Such rods are best suited for halibuts and cods that normally dwell at the bottom of the sea.

About the Author

Areeb Khatib is involved with an online fishing project that informs and educates the fishing enthusiast through well-written articles. Discover how to get better at Fishing - Bass, Saltwater, Trout, Fly Fishing, & More...

 

 

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8_Steps_to_Fishing_Rod_Maintenance

By Dean Carl

So often we read or hear about proper care of fishing reels, yet what good is a well maintained fishing reel if you do not have a good fishing rod for that reel to be used with? No matter how much or little you have spent on your fishing rods, you can help your rods have long and productive lives by following some basic maintenance tips.

1. Rinsing your fishing rod is an important part of rod maintenance. This step may seem a bit of a pain, but really only takes a few minutes. Fishing in salt waters is a given, with the salt residue being an issue on your rod. Yet many freshwater fishermen do not realize that algae from the water can also end up harming your rod. By rinsing your rod with fresh, clean water you can remove dirt and residue that can be attached to guides and blanks. If your rod is a little dirtier than a rinse can handle, try using a small soft brush to get the deposits. Don't forget to wipe dry with a cloth.

2. Check your cork handles. It is amazing how many fishermen will treat their guides and blanks with care, while forgetting that essential piece of the rod. Using a mild dishwashing soap and a plastic sponge will keep you cork handle looking good and help stop corrosion due to dirt, water, and other elements.

3. Another way that rods can be damaged is most commonly done when putting in boats or vehicles, yet this can result in the guides being broken off completely or bent. Transporting your rods all bundled up can also see the blanks themselves can being rubbed excessively and they are wide open to other damage like breaks or cuts. Of course the best way to avoid this problem is by carrying your fishing rod in a protective sleeve, case or just carrying them about separately.

4. I must confess that this step has been the hardest for me to follow. Storing a fishing rod with the fishing hook or lure is a wrong method of rod maintenance. The guides can really take a beating from the hooks and have chips, cracks or even breaks.

5. One of the most overlooked ways of caring for your fishing rod comes at the end of your fishing season. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, just when you will be putting your rods away for a long period of time. When this time comes you should slack the reel seat. By releasing this pressure, you can avoid problems with proper fitting of the reel seat and reel foot.

6. Avoid the possibility of developing a permanent bow in the rod, by releasing any tension that the fishing line may be under.

7. Proper storage of your fishing rod is the paramount. After all, if not stored properly your rod will be exposed to many opportunities that could damage or break your rod. It would be best to keep your rods stored in a vertical, upright position. Seek out some sort of rod rack for this. The goal is to support the rods on both ends. Also try to have them up against a solid surface, like a wall or cabinet so they do not have an unnatural "bend" during the time the rods are in storage.

8. Like most materials, your fishing rod is not made to handle hot temperatures. Avoid areas, like your boat or automobiles trunk that have prolonged exposure to the sun. Speaking of heat, I am sure you realize that storing your fishing rod in the sunlight for long periods of time can result in the breaking down or corroding of rod parts. So avoid outdoor walls as an option.

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Choosing_The_Right_Type_Of_Fishing_Rods

If you're looking to purchase fishing rods, then you should know that it's not a one-size-fits-all market. You wouldn't buy a Jaguar if you just wanted to drive the kids to school and go to the grocery store just like you wouldn't buy a Ford SUV for street racing. You have to know your purpose before purchasing the right fishing equipment for the tasks ahead.

Let's take a look at some of the different types of fishing you might want to consider and how that might influence the purchase of your fishing rods.

Inshore Fishing:
If you're doing some inshore fishing, you need to realize what that means: working in shallow water and trying to catch fairly small fish. What you are going to look for in the fishing rods is one that will be heavy enough to pull in decent size fish but you want to choose one that is lightweight enough that you can cast it easily without causing your body to ache the next day.

You'll probably want to look for either casting or spinning rods. These would also be good choices if you're going to be doing bottom fishing, such as for catfish and other fish that stay close to the bottom of watery areas.

Don't confuse these fishing rods with what you would need for inshore fly fishing. For that, you'll still need to purchase fly fishing equipment.

Offshore Fishing:
When you're going to be doing offshore fishing, you're going to want a rod that can handle whatever you throw at it. No matter what type of offshore fishing you're doing you can expect to spend more the fishing rods you'll need than you would for ordinary fishing equipment. For example, if you're going to go trolling then you can expect to pay around $1,000. You may be able to find some less expensive options but you'll want to shop around and pay close attention to the quality of the item before you buy it.

Bottom fishing is another example. While you can use the same equipment as you would for inshore fishing, you'd probably want something a little more durable, especially if you are going to be hunting for big fish. These fishing rods are usually also heavier and less flexible than the ones used for trolling.

Surf and Pier Fishing:
If you're going to be doing fishing in the surf or off of a pier, you will most likely want to look into some fairly specialized equipment. Surf rods are usually designed to help you cast further so that you can actually reach the fish. These rods can also be used for pier fishing as can most types of inshore fishing. However, you'll want to still focus on choosing equipment that feels comfortable for you.

Specific Fishing Rods:
One of the larger challenges you're likely to face is finding these fishing rods at your local store. Nowadays, you can choose an online site.

By: Sheezaym

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

To find a great variety of outdoor sporting goods visit: Canada- www.sportsbizarre.ca/ United Kingdom- www.sportsbizarre.co.uk/ United States- www.sportsbizarre.com/

 

 

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Having The Proper Fishing Pole and Supplies
By Evans KC

To the inexperienced eye, a fishing pole, is a fishing pole, is a fishing pole! But to the experienced fisherman a pole is the first item on the list of things you must get right to catch a fish.

There are heavy duty salt water poles that are made for catching something huge out of the ocean. And if salt water fishing is what you have in mind then the monster pole is exactly what you need. A person might think that the salt water pole is the way to go with all types of fishing. The bigger the pole the bigger the fish, type thinking. But as heavy as those salt water poles are, it takes a big fish to even know you have something on your fishing line. Also the boats you go out to fish the sea have pole holders to help you hold and control your pole. Those poles are too heavy and awkward to use for fresh water fishing. Fishing in any of the fresh water rivers, lakes, or beaver ponds you can go with a lighter fishing rod. In most stores you find poles marked medium, light, and extra light. The lighter the pole, the smaller the fish you will feel on the end of the rod. That's called the action of a pole. Now that means feel the fish bite the bait, not the size of fish the pole can catch. But if you go too light you run the risk of breaking your pole when trying to bring in a fish.

If you do go with a lighter pole ( an extra light is my favorite due to its action ) you can beef it up a bit by going with fishing line heavy enough to handle the size of fish your expecting to catch. I fish beaver ponds and mountain lakes mostly that's why an extra light works for me. If you are fishing in the south for a big 'ol catfish then you will do better with a medium action pole. Then there is also a fly pole which can be used in fresh water fishing except for trolling or fishing for something like catfish ( they're bottom feeders, you use a fly pole for on top of the water feeders like rainbow trout ).

Once you figure out where you want to fish and pick the pole best for you, then you decide on the weight of the fishing line. From this point on the supplies that you need depend on where you are going to fish and the
enviromental conditions. I recommend trying to put together a well stocked tackle box that cover the needs for several types of fishing and different conditions.

You will need extra fishing line, hooks of different sizes, sinkers, bobbers, an assortment of flies, salmon eggs, and other bait. A small but sharp knife, a pair of scissors, a stringer to put the fish you catch on, and a fish scale. For the Rookie I would recommend a beginners book to explain some of the basics about light, water clarity and some of the other things. Another thing I always do when preparing to fish in a new area, is to talk to the natives. Ask the gal at the counter of the fishing tackle store what the fish are biting on
and where are the hot spots. With time and practice you will develop your own technique and figure out which pole, line, and bait work best for you.

There is only one thing left....Don't forget to buy a fishing license! Oh and have FUN!!

The author is from http://www.allgiftsandoddities.com which is a unique web store that carries Sporting Goods, homewares like baskets and other decorative items. But we specialize in the more unusual or hard to find gifts. At All Gifts And Oddities we carry ethnic items from American Indian, African, Asian & more. There is Nascar items, Sports Memorabilia, Collectables and also our Oddities department. So if your wanting something different check us out!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

 

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How To Choose The Best Fishing Lures 

by Areeb Khatib

The development of different types of lures, meant for catching various species of fish owes its origin to the evolution of fishing gear, accessories and the progression of the bass fishing industry

A wide range of different types or classes of lures has flooded the market. All of them depend on the particular species of fish for which they have been made. Most of them are aimed at specific types excepting a few which can be used for a wide number of species.

A list of typical lures used for fishing is given below.

Casting lures of light standard

This particular type can usually lure a wide range of Piscean varieties from crappies, oho, Bonita, bluefish to albacore, and certain species of bass fish. These lures are at their functional best if you retrieve them from water at low or moderate speed and can pass through water with the help of undetectable synthetic material.

Weighing between 1/16 oz. - 3 oz., they are ideal for lightweight fish and a variety of other freshwater species.

A hand painted eye is capable of enticing a school of fish and increases the chances of entrapping one of your targets in the water.

Heavy standard lures for casting

As is evident from the name, these lures are most suitable for the heavier varieties like bass and walleye. The advantage of heavy lures is that they provide more reliable fishing output and can catch more fish than diamond or lightweight counterparts; although the latter is more frequently used.

Jigging/long casting lures

It is however the long, tapered jigging lures which top the popularity chart. Fishermen in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida usually opt for this type of lure.

If you want to catch trout or pike then the best option would be the long casting lures, according to recent findings. They can effectively trap tuna, walleye, bluefish and stripers in a jiffy.

Jigging lures will not produce good fish-catch output up to 180-200 feet under water, as opposed to heavy standard lures. Check to see if your lure color, bait and related accessories are matching or not, in order to maximize performance.

Lethal diamond lures

One of the smallest in size and ranging from 1/8 to 1 oz., these lures are capable of seamlessly attracting attention among fish. They can also form a school of fish extremely quickly.

This is because of its cut and structural surface formation. It is cut like a diamond at the top and reflects the light falling on its surface. These can effectively catch stripers, crappie, bass fish varieties as well as the smaller species of fish.

About the Author

Areeb Khatib is involved with an online fishing project that informs and educates the fishing enthusiast through well-written articles. Discover how to get better at Fishing - Bass, Saltwater, Trout, Fly Fishing, & More...

 

 

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Fishing Tips Number 1 - Basic Knot Tying

By Raymond McDowell

Welcome to Fishing Tips! Glad to have you and hope we can give tips that will be useful to you and increase your fishing enjoyment. Since there will be a variety of experience in the folks who come here, we are going to start with a basic that experienced fishermen probably know. However, all you experienced fishermen should be patient - because we will be giving more advanced tips as well. Our aim is to reach everyone with our tips and to do that, we need a variety.

However, even the experienced fisherman could check the more basic tips and refresh himself. Even if you just get the confirmation that you are doing the basics correctly.

We are going to start with knot tying. You need to tie your fish-hook or lure or swivel to your line so it stays. Nothing is more heartbreaking than losing a big fish and discovering that your knot came undone! Believe me; you do not want that to happen. So, here is a basic knot that has many applications. It is easy to learn and after you tie this knot several times, you can even do it in the dark.

The knot is called the "Cinch Knot". Here is how to tie it. First, thread your line through the eye of the hook (or lure or swivel). Then wrap it around the line going to the hook, five times or so. Then put the end of the line through the loop in the line you made when you started to wrap. That loop will be near the eye of the hook. Before you pull it tight, stick the end of the line back under the last turn you made when you wrapped the line 5 times around. Pull the knot tight, but keep your thumb and forefinger on the knot to be sure it doesn't loosen or unwind. Make sure it is snug and test it to be sure it holds. After that, you can trim off the excess line right near the knot. When you first start making this knot, I suggest having your line a bit long as you tie it. The knot is easier to tie that way and you will always cut off the excess anyway. Now, with your knot tied correctly and tested by you pulling on the line to be sure it will stay tied, you are ready to go! Come on fish! You may not catch 'em, but at least you will be confident that your knot will hold!

Maybe a picture example of how to tie the knot will let the explanation be easier to follow when you can see it. There are very informative pictures of knots - in the course of being tied - in Google Photos. Just click on the search for knot tying photos and you will see great examples being tied. This is a good source for you to keep handy as you learn to tie a correct knot!

Don't forget! All fishermen needs knives. They are needed to do a simple cut of the line near the knot so you don't have any big "tails". But, they are really needed to cut bait and to fillet the fish you catch. Knives Inclusive is a website built for folks who want a quality knife without paying a high price. Take the time to check them out as they have a page dedicated to fishing. Here is a link to a video that tells about them https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzGR-2P5wdc

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Raymond_McDowell/2432631

Fishing For Catfish The Right Way 

by Areeb Khatib

We can successfully catch catfish by following some of the fundamental methods. It should be clear that each and every rule or method couldn't be applied to water of all types. The reason is that, techniques and baiting mixtures vary from one target to the other.

List of simple yet effective methods:

Rigging - Loop the bait holder or the treble hook from the beginning of a line towards the end, to a distance of choice ideally between 18" to 24". The choice of distance should be according to the bait that is being used. You must use a weight to keep the rig still because any movement of bait is not advisable. You can also use slipweight to keep the bait stable. The purpose of the weight is to just be able to slide in the line. This way the weight will not be felt by the fish and by the time it would sense that the bait is not real, it would be too late. Through multibait technique multiple catches can be made at the same time. Just place three- way swivel along the line, simple. The more it strikes the more are the chances of catching catfish in huge quantity.

Bait - Chicken livers or medium sized shrimps from the groceries are the ideal choice of experts. Body of the shrimp should be large enough to slide up in a no.6 hook. Its tail and skin should be taken off. Here it becomes easier, unlike in the case of chicken where use of pantyhose is essential. To the treble hook, a diameter of a quarter, wrapped in a piece of pantyhose with a tag end is attached. The following can also be considered good baits: blood worms, minnows, catfish paste, night crawlers, snails, living or dead small fish and dough baits. Natural baits are best.

Chumming - Through this method the fishermen are able to catch more catfish. Just throw in the fishing area, balls made up of a combination of natural recipes. In this way more and more catfish get lured. Remember to throw enough mixture so that the catfish can feed completely. The same recipe should be attached to the hook, which will be used for fishing. Use of a pleasant smelling flavor in the mixture will do wonders.

Tackling - Through this method a great amount of catfish get attracted. The tackle should have a spinning real and it should be about 6 feet long. Use of heavier lines mean longer time to catch the fish. Cost should not be the concern as experience drawn from both cheap and costly tackle is the same. Always try to remove the hooks with the pliers after the catch is over. Ensure that the grip is secure. Some fins are poisonous so completely get rid of them. Simply slide your hand up to the fish's stomach from its tail. Place your fingers on one side and your thumb on the other. Then remove the catfish from the hook without hurting yourself. All the best for successful catfishing.

About the Author

Areeb Khatib is involved with an online fishing project that informs and educates the fishing enthusiast through well-written articles. Discover how to get better at Fishing - Bass, Saltwater, Trout, Fly Fishing, & More...

 

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Fishing Boats 

by James Williams

If you're trolling the market for a fishing boat, you already know it's a big investment. The last thing you want is to be all washed up in a holey mess because you bought a poor quality boat.

Fishing boats come in all sizes, from small motorboats for inland lake fishing, to small whalers, to yachts designed for cruising the deep seas. If you want to prove yourself as a hardcore fisherman, or fisherwoman, one of the best ways is by investing in a fishing boat. Be sure before you buy, and make the right investment in your new vessel.

Owning a boat can be great fun, but there are hidden costs to consider before you buy. Basic upkeep fees can net a lot of cash. You need to keep your boat clean and fueled. Unless you have your own marina or garage, you'll have to pay for parking and storage. Dry-docking your boat during the off-season will cost more than a nominal fee. Even if you plan to moor the boat under a tarp in the backyard, there is the transportation to consider. The boat will have to be towed home in the winter, and back to the water in spring. To do it yourself you'll need a pickup truck or van, a boat trailer, or a really good buddy who has both.

If you've decided that your budget allows, you can start comparing fishing boats. Shop around and research your options well, before making your final decision. It seems there are as many makes and models of fishing boats on the market as there are cars and SUVs, so you'll be up to your neck in options. With so much to choose from, you should be able to find the boat to suit your needs perfectly.

Bass Pro Shops is one brand-name boat model that offers good quality at a decent price. The famous angling supply store introduced their first "fish ready" Tracker boat way back in 1978. Since then, they've mastered the design and technology of boats, rigging all of them as if they're meant for pros. Bass Pro Shops boats come packaged with a motor and a trailer. Marine gear packages are optional.

Charger boats are another big name in crafts known for their performance and quality. Like Bass Pro Shops, Charger boats are built by a no-nonsense company that believes in providing effective and innovative fishing boats.

Spend money on a poor quality boat, and you can find yourself waist-deep in problems. Fishing boats are a big investment, but if you shop around and buy the right one, it will be nothing but smooth sailing ahead.

About the Author

James Williams contributes to several web sites, on recreation and hobbies and travel and recreation topics.

 

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Using Waypoints On Your Next Fishing Trip 

by Brad Traynham

If you have a GPS device, then you already know the many advantages of this technology. If fishing is your hobby or if you know someone who is an avid fishermen, why not get them a GPS handheld unit as a holiday gift? They will find this device easy to use and a great way to track hot spots and map out new ones.

While there are many types of GPS units out there on the market today, you should look for one that will give you depth measurements and basic coordinates. This will be helpful when you are fishing before daybreak in unfamiliar waters. Other options such as a color screen, detailed maps, and database of restaurants, motels, and hospitals are also very useful. Depending on the types of fish you are looking for, knowing the depth of different parts of the lake will help you find more fish. For example, some types of trout like to hide at the bottom of the lake.

GPS technology can also be used when fishing in waters that contain old ships, building foundations, fallen trees, and other large objects. By writing down coordinates and water depth, you will have able to fish along the edges of these objects and not have to worry about getting your lure caught. There is nothing worse than trying to get your line free from a tree branch or root when it is under the water.

You will also be able to monitor the movement of fish that are lurking underneath the water. This will help you find hot spots every time. You will be able to distinguish movement in order to determine if a fish is present or if it is a log or tree branch.

Before you begin your fishing excursion, you should enter in the coordinates where you place your boat in the water as your first waypoint. Not only will this give a point of reference for future trips, it will also help you in case there is fog or a sudden rainstorm and you cannot find your way back to shore. Waypoints can also be used for hot spots that you find during the day. Going back to these spots will probably yield you more fish.

Most GPS units can hold up to one thousand way points. This means that you can take several fishing trips in different areas and not have to erase your collected data. Some fishermen will keep a log of their coordinates and the places they have fished so that they can refer to it easily on their next trip. Log your coordinates the next time you go on a fishing trip. You will be amazed by the number of fish you will catch.

Some people will map out these coordinates and use them each time they fish. You can do this or you can make a list of coordinates you have visited already so that you can find other hot spots and not repeat the same ones. With a GPS tracking device, you will not become a better fisherman, but you will have more control over your surroundings in terms of finding those places where fish like to hide.

About the Author

Visit the SuperGPSStore.com We offer a variety of GPS units ranging from Automotive GPS receivers to Fish Finders GPS's. Coupon Code: freeongps1

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Fishing_Bait - Do You Know?
by Nicholas Tan

There is such an assortment of bait that it is difficult to recommend any particular color, size, or type as the best. There are more than a thousand good baits on the market. All will catch fish at some time or another.

Fishing baits usually weigh from ¼ to an ounce to three ounces. The most popular weight preferred by the majority of bait casters is the 5/8-ounce bait, while the average is between ½ and 3 quarters of an ounce. Baits can either be used as a whole or cut into chunks. Anglers can also use dead or live baits.

The Different Types of Bait
There is a wide array of organisms being used as fishing baits. Among the different types used in fishing, the commonly used are the small fish. These consist of widely used fishing baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, and some others that are inborn to certain local waters. Larger fish are usually used as chunk baits.

Fishing baits can be used whole, chunk, and strips, based on the activities of the type of fishes being chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually well matched with the size of the fish being hunted. Other common organisms used for bait fishing are crabs, worms, shrimps, clams, sand fleas, eels, and squid. Among all of the organisms mentioned, the crabs and the shrimp are the well-liked organisms to be used as fishing baits.

Shrimp are favorably used as fishing bait and are considered to be very valuable bait for a huge number of saltwater fish, especially those that are considered “inshore fish” like redfish, speckled trout, shook, and a lot more.

Whereas, various crab species, especially the fiddler crab, sand flea, and the blue crab, are perfect fishing baits for many varieties of “inshore fish” and “bottom fish.” These crabs are usually clasped through their shell, usually on either the right or left of the head.

How to Acquire Fishing Bait?
Fishermen can acquire fishing bait either buying them in bait shops or simply by capturing it themselves.

The advantage of buying fishing bait is convenience, while catching live fishing bait is less expensive and can be more effective in luring fish. Digging for earthworms is another activity. Earthworms make an excellent bait.

Indeed, when it comes to bait fishing, using the proper fishing bait are important and imperative to the success of fishing. Hence, anglers should know the basics of choosing fishing baits in order to save time and money.

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

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How_to_Choose_the_Right_Surf_Fishing_Bait_to_Improve_Your_Catch_Rate
By Randy Meyers

Choosing the best surf fishing bait for the situation will improve your catch rate. This article is a digest of my best tips for how to choose surf fishing bait that will give you great results.

Match Your Bait To The Most Common Bait In The Surf

This almost sounds like common sense but you have to look at it from a different perspective. The most common bait in the surf isn't always common. That's important to realize. Predator surf fish are opportunists they will feed on what's ever available even if it's not their preferred source. Available food sources will vary for lots of different reasons. It can be affected by the time of year, the weather and other factors. Knowing what these factors are is important but it's more important to be able to learn what the most common bait in the surf is at that particular time.

Surf Fish Are Feeding On Different Bait At Different Times

In the previous paragraph I stated that food sources for predator surf fish can vary for different reasons. If your going to become a successful surf angler you need to develop an understanding of the factors that influence the available food sources. This will come with experience and a foundation of knowledge to start with. After awhile it becomes instinctive. Here's a tip you can use. Common bait in the surf will also be readily available for the vendors who provide bait to the bait shops.

If you go into the bait shop to buy bait, some of the bait will be more scarce than others. Chat with the attendant for a minute and learn what bait has been coming in most readily. If they have been having a hard time getting a particular bait, you don't want to be using that to start with. It may be a very good choice but not at that particular time. Select your bait from one or two of the choices that have been easily obtained (by the bait shop) with good size and quality.

Some Surf Fish Species Have A Bait Preference

By now if you have been learning about surf fishing you should have learned how to determine what you want to be fishing for and what species are currently being taken in the surf. You should also have learned something about the bait preferences for certain species. The preferred bait isn't always your best choice. That being said, keep in mind what I wrote in the previous paragraphs before choosing your bait. Select one or two of the choices of bait to use at the surf line that meet the guidelines mentioned above and is popular with the species you will be fishing for. You won't be wasting your time with a choice of bait that isn't going to be effective that day.

Learn What Surf Fish Are Actively Feeding On In The Surf

Using the right bait at the right time will improve your catch rate significantly. It does change and vary. As I mentioned above all predator fish are opportunists. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to catch fish on a lure that doesn't closely resemble a live bait source. Predator fish will take what's available depending on how hungry they are and how easy it is to obtain. As the availability of food sources changes their feeding habits change with it. The more you can improve your ability to learn what the fish are actively feeding on the better your catch rate will be.

If All Else Fails Use Shrimp

After addressing how to choose the best surf fishing bait in the above paragraphs. If you are just getting into surf fishing or your clueless about applying my tips for choosing surf bait, as a last resort use shrimp. These are my reasons.

bulletShrimp is very effective for attracting many different kinds of surf fish.
bulletShrimp is often readily available.
bulletYou will almost certainly catch something when fishing with shrimp.
bulletIt's the first place to start when you are learning to surf fish.

Apply the knowledge you acquired in this article to improve the pleasure you will find fishing in the surf. For me, surf fishing is the only kind of fishing I have a real passion for. In my opinion there is so much more excitement involved in surf fishing than in any other kind of fishing you will ever do.

Randy Meyers is a surf angler who has been fishing the surf for over 30 years. He is the author of Surf Fishing - The quick Start Guide To This Exciting Sport. Randy owns and operates the surf fishing website Surf-Fishanybeach.com

 

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Catfish Bait - Use The Good Stuff

By Raymond McDowell

We have talked about finding Catfish before, but we haven't talked much about bait for those delicious tasting fish. If you talk to some old catfish experts, they will tell you the "stinkiest" bait you can find is the best bait you can find. I find it stupid to argue with an expert fisherman who is recognized as an expert - because he has had great success in catching fish already. However, I must be a little squeamish when it comes to getting the vilest smelling bait on my hands. Oh, I don't mind some fairly tough smelling things to get my hands in, but some of the 'ole boys' formulas are way beyond tough! I have used some of those recipes for catfish bait and the smell stays with you for days. You can't get it off!

Therefore, I would like to talk to you about catfish bait that works and still comes off your hands when you wash them. The first one I would like to mention is hotdogs! Plain old hot dogs really work on catfish and they are easy to use when you are baiting your hook. You can use some old ones your wife or significant other is going to throw away. You can use ones that you just bought from the grocery store. Catfish either don't know the difference or they just don't care.

Another good bait you can use is chicken livers. They are difficult to have stay on the line, but I find that if you use a treble hook, you will be better off by far. There are several ways to but the liver on the hook and keep it there. One of the ways is to wrap it with sewing thread. While that works, it does take a considerable amount of time and time you don't have your line in the water is time you won't catch fish.

I prefer to hook the liver in the following manner. First, I puncture a hole in the liver so I can slide it over the end of the leader and down to the treble hook. Then I puncture the liver so it goes over each of the treble hooks. Don't make these holes any larger than needed - just use the pointed hook and you will see it is quite nicely secured. You will be able to cast this several times without losing your bait.

Finally, I would encourage you to fish for cats at night. If you haven't tried this yet, you should. Some of the biggest catfish are caught at night. I have found that fishing for catfish at night can be great fun. I would suggest a little different bait for night cat-fishing though. I find large shiners and shad work well and you can always rely on big juicy night crawlers. Remember, the big catfish are active at night and you have a good chance of getting a big one on your line. I would suggest a 20lb. test and a stiff rod. You do not want the joy of hooking a large fish to be spoiled by losing him to a broken line.

Good Fishing!

I hope the good fishing produces some good catching for you. If it does, you should be prepared to be able to clean the fish and provide some great fillets for the cook. We have just what you need at http://www.knivesinclusive.com for you will find a great assortment of knives there for every need you have!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Raymond_McDowell/2432631

 

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What_makes_a_good_fishing_trip?

by Brian Ramsey

The obvious answer is fish and preferably fish that are biting your bait. While fish that are biting is the key element in a good fishing trip there are several other elements that help to enhance your fishing experience.

One of the elements is a wide comfortable space, a location where you can securely place all the items you will need and reach them comfortably. This is particularly important if you are fishing from a high rock ledge. You do not want to reach for something and have it slip into the water, or worse you slip into the water. When fishing from rocks in the ocean it is also important to pay attention to the high tide mark on the rock. You need to ensure that your location is above the high tide mark and above the height of the spray from the waves, so that you are not washed off the rock. You should also verify that you have a route off the rock that does not involve wading through water at high tide. The strength of the water can be deceptive at high tide.

Good company is important. It is pleasant to have someone to chat with during those periods when the fish do not seem to be biting. Good company however is not necessarily someone who talks incessantly as that can cause you to miss the feel of the nibble on the line. Having a friend along is also important in the event that something bad happens. In such a situation there would be someone to provide help or get help.

We are in the Caribbean so liquid refreshment is necessary, especially if you are fishing in the daytime. If your refreshment is of the stronger kind, limit consumption so that you do not miss the nibbles of the fish on the line. Also remember that you usually have to drive home after fishing and you need to be able to concentrate on the road.

Having extra of everything is important. You will want to have extra hooks, line and sinkers so that if your fishing line becomes entangled or stuck on a rock, you can easily replace it and continue fishing. You should carry different size hooks because although you planned to catch really big fish, it may be that only small fish are around. Having different sized hooks allows you to switch sizes to suit the size of the fish that are biting. It is also a good idea to have different weight sinkers to suit the strength of the currents that may be in that area.

If you are fishing at night have a flashlight or lantern with spare batteries. A knife is important as you may need to cut your line, slice your bait, prepare snacks and many other tasks.

Having a cellular phone with you is very useful, as you may want to call someone to share the excitement or call someone in case of trouble. Carry a Zip Lock plastic bag to place the phone in, so that it does not get wet.

Having bait to attract the fish is vital and equally important is having the right type of bait. To ensure that you have the right type of bait, try to find out what type of fish is biting in the area and what they are feeding on. To learn what the fish are feeding on you can ask the residents in the area. If the area you plan to fish does not have any residents or is far from where you live, carry an assortment of bait.

Choose the correct time to go fishing. Early morning and early evening are usually good times to go fishing. While fish can be caught at all times with the right bait and being in the right location, many species feed at dawn and dusk and then hide during the rest of the day. The changing of the tides is also a good time for fishing. Larger fish tend to come closer inshore at the high tide.

Following the above tips should ensure that you have an enjoyable fishing trip. Now all you need is for the fish to bite.

About the Author

Brian Ramsey produces the free monthly magazine, Caribbean Outdoor Life and is the author of Discovering the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago.

 

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Fishing_Knives_and_Scissors

By: Ben Anton

An avid fisherman is typically able to tell you the contents of his tackle box: fishing hooks, line in various weights, shiny and dull fishing lures, colorful bobbers, an extra reel, needle nose pliers, a flashlight, maybe some fishing scissors and a fishing knife. Each of these tackle box items is an important element in both successful and not so successful fishing trips to the river. Having the right kind of gear, the kind that will withstand a variety of elements, is key.

The following are some tips on what to look for when purchasing a durable fishing or fillet knife to all those would-be and experienced anglers out there.

When choosing a fishing knife, the size of the fish being lured needs to be considered. A ten inch blade would be excessive if you typically fish stocked rainbow trout or crappie in your local river. The larger blade could damage the meat of smaller fish during cleaning if you are not careful. On the other hand, a small fillet knife on a medium-to-large catfish or grouper would be time consuming and potentially impossible. If you fish a variety of species, consider owning multiple knives in various lengths and widths. There are a number of fishing knife sets with multiple blade styles available on the market. If you have one knife that you really like, maybe it has a handle style that suits you, see if the manufacturer makes other size knives in the same style.

The next item to consider when choosing a fillet or fishing knife, is the quality of the blade. You want to look for stainless steel blades that can maintain their sharpness. You also want to try to buy one that can be sharpened easily throughout a fishing season. Stainless steel is recommended because of its stronger resistance to rust; fishing knives encounter a lot of water. You will want the same durability and strength in your fishing knife as you would a hunting knife. However, with a fillet knife, a tempered blade that can cut smoothly and thinly is ideal. When purchasing a fillet knife, look for one that is serrated in a portion of the knife, toward the handle is best. Having the serration in addition to the smooth sharp blade will be helpful to cut through tougher sections and bones and will keep you from needing a second serrated knife.

The final items to consider are all about your personal style. There are a number of knives available depending on the type of fisherman you or the recipient of the knife is. Consider how frequently you use a fishing knife during your fishing trips. If you tend to constantly be reaching for yours, purchase a folded knife that can be put in your pocket or hang from a fishing vest so it will be easy to get to. If you have a messier tackle box with little organization, consider purchasing a fishing knife that comes with a sturdy knife sleeve or one that folds to avoid accidentally cutting yourself or damaging the blade while it is moving around in the box. If you have arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome, try out various knife handle shapes to find one that is comfortable for you. There are a number of knife options available; don’t settle for anything other than what will best help you as you fish this summer.

Consider these tips as you put together your tackle box and gear this summer. Whether you are heading to the river, lake or ocean, a quality fishing or fillet knife is an important addition and just may help bring in the record breaking fish.

Ben Anton, 2007

Ben Anton lives in the Northwest and writes for Discount Lights and Knives. Ben invites you to check out more fishing and hunting knifes options on DLKs website for discount outdoor gear.
By Special Appointment © 2000 - 2007 - http://www.articlefire.com - Fishing Knives and Scissors: Hit the Lake Prepared this Summer - by: Ben Anton

 

 

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Bait_Doesn't_Catch_Fish - Hooks Do

By Trevor Kugler

This may sound like a completely stupid title for an article, but hear me out. Many anglers take their hooks for granted as a part of their fishing. They assume that as long as they're using the popular bait, or the bait that has worked in the past, they will catch fish. While it may be true that fish can be caught with blatant disregard for something as simple as hooks, large and/or experienced fish cannot. If a fish is large, it got that way for a reason. Because the fish has been around awhile. And fish that have been around awhile have not only seen anglers offerings before, they have probably been caught and released before. Therefore they become more difficult to fool into biting.

If you've spent any time on the water you know this fact to be true. That larger fish have not only been around longer, but have also become wiser. This is especially true in small rivers, where fish don't have hundreds of square miles to swim free in, such as is found in lakes.

So how do we go about enticing these larger fish to bite our offering? The best way that I've ever seen is by employing a set of gang hooks. What are gang hooks? They are simply two small hooks tied in tandem. And when I say small hooks, I mean small hooks. I personally use size 10 hooks. But with a set of size 10 gang hooks tied on four-pound test mono-filament, I've caught trout and small mouth bass in the five to six pound class. And why do I catch fish this big with hooks so small? Because the fish don't realize there are hooks in the bait.

You see, gang hooks are the best way to present bait naturally. When your bait is in the water it looks completely natural. Your bait looks exactly like it does normally. For example, a worm hooked on size 10 gang hooks looks exactly the same as a worm without any hooks in it at all. Needless to say, this is a huge advantage to the angler.

The above reasons are why this article is titled "bait doesn't catch fish, hooks do", because while bait might help catch the attention of the fish, the hooks are what actually catches said fish. Start using gang hooks and you will begin catching more fish, It's as simple as that.

If you want more great tips delivered to your inbox for free, you can check this out. As anglers, we should always be striving to become better and more efficient at our craft.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country... Montana!

Gang Hooks Tied & Ready To Fish: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp

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How_To_Enjoy_Freshly_Caught_Fish

by Nicholas Tan

To maintain the delicate flavor of a newly caught freshwater or saltwater fish, this must be handled properly to avoid spoilage. Not to mention preserving the fish with pleasing odor. There are ways to properly prepare and maintain the quality just after the catch of the fish into a sumptuous fishmeal. Check out the tips below:

1) As soon as the fish lands avoid any contact with hard surfaces to prevent bruising. It should be washed immediately by hosing or bucket rinsing in order to remove the slime and possible bacteria that cause spoilage. Never use water from close proximity marinas, municipal or industrial discharges. To make sure, always use potable water instead.

2) Simply chill the fish to prevent deterioration in less than an hour. With a little advance planning, proper icing can be accomplished with the use of some relatively cheap equipment. Fish should be stored in coolers and should be well chilled. It should be 3" deep, thus, covering a pound of fish with pound of ice. Use chlorinated water per quart of water for the final rinsing.

3) Clean the fish as soon as possible. Their tissues are sterile but not their scales, which contains many types of bacteria. When cleaning fish, avoid rough treatment because wounds in the flesh can allow the spread of bacteria. Gutting the fish does not have to be necessarily long. It is wise to cut the belly, as it leaves no blood or viscera in the body. Make sure not to soak cleaned fish fillets in a prolonged freshwater as this could reduce the meat texture and flavor.

4) The eating quality and nutritional value of fish can be maintained up to 5 days if properly cleaned. Washing of the hands before touching the fish is also important. No matter what fish and the cooking technique used, one golden rule is to be followed always. Whether it is whole or not, cook exactly 10 minutes for every inch measured. 15 minutes should be allotted to fish enclosed in foil or sauce baked. Double the time for frozen fish.

Allow extra time if fish will be baked while packed in an aluminum foil and allow extra time for the penetration of the heat. That should be an additional 5 minutes for fresh fish and 10 for frozen. In thawing frozen fish, slowly thaw in the fridge for 24 hours or let the wrapped fish be run under cold water not at room temperature. Do not thaw a fish that's frozen before cooking as it may make it mushy and dry.

 

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How_To_Fish_Without_Rod_and_Reel
By Van Voon Lee

I have always been a staunch supporter of using the rod and reel fishing. Be it fresh or salt water.

Some traditional fishermen will tell you that that is not necessarily true. Well, there is some truth in it. It all depends on your local knowledge of the areas that you are fishing. With that knowledge, you will know what type of fish you can expect to catch, behavior, habit, bait types, hook sizes and line to use.

It differs greatly if you are fishing from the shore, breakwater, canals, on a boat or a platform on the sea, such as a fish stake. My usual practice is to fish from a platform such as fish stake or on a boat. The water is about 40 feet deep during low tide. Some examples of fish caught are grouper, sea bass, snapper, barracuda, toad fish, cat fish, Queen fish and other estuary fish.

I would recommend at least 30lb line on a spool with a size 10 hook. Length of line should not exceed the water depth. Where I fish is about 40 feet at low tide. Any longer will cost you time and probably your fish when you are reeling in by hand.

For bait, the preferred are live prawn, live sardine or live squid. When live baits are not available, chilled bait bought from neighborhood tackle shop is a good alternative.

To bait a squid, hook through the body and out through the head. Somewhere between the eyes, exposing a little of the hook point. If a bait fish is chosen, hook across the spine through the lateral line, between the dorsal fin and anal fin. Alternatively, hook just after the eyes and through to the other side, exposing the point of hook. The injured fish will trigger the predator to strike fast.

If a prawn is used, hook the last 2 section before the tail fan. All the recommended hooking methods represent the baits’ natural form underwater. This is the most natural position know to predator fish.

The lead line should be about 1 to 2 feet in length, another 2 feet away from the bottom lead weight. Throw the baited line into the sea, reel in about 2 feet so the lead weight is about 2 feet above the sea floor. The lead line will be flowing along with the tide.

When the fish strike on the bait, pull in the line immediately. It is not recommended to play with the fish. We do not know what kind of trash and debris lies under the water. No sense risking the potential loss of fish and line.

Take extra care not to let the line tangle in a mess when you are reeling in. That is why I recommend a length of about 40 feet. Anything beyond that, I reckon hand line is not recommended.
So, please clear the area around you before you start fishing.

Happy Fishing!

About the author
Lee is an entrepreneur running his own industrial supplies business. When he is not fishing, he is thinking of fishing.
For more information, please visit http://www.happygonefishing.com

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Long_Distance_Casting - Ten Things I've Learned To Cast Further!

By Gareth Watkins

In modern carp fishing the ability to cast further is a definite advantage in the anglers armoury. The fact is, that despite what their estimated casting range is, most anglers will struggle to better 100 yards by any great margin.

Not all waters allow boats or bait boats, so being able to cast is a real plus, and can make the difference between catching and not catching. I remember all too well blanking on a lake in France because the fish were at 150 yards and I couldn't reach them. The Dutch guy in the next peg was casting there easily. Needless to say he bagged up... much to my frustration.

We can't all afford to go out and buy top of the range gear, which is what you 'll need to compete with the top casters.. that and loads of tuition and a modicum of talent. For us mere mortals a few hints and tips can get us up to the 140-150 yards range. I've done it measured, so as an average caster I can tell you it works. These tips were picked up from Mark Hutchinson and Mehdi Daho, but if you really want to get into the big league. I suggest you take lessons with someone like Mark.

Ok so here are 10 tips that will help you cast further with your regular carp gear.

1. Use a Large Spool Big Pit 'Type' Reel: These don't have to cost a fortune, the Shimano AERLEX costs as little as fifty quid. Okuma make excellent value big spool reels too.

The top flight reels like the Ultegra's from Shimano and Tournaments from Daiwa will set you back a few bob, but are excellent tools. The advantage of the wide spool on a big pit is that the diameter doesn't drop as quickly as you cast, thus less friction builds up on the spool lip, increasing your distance.

2. Fill Spool to the Rim: Make sure you fill your spool right up to the rim. Modern fixed spool reels used in carp fishing have pretty good line lay, compared to the awful things like Mitchell 300's and Cardinals. To make the most of the casting capacity of your reel fill it right flush to the lip. Don't overfill as you'll get bird's nests, but go as full as you can. Bear in mind that the line will bed down a bit.

3. Fill Your Spool with 10lb Monofilament Line: It stands to reason the finer the line you use the further you'll cast. You can't go mad in carp fishing as the fish are big and fight hard. In most open water 10lb mono is more than adequate. I use Daiwa Sensor 10lb for my long range stuff, but many of the quality monos on the market will do. Some anglers drop line strength even more...it's a trade off really between abrasion resistance and casting needs. A finer diameter line will naturally need far less chaffing to break it than heavy, thicker nylon. A few drops of Kryston Greased Lightening will also make the nylon flow off the reel better.

4. Use a Braided Leader: To get maximum distance with 10lb main line you'll need a shock leader. Here I'd recommend a 50lb braid for a leader material. Braid has no stretch so all your power is put into the blank and not into the stretch of a nylon leader. It will add distance to your casts.

5. Use A Helicopter Rig: The best casting rig is the 'Helicopter' rig. Set up right is is also the only rig that will leave the fish free of the line in the case of a crack off. Now these rigs DO have to be done right. The wrong set up and you have a death rig, as the fish trail line and the lead. There are several companies making either ready to use rigs or selling the various end rig items you need to make a safe set-up. Please pay careful attention to this! The poor set up of the helicopter rigs has seen it banned on my waters, which is stupid, as done correctly it should be the safest rig out there.

It lets the lead fly first and the bait follows, giving you a more aerodynamic set up and therefore more distance. Combine this with a short nylon stiff or combi-hooklink and it will go far...

6. Use a Zip Lead: A lead of the Zip type will cast further than any lead out there. Aerodynamic, these leads really come into their own when used with a bait. In most circumstances you may net see a huge difference between dumpy pear leads and zips, that is until you attach your boilie. The zip gives your rig far more stability and lets you get several yards extra distance on your cast. These leads fly straight and true and will be more accurate too.

7. Use a Small Bait: Inertia is one of the main problems you come across when looking to gain those precious extra yards. It stands to reason a large 22mm boilie not only adds weight to the rig, but also adds wind resistance and makes the set up less stable in the air and less aerodynamic. If you drop your bait size down to 14mm or smaller, it won't prevent a carp from finding and eating your offering, but it will certainly help cancel out some of the negative effects of the large bait.

8. Use a Fingerstall: This is primarily a safety issue. Braided leaders are like cheese wire, and will cut your finger down to the bone easily if you don't wear a fingerstall. These need to be leather Reuben Heatons offers a very good one. To my mind the fear of hurting myself and certainly the pain of slicing my finger would prevent me from really leaning into a cast without one. The use of a fingerstall, the safety issue aside, gives me all the confidence to go for the big one and not worry about injury. As I said above, you need strong fine braided shock leader with no stretch to transfer the energy of the lead compressing the blank on the cast. To use braid you MUST protect your casting finger.

9. Make Sure Your Rod Handle is the Right Length: Now here is a point I bet most people don't think about when they buy a rod to cast long range with. The length of the handle. So you can transfer the maximum of your bodyweight into the cast, you need to be able to tuck the handle under your armpit as you follow through. If the handle is too long, you'll need to push it to one side at the end of the cast. You'll almost certainly be losing yourself a few metres like this. You don't need full custom built rods, but you should get a rod builder or a good tackle shop to tailor your rod for your arm length.

10. Cast Off the Deck: You can gain precious yards by laying your lead on the floor and casting off the deck. You'll transfer all the force of the cast almost immediately as you lift the weight, compressing the blank and unleashing the full power of the rod. A couple of points to bear in mind, you might want to uprate your leader strength to 100lb or so, as the casts of this type are brutal to say the least. You also might want to lay the lead and the rig on an unhooking mat of some such thing to avoid catching the rig on the ground or vegetation as you cast. I'd probably protect the hook point with PVA also to avoid it pricking the material.

This is not an exhaustive list, but just a few tips and guide lines I've picked up to help you put extra yards on a cast. Don't be afraid of breaking a rod, although its always a possibility, modern carbon fibre is a hugely strong material and in normal fishing the risks are not too great. A fishing rod is a tool so use it to its full...

by Gareth Watkins :
For more Carp Fishing News, Posts, Tips and Articles Check out my own Angling Lines Blog at : http://www.anglinglines.com/blog

 

 

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Should I Wear Polarized_Fishing_Glasses?

For people who have never worn a pair of polarized sunglasses while fishing a question that is often asked is why exactly it is that I should wear polarized fishing glasses? I know this is a question that I used to ask myself all the time, right up until I actually purchased and used a pair of quality polarized fishing glasses. Since doing that, you would be hard pressed to find me on the water fishing without a pair of polarized fishing glasses covering my eyes.

The bottom line is that if your favorite style of fishing involves sight fishing in any way such as, bass fishing over spawning beds, drift fishing live bait in a river or stream, or fly fishing in any way a pair of polarized fishing glasses are one of the most important pieces of fishing gear to have. So why exactly is this the case?

The main difference between regular sunglasses and sun glasses that have polarized lenses is that the polarization cuts through the glare created when the sun refracts horizontally off of the water or other objects, enabling you to see into the water rather than seeing a ton of glare. Without getting into the science of polarization and boring everyone to death, the point is that wearing polarized fishing glasses is key to fishermen because by wearing them the glare is eliminated and you can then see into the water (for lack of a better, more concise description).

For many styles of fishing, such as the ones mentioned above, polarized fishing glasses are a "must have" item. There is however one caveat to polarized sunglasses whether they are being used for fishing or any other outdoor activity and that caveat it that when it comes to polarized sunglasses you get what you pay for. In other words if you head out to your local mall or super center and buy a cheap pair of polarized sunglasses they more than likely aren't going to perform very well. Quality products are more expensive when it comes to almost everything and when you are talking about polarized fishing glasses this rule is certainly holds true. I used to try to buy polarized glasses for twenty five bucks or less and found that they were terrible and didn't "work" very well, if at all. Then a friend made me invest in a quality pair of polarized fishing glasses that cost me $150 and I realized what all of the "hubbub" was about. The point is that when it comes to polarized sun glasses expect to "invest" $50 to $150 and you will be extremely happy with your decision because not only will the glasses look good, but they will perform as they should as well.

As to the answer to the question, "should I wear polarized fishing glasses", the final answer is largely up to your personal favorite fishing style, but if being able to see into the water seems as if it might be helpful to you then the answer is a resounding YES.

About the Author

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 25 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his five year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.

Gang Hooks For Drift Fishing - http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp

 

 

 

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Indispensable Tips for Fishing on Vacation

By Antoinette Ayana

Are you planning on doing some fishing on your next vacation? If so, there are plenty of ways for you to do just that. As you start to consider the location and what options are available, think about your ideal trip. Are you with friends and family, or alone, sitting in a small boat on an open lake? Do you want to catch a specific type of fish or do you just want to get away from your busy lifestyle so you can simply relax a bit? There are options to fill virtually every one of these needs. What's right for you?

Scope Out the Area

Before you leave for your trip, find out what fishing options are available in the area. Research the larger bodies of water nearby. Understand that you'll find a completely different experience in each type of location. Why not try them all? You can go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. You could find a quiet, freshwater lake. You may also be able to do some fly-fishing in one of the streams. Find a quiet bay or cove to check out, too. There are plenty of different options for enthusiasts of all levels.

Find a Charter

Even if you are an experienced angler, you will appreciate some tips from the locals. That's one of the best reasons to book a charter. These professionals not only take you to the locations where you'll catch the big one, but you will also have all of the equipment you need on hand. That way, you can easily pack up your bags when traveling without having to worry about your rods or reels getting damaged during the trip.

Learn About the Best Opportunities

Will you catch more during the afternoon or during the early morning? Where will you find the best schools of the largest fish? You may want to embrace a more basic form and simply pull up a net at the local pier. Find out where to go from the locals, what to expect, and even what type of bait to use so you can be successful in your adventure.

You may find that the beaches have plenty to offer to you aside from just the fish, too. Fishing may be one of the best experiences you have on your next trip, even if you are just heading off on your own for a few days alone. On the other hand, it could be perfect for you and your closest loved ones.

Florida panhandle pier fishing is an exhilarating way to take in the best that the coast has to offer. Learn more about the local hotspots at the following website: http://www.floridabeachestorivers.com.

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

 

 

 

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Last modified: October 31, 2018

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