Fishing Tips, Strategies, Aquarium Pictures

Cool Stuffs of Sports Collectible

2009-09-20T18:55:00.002+07:00

Sports collectibles are goodies that every sports lover will want to get their hands on. There are exclusive sports collectible stores around the world where one can feast their eyes on their team gears, foot wear or other apparels worn by then during the match, and also find autographed balls and bats up for sale.

Sometimes these memorabilia might be on sale, and other times they could be bought by bidding on the price and if yours is the highest you might win the product. Whatever be the mode of getting hold of these valuables, sports enthusiasts across the world don't mind or think twice about shelling out money over these items. For some it is a must have, and for others its something they add to their collection. As long as one knows their limits and is aware of how much time and money they are spending on these, its safe, else it becomes an addiction which is unhealthy. It would eat up their savings and time leaving them with no income or way to take care of their family.

Autographed footballs, helmets, bats and balls, or even photographs by leading players would be worth a lot, and are available only in limited quantities. So, if one has any hope of grabbing one of these treasured memorabilia, they should touch base with one of the websites that will have stocks. Some of the stores and sites have antique products or those of legendary players we ll which are considered part of vintage collection. Greeting cards with a player's picture on it, or a autographed picture of Tiger woods, or maybe the shoes used by Ronaldo are all things that would sell instantly. All sports collectibles are available for the public to buy and some are more expensive than others because of their history or maybe because they are the last piece left.

Display cases, and plaques of your favorite team would look beautiful when placed along with other pictures and mementos on the mantle and so people flock towards these stores to buy them. Some have this as a hobby while for others its a passionate part time thing. They would be part of a group or forum where all members are into sports and they each have a huge collection of memorabilia. They might all meet up once in a while to discuss the latest game, the players and also share information where a particular memorabilia might be available or seek others' help while interesting in a piece of jewelery or photo that is available in another town.

The sports collectible are a major rage among teenagers, as it forms part of who they are, a reflection of their personalities and they look up to these sports stars and try to impersonate them. For others, these sports collectibles are a way of being in touch with their fondest memories or a match that created a revolution or to look back on a glorious moment involving their favorite teams.

Mexican Homecoming

2009-01-25T13:25:00.001+07:00

Bull Shark Fish Picture: Carcharhinus leucas

2009-01-25T13:18:00.002+07:00

This shark is one of the most dangerous sharks on the planet. It is known for its erratic and often aggressive behavior. This combined with the fact that they can tolerate salt and fresh water and are found in shallow waters makes them all the more dangerous.

Bull Sharks get their name from their short, blunt snout along with the fact that they have the habit of head-butting their prey right before they attack! Only the Great White and Tiger Shark are considered to be more dangerous than the Bull Shark, but this fact is still up for debate as the number of documented shark attacks rise around the world.

Also known as the Nicaragua Shark or Zambezi Shark is one of the most common sharks in the ocean and is found all around the world in waters normally no deeper than 40 meters. They can live up to 17 years in the wild.

European Anchovy Fish Pictures: Engraulis encrasicolus

2009-01-25T13:15:00.000+07:00

The European Anchovy or Engraulis encrasicolus is just one of the over 140 different kinds of Anchovies. This particular species of Anchovy is commonly found in the Mediterranean Sea and are often caught in places like Georgia, Greece, Sicily, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Ukraine, Italy, France and Spain.

This fish can be distinguished from other Anchovies by its deeply cleft mouth. They have a pointed snout that extends beyond their lower jaw. They are slender and reach only about 8" in maximum length.

Lemon Tang Fish Pictures: Acathurus sp.

2009-01-25T13:10:00.000+07:00

The Lemon Tang fish or Acanthurus sp. is also known as one of the over 80 varieties of Surgeonfish. This Tang looks a lot like the Yellow Tang and has a lot of the same requirements in an aquarium setting. This salt water fish does best in water temperatures of 72-78° F, sg 1.020-1.025, and a PH level of 8.1-8.4. The Lemon Tang grows to about 10" in maximum length and is considered to be one of the easiest saltwater fish to take care of.

One thing to watch out for though is the fact that this type of fish, along with other Tangs can be quite aggressive towards each other and similar looking fish. The Lemon Tang should be fed mostly meaty foods, but it should also be fed seaweed and algae. This is said to keep down the aggression of this feisty fish!

Pacific Halibut Fish Picture

2009-01-25T13:03:00.003+07:00

These fisehes are included in the large saltwater fish index. They found in many places around the world including Alaska. These fish are just huge! They can grow to lengths of almost 9' and weigh in at almost 700lbs!

The Pacific Halibut almost looks like a fish that got pancaked. Their long flat bodies are something to behold. The width of these fish is only about 1/3 of its overall length. Their undersides are lighter than their top sides. This characteristic makes them appear less detectable by both predator and prey

Mudskipper Fish Picture

2009-01-25T12:57:00.002+07:00

If there are fishes which can spends most of its time OUTSIDE of the water, then the Mudskipper or Periophthalmus modestus is the only fish that can do it. They carry water in their large gills while on land. The Mudskipper has eyes that it can blink like a human to re-wet them while on land. This type of fish is very territorial and will raise up it's back fin and defend itself on land from other Mudskipper fish. This freshwater fish can stay out of the water for up to 22-60 hours as long as it keeps its body moist.

All this, and the fact that these fish are relatively small and easy to care for makes the Mudskipper fish a favorite pet for people with aquariums.

Lake Sturgeon Fish Picture

2009-01-25T12:41:00.002+07:00

The Lake Sturgeon or Acipenser fulvescens is a massive freshwater fish. It is a bottom feeder that eats insect larvae, worms, crayfish, snails, and other small fishes. As you can see above, they have a very unique mouth which they use like a vacuum for feeding. The Lake Sturgeon averages about 200 to 300lbs, but they have been reported to be over 800lbs and over 8' long!

This fish doesn't have any scales, it is instead covered with five rows of bone like plates on its back sides and stomach. This dinosaur of fish can reach over 150 years old, no wonder it gets so big! They are found only in North American in states like Michigan and Wisconsin.

3D Raytraced Fish Picture Inside a Blender

2009-01-11T00:31:00.002+07:00

3D Raytraced Fish Picture Inside a Blender. Great picture!

Beautiful Guppies Fish Aquarium Picture

2009-01-11T00:20:00.003+07:00

When the Guppies gave birth, Scott managed to catch 9 of them and put them in its floating breeder. That brings him to 14 with the other 5 that are 4 weeks old. He was away passed his bio-load for 54Liters, so in the next couple of weeks he would have another 5. He also added a new plant of Vallisneria Spiralis Tigerin the left and right background.

Goldfish Aquarium Picture

2009-01-11T00:02:00.001+07:00

This is the picture of a Goldfish aquarium. A wallpaper for your desktop

Three Lobster Pictures

2009-01-10T23:40:00.002+07:00

This is the species of lobster found in floridas. Big enough to catch.

Tips on Fly Fishing Knots

2009-01-10T23:11:00.000+07:00

When you are fly fishing, tying the right knots can make a world of difference in your success or failure. It’s important to not only select the right knot for the situation but also to tie it properly. Poorly tied knots will mean lost fish and frustration for you, so knowing about the right knots and how to tie them can be a huge part of the fly fishing experience.

Before you tighten a knot, moisten it with saliva or with water you are fishing on. This will help the knot slide and seat properly. Lubrication also decreases excessive heat which can weaken the monofilament. Heat is generated by friction created when the knots are drawn up tight. Moistening the knot will reduce this heat and allow you to have good, strong knots.

Tighten knots with a steady, continuous pull. This is called seating the knot. Make sure the knot is tight and secure. To check this, pull on the line and leader to be sure it holds. It’s better to test its strength before you cast rather than to have it break once you get a hook.

There are plenty of books available that give step-by-step instructions on how to properly tie specific knots. You can also find many tutorials online that can show you how to tie specific knots.

You will need to know how to secure your line to the reel. This is called “Backing to the fly reel” and there is a specific knot as to how to achieve that. When you are backing to the fly line, you should use either an Albright Knot or a Nail Knot. The Nail Knot is also good for using when tying the fly line to the leader.

When securing the leader to the tippet, good knot choices include the Surgeon’s Knot or the Barrel Knot. Securing the tippet to the fly can be achieved easily with a Clinch Knot or a Duncan’s Loop.

It has been said that the weakest part of a fly fisherman’s equipment is his knots. A fighting fish will test every link in between the angler and itself. If one of these link is lacking, the line will break and the fish will be lost. Unless you’re really eager to share a “the one that got away” story, learning to tie knots can be the most important part of your fly fishing experience.

Some fly fishing knots are simple to do – others are a little more complicated. Practice tying knots before you get on the water. Become proficient at it and be sure you can do it in low light in case you have a broken line. There is no one knot best for any specific situation – the choice is personal. But when you are fly fishing, you need to depend on your knots and it’s worth taking the time to learn properly.

Parrot Fish Scaridae Picture

2009-01-09T23:44:00.000+07:00

This Parrot Fish included in the omnivore category. They have the lifespan average of up to 7 years in the wild. Their sizes can reach from 1 to 4 feet (30 to 120 cm). You should know that some male parrot fish maintain harems of females. If the dominant male dies, one of the females will change gender and color and become the dominant male.

It's hard to decide which of the colorful parrot fish's many unique characteristics is most remarkable.

Almacoj Fish Picture

2009-01-08T23:51:00.000+07:00

The Almacoj Fish Picture illustration

The Jellyfish Aquarium Picture

2009-01-08T00:16:00.000+07:00

The jellyfish aquarium looks nice as they emits beautiful light and produce such interesting effects. Nice touch for your desktop.

Moody Aquarium Fishing Tank Picture

2009-01-03T00:27:00.000+07:00

This Moody Aquarium sink is really stunning. But the price, whew.. you'll have to think twice. A washbasin doubling as lighted fish aquarium.

Flying Fish Pictures

2009-01-02T23:57:00.000+07:00

This image comes from AfishBlog.com. Flying fishes use their flying talent to escape from the threat of predators. In this case is a research vessels. Flying fish has unusula pectoral fins which enable them to take short gliding flights through air. It usually up to thirty-fifty meters in length. We can see that it's not the easiest thing to capture with the camera lens as most of their species reach only 30 centimeters in maximum length.

Shiner Perch Picture: Cymatogaster aggregata

2009-01-02T00:06:00.000+07:00

Found on the Pacific Coast of the US, the Shiner Perch or Cymatogaster aggregata is a commonly fished. A member Surfperch family they are greenish black in color with some silver on their sides along with the classic striped perch look. The Shiner Perch is often caught in streams, rivers and lagoons.

Tropical 3D Aquarium Picture

2009-01-01T23:53:00.000+07:00

Nice picture for your desktop wallpaper.

Fishing Line Knots: Best Thing To Help You Catch The Most Fish

2008-12-22T23:13:00.000+07:00

Being able to tie the right fishing line knots is extremely important to being an effective fisherman. Unfortunately, many fishermen are unaware of how to do fishing knots properly. Here are some important tips to help you to find out this information, and help you start benefiting as a result.

First of all, before you learn the right fishing knots to try, remember that this will all depend on whether or not you are a fly fisherman or a regular fishermen, whether you enjoy kayak fishing, bass fishing, salmon fishing, etc. Although there are certainly a lot of different lying knots used in fly fishing, the most common are generally pretty easy to tie.

The basic ones are the arbor knot, Albright knot, nail knot, double surgeon knot, and also the improved clinch knot. Remember, there are certainly many more knots than these that have proven worthwhile, but the ones listed are generally the most effective, and the most commonly utilized by the top fishermen.

The Arbor knot is connected to the fly real to the backing. The Albright knot is generally utilized to connect the backing to the fly line, the nail knot usually gives you the connection between the fly line in the letter, and the improved clinch not make sure that the fly is connected to the tip to it. Of course, these may seem very hard understand at first, but the more you do it, it will become like clockwork. You won't even think about the process of tying your fishing line knocks once you become an avid fisherman.

Of course, you need to make sure that the knots are all on tightly before you go out fishing. In order to do this, pour some water on and then pull gently on them to make sure that they are secure.

Even seasoned professionals don't do this on occasion, and they pay as a result, because the fishing line knots can come loose and portions of erotic can follow the water. Also, another drawback is that the fish might escape from the line and simply get away.

Always remember that the equipment should be discarded immediately once it is beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Remember, no matter how good a fisherman you are, you can only be as good as the equipment you are using. If you are using the equipment how you can never be as effective as you otherwise might.

Obviously, this is simply a quick introduction to the art of tying fishing line knots, and they're still much for you to learn. However, there is certainly some very good news; there are a lot of books that have been written on time fishing nets, and you can certainly learn from the best.

Also, try to go out fishing with other good fisherman's you know, and find out which knots work best for them. This is a great, because you can take advantage of knowledge that they've gained from years of fishing, and therefore rapidly accelerate your learning curve on the art of fishing and fishing knots.

The best way is to take a course in fishing from experienced fishermen, and find out what is effective for them. Whether you want bass fishing tips, salmon, etc, you can find the right course to meet your needs. Hopefully these fishing line knots tips will help you to find the most effective knots for your fishing needs and help you to start learning the art of fishing as quickly as possible.

Video Entertainment for Your Car

2008-12-22T12:26:00.002+07:00

When I saw the DVD player in my friend’s car dashboard, I instantly thought that the DVD would help nothing than just give him more chance to accidents. He couldn’t watch DVD while drive, neither do I. So, his idea to put that thing on the dashboard was a silly thing.

On another chance I was driving with my cousin and his family. It was a long and boring drive which took 5 hours to reach destination, and I slightly remembered the car DVD player. I believe the DVD would allow us to have a fun and better traveling time. We could watch at least 2 movies and arrived with no boring sensation.

I recognized that DVD player is coming more popular today. At the same time, the prices are dropping into a modest price that anyone can afford. For a quick compare, ShopWiki.com is a best place to go as they provides thousand of online stores with various products and prices.

Now, if I’m going for a budget option, several products like Philips PET1002, Samsung DVD-L100, or Audiovox D1700 are worth enough to go. These types of DVD players have special advantages which are easy to install (almost no installation required), built-in speaker and screen, and compact to carry. Smart enough to keep my wallet from broke.

Someday, if I want better gadget and performance, the high end DVD players are nice options. The high-end DVD player comes in permanent installation and requires more support, but these are paid with high quality output. They can be placed on the backseat or the upper dashboard of the car.

Fishing Tackle: Selecting Marine or Saltwater Fish

2008-12-15T23:09:00.001+07:00

There are many factors to consider when selecting fish. You need to ensure that you have the experience to look after the fish you select, that the fish you buy are healthy, and that they are compatible with the fish you currently have.

As a starting point, it is very import that you only buy very healthy fish because the best way to keep strong healthy fish is to start with strong healthy fish. Buying a fish because it doesn't look well or happy and you feel sorry for it and want to give it a better home in your display tank is not a very good idea. An unwell fish can introduce diseases into your tank that can infect your other fish, and may even cause them to die. It helps to become familiar with a species of fish before you buy it as this will allow you to be clear on exactly what it should look and act like. Ensure the fish looks alert with clean clear eyes, fins and scales. It is also important that the fish appears eager to feed and can maintain its position in the water column. And finally, as a precaution, only buy from a clean healthy store that you trust.

To break this down I simply refer to all fish as number 1, number 2, or number 3 fish. I refer to number 1 fish as fish that most people can easily keep in regular aquarium conditions. Number 2 fish are fish that from my experience work for some people and not for others and number 3 fish being those which don't work for most people.

Some examples of number 1 fish are Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish, most Wrasse, most Tangs, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish. Some examples of number 2 fish are , most Tangs, Boxfish, Angels, Gobies, Sweetlip. Some examples of number 3 fish are Moorish idol, Powder Blue Tang, Achilles Tangs, Anthias, Filefish, pipefish, Mandarin fish, Butterfly fish.

Many people select marine fish by wondering into aquarium shores and looking around until they see a fish that catches their attention at that time, they will them ask the staff member closes to them if this fish will go with the few of their fish that they remember to name. If the staff member says yes then that is a green light to buy the fish. This approach takes very little into consideration and will as often as not result in the person purchasing a fish that was not likely to work from the start.

After a considerable amount of time and money, the person will start to understand which fish work in their aquarium, mind you most will have given up marine fish before this time has arisen. Instead of the impulse approach where you slowly learn the hard lesions of fish selection, I strongly recommend starting with a wish list.

A wish list is simply a list of fish that you wish to keep together in your tank. The beauty of a wish list is that you are able to show it to other experience aquarists to get their opinions on how these fish are likely to go together. If you have fish already you can add them to the top of the wish list to reduce the chance of adding other fish that won't work with the fish you have. If you have a wish list you are likely to seek out experts to ask in order to gain the right advise. With the impulse approach you are far more likely to ask the nearest sales person and hope that they know. With the wish list you are able to use the opinions of a range of experts to save you a lot of time and money learning hard lesson on paper instead of with real fish. This is a very responsible and economical approach.

When selecting fish for your aquarium there are several things to consider before purchasing it e.g. diet, aggression, territoriality and weather it will nip at your corals.

A simple thing that you need to remember is that fish don't want to die. They will only die if you don't provide them with at least their basic minimum requirements. By researching a fishes basic minimum requirements first and asking a few people for their experiences keeping that fish you can massively increase the amount of success that you have when keeping marine fish.

The use of the wish list is going to help you make sure you are mixing fish that will commonly work together. Regardless of where you are at it is worth asking the right person the right questions to ensure that the fish you add are likely to work together. Regardless of how qualified the advice you get, fish are fish and in the end they do what they want how they want. Just because 10 experts tell you something is likely to happen, it doesn't mean that that will happen. Understand that the fish you buy are your responsibility and your responsibility alone. So if the fish you buy don't seem to be mixing well, it is up to you to separate them, before too many fish affected by the troubles.

It is important consider aggression when selecting fish. Monitor the aggression of the fish you keep and only add fish that will be able to compete with the fish that you have and not over compete. If you add a fish that is too aggressive for the fish you have it is likely to act boisterously and eat all the fish food and attack the other fish in the tank, even killing them. When you see this type of activity remove the trouble maker before it is able to cause you any more problems. The key is just as much in the monitoring and the action you take once a problem is identified as it is in initial selection.

Some fish are more so territorial then plan aggressive, an aggressive fish will attack fish for seemingly no reason. A territorial fish will drive fish out of their territory but leave them when the fish is out of its territory. It is worth considering territorial behaviour when selecting fish. Some fish like the Dottyback is territorial and can often be housed safely with many fish because its territory is small, leaving room for the other fish in the tank, while some other fish like coral trout can get so large that its territory can be the whole tank.

There is a big difference between territorial, aggressive and predatory. Territorial fish drive fish out of their territory, aggressive fish attack other fish for what can seem like to reason but to show dominance and predatorily fish eat other fish. Predatorily fish don't have to be aggressive or territorial. Predatorily fish are primarily concerned with their belly, what can fit in their mouth is what they will eat. A perfect example of a predatory fish if the lionfish. This fish is not aggressive or territorial but it will eat any fish that will fit in its huge mouth, which is about the same size as it body. When selecting fish it is worth assuming that all fish are predatory.

When creating you wish list also include when you intend to adding the fish, because you also want to gather comments on this. Most groups of fish are best added at the some time to reduce territorially e.g. any tangs should be added together, any clown should be added together, this is also true for many fish even Wrasse and angels.

Many fish take about 3 day to settle into a new tank, in this time it is common for them not to feed and they may act differently. It is important to monitor new fish extra carefully for the first week for stress, behaviour, aggression and feeding habits. Always watch for changes in behaviour, action must be take when it is required.

Some fish live in large schools in the wild and do tend to fret with kept in aquariums singly or in small groups. These fish are used to having a lot of their own kind around them as an instinctual form of security, when they are placed in aquariums lightly stocked with fish they stress thinking there is danger because the rest of their school is absent. This can be the case when all the other fish appear fine but an individual seems to be jumpy and breathing quickly, some examples of these fish are Blue Tangs, green chromis and anthias.

If you are going to introduce fish to a tank with Coral and invertebrates it is important to identify which are likely to be a threat to them. This could be identified as A, B C fish. Some fish e.g. C fish will eat coral like Butterfly fish and Angelfish.
While others e.g. B fish will nip at it sometimes like Triggerfish, Pufferfish, Foxface, Rabbitfish most Wrasse, most Tangs Moorish idol. Others are mostly safe with coral e.g. A fish like Damsels, Clownfish, Dottyback, Blennies, Cardinal fish, lionfish, Anthias. Filefish, pipefish and Gobies.

Your wish list is a way of reduce the risk of introducing a coral eater to a coral tank. If you get a fish that only nips a particular type of coral you can consider avoiding that piece in the future. Hungry fish are more likely to graze on coral , even if your fish is not eating the coral it may stress it by nipping it regularly coursing it by often closed, depriving it of light.

Most fish need similar amounts of nutrients but the way they process the food means that not all foods are appropriate for all fish. You must consider what you will be feeding that tank when you buy fish for the tank. Herbivores have long digestive systems and a designed for consuming green food stuffs while predators have a short digestive system for eating fish meat. Some high quality pellet and flake foods can be fed to all fish but many natural food like fresh fish and seaweed are not suitable for some fish e.g. Meat is not good for herbivores and seaweed is not good for predators, this is because of the way that the fish process that food.

It is very important not to introduce new fish unless that your aquarium is running perfectly for the last month. You will increase the chances of problems like Whitespot if the fish are introduced more regularly than once a month, so add some fish then wait a month then add some more then wait a month. It will also help to ensure that you are running a lower salt level e.g. 1.020 when you introduce new fish, this will help lower osmotic stress on the fish and also help reduce the chance of problems like Whitespot.

The Beginners Sea Fishing Tackle Tips

2008-12-10T23:04:00.000+07:00

So you're going to give sea angling ago or you are an old timer with years of experience, sea fishing is all about challenging yourself and pushing the envelope and not to forget enjoyment, Sea fishing is no means easy however there are a few ways to improve your fishing.

Other sea anglers around you! You will probably pick up new tips and advice from sea anglers alike, this information is invaluable to both beginners and experienced anglers remember sea fishing knowledge reverts to a better chance of that once of a life time monster fish.

Quality of my sea fishing tackle! Making sure you have the right tools for the job is paramount; you wouldn't want that big fish to get away because of a cheap hook or a poorly made swivel. That's why here a Monster Fishing we insure that you get the very best quality for your money by stocking high end professional brands such as Mustad, Hiro, Breakaway, Gemini, Shakespeare, Penn and more.

Selecting the right sea fishing tackle gear! Everyone has a personal preference when it comes to sea rods through to sea rigs; the important thing is find something that suits you not everyone else. Set yourself a target and try and stick to it, as you gain experience you can then progress onto more advanced tactics.

Sea Rigs made easy. Just because you cant tie a rig doesn't mean you're a bad sea angler! There are lots of Ready made Rigs available such as Gemini, Mustad and Sakuma. See our range of sea rigs for a good selection.

There are so many sea tackle products to choose from! That's what we are here for! Feel free to email us any sea fishing tackle questions or product enquires to info@monsterfishing.co.uk

Reliable Service & Tackle Choice, Now you may be thinking what this has to do with sea fishing, well getting the right product is critical, to be able to have a large choice in sea fishing tackle and gear all under one roof at a great price is a advantage which some local tackle shops cannot provide.Check out our shop or other large online retail shops.

Lure Fishing from the shore. Latex and other imitation sea fishing lures attract a large variety of species such as Bass, Pollock, and Mackerel all lures have different methods on how they should be fished, some are a copy of a real bait fish and some just spoons or rubber strips. We recommend the following lures, Bass Bandit, Sidewinder, Skaliwags Mackerel Stripe and the famous Dexter Wedge. They can all be found in our extensive lures section. However there is something for everyone and a lot boils down to the venue and success rate. Catching a Big Bass off a lure on the shoreline is very rewarding which is why so many sea anglers become totally addicted.

Safety whilst fishing. Remember your sea fishing tackle can be replaced but your life cannot, beware of tides and dangerous rock marks! Always plan, best advice is to purchase a Floatation suit from a reputable source. We stock a selection of high quality floatation suits in our clothing section.See our link!

Source: Articlesbase.com

Tropical Fish Facts: Five Thing on Fishing Tackle

2008-10-10T23:00:00.000+07:00

Tropical fish are beautiful, and that's a fact! They are ideal pets if you don't have a lot of spare time as they don't need walking and don't scratch the furniture. But there are some tropical fish facts and tips you should know before buying your first aquarium.

Tropical Fish Fact One
The majority of people of start off with a very small aquarium not realizing they will soon become hooked. Before too long they are back to the pet shop buying another one the next size up.

Tip: Don't buy the smallest aquarium you can find - you may well be wasting your time and money although the pet shop owner will love you.

Tropical Fish Fact Two
Tropical fish are categorized by their nature. Like humans, some are loners and will bite the head off anyone that comes too close, some like only their own species and don't mix too well with others, and some are friendly, outgoing, and love spending time with anyone who comes their way.

Tip: Check if the tropical fish you are buying are non-community fish, semi-aggressive or community fish.

Tropical Fish Fact Three
There are certain types of tropical fish you should buy when introducing them to a new tank. You must be sure to buy hardy fish as the levels of ammonia and nitrate in your tank will fluctuate before evening out over time, and not all tropicals can survive these changes.

Tip: Make sure you know your stuff before buying your first fish. If the shop owner is not an expert, search reference books and Internet forums for the best types of hardy tropical starter fish.

Tropical Fish Fact Four
Some dainty, delicate and fragile looking tropical fish can grow extremely large very fast! This will mean a further trip back to the pet shop where the owner will greet you rubbing his hands in glee.

Tip: Find out exactly how large your potential purchase will grow before you purchase it.

Tropical Fish Fact Five
Aquariums need equipment such as filters, pumps and heaters. Filtration systems help to keep the fine ecological balance necessary in your aquarium for the fish to thrive. They are readily available in three different types.

Tip: Don't purchase your filtration system before you know which fish are going into your aquarium. Choose from either a chemical, mechanical or biological filter after discussing with an expert which would be the best for your particular tank.

There is nothing more soothing after a stressful day than relaxing and losing yourself in the graceful, colorful and calming world of beautiful tropical fish, and armed with these few tropical fish facts and tips this colorful world could soon be a part of your life.

Family Fishing Weekend

2008-07-08T07:04:00.001+07:00

Big catch? There’s no doubt you can do that when you go for fishing with your friends. Over ten years you have caught many fishes from various lakes and rivers. They gave you a certain experience when pulling your rods with a big salmon on its end.

If you have those feeling, why don’t you try to share it with your family? The next weekend, you can your family to go for a family fantastic fishing weekend. Rather than visiting Disneyland (which you have had on the previous weekend), or trying the new computer games, the family fishing takes you and your family to become familiar with the nature.

For the family, the water is an great place to teach and learn. However, the key of success on it depends before you even head to the water. Take the time to teach your children the basics of fishing, like casting, reeling, troubleshooting and others in the backyard before you go for the real lake. Make that preparation at least a week before the fishing time so you can build your children’s excitement about fishing.

The next teaching will be around the four basic casting methods including sidearm, flipping, backhand, and overhead. Remember to equip you children with proper stuff at their age. This would also count to what kind of species you plan to catch.

Troubleshooting reels, tangles, and other malfunctions override are the next step for your children to learn. It is best to have your children troubleshoot on their own reel because it’s difficult to learn these tasks while actually attempting to fish.

It’s different when you go fishing with your friends or your family. So, the next step is to locate the proper lake ground for your fishing weekend. At least you will spend a day or a couple, thus make sure all you family member will enjoy the time. Take a hike around the area or drive into town for the day.

The last thing you should know is the preparation. Make sure you have packed the appropriate gear for your length of stay and the location. I guess you don’t want to break a pole and have no replacement, do you? Your children should bring their own gear, their own tackle box, which will allow them to put their decisions on their own. Bring your iPod shuffle so you can have the fishing time along with your favorite tracks. An iPod armband will give you more comfort while listening to them.

If you choose to go boating when on your fishing trip, then make sure you have the proper safety gear. The life preservers should be properly fitting for children. If gear is too large then the safety equipment isn't acceptable for children. By having proper safety gear in place you can spend more time enjoying your trip rather than worrying about your kids.

The Great Market in India

2008-06-19T00:24:00.001+07:00

India is one of Asia’s developing countries that contributes a lot to the IT field. India’s human resources are well known around the web, that we oftenly found several names as you surfing the web. Amit Agarwal is one example which has a good reputation among bloggers. His personal blog started with blogspot that talked about the web applications. As the time goes, his daily visitors went up and his subscribers are among thousands. The labnol project then became a popular thing on the net.

Kakul Srivastava maybe another person who might familiar with since she’s the Senior Director of Product Management of Flickr at Yahoo! Company. At the Flickr video issues, her name were oftenly said on various publications and blogs. Kakul oversees the product and business operations for one of the world’s largest and most popular photo sharing communities with 25 million members who have shared more than 2 billion photos. She has been part of the Flickr team since the company’s acquisition by Yahoo! in the spring of 2005, helping Flickr grow its membership more than 50 times larger during that span. It is now ranked among the top photo sites globally and is available in eight languages.

Instead of the qualified human resources, India is also known as the big market for global industry. With an estimated population of 1.13 billion, India is the world's second most populous country. The number is continuously growing and surely it’s a great opportunity for every manufacturers to sell their products.

Sometimes language are the main obstacles for every marketers to deliver their message to the prospects, which finally considered will generate purchases. At this stage, every marketers should find their help on outsourcing resources to translate their marketing message to the customers. The IAFL Translation & Interpretation Service is India’s leading translation agency. Anyone can generate their India translation based on the language you have (basically English). Not only India, the site also offers the service for Farsi translation or Arabic translation. They offer fast e-mail response under an hour so anyone wouldn’t left unpatient to wait for the reply. The company established since 1989 and currently serving several Fortune 500 corporations.

Sailfish Fishing

2008-02-13T14:39:00.001+07:00

By: John Old

A great place to go after sailfish is not too hard if you pay attention to many of the great anglers. Of course, finding them for yourself requires a keen eye for the habitat in which the sailfish strive. One such place is located of the Florida coastline near Fort Pierce, where in 65 feet of water, you can find the breeding grounds for a great number of predators as well as bait fish along the series of reefs.

By November however, the waters become too chilly for the sailfish since the temp can drop below 70 degrees with ease. But do not fear; just go out a little further to where the water get between 150 and 120 feet deep and there is another great set of reefs which is known to have one of the largest concentrations of sailfish in the area.

It is in this area, which is located roughly 8 miles off from Fort Pierce in which you will find the locale that is known as the 8 mile. Here, the warm Gulf Streams push a great number of not only sails and other predators, but bait fish as well right up into the reefline. Since the sailfish is more of a pack hunter, looking for the bait balls along this reefline, will put you in perfect location to catch yourself some sailfish.

From that point, you will need a trained eye to catch the surface activity of the sailfish tailing the swells just on the shore-side of the Gulf Stream. If you can find these tailers, you are in a good position to hook yourself a sailfish. Now there are two major, as well as proven methods to catching these sailfish. The first method is by tossing some pitch bait in front of the fish, while the second is to use a drag bait situated in front of the sailfish's bill.

Many local family fishermen use a ballyhoo rigging in order to catch the sailfish, but with a little time and practice you can pick up on the local techniques. The whole goal of course is to make your own artificial bait pod to attract the sailfish right to your rigging.

Ice Fishing In Ontario

2008-02-12T14:36:00.001+07:00

By: Sunny Jones

Ontario is Canada's number one fishing destination. Ontario is an "Iriquoian" word meaning beautiful or shining waters. As Ontario has some 250,000 lakes there is plenty of beautiful shiny water about. Most people know it as a fisherman's paradise in summer but don't forget it has a great winter season too. Why not consider ice fishing in Ontario this winter?

Fishing in winter is more of an adventure holiday. For the Canadians it is an everyday event and no big deal to cut a hole in the ice and start fishing or to haul out an ice fishing hut and in comfort. For everyone reading who is not from North America you probably won't know much about ice fishing or ever have considered it for a winter holiday. But for all you keen fishermen and women out there it is a fantastic experience that you should not miss.

You can chose literally any type of holiday you want and combine it with some ice fishing. The lakes and rivers are so numerous that wherever you chose to stay you are going to be in reach of a days fishing.

If you are traveling with the family and you are staying in the city you can still arrange a guide, an ice hut and fishing equipment for a day out on the lake fishing and enjoying the wonderful scenery.

If you are on a skiing holiday you can bet you can fit in a days fishing. These trips may also be featured as a sideline during snowmobiling, dog sledding, Native Cultural experiences or adventure lodge trip holidays.

There are hotels, motels cabins and B&B's all dedicated to the winter fisherman. You can rough it or stay in five star luxury. You can get a guide to show you the best fishing spots and you can sit out on the ice or have the comfort of a basic hut which will keep you warm and keep the wind off or a luxury ice fishing hut complete with heating and kitchen.

There are basic safety rules, the main one being make sure the ice is at least four inches thick, but a skilled ice fishing guide will see you have everything you need and update you on safety rules. You will also need warm, water proof clothing. Everything you need can be hired.

There are a number of ways to get to fishing spots. The easiest, you just drive up, get out of the car, tramp out across the lake and start fishing. But for the more adventurous you can snowmobile out to a more secluded spot or really go for it and hire a light plane to take you to the more remote areas of Ontario. Whatever you do you will see beautiful winter scenery and have some of the best fishing of your life.

This will be a unique fishing experience and it gives you the chance to potentially catch some very big fish. Depending where you chose to fish you might catch, lake trout, northern pike, walleye, whitefish or rainbow trout. There are 180 varieties of fish in Canada and 144 of them are found in Ontario! Of course after catching your fish You will want to eat it and what could be better than an open fire out by the frozen lake and the smell of fish cooking while you enjoy all that beautiful winter white Ontario scenery.

Trolling Reels - Saltwater Lever Drag Two Speed Fishing Reels For Big Game

2008-02-11T14:33:00.000+07:00

By: Henry Yoo

Trolling reels are typically used for offshore big-game trolling in open water. Trolling is the process of dragging both bait and lures behind a moving vessel, which is a productive way to locate schools of migratory fish. The reason being, when a boat trolls over a school of fish, the wake and commotion on the surface emulates a ball of bait. This triggers the feeding instincts of many offshore species and immediately sends the leading edge of the school towards the commotion to investigate, with the rest of the pack following. As the most aggressive fish in the school frantically try and chase down this commotion, the trolling lures, jigs and baits are the first hint of a meal that they come across. They charge at them with reckless abandon, inhaling what appears to the fish as vulnerable stragglers, desperately trying to catch up with the rest of the pack.

As soon as one of the trolling lures or baits is inhaled, the trolling reel begins to sing, with the clicker of the reel creating a loud noise that notifies the angler to get ready. This sends the anglers into a dash for their gear, yelling "hook-up", which immediately causes the captain to throw the vessel into neutral to stop the boat. As the momentum of the vessel carries the boat forward, the crew begins to throw live bait, either by pieces or in full scoops. By now, the rest of the migrating school has caught up to the commotion and is met with the temptation of live bait, sending them into a feeding frenzy.

However, a wide-open bite is not always the result of a hook-up while trolling. When the fish are down, or when the conditions are far from ideal, trolling will produce the majority of the catch, with no feeding frenzy following the trolled up fish. On these days, it is essential to land every troll fish and having the right equipment is critical in accomplishing this. Trolling rod and reel combos are the most expensive combos on the market today. Due to their importance in locating roaming schools of open water fish, manufacturers like Shimano®, Penn®, Daiwa®, Okuma® and Accurate® incorporate the finest materials and technologies to ensure strength and durability in producing the best fishing reel capable of handling record-breaking trophies.

Trolling reels are typically found in the lever drag system. On these types of fishing reels, the drag pressure adjusts with the slide of a lever, which is located on the top of the reel to the right. Designated markings of, or similar to freespool, strike and full are found on reels like the Penn® International series, Shimano Tiagra® and the Acurrate Twin Drag® saltwater trolling reels. Most later models come in a two- speed version, with two separate gear ratios that serve different purposes. The high gear is to gain as much line as possible with every turn of the handle, sacrificing torque and power. Low gear, on the other hand, provides tremendous torque and in return, sacrifices the ability to retrieve a substantial amount of line per crank. When properly utilized, both gears are designed to maximize the chances of quickly and efficiently landing scale-busting size fish.

The most noticeable difference in a trolling reel are the two rings that sit atop all trolling fishing reels. These rings are part of the frame and hold an enormous amount of strength. Trolling straps are attached through these rings, as well as big game harnesses and on some occasions, a back-up rod and reel combo, a common practice when fishing on long range boats out of San Diego for huge bluefin and yellowfin tuna. Trolling reels are so strong and powerful, I have even seen anglers cut these rings off and even go so far as to make custom frames to readily access the spool and use trolling reels as live bait reels. I do not recommend this practice, as many of the latest star-drag conventional reels will serve the same purpose.

With the high prices of fuel, trolling around in offshore waters can be very costly. That is why every serious big-game angler should consider having the best saltwater tackle available when it comes to their arsenal. The properly maintained saltwater combo can mean the difference in coming home with a trophy of a lifetime, or coming home skunked, carrying an empty sack.

Summer Fishing and Vacation Tips

2008-02-10T22:54:00.000+07:00

When summer time comes and salmon are starting to run, many people who like fishing visit Alaska. Tourists tend to know when the salmon run starts. This may not be on purpose but they do know the best place to catch salmon is in Alaska.

Alaska’s waters make their tourists get the Alaska fishing guide and provide the tourists the best spots in Alaska for fishing. First, you have to know what kind of fish you want to catch. You can choose from different varieties of fishes like silver salmon, arctic char, steelhead, Alaska king salmon, rainbow trout, or any other fish.

The Arctic, Southwest, South central, Southeast and the interior are the five known geographical places in Alaska. These are the sites where you can maximize your fishing expedition. You have to hire a fishing guide since you do not know the area. They may give the best spots for you and accompany you to your fishing.

There Are Some Things You May Want To Ask From Your Guide.

You have to know how long they have been doing their work in Alaska. It is good if they have been staying there for a long time already. The reason is that they have much knowledge about the different yearly cycles of Alaska.
Be aware of the time you will spend during the trip. Also, make note of the time that you will need during the actual fishing. The amount that you will pay your guide might only be consumed on the time of the boat ride rather than the fishing itself.
Ask how much a particular guide would cost, because they have different rates depending on their skills, experiences and length of stay in their job. A guide that would cost cheaper than the average rate of the other guides might not have enough experience and skills.
It is recommended that you have your references. This will help you narrow down your choices in selecting a fishing guide. Most people who have been there are willing to share about how satisfied they were during the fishing vacation. They can also give you some advice on what you need to do during the adventure.
Remember, this is a chance for you to ask about particular issues that concern you. Do not hesitate to gather information from your guide. By this time, you should be able to have your final choice for your Alaska fishing guide that will be perfect for your plans and make the most out of your trip in Alaska.

Live Bait Fishing - Proper Tackle And Bait Presentation Is Critical To Triggering A Fish To Bite

2008-02-09T14:23:00.001+07:00

By: Henry Yoo

Having fished the sport fishing boats based in Southern California for many years, I have learned that bait selection and presentation are probably the two most critical, yet often overlooked, steps in fishing with live bait that can ultimately lead to a successful fishing trip. Anglers who have the good fortune of fishing live bait such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel and squid, can easily better their chances of landing more fish with these simple measures that begin at the bait well or bait tank.

When selecting a bait from the well, spend some time choosing the hottest, or liveliest bait in the well. The bait should not be missing any scales and check to see if the nose of the bait is red. The nose should always be a natural color and not red. Baits with red noses and missing scales are normally stressed from improper handling, overcrowded tank conditions or disease and do not look or swim in a natural behavior, the key to enticing fish to feed.

After selecting the best bait, bait scoops should be used to remove it from the others. If a baits coop is not available, the angler should carefully slide his hand under the bait and slowly grab the bait with light pressure by the head, so as to not remove the slime or any of the scales on the body. Quickly bait the hook and fluidly cast it as far from the boat as possible, landing the bait softly in the bite zone. Make sure that your tackle, rods and reels, match the appropriate bait and creates as little excess drag on the bait as possible.

Anglers should always be aware of the fishing conditions that surround them. This includes tides, moon phases, currents, patterns and more. Knowing what the fish and the fishing conditions are doing should determine how the angler should bait their hook. Baits can be hooked in the nose, collar, shoulder and butt, depending on how the angler wants the bait to react. I like to nose hook my baits because I move them around as much as possible, including when I retrieve them. Nose hooking is the only way to retrieve the bait with a natural swimming motion, head pointed towards the angler. When you collar, shoulder or butt hook a bait, they usually get ripped off, fall off or come back in an awkward spinning motion. I only hook my bait in the collar or shoulder when the surface fishing is good and when I know the bait will be inhaled before I need to wind it in. On the other hand, butt hooking is used when the bite zone is deeper and not on the surface. Normally, butt hooking a bait will force it to swim down and away, the ideal scenario for many fishing applications. The price you pay is that you sacrifice the ability to wind the bait back through the bite zone if it did not get bit in the first pass. When butt hooked, the bait will usually spin and come in backwards, not a very appealing appetizer for a finicky fish.

Also, make sure your tackle matches in size and weight to your bait. Sometimes, fishing conditions demand heavy tackle for small baits and on other occasions, light gear for big baits. Other than these times, your rods, reels, bait hooks, fishing line, weight and sinkers should not create any excess drag on the bait. Spinning and conventional casting combos come in a wide range of actions and line classes in both freshwater and saltwater versions and carefully selecting the proper live bait rod and reel is essential.

With these bait selection and presentation tips, I hope you will someday be able to enjoy the thrill of being picked up by a trophy size fish. There is nothing more exciting than fishing with live bait, the heart stopping sensation when you feel that familiar thump on the end of the line, followed by a thumb burning grab of your line from the now, rapidly spinning spool waiting to be engaged with a flip of a button, turn of a handle or a slide of a lever with the familiar call of "hook up".

City Park’s Big Bass Fishing Rodeo & Fishtival

2008-02-02T11:50:00.000+07:00

We’re coming’ back too! Yep, March 29th, 2008 will mark the return of City Park’s Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival. This traditional and long-standing rodeo of 61 years will include a competitive fishing rodeo, food, music, educational exhibits, raffles with tons of fishing tackle prizes, silent auctions, Mardi Gras toss of fishing tackle items for kids and much more. We invite adults, children and groups to come on over and fish the rodeo.

Since Hurricane Katrina’s devastating blow to City Park, numerous restorative efforts such as new pumps, a fresh water well and fish restockings by La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries has once again made fishing a viable sport in the Park.

As we resurrect the Big Bass Rodeo and Fishtival, we need your help. We lost everything in the hurricane, fishing poles, gift prizes, weighing scales, you name it. Your tax-deductible donation will support this event and help the park continue making improvements for fishing and other recreational activities.

We also offer several underwriting packages for businesses. Donations can be made online (Be sure to type in or select "fishing rodeo" to dedicate funds to the rodeo. If you would like more information about donating or sponsorship, please contact Kaye Florane, Rodeo Chairman at rkflorane@cox.net.

Come on out and catch a good time (and fish)!

Kids All-American Fishing Makes Its Last Cast

2008-01-12T12:00:00.000+07:00

Hooked On Fishing International (HOFI), best known for its Kids All-American Fishing (KAAF) programs, has announced it is ceasing operation, effective Jan. 1, 2008, after 20 years of service.

In making the announcement, HOFI president Daniel Johnson said the decision to close was a difficult one. “Any time you have to do something that impacts our country’s youth and the next generation of anglers, it’s not an easy thing,” he explained. “But due to changing corporate priorities and market conditions, our program’s key partners have chosen to devote their resources elsewhere and we weren’t successful in securing new alliances in time for us to continue into 2008.”

HOFI was founded in 1987 for the simple reason of introducing and promoting the recreation of fishing to young people and their families. Through the support of corporate partners, the organization provided KAAF fishing derby support kits and other planning and promotional resources to communities nationwide for the purpose of hosting on-water fishing events.

In its first year, HOFI supported 60 fishing derbies in 28 states. Twenty years later, nearly 2,000 events were held across the country. Over the history of the program, KAAF and its network of volunteers helped put fishing rods and reels in the hands of more than 8 million youngsters.

The program’s termination also brings to a close HOFI’s highly successful Kids All-American Fishing Scholarship and Ambassador Program. For each of the past three years, select youth anglers between the ages of 8-14 were chosen from across the country through a formal application process based on their outstanding leadership efforts in school and community. Each of the youngsters appointed to date has been awarded a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond for use in current or future education, a KAAF team-angler jersey and a personalized acrylic award.

A number of well known manufacturers and retailers provided varying degrees of support to HOFI and its program throughout the years, including Wal-Mart, Berkley, Johnson Fishing, Zebco, Eagle Claw, Kraft Foods, Fujifilm and more.

“We offer thanks and gratitude to the many companies and thousands of community-based organizers who have helped make our program a success for so long,” Johnson added. “We still believe today what we did 20 years ago when we began – that no activity provides families a more enriching opportunity to spend quality time together than does fishing.”

Cold Weather Trout Fishing Tips

2007-11-06T14:09:00.000+07:00

by Trevor Kugler

A fishing article.As the year comes screeching to a halt, it means one thing to most of us who enjoy fishing for trout. It means that the weather is colder and the trout are much more sluggish and hard to catch than they are in warmer weather. Does this mean that we can't catch trout when the weather gets cold? No, not at all, it simply means that we need to keep certain things in mind when fishing in these types of conditions.

Fish, and this obviously includes trout, are cold blooded and as the water temperature drops, the fishes metabolism slows down. When a fishes metabolism slows down, they don't eat as much. And we as anglers know what it means when fish don't eat as much, right? Yep, they are much less apt to bite whatever we as anglers are offering.

Keeping in mind that trout aren't going to be as willing to eat as they will when water temperatures are higher, we as anglers need to vary our approach a little bit. This means using baits/lures that are smaller than we normally might. For example when the weather is cold, using a whole night crawler isn't going to be as productive as it might be in July. When the weather (and subsequently the water temperature) gets cold, try using small baits like meal worms and maggots. Or maybe just a piece of night crawler?

The same principle holds true for baits. Where a ¼ ounce Rooster Tail might be employed in July, in January downsize to an 1/8 ounce version of the same lure. The speed of your retrieve should be slowed down when the trout are sluggish due to cold water as well. The bottom line is this: When water temperatures plummet, trout want to expend as little energy as they can getting food. Keep this in mind when fishing for trout in cold weather.

When the trout are sluggish, it's that much more important to make sure you're fishing at the most opportune times. This is where paying attention to the weather and/or moon come into play. These two natural occurrences have a remarkable affect on the behavior of fish, and understanding how and why is important. Maximize your fishing time by learning how the weather and moon affect the behavior of the fish you're trying to catch.

Finally, you have to keep your hands warm while you're fishing, or you're in trouble. The methods I use to catch trout require me to have the unfettered use of my fingers, which means that I need fingerless gloves to help keep my hands warm. Keeping your hands warm while trout fishing is cold weather is of the utmost importance. Nothing can ruin a perfectly good fishing excursion like having your hands feel like they might fall off at any moment, I promise you that.

Follow these simple tips for trout fishing is cold weather and you'll be much more comfortable and successful. Remember, just because the weather temperatures change it doesn't mean that you have to stop fishing for trout.

Night Snapper Fishing in South Florida

2007-11-05T14:07:00.000+07:00

Night Snapper Fishing in South Florida. A fishing article.My most favorite fishing charter is, light tackle fishing for mangrove snapper especially at night. In Naples Florida, where I operate, our primary snapper is mangrove but we also catch yellowtail, mutton and red snapper.

To catch snapper consistently at night requires knowledge of and adherence to basic fundamentals. If the guidelines listed below are followed you will be successful and find the same enjoyment that hundreds of my customers have had over the years.

The first order of business is to locate a spot where snapper hangout in good numbers. Most often this will be a ledge, submerged shipwreck, underwater spring or even an area where barrel sponges are closely grouped.

Once you have determined where you are going to fish it is critical to anchor the boat in the proper location. To make certain the boat is properly located I drop a marker buoy near where I want my boat to end up, after we have dropped the anchor. A cyalume stick or small light attached to the buoy makes it much easier to properly position the boat.

To get your boat properly situated, drop your anchor in such manner as to allow the boat to drift back towards the structure but not over or beyond it. Ideally you would be a few feet above tide from the spot with the ocean current moving from your stern directly toward the spot. This is extremely important.

After positioning your boat, you should illuminate the water off the stern with deck lights or other auxiliary lighting. After getting the area lit you should begin chumming, either by cutting up handfuls of bait and tossing them into the water or placing ground up fish in a chum bag hung from the stern. Your chum line should travel in the current over your submerged structure.

Now that all the work is done the fun begins. I like to take a 7-foot casting rod, Newell 2/0 revolving spool reel with 20-pound line with little or no weight and a 3/0 long shank hook. Disengage the reel and strip the line out and let it flow out behind the boat. Keep stripping the line out until you the bait is about 150 feet behind the boat and at that time, if you have not gotten a bite retrieve your it and start again. I suggest you vary the weight from nothing and go up so that the bait sinks to where the fish are hanging. Most often they will eventually come up to the surface but adding weight gets the bait closer to the fish when you first start. Experiment with weights and depths until you locate the school of fish.

If you follow these techniques and go to a spot that holds fish I guarantee you will have success more times than not. Be patient but determined and you will be rewarded.

Winter Walleye Ice Fishing

2007-11-05T14:05:00.000+07:00

The ice is about to really set on some major lakes and walleye veterans will be hitting their spots like rabid raccoons. So how do these guys find their prime winter spots. Well, most likely there was some trial and error involved, and some stories from this guy and that, and a little luck here at this spot, or that one.You get the idea, hot spots comes from little pieces of information that have been gathered over years of experience to give you some old standby spots.

However, with ice fishing there are signs of angler presence that don't exist in open water months. And one of the biggest signs is holes. Yes, it may be obvious, but some people don't do enough ice fishing hole analysis when ice fishing. On bigger lakes, hole analysis may be very hard to do, because of the enormous amount of water that one must cover. On small lakes though you can see ice fishing hole patterns with a bit of walking or snowmobiling. I don't ever recommend encroaching on people's holes while they are there , and using old holes that people have drilled may be a bit of a no no for some anglers. (If you don't have an auger though , and are on larger lakes there is nothing wrong with using some older holes that are abandoned to get to some water with just a small axe, but don't ever intrude on ice fishing holes blatantly).

What I am recommending is more of analyzing where these fisherman are locating these holes. Above the surface of the water there is little to differentiate one piece of ice from another. But the holes tell a good story about the fishing in the area.

One of the characteristics of the holes to analyze is their distance from the shore. Often times anglers will have found with electronics, or from experience, the point at which the bottom drops off into deeper water where walleye will hold.

This drop off may last for miles or only a few hundred feet. But, the point is, that you now have more information than you did by just blindly drilling holes all over the frozen tundra. When you search around these holes also look for signs of fish being caught. Like fish scales and blood from fish that are thrown on the ice to be saved to eat. This is obviously prime information.

Now if you want to come back to theses spots throughout the winter and it snows a good deal in your neck of winter paradise you need to mark these spots somehow. And you want to mark them so its not that obvious.If you have a gps unit this isn't that hard to do, but if you don't, and you are close to the shore, prop up some sticks in an odd way that you will be able to notice the next time you walk past them. If the holes are close by the shore count off your steps and write down how many steps it took you to get there.

It may sound a bit outdated , but it has a certain walleye hunting barbarian aspect to it , as opposed to saying , oh yeah, my hole is at N 75 blah blah blah, W 64 blah blah blah, you can say my hole is 75 paces off that giant oak out there.

If you don't have electronics to key in on underwater structure than use ice fishing hole analysis this winter to gather information on that will give you some success. Or you could just continue to walk 50 yards from the parking lot and use your auger more than you fish. Whatever floats your boat, both are fun, haha.

An Alluring Sport :Exuma Bonefishing!

2007-11-04T14:02:00.000+07:00

Can you conquer the bones? Sure, the Bahamas can offer sunshine, seclusion, solace, and a sexy tan, but did you know it can also offer the chance to engage in some of the best fishing in the world? Exuma bonefishing is truly a challenging and gripping sport and the regional coastlines are particularly exceptional for this spirited pastime. Bonefish are some of the most elusive fish in the sea and can be a slippery prey to hook; however with a knowledgeable guide and a few tricks and know-how, hooking yourself a "bone" can be a truly satisfying and pleasurable experience.

The Bonefish
Bonefish are native to the Caribbean, but are particularly plentiful just off the coast of the Exuma Islands. The immaculate sandy flats of the Exumas provide the ideal location for this sport, as bonefish keep to shallow muddy and sandy flats when digging for food. Parts of the south-east side of the island are known to have some particularly good spots. Bonefish are usually caught for the sport and spirit of the chase; they are not particularly known to be so great-tasting. In fact, bonefish are said to have the most fight per pound of any other fish!

Fly fishers flock to the islands of the Bahamas every year to experience the challenge and adventure of Exuma bonefishing. Bonefish are silvery in color and are very fast-moving; it is not uncommon to see three or four enthusiastic fishermen splashing merrily through the shallow waters, rods in hand, to chase down a school, which can reach up to approximately 300 fish. A bonefish can streak up to 25 miles per hour in order to evade sharks, barracudas, and of course, energetic fishermen! An average bonefish weighs between 4 and 6 pounds, but can reach up to a whopping 19 pounds. Although bonefishing is popular in any season, the months of May to July are said to be particularly exceptional for this spirited sport.

Exuma bonefishing
Bonefishing is not your typical fishing expedition by any means. Exuma has many resources and facilities where visitors, whether amateur or pro, can visit to learn the techniques of bonefishing and seek aid from experienced and enthusiastic guides. Most guides on the island have grown up in the area and are well-versed in the movements of this slippery, silvery fish. It is important to rig up your rod straight away while your guide prepares the boat; you definitely do not want to be caught unprepared as a school of bonefish swiftly heads your way. If the tides are high, you can expect to be fishing in creeks and mangrove shorelines, as Exuma bonefishing is tide-dependent. Depending on the weather and seasonal changes, the average number of bonefish schools sighted per day in Exuma is 40 to 400, while the average number of fish caught per day is between 3 and 45.

Essentials for Eager Bonefishers
Fly rods
Reels with plenty of backing (150-200 yards)
Spare flylines
Leader material/tippets
Flies (Gotchas, Christmas Island Specials, Charlies)
Pliers/clippers/hook sharpener
Wading shoes
Wading pack
Fly tying kit
Sunglasses, hat & sunscreen
Water bottle
Light rain gear

Whether you have the craving for an exhilarating fishing experience or just want to try something new and different, Exuma bonefishing is the ideal choice. It is definitely not a passive activity and can be enjoyable for the whole family. Hooking your first bonefish is a unique and fulfilling experience that may have you adopting the sport full-time. As any local bonefisherman will tell you, there is nothing as exciting as casting your line out into that azure sea and waiting in anticipation for that impending thrill of the chase. The avid bonefisher is always scanning, anticipating, and moving in order to hook their next big one.

Fly Fishing For Bass

2007-11-03T14:59:00.000+07:00

When you mention fly fishing to people, many times they think you are fishing exclusively for trout. However, there are some amazing spots you can fly fish for trophy sized bass as well. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass abound in rivers and lakes, so why not try your hand fly fishing for bass?

Many experienced fly fishermen report that bass fly fishing can be extremely challenging as well as extremely satisfying. Bass have larger mouths than trout, so your choice of lures is much more diverse. They strike hard and fight strong, so when you are fly fishing for bass, expect to be exhilarated by the fight in these guys!

Experts suggest that you use a 6-7 weight rod, but if you are especially experienced, you can use a 4-5 weight rod. If you choose the smaller rod, you may have trouble casting the larger flies, so be aware of that. You can use a floating or a sinking line with a weight forward taper. You should have a 7 ½ to 9 foot leader tapered down to a 10 pound test.

Most bass are opportunistic feeders and will bite at anything. In general, however, flies for bass fishing are usually larger and influence a bigger bite. Try big muddler minnows, clousy minnows, wooly buggers, poppers, leech patterns, and crayfish patterns. Size 8 or 10 would be a little on the small side while size 2 or 1/0 would be a little too large, so opt for something in between.

Largemouth bass live in shallow water habitats among reeds, water lilies, and other vegetation naturally found in the water. They are adapted to warm waters in the 80 degree range and are seldom found deeper than twenty feet down. They prefer clear waters with little or no current. They stay fairly active year-round, but tend to stay near the bottom in the winter months.

Great bass fly fishing can be found in various locations throughout the United States. In the northeastern United States, try the rivers and streams in the Adirondack Mountains such as the Mohawk or Black Rivers. There are also some prized bass in the Great Lakes region. Southern Ontario in Canada can also provide some great opportunities to catch trophy sized bass.

Bass fly fishing can be a great experience for both the beginning fly fisherman as well as those with a little more experience. Fly fishing for bass requires a little bit of finesse and some tenacity when they bite. Stay with the fish and pull a whopper out of the water you can be proud of!

Florida Snook Fishing

2007-11-02T13:55:00.000+07:00

Snook Fishing in Florida includes 3 species of fish and a number of different methods to suit everyone. This is a sport that everyone can enjoy! Snook fishing is done from canals, bridges, backcountry, beaches, inlets, jetties and piers. Boats are optional!

To say that snook fishing for enthusiasts borders on a cult-like passion, is an understatement. Whether it’s the thrill of the hunt or the heart stopping thump when the fish grabs the bait, snook fishing enthusiasm appears to be contagious and chronic.

As an avid snook fishing nut, I want to see the snook habitat maintained and improved. Greater snook numbers mean better fishing for me and for my grandkids. That's why we've established a web site that donates 25% of it's revenues to the Fish America Foundation.

Fish America is a community based grant foundation dedicated to improving fish habitats. Over the last 20 years, the FishAmerica Foundation has provided over $8 million for more than 750 grassroots conservation and research projects all across the country.

Snook fishing has become so popular that sport fishing is putting pressure on the population gains according to a Florida State Assessment. On the Gulf Coast, mounting fishing pressure and deadly red tide flare-ups have diminished the gains from stricter regulations imposed in January 2002.

Caring for Your Fly Reels

2007-11-01T15:08:00.001+07:00

Reels are not 100% corrosion proof. We want our reels to be lightweight and yet we want them to be strong and durable. We want them to look good and resistant to saltwater. Of course the drag must be smooth and have the stopping power of a train.

Above all we want them affordable. Reel manufacturers have to make a compromise with the design of the reels. The reels design compromises between what is needed and what can be done and accomplish it all at a reasonable price. Aluminum is lightweight, but corrodes easy. Titanium is better but unaffordable. So, most are made with aluminum that must be covered with a protective coating. Paint isn’t much good in saltwater.

A powdered coating is better or anodizing the aluminum. There are many other parts such as screws, nuts, washers, springs, etc. that have to be made from another metal whether it is stainless steel, brass, bronze, etc. Because of the combination of metals corrosion can be caused by electrolysis.

There are some simple tips you can follow that will help eliminate the corrosion process.Avoid dipping the reel in water as much as possible, especially saltwater.

Don’t hit the reel against rocks, the boat deck, hard floors, or any other hard surfaces. Bare metal can be exposed with the scratches and dents made in the metal and will corrode.

When fishing on a boat, always place the rod butt down in such a way as to prevent sliding. Using a damp cloth under the butt of the rod is one of the ways you can prevent the rod from sliding.

DO NOT drop the reel in the sand. Sand is a hard surface and can cause scratches to the inner housing. It will also damage the discs and the bearings.

When the boat is moving, put the reel in a place so it is not exposed to the water spray. The force of the spray can get water into the reel where it will affect the bearings.

The housing of the ball bearings is made of stainless steel, but the ball bearings themselves are not. When the bearings corrode they will heat up and seize right in the middle of a fight with the catch of your dreams.

Immediately after fishing rinse the reel under a stream of low-pressure tap water. Remove the spool, shake off the excess water and set aside to dry before putting it back on the reel. If you have been fishing in saltwater upon returning home, give the reel a thorough cleaning with hot soapy water to remove the salt crystals, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. The reel is then ready to be put away for any length of time.

Reels should never be soaked for long periods of time. The fresh water will not remove the salt crystals and the water will start corroding the ball bearings. The cork drag plates can be distorted when soaked in water making a jerky drag.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying new grease and lubricate. A light coating of oil or car polish is required for the housing. If you fish year round in saltwater, this needs to be done at least 4 times per year.

Saltwater reel should be stored empty. The backing can be left on if it has been thoroughly cleaned to remove all of the salt crystals.

Always disengage the drag when storing the reel.

A handcrafted fine leather reel pouch with sheepskin lining should not be used with saltwater reels. They will trap salty moisture and can not be cleaned. As with the rod, a reel should never be put into a pouch wet especially after saltwater fishing. If it happens, the pouch must be cleaned and all the remnants of salt removed.

Store the reel on a shelf in a cabinet not in the pouch.

Terrific Fishing Tips

2007-10-18T15:04:00.001+07:00

by Tom Cwynar

Skunked is when you catch nothing-not a bluegill, not a bass, not a catfish, not a crappie. You fish all day and come home empty-handed. You don't even have a good story to tell.

"They weren't biting," you mutter to your family.

It happens to everyone now and then. We all can have bad luck. It's part of fishing. If you get skunked a lot, though, maybe bad luck isn't the problem.

Fishing is one of those great sports in which some little tip or trick might change your luck from bad to good. In our last Outside In issue, we asked readers for some of the fishing tips that helped them.

Lindsay Arens, who lives in Florissant, said she discovered a great trick when her school, South West Middle School, went to Camp Lakewood YMCA.

"When our cabin went fishing," she wrote, "we had our choice of worms on our hook or corn." Lindsay said she chose both.

"I took the worm and put it on my hook, and then put corn on to disguise the hook."

At first she didn't catch anything, she said, but when she was helping a friend unhook a small bluegill from her line, Lindsay's bobber went down.

"I reeled in my line and, turns out, I caught an 11-pound catfish!," she said. "Later, I went fishing with a group from the boy's cabin and was the only person to catch a fish. It was
a 6-pound catfish."

"Basically, If you want to catch a good-size fish," she added, "combine a worm and corn on a hook."

Lindsay's tip works for other baits, too. If everyone else is using one bait or lure and not catching much, then try something different. Hook on a crayfish or minnow or use an artificial lure. You can also change the depth below your bobber or cast to a different spot.

The trouble Lindsay and her friend had unhooking that bluegill brings to mind another good tip. A glove or a hand towel will help you hold those slippery fish. It'll also help protect you from their sharp fins. Put some long-nosed pliers into your tackle bag or box, too. They're great for removing fish hooks without hurting you or
the fish.

Anthony Klenke, who is 11 years old and lives in Union, said his fishing tip works great for all kids and adults.

"Use locusts for smallmouth bass in the summertime," he says. "That's how I caught my big fish."

Locusts make great bait for trout and catfish, too. When Missouri had its big locust hatch in 1998, the fish were slurping them up like crazy. And grasshoppers, which are related to locusts, are what Nick Adams uses for bait in Ernest Hemingway's famous story, "Big Two-Hearted River."

Anthony didn't say how big his fish was, but he warned us that locusts are sometimes hard to corral. Here's something to think about: If a hard-to-catch bait makes it easy to catch fish, would an easy-to-catch bait make it hard to catch fish?

Hannah Gragg, who is 12 and lives in Belton, says, "If you are fishing on a sunny day and you happen to see big patches of moss, cast your fishing line near the edge of the moss."

She explains that bright sun blinds fish that are looking up to get a lure or worm, but the moss provides shade and the fish can see the bait.

Shade on sunny days almost always attracts fish. The fish seem to feel safer there. A big tree that leans into the water from shore will almost always have fish near it or under it.

It's a pretty good tip to cast your bait near things whenever you can. Fish like to hang near logs, rocks and docks. It doesn't matter whether these things are under the water or half-in and half-out of the water. Another great place to cast is next to
a weedbed.

Some kids always cast straight out from the shore or dock, but lots of fish like the shorelines.

One of the best spots is along the dropoff where shallow water turns into deep water. You can fish this better by casting a little bit out into the lake but off to the side. Then if you bring your bait back slowly, it'll spend more time in this "fishy" zone.

The best fishing pole is not the biggest one. A good rig for most fishing is a 5 1/2 foot, light-action rod with a push-button spinning reel filled with 6-pound test line. Don't try to catch fish using line that looks more like rope. Fish may be dim, but they aren't totally dumb.

Besides, all reels have an adjustment, called a drag, that releases line when the fish pulls hard. With the drag set correctly, you can catch a 20-pounder on 6-pound test line.

If you do, we'll be asking you for fishing tips.

Four Reasons to go Fishing in Canada

2007-10-06T15:47:00.000+07:00

Canada has the largest system of fresh waters in the world, covering nearly 7% of its land mass. Its continuous coastline is also the longest at over 240,000 km. Canada is also a country that has strict conservation rules about its marine environment, making it a favorite fishing destination for both locals and tourists. Some benefits of fishing in Canada include:

Location

Canada is known for its scenic beauty and the diversity of its geography, ecological systems and even climates. It is a large country, second only to Russia and its natural abundance is a rich mine of raw resources, including of course, fish.

Due to its size, Canada has more land than people so it has plenty of locations that are perfect for fishing. In fact, there are hundreds of fishing clubs, lodges and outfitters that offer their services to both locals and tourists. Ontario alone offers four regions with over 400,000 rivers, streams and lakes that fishing hobbyists and enthusiasts can explore.

Choice
Canada has the largest number of rivers, lakes and other inland waters. There are some species of fish that are more plentiful in some areas while other areas sometimes ban the fishing of other species. But with so many fishing locations to choose from, it’s impossible not to find the perfect spot for a day or two of angling or fly fishing.

Fishing trips are also commonly organized by Canadian clubs and resorts, so locals and visitors have a choice whether they prefer a chartered boat or a simple drive-in for their fishing trip. In some areas, fishing is also allowed regardless of the season although certain restrictions apply on some species.

Bounty
Canada has minimal fishing pressure and pollution levels are kept low, so fish is plentiful. The country’s waters are also filled with numerous species of fish, including halibut, trout, salmon, pike, sturgeon, arctic grayling, steelhead and walleye, among others.

Conservation and preservation
Another benefit of fishing in Canada is its clear, safe waters. Conservation efforts are active in this country and are practiced not only by recreational and commercial fishermen but also by its many fishing clubs, outfitters and those involved in its tourism industry.

Fishing licenses are required for those who wish to share in the bounty of its waters and certain regulations are implemented to ensure that certain species are protected in specific areas at certain times of the year. Restrictions are also in place regarding harmful fishing practices. These efforts ensure that Canada’s waters remain healthy and that the benefits of fishing in this country will be experienced by generations more to come

Putting All Your Fishing Gears Together

2007-10-05T15:39:00.000+07:00

You have a rod, reel, line and leader; the tippet is optional, now you need to put them all together. Don’t rush and put it together just yet. First things first. You will need some paraffin. You can use some from a small white candle or you can buy a block in the canning section of a grocery store. Now rub some of the paraffin on the male parts of the rod. This will keep the sections from coming loose and will also keep it from getting stuck together. The sections can break if they come loose, and when they stick together, it seems like they have been glued. Any excess paraffin can be wiped off, so don’t worry about using too much.

Next, we are going to put on the reel. No, we are going to put the rod together yet. Below the handle on most rods there is a reel seat. The reel fits into the reel seat. One piece of the reel that looks like a foot slides into a slot on the reel seat. The reel is fastened to the rod with the sliding or screw rings.

Before you attach the reel, you may want to decide which hand you want to turn the reel handles with. If you set the reel with the handles on the right or the left side of the reel and find it does work well for you, you can always change it. Most right-handed people will cast with their right hand and reel with their left.

Now we are gong to put the rod together. First you start with the eyes misaligned and twist the sections together. After you have done that make sure they are all aligned. This will seat them properly. Check your rod section often to make sure they have enough paraffin. The paraffin will wear off during the course of a season.

Okay, your rod is together; your reel is filled and attached. Now place the butt of the rod on the ground, fold a small loop in the fly line and poke it up through the guides. The tiny little loop by the cork is a hook keeper, do not run line through it. When you get to the ring guides closer to the top of the rod, you will want to angle the rod enabling you to finish stringing the rod.

Now you will need to hold the tip of the rod with your right hand and carefully pull out the leader and the fly line. Rods can be broken during this time. So take extra care when pulling the fly line beyond the tip. After picking up the rod, pull line straight off the reel toward the stripping guide, not against the edge of the reel. The fly line will be damaged if you pull the line against the edge of the reel. Now, you are ready to cast.

Filling a Reel with Line and Backing

2007-10-04T15:35:00.000+07:00

On the loose end of the fly line you will find a tag reading “this end to reel”. You can tie it directly to your reel if you prefer or you can add backing to the fly line. Most reels are design to have backing wound onto the reel before the line is. Since the fly line can not fill a reel, backing helps to fill it up. With the backing on the reel first, the fly line will not reel out in small circles making casting more difficult. Plus you might need the backing if you ever hook a large fish.

750732_fishing_gear.jpg Tie the end of your backing to the center of the arbor of your reel with an arbor knot. Wind the backing around the arbor at least two times to ensure it doesn’t slip. Tighten it well and carefully reel the backing to about ¼ inch from the top edge of your reel and attach the fly line at the “this end to reel” tag. Tie the backing to the fly line using an Albright knot. Then carefully wind it on the reel. The reel should be full and the loose end ready to be attached to the leader. Tie the fly line to the thick end of the leader with a nail knot. A blood knot is often used to tie on a section tippet material.

Fishing Tips: Leaders and Tippets

2007-10-03T15:25:00.000+07:00

A “leader” is a length of tapered monofilament; the thick end is tied to the end of the fly line. The “tippet” is a length of level monofilament, one end is tied to the thin end of the leader and the other end is tied to the fly.

276902_fly_fishing.jpg The leaders are about nine feet long and transfer the power of the cast gently toward the fly. A numbering system was designed to match the diameter of the end of the rod because this is the part that is important. When looking for a leader the number system is backwards. The smaller the diameter the larger the number. It makes it easy that the tippets are number the same way. A 6X leader will fit with a 6X tippet. An end of the tippet is tied to the smaller end of the leader.

Most of the knots that develop close to the end of your line near the fly are called “wind knot “ and since you get these when casting in the two feet ahead of the fly. The knots weaken things. If the knots develop in the leader, it can get expensive cutting off the knots, and changing flies. By tying on about 2 feet of tippet material, you can save your leader. The tippet material is not expensive and when it gets too short, you can just ties on a new length.

Caring for Your Fly Lines and Backing

2007-10-02T15:22:00.000+07:00

No matter which kind of fly line you choose to use, you will need to take care of your fly line to ensure that it will last you a good long time. Fly line is not indestructible, and it will need a little care and a few precautions to ensure the life of your fly line. Fly lines get damaged in several ways. Most of the time a fly line will get damaged through mechanical wear and tear. Ripping through the ring guides, getting stepped on, running the line across coral, sand and mud.Even the UV rays from the sun along with excessive heat can be damaging. We can’t forget that exposing the fly line to chemical substances, such as suntan lotion, gasoline or insect repellant will damage the fly line. These chemicals can also damage the finish on you fly rod, so you will want to take extra precautions when using these products around your fly fishing equipment.

Fly line manufactures create the fly line so there is a lubricant inside the fly line coating. The porous coating allows the lubricant to slowly release which will keep the line sticky and leave it with the ability to float. Sand, mud and dirt will clog the pores blocking the lubricant so it can’t do its job. It is important to keep your floating line clean.

When the outer coating starts developing small cracks, it will be your first visible sign that a fly line is reaching the end of its life. Once you see the cracks, water will get into the line and the deterioration will progress rather quickly.

Leaving the fly line wound on a small spool, usually the reel, for long periods of time will create line memory. When the line will stay coiled when removed from the spool. If your line is coiled like the tail on a piglet, casting ability is hampered in turn it will affect the fly delivery.

With out proper care a fly line will only last for one season. With the proper care fly line will last for several seasons. It only requires a small amount of effort to take care of the fly line.

When fishing even in clean water there are microscopic particles of dirt that will stick to the floating line adding weight that will prevent the natural tendencies of the line to float. Some manufacturers include cleaner pads in the package with the line. They recommend that the working part of the line be wiped with the cleaner pad every time before it is to be used. The pads clean the surface of that line and leave behind a thin layer of lubricant to assist the line in moving through the rod guides. Other manufactures suggest washing the line using a mild soap and water and drying with a soft dry cloth afterwards. The floating line will ensure the expected performance of the line no matter how it is cleaned.

Backing hardly needs any maintenance when being used for freshwater fishing, but saltwater can effect the backing along with the UV rays and mildew. Backing should be inspected often for damaged or weak spots. When drying up, salt crystals can encrust the backing together.

Here are some other tips for line care.

Rinse the fly line in tap water before the salt and dirt dry. It should be stored on a large arbour, vented spool until the next fishing trip.

ly line and backing should be soaked in hot soapy water for several hours several times a year, more if you are saltwater fishing. This will loosen the dirt and salt.

he soap used to clean the fly line should be baby shampoo or natural hand soap.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions when apply a silicone based dressing to the fly line.

Sometimes they can do more harm than good.

By stretching the line before you take it out fishing, casting the line will be much easier.

Pick up the line rather than dragging it over rocks, sand, docks and deck which will cause damage to the coating.

Try not to step on your fly line.

When you need to practice casting, practice on a lawn, not dirt or asphalt.

When your fly line is not in use, keep it covered not exposed to the sun.

If you are using a double taper fly line, it is best stored on a large arbor, vented spool during you fishing down time. Do not leave on your fly reel.

When twist and kinks develop in your fly line, they can be removed by removing the leader and fly. Allow the line to troll behind the boat for a few minutes. If you are on a river, let it hang in the water. Then take a soft cloth and remove the twists by pulling the fly line between your fingers always from the rear to the front taper. This procedure may have to be repeated to remove all the twists and kinks.

Never store fly line wet. The damp fly line and backing place in an enclosed space can cause the line to become stained and mildewed. This will attack the outer coating resulting in poor casting and floating ability. Fly line is best stored on a large arbor, vented spool.

Catching a large fish is only possible with fishing gear that is in perfect working order. Use these tips to keep your fishing gear in the best condition possible, so that you will not let the BIG ONE get away.

Royal Christmas Fly Fishing Lures

2007-09-10T22:54:00.000+07:00

Julie Nielson designed this pattern for brook trout, but it also interests cutthroat, browns and the occasional rainbow or two or three, etc. Years ago it was expressed that if you want to catch brook trout, put red on your fly.

Materials List
Hook: Tiemco TMC100 or equivalent, sizes 12 to 18
Thread: Red, Griffith 6/0
Tail: Brown, Hoffman Tailing Pack
Wing/Post: White, Hi Vis from L & L Products or Para Post from Hairline Dubbing Co
Body: Metallic green, Krystal Flash
Hackle: Brown
Thorax: Mahogany dubbing

Tying Instructions
If you want, smash down the barb before you start tying.

1. Attach thread near front of hook, and wind it smoothly to bend. Spin bobbin and make a tight micro-bump, two wraps, just past the bend. Wind thread forward of bend a little.
To prepare the tail fibers, hold feather by the tip and stroke the fibers downward. This makes the barbs angle out from the shaft and evens tips of the barbs. Pull off a dozen or so fibers and attach them on top of the hook to make a shank length tail. Splay the barbs by winding the thread rearward against the micro-bump. Trim butts and wind thread forward to the 2/3rds point on the shank.
Since the post material will be doubled, select an amount that is one-half of what you would normally use. If the strand of material is too thick for doubling just split it before tying it on. Lay a small amount of material parallel to shank and tie it in at the 2/3rds point with two thread wraps. Pull up both sides of the material and put two thread wraps in front of post and two in back. Wind thread neatly up and down the post to build a smooth base for the hackle. Wind thread back to just in front of tail.
Attach three strands of metallic green Krystal Flash above the barb. Wind thread forward and leave it hanging at hook point. Wind two of the strands together, wrap them forward to thread and secure. Bring third strand forward over the rear bump and secure. Wind thread forward over Krystal Flash to make red segment. Hold up Krystal Flash and wind thread forward toward post. Twist all three Krystal Flash strands together and wrap them forward to make the front green bump. Secure tightly.
Wind thread forward to eye, form a head and then wind it back to the post.
Select a brown hackle with barbs about 1-1/2 gap widths long. Modern saddle hackle is best. Prepare the feather by trimming barbs close to the shaft, leaving a little stubble. Lay the feather shiny side up on the near side of the post with the feather tip pointed toward the rear. Tie it in securely. Hold feather up along post and wrap thread smoothly up and down post securing the feather to the post.
Put a little dubbing on the thread; make one or two wraps behind the post and the rest in front. After wrapping thorax, return thread to the post. Keep a thin layer of dubbing on thread to hide the color.
Wrap hackle clockwise around the post. Use more hackle wraps for wilder waters and fewer for calmer waters - (Western VS Eastern? Maybe) Tie two dubbed thread half hitches against the post and over the hackle tip. Trim hackle tip and thread. The dubbed thread half hitches are hidden in the thorax. Trim post.

Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River

2007-09-09T22:51:00.000+07:00

by Don Fine

Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark fame has Wyoming’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. It originates high in the Beartooth Mountains on the northwest borders of Wyoming and southwest Montana and then flows southeasterly into Wyoming for approximately 40 miles before re-entering Montana where it flows north to join the Yellowstone River near Laurel, MT.

The Clark’s Fork headwaters are near Cooke City, MT and the river is less than 50 feet in width. The river is fast flowing with eager brookies along with Yellowstone cutthroats and rainbows. The Middle Section of the river begins below Hunter Peak Campground. Here the river is wider with long runs, some pocket water and riffles. Just below the Campground, the river begins to plummet through a thousand foot drop referred to as the canyon section.

Along the canyon section additional excellent trout streams, like Crandall Creek and Dead Indian Creek add their flow to the Clark’s Fork. Wading in this section can be treacherous. The canyon section’s recommended fishing period starts by August 1, but later is safer. Near Dead Indian Creek one finds the Sunlight Basin near the site where the Nez Pierce Indians fled south through the canyons to escape pursuit by the U.S. Calvary.

In the Lower Section of the Clark’s Fork, the river slows and widens considerably. Here are found long runs, deep pools and fair numbers of Yellowstone cutthroat, along with some Rocky Mountain whitefish.

The ride along the Clark’s Fork is picturesque throughout and one of our favorite roads to travel on our way to Yellowstone Park. Rock formations in the area where the Chief Joseph highway joins route 120 north of Cody features red sandstone formations that originated hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Access to the Clark’s Fork can also be from the Beartooth Highway junction with the Chief Joseph Highway. Originating south out of Red Lodge, Montana, the Beartooth Highway is a well-known route to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The highway’s reputation is one of America’s most scenic highways climbing to 11,000 feet before descending to the Chief Joseph Highway.

We fish the Upper Section each time we travel to Yellowstone Park. On several occasions when we fished the upper section near Hunter Peak Campground, we caught all three of the trout species listed here. In general, the upper water holds trout in the 6-12 inch range, albeit I understand fish in the Canyon area range from 12-20 inches. Flies commonly used in the Clark’s Fork during the late summer months include caddis, golden stoneflies, gray drakes, PED, PMD, and terrestrials. For Ruby and me on the warm afternoon of August 12, 2004, the fish liked stimulators, with caddis pupae droppers, as we caught numerous colorful brookies, rainbow and cutthroat. On a previous trip, a good hatch of blue wing olives (BWO) was present. Beetle and hopper patterns work in late summer too.

There is relatively little fishing pressure on the Clark’s Fork as compared to other streams in Yellowstone Park. Add the Clark’s Fork to your list of western rivers to fish when you next travel to the Park. Though you probably will not catch a trophy, you will love the clear, cool water, and the peaceful surroundings that the Clark’s Fork has to offer.

Just a tip, remember when fishing the Clark’s Fork, the BWO rules.

Health And Safety Tips When Visiting Padre Island National Seashore

2007-09-08T22:48:00.000+07:00

In case of emergency, dial the park’s dispatch office at (361) 949-8173, extension 0. If a dispatcher is not available, hang up – then dial 911.

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore. Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Island Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.

Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park ranger.

The 50 site Malaquite Beach campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. Restrooms, potable water and cold showers are here, as well as a dump station for RV’s. The cost is $8.00 per night or $4.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers at these campsites. A 30 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 30 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Visitors may camp at no charge on both North Beach and South Beach. There are no facilities at these two locations. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers; however, please remember that neither camping nor fires are permitted in the dunes, grasslands or mudflats. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Camping is also available on the Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, a prime windsurfing location, and at Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Restrooms are the only facilities available. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers. Please note that a user fee of $5.00 per day (or $10.00 per year) is required to use Bird Island Basin. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount. A 14 day camping limit is also in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the First Aid station at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911. Pay telephones are available at the Malaquite Beach campground and in front of the Visitor Center.

The closest hospital is Columbia Bay Area Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.

Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited. Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.

Portuguese Man-of-War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.

Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.

Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, through the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.

Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited. Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Use caution when swimming and never swim alone. Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike. If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.

Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.

Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.

Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.

Gray water and sewage must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.

Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park. Fireworks are prohibited.

Self-Employment and Subsistence Hunting and Fishing in Alaska

2007-09-07T22:20:00.000+07:00

Self-Employment
Jackie Bisbee is the coordinator of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The program currently serves Athabascan Indians living in 27 Alaska villages, seven of which are on the road system, the others only accessible by commuter airplane or boat. The land encompasses approximately 37% of the state of Alaska or 235,000 square miles.

“About 25% of our cases go to self-employment,” said Bisbee. The grant under which they operate is focused on providing competitive employment, self-employment and subsistence outcomes to clients with disabilities. She and two staff members carry an equal share of the 77 cases active at this time.

Clients who seek self-employment must prepare a business plan. “We want them to think it out and write answers to questions like these: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?,” said Bisbee. For more formal business plans, the program contracts for the service.

If clients need training or instruction before they can start a business, the program staff will find someone to provide the training. Typically, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up between the training provider and the rehabilitation center so that both parties understand what is expected.
The medical needs of clients are met through various means, sometimes simultaneously with the pursuit of a self-employment goal. In one case, a neurological expert made visits to a man who suffered a stroke in order to assess and monitor his condition. At the same time, a computer expert was paid to visit the client weekly and teach him computer skills.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has a Minority Business Office (MBO) for further self-employment assistance. The MBO offers business loans to new entrepreneurs. “The loan office really makes clients think about their project because of the documentation they require before any loans are approved,” said Bisbee.

The vocational rehabilitation office will buy equipment and supplies to help clients start a business. No provision exists for the return of things purchased if the business fails. “It would be bad public relations for the program,” said Bisbee. “The people we buy equipment for really want to succeed.”

Subsistence
“Subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping is a viable outcome for us, on par with self-employment” emphasizes Bisbee. Subsistence fishing and hunting is a big self-determination issue. Being able to provide food from for one’s family from the natural environment is culturally appropriate. “People depend on subsistence hunting and fishing,” said Bisbee. “It contributes to their livelihood – ensures their survival. There are no full service grocery stores in the remote villages, especially those off the road system.”

Villagers will catch and dry salmon to eat over the long winter months. Those with dog teams will feed salmon to their dogs. Those lucky enough to secure a moose will freeze the meat or make it into jerky.

The last few years have been tough for those trying to make a living off the land, either by subsistence or self-employment means. Poor salmon runs have been compounded by ever-lower prices for commercially caught salmon. “Fur prices have bottomed out so much that it is not economically feasible to trap anymore,” said Bisbee.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Center will finance the purchase of boats, motors, snowmobiles, and other tools for the people to hunt, fish, and trap. The Center has purchased glasses, dentures, hearing aides, and prostheses for people who need them to perform successfully in either the self-employment or subsistence venue. One elderly man was able to go moose hunting again after receiving a hearing aide.

Success Stories

A client with his right arm amputated started a fishing guide service on the Kenai River. He had several years of experience working for another guide on the Kenai. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” said Bisbee. “Having done it before made it easier for him. He was focused.” The man received financial assistance to purchase a used boat and motor, the necessary licenses, marine training, and fishing gear. In his first year in business, he accepted the customer overflow from his former employer-guide.

A successful banker was confronted with a stroke that suddenly changed his life and his career. He had to come to terms with his decreased cognitive ability after the stroke. After five years of learning to deal with his disability, he decided to start his own computer consulting business. He used to use a computer when he worked for the bank. The man developed a business plan and went to work. A computer systems person was hired through the vocational rehabilitation program to help train him. Six months later, he was in business for himself. One of his first requests for service was to install a new computer system for an organization near his home.

A skilled carpenter with chronic mental illness wanted to make dog sleds the way his dad used to make them when his dad was still alive. His first step was training himself. He read books on sled-making and studied doll-sized models of sleds that his father used to make before building real ones. The client’s first product was a small model sled that he sold to a person who works for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He recently completed his first pair of snowshoes to add to his product repertoire.

One man sells gas and oil to people using boats and seaplanes on a lake in the summertime.

A woman uses her sewing machine to make kuspuks (summer parkas) and other types of traditional Native Alaskan clothing.

Consumers unsure of what type of business they wish to form can easily start out as a wood vendor or an expeditor. A wood vendor uses a chainsaw and ax to cut and chop firewood for sale to others. An expeditor transports equipment from one place to another via snowmobile, four-wheeler, dog sled, boat, or motor vehicle.

Jackie and her staff foster a personal relationship with the clients they serve. When in the field, Jackie and her staff make it a point to visit former clients, say “hi,” see how they are doing, and remind them that they can open up their files again if they need anything. Informal visits of this nature are part of the culture of the Athabascan Indian population served and provide feedback on how well the vocational rehabilitation program is meeting consumer needs.

Early Spring Fishing, Are You Ready?

2007-09-06T22:16:00.001+07:00

After a long cold winter peering down a small hole in the ice, I’ll bet you can’t wait to sit in a boat and fish your favorite lake or river system. Think of getting ready for this event as a sport in itself.

One of the things you will have to get ready is your boat. While it worked fine when you stored it for winter just a few months ago, it may need some attention now. Whether it is maintenance items or some things that just got neglected last fall, now’s the time to do it.

When I pull my Crestliner boat out of storage, the first thing I will check is the electrical connections. The new boat models now remind me of a large computer with many related components that all work together. The simplest thing such as a corroded battery terminal can have an ill effect on your whole boat. Now’s a great time to grease everything, check oil, clean everything and maybe apply a coat of wax.

Check over your trailer by checking the air pressure, the lights, and don’t forget to look over and repack the wheel bearings if needed. Wheel bearings aren’t something you want to deal with half way to the boat landing on a busy highway.

Now that your boat is all set, how about you’re fishing equipment? Winter is a great time to clean out your tackle box. Organize everything and take inventory. You will need to check all your baits, and sharpen all your hooks.

Many times this gets put off till a nice fish is lost. Fishing line is equally important to replace. Buy the best quality line. Consider it the lifeline between you and a ten-pound walleye.

Inspect your supply of jigs and any rigs you may be using. If you tie your own spinner rigs, now is a great time to do so. If you need to replace a lot of things or add a few more baits, it’s good to know what you need early. Trust me, if you spend a few dollars a week on tackle, it may go unnoticed. If you spend several hundred dollars, your spouse may come unglued or worse yet, spend that same amount on themselves for something not nearly as necessary as fishing equipment!

Your local winter sport show is a great place to visit next. You can usually find some first-rate deals on just about anything you may need for hooking the big ones. I like to buy two St. Croix rods each year. You can never have too many rods. Some of the great things about these shows are seeing all the new products coming out and having the dealers and product reps right there to talk to you about them. Treat yourself to a seminar or two given at these events also. I have picked up some excellent fishing tips over the years from attending these seminars and shows.

Well, everything is ready to go. The ice is finally gone and you can’t wait any longer to get on the open water. Plan some extra time at these icy boat landings, as there may not be any docks in yet. Being prepared will allow you to have a great experience on your first trip out. Hope to see you on the water soon.

Tips For Maintenance and Fishing Safety

2007-09-05T22:11:00.001+07:00

SAFETY TIPS: More on the wake discussion from Power Boating—Most states have a law that states “ all boat operators are responsible for operating their vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner with regard to other vessel traffic so as not to endanger people or property.” Even if you think you are abiding by the law it doesn’t take away the “reasonable and prudent factors.”

The worst wake speeds are between 6 and 22 mph. If you are already on plane and want to pass a boat without rocking it, you have two choices: remain on a fast plane and stay as far away as possible, or come off plane at least 100 yards from the other boat, idle past, and don’t resume speed until you are safely past the other boat.

MAINTENANCE TIPS: More on lug nuts. From Greg Hall. It pays to periodically exercise the lug nuts on your trailer. You don’t want to have a flat out there and find yourself unable to remove a frozen lug nut on a busy roadway. Even though people say you should not lubricate lug nuts I do so sparingly with Boeing T-9 spray about twice a year and let it dry before I screw the nuts back on. They have never loosened on their own and they don’t freeze up on me.

Walt Fink follows by saying he sprays his galvanized trailer wheels with a 50/50 mixture of motor oil and mineral spirits to keep them corrosion free. And from Yale---after having it pointed out to him at the Midway tournament that he was missing two lug nuts on his truck---better check your truck in addition to your trailer.

Florida’s Top 10 Bass Lakes

2007-09-04T22:05:00.001+07:00

Anglers consider largemouth bass the most popular sportfish in North America. The Florida Legislature designated the Florida largemouth bass, a unique subspecies that grows larger and is reputed to be a greater angling challenge than its close cousin the northern largemouth bass, as the official state freshwater fish of Florida.

Florida is proclaimed to be the “Fishing Capital of the World,” in part because of the great diversity of sport fishes and habitats found here, the numerous documented world records and their economic importance. One quick fact: the total economic impact of sportfishing in Florida ranked number one in 2001 and was $7.5 billion, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The second highest economic impact was in California with only $4.5 billion. Freshwater anglers spent 12.2 million days fishing for bass in Florida during 2001, and each angler averaged fishing for bass more than nine days.

With largemouth bass found in almost every freshwater body in Florida and with more than 7,500 lakes available, anglers may face a tough decision about where to fish. The following list of Top 10 Bass Lakes aims to help anglers find a quality place to catch trophy bass. For more information on Florida’s freshwater fishing opportunities, fishing forecasts, tips and regulations visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC’s) Division of Freshwater Fisheries Web site at www.floridaconservation.org/fishing/forecast/index.html.
FWC fisheries biologists have selected these Florida lakes (in no specific order) as top bass fishing destinations for 2003.

LAKE GEORGE
Lake George is one of the premier bass fishing lakes in central Florida. It is the second largest lake in the state (46,000 acres) and is 18 miles northwest of DeLand and 29 miles east of Ocala.
Lake George is one of the many natural lakes on the St. Johns River. It has extensive vegetation that provides excellent habitat for bass. Wade fishing in eelgrass, with plastic worms fished on the surface, and other topwater artificial lures is productive. Fishing with shiners is an excellent method for catching trophy bass during the spring spawning season.

Hot spots on the lake include Juniper, Salt and Silver Glen spring runs on the eastern shoreline. In winter and early spring, look for bass to congregate at the jetties on the south end of the lake. Additionally, casting deep-diving crankbaits is productive near old dock structures along the northeast shore and off Drayton Island.

There are many fish camps and landings on the lake and the St. Johns River. There is one public boat ramp with limited parking on the south end of the lake off Blue Creek Lodge Road. A fishing pier is on the east side at the end of Nine Mile Point Road.

Due to low mercury levels in this lake, the Florida Department of Health recommends following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s general guidelines for fish consumption.

STICK MARSH/FARM 13 RESERVOIR
The Stick Marsh/Farm 13 Reservoir, created in 1987, is synonymous with trophy bass fishing. This 6,500-acre reservoir near Fellsmere, west of Vero Beach, became one of the hottest bass lakes in the country during the past decade. FWC biologists predict a continuation of excellent bass fishing in coming years. Electro-fishing samples, during 2001 and 2002, indicated good reproduction and growth of bass in the reservoir. The winter/spring 2001 angler survey indicated the highest total angler effort on record for largemouth bass since 1994. Anglers caught 65,943 largemouths, of which 88 percent were reportedly greater than 14 inches in total length. An estimated 451 trophy bass (over 8 pounds) were caught and released during the four-month angler survey.

Anglers can locate bass throughout the reservoir among a variety of habitats including woody stump fields, submerged canals and hydrilla. Plastic worms, spinner baits, crank baits, soft-jerked baits and topwater propeller baits are effective. Wild golden shiners are the top choice for anglers looking to catch a trophy fish.

The regulation for largemouth bass is catch and release. There is a two-lane boat ramp, paved parking lot, picnic pavilions and rest rooms. No gasoline, food, ice or other supplies or facilities are available on the site. This area is part of the St. Johns Blue Cypress Management Unit.

WEST LAKE TOHOPEKALIGA
Bordering the city of Kissimmee to the south, the 18,810-acre West Lake Tohopekaliga has long been a popular bass fishing lake for both recreational and tournament anglers. In recent years, both Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society (B.A.S.S.) and Forrest L. Wood (FLW) bass tournaments have taken place out of the Kissimmee lakefront park. Winning weights are routinely in the 18- to 25-pound range. To date, the largest bass documented from the lake weighed 17.10 pounds.

Flipping plastic worms, crayfish and lizards in shoreline vegetation is a common technique among successful anglers. Casting Carolina- or Texas-rigged plastic worms, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits or top-water propeller baits in these areas are also popular methods. Anglers fishing live golden shiners account for some of the larger bass caught from the lake.

Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake, consumption of largemouth bass should be limited. Women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from this lake to no more than 8 ounces a week.

For more information about the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, visit www.floridakiss.com.

RODMAN RESERVOIR
Rodman Reservoir, east of Gainesville and south of Palatka, covers 9,500 acres of prime largemouth bass habitat. Since its creation in 1968, Rodman Reservoir has been known for trophy largemouth bass. The state’s largest bass of 2000, 15 pounds and 17 pounds, came from the reservoir during March. Much of the largemouth bass fishery’s success is due to abundant habitat in the form of stumps and aquatic vegetation and periodic drawdowns. Strong year classes of largemouth bass are produced following drawdowns, which allow a higher percentage of fish to reach trophy sizes.

Largemouth bass are most active during the cooler months. Anglers targeting trophy largemouth bass use golden shiners, either floated under a cork or free-lined. Most big bass are caught in the pool area, known as the “stump fields,” along the river channel. However, many trophy bass come from the area between Cypress Bayou and Kenwood Landing, including Orange Springs. Successful anglers use artificial baits, such as deep-diving and lipless crank baits, spinner baits and soft plastics.

Access to Rodman is available at several locations. Among the most popular are Eureka east and west off C.R. 316, Rodman Recreational Area west of S.R.19 and Orange Springs Recreational Area, Cypress Bayou (Paynes Landing) and Kenwood Landing off S.R.315.

Due to low mercury levels in this lake, the Florida Department of Health recommends following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s general guidelines for fish consumption (see below).

LAKE TARPON
Lake Tarpon is a 2,500-acre lake near Tampa/St. Petersburg in Pinellas County. This lake has consistently produced high-quality bass for years. Most fish range from 12 to 16 inches long, however, quality and trophy fish are also present in good numbers. Biologists have observed anglers catching upwards of 20 fish, with an occasional 10-pounder.

Anglers are most successful flipping or pitching plastic worms along canal and bulrush edges. Offshore bass fishing is productive for anglers who fish around ledges, humps, coontail and eelgrass beds. Popular lures offshore include shad-imitating jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits and topwater baits. Fishing wild shiners and live shad is also effective.

There are two public boat ramps within county parks. Anderson Park boat ramp is on the west shore, off U.S. 19. Chestnut Park boat ramp is on the east side of the lake, off C.R. 611. Some bank access is available in both parks. Boardwalks and piers serve as excellent fishing locations.
Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake, consumption of largemouth bass should be limited. Women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from this lake to no more than 8 ounces a week.

LAKE WEOHYAKAPKA
Lake Weohyakapka, commonly known as Lake Walk-in-Water, is a 7,532-acre lake, off S.R. 60 south of Orlando, east of Lake Wales. The lake has a national reputation as an outstanding spot to catch largemouth bass. Anglers frequently catch up to 25 bass a day with several ranging from 4 to 8 pounds. Weohyakapka also produces many trophy bass exceeding 10 pounds each year. Last year, Walk-in-Water anglers entered 130 bass with a qualifying weight of 8 pounds in the FWC’s Big Catch Program. A 15- to 24-inch slot limit regulation with a three-bass daily bag limit is in place to help maintain quality bass fishing. Anglers may keep three bass per day, either under or over the protected slot range, of which only one bass greater than or equal to 24 inches is allowed.

The best technique to catch trophy bass is to drift live wild shiners over hydrilla beds in the northern half of the lake. Hydrilla can pop up anywhere in the lake, so time spent looking for smaller, lesser-known pockets may be rewarding. Jerkbaits, lipless rattling crankbaits and plastic worms also produce bass in the offshore hydrilla. Topwater lures are productive, particularly chuggers or walk-the-dog type baits. Although topwater baits catch fish throughout the year, summer months offer the best action, when schools of bass roam deep-water areas. Flipping soft plastic baits in the bulrush and behind cattails in the northern and eastern areas of the lake also works well January through March. This technique is effective for smaller bass, but larger female bass spend the majority of the year in offshore hydrilla.

A public ramp is on Boat Landing Road, which runs east off of Walk-in-the-Water Road. There is little access for bank fishing.

Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake, consumption of largemouth bass should be limited. Women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from this lake to no more than 8 ounces a week.

LAKE ISTOKPOGA
Bass anglers who fish the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes to the north and Lake Okeechobee to the south often overlook 28,000-acre Lake Istokpoga. Situated in Highlands County between U.S. 27 and U.S. 98 south of Sebring, Istokpoga is the fifth-largest natural lake in Florida. Anglers frequently catch bass up to 8 pounds, with some between 10 and 13 pounds. An angler caught a 16-pound bass in March 1998.

Bass fishing is excellent throughout the year. From January through April, bass spawn in bulrush and other vegetation along shallow-water areas enhanced during the 2001 drawdown and around the lake’s two islands (Big Island and Bumblebee Island). Flipping soft plastics in bulrush patches and in pockets of submerged vegetation can be productive during the winter. In spring and summer, topwater lures and jerkbaits worked over the top of hydrilla and pondweed in the south half of the lake are often successful. Weedless spoons tipped with grub tails and spinnerbaits fished over pondweed south of Bumblebee Island are deadly on bass during early morning. Rattling lures (silver, gold, and “Tennessee Shad” are excellent colors) also can be effective during summer and fall as baitfish school in open water areas along the north end of the lake. A live shiner fished a few feet under a popping cork is the most reliable bait for catching trophy bass.

Lake Istokpoga has a 15- to 24-inch slot limit for bass with a three-fish daily bag limit, of which only one bass may be 24 inches or longer. All residents between 16 and 64 years of age and all non-residents are required to have a fishing license.

Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake consumption of largemouth bass should be limited. Women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from this lake to no more than 8 ounces a week.

EVERGLADES WATER CONSERVATION AREAS 2 AND 3
Everglades Water Conservation Areas are marshlands bordered by canals. Area 2 consists of 210 square miles of Everglades marsh connected with perimeter canals, and Area 3 covers 730 square miles of wetlands bordered by a canal system. Originally designed for flood control and water supply, the area provides some of the best bass fishing in the country.

The best fishing usually occurs in the spring when dropping water levels concentrate fish in the canals. April is the peak month with angler catch rates as high a 4.1 bass per hour in the L-67A Canal.

Most anglers fish in the canals. Anglers work edges with plastic worms and minnow imitations. Flipping into the vegetation is also a popular technique. During high water, anglers often will enter the marsh areas where bass can be found in the open slough areas. The L-67A Canal has trails off of it specifically cut to provide boat-access to marsh areas.

The L-67A and L-35B are two popular canals in the area for fishing. The L-67A Canal has access at the north end at Holiday Park, off U.S. 27, where camping and boat rentals are available.
At the south end, it is accessible at the S-333 water control structure off Tamiami Trail (S.R. 41). The L-35B Canal access is at Sawgrass Recreation Area, off of U.S. 27 and has boat rentals. Boat ramps are available at all three sites.

Mercury health advisories follow current length limits established for largemouth bass caught in the water conservation areas with recommendations made based on bass length. For largemouth bass less than 14 inches, women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. Others should limit consumption of bass from these areas to no more than 8 ounces a week. No one should consume largemouth bass greater than 14 inches in length.

LAKE OKEECHOBEE
Lake Okeechobee is consistently one of Florida’s top producing bass lakes and is one of the best lakes in the country for bass fishing. Situated in south central Florida, the “Big O” covers 730 square miles and is easily accessible from Florida’s east and west coasts. FWC biologists are expecting a tremendous year class for this lake this year. Due to the water level fluctuations, this lake is also experiencing positive changes in vegetation.

Anglers are routinely catching big bass weighing 10 to 12 pounds. The lake record is 15 pounds, 5 ounces. Lake Okeechobee is currently averaging 500 tournaments a year. Anglers do well fishing in bulrush near Eagle Bay Island, Little Grassy Island and King’s Bar at the north end of the lake. At the south end, anglers are effective fishing in eelgrass in the South Bay area. The largest bass are caught using live golden shiners and casting into, or along edges of, vegetation. Plastic worms and spinner baits are often productive. Casting lures near vegetation often produces the largest numbers of bass.

Lake Okeechobee has a 13- to 18-inch slot limit on bass, meaning all bass between 13 and 18 inches must be released unharmed. The statewide creel limit of five black bass with only one longer than 22 inches total length applies.

Sixteen boat ramps and numerous fish camps surround the lake. For more information contact the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce at (941) 983-7979 or the Okeechobee Chamber of Commerce at (941) 763-6464.

Due to low mercury levels in this lake, the Florida Department of Health recommends following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s general guidelines for fish consumption (see below).

CRESCENT LAKE
This 15,725-acre lake borders the east side of Crescent City on the Putnam/Flagler county line. Crescent Lake flows into the St. Johns River via Dunns Creek on its north end. Past electro-fishing samples for largemouth bass revealed one of the highest catch-per-unit-efforts recorded for areas on the St. Johns River. Largemouth bass up to 20 inches long were well represented in the sample, and good numbers of larger fish (over 8 pounds) were collected.

Fall/early winter fishing tends to be best near deep-water structures such as dock pilings. Good artificial baits include plastic worms, spinner baits and crank baits. Live golden shiners are always a popular bait.

Several fish camps provide access to the lake on the western and southern shorelines. A public boat ramp is near downtown Crescent City, one block east of U.S. 17, and another is on the northeast shore off S.R. 20/100. Bank access is limited to these facilities.

Due to elevated levels of mercury in this lake, consumption of largemouth bass should be limited. Women of childbearing age and children under age 10 should not eat more than 8 ounces of bass over a four-week period. All others should limit consumption of bass from this lake to no more than 8 ounces a week.

Where low mercury levels have been reported, general EPA guidelines recommend a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, or a nursing mother should eat not more than 8 ounces of bass in a week’s time. Children under age 10 should eat no more than 3 ounces of bass in a week’s time. All others are not advised to limit consumption of largemouth bass. Consumption recommendations should not deter anglers from enjoying recreational fishing, and many bass fishing enthusiasts voluntarily pursue the practice of catch-and-release to help conserve the resource.

SPECIAL NOTE: Students across the nation are learning about their state fishes (the Florida largemouth bass is Florida’s freshwater state fish) and displaying their artistic talent in the 2003 Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest. The State-Fish Art Web site, www.statefishart.com, provides a downloadable entry form, or students can call the toll-free number, 1-877-FISH-ART, to request an entry form through the mail. The deadline for submissions is March 31. With the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Contest, young artists nationwide create an illustration of their state fish and a written composition on its behavior, habitats or efforts to conserve it. Entries are grouped by grade level: 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. The winning artwork from each state is featured at the Wildlife Forever State-Fish Art Expo and displayed online for one year at www.statefishart.com and at www.FloridaFisheries.com/kids/Funstuff.html where you can find other educational games and information about freshwater fishing as well.

NOTE: For more information about these lakes, contact the following FWC biologists:
• Lake George and Crescent Lake – Joe Jenkins (386) 985-7880
• Lakes Weohyakapka and Tarpon – Tim Coughlin (863) 648-3202
• Farm 13/Stick Marsh Reservoir – Bob Eisenhauer (407) 752-3115
• Rodman Reservoir – Eric Nagid (352) 392-9617
• Lake Istokpoga – Beacham Furse (863) 462-5190
• West Lake Tohopekaliga – Marty Mann (407) 846-5300
• Everglades Water Conservation Areas 2 and 3 – Jon Fury (561) 625-5122
• Lake Okeechobee – Dan McCall (863) 462-5190

Little Tips As You Go Fishing

2007-09-03T22:01:00.000+07:00

MOTOR MAINTENANCE: Use Stabil & enzyme gas treatment to keep fuel lines, filters, and carburetor free of gunk. Annually—change plugs; lube the lower unit, change or clean filters. Remove prop, check for fishing line, grease shaft, if in doubt have prop checked for true, check steering cable & grease, check control cables, touch up paint. Other - replace impeller at least once every other year-more often if lower unit has encountered sand or mud input.

FISHING TIPS: Make 10 casts in a fan. If no bite change the lure, color or speed of retrieval. Continue this sequence. When you find success and land one then put over a marker buoy and continue with that presentation---you might be in a school with the right stuff!

Tips on What Not to Forget on Your Next Camping/Fishing

2007-09-03T21:56:00.000+07:00

I overheard a conversation at a local convenience store the other day that piqued my interest. Two forty-something females were conversing about their camping trip over the Fourth of July weekend. They both agreed the fishing was good, the mosquitoes were bad, and the children were well behaved. Still, the trip was also noteworthy for a few unpleasant surprises, namely forgotten camping gear and defective equipment.

“I only go camping once a summer, and after I’m home I pack all my stuff into plastic storage bins and keep it in my garage until the following year, ” said one of the ladies. “I don’t know what happened. I should have packed much smarter.”

Such stories aren’t uncommon; they happen to all of us at least once in our lives -- trust me on that. Before I go on a family camping trip, I grab a notebook and write out a packing list, complete with boxes for check marks. It sounds a little corny, but I’ve found it works so well that I’ve turned it into something of a ritual.

As I start to assemble my gear, first making sure everything works properly, I pack the item and check the appropriate box in my notebook. That way I know I won’t forget anything at home.

Tent -- check.
Stakes -- check.
Sleeping bag -- check.
Lantern -- check.
Flashlight -- check.
And so on.

When you are going on a camping trip far away from home, forgotten items can mean more than an inconvenience; forgotten items can lead to anightmare. Here are a few camping and fishing items that I absolutely won’t leave home without:

* Fillet knives: If you have designs on eating a fresh fish dinner, a quality set of fillet knives is mandatory. A butter knife simply won’t cut it. For my money, Gerber makes the best fillet knives on the market today. Inexpensive and always dependable, they come in multiple sizes and have special “Gator Grip” handles that make filleting fish in wet weather a snap. All of Gerber’s fillet knives come with a hard-molded sheath and a ceramic sharpener slot at the tip. That’s definitely a plus when you’re cleaning a mess of bluegills. Gerber also has other products that you’ll find helpful in any camping setting, everything from axes, saws and multi-pliers to shears, knife sharpeners and more. For more information, check
www.gerber.com.

* Ziploc bags: These quality plastic bags are lifesavers -- and in more ways than one. If I catch enough fish on a camping trip take home, I immediately put the fillets in Ziploc freezer bags and put them on ice. I also store other food I want to keep dry in them. When I’m wilderness camping, I always assume I going to run into inclement weather, so I pack my extra socks, underwear, T-shirts and other garments in Ziploc Big Bags. Trust me, they’ll stay nice and dry.

* Camera: Family camping trips are the stuff of memories, so why not preserve them by snapping off a few rolls of film? I never leave home without my trusty Nikon 35mm camera. One never knows when you’re going to catch a monster pike or walleye. For information, check www.nikon.com.

* Insect repellent: Nothing can spoil a camping trip faster than getting eaten alive by mosquitoes, black flies, gnats or sandflies. That’s why I store cans of OFF! Deep Woods everywhere -- in my Chevy truck, in my Plano tackle box, in my duffel bag. OFF! Deep Woods has 25 percent DEET, which is good for long days in the outdoors. Generally speaking, the higher the percentage of DEET, the longer the repellent works. Make sure to read the instructions before applying. Another option is to use OFF! Skintastic insect repellent, which has been specially formulated to protect against both insects and the sun.

* Snacks: Have you ever been fishing with your son or daughter and had them start ranting and raving about being hungry? Nothing can satisfy a kids’ growling stomach quite like Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, which is low in fat (97 fat free) and high in protein. Jack Link’s offers eleven flavors of jerky and several other meat products. And trust me on this, you can eat just one. For more information, check www.linksnacks.com.

* Trolling motor: There’s nothing worse than fishing without a quality trolling motor, and Minn Kota makes the best in the business -- and I’ve tried them all. I also highly recommend Minn Kota’s new CoPilot remote control system that allows wireless operation of selected trolling motor models from anywhere in the boat and without having to use cords or a foot pedal. That’s a real plus. The patented system consists of a compact remote control unit (about the size of a vehicle keyless entry remote) and a receiver unit that easily attaches to the motor. The CoPilot comes with snap-lock mounting brackets that allow the remote control unit to be mounted on any fishing rod for easy, hands-on operation. This is a revolutionary product that allows you to navigate your boat and fish simultaneously. For more information, check www.minnkota.com.

Tips For Fishing Halibut

2007-09-02T21:51:00.001+07:00

These tips are just my opinions from what I have seen working on boats. If you have other methods that have worked for you feel free to comment.

1) Sinkers-
I have found that using a stationary torpedo sinker works best. It keeps you bait close to the bottom where you want it.
Lots of people like the sliding sinker method either using the plastic clips that you can buy or using swivels to let you line run freely threw the sinker. The down side of this is that you do not know where you bait is. It could be swimming up on the surface and you would never know. On a crowded party boat this means only one thing TANGLES!

2) Trap rigs-
Using a trap rig will increase the numbers of halibut you catch. Any one who has fished halibut before has almost certainly had the bait shredded from just above the tail. The trap rig will help you hook those short bitters.
When making your trap rigs make sure it fits the size bait you are using. You want the front hook to be in the nose like normal. The second hook (a treble hook) you want it to be placed just behind the anal fin with not to much slack in-between. Don’t make it to short either or your bait will curl up and not be able to swim.

3) Setting the hook-
When you get bit do not be in to big of a hurry to set the hook. Many times halibut will bite it and just sit there, if you are to quick on the hook set you will rip the bait out of there mouth. One method I have found to work well is to slowly lift you rod and pull the bait from the fish. It will think it is trying to get away and when it hits again it will usually get the whole bait in its mouth. Then set the hook. (They may come back three or four times before actually eating the bait.)
This takes a little bit of practice to get the feel for when they really have a good hold of the bait. (It will feel like dead weight on the end of you line) Once you get the hang of it I think you will find it works very well.

4) Big bait-
Halibut can eat very large bait. Do not be afraid to throw out the biggest sardine you can find. You may not catch as many fish doing this but the ones you do get will be big. I have caught a 32lb halibut on a 13 inch mackerel.

Choosing the Best Boat to Use for Walleye Fishing

2007-09-01T21:19:00.000+07:00

You might be wondering, 'Do I need a boat to fish for walleye? Can't I just catch the fish from the shore?' Of course you can, but if you've had experience with walleye before, you know that they tend to change location depending on the season and on where their main food is located.

Some of the best walleye catches are also difficult to access from the shore. When walleye congregate in deeper waters, why miss out when you can be in on the action in the comfort of your own boat? Here are some things you might want to consider when buying or choosing a boat for walleye fishing:

Consider the frequency of your fishing trips.
If you fish a couple of times a year, you'll need a simple, no-frills boat. You might also want to invest in something cheaper but sturdy.

Consider your fishing style.
Walleye tend to make their appearance during the nighttime. If you'll be fishing mostly for this fish, consider the creature comforts and protection your boat can offer when you'll be using it .

Consider boat size
The size of the boat matters, especially if you will be fishing with a companion or two. You might also want to consider how well your boat will handle the passengers and equipment. A 14-foot boat, for example, will probably be comfortable enough for two to three anglers plus equipment. Longer ones can hold more.

Do you need a motor?
Consider the size of the lake or reservoir you will be fishing. A medium to large body of water will require that you use a boat with a motor so you can change locations easily. Imagine paddling your way around a lake as big as Lake Erie just to find your walleye.

Which bottom?
The way a fishing boat's bottom is shaped will impact how it performs in the water. A flat bottom, for example, is a good boat to use if the water isn't choppy and you don't need a lot of speed. For deeper waters, a V-bottom boat will work better because the shape cuts the water more efficiently, allowing you to move faster. If the lake you'll be fishing in is a bit large, consider a steeper V-bottom for more speed and a smoother ride.

Material and design
Boats that are perfect for walleye fishing come in a variety of layouts and styles. Simply choose which one will best fit your needs. As for materials, choose boats made of fiberglass or aluminum. They're sturdy and tough enough to see you through hundreds of walleye fishing trips.

Adam’s Plaice Fishing Tips

2007-08-30T21:15:00.001+07:00

Adam on catching plaice: all you need to know
As the finest fishermen of my generation, as well as a ladies man of no little repute, journalist, beer drinker, driver of fast cars, actor, artist, author, physicist, wit and bon viveur extraordinaire, I feel it my duty to pass on some tips as to how you, the little people, can catch plaice, that most noble and hard-to-fool of species. Indeed it has often been said that plaice are the most difficult to catch of all the fishes that swim the oceans blue, as well as the most rewarding.

Only an angler of dedication, skill and a noble mien may hope to succeed on a regular basis. But with my help even the common man may be able to catch the occasional specimen of pleuronectes platessa, as we biologists know them.

It was Isaac Walton himself who once said, “The plaice be the fearfullest of fishes.” He said this as he bought me a pint of foaming ale for outcatching him three fish to one for the third day running on his own boat. As I said to Dick Walker and Ivan Marks at the time “You’ve got a lot to learn from me, boys.”

And now I have graciously decided to pass on just a little of my vast and encyclopaedic knowledge on the subject of plaice fishing to you, my humble acolytes. So where shall I begin? What hope can I bring, like a St. Francis of Assisi of fishermen, to even such as you? What spark of inspiration can I pass on to

Those Adam plaice fishing tips in full…

Bag the best place on the boat from the start.
Refuse all requests to move, even by the merest fraction of an inch.
Use any and all illegal narcotic attractants to lure the fish to your hook rather than anyone else’s.
Whatever floating beads, spoons, exotic oils you use, keep it to yourself. Say you are using a size 8/0 with a wire trace and mackerel bait.
Cut off and throw over the side anyone else’s rig that looks vaguely competent or anything like yours.

MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing: All Principles

2007-08-29T21:09:00.001+07:00

PRINCIPLE 1:
A fishery must be conducted in a manner that does not lead to over-fishing or depletion of the exploited populations and, for those populations that are depleted, the fishery must be conducted in a manner that demonstrably leads to their recovery :

Intent:
The intent of this principle is to ensure that the productive capacities of resources are maintained at high levels and are not sacrificed in favour of short term interests. Thus, exploited populations would be maintained at high levels of abundance designed to retain their productivity, provide margins of safety for error and uncertainty, and restore and retain their capacities for yields over the long term.

Criteria:

The fishery shall be conducted at catch levels that continually maintain the high productivity of the target population(s) and associated ecological community relative to its potential productivity.
Where the exploited populations are depleted, the fishery will be executed such that recovery and rebuilding is allowed to occur to a specified level consistent with the precautionary approach and the ability of the populations to produce long-term potential yields within a specified time frame.
Fishing is conducted in a manner that does not alter the age or genetic structure or sex composition to a degree that impairs reproductive capacity.

PRINCIPLE 2:
Fishing operations should allow for the maintenance of the structure, productivity, function and diversity of the ecosystem (including habitat and associated dependent and ecologically related species) on which the fishery depends.

Intent:
The intent of this principle is to encourage the management of fisheries from an ecosystem perspective under a system designed to assess and restrain the impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem.

Criteria:

The fishery is conducted in a way that maintains natural functional relationships among species and should not lead to trophic cascades or ecosystem state changes.
The fishery is conducted in a manner that does not threaten biological diversity at the genetic, species or population levels and avoids or minimises mortality of, or injuries to endangered, threatened or protected species.
Where exploited populations are depleted, the fishery will be executed such that recovery and rebuilding is allowed to occur to a specified level within specified time frames, consistent with the precautionary approach and considering the ability of the population to produce long-term potential yields.

PRINCIPLE 3:
The fishery is subject to an effective management system that respects local, national and international laws and standards and incorporates institutional and operational frameworks that require use of the resource to be responsible and sustainable.

Intent:
The intent of this principle is to ensure that there is an institutional and operational framework for implementing Principles 1 and 2, appropriate to the size and scale of the fishery.

A. Management System Criteria:

1. The fishery shall not be conducted under a controversial unilateral exemption to an international agreement.

The management system shall:

2. demonstrate clear long-term objectives consistent with MSC Principles and Criteria and contain a consultative process that is transparent and involves all interested and affected parties so as to consider all relevant information, including local knowledge. The impact of fishery management decisions on all those who depend on the fishery for their livelihoods, including, but not confined to subsistence, artisanal, and fishing-dependent communities shall be addressed as part of this process;

3. be appropriate to the cultural context, scale and intensity of the fishery – reflecting specific objectives, incorporating operational criteria, containing procedures for implementation and a process for monitoring and evaluating performance and acting on findings;

4. observe the legal and customary rights and long term interests of people dependent on fishing for food and livelihood, in a manner consistent with ecological sustainability;

5. incorporates an appropriate mechanism for the resolution of disputes arising within the system ;

6. provide economic and social incentives that contribute to sustainable fishing and shall not operate with subsidies that contribute to unsustainable fishing;

7. act in a timely and adaptive fashion on the basis of the best available information using a precautionary approach particularly when dealing with scientific uncertainty;

8. incorporate a research plan – appropriate to the scale and intensity of the fishery – that addresses the information needs of management and provides for the dissemination of research results to all interested parties in a timely fashion;

9. require that assessments of the biological status of the resource and impacts of the fishery have been and are periodically conducted;

10. specify measures and strategies that demonstrably control the degree of exploitation of the resource, including, but not limited to:

a) setting catch levels that will maintain the target population and ecological community’s high productivity relative to its potential productivity, and account for the non-target species (or size, age, sex) captured and landed in association with, or as a consequence of, fishing for target species;
b) identifying appropriate fishing methods that minimise adverse impacts on habitat, especially in critical or sensitive zones such as spawning and nursery areas;
c) providing for the recovery and rebuilding of depleted fish populations to specified levels within specified time frames;

d) mechanisms in place to limit or close fisheries when designated catch limits are reached;
e) establishing no-take zones where appropriate;

11. contains appropriate procedures for effective compliance, monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement which ensure that established limits to exploitation are not exceeded and specifies corrective actions to be taken in the event that they are.

B. Operational Criteria

Fishing operation shall:

12. make use of fishing gear and practices designed to avoid the capture of non-target species (and non-target size, age, and/or sex of the target species); minimise mortality of this catch where it cannot be avoided, and reduce discards of what cannot be released alive;

13. implement appropriate fishing methods designed to minimise adverse impacts on habitat, especially in critical or sensitive zones such as spawning and nursery areas;

14. not use destructive fishing practices such as fishing with poisons or explosives;

15. minimise operational waste such as lost fishing gear, oil spills, on-board spoilage of catch, etc.;

16. be conducted in compliance with the fishery management system and all legal and administrative requirements; and

17. assist and co-operate with management authorities in the collection of catch, discard, and other information of importance to effective management of the resources and the fishery.

MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing: Preambles

2007-08-29T21:05:00.001+07:00

Preamble
The following Principles & Criteria are intended to guide the efforts of the Marine Stewardship Council towards the development of sustainable fisheries on a global basis. They were developed assuming that a sustainable fishery is defined, for the purposes of MSC certification, as one that is conducted in such a way that:

it can be continued indefinitely at a reasonable level;
it maintains and seeks to maximise, ecological health and abundance,
it maintains the diversity, structure and function of the ecosystem on which it depends as well as the quality of its habitat, minimising the adverse effects that it causes;
it is managed and operated in a responsible manner, in conformity with local, national and international laws and regulations;
it maintains present and future economic and social options and benefits;
it is conducted in a socially and economically fair and responsible manner.

The Principles represent the overarching philosophical basis for this initiative in stewardship of marine resources: the use of market forces to promote behaviour which helps achieve the goal of sustainable fisheries. They form the basis for detailed Criteria which will be used to evaluate each fishery seeking certification under the MSC programme.

Although the primary focus is the ecological integrity of world fisheries, the principles also embrace the human and social elements of fisheries. Their successful implementation depends upon a system which is open, fair, based upon the best information available and which incorporates all relevant legal obligations. The certification programme in which these principles will be applied is intended to give any fishery the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to sustainable fishing and ultimately benefit from this commitment in the market place.

Scope
The scope of the MSC Principles and Criteria relates to marine fisheries activities up to but not beyond the point at which the fish are landed. However, MSC-accredited certifiers may be informed of serious concerns associated with post-landing practices.

The MSC Principles and Criteria apply at this stage only to wildcapture fisheries (including, but not limited to shellfish, crustaceans and cephalopods). Aquaculture and the harvest of other species are not currently included.

Issues involving allocation of quotas and access to marine resources are considered to be beyond the scope of these Principles and Criteria.

MSC Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing: Overview

2007-08-28T20:55:00.000+07:00

At the centre of the MSC is a set of Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Fishing which are used as a standard in a third party, independent and voluntary certification programme. These were developed by means of an extensive, international consultative process through which the views of stakeholders in fisheries were gathered.

These Principles reflect a recognition that a sustainable fishery should be based upon:

The maintenance and re-establishment of healthy populations of targeted species;
The maintenance of the integrity of ecosystems;
The development and maintenance of effective fisheries management systems, taking into account all relevant biological, technological, economic, social, environmental and commercial aspects; and
Compliance with relevant local and national local laws and standards and international understandings and agreements

The Principles and Criteria are further designed to recognise and emphasise that management efforts are most likely to be successful in accomplishing the goals of conservation and sustainable use of marine resources when there is full co-operation among the full range of fisheries stakeholders, including those who are dependent on fishing for their food and livelihood.

On a voluntary basis, fisheries which conform to these Principles and Criteria will be eligible for certification by independent MSC-accredited certifiers. Fish processors, traders and retailers will be encouraged to make public commitments to purchase fish products only from certified sources. This will allow consumers to select fish products with the confidence that they come from sustainable, well managed sources. It will also benefit the fishers and the fishing industry who depend on the abundance of fish stocks, by providing market incentives to work towards sustainable practices. Fish processors, traders and retailers who buy from certified sustainable sources will in turn benefit from the assurance of continuity of future supply and hence sustainability of their own businesses.

The MSC promotes equal access to its certification programme irrespective of the scale of the fishing operation. The implications of the size, scale, type, location and intensity of the fishery, the uniqueness of the resources and the effects on other ecosystems will be considered in every certification.

The MSC further recognises the need to observe and respect the long-term interests of people dependent on fishing for food and livelihood to the extent that it is consistent with ecological sustainability, and also the importance of fisheries management and operations being conducted in a manner consistent with established local, national, and international rules and standards as well as in compliance with the MSC Principles and Criteria.

Riverkeeper Completes Mercury Testing – Smallmouth Bass Exceed EPA Standards

2007-08-27T11:07:00.000+07:00

This week the results from Willamette Riverkeeper’s Mercury Testing Project were completed, providing renewed concern about Mercury levels in resident fish. WRK collected fish in July and sent them to be tested for Mercury concentrations to a lab in North Carolina. Of the ten fish collected, 6 of the 10 exceeded the EPA Standard of .3ppm. The fish were caught just below, and just above Willamette Falls near Oregon City.

“While this is a relatively small data set, it underscores the need to reduce Mercury in the Willamette River,” said Travis Williams, Executive Director of Willamette Riverkeeper. “It is critical that the TMDL for Mercury that is being considered works to precisely determine sources of mercury, and works toward an overall reduction in the Mercury load in the river,” he said.

The Willamette River provides great fishing opportunities for Oregon’s anglers. Unfortunately for those wish to consume their catch, there may be health risks stemming from the toxins that predatory fish tend to accumulate. One of the most widespread and harmful contaminants is mercury. While a small amount of mercury enters our waters naturally, the majority comes from the deposition of airborne vehicle exhaust, runoff from mining, and direct municipal and industrial effluent. Largely due to Mercury in fish tissue in Oregon, the State of Oregon has had a fish consumption advisory for all resident fish, recommending smaller portions.

RISKS - The developing fetus and young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of mercury. Exposure of pregnant women to mercury lowers birth weight and can cause severe brain damage and birth defects in children. This further underscores the need for the fish advisory.

To protect human and ecological health, new data on fish contamination is always helpful. As part of the Willamette Basin Total Maximum Daily Load, The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality tested a number of fish species at several sites along the Willamette and its tributaries. In order to provide information on the contamination levels of fish in the Portland area and contribute to the efforts of the DEQ, Willamette Riverkeeper teamed up with the Waterkeeper Alliance, the Department of Environmental Quality, and several members of the Oregon Bass and Panfish Club (Bill Egan, Terry Wu, Tom Nelson) to catch smallmouth bass for mercury analysis.

Smallmouth Bass were chosen since they are a popular game fish that is under-represented in the DEQ’s dataset. The Willamette Falls area in Oregon City was selected as a sample site since little information on mercury levels in fish tissue exists for this area. 5 smallmouth bass were caught both above and below Willamette Falls on July 21, 2005 by Oregon Bass and Panfish Club members. The fish were shipped to the Environmental Quality Institute at University of North Carolina for analysis. Expenses were covered by the Waterkeeper Alliance. Training on fish handling and data collection was provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.

The EPA standard for mercury in fish tissue is .3 ppm. The FDA standard is 1.0 ppm. From our results, we see that the concentration of mercury in several fish violated the EPA standard while none violated the FDA standard. Also, it is evident that mercury concentration increases with fish size. This is to be expected as larger fish are more effective predators and mercury concentration increases as organisms ascend the food chain.

It is important that Oregonians monitor contaminant levels in their water and aquatic organisms. The data provided by Willamette Riverkeeper and its partners demonstrates the current level of contamination in a popular game fish.

Fishing Montana Style - Diversity and Opportunity

2007-08-26T11:02:00.000+07:00

Its summertime in Montana and the fishing is fantastic. There’s something for every angler throughout the state so grab your gear and pick your favorite.

Western Montana
Early summer is a hot time for catching the voracious pike. These post-spawn predators are looking for something to eat. Cut bait is always a sure thing, or try Rapala’s “Mystic Minnow” or weedless spinners. Lures in chartreuse and white seem to work the best this time of year, and concentrate on depths of 20-feet or less.

Check out Swan and Seeley Lakes off of Hwy 89, or head west along Hwy 2 to the Thompson Chain of Lakes. All three – Upper, Middle and Lower – fish well in early summer. Blanchard Lake, near Whitefish, is another pike hot spot, although be aware of the slot limits. Anglers are allowed 4 pike less than 28 inches and one greater than 36 inches.

Also try the Flathead River and the sloughs. Boaters can put in at the Sportsman Bridge fishing access site off of Hwy 82 on the Flathead River and head up the river to the mouths of Fennon Slough and Rose Creek.

When you’re fishing the sloughs, you can also fish for bass particularly in July after they’ve spawned. Toss out from the bank looking for good hiding spots such as submerged logs and other underwater structures. Use spinner baits in white and chartreuse, as well as Roboworms or Senko’s in 4’s and 5’s.

Noxon Reservoir at Thompson Falls is the premiere small mouth bass fishery in Western Montana. Fish rock structures and submerged weed beds using crankbaits, plastic worms and spinner blades.

Lake Blaine and Echo Lake near Kalispell offer great bass fishing particularly using a boat to fish depths around 12 to 15-feet where the bass are hiding. If the water is high enough at Echo, take advantage of the access to float over and fish Abbot and Peterson Lakes.

A little farther south along Hwy 93, angle the Flathead River below Kerr dam down to Perma. There’s fishing access at the mouth of Robertson Creek. The site is at mile post 88.5 on Highway 200, 3.4 miles east of the junction with Hwy 135. The area is just below the Flathead Indian Reservation allowing 4-miles of fishing out of the reservation boundaries; however, if you’re fishing on the reservation be sure to obtain a tribal fishing permit and information.

In addition, harvesting bass on many of the lakes requires a warm water fisheries stamp, which costs $5.00 and is available from any licensing agent.
Sack up the Kokanee at Lake Mary Ronan off of Hwy 93 or Koocanusa Reservoir in Libby. Jig around 30 to 40-feet using the standard maggot with white corn on a Swedish Pimple or Glo-Hook. Alternatively, cast with Doubly Whammys and wedding rings with a snubber to protect the tender mouths of the Kokes.

Take advantage of the rivers before the heat really kicks in and slows down the bite. Outside of Missoula, the Bitterroot, Blackfoot and Clark Fork Rivers dominate the trout fly fishing action. With practically unlimited options in fly selections, check with local outfits to see what’s working at that particular time. But be sure to include a few hoppers in your arsenal since they’re fairly consistent this time of year, and keep a nymph with a streamer handy if all else fails.

Don’t miss hitting the lake trout in Flathead Lake. There’s a “Hex” mayfly hatch the end of June in Polson Bay at the end of June, which bring in large schools of whitefish. Lake trout take advantage of this food source, so downrig or jig the Narrows the last week of June or first week of July for trophy lakers.

Central Montana
For walleye use bottom bouncers with a worm harness, crankbaits, or try perch patterned Rapalas. Canyon Ferry fished well early in the summer, and expect Holter and Hauser Lakes to follow. Sink your lure to roughly 5 to 10-feet deep on Canyon Ferry and 10 to 15-feet on Hauser and Holter.

Other good walleye fisheries in Central Montana include Lake Frances near Valier and Tiber Reservoir close to Shelby. As the water warms up throughout the summer, try switching to a jig with a nightcrawler or minnow.

If the walleye fishing slows down, many anglers switch to fishing for rainbows in these same waters. The post-spawn bows are hitting the open water and respond well to trolling hotshots and cowbells, or try a crawdad colored jig. Fishing is best early in the morning, late in the evening or on overcast days.

The Beaverhead and the Bighole Rivers are producing well this season with lots of 14 to 17 inch rainbows. Water should be clearing up in most rivers by early June, and more water with cooler temperatures is expected this season, which will help fishing throughout the summer.

Try stonefly nymphs trailed behind with a streamer. Caddis, pheasant-tail and prince nymphs are also good bets. On crummy days try Blue-winged Olives. For the best chance of success give yourself plenty of time to enjoy different sections of each of these rivers.

There are lots of Missouri River post-spawn rainbows that are reaching 15 to 21 inches. They’re feeding actively this time of year and hitting lures and flies. Try the Mepps 2, yellow and black Panther Marten, or Wooly Buggers on a casting bubble; fish within two miles of Little Prickly Pear Creek, Dearborn River or Little Sheep Creek. While you’re cruising for trout, nymph the mid-river runs for large schools of mountain whitefish reaching up to three-pounds.

The Missouri River also boasts a healthy population of quality brown trout that are active in the shallows mornings and evenings. Try a yellow Panther Martin, Mepps 3, a hammered brass spoon or small yellow spoon. The size limit on browns allows one harvested over 22-inches.
Eastern Montana

Tongue River Reservoir in July is the state’s premiere crappie fishery. Lots of deep bays and ample campsites provide good opportunities for fishing from the shoreline. Expect the Tongue to live up to its reputation of limits of ten-inch fish each day; a tiny minnow or a small spinner blade are most productive.

Walleye fishing is big in Eastern Montana. Even though drought and low water are constant issues, Fort Peck is renowned for this popular species and offers top-notch fishing throughout the summer. In June and July go to 25-feet with a bottom bouncer and a worm harness. Try crankbaits off of the points and deep bays in the evenings.

Nelson and Fresno are relatively shallow reservoirs that provide good walleye and pike opportunities. Dead drift and fish mudlines on windy days with a jig head and minnow on Nelson. Fresno has a uniform bottom running approximately 40-feet deep making it ideal for bottom bouncing with a worm harness and a spinner blade. Don’t worry about fishing bays because many have silted in through the years.

Tiber has struggled since the introduction of Cisco as its forage base a decade ago due to low water and winter draw downs during their spawning time. Nevertheless, Tiber reports abundant 13 to 14-inch walleye.

The Tongue River Reservoir holds the state record of a 37.5 pound pike caught in 1972. Use large spoons such as Five of Diamonds, red & white, black & white and alligator patterns; fish off of the points and in deeper bays. Suspend a smelt from a bobber in bays to tempt in the big boys.
Fort Peck has lots of deep bays and shoreline that provide good pike fishing opportunities. Mepps Musky Killer and spoons work well. Expect to catch them incidental when bottom bouncing for walleye. This is the same for Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs.

On Frances and Tiber troll jointed plugs or light spoons 100-feet behind the boat for pike throughout the day. On Frances dead drift on windy days with a Twister Tail. You can expect to catch a few quality perch using this method.

Lake trout are abundant in Fort Peck. Downrig on the bottom - roughly 125-feet deep – on the midlake bar between Haxby Point and the four pumphouses on the dam using a black flutter spoon with Smelly Jelly. Tiber boasts a relatively small population of lake trout. They’re usually caught near the dam jigging in deep water with a spoon on the bottom.

Fort Peck also has six-pound small mouth bass in the Forchette Bay area. Use crank baits, spinner blades and Twister Tails. Also try the Yellowstone River near Miles City, or head to Bighorn Lake near Billings. Structure oriented fish, such as small and large mouth bass, can be captured using crankbaits along the steep canyon walls.

No matter what your fishing preference might be Montana has a diversity and abundance for every type of angler. The hardest part is simply deciding where to go!

Fishing Tips from an Expert

2007-08-22T10:54:00.000+07:00

by Janis Couvreux

It’s a given that French men are stubborn, or at least difficult. My husband is French, and stubborn on top of that. So I think I can safely say that this man is a “double whammy.”

For our Atlantic Ocean crossing, we counted on a 30-day trip. However, one must prepare for the unforeseen: multiple windless days, perhaps equipment breakdowns…any number of things or events that could prolong the trip. With this in mind, we easily stored enough provisions for two months. We hoped that we would catch fish to supplement our diet, and vary the meals, but we couldn’t count on that. So whatever fish would be caught, if any, would be a welcome, surprise bonus.

So, Michel, who is not a fisherman, set about learning how one should fish while sailing, especially in deep ocean waters. We had quite a few sailing book “how-tos” and tales of others’ voyages in our on-board library. There were many advised tricks, fail-safe methods, and “guaranteed-to-catch” whatevers, so he settled on a method culled from several sources. It would seem that recreating the impression of a school of fish was a favorable tactic.

World Record Catch by National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame

2007-08-21T10:46:00.000+07:00

PROVO, UTAH AND HAYWARD, WISCONSIN – The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame has awarded Manitoba, Canada angler, Tim Matheson, its Fresh Water Fish, World Angling Record for a 29-inch brook trout Matheson caught during the inaugural four-week “Fish’n Win” tournament produced by Angling Masters international and “The Fish’n Line” magazine.

Matheson, owner of Kenanow Lodge near Sherridan Manitoba, landed a brook trout that measured 29 inches in length with a girth of 21 inches during the October 2006 tournament held at Manitoba’s Barbe Lake. After measuring and photographing the fish, Matheson and his fishing buddy released it back into the lake.

“As much as I love fishing, it wasn’t worth the risk of killing that magnificent fish to have a world record,” Matheson said. “So after measuring the fish and taking some pictures, we slid it back into the lake.”

Estimated to weigh 15- to 16-pounds and convinced it was a potential world record fish, Matheson submitted photos and details of his catch to several sport fishing organizing bodies, one of them being the Hayward, Wisconsin-based Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

After reviewing Matheson’s photos during its annual world record classification process, the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame awarded Matheson the number one position in its “Fresh Water, Catch and Release” category. The Matheson’s brook trout broke was 4 inches longer than the previous record, which has stood since April 1995.

“Tim caught a great fish,” said Emmett Brown, executive director for the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. “But he also released it so it could thrill another angler some other day and also reproduce to keep the species alive.”

Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame records are updated quarterly and are printed in each issue of the Hall’s in-house magazine, “The Splash”. For his record catch, Matheson will be listed in “The Splash” and in the Hall’s annual record book. Matheson will receive an official Hall of Fame certificate and world champion shirt-sleeve and back patches.

Angling Masters International also awarded Matheson $1,000 as the winner of its inaugural “Fish’n Win” tournament. Scoring was determined by Angling Master’s unique points system, which levels the playing field for different species and locations throughout North America.

Hot Tips for Cold Weather Fishing

2007-08-20T10:41:00.000+07:00

by Patrick Mills

Introduction
During the early spring, just after ice out, water contained within our lakes, rivers and ponds remains very cold. Fish can be difficult to both locate and catch during this time, as they tend to shoal in specific deep-water areas and, due to their slowed metabolisms, are typically lethargic and tend to adopt timid feeding behaviors. However, it is possible for the bank fisher to make some excellent catches during this time. The following tips detail how, by allowing for and adapting to these specific conditions, this goal can be accomplished.

Locating fish on lakes and ponds
Tip #1 – During cold late winter and early spring fish of all species generally shoal up in ‘warmer’ deep-water areas. This behavior is related to the fact that water in the range of 4oC – 0oC (~39oF – 32oF) is less dense than water above this range, meaning it rises to the surface before turning in to ice.

Thus, under the coldest conditions, locating fish can sometimes be as simple as casting ones bait into the deepest (or ‘warmest’) part of the lake or pond. However, just because ones bait is within the vicinity of the fish, this does not guarantee that it will be taken. This point is addressed further in tip #6.

Tip #2 - Following on from tip #1, it is important to remember that fish will generally migrate to warmer water as conditions allow. Therefore, as weather conditions improve fish may be found in shallower water closer to shore.

This behavior may follow either of two trends – after a few days of mild weather, during which time the temperature of the water has remained above 4oC during both nighttime and daylight hours, or during bright daytime conditions when direct sunlight may rapidly warm the shallows by a significant degree.

This latter effect can be particularly evident around midday, so it is often of benefit to bank fish a venue over the more productive hours of ~11:00 am – 3:00 pm during the cooler months. The points so far discussed pertaining to water temperature illustrate an important fact – by either estimating or actually measuring the water’s temperature, the angler can come up with a best guess of where the fish will be holding at our local lake or pond.

Thus, it is of benefit to carry a thermometer in order to check the venue’s temperature close to shore. A personal rule of thumb is that if the water temperature in the shallows is 5oC (39oF) or greater, then a close range pole or bobber (float) approach is used, but if the shallows are at a lower temperature than this critical value, then either long range sinker or float tactics are preferred. These specific approaches are discussed further in tip #6.

Tip #3 - Fish from the windward (sheltered) bank of a lake or pond during the cooler months. For example, if the prevailing winds are out of the Northwest, then fish from the NW bank of the venue. This tactic has two principle benefits – first, the angler will generally be protected from the prevailing wind, or at least have his or her back to it. Not only does this approach allow for a more comfortable fishing position, (much better than having a brisk winter wind blowing directly into ones face), but bite detection also becomes easier when fishing calmer water.

Second, as the wind blows across the venue it will produce two effects - in addition of causing the top most layers of the water to be pushed towards the venue’s opposite (SE in our example) bank, it will also significantly cool this water. As a result of these effects, the temperature of the water blown into the leeward (exposed) bank will plummet, resulting in any fish present to most likely vacate the area.

Locating fish on rivers
Tip #4 – In many ways, locating and catching fish from rivers during the cooler months can be a far less complicated than performing an equivalent task on any lake or pond. This truism can be traced to one simple fact – in common with their still water counterparts, the metabolisms of all river fish also slow down as water temperatures drop. Thus, in order to conserve energy most species relocate to either deeper and/or slower river stretches with the onset of cooler weather. Bearing this fact in mind, the angler is advised to target the deeper features of rivers – holes, the outside of bends, bays and above dams, during the cooler months.

Interestingly, even though both river and still water fish retreat to deeper water during cooler periods, they may do so for different reasons. For river fish, which must constantly expend energy by swimming against the current, residing in deeper and/or slower stretches provides a mechanism for such species to conserve energy and, therefore, function with a reduced metabolic rate. However, it should also be noted that river fish typically maintain slightly higher metabolic rates than their still water brethren under similar temperature conditions.

This is due to the fact that such fish must continually expand energy by swimming against the river’s current. This latter point is good news to the angler, as river fish must necessarily feed more frequently than their still water counterparts during the cooler months. Thus, given a choice, a personal rule of thumb would be to fish a river in preference to a still water when water temperatures are within a few degrees of freezing.

Tackle and tactics
Tip #5 - Having determined the most probable location of the fish, how do we go about catching them? Simply stated, in order to attract fish to the vicinity of or hook bait, hold them there and eventually attract takes from our quarry, some kind of groundbait (chum) must be introduced to our chosen swim. Groundbaits work by first attracting fish, through releasing an attractive smell, then providing a readily available ‘carpet’ of food in order to keep these fish within the desired (‘groundbaited’) area. Groundbaits themselves can be very simple – a 50/50 mixture of cornmeal and white bread crumb, combined with water and mixed into fluffy balls that, in turn, fall apart when thrown into the swim, works well in summer.

However, under cold-water conditions a more sophisticated approach is required. First, since the fish require less food, the food value of the groundbait must be reduced. Passing the dry, pre-mixed groundbait ingredients through a coffee grinder typically accomplishes this task. The resulting fine powder contains very small particles that, when eventually introduced to the swim via the finished groundbait will not overfeed the fish. Additionally, the finished groundbait may also be ‘cut’ with up to 50% damp soil before being introduced to the swim.

This also has the effect of allowing a larger groundbaited area to be established, while simultaneously not introducing an excessive amount of feed. Second, the attractiveness of the groundbait must be enhanced. This an easily be accomplished by adding some kind of flavoring to the groundbait during mixing – vanilla and strawberry food flavorings work well, as do garlic and fish oil ‘lure sprays’ sold through most tackle stores. This is necessary as scents and flavors diffuse at a much slower rate in cold water, thus by increasing their concentration this drawback is overcome.

A small number of hookbait samples should also be added to the groundbait. If using worm on the hook, chopped or pulped worms make for a deadly groundbait additive. Typically, between two and five orange sized balls of low feed / winter groundbait should be introduced to the area to be fished. The angler should then fish his or her bait over this area until the number of takes begins to tail off. This may not happen during the session, but if it does a further two or three balls groundbait should be introduced.

Tip #6 – Following on from tip #5, having attracted fish into the area to be fished through the introduction of a suitable groundbait, the angler is free to fish a hookbait over this groundbaited area. However, due to the fact that fish in cold water can be notoriously lethargic and/or ‘finicky’, ultra light tackle, coupled with the most sensitive of bobbers (floats) or other terminal tackle, must be utilized. Additionally, since the appetites of the quarry have become diminished (due to the fact that they have reduced metabolic rates), small baits, and therefore hooks, must be also used, as they also provide the best chance of inducing a take.

Typically, a sensitive float, such as a Thill style ‘shy bite’, is fished in conjunction with line of ~2 lb breaking strain and a fine wire hook of size 18 or 20. Small baits such as double or single maggot (spikes), or a half to one inch section of chopped worm are typically employed, although a single grain of corn or a larger section of worm mounted on a size 16 or 14 hook may be used if larger species such as catfish or carp are sought. The bait is most often fished so it just touches bottom, appearing (from the fishes point of view) to protrude from the groundbaited area. Additionally, if fishing at short range with a rod or pole, it is often possible to ‘jig’ or ‘twitch’ the bait in order to provoke a take with such a rig.

If a sinker set up is used for fishing at longer range, the hookbait should be fished on a short leader of a foot or less in length with the point of the hook exposed from the bait. The sinker should also be fixed in place and be of at least one ounce in weight. This is essentially a self-hooking rig and will result in takes being easy to spot.

Also, the hookbait can be rendered partially buoyant, and therefore more visible to the fish, through the use of a worm blower or by attaching a small piece of sponge foam to the shank of the hook.

More details
The above tips and hints provide a good basic description of how good numbers of fish may be caught from our ponds, lakes and rivers and during the cooler months. For additional information and free access to more detailed articles on these and other bankfishing topics (including groundbait recipes and detailed rig descriptions), the reader is encouraged to visit to the Chicagoangler.com website.

10 Tips for Winter Fishing (For You and the Fish)

2007-08-19T10:37:00.000+07:00

If you calling out yourself for a winter fishing, then you should read these 10 tips carefully, because you might miss something that will give you better catch.

Leave your float plan behind with someone who is willing to call the authorities if you have not checked back in at a predetermined time.
Cold weather boating in January, February, March and April present the greatest fatality risk so always check the weather. And set your NOAA weather alerts on your VHF radio.
Wear layers of clothing preferably synthetic or wool but never cotton. It’s a poor insulator when wet.
A spray of line conditioner will help keep your lines ice-free.
Silt on any bellies of fish you bring up indicates the fish has been glued to the bottom, so take your time presenting the bait or lure. Fish more vertically than horizontally.
Use attractants on soft plastic lures. Fish are sluggish and attractants encourage them to hold on longer.
Bring along high-energy foods and warm drinks. Stay away from alcohol, which cools your body core.
If you fall overboard, a life jacket already worn will give you the time to pull yourself back aboard. Make sure you have the necessary ladders that can be deployed once you are out of the boat. A float coat life jacket with foam floatation in the body and arms will increase your chances of survival and provide good warmth during the day.
Buy, register and know how to use the new Personal Location Beacons (PLB). Costing under $700, having one will enable you to give your GPS position within 300 feet to the local Search and Rescue agency within 10 minutes. They have saved over 22,000 lives so far. Realize that your cell phone may not operate on remote areas of lakes in New Mexico but bring it and spare battery charger.
Realize the days are short and bring along a regular GPS to help you find your way back just in case.
Disconnect the water pressure and speed hoses behind the helm gauges to prevent freeze damage.
When you are done fishing and before you leave the launch ramp, remove any mud or debris from the boat or equipment and thoroughly drain live wells or anywhere else water may have pooled to stop the spread of invasive species.
Take along and have immediately accessible a dry bag with emergency supplies such as a sleeping bag, charcoal hand warmers, fire starter and matches/lighter(s), radiant foil emergency bag, and extra food.
Use a smaller line size so you can get better hook sets with less line resistance.

For Walleye Fishing These Are the Things You Should Look For

2007-08-06T22:47:00.001+07:00

Successful walleye fishing is a combination of strategy, location and gear. Without the right fishing gear, you could have all the best intentions in the world but never catch this elusive fish. Want to increase your chances of catching the walleye? Here are the most important fishing gear you'll need to complete your arsenal:

Fishing rod
Look for the three essentials: strength, length and flex. The walleye is not a passive fish and you'll have to do a little bit of battle so you'll need a sturdy and reliable rod.

Length also matters. If you tend to fish in an area surrounded by trees and shrubs, a shorter line will prevent any tangles. Pick a rod that is about 6 to 7 feet long, which should work well whether you're fishing from a boat or from the shore.

If you're wondering why flex is a factor, consider how lightly the walleye can sometimes strike at your bait. Many anglers have lost a good catch because their rods were too stiff to give them a 'feel'. A light, flexible, medium- to fast-action rod will give you more information than your heavy and stiff old faithful.

Fishing reel
Your next fishing gear consideration is the reel. A good bet is the spinning reel, which many anglers swear will work great with a well-chosen rod. A spinning reel and rod combo will let you work with light cranks and jigs, two of the best and most reliable elements of your walleye fishing arsenal.

When looking at the fishing reel at the store, make sure to check for drag. Choose the one that offers the smoothest so in case you play tug of war with the walleye, you won't waste too much energy in the fight. You'll also need a clean drag to help you manipulate your line better, allowing you to pull and discharge it with minimal effort. Too much resistance and your line could break.

Fishing line
Look for a strong and reliable line. Don't be afraid to pay for quality. When you're already out there in the water, you'll thank yourself for not scrimping.

Lures and baits
Lures and bait are the components of your fishing gear that attract the walleye. For your first picks, choose the following:

Jigs - these are meant to be used on a lake, stream or river bottom, in close contact with the sand. Choose the appropriate size, weight and style.

Crank baits - mimicry is the strong suit of crank baits and you'll need them to lure the walleye into believing that what you are presenting is their real prey.

Bottom bouncer - this will sink your live bait and make it easy for the walleye to take a bite.

Self-Employment and Subsistence Hunting and Fishing in Alaska

2007-08-05T22:40:00.000+07:00

By John Sargent and Julie Clay and an interview with Jackie Bisbee, Coordinator of Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska

Self-Employment
Jackie Bisbee is the coordinator of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The program currently serves Athabascan Indians living in 27 Alaska villages, seven of which are on the road system, the others only accessible by commuter airplane or boat. The land encompasses approximately 37% of the state of Alaska or 235,000 square miles.

“About 25% of our cases go to self-employment,” said Bisbee. The grant under which they operate is focused on providing competitive employment, self-employment and subsistence outcomes to clients with disabilities. She and two staff members carry an equal share of the 77 cases active at this time.

Clients who seek self-employment must prepare a business plan. “We want them to think it out and write answers to questions like these: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?,” said Bisbee. For more formal business plans, the program contracts for the service.

If clients need training or instruction before they can start a business, the program staff will find someone to provide the training. Typically, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up between the training provider and the rehabilitation center so that both parties understand what is expected.

The medical needs of clients are met through various means, sometimes simultaneously with the pursuit of a self-employment goal. In one case, a neurological expert made visits to a man who suffered a stroke in order to assess and monitor his condition. At the same time, a computer expert was paid to visit the client weekly and teach him computer skills.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has a Minority Business Office (MBO) for further self-employment assistance. The MBO offers business loans to new entrepreneurs. “The loan office really makes clients think about their project because of the documentation they require before any loans are approved,” said Bisbee.

The vocational rehabilitation office will buy equipment and supplies to help clients start a business. No provision exists for the return of things purchased if the business fails. “It would be bad public relations for the program,” said Bisbee. “The people we buy equipment for really want to succeed.”

Subsistence
“Subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping is a viable outcome for us, on par with self-employment” emphasizes Bisbee. Subsistence fishing and hunting is a big self-determination issue. Being able to provide food from for one’s family from the natural environment is culturally appropriate. “People depend on subsistence hunting and fishing,” said Bisbee. “It contributes to their livelihood – ensures their survival. There are no full service grocery stores in the remote villages, especially those off the road system.”

Villagers will catch and dry salmon to eat over the long winter months. Those with dog teams will feed salmon to their dogs. Those lucky enough to secure a moose will freeze the meat or make it into jerky.

The last few years have been tough for those trying to make a living off the land, either by subsistence or self-employment means. Poor salmon runs have been compounded by ever-lower prices for commercially caught salmon. “Fur prices have bottomed out so much that it is not economically feasible to trap anymore,” said Bisbee.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Center will finance the purchase of boats, motors, snowmobiles, and other tools for the people to hunt, fish, and trap. The Center has purchased glasses, dentures, hearing aides, and prostheses for people who need them to perform successfully in either the self-employment or subsistence venue. One elderly man was able to go moose hunting again after receiving a hearing aide.

Success Stories

A client with his right arm amputated started a fishing guide service on the Kenai River. He had several years of experience working for another guide on the Kenai. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” said Bisbee. “Having done it before made it easier for him. He was focused.” The man received financial assistance to purchase a used boat and motor, the necessary licenses, marine training, and fishing gear. In his first year in business, he accepted the customer overflow from his former employer-guide.
A successful banker was confronted with a stroke that suddenly changed his life and his career. He had to come to terms with his decreased cognitive ability after the stroke. After five years of learning to deal with his disability, he decided to start his own computer consulting business. He used to use a computer when he worked for the bank. The man developed a business plan and went to work. A computer systems person was hired through the vocational rehabilitation program to help train him. Six months later, he was in business for himself. One of his first requests for service was to install a new computer system for an organization near his home.
A skilled carpenter with chronic mental illness wanted to make dog sleds the way his dad used to make them when his dad was still alive. His first step was training himself. He read books on sled-making and studied doll-sized models of sleds that his father used to make before building real ones. The client’s first product was a small model sled that he sold to a person who works for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He recently completed his first pair of snowshoes to add to his product repertoire.
One man sells gas and oil to people using boats and seaplanes on a lake in the summertime.
A woman uses her sewing machine to make kuspuks (summer parkas) and other types of traditional Native Alaskan clothing.

2007 Budd Lake Fishing Derby Results

2007-08-04T22:36:00.001+07:00

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Budd Lake Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Harrison Chamber of Commerce. A Special Thank You to all who volunteered to make the event a big success!

Although the $1,000.00 prize for the largest legal size muskie and the $100.00 prize for the 2nd largest legal size muskie eluded the anglers, contestants shared cash and prizes totaling over $1,700.00. Cash prizes were awarded for two adult categories: the largest bass and the largest string of bass. In addition, two youngsters received cash and/or prizes for their success.

Following are the winners of the “largest bass” category:
David Richardson won $300.00 for 1st place;
Shawn Green won $150.00 for 2nd place;
Darrel Bluemein won $100.00 for 3rd place.

The following winners are for the “largest string bass” category:
Dave Pepper won $300.00 for 1st place;
Shawn Green won $150.00 for 2nd place;
Joel Urichbain won $100.00 for 3rd place.

New division this year for Largest Walleye was;
first place was won by Joel Urichbaun $300.00,
2nd largest Walleye was Lisa Baldwin $150.00 and
3rd largest Walleye was one by Joel Urichbaun $100.00.

In the kid’s division, Alex Servis won $50.00 plus a tackle box (donated by Jay’s Sporting Goods) for 1st largest pan fish and Tyler Vasher won a rod & reel (also donated by Jay’s Sporting Goods) for 2nd largest pan fish.

The Fishing Derby was a success due to the efforts of many people and organizations. The Harrison Chamber of Commerce would like to thank everyone who was involved. Following is a list of the volunteers and/or companies who helped with the affair: Clare County Sheriff’s Department and Reserves, KD Quik Stop, First Baptist Church, Jay’s Sporting Goods, Tammy Carlstrom and Mike Beadle (from the Harrison Chamber), Bernard DeVuyst (Putt-R-Golf), Todd Diederich, Walt’s Crawlers, McDonalds of Harrison, Trestain’s Long Lake Store, Willies Porta Potties, Ron Henschel, Glen’s Market of Harrison and the City of Harrison for use of Saxton’s Landing. Again, thanks to all of our participants and volunteers! Also, A HUGE THANK YOU to Janet and Carl Spencer for chairing this event this year!!!

Great Job.

Tips for Taking Your Kids On A Fishing Trip

2007-08-03T21:25:00.001+07:00

Taking kids fishing is one of the best family outings you can plan. These trips may be as simple as gathering together the fishing poles with a picnic lunch, and heading down to the nearest lake. Some families try deep sea fishing on the deep blue waters, and others like to take the whole family out for several days on a boat. But you can just as easily head to a local farm pond for the afternoon. No matter what type of fishing trip you decide on, there are some helpful tips for taking the kids fishing.

The first tip for taking your kids on a fishing trip is to keep the ages of your kids in mind when planning the vacation. Younger children usually cannot handle a full day of fishing, and many cannot handle more than a few hours on a boat. To make the fishing trip more enjoyable, you can consider investing in one of the cartoon character poles available in stores now. These poles are smaller in size, and designed to make the experience of fishing more fun for the child.

As much fun as you plan on having during your fishing trip, your children are more than likely going to end up feeling a little tired, or a little bored. In most cases this will happen long before you're ready to leave the water behind. There are things you can do to keep everyone happy and occupied during the trip. One way to keep the kids happy is to bring along a few handheld travel sized games for the kids. They may want to bring along their video game, but try to talk them out of it. The last thing you want is to watch in horror as little hands lose their grip, and that expensive game drops to the bottom of the lake.

You should also be careful to explain exactly to your kids what is going to happen before you head out on your fishing trip. You might be surprised to discover that your little boy is petrified of worms, and throws a tantrum at the thought of putting one on the end of their line. Some parents plan in advance by bringing along a few extra types of bait including lunch meat, in case their child doesn't want to use the worms.

If you're planning on a fishing trip, and have some time before the big day, you might want to consider picking up a few books geared towards children regarding fishing. These books are available from the local library, and they explain how to fish as well as offering tips for the kids. Many parents recommend these books for parents that have never taken their kids fishing before.

Fishing trips can be fun for the whole family, but only if you follow a few of these tips. You need to explain to your kids exactly what you will be doing on the bid day, and try to make it as much fun as possible. Taking along a few snacks, a kid sized fishing pole, and something to keep their minds occupied can go a long way towards having a great time.

Casting the Fly: A Beginner Fly Fishing Techniques

2007-08-03T21:23:00.000+07:00

I was put off of fly fishing for years simply because I thought it would be too hard to learn. There is so much hype about casting a fly with a fly rod, different actions and movements that it all sounds too complicated for the poor beginner. Well the art of casting a fly is in truth really quite simple, and with a few beginner fly fishing techniques just about anyone can do it.

With fly fishing your aim is to cast your fly and have it land naturally on the water so that it attracts fish. The main problem with this is that you have no weight on the end of your line to propel it to where you want it to go. Instead you are using a heavy main line with a short piece of very light line attached, onto which you tie your fly.

This means that you use the weight of the line itself to make the cast, and this involves letting out line a little at a time, then casting it behind you, casting it forwards, letting out more line, casting behind, bringing it forwards and so on. This is called false casting and allows you to build up the cast until enough line is let out to land the fly where you want it.

With a small amount of practise this will get easier and easier. Start off small by trying out your casting on an area of clear grass, in a field or a large garden, there is no need to use a fly or hook at this point as it could become snagged or injure someone.

Let out about twenty feet of line in front of you, stand nice and loose and point the rod in front of you so that the rod and line form a continuous straight line.
Hold the rod with your thumb resting on the top of the handle. During the cast you will only be moving your wrist and forearm and not your shoulder.
Trap the line coming from the reel under a finger and raise the rod to about ten o’clock, then flick the rod backwards to pick the line up off the grass, and propel it behind you until it is at one o’clock
Stop the movement sharply, and your wrist should be pointing straight up with the tip of the rod behind you still at one o’clock.
Now you have to pause slightly to let the line straighten out behind you until you feel a gentle tug (this is when the line is fully extended).
Sweep the rod forward and down, lowering your elbow at the same time. As the line unfurls release the line trapped under your finger.
To increase the length of cast flick the rod back again and while trapping the line under your finger pull a few yards of line off with your other hand, cast the rod forward as before and release the trapped line.

You are now fly fishing. You may be a bit awkward at first, but with a little practice you will look and feel like a professional. These are just your first basic steps to fly fishing, by picking up a few more beginner fly fishing techniques you will soon learn all the secrets and tips of the fly fisherman.

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2007-01-01T08:50:00.001+07:00

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com respects the privacy of its users and does not collect any personally identifiable user information without prior notice. Web statistics are the sole and private property of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com and are only used for troubleshooting purposes.

Information we collects

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com generally collects personally identifying information with your specific knowledge and consent. When you register to become a member of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com and subscribe to our services, you are asked to provide information, such as your e-mail address, name and/or other information.

Log Files

As with most other websites, we collect and use the data contained in log files. The information in the log files include your IP (internet protocol) address, your ISP (internet service provider, such as AOL or Shaw Cable), the browser you used to visit our site (such as Internet Explorer or Firefox), the time you visited our site and which pages you visited throughout our site.

Use of this information

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com uses this information to provide you with the service you have requested. For example, if you subscribe to any of our newspapers, we may use your e-mail address to send you a confirmation notice.

We may also use the information to communicate with you about new features, products or services, or to improve the services that we offer by tailoring them to your needs.

We may allow access to our database by third parties that provide us with services, such as technical maintenance or forums and job search software, but only for the purpose of and to the extent necessary to provide those ervices. AllFishingTips.blogspot.com does not bear any responsibility for any actions or policies of third parties.

Cookies and Web Beacons

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com do use cookies to store information, such as your personal preferences when you visit our site. This could include only showing you a popup once in your visit, or the ability to login to some of our features, such as forums.

We also use third party advertisements on AllFishingTips.blogspot.com to support our site. Some of these advertisers may use technology such as cookies and web beacons when they advertise on our site, which will also send these advertisers (such as Google through the Google AdSense program) information including your IP address, your ISP , the browser you used to visit our site, and in some cases, whether you have Flash installed. This is generally used for geotargeting purposes (showing New York real estate ads to someone in New York, for example) or showing certain ads based on specific sites visited (such as showing cooking ads to someone who frequents cooking sites).

If you don’t want cookies stored on your computers, your Web browser would likely include an option that allows you to not accept cookies. However, if you set your browser to refuse cookies, some portions of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com may not function properly.

DoubleClick DART cookies

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com also may use DART cookies for ad serving through Google’s DoubleClick, which places a cookie on your computer when you are browsing the web and visit a site using DoubleClick advertising (including some Google AdSense advertisements). This cookie is used to serve ads specific to you and your interests (”interest based targeting”). The ads served will be targeted based on your previous browsing history (For example, if you have been viewing sites about visiting Las Vegas, you may see Las Vegas hotel advertisements when viewing a non-related site, such as on a site about hockey).

DART uses “non personally identifiable information”. It does NOT track personal information about you, such as your name, email address, physical address, telephone number, social security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers. You can opt-out of this ad serving on all sites using this advertising by visiting http://www.doubleclick.com/privacy/dart_adserving.aspx

Ad Servers

To try and bring you offers that are of interest to you, we have relationships with other companies like Google (www.google.com/adsense), Kontera, Chitika, Commission Junction, ClickBank etc. that place ads on our web site. As a result of your visit to our site, ad server companies, with the help of cookies, may collect information such as your domain type, your IP address and clickstream information. For further information, consult the privacy policy of each those websites. Privacy Policy of Google is available at http://www.google.com/privacy.html

While your individual information is protected as outlined above, we reserve the right to use aggregated anonymous data about our users as a group for any business purpose, such as analyzing usage trends and seeking compatible advertisers and partners.

Children

AllFishingTips.blogspot.com is not intended for use by minors or children, especially those under age 18. No one under age 18 is allowed to provide any personal information or use our public discussion areas, forums and/or chats. Minors between the ages of 13 and 17 must get the permission of their parent(s) or legal guardians(s) before using our services, including registration and/or subscriptions to our services offered by this site.

If your children disclose information about themselves in our public discussion areas, they may get unsolicited messages from other parties. AllFishingTips.blogspot.com cannot be held responsible for any action by your children while using our services, with or without your consents.

Links to other Web sites

This web site contains links to other web sites. Please note that when you click on one of these links, you are moving to another web site. We encourage you to read the privacy statements of these linked sites as their privacy policies may differ from ours.

Revision of this Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy may be modified from time to time without any prior notice to the visitors. Continued access of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com by you will constitute your acceptance of any changes or revisions to the Privacy Policy. It is the goal of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com to bring you information that is tailored to your individual needs and, at the same time, protect your privacy.

Contacting Us

This is the website of AllFishingTips.blogspot.com. We can be reached via e-mail at yourfeedbackemail [at] gmail.com . Please replace [at] with @. If you feel that this site is not following its stated information policy, you may contact us at the above email address.