Archive for July, 2008
Use The Right Lure To Land Your Next Bass
Posted in Fishing Tackle on the July 30, 2008
Bass fishing, both professional and amateur have gained in popularity over the years, with competitions proving to be a particular crowd pleaser. Of course, the available selection of bass fishing lures has grown alongside this explosion in the popularity of the sport. The time of day or night you are fishing, the location, and depth and type of water are all things to be taken into consideration when deciding which bass lures and bait to use. This article will assist you in becoming more familiar with some of the most common types of bass fishing lures.
Are Jigs Right For You?
A lot of experienced fishermen and women stand by jigs (heavy baits with one hook) as being the most useful all around baits, especially in clear to slightly murky waters. Jigs are good for attracting inactive fish and getting the attention of those who are buried deep. When using jigs, remember to give them enough motion to fool the bass into thinking of them as live prey. The ideal temperature of the water for this type of bass fishing lure is less than 60 degrees which makes them perfect for night fishing trips.
Do You Prefer Rubber Worms?
The hassle of dealing with real worms is eliminated when using rubber selections that work just as well. These lures feature a little extra weight, allowing for a slow descent. When lucky, bass strike at the rubber worm. If the lure reaches the bottom without any action, simply reel it back towards the surface and let it drop once again.
Try Spinner Baits
Spinner baits are unusual in shape and made of an oversized metal attachment which, as the name suggest, spins in the water. This lure doesn’t attract fish by appealing to their hunger, but rather through agitation. Spinners are lures which do a good job year round, but especially during spawning season when hunger is less likely to motivate bass to bite.
Catch Them Out With Crank Baits
Crank lures work by imitating the motion of an injured fish and are used as top water lures or as sinkers. In addition, the cranking noise attracts the bass but the approach needs to be slow in order to give the impression of a fish the bass can easily feed off.
Poppers
While poppers are similar to crank baits, they are set aside solely as a top water lure. As they skim across the water a popping noise is heard. Summer is the best time to use poppers and slow reel action is required.
Go For the Larger Catch with Grubs
Grubs can be especially useful for smallmouth fishing, as they are geared towards larger catches. Grubs are bare jig heads with a soft body made of plastic which is added to a hook. When a highland reservoir lacks ample cover, this lure is rather effective. Clear and deep waters are the greatest locations to use grubs, where white, yellow, salt and pepper, and smoke selections work best.
Target Your Bass with Tube Baits
When surrounded with inactive fish or angling in clear water, tube jigs target the bass wonderfully. This drop bait is best accommodated on a spinning reel on between six and six and a half foot of medium-light or medium action rod but the depth of water should be no more than ten feet when using this particular kind of bait.
Vibrating Lures
Plastic or metal is used to create the vibrating lures that generate a tremor when retrieved out of the water. These bass fishing lures sink to the bottom and are positively bass magnets. A variety of spinner baits is available in this category, including tail spinners, which are weighty, compact baits of metal that use a small spinner as a focus for the bass. The use of vibrating lures is best when fishing about stumps, close to the currents of rivers, over waterlogged grass and on deep channel drop offs.
How To Choose A Fishing Rod
Posted in Bass Fishing on the July 29, 2008
Have you been wondering just what you need to know to select the right fishing rod? We all know how frustrating it is too walk into your local or online Fishing tackle superstore and see the 17,000 rods looming in front of you. You have no idea where to start and when you ask for help 1 of 2 things happens. Either your treated like an outcast for daring to ask a question as you get lectured on how your not a true angler. Or the high school student is more interested in texting his girlfriend then helping you pick out a fishing Rod. Just follow the easy steps outlined below and you’ll be picking the right rod for you in no time.
What are you trying to catch? The species your fishing for greatly affects the rod that you choose. The logic is fairly simple and as a rule of thumb think; bigger fish, bigger rod; smaller fish, smaller rod. Also each species generally has its own line of rods specifically designed for it. For example you can find rods built just for bass, salmon, or tuna. Pick your spot, pick your species then pick your rod.
How much fishing do you do a year? The amount you fish is also going to determine the rod you pick. The more you fish the higher quality of rod you want to get. If your just starting off, you don’t need to spend as much as a lower quality rod will suit you fine. Be honest about how much you fish and choose accordingly.
Do you like spinning or casting reels? This decision is dependent upon personal preference and the type of fishing that you are going to do. A lot of bass angler choose to go with a light to medium size baitcasting set up. But if your targeting large saltwater species your going to need a heavier conventional reel and a heavier rod to match it. Most fishing Rod and reel manufacturers these days offer matching rods and reels that are built to handle whatever type of fishing you want to persue. Have an idea of the size and type of reel you want to fish with and choose a rod that works with that reel.
Match your rod with your style of fishing. Everybody has their own style of fishing and type of fishing that they prefer. People who love casting and retrieving, should choose a reel that is built for casting. Anglers that prefer still fishing or trolling should choose a rod that will perform for your favorite type of fishing. Choosing the right action,sensitivity and size are easy if you know what type of fisherman you are and what type of fishing your going to do. Pick a rod that matches your style of fishing and you’ll be one happy angler.
This article is meant to be a solid introduction to the art of selecting the right fishing rod. The more you fish the more knowledgable you’ll become. By applying the basic principles outlined in this article you can take the guesswork out of buying a fishing rod. If you want more technical advice or have a question about a specific rod or reel email us at hooked@everydayfishing.com.
Alaska Fishing Guides: Choosing Superior Fishing Guides Around Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the July 27, 2008
If you’re considering hiring Alaska fishing guides to enhance your Alaskan fishing trip adventure, you’ve already made a great decision. Charters and guides typically know the waters, fish migrations and great strategies to ensure you’ll come home with a trophy-sized catch.
But, like any business, there are good guides and bad ones. So, how do you know the difference? How do you find a great fishing guide or charter company? Should you go with a group fishing vacation or book privately? For hints and tips on how to choose an Alaskan fishing guide, keep reading.
Check References
Ask for the phone numbers or email addresses of former clients. Tell them you’d simply like to check their references. Remember, you could be spending several thousand dollars for a private, chartered and guided fishing service, so requesting references should be automatic.
In addition to verifying references from former clients, you can also try a quick phone call to the local tourism office. Remember, Alaska may be big, but it has small communities. Ideally, you want to hire Alaska fishing guides that are not only known by their tourism office, but also recommended.
Check Crew Qualifications
Before you arrive or upon arrival, you can ask to see the crew’s licenses and certifications. These can be faxed ahead of time or presented to you before departure. You also want to look for a crew that has a lot of experience in Alaskan waters and a strong understanding of the area.
Hire and Experienced, Local Guide
The best Alaskan guides and tour operators are either Alaska-born or long-time citizens with an impressive resume of local work experience. Remember, you’re hiring a guide because of their knowledge of the area and fishing waters - so look for one that has a proven track record.
A great way to check a guide’s success is to ask for their catch track record. How many fish are caught on each trip? What are the average weights? What’s their overall success rate? Remember to ask about their safety record too.
Check What’s Included and What’s Extra
Many Alaska fishing guides will include extra perks like lunches, fish processing and freezing, equipment, licenses, bait and tackle. However, some won’t - so, it’s important to find out what is and is not included in your fishing expedition before you book.
Most people only find the opportunity for an Alaska fishing trip adventure once in a lifetime. That being the case, you want to ensure that any guide you select is knowledgeable, professional, service-oriented, and has a wealth of experience on the Alaskan waters.
Fishing — The Bare Necessities
Posted in Information on Fishing on the July 23, 2008
Some people go fishing unprepared and others load their cars full of stuff they will never need nor use. Here’s a basic rundown of what to take fishing.
Take proper clothing. If it’s a hot summer day you need light colors–technical fabrics are good as they wick away moisture . Make sure to take rain gear for any suddenly developing bad weather. Waterproof shells, ponchos, or a jacket are good choices. Some people like to wear a fishing vest with lots of little pockets to keep lures and other small pieces of equipment [spin]handy | easily accessable[spin]. If you plan on fishing in the water, make sure you have wadding boots or an overall bib suit that can protect you from cold water temperatures. Don’t forget your favorite fishing hat and some polarized fishing glasses.
Next comes the rod and reel. Take an appropriate length and weight rod and reel for the kind of fishing you will be doing. This depends on the kind and size of the fish, whether you plan on fishing in deep or shallow water, in open areas or heavy cover, on shore, in a boat or in a pond or stream. The most important thing about a rod and reel is to find a combination that is comfortable for you . If you are comfortable with your set-up you will have a much more successful day.
Your footwear is also dependent on where you will be fishing. Rubber-soled waterproof shoes work well just about anywhere. That doesn’t mean you can’t go fishing in your running shoes if you just plan on casting from shore all day. However, if you plan on going into the water or onto rocks, make sure you are not going to slip and that you will be able to stay dry. In the last few years , manufacturers have come out with whole lines of water shoes that have good treads, repel water inside and out, dry quickly and are incredibly lightweight.
Don’t forget the sunscreen! Ultraviolet sun rays are damaging to skin and even known to cause some forms of skin cancer. And, there is nothing more painful than a sunburn.
Bug protection should also be on your list. There are all kinds of little mosquitoes, deer flies, black flies, gnats and other little creatures just waiting to take a chunk out of you. Long-sleeves are good if you know you will be near heavy infestations. Some bugs are also attracted to colors. Avoid black, navy blue, red, yellow or white colored clothing.
There is nothing more essential for fishing than a pair of polarized sunglasses. They prevent glare and allow you to see into the water. There are many different tint lenses available depending on the brightness of the day. It is really important to protect your eyes with polarized sunglasses.
Try to get all your lures, lines, hooks and little miscellaneous fishing items all in one tackle box. You don’t need to take more than you need , certainly not every single lure you own. Choose what is appropriate to the kind of fish you are fishing for on that particular day and leave the rest at home.
A good knife, a pair of pliers and a screwdriver that will fit the screws on your reel can come in particularly handy. There’s bound to be a tangled line at some point, especially if fishing in brush, grass or near trees. A pair of pliers good for dislodging a hook is a necessity. And, if you are one of those people who can tangle a line anywhere, it is possible to strip the gears on your reel so much that you will need to put on a new reel. If you are an avid angler, always keep one in the car for a spare.
That’s about it for the bare essentials of fishing equipment. There is one item it is best to leave behind on fishing days–your wristwatch.
Alaska Fishing Charters: First-class Fishing Outings In Alaskan Locations
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the July 21, 2008
Your chances of catching an incredible King Salmon or a trophy-size Rainbow Trout will be greatly increased by booking the services of Alaska fishing charters or tour guides. They know the waters, the location of the fish, and the best strategies for catching them.
So, if you’re planning an upcoming fishing trip to Alaska, whether for fly fishing or otherwise, keep reading for an overview of some of the best fishing tour companies in the state.
Puffin Alaska Fishing Charters
With fishing grounds that include the majestic Resurrection Bay, Montague Island, Nuka Bay, Prince William Sound and even Kenai Fjords National Park, Puffin is able to offer both incredible fishing and beautiful sights.
The company has 23 years of experience in chartered fishing trips and prides itself on its fast fishing boats, top of the line equipment and quality personalized service. Puffin specializes in halibut, salmon, lingcod and rockfish sport fishing.
Alaska NW Charters
Recently featured in National Geographic magazine, this highly personalized charter company offers 5-star luxury dining aboard a private yacht for eight. The crew includes a fishing guide, naturalist, hostess and captain - all available to serve and ensure that you and your group have the Alaskan experience of a lifetime.
If you’re thinking a private yacht is an expensive way to experience and fish Alaska, think again. The cost of chartering a private yacht for a fishing vacation is typically no more expensive than what you’d pay to book a cabin on a massive cruise ship. The difference is that on a cruise ship you’ll be sharing your experience with 2000 other strangers.
The Saltwater Safari Company
Saltwater Safari Company is known for its service and affordable rates that start at around $200 for a half-day and go up to $325 for a full day of both halibut and salmon fishing. The company also offers exclusive group bookings for privacy or large groups.
When calculating your total price, don’t forget to add the cost of meals, fishing licenses and fish freezing or processing. Like most Alaska fishing companies, the company does provide filleting, bait and tackle free of charge.
When it comes to Alaska fishing charters, you have hundreds of choices. So, the three companies above simply represent a cross-section of what’s available, but there are still a lot of choices out there. If you don’t use one of those referenced here, look for one that has strong customer testimonials, a solid catch track record and an experienced crew.
Fly Fishing Gear And Tackle Advice
Posted in Fishing Tackle on the July 13, 2008
Fishing equipment can be made up of many different tools. Whenever you are taking part in fishing or any other outdoor sport you need to discover the right equipment. You will need a certain type of gear to go out fly-fishingfind out what type of fisherman you are before the right fishing equipment.
fly fishing tackle
Depending on what type of fish you are trying to catch you may need a become a freshwater fisherman you will need equipment such as a rod, reel, lures, sinkers, bobbers, line and hooks to start out with.
If you are fishing for a certain type of fish you may first need to ask someone about buying the right type of fishing equipment. As for fishing rods a six foot rod that is medium weight is pretty common and a popular choice in fishing gear.
fishing shop
You will need a good fishing line that will not break when you reel a fish up to the bank or up to your boat. You can buy different types of fishing line for the size of fish you are trying to catch. Fishing line should be made of a tough nylon string. You should pick out a fishing line to meet your particular situation when fishing. Sinkers help to hold your lure in a certain water depth. This is important to keep your lure in the right place in the water where all the fish are located.
online fishing shop
Weights help to make your lures go out further when you cast. They can make sure you get your lure in difficult waters. These things are important fishing gear that you can’t do without. Bobbers are great if you are fishing with live bait. They will bobble up and down when a fish is biting your bait. This will alert you when to set the hook and start reeling in the fish.
If you are fishing with live bait you may use night crawlers, minnows and other live bait to actually catch a fish. Lures can also be used to catch fish and are a very popular type of fishing gear. They come in many styles colors and sizes to attract all kinds of fish. Without using certain types of fishing equipment you would not have a very nice fishing trip. Using the right fishing gear can make for a very successful fishing experience.