Archive for September, 2008
A Guide To Archery Products For Bowfishing
Posted in Uncategorized on the September 30, 2008
For those enthusiasts that are interested in finding good archery products for their outdoor activities such as bowfishing then they may find it a little difficult. Many retailers and shops simply do not stock sufficient inventories of these type of sports products and equipment, and some don’t even know what bowfishing is. It does however exist, and for the enthusiasts that enjoy hunting for big fish either in fresh or salt water environments, then the sport of bowfishing could be ideal for them. The key element to success is having the right gear to allow them to enjoy the hunt and make it more exciting for them.
The key catching the big one when it comes to bowfishing is having the right archery products in had. You will need to have the right equipment such as the right bow, arrows, reel and line needed to easily pull in even the biggest of fish. The major investment in this exciting outdoor sport is however the actual bow, and a good bow for bowfishing should either be recurve bow or a compound bow, depending on the type of fish that you want to hunt.
There are a few other considerations that you have to keep in mind when you are looking for archery products to be used for your bowfishing expedition such as the line that you will use along with your bow and arrow. This cannot be a simple fishing line simply because the fish you are likely to be catching are very large and heavy, hence you will need a line that has at least an eight pound test, with the largest going all the way up to a six hundred pound test. A majority of the lines are made out of very heavy gauge nylon or braided Dacron.
Archery products for bowfishing can make or break the tall tale that one will be able to tell. As long as one has the right reel, bow, line, and arrows they can rest assured that they will catch a whopper of a fish to take home and show all of their friends and family. No matter if one is looking to have a fish to eat or one to mount on the wall, bowfishing is one form of archery that is unique and puts the skill of shooting the bow and arrow to the absolute test.
Items To Bring Along During Your Fulfilling Fishing Excursion In Alaska
Posted in Uncategorized on the September 29, 2008
So, you’ve finally booked that Alaska fishing trip. After years of dreaming of King Salmon, massive Halibut and incredible Rainbow Trout, you’re finally getting there. But, what are you going to pack? How will you stay warm on the water and cool in the hot sun? What kind of equipment and gear should you bring?
For a handy list of what to pack for your Alaska fishing tour, read on. However, be advised that this packing list is for people going on a chartered or guided trip and is not intended as a complete guide for others planning an independent or self-catering camping expedition.
Equipment
Exactly what fishing gear you wind up bringing will likely depend on what’s provided by your tour or charter company. Some guides provide a full outfit, right down to a cooler to store your fish, bait and tackle. Others only supply the boat and the safety gear. So, before you begin packing every spinner and spoon you have, check with your charter company to see what they are able to supply.
Comfortable Rain Gear
“You get what you pay for,” is very true when it comes to truly useful rain gear. The fishing season is rainy, so invest in high-quality and breathable rainwear like Gore-Tex. It will keep you dry and warm on your Alaska fishing adventure, but shouldn’t inhibit your movement or trap in perspiration.
Clothes You Can Layer
Fishing season can be dangerous as it runs from a hot noon sun to frosty cold nights. So, pack clothes that can be layered, will dry fast and give your body room to breathe. Look for brands like Smartwool, a wool product that doesn’t trap sweat, keeps you cool and dry and will dry fast if needed.
Dry Bags
If you’re bringing your passport, fishing licenses, wallet and electronics like your Blackberry or digital camera, you’re going to want high-quality waterproof bags because Ziploc bags simply won’t cut it. Seal Line is a great brand that makes dry bags in a range of sizes.
For non-essential items like your wet boots or grimy waders, pack some extra garbage bags and plastic shopping bags. You can use these to keep the dry and wet items separated in your suitcase.
Accessories
For added comfort and even survival, you want to pack sunglasses, gloves, a hat, strong bug repellent, sunscreen and your personal items.
Though your charter guide should provide a first-aid kit for the tour, you should always pack a small, personal survival kit of your own for your Alaska fishing trip, in case you’re separated from the group. Your survival kit should fit in your pocket and include waterproof matches, a piece of chalk or crayon, compass, an energy bar and a few water purification tablets.
Tips For Trout Fishing
Posted in Trout Fishing on the September 28, 2008
One of America’s favorite sports is catching trout. The trout’s evasiveness make it a fisherman’s favorite prey. There are many different breeds of trout and they can be found across the United States. Their favorite haunts are rivers, lakes and streams and there are even Sea trout found in the ocean. Depending on the trout species, will dictate where you will fish for them. Here are a few tips for trout fishing, no matter what breed you are fishing for or where you are fishing for them.
Catching trout can take a lot of patience, if you want to be successful. They can be a very sly and evasive fish as we mentioned, but worth the time. Don’t give up because it may take a little time for you find what they are biting on. You will want to research the area where you are doing the trout fishing, to determine what method catches the most fish.
Since trout species can spook easily, try to just let the fly pass over them, instead of letting them see the line and leader, as this will increase your chances of catching more trout. Most tips involving trout fishing in America say that allowing your leader to float on top of the water may spook the fish, and they will not bite.
Time of day you go fishing should be researched. It is best to start before dawn and stop when the sun is straight overhead, according to tips for trout fishing in America. The large trout are believed to be caught more frequently during the night, when there is no full moon. This may prove the point that some of the biggest trout bite the most in complete dark. If you are using what the trout want to eat and they are hungry, then anytime may be the best time to catch a trout, according to many fishermen.
You need to be willing to try different methods and techniques, if you are not catching trout, to find one that works. If you are trout fishing, you need to be willing to experiment. Eventually, you will find out which lures and fishing method work best in which area. You will figure out when to use what lure or method, in exactly what conditions. You will find out why trout fishing has been called the number one sport in America by many people who have become addicted to this exciting sport.
Better Boating With The Right Equipment
Posted in Freshwater Angling on the September 26, 2008
Imagine that you’re floating out in the open on a calmly refreshing body of water, the soft waves gently lapping at your hull. There’s no comparison for that feeling of relaxation - besides the sense of security that results from the being prepared which led you here initially.
Boating Equipment for your Safety
To assure that your boating excursions are safe, enjoyable, and without avoidable problems, there are several important steps you should follow. Maintaining your boat means a lot more than just ensuring the boat looks great. Safety is the number one to keep in mind at all times while out on the water. Fortunately, there are now many products that make your boat look great AND keep you and your passengers safe.
For example, boat trailers will commonly come standard with a manual winch which will assist the owner in getting the boat off the trailer into the water. Handling a heavy boat however becomes an easy and safer task when you use an electric winch, which is powered by a standard car battery. Also, pulling the vessel using tie-down straps and a protective wrap undoubtedly will minimize any expensive and unattractive damage caused by traveling on the roads.
While boating, chances are you will have to keep your boat tied to a dock at some point. Even a very gentle lake will go up and down, and your boat will do the same, maybe even into the dock! To protect your outer finish from rubbing the rough wood of the docking platform, there are bumpers you can use to cushion it. You’ll need a few high grade lines to moor the boat correctly and to help put it back onto its trailer.
Communicate While on Your Boat
Whether you are using wind or electric power, be safe by keeping in contact with the shore or others in your party. It is vital to have standard communication equipment; if your radio breaks, one of the ubiquitous GPS systems is a good back up backup to have.
It’s important to keep extra cans of gas on hand to avoid running out if you’re on the water longer than anticipated. Another wonderful piece of equipment is a convertible top which offers protection in the event of inclement weather. It will help keep the inside of your boat dry and all of your passenger’s will surely appreciate it too.
While your boat will generally require safety, communication, and transport equipment and aides, other gear used on your boat depends on what the intended use of the craft will be. There will be differences between boats used for different activities.
The first step in determining the boating equipment you’ll need is what you will be using the boat for most.
Click here for more boating stuff
Learn Some Easy Bass Fishing Tips
Posted in Bass Fishing on the September 24, 2008
Sit down and learn a few very simple bass fishing tips that you will definitely want to be aware of. The amount of information you can learn on bass fishing is vast, such as knowing the types of lures to use, the type of bait that is more ideal, the best waters to fish, and also how you can catch those elusive fish. Apparently everyone who has actually been out there and has caught the “Big One” has many great bass fishing tips to share, well this is great of course, so why would you want to keep the secrets to yourself anyway?
There are times however, that you need to be cautious when sharing bass fishing tips It’s easy to think that if a particular lure works well for one person then it’s virtually guaranteed to work for you. This just isn’t the case all the time. There are many factors that go into a catch, and sometimes bass fishing tips don’t take all these into account. The time of year, the season, the weather, the water temperature, the amount of sunlight; all of these things have something to do with how the fishing are feeding and how much. It’s not just your lure or your bait. All these items need to be in harmony and aligned for them to work.
Digest All The Information?
The most ideal bass fishing tips that you will get are the ones the take all these factors into account and at the same time keeping it simple to follow. The method of over-thinking your plans and your approach to bass fishing will not result in you being that successful in this activity. Whilst many factors need to be considered in bass fishing, the fish are still what they are - fish. When you look at all the bass fishing tips out there and find that some are far to detailed and has many expectations, then sometimes they are simply not practical to use.
Easy bass fishing tips include casting past your schools and slowly retrieving the lure over them. This won’t startle the fish the way trying to get your lure right on top of them will. You might want to practice some different types of casts; take the hooks and lures off and try some in the backyard or your living room. Use an underhand cast or sidearm cast to get past some cover in the lake; these will need some practice as well. Some of the best bass fishing tips will tell you how to practice these casts until you’re comfortable with them.
The use of the correct type of lures is also a part of any good bass fishing tips that you can get. Crankbaits are good in the morning and grubs later in the day. Make adjustments if you’re not getting hits. Use darker lures in darker water and lighter lures when it’s bright outside; if you don’t, the lure will look unnatural and will repel the fish.
These are very simple bass fishing tips and simple is typically better. You need to get to know your fish and what will attract them but you can’t overdo it either. If you pay attention to this thinking you’re sure to increase your success rate and get those big bass.
Canada Fishing Trips: So Much Fishing, So Little Time!
Posted in Freshwater Angling on the September 23, 2008
Is a Canada fishing trip your pleasure? You’ve planned a trip to Canada. Fishing trips are high on your list of priorities. But which trip do you choose?
Every province and territory in Canada offers some form of a fishing experience, for both the novice and experienced fisherman.
No matter which way you head in Canada, fishing trips abound and all are as different as the many ethnic cultures that form Canada’s population.
From fly-fishing in a remote lodge in Churchill, Manitoba to angling for rainbow trout in British Columbia’s Salmon River, there is a Canadian fishing adventure to suit every fisherman.
Canada fishing trips can be as rugged or as elegant as you desire. Fishermen looking to land an Arctic Grayling or a Whitefish can choose from a rustic half day or full day fishing trip out of Whitehorse in the Yukon.
Those into gourmet food and private jet service may want to book a stay at the Hatchet Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan, one of Canada’s most beautiful.
The fisherman, who is also a whale enthusiast or is Eco-minded, may want to book a Seabreeze fishing trip out of Vancouver, British Columbia. This fishing charter service offers 5-8 hour trips complete with fishing gear and bait. Fishing licenses can be purchased in their offices before heading out.
Are you looking for a longer Canada fishing trips? Ontario, in eastern Canada, offers many choices including 3-7 day fly-in trips like the trip offered by the Sydney Lake Lodge in Northwestern Ontario. This company offers professional fishing guides, dock service (your boat will be tended every night) and comfortable cabins. Any prize fish you catch here, however, must be returned to the lake in keeping with their strict conservation rules.
If you want to travel farther north, try the Tagish Lake Wilderness Lodge in the Yukon. Those folks have a fleet of aluminum boats and motors, fish finders, tackle and bait. And they promise to share their secrets for catching prize trout or pike.
Remember Canada’s East Coast, too, when looking for Canada fishing trips. The Maritime Provinces, nestled on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, have fishing opportunities for both the freshwater and saltwater angler.
Dave’s Guide Service, out of Nova Scotia, offers both boat and kayak trips complete with fishing gear and a box lunch. Dave specializes in Smallmouth bass.
Most Canada fishing trips come as complete packages. When booking your trip, be sure to check exactly what is included in your package. Tell the trip organizers if you have any special physical needs because most are ready and willing to accommodate you.
A Short Introduction To A Float Fishing Outing Around Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the September 22, 2008
Alaska float fishing, also known as angling, is some of the best in the world. The salmon are massive, the scenery spectacular and the fishing adventure is unbeatable. For an overview of angling, good angling sites in Alaska and where to look for more information, keep reading.
Float Fishing Explained
Float fishing is basically a form of angling that uses floats, and angling is any form of fishing using a rod, line and hook. The float, essentially, is used to not only suspend the bait, but also indicate when a fish is biting. The float will move and bounce, letting the fisherman know to draw his line.
Alaska Fishing Licenses
If you’re planning an Alaska float fishing vacation, you’ll need a license. The license fees for non-residents are $20 for a day, $35 for three days, $55 for a week and $80 for two weeks.
If you want to fish king salmon, you’ll need to purchase an additional stamp which costs $10 for the first day, $20 for three days, $30 for seven days and $50 for fourteen days.
Hot Fishing Spots in Alaska
The thing about Alaska fishing is that it’s more about your timing than any of your fishing locations. This is why having a guide can be so critical for a successful fishing trip there. Nonetheless, the best locations are Bristol Bay, the Copper River Delta, the Kenai River and Kodiak Island.
Kodiak Island is known for its abundance of salmon and great roadside and float fishing. The Kenai River has massive king salmon, but they’re fast and strong, making them hard to catch for a beginner fisher and not the best for float fishing.
The Copper River Delta has an abundant fish supply and is fairly isolated, however the waters run quickly. Finally, Bristol Bay is the world’s biggest salmon fishery and is home to a number of high-quality lodges and fishing destinations that also cater to those hunting rainbow trout and other fish.
Where to Find More Information
If you’re seeking information on Alaska float fishing, good fishing tour companies or recommended lodges for your fishing vacations, your best resource is the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Sport Fish Division (sf.adfg.state.ak.us).
Their website has information on fishing in Alaska, how to buy a fishing license, location-specific info and resources on recommended local companies. Check out the free resources to gather the key information you need to nail down a great vacation.
Handy Pointers For Fishing Experiences In Alaska
Posted in Fishing in Alaska on the September 15, 2008
So, you’re investigating Alaska fishing vacations? Maybe wondering what to bring, where to book and how to prepare for what could be the adventure of a lifetime?
Alaska has the best fishing in the world, pristine wilderness, amazing landscapes and plentiful wildlife, so don’t let poor planning spoil your vacation. Keep reading for four great tips that will make your fishing expedition a success.
Plan for Bugs
To avoid a mosquito nightmare, plan ahead by packing a high-quality mosquito net hat, long-sleeved shirts and pants free from holes. Look for clothing that offers ventilation, but has holes that are small enough to keep out the pesky bugs. You should also bring a strong, cream-based mosquito and bug repellent, and avoid depending on mosquito coils.
Pack Sunscreen
Despite the sometimes cold temperatures and rain, there are still high risks for sun damage and possible sunstroke. Keep yourself protected with long clothing and a high-quality, non-greasy and waterproof sun block. Choose an SPF higher than 30 and avoid combo bug-repellent products as these tend to wear off faster.
Book Ahead
During the peak summer tourism seasons, places like Juneau, Anchorage and Flagstaff can book up fast. The area sees over a million tourists every year, many of whom are booking their own Alaska fishing adventure - meaning hotels will fill up, recommended charters will be reserved and you’ll be left wishing you had planned ahead. Don’t be disappointed - book your lodgings and charters well in advance.
Always Pack a Personal Survival Kit
Whether you’re on a fully catered luxury tour or a self-guided adventure expedition, you should always pack a small survival kit that can be carried in a vest or pocket at all times - in case you’re separated from your pack or tour group.
The kit should include purification pills, waterproof matches, chalk to make markings, a whistle, a granola bar, fishing line and hooks and a Ziploc bag for carrying water. You can pack it all in a metal tin or can, which can also be used to boil water.
Alaska fishing vacations are the adventure of a lifetime, offering abundant fishing, beautiful wilderness and truly wild nature. You can make that trip even better and safer by following these four critical tips - book ahead, plan for bugs, safeguard against the sun and be prepared with a wilderness survival kit. These are simple preparations, take very little time, and will all enhance your fishing experience.
Some Very Mandatory Fly Fishing Tips
Posted in Expert Fly Fishing Techniques on the September 13, 2008
There are thousands of live-bait anglers, who are excellent sportsmen, but the fly fisherman can practice better conservation from the beginning.
Basically, fly fishing is not only one of the fastest growing sports; it is one of the foremost forms of conserving natural resources as well as providing aquatic recreation.
Fly fishing is, very simple when three things are right: you must have a suitable rod; you must get a line to match it; and you must learn correct casting technique.
For people who wish to know some tips on fly fishing, here is a list of some pointers that could help anglers harness their fly fishing skills:
1. Material of the rod
For one of moderate means, and especially for the beginners, hollow glass is advised since it will require less care than bamboo and will not take a set if improperly handled or stored.
2. Line
Your fly casting skill will not progress with a mismatched rod and line. About 99 times in 100, the troubled fly caster has a line much too light to bring out the action of his rod.
That is why it is important to know that on any given rod, the fly fisherman should use the same size line for anything from small trout and bluegills up to the largest sea fish.
In choosing the size line, anglers should get a C level, an HCH double-taper, or a GBF three-diameter. This choice is based on the fact that a high percentage of fly rods bought nowadays are hollow glass, and that a great majority of these works best with lines of those sizes, almost regardless of lengths or weights.
3. The correct casting technique
In casting, it is important to get about 20 feet of line out front. Anglers should always remember to cast a straight line. Avoid jerky movements even if it is on a faster mode in order to do so.
Best of all, the angler should be relaxed because taunt muscles will ruin his casting.
Boiled down, there should be no reason why you should not learn the fundamental principles just as easily as those who now enjoy fly fishing.
Probably, the best and surest way to learn to cast successfully is to spend a day on the stream with some fisherman who is a competent caster.
Lessons learned on the stream are the best tips you can acquire anywhere in your quest for learning fly fishing.
Some more Fly Fishing articles
Getting Prepared For Your Fly Fishing Trip
Posted in Expert Fly Fishing Techniques on the September 9, 2008
When it comes time to start getting ready for your yearly fly fishing trip, it is important to know that you should have a wide variety of stuff to get you started. Whether this is a weekend getaway or a total fly fishing vacation for a week, it is important that you have a wide variety of things to get you through your fishing adventure. No fly fishing trip is complete without a fully stocked tackle box so make sure that you get everything you need well in advance before your fly fishing trip begins.
It would be idea to start looking through your tackle box and supplies well in advance before your fly fishing trip is set to begin. This is so that you will have plenty of time to stock up on the supplies and things that you are in need of. Even if you think that you are fully stocked, if you have not been on a fly fishing trip in a while, there may be things that you are forgetting about. Give yourself plenty of shopping time so that you are not too rushed on finding the things you need in order to get prepared for your fly fishing trip.
Places To Find Great Deals
When it comes to buying all of your supplies for your fly fishing trip, it is important to try and find the best deals possible so that you can save yourself some money. Even though individual pieces of things that you are in need of do not seem to cost a lot of money, when they are all added up, you will be surprised on how much you are spending. Some people just cannot seem to walk out of a store without spending several hundred dollars in getting prepared for their fly fishing trip.
In order to prevent yourself from spending money like that for your fly fishing trip, it is a good idea to do some smart shopping in order to get the best deals around. A good place to start is always the Internet because that is the one place that you can go to that you will be able to compare several stores without having to drive all over town. Also, when purchasing online, you may be able to even save money by buying in bulk and still end up spending less on your fly fishing trip then you would have ever done in the regular stores.