The Best Types Of Fishing Lures

The Best Types Of Fishing Lures

In this article I want to discuss some of the more popular fishing lures in the hopes that I can narrow the choices down to the best fishing lure.  Actually, I believe that the term the best fishing lure is different for every angler, I mean come on is one fishing lure actually the best?  Of course not, there are different fishing lures for different fishing situations, so what I'm going to discuss the most popular, and you can make your own decision as to which fishing lure is actually the best fishing lure…for you.

Obviously, when it comes to fishing lures, trying to figure out which is the best can be a tough decision.  There are literally tens of thousands of choices available and navigating through those choices can be a tall order.  With this article I hope to cut through some of the BS and give you some real world information, and even some suggestions as to the effectiveness of this or that fishing lure.  Lets begin our search for the best fishing lure, shall we?

• Top Water Fishing Lures - Top water fishing lures are just what the name suggests…fishing lures that are fished on the surface, or top, of the water.  These fishing lures can imitate wounded bait fish, frogs, or even small mammals.  I've always had success with frog imitation poppers and minnow imitation top water plugs such as the Zara Spook.  A great tip for fishing top water lures is to do it when the water is as calm as possible, the more the surface of the water is like glass, the better top water fishing lures will work.
• Spinners & Spoons - I'm grouping spinners and spoons together because I believe they are in the some family.  The both imitate baitfish (for the most part) and can both be quite effective as fishing lures.  The two most popular versions of spinner and spoons are probably Rooster Tails for spinners and Daredevils for spoons.  A daredevil spoon in the colors red and white have long been known as a great pike bait.  Rooster Tails are wonderful for trout and smallmouth bass fishing.   Are spinners and spoons the best fishing lure?  That’s for you to decide…
• Minnow Imitations - Minnow imitation fishing lures are more than likely the type of fishing lure that all of the world is the most familiar with.  These are the fishing lures that look like bait fish and come in all of the sizes and colors that actual baitfish are available in.  These types of fishing lures are also available in colors that only a 3-year old could love.  There are minnow imitation fishing lures that dive a few feet deep to as many as thirty feet deep.  You can cover the entire water table with minnow imitations.  The most popular of these types of fishing lures has to be Rapala's.  Rapala's are made from balsa wood and are a very lifelike, realistic, and effective fishing lure.  Another lifelike and realistic fishing lure is the KickTail Minnow.  The KickTail Minnow is fairly new to the fishing lure market and looks as much like a real bait fish as anything that I've ever seen.   The bottom line is that minnow imitations are exactly what the name suggests:  fishing lures that imitate minnows…

Soft Baits - These might not be considered 'fishing lures' to some anglers, but they are close enough to be added to the list in my mind.  Rubber worms have been a favorite of bass fishermen for generations, and rubber grubs attached to a jig head can be an incredibly effective method for catching almost every species of fish.  Rubber Worms are rigged in various ways and one of the most popular methods is called the 'Carolina rig'.  Rigs such as the Carolina rig are used mainly for fishing for large mouth bass.

At the end of the day, the best fishing lure is the lure that's your favorite.  It would be impossible to say that one type of fishing lure is truly better than another.  Some work better than others, or dive deeper than others, but the bottom line is that your favorite, is your favorite, and your favorite fishing lure is, to you, the best fishing lure.  No matter what type of fishing lure you consider to be the best, make sure that You're fishing when the fish are the most active.  There is no substitute for the two factors of fishing when the fish are active and practice.  The better that your angling skills become, the more fish you'll catch, no matter what type of fishing lure you use.

Fishing For Bass

Fishing For Bass


One of the most popular type of fish to attempt top catch in the entire United States is the Bass. There are four main species of Bass in this country: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Kentucky Bass, Guadeloupe Bass, and Peacock Bass. In this article, the Smallmouth & Largemouth Bass are going to be focused on simply because they are by far the most popular. Bass fishing has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry from it's humble beginnings in the late 1800s. The black bass has become the second most specifically sought-after game fish in the United States. The sport has driven the development of all manner of fishing gear, including rods, reels, lines, lures, electronic depth and fish-finding instruments, drift boats, float tubes, and specialized bass boats. The black bass, also known as Largemouth Bass, has even spawned many groups of people who earn their living fishing for them.

Largemouth Bass are found mostly in lakes and large rivers. While the same is true for Smallmouth Bass, smallmouth bass are also found it fast flowing rivers and streams. As a matter of fact in many areas of the country, smallmouth bass can be found in the same waters that trout swim in. Smallmouth can be fished for in the same manner as one does for trout as well. Largemouth bass tend to shy away from the types of currents and small rivers that trout are found in. Bass fishing is an incredibly popular pastime, and in some cases an incredibly lucrative business.

Fishing for bass can be a very expensive proposition, although it surely doesn't have to be. There are literally tens of thousands of techniques, lures, gimmicks, and plastic contraptions used in bass fishing. The options can become quite daunting. One of the best options when fishing for bass are soft baits like Swim and Jerk Shad. Although normally used in saltwater, these baits are quite effective for bass fishing in freshwater.

Some of the most popular bass fishing techniques are: fishing plastic worms (including the Slam line of soft baits), spinner baits, crank baits, large jigs, and even live bait. There are literally too many techniques to list here, but the ones listed are the most popular. The bottom line is that bass fishing is more or less the grand daddy of fishing. Because of tournaments and organizations like B.A.S.S (which stands for: Bass Anglers Sportsman Society) the activity of bass fishing has become incredibly popular, and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon. Honestly, when you think about it, how else could someone be convinced to spend $25,000 on a boat that mainly gets used on weekends only? Because what they are using that boat for is so much freakin' fun…Bass Fishing. Most Bass anglers would have a hard time arguing with this fact.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips

Smallmouth Bass Fishing – Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips


One of the most enjoyable fish to catch in the entire world is the Smallmouth Bass.  Smallmouths prefer clear cold water.  These fish can be found in both lakes and running water.  Pound for pound the smallmouth bass is widely considered the most enjoyable fish to catch.  The smallmouth bass is a good natural indicator of healthy water.  If you find Smallmouth, you more than likely will find healthy water.

Because of their hearty nature smallmouth bass can be found in waters from Maine to California.  The only places that you won't find smallmouth Bass are areas where it's extremely hot for extended periods of time.  They prefer cooler, cleaner water, which means they can be found all over the continent of Canada as well.  As mentioned earlier, these fish can be found in both lakes and running water.

One of the most enjoyable ways to catch these fish is in river situations.  Combining their natural tenacity and fighting ability with moving current can be a lot of fun for anglers of all skill levels.  Smallmouth Bass feed on a variety of prey and there are various ways to fish for them.  Fishing for them in the same manner that one would for trout is a great way to spend an afternoon.  Smallmouth Bass tend not to be quite as wary as trout and can be a bit easier to catch.  They love live bait of all kinds, but some of the most popular would include:  minnows, worms, helgramites, and leeches.

Rigging any of these live baits with   a set of pre-tied gang hooks is a very effective method of fishing for Smallmouth.  If the offering is then bounced off of the bottom of a flowing river or stream, watch out!  Gang hooks are the best way to present live worms (and other live bait).

Any variety of lures can be employed to effectively fish for Smallmouth Bass.  Some of these would include:  spinners, spoons, soft baits (like the Slam line of soft baits), spinner baits, and top water lures.  Catching Smallmouth Bass on top water lures is incredibly enjoyable and quite effective as well.

The bottom line is that in lake situations, these fish can be fished for in much the same ways largemouth bass are fished for, with minor variations.   And in river situations, smallmouth bass can be fished for in much the same way as trout.  Such as bouncing a worm rigged on a set of gang hooks off the bottom, while it flows through the current.  There are few experiences that can compare to catching a 4 or 5 pound Smallmouth on ultralight spinning gear in a flowing river.  That might very well be the definition of a good time!

Gulf Coast Snapper Fishing

Finding you own bait, is not supposed to be a challenge at all, but unfortunately, sometimes it is just that. One of the biggest issues with fishing for pinfish is the snappers than snag up what was supposed to draw the pinfish. Now many people see this as a problem since they are trying to catch bait and not a snapper.

But this is not about pinfish or even baitfish, this is about snapper. All along the Gulf Coast, snapper is popular. Many restaurants are named after various snapper species.
From chum line fishing to using those pinfish mentioned earlier, fishing for snapper can be a very fulfilling day, and what's even better, is when the day over, and you get that snapper home and cooked, it just makes it all worth while.

Snapper can be found almost anywhere up along the coast line, but especially down near the mangroves at the everglades. Also near by, you will probably find a plethora of other species including the ever popular grouper, but just remember that when fishing, if you catch a grouper that you have to ensure that you are within the law.

The snapper is probably one of the least pick fish when it comes to a home, they will take up home in almost any knick or cranny without any hesitation. One of the best snapper to go for has got to be the mangrove snapper which accordingly can be found taking up home in the spaces at the roots of the mangrove trees near the edges of the everglades.

Snapper fishing along the coasts near the everglades equals a great day, or even a whole weekend of fun and excitement on the warm waters of Gulf of Mexico. Depending on the time of year, you may even have the opportunity to meet a Florida manatee close-up, the majestic cow of the sea that is almost extinct but was once mistaken for mermaids.

Read more about Gulf Coast Snapper Fishing at Best Fishing Clubs.

John Old
Webmaster of : Best Fishing Club Writer of : Gulf Coast Snapper Fishing

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Using Worms As Bait When Fishing

I realize that many anglers may be thinking that they already know how to use worms as bait when fishing, but my contention is that simply "threading" a live worm onto a hook and calling it fishing bait simply isn't right. We, as anglers, should respect the fish we are attempting to catch more than this. When live worms are traditionally used as bait, and are "threaded" onto a hook, they end up looking like some sort of worm ball, and this is just wrong on many levels. The most important thing that's wrong with the "threading" technique is that the bait ends up looking very little like what a live worm looks like in nature, and as I said, ends up looking like a worm ball. And when is the last time you saw a worm ball in nature?

More than 15 years ago, my fishing mentor JRW came up with a solution to this problem, and I haven't attempted to "thread" a worm onto a hook since. That solution is called a set of gang hooks, and it's the best way to use a worm as bait when fishing. You see, a set of gang hooks allows a worm to presented in an outstretched and natural manner, the way God intended. Presenting a live worm in a natural manner makes all the difference in the world.

JRW used gang hooks, and was the greatest live worm angler that I've ever known. He consistently caught not only numbers of trout, but trophy trout out of rivers and streams that received very heavy fishing pressure. Very few people knew his secrets, but one of those secrets was that he used gang hooks. He knew how important it was to present bait in a natural manner, and thus caught a lot of fish. JRW could never understand how people didn't use gang hooks to fish with live worms. To him, using gang hooks and presenting bait naturally, just made sense.

This is exactly how to use worms as bait when fishing: Begin be taking the end of your line and tying on a small barrel swivel. Now tie a set of pre-tied gang hooks onto the opposite end of the barrel swivel. Now add a live worm to the gang hooks (if the worms are large, simply pinch then in ½). At this point split shot sinkers are added to your line above the barrel swivel. If you're fishing in the current of a river or stream, the goal is to have your offering bounce off of the bottom as it flows naturally with the current (bouncing off the bottom as it flows). If you happen to be bobber fishing, just add a bobber to your line, and if you happen to be still fishing, simply add an egg sinker to your line above the barrel swivel. What was just described is exactly the way that JRW rigged live worms as bait.

The bottom line is that using worms as bait isn't rocket science, but to do it effectively, it is a bit more involved than simply "threading" a worm onto a hook. By using the simple technique of a set of gang hooks, you too can catch more fish. How do I know this? Because I've personally been doing exactly what was joust described, to catch fish for more than 15 years.

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

Gang Hooks Tied & Ready To Fish: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp
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Why is Flounder Fishing Popular Among Saltwater Anglers?

Taste. That is the reason that so many anglers seek out these fish on a regular basis. They make excellent table fare, and can be cooked in so many different ways. If you were to look for a resturant in your area that served flounder, and then travelled 300 miles away, you would get it cooked in a completely different manner. However it is cooked though, it is delicious.
When you go out fishing for flounder, and you choose live bait, you are going to end up dealing with a lot of smaller, what people call "trash", fish. They are bait stealers, plain and simple. It doesn't matter if you are using a float rig, trolling, or fishing the bottom with a jig. These little fish can empty your bait bucket quick if you aren't prepared. My only advice to you is to move if you end up on a stack of these.
You can troll with a float rig hooked up, and a piece of shrimp attached to a hook for an excellent way to seek out flounder. This method will help you avoid the little fish for the most part, but you will find patches of them. Once you find a pack of fish, or a bunch of smaller fish, it is time to grab a jig with a piece of shrimp. This is when I really prefer to use artificial baits, because you have to let it soak.
I use the fake shrimp that a few different companies make for almost all of my jighead flounder fishing. The ones I like to use have scents in them that release and smell like dying fish to other predators in the area. I am not completely positive on the formula, but I do know that it works. Because you have to soak artificial baits in the water as long as you do, the scent really helps predatory fish pick up on the bait, and move in.

Josh has been saltwater fishing for a long time now, and enjoys flounder fishing as a way of enjoying his catch.

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15 Carp Fishing Paste Bait Tips

Do your big carp catches need a boost?! Paste has always been outstanding carp bait and many carp anglers over-look so many great ways of applying it on hooks, rigs and exploiting it in many other ways. Why miss out on exploiting very crafty methods to fool very many more big wary carp! Here are 15 essential big fish paste tips to stimulate your thinking and your catches!
Paste baits have always been superior in many ways to boilies because they have no barrier to the release of all their attraction and in fact can be so effective in this release that they melt into the water pretty much completely; all this soluble bait is rapidly dispersed in the water and pulls the fish magnificently to the bait!

1. Fishing over paste baits means you can fish over broken down bait that more wary and more experienced big fish can very often find much more comfortable feeding with confidence over than with whole pellets and boilies!

3. Paste baits are very handy as they are sticky and can be molded around baits, hooks, leads and anything else you like so it is easily delivered by many means that carp will not have experienced much in the recent past.

4. You can use the dough from proprietary bait company base mixes and other ingredients to make your own homemade baits for relatively little cost compared to buying silly little amounts of paste at stupid prices!

5. You can easily begin by using ready made paste from bait companies that match your free ready made baits and immediately practice using pastes and catching on them!

6. Many anglers only seem how to make a fishing paste out of scalded trout or halibut pellets for instance, but this is the tip of the tip of the ice-berg! Dough type baits are one of the easiest and quickest carp baits to make quite apart from being exceptionally effective, and they can be made from the cheapest ingredients and still keep working for big fish (and you can make a unique and different bait every single time!)

7. You can vary characteristics of your bait so it is harder, softer, less or more resilient to nuisance fish like roach, more or less buoyant, have unusual textures and incorporate all kinds of things for special effects including micro pellets and crushed seeds and nuts like hemp and tiger nuts.

8. A very basic bread flake and yeast extract bait was common beginning for many carp anglers 30 years ago getting more into catching carp, and such very simple baits still work and prove you never need to spend a fortune on expensive baits!

9. To make a carp fishing bait dough a little unusual or alternative is very easy but to make a great bait dough takes some knowledge of carp senses and specific substances and ingredients and their components but you can make small economical amounts of bait using aquatic feeds for catfish, cold water fish and koi for instance.

10. A basic starter mix can be made by adding crushed aniseed-flavour Red Band bird food, crushed Koi feed or halibut pellet powder together, with eggs or even water in the mix.

11. The legendary bird food additive called Robin Red is great in soft pastes at high or low levels and there are alternative such as Cypry Red from Willis Worms among others!

12. You can base your homemade baits on proprietary base mixes with all the trimmings such as liquid foods, betaine, butyric acid, garlic concentrate, whey protein and casein, fish meals, enhancers and sweeteners like Talin and flavors and so on, or get all your ingredients from a supermarket often much cheaper!

13. Using odd-shaped soft baits gets around the fact that most wary carp find it very much easier to avoid and reject machine-rolled uniform sized and shaped boilies and pellets!

14. You can make your homemade paste baits on the bank so they are even fresher than most ready made baits can ever be - which is a very important point!

15. If you begin with experimenting with soft bait recipes which contain a high level of soluble sugars, marine, insect, fish, liver, yeast and milk and vegetable proteins for instance and your baits will release an explosion of carp attraction far quicker than your friends boilies - so you can expect even more action!

It is a fact today on many carp waters that the so-called smaller species have grown big by consuming expensive ready made baits used in such volumes. This change of behaviours and dietary preferences in many waters shows the impact of the nutritional attraction of boilies and this attraction and your catches can be seriously multiplied by boosting certain levels of substances in your baits!

This especially includes the concentrations and levels of very specific natural attractors, feeding triggers and appetite simulators for example. For insider information on homemade bait making and recipes, see my dedicated bait secrets site Baitbigfish now; why not improve your catches for life!

By Tim Richardson.
Now why not seize this moment to improve your catches for life with these unique fishing bibles: "BIG CARP FLAVOURS FEEDING TRIGGERS AND CARP SENSES EXPLOITATION SECRETS!" "BIG CARP AND CATFISH BAIT SECRETS!" And "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" For these and much more now visit: http://www.baitbigfish.com the home of the unique world-wide proven homemade bait making and ready made bait success secrets bibles!

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Bass Fishing Winter

Winter bass fishing is without a doubt the most challenging time to catch bass. You will not be able to use your usual methods and tactics and the bass will not be hungry. You will have a much harder time finding suitable cover and it might just be down right cold. Its no wonder why most bass fisherman don't partake in winter bass fishing but if you are reading this article then you are not most bass fisherman.
The first challenge in winter bass fishing is to be able to find the right place to fish. Much of the vegetation has died, the bass are sitting much deeper, probably at depths that are not visible to you even if the water is crystal clear. If you are in the north where there is ice cover then you really have your work cut out for you. If you prepare for winter bass fishing in the fall by marking deep spots with lots of structure then you will save yourself a lot of time. Otherwise you may have to find the bass by trial and error.
One rule to remember when winter bass fishing is to slow down your retrieve. In fact still fishing a soft plastic worm or grub is even better as long as you can very slowly drift it around the bottom or hop it across. If you are casting one of these soft baits, let it sink to the bottom then very slowly reel it in. It should take no less than three minutes to retrieve your lure.
Since bass are cold blooded they will be very non-responsive to your regular forms of prey because they just cant spend their precious energy unwisely. They will eat a grub that slowly drifts by right in front of its face but they will not be tempted to swim very far at all to get it. If you can accomplish dangling a worm, small fish or soft bait as described before in front of the bass' face then you will have success.
Only dull and plain colors should be used when winter bass fishing. Bright, flashy type bait will most likely produce nothing. If you are using soft baits then try keeping them in a zip-lock bag in your pocket. The warmth from your body will keep them from getting stiff in the cold water and they will act much more life-like when warm. Keeping a small handful in your pocket will allow you to cycle through them so you can always be using a warm one.

For more information on winter bass fishing and anything else related to bass fishing, be sure to visit ChampionBassFishing.com. There you will find many articles and videos that can take you from average to pro right now!
Tom Rittenhouse is an accomplished bass fisherman with many tournament wins and articles on the subject. His articles have been featured in magazines such as Ontario Outdoors.

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Fishing Tips for the New Angler - Where to Find the Big Bass!

Ready to join the growing number of sportsmen who have set their sights on catching that big bass? Thousands of new anglers are gearing up to hit the lakes, streams and rivers in search of the largemouth bass. This magnificent game fish can be as elusive as that winning lottery ticket.

Bass are part of the sunfish family. Other members of this species include spotted bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed fish. These bass, including the largemouth, are identified as warm water bass or black bass. Because of its "spirited" nature on the line, the largemouth bass is a favorite game fish for the casual weekend angler, as well as, the tournament fisherman.

As a new angler, your greatest challenge will be locating the "hideouts" of the largemouth bass. What makes the bass such a great game fish is that they are hard to predict. They are sensitive to environmental and seasonal changes. As water temperatures or levels change, so will their resting places. Other factors affecting their location might be season, weather conditions, amount of daylight, and food availability.
So, where is the best place to find the big "Kahuna" of bass? Different bodies of water will yield different results. Let's take a look at each:

Ponds

Ponds can yield satisfactory results, but the bass tend to be small to medium in size. Weeds and reeds are the natural habitat of bass. When fishing ponds, look for areas of weed beds near the shore. Bass will tend to congregate near or in these weedy areas, but also like to hide around sunken logs, large rocks, or deep holes.


Lakes

Natural lakes must be divided into two categories - lakes in the Southern states and lakes in the Northern states. The lakes in the north tend to have a wide array of topography - rock bluffs, weed beds, holes, sunken logs, reefs, islands and reeds. Bass aren't as plentiful in these lakes because these waters do not contain the plankton and algae that they like to feed on.
On the other hand, Southern lakes, especially shallow ones, breed some of the largest bass in North America. In these lakes, the bass will congregate in the shallows around the weedy and reedy areas. It's around these areas that you have the greatest probability for a strike, so cast your bait or lure in that direction.

Streams

Streams are often overlooked as a source for good bass fishing. They can be a great place to also find smallmouth bass, which prefer cooler waters over the larger and warmer bodies of water. The same principles apply in streams as in ponds - look for the sunken structures and along the steep banks. Anywhere that the weed beds change into rocky areas is an excellent location to find bass. One note of caution: bass will not congregate in flowing water, so don't waste your time in the middle of the stream in the current flow. Cast your line where the current is blocked, like large rocks of downed trees. This is where the large bass will be hiding out.

For the new angler, practice makes perfect. You don't need to start your fishing career on the big lakes. Try the smaller ponds to get accustomed to your new gear and to start to master your casting and retrieval techniques. Try different baits and see how they feel on the end of your line. Determine whether a spinner, streamer, soft bait or crankbait works best for you.

Trust me - you will catch plenty of bass along the way. They may not all be trophy winners, but you will learn to get a "feel" for a bass on the line. To help you gain a better feel for the fish, try using an ultra light combination rod and reel. Even the one pounders feel like trophy fish, and the experience you gain will be priceless.

Buck Wilson writes articles for sports publications and online newsletters. He is an avid sportsman and fisherman. For more information visit: http://www.go-fishing.net http://www.best-rifle-scopes.us

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Overhand, Underhand, Sidearm, Pitching, Flipping, Slingshot and Tossing

There are several types of casting methods, Overhand, Underhand, Sidearm, Pitching, Flipping, Slingshot and Tossing. However, there are only two that are mainly used in freshwater fishing; the overhand and sidearm methods. Even though every angler has their own way of executing each one, there are main aspects that are the same.

Sort of like a fingerprint, casting is unique to each person. It comes down to what feels comfortable and what works for you. If you ask four different anglers how to cast, you will probably get four different answers. But one aspect that’s consistent is that it’s all in the wrist.

I say it’s in the wrist and the forearm. The upper arm should be held against the side of the body as if holding a news paper in your armpit. Some casts require more use of the upper arm, but for the most part, the upper arm should not be much of a factor when casting.

Always get to know your reel before casting. You will need to know how to release the line correctly before you attempt to cast. Closed faced and some bait-cast and spinning reels have a button that, when pressed, (or pulled on some spinners) releases a locking mechanism on the spool inside the reel. When the button is released, the line moves freely from the reel. When you turn the handle, the line will not move out freely, but will retrieve.
Try to start out with a closed faced reel when first learning to cast. If you need help, ask someone at your local tackle shop or outdoor center to show you how to operate your particular reel. Remember, the only dumb question is one not asked.

Once you’ve mastered your reel, you’re ready to cast. The overhand cast is the most widely used of all casts. It’s the standard when one thinks of casting. It is mostly used for distance casting and can be fairly accurate with some practice. Fly fishing has it’s own specific cast and should only be tried when regular casting has been learned.
To execute the overhand cast, find a clear open area to practice in, make sure there is at least six inches of line between the rod tip and your lure. If you are using a leader, that could be all you need. Face the target area, a normal stance is really all that is needed. Try to keep your elbow at your side. On closed face reels, press and hold the releasing button and lift the rod straight up and over the shoulder with the forearm using the wrist to point the tip back.

At this point, the rod should be at a forty-five degree angle directly over the shoulder with the tip pointing behind you. If you need to use your upper arm a bit, that’s ok, just try not to put too much upper arm into the cast. Most of the casting motion should be done with the wrist and forearm.

Now, with the wrist and forearm, whip the rod forward releasing the button on the reel just after the tip passes the top of the arch. Follow though with the rod stopping when the rod is at a forty-five degree angle to the front.

Practice at home a few times or more from your porch or preferably a deck, cast into the yard and retrieve. Attach a sinker to the end of your line to simulate a lure. Once you’ve got the hang of it, then you’re ready to try it out for real.

The sidearm method is the same as the overhand, except that you swing the rod out to your side, perpendicular to the ground and a little more upper arm may need to be used.
The underhand cast is a little more advanced however, the mechanics are the same as the others, but in this cast you bring the rod across the body pointing the rod down at a forty-five degree angle and swing the rod in an upward motion.

Pitching and flipping are fairly simple, specialty casts that may involve the use of the entire arm. These cast are designed to accurately place your lure in the water with very little splash. They are meant for close range casting where a standard cast would be too much.

With pitch casting you release a rod’s length of line pinching the line just above the lure with your free hand and hold the button on the reel at the same time. Put enough tension on the line to straighten it out then swing the rod out and up letting go of the line and the releasing button at the same time, “Pitching” the lure at your intended target.

With this cast, you have to be careful not to snag yourself on the lure.
The flip cast is a bit more involved however, it’s fairly simple to execute and when mastered can be very handy. Hold the rod up and out like The Statue of Liberty pose and release the line until your lure hits the ground. Bring the rod back down and grasp the line between the reel and the first rod guide with your free hand.

Pull the line through the rod guides and out to the side holding the rod out about waist high, raising the lure off the ground. Holding the line, swing the lure like a pendulum and “Flip” it at your target. You can hold the line while casting or let go when needed. As I always say, “Go with what works.”

You can also use the flip type method for jig and pigging and drop shot type fishing. Just don’t ‘Flip” the lure out, lower the lure into the water with the hand holding the line. Continue to hold the line and pull back and forward making the lure move up and down in the water. This is a very handy method for Crappie and Blue-gill fishing.

The slingshot method is something I came across just playing around and then used it for necessity. I later saw it in a fishing magazine, so I can’t clam it as mine unfortunately. I’m not sure who thought of it first but I think it’s nearly the most accurate cast there is however, it’s not very quiet. Slingshot casting is perfect for getting your lure under docks and overhanging tree limbs.

It is very similar to pitching except when you put tension on the line, use enough to bend the rod tip and then slingshot the lure at you target by letting go and pushing the rod out and releasing the button on the reel. There is a bit of timing involved with this one and can be hazardous if not practiced enough.

Toss casting is basically what is says. Push and release the button on your reel. Take the lure in your free hand and literally toss it at your intended target. Depending on how good your aim is, this can be the most accurate cast of all however, it’s kind of limited on distance.

As I mentioned earlier, fly fishing has a very unique casting method and will take an entire article to explain. The fly fishing method can be use in saltwater fishing also. But for now, practice the overhand and sidearm methods until you’ve mastered them and then, when you’re ready, move on to other methods and as always, good fishin’ to ya.

Chris Curley lives in Indianapolis, Indiana with his dogs Puranah and Princess and with his cat Sylvester.

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

The Large Mouth Bass

More then ten million people are in love with the Largemouth Bass. For a lot of people,bass fishing is a passion that takes up almost all of their free time. They own all the most expensive equipment, have all the best lures,and have several expensive rods and reels. Even when they are not able to get out on the water they are watching one of their favorite fishing shows.
So why are almost all fishermen so obsessed with the Largemouth? Here are some of the explanations.
-Largemouth are the most widely distributed game fish in North America. They are found in every one of the lower 48 states and their range extends into southern Canada,Mexico,and Cuba. As a result almost every American angle can fish for Largemouth Bass with just a short drive.
-The Largemouth will eat practically any living thing that will fit into its mouth. This make the fish very angler friendly, which mean almost any kind of lure you use you will get a strike from it, if you use the right presentation.
-Largemouth Bass are very powerful fighters. However they're not as acrobatic as the Small mouth, they will not hesitate to leap to the air to throw your hook. If the tackle that you use is to light for fishing for Largemouth they will wrap your line around weeds or brush which will quickly end the fight.
The lures used by anglers to catch Largemouth consist of the following soft plastics,spinner baits,top water baits,buzz baits,and crank baits. Although a lot of anglers swear by the soft bait because it feel more realistic then the other baits and you can use them in any situation. When selection a lure the basic rule of thumb is, for dark water use a brighter lure and for clear water you will want to use more natural colors. However in some situations this might not be the case.
Now that you have the basics on the Largemouth bass you can apply this information along with your skills and gear to bring in more of the big ones. Good Luck!

Charles Hoffman born and raised in the country.
http://www.westdeerhunting.com

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

School for Sailfishing

Gorgeous, acrobatic, and lit-up, Sailfish rank as the # 1 sporty catch of south Florida. But there is a lot involved in the catch and release of these sought after game fish, after all their not the best table fare. How much vacuum packed smoked Sailfish can you eat? So what’s involved in catching the Sailfish? What kind of bait? What is the best rod and reel set-up? What are some of the techniques to use on the water? Let’s start out and learn from the end result and work our way to the beginning.
The fact is Sailfish fight their heart out, displaying themselves in full view acrobatics over and over again. Did you ever run the 100 yard dash in high school? What happened when you finished? If you were like me, you stood there with your head between your knees and tried to catch your breath. A Sailfish doesn’t have the luxury of sitting there and catching his breath, they will sink. So what do you do when you get a Sailfish that looks half dead at your boat side? You need to resuscitate him! Put on your gloves, grab his sandpaper like spindle beak, remove your hook and hold him boat side, preferably with the boat in gear. You need to revive him for 5-10 minutes before you let him go. This might take some patience, but the reward is great when your prize catch swims away in good health ready to fight another day.
The above scenario is a bit traumatizing for the Sailfish, don’t you think? Not to mention a little novice. Most cases when a Sailfish has to be resuscitated it is because the fight was prolonged. Fighting your Sailfish on anything less than 20 lb. test will prolong the battle unless you chase down your fish. Personally I prefer to fight my Sailfish with no help from the boat, but I also have that luxury since I fish from a center console. My clients have on numerous occasions commended me for not chasing down their fish, they appreciated catching their fish all on their own. As an example, if your using a 12 lb. set-up, you will need to hold at least 400 yards on your reel, and you might still get spooled from your average Sailfish if you don’t chase him down. Even if you don’t get spooled what fun is it seeing your fish jumping 300 yards away from the boat not to mention all that line dragging in the water increasing the risk for it to break. And finally you might have your fish boat side an hour or so later.
Fast reels, Hot baits
One of my favorite set-ups for Sail fishing is a Shimano TLD 20, spooled with over 400 yards of Berkley Big Game 30 pound test, accompanied with a seven foot, medium action Oceanmaster rod. This rod and reel set-up has caught tons of Sailfish over the years and remains unbeatable offshore. Keeping 4-5 pounds of drag set in the strike position, most Sailfish stay inside of 150 yards from the boat and are brought to the stern within 20 minutes. I use Berkley Big game fishing line on most reels, it doesn’t have a lot of stretch or memory and is easy to tie with, it also is abrasive resistant. With experienced fishermen on board I’ll tie a 5/0 Lazer sharp Eagle Claw Salmon hook directly to the main line. You can bring in the fish within 20 minutes and the line holds up very well, and you get a lot more hits that way. You will need to retie your hook after each fish caught to be safe from any nicks or chaff on your line.
Putting the right bait on your hook is critical to your success. I have caught Sailfish on Ballyhoo, Pilchards, and Threadfin Herring, but my best success is the valuable goggle eye. ( Literally at $50. to $100. a dozen) They are a soft bait with big eyes and strong swimmers making them great baits for all techniques. You can catch this bait on size 12 sabiki rigs but only at night, that’s when the Goggle-eye becomes active. You can find them around structure up to about 80 feet of water and around anchored ships. As soon as the sun comes up the bite is off unless there is a full moon setting as the morning light breaks, then the bite will last just a bit longer. So prepare to fish for these Goggle-eyes 2-4 hours before sunrise giving yourself time to find them first.
The Technique
Setting up on the drift.
As mentioned earlier, on my flat lines I like to tie the hooks directly to the main line, otherwise I’ll tie a short bimini to the tag end and attach my leader, 10 feet of 40 pound test Seaguar Fluorocarbon with an Albright knot. This knot takes practice, but once you get the feel of how this knot works you will never change. 2 to 3 flat lines are usually deployed at 50, 80, and past 100 feet away from the boat. 2 down lines are deployed at 40 and 80 feet down. The down lines are rigged different since weights are attached and the baits make more line twist, therefore I attach a stainless steel ball-bearing swivel to my Bimini and then 8 feet of 40-50 pound mono attached to 1 foot of # 4 wire Kingfish rig. You might not want Kings, but sooner or later your drift is going to take you over their zone, so be prepared for cut-offs. Most of the time I tie wire to all the rigs because the Kings bite on all lines. I use 4-6 oz weights on the down lines. The weight can be attached a few different ways. I like to insert the Bimini twist into the weight then tie on my snap swivel. You can also take a piece of dental floss, attach it to the weight and leave a long enough tag end to tie to the swivel. You can also use the breakaway technique where you will lose the weight. You take your line above the swivel and insert it through the weight so a loop appears on the other end, then take a rubber band, put it through the loop a few times and pull the mono slowly so the rubber band gets stuck inside the weight. When a fish strikes, the pressure on the line will release the weight. Setting your lines for the kite is the same as the down line without the weights. Tie your bimini, attach your ball-bearing swivel rated for 75-100 pounds, tie 8-10 feet of 50 leader material to the swivel and attach your tag end if you prefer, to 1 foot of # 4 wire leader attached to your hook via a haywire twist. Then I will take a 2 foot strip of red or orange ribbon and attach it to my swivel on the Bimini end, that way I can monitor my baits much easier.
Slow trolling
This technique is more advanced than drifting. It requires dropping your baits back on the strike. Sailfish are very sensitive as they pick up your bait, if your bumping in and out of gear a Sailfish can come up on your bait, mouth it, and if your drag is tight the boat will pull it from his mouth and he might not come back. I prefer to keep my drags in free spool with the clickers on, or on a spinning outfit I will leave the bail open, attach a piece of copper wire to the arm that is attached to the rod and make a small hook to hang the line on, with a gentle tug, the sailfish will pull the line from the tiny hook in the copper wire and put this reel into free spool as it runs with the bait. Let the fish eat for at least 5-10 seconds, or until he takes off speedily, then put your drag lever in the strike position and reel down until line starts peeling off the reel. When the kite bait gets hit, the Sailfish needs time to eat just like above, as you reel down on the fish the line will pop off the clip, so reel fast to get tight before he jumps. If he jumps before you get tight, chances are you missed him.
Prime time for south Florida Sailfish starts from November through April when these fish are concentrated in 100 to 200 feet of water. On winter days as the wind comes out of the east it is not unusual to get 4-5 releases in a days fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale, 3 or more releases constitutes a good day. During the winter season be sure to present plenty of baits down deep, at least 50 feet or more down. We catch a lot of sails this way, it seems the top part of the water column is a bit too cold for them especially on those days when the winds are blowing from the north.
When targeting Sailfish, look for the edge where the cobalt blue waters meets the green water. This is where the bait usually winds up as these two currents move against each other. This edge always changes, sometimes you will not find blue water past 700 feet or so. Don’t neglect this area, many times I have put lines down from 75-100 feet and came up with a beautiful tail walker. Pay attention to the current as well, a good 2 knot north current produces some of the best bites.

Captain Cary Hanna fishes the offshore waters off Ft. Lauderdale beach from the Hillsborough inlet south to Haulover. He pursues Sailfish, Kingfish, Dolphin, Tuna, Sharks, and Swordfish aboard his 2004 Donzi 32 ZF center console, powered with twin 225hp. Mercury Opti’s. He can be contacted at 954-907-0967 or visit his website for the latest fishing report and pictures at http://www.newlattitude.com

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

Snook Fishing from Shore

A lot of people think that you have to have a boat to fish, especially to fish for snook. This is just not true. I have spent the last 5 to 6 years fishing for snook on shore. I have also fished for them in a boat, but I have found out that I am more successful when fishing for snook from shore.

The trick is to know where they will be; I have found over the years to look in the places that other people just go right by. In the summer months, for instance, when the water temperature is in the 80's, you will find a lot of snook cruising the beaches. I have watched people fishing from the beaches in hopes of catching a big snook, but they fail to realize that the snook are right in front of them. They are so focused on casting their bait as far out as they can, and the snook are only feet off the beach. I also have seen where someone is fishing on one side of a sandbar and the fish are just sitting on the other side. The truth is, these people did not do their homework. They heard somewhere that they can catch snook off the beach so they went and got some fishing gear and some bait and think that's all there is to it. If you have tried to fish for snook, you know that there is a bit more to it than that. Not to say that you won't catch one, just not on a regular basis.

In this article I hope to open your eyes some, to look a little differently at the waters around you. You may find that you have been passing up some really great fishing spots.  

I'd like to show you that you can save a lot of money by fishing on shore. No more money spent on fuel, wasted time trying to find a boat launch that still has parking, or getting back tired after a long day on the water and still having to rinse the boat down and clean it.   

Looking for spots  

When I drive down the road I am always looking for a spot to fish. If I am driving down the beach, I'll look for vacant lots and dead end roads that have access to the water. I will look for parks that are on the water. Sometimes I'll find a place, and while I am fishing there, I'll see another good spot across the water.  

Snook love structure. Bridges are a great place to fish for snook. Try to get down on the shore of a bridge, so that you can cast underneath it. Don't just cast under it either. Often, snook will be moving along the shore there also. If you can get around docks, for instance in canals, you will usually find snook.    

Another place that I often search for snook is around causeways. There are mangroves along many of Florida's causeways and in between them is access to the water. These are great places to fish. Often you will find shallow water there, and guess what! Snook like shallow water. If there is a channel there also, well that's a plus. If there are mangrove islands and/or oyster beds there also, that's another plus - There is your structure.  

In the wintertime move inland; again look for parks on the water, like on main rivers that dump into the gulf or ocean. Snook cannot tolerate cold water. If the temperature drops down into the low 60's they can die, so they tend to move where they know the warmer water will be. Power plants are a great place to fish; OK, since 9/11 we cannot even get close to power plants anymore, but if you look around you can find places that are close to warm water runoffs. In the winter you will find both snook and tarpon in warm water runoffs. There is a place near me called the manatee park. This is where many manatees come for the winter and yes, it has a warm water runoff. Now you cannot fish in the manatee zone, but they do have a fishing pier where you can fish and cast into the runoff just outside the park. This is also a great kayaking spot.  

There are also locks on many rivers; these are also great fishing spots in the winter.  

Another good thing to look for is running water. Snook like to sit and wait in a good current and let the food come to them. I have noticed that on small bridges, people just drive by thinking that there is not much water there, so there must not be any fish. But I have learned that if mullet are there, then snook have no problem being there either. Remember mullet are a primary part of their food base.  

The key to all of this is to open your eyes and look at the environment. You may find a property that you know would be a great fishing spot. Try to find out who owns the property, and then call them for permission. You may even offer to help keep the lot or property clean for them, which is a small price to pay for a great fishing spot.  

I have many spots I fish and tend to not stay at any one of them for very long. For one reason, I use lures and cover a lot of area in a short time. Another reason is that I don't want people to see me catching fish. They're my spots. Every spot that I like to fish is a little different than the next; this gives me a wide variety to choose from, and depending on the weather I can usually find fish.  

My best day so far is over 40 snook in one day. Actually, I stopped counting at 40. All of them were caught on shore. I catch at least 2 or 3 good-sized snook every time I go out, but those are on bad days!  

So to recap, there are a few things that snook prefer. Look for areas with structure (bridges, mangrove islands, oyster beds, docks, & locks), a current (even in shallow water), and schools of mullet. These will be great fishing spots. Don't limit yourself to the places that have a sign saying 'fishing allowed.'  

The trick is to keep your eyes peeled for the right signs - They're out there. Just remember to respect the signs that say 'no trespassing'.  

Tackle  

The farther you can cast, the more coverage you will have when fishing on shore, so your setup needs to be focused on being able to make long casts. I personally use a 6 ½ - 7' rod (Shimano Compre), with medium-heavy to heavy action. Always use a good spinning reel (I use the Shimano Symetre 4000FJ), with 15 to 20 pound Power Pro line and 30 lbs fluorocarbon leader tied directly to the braided line. You do not want your leader to be over 2 feet long because it will drag the front of your plug down. Shorten the leader until your plug remains buoyant when retrieving it.  

Whether your preference is lures or bait, you have many options to choose from that work well when fishing for snook.  

If you're going to fish with live bait, pinfish, greenbacks, finger mullet and large shrimp are snook favorites. I have even had success on the beach using chunks of ladyfish. Keep in mind that snook have great eyesight and the littlest thing will spook them, so try not to use floats or weights.  

Personally, I like to use lures, especially top water plugs like Hedden Super Spooks. These lures make a lot of noise, and seem to make the snook want to destroy it. Another good choice is the DOA shrimp, but color will be a factor. The current water temperature and types of bottom where you are fishing will determine the color that the shrimp should be.  

I recently started using a new lure from Strike King called the 3X ZTOO. It is a soft bait that has salt imbedded into it. I tried this bait on a cold morning when the snook were stacked up, but not touching anything that I threw at them. I tossed one of these out, not expecting much, but to my surprise I pulled 5 snook out of this one hole in less than 30 minutes. Then the tide stopped and the snook moved on, but it made a poor fishing day turn out to be good.  

Always try to use a lip grip when you catch snook. The less you have to touch them (or any larger fish for that matter) the better their odds are for survival. When they are not in season, pinch the barbs on your hooks. You may lose a fish now and then, but the damage you cause them will be greatly decreased by doing this. This will help ensure that the big ones are out there for years to come, healthy and hungry!

I hope that this article helps open your eyes to new fishing opportunities. There are a lot of fantastic untouched fishing areas that are only accessible by land. So get out and go fishing, and don't forget to teach our next generation this great sport!

 

Wade Fishing

Wade fishing can be a great way to catch fish at a very small cost, but there are things you better know if you never have tried it before. If you ask other fishermen about wade fishing, I am sure that you will hear all kinds of stories regarding why many of them will never try it. So, before we get into the things that can happen, let's get into what you should have before you go wade fishing.

Fishing Equipment

There are a few pieces of equipment that you need to ensure a good, and safe, wade fishing experience. First, you should have a good fishing rod, anywhere from six foot to seven and a half foot, with medium to heavy action. Next, you'll need good saltwater reel. Why a saltwater reel? It's going to get wet...Well, more like it's going to spend some time underwater. What I like to do is to pack my reel with good reel grease. This helps to keep the saltwater out, and will make the reel last a lot longer. I do not recommend using any high dollar reels for this style of fishing, unless you just like to spend money. Also, when you're done fishing, instead of rinsing it off with fresh water, steal some lemon Pledge from the house and spray it on the rod and reel. Something in this stuff counteracts the saltwater. Just wipe it off when it dries, and put it away.

Bait vs. Lures

Do your homework before you go out. In other words, think about what species of fish you are going after and what their natural prey is. Shrimp is always a great all-around bait or if you have a cast net, whatever bait you find/catch around the area you will be fishing is definitely part of the natural diet of the fish in the area.

Don't be afraid to try lures. Topwater plugs like the Heddon Super Spook works well in the flats. Another good one is the Strike King Z TOO, which is a weedless lure. Flip out these lures while you're wading out to the spot you want to fish.

As for your bait, you're not going to want to drag a cast net around while you fish. Try to get the bait while you're still close to shore. Use a good bait bucket that will give your bait plenty of water change to help to keep them alive. Keep in mind that you don't want to overfill the bait bucket because this will cause a lot, if not all, of your bait to die. Give them some breathing room. Use a good strong fish stringer to tie your bait bucket to; most of these are plenty long enough for your fish and the bait bucket. If you can, try to stay away from aerators. These make noise and you don't want to spook away the fish as you are approaching them. Also get a fishnet or lip grip for your fish; this will make handling your fish easier and safer for you and the fish.

Let's talk about wearing waders when you fish. There are a few things that you need to be aware of before using them: First, if you go too deep, they will fill up with water. Second, they will try to drag you down if you go in over your head. This can make a great day go really bad, very fast. I am not saying not to use them, but just be aware at all times of where you are about to step because there are some deep holes out there. I am unsure, but I think they now offer waders with flotation in them for safety. If so, I would strongly recommend them. Or another option is to just wear a ski belt or some other kind of waist flotation device.

As for myself, I don't mind getting wet, so I wear an old pair of tennis shoes. You should always have something on your feet - there are plenty of things to hurt yourself on including broken shells, crabs, and don't forget stingrays! Try to do the stingray shuffle when walking across sandbars, so that they will hear you coming and move before you get to them. If you don't know what the stingray shuffle is, it is scuffing your feet on the bottom while you are walking. On a side note, stingrays are not out there to hurt you; their barb is their only defense and you would want to defend yourself if someone stepped on you too! Please show them respect and scuff your feet as you go, and you should have no problem with them.

Where to wade fish

Before you ever go wade fishing, you need to know where you're going to go. This may sound simple, but if you don't do some research, it could mean your life. Please don't take this lightly, as people die wade fishing every year. Always check out the area very well before fishing. During the low tide, check out the deep holes and the shallow areas. Track the best area to walk to get out to the channel or hole that you want to fish. Remember these areas because the tide will come back in, and many seasoned wade fisherman have waited too long and found themselves in a bad place. Knowing where the shallower water is could mean the difference of still being able to walk in or having a long, dangerous swim. I grew up wade fishing around Tampa Bay and around the Skyway Bridge. In these areas you can find sandbars at low tide that go out for a mile. They are great fishing spots, but also can be very dangerous. There is not only the concerns of getting stuck out there when the tide comes back in, but there is a strong current that always seems to be going the opposite direction than the way that you want to go. So, again, I cannot stress this enough - know where you're going ahead of time. Find out what time the tides are changing. Have a watch with you to check the time. Let some one know where you are going and what time you should be back. A good suggestion is to always have a friend with you. If they can hold their breath, you can ride on their shoulders while they walk you back into shore! Seriously though, fishing with a buddy is more fun and a lot safer.

Clothing

You may think that clothing does not matter when going out fishing, but you'd be wrong. First off, wear clothing that will protect you from the sun. You know that sunburn you get when you go out in a boat? Well, wade fishing is like laying out on a raft - you will burn if you don't have protection. A hat is a great idea, and polarized sunglasses are a must. Also, try to wear clothing that is in neutral colors like tans, light blues and light greens. Remember that if you can see the fish, they can see you. White and bright colors will spook away fish, and there goes your day of fishing! However, keep in mind that you don't want to camouflage yourself so well that a boat runs you over...

Wading in style

Here is something that you may want to try, especially if you get into wade fishing. Get a truck tire inner tube that will fit either a cooler inside it, or a large washtub. Now you have a place to keep your catch, tackle, lunch, and you now have a work station if you run into a problem with your gear. Safety wise, it could keep you alive if you for some reason forget to come back in before the tide does.

Fishing

Remember what I mentioned earlier, about using lures while wading out to your fishing spot? If you notice schools of Mullet in the flats, there is a great possibility that there could be Redfish in with these schools. There is also a high possibility of Snook and Seatrout. Always be on the lookout for baitfish breaking. You could find that the fish that you're after are still in the shallows, and have not moved into the holes and channels yet. However, you still need to be very quiet when approaching, and have a pole that can make very long casts. You would be surprised what you can hook into in only inches of water.

Once you reach the hole or channel that you wish to fish in, you can switch to bait if that's what you want to do. If you choose to fish with lures still, however, you will need to cast in a clocklike manner to cover a lot of area. Move along the edge of the hole or channel so that you can cover a large area in hopes of finding where the fish are. Then, try to work that area until the fish move. You will find that using a soft bait works very well - Bounce them off the bottom, or work them in a current. D.O.A. shrimp and Love's lures are two that I would recommend.

Something to think about

I am sure that you have heard stories about wade fishing - everything from sharks to sea monsters. When you're out there all alone, they all seem true. Something to think about though is that you are going into other creatures' homes - we are the outsiders. So always watch what you're doing, and have respect for these creatures.

Also be aware that you're going to be catching fish, and most likely putting these fish on a stringer attached to you. These fish will be splashing about for a bit, and most likely bleeding a little. I think you know where I am going with this. More than once I have had situations with sharks. When you're dangling fish in the water, you're asking for them to come up and check out your catch. I have had times when I have been pulled back a few feet, only to find just heads of my catch still on my stringer and a large fin circling me. Oh, and believe me - smacking a shark on the nose with your pole really doesn't work very well. So, remember the inner tube? It's really a great idea because you can put your catch into the cooler...

 

Fresh And Salt Water Fishing Vancouver Island

By: michael russell

Fishing Vancouver Island, British Columbia, encompasses two different sorts of angling, both fresh and salt water. For now, let's take a look at the salt water variety and come back to fresh water fishing at a later date.

The seas which surround Vancouver Island are literally teaming with six species of salmon, rockfish, halibut and loads more species of fish which anglers like to catch. There are also a great many unusual and unique species which can be found here and it is a popular island for both boaters and fishermen. Charters are available to take people out or you are able to launch your own boat from one of the many ramps.

If you are planning a weekends fishing in British Columbia, you might want to extend your stay a little, prices are about the same as in the US, but the CAD exchanges at around 64 cents to the dollar, so you make a saving of 33 % on everything you have to pay for apart from gas. This sells per liter and works out to be more expensive. Apart from your savings on the exchange rate of the dollar, there is also a Federal rebate on Goods and Services Tax.

A boat trip will take you from Victoria for a day out on the sea to catch both bottom fish and fly fish for salmon. It is better to avoid the busiest season, because it gets very busy. Reasonably priced and good value for money live on-board operations will take you out to find the best traditional fishing spots and guarantee you a catch worth talking about. Once of the most popular spots is the entrance to the Queen Charlotte Islands, Port Hardy.

During early and late season cheap packages can be found where visitors can get a couple of day's fishing, accommodation and flights out of Vancouver for all inclusive prices. These packages are available across the entire price spectrum and fly lodges will include guides and up-scale accommodation, as well as extras.

The island has many different types of accommodation from B&B's, lodges, hotels, and some people even put up a couple of rooms in their homes. Your accommodation generally includes the price of a day out on the water fishing as well as shrimping, crabbing, clamming, and musseling from the beach.

Camping facilities are good and very reasonably priced, but bear in mind that the roads are not great and in the wet season, this can be a problem. Camping could become uncomfortable to say the least. Finding budget accommodation is easy at most times of year, barring the salmon season.

If you are planning to fish in Uclet or Tofino, bear in mind they are much further out than Port Alberni, and you should plan to stay longer. Both these towns celebrate a salmon festival when they are quite busy.

A boat trip to Big bank for fishing is great, but only if you don't get sea-sick, if you do, try to stay in calmer waters as this will spoil your day out. It is best to take a charter as the locals can expand your fishing knowledge as well as take you to the best spots, but if you want to take your own boat, be sure and check weather conditions and tides. For people who don't like boats, there is still plenty of options available for angling. You are able to fish from rocky outcrops, piers and the beach and may catch salmon, flat fish, herring, eel, rock fish and octopus.

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Fishing in Florida

Enjoy Great Fishing in Florida

By: Benicio Brown

Florida is one of the most desirable locations to visit or live in the world. It offers the excitement of theme parks and the buzz of nightlife, but what else attracts people to this beautiful location? Well, for many people who live and visit Florida, fishing is an important factor that draws them to the state. Florida is a well known fishing location as it features some of the most exquisite rivers in the world.

License to Fish

When visiting another country, be sure to check out any laws and regulations relating to your stay, to make sure you are not breaking any rules. Fishing in Florida should be looked upon in the same manner. If you are looking to have a fishing experience, then it is definitely advisable to get yourself a fishing license.

There are two different licenses available. A freshwater license is the most common, as this allows fishing in lakes, rivers and streams. The salt water license is not as common and is for people fishing in salt water, such as the sea.

It is not as complicated as it sounds though. If you are 16+ years old and looking to fish from a boat, then you’ll need a license. Of course, the great thing about being a resident of Florida is that you won’t need a license if you are fishing from a land based location.

Tarpon Fishing in Florida

Tarpon fishing was originally developed by fisherman in the South. This is classed as something much more extreme than standard fishing. Tarpon are an extremely large fish, so it should be expected that they will put up a huge fight when you are trying to real them in. Sea Bass are a fish also known for putting up a big fight after being caught, but obviously they are much smaller, so the impact is minimal.

So it should be said that if you are looking for something a bit different when fishing in Florida, then embarking on a Tarpon fishing trip would be a great place to start. Many fisherman travel hundreds of miles to go Tarpon fishing in Florida. This is due to the quality of the water, and therefore the fish that inhabit them.

There are a couple of ways that you can organize your trip. There are chartered trips available. The problem with these types of trips is that they are extremely expensive. If you have deep pockets, then you’ll definitely be in for a great time. You will be accompanied by an expert fisherman, from the local area, so you are sure to be fishing in the best spots known to man!

Of course, most of us will have to plan trips ourselves, looking through forums and internet based resources will soon bring up a range of great spots for Tarpon fishing. The great thing about Tarpon fishing is that they can be found throughout the year, so they’ll be no time constraints on your trip. Of course, there are prime seasons and in Florida, Tarpon fishing is definitely the best in the summer.

Taking a Chartered Fishing Trip

It is not a usual occurrence that it advisable to pay over the odds for a product or service. Fishing in Florida is a once in a life time experience, so this is the only case where it is appropriate. There are so many lakes, rivers and streams that is simply a mammoth task to choose the right ones.

There are a range of Chartered boat trips you can take for fishing. The most popular are Tampa Bay or Sarasota Bay. The great thing is that you’ll have expert fisherman which will identify the best areas and techniques for fishing around that part of Florida.

Taking a chartered trip certainly takes away the stress of planning a trip. Many people looking to use Florida as a fishing getaway have had their trip ruined due to the fact that their planning was inadequate. All you will need to take is the likes of daily essentials, food, clothing and drinks. Fishing equipment is general available for hire if necessary, although most charters will allow you to take your own! If the cash is available to join a chartered fishing trip, then it will definitely be worth its weight in gold.

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Planning to go fishing in the Florida Keys?, then take a look at this Florida fishing calendar where you will find information on the best time of year to fish tarpon, blue marlin, and amberjack, among many other species.

Flounder Fishing: How to catch Fish When the Drift is Slow

By: Captain Chris Bell

One of the peculiarities of flounder fishing is that you need to cover ground in order to catch them. They are aggressive predators that will chase a bait and they expect a bait to run from them when they approach. When the wind is light and your drift is slow or non-existent, it can become much harder to catch them.

A method you can use to catch these fish under such conditions is the cast and retrieve technique. As the name implies, it is a much more active fishing technique than most flounder fishierman may be accustomed to. Read on and learn more about it.

Preparation.
There is a technique that can be used under these conditions that will allow for catching flounder. It is the cast/retrieve technique, and can be very productive. There are a number of items required to do this. You must be able to cast a good distance with the rod you are using, a spinning reel is best for this. The reel must be spooled with a braided line, as braid is extremely sensitive and will allow you to feel the hits much easier than with monofilament. The rod should be at least 7 feet long, and have a light action to it to help feel the hits. The last consideration is the flounder rig. Instead of using a standard flounder rig, it must be modified for the conditions. Since this rig will be cast and worked, the leader between your sinker snap and the hook will be much shorter, on the order of 12-16” in length and 50 pound test. It is best to use a green monofilament like Berkley Trilene big game line. Your end rig can be rather simple, just one spinner blade and a white bucktail hook, or just a bucktail hook. This shorter rig is necessary to control your casting and because this is a much more active technique then typical flounder fishing, where the longer rig will tangle repeatedly. Typically, you don’t want to use more than 2-4 ounce sinkers for this type of fishing.

The Technique.
Now that you have the right gear, onto the actual jigging retrieve. Bait the hook with squid or whatever else works, then cast the rig out as far as you can, and wait until it hits the bottom before closing up and taking in the slack. Reel in the slack until the rod is nearly horizontal, then begin jigging. Jig upward about 18” and go back down until you feel the sinker hit the bottom, then do it again, and again, until the rod reaches a point where it is vertical. Then reel in the slack until the rod is nearly horizontal again, and repeat the pattern. You do this until you feel a hit and hook a fish or the line itself is nearly vertical, then reel it in and cast out again, repeating the method. It should be cast it in at a least a slightly different direction each time, covering new ground. Normally you would cast downdrift or perpendicular to the drift. If the drift speed is exceptionally slow, then casting updrift is also an option.

The Strike Reaction.
Be aware of the hits when they come, there may be just a little more resistence than the sinker alone. At this point, most people want to jerk back on the rod to set the hook. This rarely works, as the flounder comes up behind the bait and grabs it at the end, usually not getting the hook but just the end of the bait farthest from the hook. So your reaction should be to immediately lower the rod tip and take the pressure off the line, waiting for a few seconds to give the fish a chance to take the bait in. Then lift the rod tip slowly until you think the fish is hooked. Now reel the fluke in. If the fish is lost on the way up, open the bail and let the line back down to the bottom right away and begin jigging, often a flounder will come back for it. If no hits occur within a minute or two, reel the line in and check to see if the bait is gone. When you lose a fish this way, it’s often a good idea to rebait and cast out in the same area again to get a second chance at that fish.

You may notice that this technique also tends to attract larger fish, which are more aggressive and like a more active bait. Also, If this technique fails to catch fish, better move to a different area because there are no fish around the boat.

Best Times to Fish for Fluke.
When fishing for flounder the best fishing is normally between 5:30am and 11:00am. This doesn’t mean that they won’t bite at other times and often they do, but most of the fish will be caught during this time range in any given day. Usually the worst time is from 12:00pm to 3:00pm. On many days there will be a very active bite for one or two hours while the tide is running, and a slow bite during other times.

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Captain Chris Bell has fished RI waters for many years and is now a professional fishing guide. Before that he was a PC Tech, Modelmaker, CAD trainer, and technical writer. Chris now runs Block Island fishing charters from Jim's Dock in Jerusalem, RI. Rhode Island fishing charters.

What You Need To Know About Bait Casting Reels

By: Constantine Lekendiros

There are many kinds of fishing reels on the market these days and a very popular reel is the bait casting reel. If you are relatively new to fishing all the reel and fishing equipment choices on the market can be a bit confusing. To clarify things a bit this article will present the features of the bait casting reel.

Knowing a few things about fishing equipment can make selecting the proper gear a bit less of a hassle. When it comes to bait casting reels there are a few things that can help both novice and expert anglers in selecting a proper reel.

The two single most important characteristics are material by which the body is made from and the quality of construction; to be even more specific the bearing material and the turn ratio of the crank.

After you decide what type of reel to get you should know what to look out for in every reel and be able to distinguish between a good quality and a bad quality reel. Even when it comes to bait casting reels the things you should keep an eye out for are quality of construction and materials by which the reel is made of.

In most cases the bodies of bait casting reels are manufactured using either aluminum or graphite. Graphite is considered a more durable metal, light weight and resistant to wear and tear as well as to corrosion. That is why graphite bait casting reels are more suitable for salt water fishing.

On the other hand, even though aluminum is less resistant to corrosion it is a bit more flexible and strong than graphite. On the other hand, if you are only after smaller fish like crappie or other fish known as panfish a graphite bodied reel might just do the job.

If you have decided to get a bait casting reel then there are a few things you should keep an eye out for. After you decide which reel you are going to get, or at least from which manufacturer you should be able to check the reel and make sure everything is in place.

The ball bearings are an important component of your reel because they will determine how smooth the reel will be. Keep in mind that it is better to use steel ball bearings just because they last longer.

Reels come with a minimum of two ball bearings and the maximum is six ball bearings. The more ball bearings a reel has the better because the cranking will be much smoother.

A reel with smoother cranking will enable you to sense movement on the other end of the line. That means that when fish bite you will know immediately and be able to pull the line at exactly the right time.

Another thing you should look out for when looking to buy a bait casting reel is how fast the crank turns. This is referred to as the turn ratio of the crank. Reels have different turn ratios, ratios that can vary anywhere from 2:1 to 1:6.

The first number of the ratio represents how many times the crank turns for every turn of every rotation of the spool. The greater the number of rotations of the spool the greater the power of the reel, in other words it has more cranking power. A higher cranking reel is good for bottom bouncing.

As you can see there are many things you need to keep in mind when buying a reel even when it is a bait casting reel. Look for the best price, and go on the internet to see that there are many great websites that sell low priced bait casting reels.

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Find great prices on fishing reels including on Abu Garcia Fishing Reels. Go online for great prices on Abu Garcia Fishing Reels at: abugarciareel.com

Fishing Articles: http://www.article-buzz.com

Snook Fishing From Shore

A lot of people think that you have to have a boat to fish, especially to fish for snook. This is just not true. I have spent the last 5 to 6 years fishing for snook on shore. I have also fished for them in a boat, but I have found out that I am more successful when fishing for snook from shore.
The trick is to know where they will be; I have found over the years to look in the places that other people just go right by. In the summer months, for instance, when the water temperature is in the 80's, you will find a lot of snook cruising the beaches. I have watched people fishing from the beaches in hopes of catching a big snook, but they fail to realize that the snook are right in front of them. They are so focused on casting their bait as far out as they can, and the snook are only feet off the beach. I also have seen where someone is fishing on one side of a sandbar and the fish are just sitting on the other side. The truth is, these people did not do their homework. They heard somewhere that they can catch snook off the beach so they went and got some fishing gear and some bait and think that's all there is to it. If you have tried to fish for snook, you know that there is a bit more to it than that. Not to say that you won't catch one, just not on a regular basis.
In this article I hope to open your eyes some, to look a little differently at the waters around you. You may find that you have been passing up some really great fishing spots. 
I'd like to show you that you can save a lot of money by fishing on shore. No more money spent on fuel, wasted time trying to find a boat launch that still has parking, or getting back tired after a long day on the water and still having to rinse the boat down and clean it.  
Looking for spots 
When I drive down the road I am always looking for a spot to fish. If I am driving down the beach, I'll look for vacant lots and dead end roads that have access to the water. I will look for parks that are on the water. Sometimes I'll find a place, and while I am fishing there, I'll see another good spot across the water. 
Snook love structure. Bridges are a great place to fish for snook. Try to get down on the shore of a bridge, so that you can cast underneath it. Don't just cast under it either. Often, snook will be moving along the shore there also. If you can get around docks, for instance in canals, you will usually find snook.   
Another place that I often search for snook is around causeways. There are mangroves along many of Florida's causeways and in between them is access to the water. These are great places to fish. Often you will find shallow water there, and guess what! Snook like shallow water. If there is a channel there also, well that's a plus. If there are mangrove islands and/or oyster beds there also, that's another plus - There is your structure. 
In the wintertime move inland; again look for parks on the water, like on main rivers that dump into the gulf or ocean. Snook cannot tolerate cold water. If the temperature drops down into the low 60's they can die, so they tend to move where they know the warmer water will be. Power plants are a great place to fish; OK, since 9/11 we cannot even get close to power plants anymore, but if you look around you can find places that are close to warm water runoffs. In the winter you will find both snook and tarpon in warm water runoffs. There is a place near me called the manatee park. This is where many manatees come for the winter and yes, it has a warm water runoff. Now you cannot fish in the manatee zone, but they do have a fishing pier where you can fish and cast into the runoff just outside the park. This is also a great kayaking spot. 
There are also locks on many rivers; these are also great fishing spots in the winter. 
Another good thing to look for is running water. Snook like to sit and wait in a good current and let the food come to them. I have noticed that on small bridges, people just drive by thinking that there is not much water there, so there must not be any fish. But I have learned that if mullet are there, then snook have no problem being there either. Remember mullet are a primary part of their food base. 
The key to all of this is to open your eyes and look at the environment. You may find a property that you know would be a great fishing spot. Try to find out who owns the property, and then call them for permission. You may even offer to help keep the lot or property clean for them, which is a small price to pay for a great fishing spot. 
I have many spots I fish and tend to not stay at any one of them for very long. For one reason, I use lures and cover a lot of area in a short time. Another reason is that I don't want people to see me catching fish. They're my spots. Every spot that I like to fish is a little different than the next; this gives me a wide variety to choose from, and depending on the weather I can usually find fish. 
My best day so far is over 40 snook in one day. Actually, I stopped counting at 40. All of them were caught on shore. I catch at least 2 or 3 good-sized snook every time I go out, but those are on bad days! 
So to recap, there are a few things that snook prefer. Look for areas with structure (bridges, mangrove islands, oyster beds, docks, & locks), a current (even in shallow water), and schools of mullet. These will be great fishing spots. Don't limit yourself to the places that have a sign saying 'fishing allowed.' 
The trick is to keep your eyes peeled for the right signs - They're out there. Just remember to respect the signs that say 'no trespassing'. 
Tackle 
The farther you can cast, the more coverage you will have when fishing on shore, so your setup needs to be focused on being able to make long casts. I personally use a 6 ½ - 7' rod (Shimano Compre), with medium-heavy to heavy action. Always use a good spinning reel (I use the Shimano Symetre 4000FJ), with 15 to 20 pound Power Pro line and 30 lbs fluorocarbon leader tied directly to the braided line. You do not want your leader to be over 2 feet long because it will drag the front of your plug down. Shorten the leader until your plug remains buoyant when retrieving it. 
Whether your preference is lures or bait, you have many options to choose from that work well when fishing for snook. 
If you're going to fish with live bait, pinfish, greenbacks, finger mullet and large shrimp are snook favorites. I have even had success on the beach using chunks of ladyfish. Keep in mind that snook have great eyesight and the littlest thing will spook them, so try not to use floats or weights. 
Personally, I like to use lures, especially top water plugs like Hedden Super Spooks. These lures make a lot of noise, and seem to make the snook want to destroy it. Another good choice is the DOA shrimp, but color will be a factor. The current water temperature and types of bottom where you are fishing will determine the color that the shrimp should be. 
I recently started using a new lure from Strike King called the 3X ZTOO. It is a soft bait that has salt imbedded into it. I tried this bait on a cold morning when the snook were stacked up, but not touching anything that I threw at them. I tossed one of these out, not expecting much, but to my surprise I pulled 5 snook out of this one hole in less than 30 minutes. Then the tide stopped and the snook moved on, but it made a poor fishing day turn out to be good. 
Always try to use a lip grip when you catch snook. The less you have to touch them (or any larger fish for that matter) the better their odds are for survival. When they are not in season, pinch the barbs on your hooks. You may lose a fish now and then, but the damage you cause them will be greatly decreased by doing this. This will help ensure that the big ones are out there for years to come, healthy and hungry!
I hope that this article helps open your eyes to new fishing opportunities. There are a lot of fantastic untouched fishing areas that are only accessible by land. So get out and go fishing, and don't forget to teach our next generation this great sport!

Randy Laukshtein is an avid Snook fisherman and co-creator of the Florida Fresh & Saltwater Fishing site. Check it out at: http://www.FLFreshAndSaltwaterFishing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Laukshtein