The Elusive Redfish – Pride of the Oyster Bars
If you like sport fishing, you surely will like to fish for redfish. This feisty species is one of the best fighters in the inshore spectrum and, cooked correctly, a great addition to the barbeque menu. Even some restaurants have adopted the fish as a specialty. For example, at the famous Redfish Seafood Grill and Bar on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, they headline, “At Redfish, we serve up a parade of award-winning French Quarter specialties, including classics like Blackened Redfish, Crawfish Etouffee and Jambalaya.”
Young redfish, or red drum as they are often called, feed in the shallows on clams, crabs, mussels and shrimp. When the fish are about four years old and about 30 inches in length, they leave the shallows to join the near offshore populations. A 30 inch specimen will weigh around ten pounds. They can live for twenty years and have attained weights up to sixty pounds (Florida record fifty one pounds eight ounces).
The fish gets its common name from the copper bronze large scales on their bodies which are darker in cloudy water and lighter in clear waters but the most distinguishing feature is a dark spot at the top of the base of the tail. For the fisherman, however, the most recognizable feature is the tail disturbing the water in the calm shallows and frequently breaking the surface. The sight of a dozen or more redfish “tailing” as this foraging behavior is called is enough to set the adrenaline coursing through the veins of the most hardened sportsman.
Catching redfish is like all fishing. You just have to be in the right place at the right time with the right bait and tackle. Use a light medium action rod because you could end up doing a lot of casting before you finally lure your trophy specimen onto the hook, and use the lightest line you feel comfortable with. Just remember to set the drag accurately (the pro’s will actually use a scale and set it to sixty percent of nominal breaking strain).
The right time is easy, fish the feeding grounds on the flats and oyster bars on the rising tide and till just after the tide turns and fish the hiding places in the troughs and sloughs on the ebb. The most reliable spots are on the edge of the mangroves close to deep water. This gives the combination of a great feeding spot with an easy escape route when threatened.
As far as bait is concerned, if you are fishing for the pan, use live bait. Greenbacks, pinfish, or even a succulent shrimp will certainly catch more fish than any lure, but for sport and satisfaction nothing can beat the feeling of hooking that twenty five inch express train on a little gold spoon or shiny plug. Toss your bait or lure as close to the mangroves as you dare, let it sink for a few seconds, then retrieve slowly. When the strike comes, you will know all about it, and the fish will do all the work of setting the hook. Your job will be to get the fish away from the mangroves and then to enjoy the fight of your life. This is when the challenge of light tackle fishing will tax your skill and fill your psyche with pride.
Happy fishing, and look out for the recipe coming soon! Just remember, if you are not going to eat the fish, release it unharmed. Always respect your local fishing regulations.
Showing posts with label Entertainment Recreation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment Recreation. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
What a Fish Finder Can Do For You!
What a Fish Finder Can Do For You!
Have you ever spent hour after unproductive hour fishing on a lake with nothing to show for it? I doubt there's a serious angler anywhere who hasn't had that happen to them. So, if you can relate to that, this article about the advantages of a fish finder might be just what you need.
Fish finders utilize sonar. These devices use sound waves to detect the bottom of the lake, calculate the depth, and will also detect anything between the surface and the bottom, such as fish. This technology gives the angler a huge advantage by letting you know right away whether or not there are any fish present.
Fish finders have become increasingly more sophisticated in recent years. Early fish finders simply flashed to indicate the presence of fish. But, today, with improved electronics, you can get things such as LCD's with a wide variety of LCD types and resolution. The best fish finders today are similar to watching a color display of the water you're fishing in and show everything with great clarity.
Fish finders vary widely in price and, like everything else, you get what you pay for. Larger units with more features will cost more. Generally, units with higher resolution will cost more than those with lower resolution. Higher resolution will give you greater detail as to what is in the water.
Many of the most popular fish finders are wrist-mounted devices and are worn just like a wrist watch. They will only have basic functions but are very mobile and easy to use. Other fish finders utilize large displays and can be mounted to your boat.
Fish finders can be found for as little as $100 and as high as several thousand dollars. There are many brands available with a wide variety of features, so it pays to do your research before you buy. You can check locally or do what most people are doing nowadays... check them out online. It faster and easier.
You can also find fish finders that include a Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS technology is great for anglers as it provides accurate information about your location. This will help you to return to that great fishing spot with ease. All you have to do is simply record the GPS coordinates of any location and you can easily find it again. The accuracy of GPS is about 9 feet so that should be good enough to find those fish again.
And one of the best benefits of GPS is the safety factor. You will never get lost as you can program your starting point and then easily find your way home... even on the largest of lakes and even in dense fog. Don't underestimate the importance of this feature.
So, having a fish finder is a great way to increase your catch each time out. It will tell you where the fish are (and are not), give you depth information, and return you to your favorite fishing hole. And, with GPS, it will get you back home easily and safely. Do your research online and find the best fish finder to suit your needs and budget. You won't regret it.
Have you ever spent hour after unproductive hour fishing on a lake with nothing to show for it? I doubt there's a serious angler anywhere who hasn't had that happen to them. So, if you can relate to that, this article about the advantages of a fish finder might be just what you need.
Fish finders utilize sonar. These devices use sound waves to detect the bottom of the lake, calculate the depth, and will also detect anything between the surface and the bottom, such as fish. This technology gives the angler a huge advantage by letting you know right away whether or not there are any fish present.
Fish finders have become increasingly more sophisticated in recent years. Early fish finders simply flashed to indicate the presence of fish. But, today, with improved electronics, you can get things such as LCD's with a wide variety of LCD types and resolution. The best fish finders today are similar to watching a color display of the water you're fishing in and show everything with great clarity.
Fish finders vary widely in price and, like everything else, you get what you pay for. Larger units with more features will cost more. Generally, units with higher resolution will cost more than those with lower resolution. Higher resolution will give you greater detail as to what is in the water.
Many of the most popular fish finders are wrist-mounted devices and are worn just like a wrist watch. They will only have basic functions but are very mobile and easy to use. Other fish finders utilize large displays and can be mounted to your boat.
Fish finders can be found for as little as $100 and as high as several thousand dollars. There are many brands available with a wide variety of features, so it pays to do your research before you buy. You can check locally or do what most people are doing nowadays... check them out online. It faster and easier.
You can also find fish finders that include a Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS technology is great for anglers as it provides accurate information about your location. This will help you to return to that great fishing spot with ease. All you have to do is simply record the GPS coordinates of any location and you can easily find it again. The accuracy of GPS is about 9 feet so that should be good enough to find those fish again.
And one of the best benefits of GPS is the safety factor. You will never get lost as you can program your starting point and then easily find your way home... even on the largest of lakes and even in dense fog. Don't underestimate the importance of this feature.
So, having a fish finder is a great way to increase your catch each time out. It will tell you where the fish are (and are not), give you depth information, and return you to your favorite fishing hole. And, with GPS, it will get you back home easily and safely. Do your research online and find the best fish finder to suit your needs and budget. You won't regret it.
Choosing a Fly Line for Your Fishing Rod
Choosing a Fly Line for Your Fishing Rod
Choosing the right fly line for your fishing rod is critical for success. Fly rods are rated for a given line - or more usually two lines.
Normally the line rating is written somewhere on the butt of the rod, usually as two numbers separated by a / mark. E.g. 3/4 or 7/8. These two figures represent the manufacturers suggested fly line rating. The first figure is for a Double Taper line and the second for a Weight Forward line.
For those who do not know, a double taper line is one where the thickest part of the line is in the middle of its length and the line then tapers away equally towards the two ends.
A weight forward line has a different profile. As the name suggests most the weight of the line, the thickest part, is concentrated at the front end. Behind this section is a long thin section of equal diameter line known as the running line.
The difference between these two profiles reflects the way the lines are used.
A double taper line is used when shorter casts are required, usually on rivers and streams. In these conditions you are often casting to fish high in the water or rising. Because of the slower taper on a double taper line it is easier to cast more delicately and avoid scaring the fish.
One other great advantage of the double taper line is that the taper is the same whichever end you use. So if you damage one end of the line you can turn it round and use the other end.
Fortunately the manufacturers do not charge extra for this - yet!
Weight forward lines are better for fishing the wider rivers and lakes where longer casting may be required. Because the weight of the line is concentrated in the front end the rod loads quicker. This makes it easier to build up line speed and momentum which helps to shoot line on the delivery, making for longer casts. This type of line is also better able to cast into or across awkward winds.
The main disadvantage of these types of line is that because more of the weight is concentrated in the front end, there is a much steeper taper to the line end. So these lines tend to land more heavily on the water. This makes delicate presentation more difficult.
The other disadvantage of weight forward lines are that there is a definite right and a wrong way to put the line on the reel. The thin running line has to go on first so that the heavier forward end comes off the reel first.
Get the line the wrong way round and you will find it almost impossible to cast.
While it is always best for beginners to stay with the manufacturers’ recommendation for line rating, modern rods are far more adaptable at handling different lines than older rods.
Apart from anything else the more experienced fly fisher develops a feel for when the rod is correctly loaded and can adjust his casting to suit heavier or lighter lines than recommended.
Hopefully, these guidelines help you to understand and choose the right fly line for your rod and your fishing.
Choosing the right fly line for your fishing rod is critical for success. Fly rods are rated for a given line - or more usually two lines.
Normally the line rating is written somewhere on the butt of the rod, usually as two numbers separated by a / mark. E.g. 3/4 or 7/8. These two figures represent the manufacturers suggested fly line rating. The first figure is for a Double Taper line and the second for a Weight Forward line.
For those who do not know, a double taper line is one where the thickest part of the line is in the middle of its length and the line then tapers away equally towards the two ends.
A weight forward line has a different profile. As the name suggests most the weight of the line, the thickest part, is concentrated at the front end. Behind this section is a long thin section of equal diameter line known as the running line.
The difference between these two profiles reflects the way the lines are used.
A double taper line is used when shorter casts are required, usually on rivers and streams. In these conditions you are often casting to fish high in the water or rising. Because of the slower taper on a double taper line it is easier to cast more delicately and avoid scaring the fish.
One other great advantage of the double taper line is that the taper is the same whichever end you use. So if you damage one end of the line you can turn it round and use the other end.
Fortunately the manufacturers do not charge extra for this - yet!
Weight forward lines are better for fishing the wider rivers and lakes where longer casting may be required. Because the weight of the line is concentrated in the front end the rod loads quicker. This makes it easier to build up line speed and momentum which helps to shoot line on the delivery, making for longer casts. This type of line is also better able to cast into or across awkward winds.
The main disadvantage of these types of line is that because more of the weight is concentrated in the front end, there is a much steeper taper to the line end. So these lines tend to land more heavily on the water. This makes delicate presentation more difficult.
The other disadvantage of weight forward lines are that there is a definite right and a wrong way to put the line on the reel. The thin running line has to go on first so that the heavier forward end comes off the reel first.
Get the line the wrong way round and you will find it almost impossible to cast.
While it is always best for beginners to stay with the manufacturers’ recommendation for line rating, modern rods are far more adaptable at handling different lines than older rods.
Apart from anything else the more experienced fly fisher develops a feel for when the rod is correctly loaded and can adjust his casting to suit heavier or lighter lines than recommended.
Hopefully, these guidelines help you to understand and choose the right fly line for your rod and your fishing.
The summer is coming, so lets go fish Vilano Beach!
The summer is coming, so lets go fish Vilano Beach!
The summer is a testing time for fishing the beach! The weather is never predictable, the beach even less so. No reason to give up! Just because it is difficult is no reason to default. In fact, the more difficult it is, the more rewarding it will be.
So let us begin. Where does one fish? "The beach" you say. Ok, which 50 yards of the 25 miles of beach between St Augustine Inlet and the St Johns River do you want to fish?
Yep, the secret of fishing the beach is not in the fishing, it is in the walking! Walking the beach at low tide, finding out the lie of the sea bottom is the most important step in the fishing process. This is good, because it gives us the credibility to call fishing a sport and not just a recreation!
So what are we looking for during the low tide walk? Just watch the waves. Usually what you see are the waves breaking a few yards out, then the resultant foamy waves reform and rebreak closer to the shore. Where it first breaks is a sand bar, where it reforms is a slough (pronounced slew}. If you were to walk out from the beach you would first struggle through the deeper water of the slough then climb up onto the bar where the water can be only inches deep.
So once you have identified the sandbars, the big break is finding the gaps in the sandbar, the spots where the fish will find the deeper water and follow the rising tide into the sloughs. You find these when the waves do not break out at the bar but roll all the way in to the beach. When you find it, mark it carefully with a beach landmark. It is incredible how different it will look at high tide! Once you identify the gap, plan to fish in the gap itself and just inside the sandbar on either side of the gap.
Ok! We are halfway there with the where, now what about the when? My experience is the two hours before and after first and last light are the most consistent fishing of the day, while the two hours before and two hours after high tide are the most productive choice of tide. So, put the two together, you get an early morning high tide (that also means an evening high in most places) as the best time.
(If you are planning your vacation, how do you know when the tides will be? Actually, it's not that difficult, early morning and evening high tides will normally follow the full and new moons, and every calendar has those dates marked!)
In the three months of summer you will find whiting, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, trout, flounder, redfish, and drum. You will also find shark, skate, catfish and crabs. It will be a race who will get your bait first, but whichever wins, it will be fun, and you will be the final winner! Get out there and fish.
The summer is a testing time for fishing the beach! The weather is never predictable, the beach even less so. No reason to give up! Just because it is difficult is no reason to default. In fact, the more difficult it is, the more rewarding it will be.
So let us begin. Where does one fish? "The beach" you say. Ok, which 50 yards of the 25 miles of beach between St Augustine Inlet and the St Johns River do you want to fish?
Yep, the secret of fishing the beach is not in the fishing, it is in the walking! Walking the beach at low tide, finding out the lie of the sea bottom is the most important step in the fishing process. This is good, because it gives us the credibility to call fishing a sport and not just a recreation!
So what are we looking for during the low tide walk? Just watch the waves. Usually what you see are the waves breaking a few yards out, then the resultant foamy waves reform and rebreak closer to the shore. Where it first breaks is a sand bar, where it reforms is a slough (pronounced slew}. If you were to walk out from the beach you would first struggle through the deeper water of the slough then climb up onto the bar where the water can be only inches deep.
So once you have identified the sandbars, the big break is finding the gaps in the sandbar, the spots where the fish will find the deeper water and follow the rising tide into the sloughs. You find these when the waves do not break out at the bar but roll all the way in to the beach. When you find it, mark it carefully with a beach landmark. It is incredible how different it will look at high tide! Once you identify the gap, plan to fish in the gap itself and just inside the sandbar on either side of the gap.
Ok! We are halfway there with the where, now what about the when? My experience is the two hours before and after first and last light are the most consistent fishing of the day, while the two hours before and two hours after high tide are the most productive choice of tide. So, put the two together, you get an early morning high tide (that also means an evening high in most places) as the best time.
(If you are planning your vacation, how do you know when the tides will be? Actually, it's not that difficult, early morning and evening high tides will normally follow the full and new moons, and every calendar has those dates marked!)
In the three months of summer you will find whiting, pompano, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, kingfish, trout, flounder, redfish, and drum. You will also find shark, skate, catfish and crabs. It will be a race who will get your bait first, but whichever wins, it will be fun, and you will be the final winner! Get out there and fish.
Fly Fishing Terminology: Learn to Speak the Language
Fly Fishing Terminology: Learn to Speak the Language
So you have decided to give fly-fishing a try. Of course you don't want to go out there and sound like a rookie, do you? Good thinking, since experienced fly fisherman can spot a newcomer a mile away. That's usually because a beginner doesn't know or understand that fly-fishing has a terminology all its own.
For instance, when you do any other type of fishing you use bait. When you are fly-fishing you use a "fly". Here is a list to help you with the basic terms that you will encounter in the sport.
Action-In other types of fishing when you ask about the action you are asking if the fish are biting. In fly-fishing "action" is the term used to describe the pace on a cast line of a particular rod.
Affluent-If someone is referring to affluent they are not talking about someone's wealth. They are talking about a stream of water that eventually leads to a larger body of water.
Frankenfly-This is the term usually doled out to the first fly you try to tie by yourself. It's really a play on words, but not a real good one, Frankenstein, frankenfly, get it?
Riffle-This refers to a good fishing spot that has very rapid moving water over something solid, usually rocks.
Dead water-This term refers to a body of water that has little or no current. This is a useless spot for a fly fisherman to try to catch a fish.
Bobbin-The word was taken from sewing terminology. The bobbin holds the tying thread.
Tinsel-This is just like Christmas decoration. It is a thin piece of silver, gold, or brass colored ribbon. It is used to make your fly shinier so, hopefully, you will attract more fish.
When referring to flies, there are five main categories: nymph, dry fly, wet fly, terrestrial, and stream fly, so make sure you refer to them correctly.
Here is what they are.
Nymph-This lure is made to look like an insect larva.
Dry fly-This fly mimics an insect floating on top of the water.
Wet fly-This fly swims just under the surface of the water.
Terrestrial-Here you want to imitate a flying insect that has fallen into the water and has drowned.
Stream fly-This fly is an attempt to mimic a hurt bait fish that would normally be in the stream you are fishing in.
Now that you can at least understand what fly fishermen are talking about you should take the next step and get yourself set up with a great fly-fishing rod and reel and all of the other gear you'll need.
The selection is huge with many different options to choose from. A good recommendation is that you get some help from someone that knows the sport and the requirements for the area that you plan to fish.
There you are, you have the language down. You've bought your gear, now get out there and enjoy the fly-fishing experience with out being singled out as the rookie.
So you have decided to give fly-fishing a try. Of course you don't want to go out there and sound like a rookie, do you? Good thinking, since experienced fly fisherman can spot a newcomer a mile away. That's usually because a beginner doesn't know or understand that fly-fishing has a terminology all its own.
For instance, when you do any other type of fishing you use bait. When you are fly-fishing you use a "fly". Here is a list to help you with the basic terms that you will encounter in the sport.
Action-In other types of fishing when you ask about the action you are asking if the fish are biting. In fly-fishing "action" is the term used to describe the pace on a cast line of a particular rod.
Affluent-If someone is referring to affluent they are not talking about someone's wealth. They are talking about a stream of water that eventually leads to a larger body of water.
Frankenfly-This is the term usually doled out to the first fly you try to tie by yourself. It's really a play on words, but not a real good one, Frankenstein, frankenfly, get it?
Riffle-This refers to a good fishing spot that has very rapid moving water over something solid, usually rocks.
Dead water-This term refers to a body of water that has little or no current. This is a useless spot for a fly fisherman to try to catch a fish.
Bobbin-The word was taken from sewing terminology. The bobbin holds the tying thread.
Tinsel-This is just like Christmas decoration. It is a thin piece of silver, gold, or brass colored ribbon. It is used to make your fly shinier so, hopefully, you will attract more fish.
When referring to flies, there are five main categories: nymph, dry fly, wet fly, terrestrial, and stream fly, so make sure you refer to them correctly.
Here is what they are.
Nymph-This lure is made to look like an insect larva.
Dry fly-This fly mimics an insect floating on top of the water.
Wet fly-This fly swims just under the surface of the water.
Terrestrial-Here you want to imitate a flying insect that has fallen into the water and has drowned.
Stream fly-This fly is an attempt to mimic a hurt bait fish that would normally be in the stream you are fishing in.
Now that you can at least understand what fly fishermen are talking about you should take the next step and get yourself set up with a great fly-fishing rod and reel and all of the other gear you'll need.
The selection is huge with many different options to choose from. A good recommendation is that you get some help from someone that knows the sport and the requirements for the area that you plan to fish.
There you are, you have the language down. You've bought your gear, now get out there and enjoy the fly-fishing experience with out being singled out as the rookie.
Factors for Successful Bass Fishing
Factors for Successful Bass Fishing
Bass fishing is a very sought after sport in the United States and many other countries like Australia and Canada. Many tournaments are held throughout the year and this has made bass fishing a very lucrative industry.
Although bass is an edible fish, sport anglers do not treat them as food. During a fishing tournament, bass are caught, weighted and then release back into the water. If the bass are stressed, they are placed in a holding tank for treatment and then released back into the water right after treatment is completed.
There are many factors that can affect your performance as a professional bass fishing angler. First, you need to understand the biology and behaviour of the bass that you want to catch. Knowing how bass behave in different water and temperature environments, their habitats and many other factors can affect your fishing outcome.
For example, bass fish are pretty sluggish in extremely hot or cold water. They usually do not fight very hard when they are caught. However, they feed and grow rapidly when the temperature is moderate and will put up a hard fight if they are caught.
Bass also prefer to stay in covered areas and usually prey on smaller fish. This should give you an idea of where to look as well as what lures to use when bass fishing.
Besides learning about the bass fish, you need to understand and maximize the use of your fishing equipment. The type of rods, reels, lines and lures to use will depend on the type of bass fish you are expecting to catch. You certainly do not want your equipment to fail at the moment when a fish bites.
In a fishing tournament, you seldom stay in the same spot for a long period of time. If you are not having great result in one spot, you will have to quickly look for another spot to improve your catch. Your ability to read a fishing map quickly and accurately will help in your chance of locating a good fishing location.
A good piece of advice would be to visit the angler supply store near the tournament venue. You can pick up a few useful tips from the store owners on the potential spots for landing a big catch.
Regardless if you are a sport or recreational angler, you need to improve your fishing techniques and knowledge on a regular basis. Always seek out other successful bass fish anglers to exchange ideas and pointers. Most successful anglers love to share their knowledge.
You can also go online to visit bass fishing forums and make new friends. You will likely meet anglers from around the world which will further broaden your bass fishing knowledge.
By taking all the above factors into account, you can make every fishing experience enjoyable and fruitful.
Bass fishing is a very sought after sport in the United States and many other countries like Australia and Canada. Many tournaments are held throughout the year and this has made bass fishing a very lucrative industry.
Although bass is an edible fish, sport anglers do not treat them as food. During a fishing tournament, bass are caught, weighted and then release back into the water. If the bass are stressed, they are placed in a holding tank for treatment and then released back into the water right after treatment is completed.
There are many factors that can affect your performance as a professional bass fishing angler. First, you need to understand the biology and behaviour of the bass that you want to catch. Knowing how bass behave in different water and temperature environments, their habitats and many other factors can affect your fishing outcome.
For example, bass fish are pretty sluggish in extremely hot or cold water. They usually do not fight very hard when they are caught. However, they feed and grow rapidly when the temperature is moderate and will put up a hard fight if they are caught.
Bass also prefer to stay in covered areas and usually prey on smaller fish. This should give you an idea of where to look as well as what lures to use when bass fishing.
Besides learning about the bass fish, you need to understand and maximize the use of your fishing equipment. The type of rods, reels, lines and lures to use will depend on the type of bass fish you are expecting to catch. You certainly do not want your equipment to fail at the moment when a fish bites.
In a fishing tournament, you seldom stay in the same spot for a long period of time. If you are not having great result in one spot, you will have to quickly look for another spot to improve your catch. Your ability to read a fishing map quickly and accurately will help in your chance of locating a good fishing location.
A good piece of advice would be to visit the angler supply store near the tournament venue. You can pick up a few useful tips from the store owners on the potential spots for landing a big catch.
Regardless if you are a sport or recreational angler, you need to improve your fishing techniques and knowledge on a regular basis. Always seek out other successful bass fish anglers to exchange ideas and pointers. Most successful anglers love to share their knowledge.
You can also go online to visit bass fishing forums and make new friends. You will likely meet anglers from around the world which will further broaden your bass fishing knowledge.
By taking all the above factors into account, you can make every fishing experience enjoyable and fruitful.
A Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing
A Beginners Guide to Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is a great hobby and has lots of benefits outside the actual catching of a fish. In our stress filled lives what better way to relax than to get out in nature and breathe the fresh air and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors? The sound of a running stream alone has a wonderful calming effect and the stress relieving benefits of fly fishing is a great bonus to a challenging and fun hobby.
If you're considering taking up fly fishing you will need the proper equipment and also learn how to use it. The main pieces of equipment you'll require to start on your journey to becoming a fly fishing guru are:
1. A Fly Fishing Rod
A proper fly fishing rod weighs somewhere around 5 ounces and is usually about 9 feet in length, although this will depend on how small or large the river is where you intend to use it. Local fishing tackle stores are a great source of free advice on which equipment to use in a particular stream.
2. Fly Fishing Line
The line used for fly fishing is much thicker than normal fishing line as it needs to have enough weight to achieve the whipping action used to move the fly around the surface of the stream.
3. Flies
The artificial fly lures that you use can vary greatly and depend on the species of fish you intend to catch and what insects are most common in the stream. In some cases you will use a fly for working the surface of the water and other times a lure that sinks a little. Once you become more involved in fly fishing it is not too difficult to learn how to make you own fly lures. Catching a nice sized fish using a lure that you have made with your own hands is an extremely rewarding experience too.
Once you have the right equipment you then need to learn how to use it. The idea behind the fly fishing technique is to mimic the behavior of the insects the fish are feeding on. Here is where observing the river is important so you can select a fly lure that looks similar to insects flying around the edges of the stream. You will also need to use an action with the rod that makes to fly mimic what the insects are doing on or below the surface of the water.
As important as knowing how to use the fly fishing equipment and choosing a lure is selecting the best time to fish. This can depend on when the fish are most active which may be different from one stream to the next, however dawn and dusk are usually the best times as the sun isn't bright enough for the fish to see you and the insects that the fish feed on are usually very active.
With a little preparation and learning about the right equipment and how to use it fly fishing can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Its great appeal is not only the relaxation element of getting out in nature but the excitement of catching a nice fish. Once you land a good sized fish that fights on the end of your line then you'll be hooked on fly fishing for life.
Fly fishing is a great hobby and has lots of benefits outside the actual catching of a fish. In our stress filled lives what better way to relax than to get out in nature and breathe the fresh air and soak up the beauty of the great outdoors? The sound of a running stream alone has a wonderful calming effect and the stress relieving benefits of fly fishing is a great bonus to a challenging and fun hobby.
If you're considering taking up fly fishing you will need the proper equipment and also learn how to use it. The main pieces of equipment you'll require to start on your journey to becoming a fly fishing guru are:
1. A Fly Fishing Rod
A proper fly fishing rod weighs somewhere around 5 ounces and is usually about 9 feet in length, although this will depend on how small or large the river is where you intend to use it. Local fishing tackle stores are a great source of free advice on which equipment to use in a particular stream.
2. Fly Fishing Line
The line used for fly fishing is much thicker than normal fishing line as it needs to have enough weight to achieve the whipping action used to move the fly around the surface of the stream.
3. Flies
The artificial fly lures that you use can vary greatly and depend on the species of fish you intend to catch and what insects are most common in the stream. In some cases you will use a fly for working the surface of the water and other times a lure that sinks a little. Once you become more involved in fly fishing it is not too difficult to learn how to make you own fly lures. Catching a nice sized fish using a lure that you have made with your own hands is an extremely rewarding experience too.
Once you have the right equipment you then need to learn how to use it. The idea behind the fly fishing technique is to mimic the behavior of the insects the fish are feeding on. Here is where observing the river is important so you can select a fly lure that looks similar to insects flying around the edges of the stream. You will also need to use an action with the rod that makes to fly mimic what the insects are doing on or below the surface of the water.
As important as knowing how to use the fly fishing equipment and choosing a lure is selecting the best time to fish. This can depend on when the fish are most active which may be different from one stream to the next, however dawn and dusk are usually the best times as the sun isn't bright enough for the fish to see you and the insects that the fish feed on are usually very active.
With a little preparation and learning about the right equipment and how to use it fly fishing can be an exciting and rewarding hobby. Its great appeal is not only the relaxation element of getting out in nature but the excitement of catching a nice fish. Once you land a good sized fish that fights on the end of your line then you'll be hooked on fly fishing for life.
Using the Right Fly Fishing Line
Using the Right Fly Fishing Line
If you want to have a successful fishing trip, it certainly helps to have the right fishing equipment. When it comes to fly fishing, your line is an extremely important part of your tackle. Having the right fly line is critical to casting your line accurately.
A good tip is to buy colored line since it will simply be much easier to see when your line is in the water. Although some anglers are concerned that a colored line will be noticed by the fish, this is really not the case. The fish are only going to see your leader and the fly. So, you don't have to worry about the color of the fly line as far as the fish are concerned and you'll be able to see your line better.
You also need to decide if you want to use a floating line or a sinking line. The advantages of floating lines are:
-Allows you to use dry flies which stay on top of the water
-Casting is easier
-Generally more versatile
Sinking lines are better for deep water fishing, but are harder to recast once the line is in the water.
The shape of the line is also another consideration when choosing your fly fishing line. Fishing conditions will generally be the deciding factor.
Double taper lines are a certain diameter on each end but are wider in the center. They are the simplest to use if you are roll casting.
Another shape is called weight forward. As the name implies, these lines have more weight at the lead part of the line. But, they can be more difficult to cast. However, their main advantage is that they are easier to use if you will be fishing in windy conditions.
Another tip when buying your fly fishing line is to use the rod maker's recommendations. Any given rod is most compatible with a certain weight of fishing line. Now, you can use any weight you want, but it is at your own risk. Generally speaking, you are better off going with what the rod manufacturer has designed the rod for.
Following are some good guidelines for determining the proper weight of fly fishing line for various fishing scenarios:
-Use a 3 to 5 weight line for small streams for small trout or panfish.
-Use a 5 to 7 weight line for fishing medium rivers for trout, bass and most panfish.
-Use a 7 to 9 weight fly line when fishing for big trout, salmon and bass in big rivers and light salt water.
-Use 12 weight line when going for the really big ones.
You should also consider buying fly line backing. There are two reasons for this. The first is it will fill up your fly reel before you get to the actual fly line. This way it won't take so long to reel in your line.
And, secondly, it will allow the fish to run out farther than the line itself. It's not a big deal for fishing for small trout in streams, but you might want it if you're going after much bigger fish like tarpon.
And remember, once you've purchased your fishing line, it's very important to take good care of it. It is especially critical to keep your line clean. Fly lines will pick up dirt and film from the water - so be sure to clean them before putting them away.
Use these tips on choosing the right fly fishing line and you will have many fun and successful days on your favorite lakes and streams going after your favorite fish.
If you want to have a successful fishing trip, it certainly helps to have the right fishing equipment. When it comes to fly fishing, your line is an extremely important part of your tackle. Having the right fly line is critical to casting your line accurately.
A good tip is to buy colored line since it will simply be much easier to see when your line is in the water. Although some anglers are concerned that a colored line will be noticed by the fish, this is really not the case. The fish are only going to see your leader and the fly. So, you don't have to worry about the color of the fly line as far as the fish are concerned and you'll be able to see your line better.
You also need to decide if you want to use a floating line or a sinking line. The advantages of floating lines are:
-Allows you to use dry flies which stay on top of the water
-Casting is easier
-Generally more versatile
Sinking lines are better for deep water fishing, but are harder to recast once the line is in the water.
The shape of the line is also another consideration when choosing your fly fishing line. Fishing conditions will generally be the deciding factor.
Double taper lines are a certain diameter on each end but are wider in the center. They are the simplest to use if you are roll casting.
Another shape is called weight forward. As the name implies, these lines have more weight at the lead part of the line. But, they can be more difficult to cast. However, their main advantage is that they are easier to use if you will be fishing in windy conditions.
Another tip when buying your fly fishing line is to use the rod maker's recommendations. Any given rod is most compatible with a certain weight of fishing line. Now, you can use any weight you want, but it is at your own risk. Generally speaking, you are better off going with what the rod manufacturer has designed the rod for.
Following are some good guidelines for determining the proper weight of fly fishing line for various fishing scenarios:
-Use a 3 to 5 weight line for small streams for small trout or panfish.
-Use a 5 to 7 weight line for fishing medium rivers for trout, bass and most panfish.
-Use a 7 to 9 weight fly line when fishing for big trout, salmon and bass in big rivers and light salt water.
-Use 12 weight line when going for the really big ones.
You should also consider buying fly line backing. There are two reasons for this. The first is it will fill up your fly reel before you get to the actual fly line. This way it won't take so long to reel in your line.
And, secondly, it will allow the fish to run out farther than the line itself. It's not a big deal for fishing for small trout in streams, but you might want it if you're going after much bigger fish like tarpon.
And remember, once you've purchased your fishing line, it's very important to take good care of it. It is especially critical to keep your line clean. Fly lines will pick up dirt and film from the water - so be sure to clean them before putting them away.
Use these tips on choosing the right fly fishing line and you will have many fun and successful days on your favorite lakes and streams going after your favorite fish.
Monday, July 2, 2007
Choosing the Perfect Fishing Trip Destination
Choosing the Perfect Fishing Trip Destination
One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.
One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.
Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.
What type of fish do you want to catch?
While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.
Do you want tons of action? Or trophy fish?
Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group... lots of fish that maybe aren't the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.
It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both... catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.
How are you going to catch your fish?
Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?
We've seen people trolling in 60 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few feet from the surface. Not much chance of catching anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake will offer it.
What do you want to spend for this fishing trip?
The price you're willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you'll have.
Be realistic. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable in a tent or tar-paper shack on a lake with great fishing?
Or would you prefer staying at a more upscale fishing lodge?
Do you want to cook for yourself... or do you want the fishing camp to do the cooking?
And what about shower facilities? Are you willing to use a community shower or do you want a private shower and bath in your own cabin. Gentlemen, if you're taking your spouse on this trip, make absolutely sure you consider this one! If you don't, it could spoil an otherwise great trip.
Other considerations are how long the trip will be and the type of fish you are looking to catch. A trip to a fishing lodge on a lake with pan fish and bass will likely be much cheaper that a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada for arctic char.
So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.
One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.
One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.
Let's take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.
What type of fish do you want to catch?
While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.
Do you want tons of action? Or trophy fish?
Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group... lots of fish that maybe aren't the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.
It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both... catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.
How are you going to catch your fish?
Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?
We've seen people trolling in 60 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few feet from the surface. Not much chance of catching anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake will offer it.
What do you want to spend for this fishing trip?
The price you're willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you'll have.
Be realistic. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable in a tent or tar-paper shack on a lake with great fishing?
Or would you prefer staying at a more upscale fishing lodge?
Do you want to cook for yourself... or do you want the fishing camp to do the cooking?
And what about shower facilities? Are you willing to use a community shower or do you want a private shower and bath in your own cabin. Gentlemen, if you're taking your spouse on this trip, make absolutely sure you consider this one! If you don't, it could spoil an otherwise great trip.
Other considerations are how long the trip will be and the type of fish you are looking to catch. A trip to a fishing lodge on a lake with pan fish and bass will likely be much cheaper that a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada for arctic char.
So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.
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