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Here is the best sourced help relating to fishing tips.

Often when you are looking for the best information on fishing tips, you'll find it easier said than done sorting out the best information from poorly sourced fishing tips suggestions and support so it is important to know how to qualify the advice you are presented with.

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A good hint to track when offered information and suggestions on a fishing tips site would be to confirm the sites ownership. This may show you who owns the site fishing tips identifications The easiest way to reveal who owns the fishing tips website is to look on the 'contact' page or 'about this site' information.

All reputable sites providing information about fishing tips, will nearly always have a 'contact', or an 'about', page which will record the site owner's contact details. The details should divulge some key points concerning the owner's requisite knowledge. This permits you to make an informed assessment about the site owner's knowledge and skill, to give recommendations about fishing tips.

About Author

Barry Wise is the webmaster for http://www.fishing-tips-hints.info

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Lots of Fun with Crab Fishing

Crab fishing is popular because of three reasons:

(i) Crabs are very tasty to eat

(ii)It 's a sport which can be enjoyed by each member of the family

(iii) It doesn't involve much money as it is quite cost effective.

However, before setting out on a crab fishing trip with your family, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. The favorite crab for crab fishing is the blue crab, which is called Callinectes sapidus scientifically. And like its name,the blue crab comes in shades of blue, olive-green, and red.

Other crabs that are caught are mud crabs and spanner crabs.

2. There are different methods of crab fishing, which are quite cost effective and others that need a lot in terms of money and time. You can use a dip net to catch the crabs. Or there is the handline method, which is inexpensive, simple and fun.

3. If you plan to go crab fishing onshore, then the best time is when the tide is rising. For onshore crab fishing, you'll need a dip net, long string and some type of bait, like eel, chicken necks, or small fish.

4. Always be careful when handling a live crab, especially while transferring it from the net into the container.

5. If a boat is used to catch crabs, you should use and drop cone nets with the bait tied to the bottom center of the drop net. This technique can also be used if fishing from a bridge.

6. The crabs that you catch should be stored in a closed container and kept packed in a freezer.

About Author

For more great reading about your favorite hobbies visit the authors website at: http://www.hobbyarticles.com

Source: ArticleTrader.com

Houseboat Rental

You have lived on ground almost all your life so its about time to wake up to a new life on a boat. Houseboating has become a popular past time for both the young and old, especially attracted by the thrill of living on rivers and lakes and enjoying its green banks. Of late, housbeoating rental companies have tried to add a lot of incentives to this boating holiday to make visitors feel like they are in an urban setting. Some boats now feature fully connected satelite tv, gas cookers, radios, etc.



You can book a houseboat for a day, two weeks or a month as your plans require. Ther are several companies offering visitors the ability to rent their boats and explore rivers upstream or downstream, seeing lakes and rivers in all their beauty and scenery. For bird watchers and environmental enthusiasts, this is a great opportunity to combine a holiday with business exploration..



Going on a houseboating adventure differs not much from an ordinary camping. You need to take enough suplies but not bedding as the houseboats are equiped with beds and sitting room furniture to imitate everyday household living conditions. You may however need to take along food and drink supplies . Of late some people, send along water skis and some fishing rods to do some fishing.



One company at the forefront of houseboat renting is Sunset Marina & Resort, loacted at Sunset Marina & Resort Sunset Dock Rd.Byrdstown, TN and online at http://www.sunsetmarina.com. The company has a new 20' wide boat which can be used to explore the entire Dale Hollow Lake at a great comfort. The boat has 6 private bedrooms with closets, 2 full baths and a fly bridge with canopy top and hot tubs.



If you intend to go on a houseboat vacation, you will have to know something about the high and low seasons. During the high seasosn, expect to pay as much as $1,500 to $3,000 a week depnding on facilities available. A low season price can be between $800 to $1500 depending on facilities again.



Find out from the boating company which routes the craft will pass. If you intend to go on environmental or eco holiday, you will need rivers with a lot of wild life scenery and game. If you intend to do fishing, you will need a river with a lot of fresh water fish.



Also, make a good assessment of how much space you will need so that you do not waste space or find yourself overcrowded.



Take along food supplies even if you are assured of sale by local stores. Though these stores will relieve you of the burden of carrying food all the way to the rivers, they cannot be counted on all the time as they may close for one reason or the other.



Houseboating is one holiday option you will love to patronise. Rivers, lakes and waterfronts all help to create an atmosphere of nature, quite relieving you from the concerns of urban neighborhoods.

About Author

For more more information about houseboat rental please visit http://www.used-houseboats.net









Source: ArticleTrader.com

Hawaii Sport Fishing

If you're coming to experience Hawaii sport fishing, you

have one heck of an adventure awaiting you! Anglers from all

over the world journey to these deep blues waters teeming

with trophy fish. This is where you come to get the big

ones. In fact the biggest fish ever caught on rod and reel

was a blue marlin caught just off Oahu, weighing in at a

hefty 1805 lbs.! Hawaii is so legendary among sport fishing

enthusiasts that several "big-game" tournaments are held

here every year, including the granddaddy of them all, the

Hawaiian International Billfish Tournament, luring fishermen

from all over the globe.



Hawaii sport fishing is the home of big-game fish. Some of

the species you'll encounter here are three types of marlin;

blue, black and striped. It's entirely possible to hook

yourself a "grander", meaning a monster fish weighing at

least 1000 lbs.! Other top game fish include Ahi (Yellowfin

Tuna), Ono (Wahoo), Mahimahi (Dolphin fish), and Skipjack

Tuna. All of these babies can give you a reel-spinning run

for your money, and an experience you'll not soon forget! In

fact the tuna are among the fiercest, most tireless fighters

of the bunch! Only the striped marlin is a sometimes

resident, showing up only in winter. All of the others can

be found year-round. Some of the best fishing spots you'll

want to try would include Kona; long regarded as the best

big-game fishing in the world. Oahu's North Shore is more

famous for it's surfing, but it's just under the surface

here where the real action begins! Actually, there's pretty

much not a bad place for Hawaii sport fishing: some are just

more excellent than others!



Booking your Hawaii sport fishing adventure is easy. There

are literally hundreds of charter fishing boats operating

here, offering you a ton of choices. Some things to keep in

mind would be to consider how long you'll want to be out.

Most offer half or full day trips, but also know that of you

want the best chance at hooking a big-game fish, a longer

trip may be called for to give yourself time to get to the

best fishing grounds and keep your line in the water awhile.

No experience or fishing license is required, and should you

hook a trophy fish, taxidermy can be arranged. Come and

experience Hawaii sport fishing and come home with a little

something for that bare wall!

About Author

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at Hawaii Vacation Directory, a top resource for your Hawaiian holiday adventure!









Source: ArticleTrader.com

Colorado Fly Fishing – Bait Huckin' vs. Fly Fishin'

It was one of those fishing trips. You know, everyone catches fish but you, you loose six or eight of your most expensive streamers, it rains buckets, and you sink the boat. That’s right; I got skunked at Steamboat Lake over Memorial weekend.



I was determined to show those meat huckers (worms and power bait) that a well chosen and strategically placed fly was as effective as anything a conventional fisherman could load on a hook and hang under a bobber. Well, no such luck, I got stomped.



The fish were rising like mad on a midge hatch, and I threw everything in the box at them. I could swear I saw a hefty rainbow nudge my fly to the side to eat the natural laying only centimeters from my damn near perfect replica. As we watched the group of 12 year olds add another 18” fish to their stringer (full loaded, I might add) I decided it must be a lake thing. I don’t fish lakes often.



I usually have good luck with a streamer in faster moving water, so I head for one on the several tributaries hoping to get the boat up far enough to make a make a few good casts. No such luck, here comes the wind. Determined and frustrated, I proceed to lose several of my best streamers in the dense shrubbery surrounding the mouth of the creek (can’t retrieve them since the current is too strong to get the boat any further up the creek).



On the way back to camp we are passed by a couple of boats with stringers of fish crashing off the bows of their boats (hmmm, are they just rubbing it my face, or are they tenderizing the meat?)Questioning my decision to become a fly fisherman, I head over to the dock to pick up my 5 year-old son and a fresh styro of night crawlers. I'll let my son fish the meat before I crumble and load one up on the spinner myself. Surprising, no luck with the meat either, and hear comes the rain. I throw my arms up and ponder my karma activity of the past year.



We charge for shore as the lake turns to white caps. The rain and lightning moves in fast. Did I mention that we got the boat for free and have no clue what to do in the rain? We pull the boat up close to shore near our camp, outside of the no-wake zone. We leave all of our gear and head for the soggy camp.



Well, apparently it’s best to leave your boat in protected cove in the no wake zone. From what we could tell, our boat was hammered with 300 to 400 gallons of water from the waves and boat wakes from boaters rushing back to the dock. Yes, it sank in 18 inches of water. I didn’t realize a boat could sink in 18” of water! All of our gear is floating around the shore. The gas tank and gear which included an Orvis waste pack with hmmmm, some 500 plus flies. Every box any fly had to be opened and dried on the dashboards of our trucks.



We bail the boat, load the truck and haul our soggy gear and crippled egos back home.



Next Memorial Day, it’s back to the river!!!

About Author

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of writing journals for fly fishing. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more about the great outdoors as well as fly fishing articles and stories.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Fly Fishing On The Green River - Paradise Lost

Fly fishing is all about finding a great location, preferably in the middle of a hatch. The Green River in Utah was one such place, but is it still?



The Secret Is Out



No less than five years ago, it seemed like you head to the Green River and see few others along your little stretch of paradise. These days, it seems like a freeway.



The Green River starts at Flaming Gorge in the far Northeast of Utah. It then winds down through the Dinosaur National Monument area before passing through the deserts of central Utah and eventually flows into the Colorado River. The best fishing is around Flaming Gorge where the scenery and water make for a great trip.



Perhaps it is just me, but this area of the river must have been highlighted in more than a few magazines. There are all manner of people on the river and jet skis aren’t unheard of. Admittedly, there has always been white water rafting groups in sections, but nothing like this. Kayakers and so on seem to be flourishing like mad. If there had been a few more boats on the river, you would’ve needed a traffic cop!



Now don’t get me wrong. The river is for everyone. It is just a bummer when a little known spot becomes a hot spot. Sort of a case of paradise lost.



While the river is certainly busier, the fish still seem to be biting. Browns and Rainbows are the catch of the day.



Perhaps I was just there on a bad day. The Green River is so nice that even a bad day is still a good day. What the heck, I could’ve been working!

About Author

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of fly fishing journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about fly fishing and the great outdoors.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Grunion Runs – Fishing With Your Hands In San Diego

Fishing is peaceful and inspiring sport regardless of the type of fishing your doing. Well, with one exception – grunion runs.



El Grunionino



Throughout the year, the fish known as the grunion run in San Diego and much of California. This little silver fish reproduces by "running" up the beach during the high tide in the middle of the night. Literally thousands of the fish simply come storming up the beach with the waves to lay their eggs in the wet sand. It kind of looks like the beginning of a triathlon except the participants are going the wrong way and are pregnant.



The fish picked up their name from Spanish settlers because of, well, the grunting noise the make when doing their thing. It is a bit saucy now that I think about it. Anyway, the grunion averages five inches in length and has a silvery hue that shows in the moonlight. With thousands in the water, it looks like a really fat person wearing way to many sequins while dancing to disco music.



You’re Inner Barbarian



“Fishing” for grunion requires you to get in touch with your inner barbarian. Under California law, you are not allowed to use bait, hooks, poles, nets or anything. Instead, you must physically catch the grunion with your hands. This, of course, results in you and others running around the beach like a crab while trying to snatch the grunions. They are exceedingly quick and slippery. You’ll be huffing and puffing before you know it.



Grunion are an extremely plentiful fish, but there are still rules to follow. As mentioned above, you have to go mano-a-fisho. No poles, nets or other items can be used. Second, you have to get a fishing license from the California Department of Fish and Game. Third, you can only go grunion hunting from May to September, the legal season in the area.



If you think getting in touch with your inner fishing barbarian sounds like a good time, here is the scoop on good spots. In San Diego, you should hit the beaches in Del Mar, La Jolla, Mission Beach or in front of the Hotel Del Coronado. These are all high end areas, which means the grunion must have excellent taste.



Running around the beach like a madman can be tiring. Bringing along fluids [okay, beer] is highly recommended.

About Author

Rick Chapo is with NomadJournals.com - makers of fly fishing journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com to read more articles about fly fishing and the great outdoors.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Salmon Run Times in the Kenai River

You’re about to have your dream come true. You’re going fishing on the Kenai River - Alaska’s salmon magnet. The great thing is you actually have two windows of opportunity for each major species - Chinook (King) Salmon, Sockeye (Red) Salmon, and Coho (Silver) Salmon. Having three run times for three types of salmon is unique, making the Kenai River one of the richest sport fishing waterways on the globe.

Chinook (King) Salmon Run Times

Run times tend to vary a bit from year to year, but they do follow the same basic pattern each year. The initial run of Kings occurs from mid-May to early July and the last starts in early July and ends on July 31. However, as early as April you’ll find King Salmon coming into the Kenai River. Although not nearly as plentiful as they will be by the middle of May, Kings are often hooked as early as late April.

This initial run is the smaller of the two, but because the water levels are lower, some people prefer this time of year. The world record for Chinook Salmon was set on the Kenai River during the first run in May. That could be reason enough to plan a trip for the initial migration of Kings.

The second run is focused on the lower part of the river where the salmon have spawned. July first is the designated date for the beginning of the final King run of the season, with large numbers of fish in the river by the end of the first week. Mid-July finds a huge quantity of salmon concentrated in the lower part of the primary channel and attracting a maximum number of sportsmen. Although the river can become crowded with guide boats and fishermen, the Kenai tends to be a very civil place with a party-like atmosphere. It’s actually a great time to be on the river with a community of anglers having the time of their lives.

Sockeye (Red) Salmon Run Times

You’ll find the first Red Salmon run starting in late May as they swim through the lower and middle sections of the Kenai on their way to the Russian River, a tributary of the Kenai. The Reds become plentiful right around June tenth, peaking sometime between the fifteenth and twentieth of the month. They continue their commute, however in fewer numbers, until the end of the month. Sockeyes are most plentiful in the upper regions of the Kenai.

Beginning in mid-July, the second run of the Reds entices fishermen to take to the banks, standing in crowds 15-20 thick. The Sockeye reach their highest numbers by the third week and then start to dwindle until their migration is over by the end of the month. This atmosphere, when fishermen are virtually packed together angling from a pool of thousands of Reds, is called "combat fishing." It can be a great time for trading fish stories, filling your stringer, and enjoying your sport with fellow enthusiasts.

Coho (Silver) Salmon Run Times

In late July, the Coho Salmon are starting their journey up the Kenai to spawn. By early August, the Silvers are abundant and fishing is fantastic. The run continues through the month with angling abating in the fourth week of August. Just a week or so later in early September, the second and final migration of Silver Salmon begins. Large numbers work their way up the river until, at the end of September, the salmon season is officially over.

It’s a wild four-and-a-half months on the Kenai with fishermen from across the globe enjoying some of the finest salmon runs they’ll ever find. Expert guides adept at helping sports fishermen get the most out of their time on the river help make each visitor’s experience something they’ll remember and relish for years to come.

Going salmon fishing? You can‘t beat the Kenai River in Alaska.

About Author

This article was written by Paul Mroczka sponsored by http://www.alaskafishon.com/. Alaska Fish On is a licensed and registered Kenai river fishing guide service providing affordable packages for the novice or experienced fisher. Let the experts at Alaska Fish On tailor the perfect Alaska fishing trip package suited to your needs for your next vacation. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.alaskafishon.com/



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Alaska’s King Salmon – Tackle and Technique

The Alaska King Salmon is the official state fish and ultimate prize for any fisherman looking for the excitement of landing a big one. King Salmon in the world famous Kenai River are plentiful and huge. Sport fishermen in the Kenai have caught trophy salmon weighing nearly 100-pounds, and it’s not unusual for anglers to haul in 40 and 50 pounders. Thousands of people travel to the Kenai River and, with a licensed river guide, pursue its most prized bounty-- the King.

What do you use for bait? There are a few types of rigs that are best for attracting Alaska King Salmon. Spin-N-Glows, Vibrex Spinners, and plugs are three effective lures that usually provide optimum results. Two common fishing techniques used on guide boats on the Kenai are back trolling and drifting; while a third and relatively new method called back bouncing is also proving to be effective.

Back trolling usually incorporates Spin-N-Glows and salmon eggs or plugs. Some other effective lures for back trolling are Magnum Wiggle Worts, Flashtrap Spinners, Tadpollys, Kwikfish and Flatfish. In addition to the lure, you may also, depending upon the current, depth of the water, and location on the river, utilize divers, trolling weights, and diving lures. Baits that move erratically and rotate, especially those that create the illusion of a water creature in distress, will help attract salmon.

When back trolling, the guide has the boat work against the current, running the motor at the same speed or a bit slower than the river. This helps hold the boat in the same position on or to move slowly down the river. The boat should be moving downstream slower than the current while the lures are downstream ahead of the boat. Usually the bait moves close to the bottom of the river with a diver or weight attached 18 inches away from it to allow for proper depth. You’ll know you’ve got a King Salmon on your line when the rod goes down and stays down.

Drifting is similar to back trolling except the bait is allowed to gently bounce off the bottom of the river while the boat drifts with the current. Weights are used to keep the line at the correct depth. This technique is difficult to master since it’s not necessarily east to differentiate between a fish taking the bait and your line hitting off the bottom. A pause in the movement of the line often indicates a hit.

With back bouncing, the bait is bounced off the bottom as the boat is slowly backed over a hole. Sink-N-Glows, a Vibrex spinner or similar lures when properly weighted often yield good results. When fishing, if you feel a tug set the hook chances are there is a salmon there.

If using a plug, you’ll want to utilize K-15’s or K-16’s—you need something large. Divers work well to get the plug to the right depth and colorful, gaudy colors are recommended due to their ability to attract attention.

If you’re planning on fishing the Kenai River and can’t locate the right type of lure at home, don’t worry. Some of these items may not be accessible in your region of the country but bait and tackle shops throughout the Kenai have no lack of Spin-N-Glows, Vibrex spinners, Tadpollys, Kwikfish and more.

If you elect to book your fishing trip through a licensed guide, you’ll find that their knowledge, skill, and supplies will result in a less stressful and a more productive trip. When you go fishing for the Alaska King Salmon you want to exploit every opportunity you have to make your limit, enjoying some of the best fishing on this earth.

About Author

This article was written by Paul Mroczka sponsored by http://www.alaskafishon.com/. Alaska Fish On is a licensed and registered Kenai river Alaska fishing guide service providing affordable packages for the novice or experienced fisher. Let the experts at Alaska Fish On tailor a fishing package suited to your needs for your next vacation. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.alaskafishon.com/



Source: ArticleTrader.com

King (Chinook) Salmon - The Prize of Kenai River

Nine of the ten record setting King (Chinook) Salmon were caught in Alaska’s Kenai River. The average size of Kings in Alaska is 20 pounds, but typically the Kenai yields 50-pound Kings. King Salmon spend 2 to 5 years in the ocean before they come back to spawn. Thus, the size of these fish can vary quite a bit. The largest King caught on the Kenai weighed 97.25 pounds.

What makes the Kenai such a popular spot for fishing fanatics? There are certainly other rivers in Alaska that host greater numbers of salmon. (This isn’t to say that the number of salmon in the river is small. There’s plenty to go around for all wanting to have a great day, week, or month fishing.)

This river draws fishermen for three primary reasons—size of the Kings, abundance of varieties of salmon, and the number of runs for each type. Along with the King, the Kenai is stocked with Sockeye (Red) Salmon and Coho (Silver) Salmon, with each of the species having two runs between May and October. And then there’s the size of the Kings. If you want the best chance of landing a trophy Chinook Salmon, the Kenai River is the place to be.

It’s a short jaunt from Anchorage to the 80-mile long Kenai. The first time you see the river, you may simply be stunned. With striking sapphire waters created by glacial melt, the river is simply breathtaking. Conservation measures have been instituted to preserve the natural beauty and nurturing environment of the river for residents and visitors.

During fishing season, the Kenai supports thousands upon thousands of salmon, making it relatively easy for many fishermen, especially those working with licensed guides, to catch their limit. Additionally, the river is home for world-class rainbow trout, which are the envy of anglers everywhere.

The Kenai is divided into three sections. The upper part is 30-miles long, flowing from Kenai Lake located on Cooper Landing and going to Skilak Lake. Rafters, drift boaters and other recreational and sport enthusiasts have easy access to the river at Cooper Landing.

The upper part of the Kenai flows down to and ends at the Russian River, a tributary that plays host to thousands of Sockeye Salmon. Just down river from this tributary is the Kenai River Ferry, which transports thousands of fishermen to the river’s far bank. This section is popular with anglers and it’s often packed.

Going down river, you’ll find many miles of beautiful views, natural settings, and bountiful fishing. In this stretch between the Russian River and Jim’s landing, despite the fact that it’s bordered by the busy Sterling Highway, you will experience isolation and peace due to the natural buffer created by trees and thick vegetation.

The Kenai River meets Skilak Lake, forming the middle part of the river, which goes to Soldotna Bridge. If you’re looking for wildlife and true isolation, this section is for you. With a ten-mile stretch that has no boat access and a variety of animals, including moose, bear, and waterfowl, the Kenai embraces the wild. To get to some prime fishing, you’ll need a boat; however, some parts of the middle river can get too low to navigate. Throughout the summer, the Kenai rises, allowing boats easier passage.

In this remote section you’ll find some of the best trout and Silver Salmon fishing on the river. Unlike the upper and lower parts of the Kenai, this section has fewer sportsmen, guides, and visitors on it.

Soldotna Bridge marks the end of the middle section and the beginning of the lower part, which terminates at Cook’s Inlet. Before the inlet, the river can get very busy. Its banks are fairly crowded with businesses and homes. Along with being congested, the river also has some sandbars and large rocks, making it tough to navigate.

The second King run, in June and July, is the most popular with anglers looking to land the next world record salmon. The lower river has easy access and many of the approximately 400 registered guides can be found in this section.

The King (Chinook) Salmon can be as large as a man and as tough to haul in as any sport fish. It’s the prize catch on any Kenai River fishing trip. For anglers looking for some of the largest salmon in the world, this section of the river offers the greatest opportunity for hauling in the ultimate catch and coming up with the biggest fish story.

About Author

This article was written by Paul Mroczka sponsored by http://www.alaskafishon.com/. Alaska Fish On is a licensed and registered Kenai river fishing guide service providing affordable packages for the novice or experienced fisher. Let the experts at Alaska Fish On tailor the ideal Alaska salmon fishing package suited to your needs for your next vacation. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.alaskafishon.com/.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Fishing In Alaska - A Dream Come True

Fishing in Alaska is a dream come true for many an angler. The air and environment is clear and beautiful. The water is sparkling and what lies in that water is what has hundreds of people flocking to the state for the best fishing of their life. It is not unheard of to land a 35 pound King Salmon here and you will be amazed at the fish that are teaming in the waters.

In fact, you can catch that king salmon at up to weights of 50 pounds! You’ll also find huge fish including halibut, northern pike, Graylings, shiner perch, sturgeon, herring, and many, many more. Cod, walleye, flounder, crabs and shrimp are just teaming for you.

As for where to find them, you will need to check out the southeast region of Alaska. There are many locations to fish here and you can target just the fish species you are after. This is a warmer winter area of Alaska as well. But, still summers are cool and excellent for getting halibut on the move. Salmon migrate here to spawn and you’ll find a wide range of trout here too. Head to the locations between Bristol Bay and Cooper River where you’ll find many fish. You can also fish the coastal waters for halibut and ocean fish.

Make sure to check out Lower Cook Inlet. This is a popular location where you will be able to find Dolly Varden, a type of salmon. You’ll also find trout too in this area. You can dig for clams or fish for halibut and salmon off the coast. Another excellent location is in the Western and arctic regions. You’ll catch your fill of trout, pike, graylings, char and burbot here.

What To Take With You

Of course you will need your rods, freshwater and saltwater depending on where you head. Make sure to take twice as much tackle than you think you’ll need. Flies, weights, lures, a net, fishing line of several types, as well as pliers, waders, maps, and a compass are also necessary. Make sure to stock your first aid kit and include enough water in case you can leave the fish! For clothing, don’t forget you are in Alaska and you do need warm clothing, a fishing vest, sunglasses, hiking books, bug repellent and sunscreen. Check on getting the right fishing licenses too. Don’t forget your camera because these are truly some amazing locations not to mention the size of fish you’ll catch!

For bait, take a wide range of live bait. This could be prawns, night crawlers, crayfish, and razor fish. Look for frozen baits too. In artificial, take with you a wide range including lures, flies, streamers, spoons and spinners. Go for natural bit from the area if you can. You’ll find plenty of locations to purchase it in the area and of course you can find your own if you like. Don’t over bait though.

When heading off to fish in Alaska, it's often wise to take with you a professional or to book a tour. These individuals can help you find the hidden locations where your fish are lurking. And, they can make sure that you see some of the best fish out there. Take the time to check out a few locations online and insure the organization's quality. Then, head to the beautiful Alaskan country to get in some of the best fishing of your life.

About Author

Niall Pesci is a keen fisherman who is always looking at new tools to help him catch more fish. Visit Fish Finder Review for more information and great deals to help you find fish finders or other GPS and Sonar marine navigation systems. http://www.fish-finder-review.com

This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact. All rights reserved. Copyright Fish-Finder-Review.com




Source: ArticleTrader.com

King Salmon in Alaska – What to look for in a Charter Service

You’re looking forward to the ultimate salmon fishing experience along Alaska’s Kenai River. Famous for providing anglers with the opportunity to hook trophy Chinook (King) Salmon, feisty, fighting Sockeye (Red) Salmon, and multitudes of Coho (Silver) Salmon, the Kenai is a magnate for sport fishermen.

Of course, you want your fishing expedition to be the best it can possibly be, which means if you’re going to enlist a charter service you should make sure they know what they’re doing. Here are a few tips on how to go about finding the river guide that is best for you.

You’ll need to determine a few things before you even start to consider what service you may want to hire. You’ll need to find out how much you are willing to spend on the trip, including transportation and lodging. You’ll also want to think about what species of fish you’d like to catch. Finally, you will have to weigh variables concerning value, perks, and essentials. After you’ve consider all of this and come up with some answers, you can then start to refine your search for the charter service that’s perfect for you.

In finding the answers to the considerations posed, you’ll need to perform some basic research. The Internet is the perfect place to start your investigation. You’ll find a range of fishing services being offered by various companies and businesses. When reading through web pages make note of any type of specialization offered by each company, what their packages include, and their range of prices.

One thing you’ll find is that the price for a charter service when Kings first start to run is less expensive than when those fish are at the peak of their migration. That’s because peak migration times are when people really want to fish the Kenai, which means spaces are limited and, yet, desperately wanted, which, in turn, results in a higher price (supply and demand).

Once you’ve collected enough information to make you confused and confounded, start comparing different companies, analyzing the value of their services, any extras they might include, and the basic services for which you’re looking.

Narrow your search down to three to five charter services and in doing so make sure each is a registered guide for the Kenai River, which means they are certified in safety procedures, meet insurance requirements, and are licensed by the State of Alaska. It is illegal to employ someone as a guide who does not have a permit for commercial use. The vessel used by the service must also display a three-digit registration number and there should be a Kenai River guide I.D. card onboard. (Violations should be reported to or questions may be addressed to the Alaska State Parks service at (909) 262-5581.)

In investigating possible guide services, you should take a few routes by speaking with the service provider, people who have recently used his/her services, and the Park Service to determine if any complaints have been filed.

Also, ask anyone you know—friends, family, and associates at work—if they’ve ever fished the Kenai River. You may live four thousand miles away from Alaska, but you may work with someone who used to live near the Kenai or whose son or daughter was a guide, or who has fished the river numerous times. Getting insight into the experience from people who have been there can be invaluable. If they used a guide, find out who they employed and what they liked and did not like about the service.

Here are some considerations to contemplate when choosing a river guide.

How Good is the Guide?

It’s difficult to determine how good someone is from photos on the web, published testimony, and company descriptions. Here are a few things you can do:
• Ask the guide if they fish and how long they’ve been in the business. You want someone who knows the river and what’s happening with the fish on a daily basis.
• Ask the guide about the run times for salmon, what baits they use, what techniques they employ for certain fish, etc. Compare their answers to published information and evaluate how knowledgeable they are.
• Is the guide a part-timer or are they out on the river all the time? You want a full-time service; they should have a better sense of fishing patterns, changes in the river, and techniques that are currently successful than someone who goes out a few days a week.
• Ask for references and check out those references, asking plenty of questions about their experience with the service.
• Make sure the service provider is fully licensed and up-to-date with authorities.

What Services Do They Offer?

• Determine how many hours you’ll actually be on the river fishing.
• Do they only focus on salmon fishing or do they mix it up by going for halibut or trout?
• Are they simply a charter service or do they also provide instruction?
• Do they offer lodging or are they connected with someone who offers these services? What type of accommodations are they?

What Equipment do They Provide?

• If this is your first time, consider how much money you want to spend on gear. If you’d rather not invest in equipment look for a service that provides everything (many do).
• Is equipment an add-on and how much extra does it cost?
• Do they provide drinks and food when out on the river?
• What type of boat does the service use and how old is it? Does it meet all safety regulations? Are there photos of the boat on the web page?

Guide and Fisherman Compatibility

• Call the charter service and speak with the guide. Do you two hit it off? Is there anything in the conversation that makes you uneasy?
• Do they answer your questions directly and clearly? Do you find them to be non-communicative and do you dislike this trait?
• Do they sound like they’re service oriented and are they willing to spend some time on the phone answering your questions.
• Do they sound more concerned about numbers of clients rather than numbers and size of fish caught? How many people do they take out on the river at a time?

You’re going to travel to one of the finest fishing grounds in the world for salmon. You want this expedition to be something you’ll fondly remember, so take your time and perform due diligence in locating the charter service that is right for you. Research in various areas and using numerous sources should help make your trip to the Kenai River an exceptional experience.

About Author

This article was written by Paul Mroczka sponsored by http://www.alaskafishon.com/. Alaska Fish On is a licensed and registered Kenai river fishing guide service providing affordable packages for the novice or experienced fisher. Let the experts at Alaska Fish On tailor the best Alaska salmon fishing package suited to your needs for your next vacation. Reproductions of this article are encouraged but must include a link pointing back to http://www.alaskafishon.com/.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Rhode Island Fishing Charters Listing site

Tips for Anglers: Sport Fishing

While anglers do eat some of their catch, Sport fishing is not done primarily for food. Sport fishing’s primary reward is in the thrill of catching the fish, and often fish caught are tagged and released back to the water. Sport fishing is done with hook, rod and reel, though methods vary depending on what type of fish are being hunted. Competitive sport fishing often does not allow all the fish to be kept, so many anglers who practice sport fishing do not keep all of their catch.

For the most part, any fish that are kept through sport fishing are kept as trophies. Trophy fish that are the most highly prized are rare species and very large species of fish. Such fish are often mounted and displayed. Sport fishing competitions are gaining in popularity, and more and more anglers are gaining interest in the sport. In competition, extra points are awarded to anglers who use thinner, weaker lines to haul in their prey. Thinner lines add an extra degree of difficulty to sport fishing, though for beginners it’s best to start with stronger lines and work your way slowly toward thin, weak lines. Light tackle is used in sport fishing, making casts fly far and wide.

A lot of sport fishing is done in fresh waters, especially in the US and Canada. Freshwater fish hunted by sport fishing anglers include walleye, sturgeon, pike, salmon, and trout. Artificial spinners and flies are great for catching trout in freshwater lakes and streams, for anglers who prefer not to use live bait. For those who would rather use live bait, anglers prefer worms and grasshoppers when fishing lakes and streams for trout.

Beginning anglers shouldn’t tackle a sport fishing competition right away. Hunting large prey is an acquired skill, and beginners shouldn’t start casting their lines in competition if sport fishing for the first or second time. No angler should enter the world of competitive sport fishing unless they’re used to fishing with thin, weak lines and bringing in large fish. Competition adds an extra level of difficulty and excitement, and speed can be a factor in large sport fishing competitions. An angler who is not completely comfortable and experienced with sport fishing should not attempt to compete.

There are many ways that a beginning angler can learn the art of sport fishing, however. Many local freshwater fishing areas host courses for beginning anglers who wish to learn more about sport fishing, and very often experienced anglers are more than happy to coach beginning anglers and offer tips and advice.

Many anglers who have tried their hand at sport fishing have found a great love for hunting the large prey that haunt the waters. For those who find sport fishing very enjoyable, competitive sport fishing can be very thrilling and fun once a certain degree of skill has been learned.

Since sport fishing can be done from land or boat, beginning anglers should use whatever method suits them best. Anglers who are more comfortable on land should fish by land, gaining some skill and experience in this medium before going out on a boat. No angler should ever go out alone, and a fishing buddy should be with you no matter your level of experience. Beginners should take a more experienced angler to the waters with them, especially when sport fishing is the aim. Bringing in large prey is not an easy task, and sometimes you’ll need an extra pair of hands, especially when still in the learning stages. To truly learn sport fishing, you must go out and catch some fish. The best thing to do is take a friend or two, gather up your gear, and head to the nearest body of freshwater.

About Author

Chris Bell has been in the computer industry for 12 years. He has created the site http://www.rhodeislandfishingcharters.com to provide a free place for all RI charters to be on the internet. He has designed and built networks, servers, websites, Desktops PC's and the like. Fishing was a hobby and after 10 years it became a business, too.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Rediscoverring the Unlost Secrets of Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing. A sport for the crafty and gifted and a form of recreation for the patient. Throughout the years many have claimed that they have discovered the secrets and have yet to unveil more. Yes, they have shared tons of these secrets and we have read about them, more than once. As I have discovered myself, these secrets have been repeated countless of times by different people too, claiming they themselves discovered it. We don’t pass judgment, we applaud them. We have learned and applied what little we have known about the sport itself (or on the contrary – my apologies to the small percentage that are considered experts on this field. This statement does not apply).

This is not one of those moments where I claim my 15 minutes of fame. Just a simple aficionado of the sport hoping to add a little grain to your sack of rice. I promise I wont be overtly original. You have to expect I will mention the secrets we have all discovered. It may not be so secret anymore but still an effective tip to fish. Let’s start where everybody usually does, from the beginning.

What do you usually do the day (or night) before going fly fishing? You prepare the things you need! What do you need? The basics, your fly fishing gear. Rod, reel, line, and bait (live or imitation-fly fishing flies) which would include: Wet and dry flies, nymphs, scuds, eggs, streamers, steelheads, bass flies, salmon flies,and saltwater flies. Of course you need not forget your personal requirements, so to speak. Sunblock, bug repellant and shades for example.

When you get to your fishing spot: after settling, you need to relax and ready yourself. You need to be in top condition; physically, mentally, and emotionally. It may sound so immensely inane but im not saying you have to be "Olympic" material. Just be the tip top self that you can be. When you get to the water, just remember these tips: Dont scare the fish away! You dont want to scare them away, you want to catch them. What's the purpose of all this when its NOT? Stay as close to the bank where they most probably are hangin' around. The ripples may make them uneasy but only for a short period. Take note also that the sight of any moving objects may also cause them to move away. That would be you, so lay low and camouflage your clothing to your current environment. Then your set. Have your favorite rod and cast away!

When you're finished with you day, please remember to completely dry out your gear. You could transfer parasites or diseases to whichever fishing spot you go next. You can apply whatever cleaning solution you want but remember, it has to be eco friendly. You dont want to poison the fish or pollute the next fishing spot you want to visit.

Dont say that there are no excuses for NOT catching any fish. YES THERE ARE! Conditions like, they are not feeding, the temperature is just too hot, its not you day, bad luck or maybe your wife just left you are all valid reasons. Dont beat yourself up because you're a bad fisherman...well, maybe you are (tip top shape, remember?).

The important thing is, HAVE FUN! Its not worth the trouble if your not having any fun!

About Author

Chad is a webmaster for Riverbum.com. Riverbum.com sells fly fishing flies, gears, and accessories on-line. They constantly innovate themselves to give their customers the best products they can offer for unreasonably low prices. They love fly fishing, and it shows!



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Travel Tips; A checklist from the Outdoor Experts at DLK

If you’re planning a road trip, a little pre-planning goes a long way toward making your journey pleasant and safe. Before you head out on the road, take the time to go through this travel checklist to be sure you’ve covered all the bases.
A. Car Safety Checklist
a. Check the fluids.
- Check the oil, and top up if necessary. Better yet, have an oil change if you’re traveling any long distances. When adding oil, always use the weight recommended for your vehicle.
b. Check all your belts for wear, cracking or tears. Have any that show signs of wear replaced.
c. Check the wiper blades. If it’s been a year or more since they’ve been replaced, do it. Trying to peer through smeared raindrops is a recipe for disaster.
d. Check your tires. Make sure that they’re inflated to recommended PSI, and that the tread isn’t dangerously worn.
B. Emergency Kit
Being prepared in an emergency can spell the difference between inconvenience and tragedy. You can purchase a roadside emergency kit with most of these items in it then add to it, or put together one of your own from scratch. In either case, keep all the items together and easily accessible so that you’ll be able to get to them if you need them.

- A flashlight is a must – most experts suggest two. Do yourself a favor and opt for the best LED flashlight you can find. LED lights tend to be far more durable and can take being knocked around in the boot of your car. They draw less power from the battery, so are less likely to run out of juice just when you need them most. A handheld torch and a lantern are both good ideas. Tossing a couple of inexpensive LED penlight flashlights in the glove can prove handy for map reading and lighting the way to the john if needed.
- A first aid kit is another must. A prepackaged one with bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic, antiseptic and other basic first aid necessities should be fine.
- Emergency roadside flares can save your life by making you easy to see from a distance. Standard roadside flares can fail to work if they’re damp, and can be dangerous. A number of companies make LED safety lights and roadside LED safety flares that can mark your position on the road shoulder, or serve as an emergency beacon if you’re lost.
- A multi-tool or utility knife will come in handy. A fixed blade hunting knife and pocket knife will give you all the cutting edges you need for most emergency situations.
- Aerosol tire sealant can get you to the next service station in the event of a tire puncture.
- A blanket to wrap up in if need be.
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water
- An extra gallon of engine coolant. While you’re at it, tuck away an extra quart of oil and a pint of transmission fluid.

C. First Aid Kit
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets
- Antihistamine
- Anti-nausea/motion sickness medication


D. Health and Comfort
a. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks, juices and water and keep it stocked.

-2006 Ben Anton

About Author

Ben Anton writes for DLK.
We invite you to read the entire list of Midwest hunting, and outdoor travel tips at Discount Lights and Knives.



Source: ArticleTrader.com

Carp - Learn the facts on this fish that can help you catch the trophies

One of the most common anglers' catches is the carp, a freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae, counting in America with many devoted enthusiasts. The best-known species of carp in North America is the common carp (Cyprinus carpio), although the history of this fish comes from Europe.

In the Middle Ages, carp were spread by monks for food throughout the Old Continent; from there this tradition was exported worldwide in the 15th century, although the popularity of carp remained intact until the present. In Europe, carp have been the most popular fish over the last 20 years, becoming a billion-dollar industry within the extremely competitive fishing tackle market.

In the United States, it was initially considered just one of the exotic species not native to North America, arriving just by accident. In fact, it is said that actual carp are descended from fish illegally introduced by unauthorized persons. The fact is that before the 20th century native North American fish were viewed as vital natural resources, harvested commercially by the millions of pounds.

Harvesting declined stocks of river and lake fishes, the population was expanding, and the U.S. Congress appointed the US Fish Commission to oversee the nation's fisheries interests, during 1871, beginning the introduction of carp in America. Carp promised a great return in limited waters, and the commission imported 345 carp from German aqua-culturists.

Commercial production of carp began in the 1900s, and the decade after the World War II, annual carp catches reached 36 million pounds. Actually, carp production continues but for anglers carp is just a sport fish, not only in the United States, but also in most nations around the world, while many restaurants, hotels and resorts keep serving carp on the menu.

However, in a few regions carp are considered a pest that must be killed, whether sport or not, because of their attributes allowing them to be an invasive species on new ecosystems, with serious negative effects for both native fauna and the local ecosystem. Commercially speaking, this was beneficial from the economy point of view.

Carp were shipped by rail to markets during many decades serving as an important food source for the growing population, and prestigious restaurants, like the Waldorf and Astoria, popularized dishes such as "Carp in Rhine Wine Sauce". After the war and with the advent of refrigeration, carp popularity took new highs.

Carp are considered signs of good fortune in Asian countries; they are part of the traditional Christmas Eve dishes in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. They are also a competitive prize for international anglers looking for fun trying to catch the biggest because, contrary to other countries, they are not considered to be good for eating in North America.

There are a large number of carp types, among the most popular are Carp bream (Abramis brama), Bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis), Carnatic carp (Barbodes carnaticus), Crucian carp (Carassius carassius), Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and the Goldfish (Carassius auratus).

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

About Author

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Seasonal Vacation Spots

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com




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BEST HOMEMADE CATFISH BAITS – Introduction to Great Beginner Ingredients

I’ve caught cats to over 110 pounds on homemade baits and over 25 above 60 pounds here in the UK so I know these baits work! Making your own homemade baits has massive advantages and I find the similarities between catfish and homemade big carp bait design has many very effective similarities.

You have full control over just how unique and potentially powerfully attracting these baits can be. These baits may be very simple or complicated, but they all catch to varying degrees of success, some perhaps catching you more larger catfish!

Catfish are very fast growing fish and are especially in need of baits that supply energy and digestible protein. The many types of tinned meats in your larder will do great for a basic start. Natural moving baits like worms species and maggots are often used.

Untold big catfish have been hooked on luncheon meat, spam and similar variations on this pork theme. Meat meals in carp fishing baits are rapidly gaining favour as fish meals and shellfish meals become less sustainable and these are very successful for catfish too.

Many dried and tinned cat and dog foods make excellent catfish baits and are specially full of taste enhancers and enzymes (like betaine) and bacteria to make the food as palatable, tasty and attractive and digestible as possible. In fact I researched this area for carp baits and discovered in some brands that up to half the ingredients were actually ‘commercially produced bacteria.’

In one instance there were twelve types of this in one canned dog food and this demonstrates just how important they are to great taste development (for dogs) and better digestibility. Match fishermen have used pellet type soft cat food extremely successfully for similar reasons I’m sure.

There seems no doubt that these fish love fatty meats. But it interesting to note that some brands catch more fish than others. This may be due to their better digestibility and solubility and breakdown and release of attractive amino acids, oils and bait fragments into the water.

Liver and congealed blood baits are very popular and the high protein content and massive amino acid leak-ff contribute much to their success. I may sound funny, but the wels catfish here in Europe and the UK are primarily surface feeding predators, sneaking up and ambushing potential prey from near the surface.

They can spend long periods of inactivity between ‘feeding binges’ and I find carp are much easier to catch regularly because their feeding seems far more regular. That is my observation using home made baits on the bottom or in buoyant form, from about 8 years of fishing for catfish. I have even caught fish to 40 pounds on the surface itself.

On one occasion, I used a very large garlic sausage bait which was sandwiched between foam to make it float. I had set-up fishing in the dark, and while in the still dark early morning hours I began to get lots of ‘line bites’ this went on for a while as waited with baited breath. As the first rays of day lit the foggy morning I could see that my baits which were only 2 yards from my own bank side, were actually sitting upon a dense bed of Canadian pondweed and so in fact one bait was half out of the water!

I put this down to another lesson of not wishing to shine a light at the water to check, and accepted it feeling positive that the catfish would track it down if they really wanted it. Half an hour later that bait was gulped down and a very hard-fighting 40 plus pound catfish graced the net!

There are so many opinions about catfish baits and I can only tell you my opinions based on my captures. One thing I will emphasise as in carp baits, is the use of ‘curing’ or part ‘fermenting’ your baits. This actually creates new flavours on and in the baits and release more amino acids, sugars alcohols, flavours etc. All very attractive!

You can try this with anything from herring or squid chunks to boilies. All you are really doing is heating the baits for a while to get bacterial enzyme activity working on starting to break down the bait. It seriously stinks and works a treat! (But don’t go spilling your squid in the car like I did, and you are best handling baits with gloves!)

Many types of boilies will catch big catfish including those of meat, fish, and shellfish varieties. The poultry types like chicken seem popular right now.

If you wish to enhance your boilies potential for catching catfish I cannot recommend enough liquidizing squid and soaking your baits in this or in liver powder or squid extract powder plus amino acid supplement like ‘Minamino,’ along with some pure salmon oil and sea salt.

Having said that, many preparatory preparations have the same effect as the above. It does seem to me that catfish fishing is very largely about soaking as much attraction into your baits as possible (including pellets) and ground baiting specifically to get your swim ‘alive’ with small fish to draw in the big catfish. This method may take some time or not!

But I have regularly caught enough big catfish on this method to satisfy me.

‘Live-baiting’ is not my thing. I once fished a 2 pound gold fish supplied by a fishery, on a water that held a catfish in excess of 100 pounds. All I could think was – this is just wrong!

I find that fishing over sweetcorn is interesting in that catfish seem to enjoy eating it too, although I realise many anglers reading this may prefer fermented maize or pellets of many descriptions. One memorable session I had was when I baited up with fermented herring and squid pieces of about one centimetre in diameter. I never saw so many tench bubbling on the baited area for hour after hour!

Tench seem like catfish magnets and this activity produced the biggest catfish in the lake not surprisingly!

After so many cat fishing experiences and big captures, I can honestly say, that I believe they can learn to avoid some baits in certain rich water situations if they get hooked on the same bait a few times, and I would always keep rotating and changing my baits and attractors.

To this end I leverage my experience and knowledge in designing baits for carp and very often fish paste or dough type baits which I know offer superior attractor leak-off of those all important essential amino acids, minerals, oils etc and very often provide far quicker results for big carp and catfish too. I now rate designed paste bait, maximizing certain aspect of catfish essential dietary requirements, over any other bait.

In fact I hooked the Wintons Kingfisher Lake (UK) record cat, just 10 minutes after arriving, I believe purely due to the massive leak-off of specialist attraction ingredients and additives from the bait and PVA bag paste baits and powders exploited to maximise attraction and pulling power of the hook bait area.

Well, these are just some very basic things to start you on your way instead of you religiously using whatever it is that perhaps is the reason you are reading this article.

Bait testing, experimentation and taking risks with new bait variations and versions while also utilising a ‘control bait’ that you trust, will definitely massively multiply your results and keep you permanently ahead of the catfish and the crowd!

The author has many more fishing and bait ‘edges’ up his sleeve. Every single one can have a huge impact on catches. (Warning: This article is protected by copyright.)

By Tim Richardson.


For the unique and acclaimed new massive expert bait making ‘bible’ ebook / book:

“BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!” SEE:

http://www.baitbigfish.com

About Author

Tim Richardson is a carp and catfish bait-making expert, and a highly successful big fish angler. His bait making and bait enhancing books / ebooks:

“BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!” SEE:

http://www.baitbigfish.com

* Are even used by members of the ‘world elite’ “British Carp Study Group” for expert reference. Gain from more understanding, expert bait making experience, powerful insights and cutting edge information; view this ‘dedicated’ bait making secrets website.




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Block Island Fishing Trip

September 16th, 2006. What an absolutely unbelievable day of fishing this was. Zig had showed up late so we left the dock at 6:00am in the morning, a little light was beginning to show out and the wind was howling out of the NNE. Waves were about 1-3 feet and following. Fortunately it was behind us and we had no issues getting out there but it would be a problem later. The GPS gave me some trouble a couple of times on the way out and I had to power it off and play with it till it worked somewhat reliably. Zig and his son had been looking forward to this trip. I had taken out a friend of his (Tom Duffy) and Tom had told him about the early morning bass trip with plugs. He couldn't wait to get out there and try it.Well, after making the 8 mile run we stopped and drifted across the sandbar at the northern tip of Block Island. I pulled out the first rod, cast out the plug and caught a bass while I was demonstrating to them the proper way of working the plug.
I handed the rod off to Zig and got another on down for his son and he started on his way. While I'm helping Zig bring his fish in the boat (a very large Bluefish) a big bass comes up and slams the plug his son is working. Line flies off the reel. He does a good job working this fish to the boat and meanwhile I catch a small bass (about 30" long) and bring it in. Zig is working his plug again but we have drifted out of the zone and we need to go back around. So I start the motor and putz over there, as the waves over the top of the bar are probably 6-8' high and you have to be careful crossing them in a 22' boat. We setup for another drift and find the sweet spot where they are holding and immediately we have 3 fish on, all bass and they have shoulders. I'm listening to the line running off the reel on Zig's outfit and I know that's a big one.He is using a Shakespeare spinning rod and reel with power pro and it isn't easy to bring in a big fish on this tackle.
The fish keeps taking more line than Zig can bring in. Meanwhile his son has been fighting what is probably another member of the same school and has the fish pretty close to the boat, then loses it. (we later learned that the fish had pulled the trailing treble hook off the plug!!) At this point Zig has his fish up close so I hand my rod to his son while I get Zig's fish into the boat. I grab the net and try to net this fish and there just isn't any way he's fitting into it, and the net has naturally tangled on one of the treble hooks on the plug. I look at this fish and drop the net, scrambling to find the gaff before this monster realizes that it can break away with a shake of its head. The 4-6' waves that we are riding aren't making the job any easier, but it is completely forgotten in the excitement of how good this fishing is. I find the gaf and bring the fish into the boat, laying it on the deck. We all sit for a moment looking at it saying 'oh my god that is a BIG fish'.
This Striped Bass weights 41.5 lbs and measures 50" long. Zig brought the fish in on a 17lb class rod, a real accomplishment for a fish of this size. His son brings in a 38" long 30lb fish and we boat that one too.
By this time we have naturally moved way out of the zone and need to motor back to the beginning of our drift. Again we cross over the waves, this time the motor keeps coming out of the water and we get a little wet from spray over the bow, but the guys say we're staying, so we pass on through and start another drift. Again the activity is unbelievable, with fish coming to the surface and slamming plugs, fighting, and being brought to the boat. At one point we have 6 bass in the cooler, had to release one and threw back 3 bluefish. Another half dozen fish were hooked, fought for short periods of time and broke off. Then we went back for another drift and just as quickly as it turned on the bite turned off, and we got nothing on the next couple of drifts, not even a look. We kept at for a while, not wanting to give up, and not daring to go any farther because of the conditions.
Considering the weather and the amount of fish in the coolor, the guys were very happy (and a little beat up) and they wanted to go, so we headed back to the dock (well, ok, I was little beat up too). We had arrived on the spot at 6:55am, and fished until 8:00am, although the bite was over by around 7:28am. In that short time we had boated 3 Bluefish and 7 bass (all keeper size) and had had a chance at half dozen others. It was great. Then we had to face the long slow trip back to the dock. Block Island's North rip can be very bad in a NE wind (it had shifted) and we were heading back directly into it. It took an hour and a half to get in, compared to 45 minutes on the way out. It was also a little wet. Upon returning to the dock, all Zig's son could say was "that was unbelievable." He kept saying it over and over and over again while I cleaned the fish. Of course, I agreed with him, it seemed unbelievable to catch the way we did under those conditions and in only about 35 minutes of successful fishing.
He called home and told them about it, of course they didn't believe it. Not until they brought the fish and the pictures back home with them as proof (they kept the two biggest whole). Zig told me later he had the fish mounted and it now graces the wall in his home. It was the biggest Bass the taxidermist had seen that season. Pretty cool stuff. The key to this fishing is using topwater plugs, big waves, and getting on< the spot very early in the morning.

About Author

Chris Bell has been in the computer industry for 13 years. He creates websites for boat captains and runs a charter service. He has designed and built networks, servers, websites, Desktops PC's and the like. Fishing was a hobby and after 10 years it became a business, too. Please visit his site: http://www.adventurecharters.org/.




Source: ArticleTrader.com

Float Tube Fishing - The Ultimate BC Fly Fishing Experience

Personally, there is nothing like relaxing in my float tube catching rainbow trout on my favorite BC fly fishing lake. It's better than my easy chair in my living room. Yes, belly boating became a mainstay of my fly fishing vacation or trips back in the late 1990's when I traded my truck in for a mini-van.

Belly boating or float tubing is a whole new experience. The best thing is how relaxing it can be especially when you have the opportunity to anchor or drift. If you are lucky (and most lakes in the Kamloops area are like this) you will get to witness eagles, ospreys and waterfowl at a closer range because they are less bothered by your intrusion. Wildlife like bear, deer, moose or coyotes often come to waters edge to relieve their thirst.

There are lots of lakes throughout BC that are accommodating to float tube fishing. To make the experience as enjoyable as possible there are a few considerations to review such as access. Access to the lake and on to the lake are probably most important factors when choosing your fishing body of water.

Here are some important factors when considering your belly boating fishing trip. It pays to be prepared when looking for float tube fishing locations. Please make sure to check the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations before you head out to any lake, stream or river.


1. Prospects - I first decide whether I want lots of fish or big fish. The two are occasionally synonomous however I have learned not to stretch my expectations. I'd rather be surprised.

Personally, I've caught lots of fish, so I relish in the prospects of catching big fish, even if it means going to catch and release only lakes. The Kamloops Area and Roche Lake Area in BC have many lakes that have limited bag limits (including catch and release only). Usually these lakes have trophy sized fish and are harder to catch. However, for the fisherman who likes to eat their catch, there are also many opportunities to catch many fish with some reasonable sized fish.

2. Access to the lake body - we are looking for a smooth, tapering launch. No sense in slogging through mud, rocks and sticks that result in getting stuck in the mud with your fins or damaging your waders or tube. Another consideration is access to the shore from different parts of the lake. Looking after 'personal business' requires getting to a landing quickly and peeling down the waders. When the water is cold, this event can spring up on you quickly.

3. Access to prime locations on the lake - the smaller the lake the better. Float tubes are not known for their speed (pontoon boats are quicker) so you want to get to the prime fishing spots (shoals, drop-offs, weed beds) as soon as possible.

4. Suscepibility to wind - Wind is the single most annoying factor while float tubing fishing. You don't have the advantage of sitting high in a boat and casting distances can be considerably shorter. It is important to me to be able to find some shelter from whatever direction the wind is blowing. Look for odd shaped lakes with sheltered bays. Waves created by wind can also be a challenge when trying to return to your vehicle, so keep this in mind when wandering a long way from your launch site.

5. Vehicle Access to the Lake - paved, gravel or 4x4. The nice thing about a float tube is that it can be easily deflated enough to fit in a car, car trunk or other two-wheel drive vehicle. Many of the lakes in the Interior are quite accessible by 2 wheel drive vehicles. On the other hand, there are no shortage of 4x4 or hike in lakes that are willing to reward the adventurous.

Visit here for a list of some of my favorite float tube fishing lakes in BC.

Enjoy the relaxation, tight lines and enjoy your BC fly fishing vacation whatever lake you are at.

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Best Fly Fishing Lakes in BC - Kamloops Area



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