image from : knottimed.com

A Beginners Guide To Jigs

Author: Bill Miller

Crappie and Walley are generally caught with either minnows or jigs. This guide will give you the basics of the most popular fishing jigs on the market and tips to catch more fish with jigs.



The Road Runner Jig



This is an old favorite of many fishermen. I have to be honest with you, I normally use this type of jig for White Bass, Hybrids and other fish more than I do for Crappie or Walleye.



The times when I do use the Road Runner Jig, it's normally in a stream or in muddy water where I want a little sound or vibration to help the fish find my jig. This is also a good choice when fishing for schooling Crappie in deep water.



Beetle Spin



The Beetle Spin has been around for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I've used the Beetle Spin with great results in old strip mines and ponds. As with the Road Runner, hang on because you never know what will eat these things!



I primarily use Beetle Spins for remote streams when I'm fishing for Bass, Bluegill or other fish. When fishing the Beetle Spin and the Road Runner for Crappie, I use a slow retrieve. Just enough to make the blades spin. Crappie are not real aggressive fish unless it's spawning season and they won't normally chase a lure very far.



Slider Weedless Jig



The Slider Weedless Jig is a jig that I use when when I'm fishing heavy grass areas, timber or lily pads. I'll also use this jig in timber depending on how thick and nasty it is. Although the name says "Weedless", you will get hung up once in a while on grass and other debris. This is a great jib for spawning Bass and Walleye in thick cover.



Maribou Jigs



Tried and true maribou jigs. The old favorite. They're not as popular as they should be. Crappie fishermen being like other types of Fishermen, are easily attracted to flashy lures and jigs that are designed more to catch your eye and wallet than to catch fish.



I use maribou jigs mostly around boat docks and other man made structures. The maribou hair gives the jigs a life like action that Crappie, and any other type of fish, can't resist. Sometimes, simpler is better!



Tube Jigs



Tube jigs are my all time favorite. I don't know why any fish love these jigs as well as they do, but they just can't seem to get enough of them. Perhaps is the soft body that feels like food, or the the little bit of movement the tail ads to the the jig. Whatever the reason, Bass, Walleye and Crappie love these "do nothing" jigs.



My favorite tactic for using tube jigs is to either pitch them along timber and weeds or delicately drop them into small openings in weeds or timber. My second favorite method is to drift them below a slip cork. I like this method when I'm working bridge pilings or submerged brush piles. If you know the depth of the brush, you can set the slip cork to carry the tube jig slightly above the brush pile. Most predator fish feed up an if you're close enough, they'll dart out and gobble the jig down.



Another trick I like to use is simply take a split shot and mash it onto a Tru-Turn 1/0 Crappie hook, then pull the tube jig over the hook and split shot. The Tru Turn hooks are great for any fish that comes along.



If you wanting to expand your fish catching methods, these 5 jigs and the tips to catch crappie will increase your numbers of fish caught.

About the Author:

Need the latest fishing tips? Join Bill as he writes about one of his favorite fish, the Crappie. You can find Bills Crappie Fishing Tips and Guide at his blog. While you're there, check out his popular article on Crappie Jigs.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/a-beginners-guide-to-jigs-537580.html

Blue Marlin Fishing - The Fight Of A Lifetime

Author: Abhishek Agarwal

Marlin are popular salt water big game fish that weigh from 100-500 pounds with bodies that can reach 10-13 feet in length. They're found in all major oceans, the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic. Blue marlin are well-known fighters and, therefore, a favorite for deep sea sports fishers. To catch them, you must know their habits and character.



Also called blue-water fish, marlin spend most of their lives far out at sea following warm ocean currents for thousands of miles. Blue marlin are the most tropical marlin out there. Cobalt blue on top and silvery white on bottom, they have a lethal spear-like upper jaw.



Preferring surface water depths, they're one of the fastest fish in the ocean, clocking up to 56 miles per hour. Becoming more rare all the time, they're not yet considered an endangered species. Their meat is a delicacy, especially in Japan, and they're something of a Holy Grail for sports fishermen. However, most sports fisherman catch and release these days.






Although they're believed to live as long as 15 years, it's hard to find one over 10. And the trophy fish are always female, as males don't often exceed 300 pounds.



In their natural habitat, the elegantly beautiful blue marlin feeds on many smaller species that fishermen can use as bait: tuna, cero, mullet, flying fish, dolphin, whole ballyhoo, skipjacks, bonito, Spanish mackerel, and squid. Any of these species, or a combination will give a fishing party plenty of good bait. Fishermen are also successful with brightly-colored lures and teasers.



One simple technique that fishermen use in marlin fishing is the lure of the bonito bait. Placing the hook through the tops of their eye sockets keeps the bonito alive for hours, so practice patience. You'll need half of the line on your reel to fight this stubborn prey. They'll try to tire you out, and it'll be easy given their size and strength.



When your blue marlin takes the bait, you must reel the line in smoothly and at a steady rate. If the line gets too tight, loosen the slack to give your catch a bit more room. This also gives you a short break to catch your breath and prepare for the next struggle. Loosening the line also helps avoid having the line break, a common way anglers lose their catch.



Another way to catch blue marlin is based on their hunting behavior. Marlin tend to follow schools of fish, where they're more vulnerable to trolling. If you see a marlin doing this, don't drop your bait into the school of fish. They'll scatter, and your marlin will be startled and flee. And if the sun's in front of him, though, he won't be able to see the bait at all.



The best way to locate blue marlin is to apply modern technology to your hunt. While they're expensive, ultrasound sensors are an effective tool for spotting marlin. If you decide to invest in one, be sure you're getting the right thing because many fishing gear companies make products designed specifically for one species of game fish or a specific fishing location. It's a sizeable investment, so be sure you're getting an ultrasound sensor that will pick up and signal on blue marlin.



One important thing to remember about blue marlin is their strong will to survive. Your struggle could last hours on end, far beyond your endurance. If you find yourself becoming exhausted when your catch still has a lot of fight, it's best to cut the line rather than putting yourself at risk. But if you do land a blue marlin, you'll have a real achievement to talk about for years.



Deep sea fishing for blue marlin is a fantastic adventure that requires forethought and intelligence. When fishing for blue marlin, you should be prepared for a worthy opponent and a real challenge. But if you get good enough, you can win a trophy and make good money. Getting good enough to land a blue marlin requires strength of will that matches the fight of this noble deep sea fish.

About the Author:

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/blue-marlin-fishing-the-fight-of-a-lifetime-776035.html

Blue Marlin Fishing

Author: Jeanie Smith

Marlins are characterized as big game saltwater fish. The average weight of a blue marlin is anywhere from one hundred to five hundred pounds. Their bodies can reach the length of ten feet and they are mainly found in the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. The blue marlin is known for its ability to fight, so you must be willing to match the marlin's will to live in order to take the sport seriously. Just like any other fish, the importance of learning the habits of the blue marlin is essential before trying to make them submissive to a hook.

When marlin are in their primitive habitat they will feed on many things including mullet, cero, whole ballyhoo, dolphin, flying fish, bonito, skipjacks, squid and Spanish mackerel. The reason for understanding the marlin's eating habits is to know what bait will be useful to catch these mammoth fish. Any combination of the aforementioned fish will be more than sufficient bait when trying to catch your marlin.

A simple technique used in marlin fishing is the lure of the "bonito" bait. You take the bonito and hook it through the tops of their eye sockets. The bonito will stay alive for hours, making your job more about patience.

Make sure that you have half of the line on your reel because marlin have a stubborn streak and they will try to fight you until you are tired or are dragged under by the weight and persistence. Wheel in your line consistently after the marlin first takes a bite of the bait. If your line seems to be too tight, loosen up the slack in order to give the marlin a little more room. This technique will also allow you to take a small break here and there. Loosening your line will also decrease the chance that the line will break, which is a common cause of anglers losing their game.

Another traditional method for finding marlin is the study of their behavior. Marlin will usually follow schools of fish. They will also be more susceptible to trolling. Trolling is simple enough if you employ logic when you use the method. For instance, if you spot a marlin following a school of fish, do not drop your bait in front of the fish because they will scatter and scare the marlin. If the sun is positioned in front of the marlin, he will be oblivious to your bait because he will be unable to see it.

The best way to find marlin is through the use of modern technology. An ultrasound sensor is a tool that is used to spot marlin. However, the gadgets for fishing are not cheap. Unless you are someone who is dedicated to solely fishing for marlin, be careful of the purchases that you make. Often times companies will make products that are specifically designed for a certain type of fishing, in a certain location, or even a region. Make sure that you do your research before you buy any electronic fishing tool.

The one thing to keep in mind about marlin is their will to survive. A fight with a marlin could last for hours without the slightest bit of relief. If at any time you feel like you are becoming exhausted and the fish is still going strong, cut the line. If you land a blue marlin you will feel an exhilarating sense of accomplishment, but there is no achievement that should allow you to put yourself in danger at any time. Marlin fishing should be a hobby, but it is a hobby that should be approached with intelligence. You should always know the strength of your opponent before you take the challenge of a fight. The marlin is a beautiful fish, that if you become good enough, can make you a lot of money, but it will take a will that matches the fish to beat the fish.

About the Author:

Information on goldfish care can be found at Aquarium Fish Care.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/blue-marlin-fishing-502916.html

image from : bentleyfishing.com

Where To Find Fish Easier

Author: sunshine03

There are many places you can find the fish, but what's the best place to find fish? This article will teach you.
Rocks
Rocks are structure. They provide fish with shelter (cover), food and a possible place to mate. Remember, always fish structure. If the rocks are in deeper water or on the edge of deeper water, they provide an even better place to fish. Just don't snag your bait.
Points with Break Lines
A point extends out from the shoreline and slopes gradually down and into deeper water. It's a good place to fish. But a point with a quick drop-off or one that doesn't extend into deeper water isn't a good place to fish.
The sloping-out formation of a point creates a break line. A break line draws fish from deeper water to shallow water in search of food. Fish the point of the point and the corners of the point (the part that curves back into the shore).
Drift Lines and Wind
Have you ever noticed lines on the water during a breezy day? Those breezes are actually pushing surface water around the lake, which in turn pushes around surface food. Look for the drift lines and you'll find fish. Stronger winds can actually push bait fish closer to shore, bringing game fish closer to shore to feed. Even really strong winds can make for good fishing. Stirring up everything from microscopic food to lunker fish, but it's pretty tricky and more than a little dangerous. Leave it to the pros.
Weed Beds
Weed beds are structure. They provide food and shelter for bait fish and bait fish attract game fish. Look for weed beds that lead to deeper water and create a break line. Or look for sunken weed beds in deep, open water.
Islands and Sand Bars
These sunken or partially sunken bodies of land will attract both bait fish and game fish if they create a break line. In other words, if the land slopes gradually down and land into deeper water. Water currents run around islands, too, carrying small plant food and aquatic animals the float on the surface. That can also attract bait fish and game fish.
About the Author:
Information for Your Life


Click to find more about Fishing Tips
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/where-to-find-fish-easier-702072.html

* Technology Versus Knot Tying

image from : fishing.sh

 

Technology Versus Knot Tying

Author: Fly-tie-guy
As spring approaches and the snow eventually begins to recede. Once again we enjoy the greenery that nature has provided us. It’s time to get the fly rod out in eager anticipation of another season of long, warm, lazy days spent at your favourite fishing hole.
It’s also the time that new, would be anglers are anticipating taking up the sport of fly-fishing. Conveniently there are many experts out there in cyberspace, with advice and articles on what are considered the best rods, reels and line etc. Many tackle shops are owned by, avid, experienced and highly skilled anglers. Who will provide the new comer with the much sought after advice on getting started in the sport.
The technology in rods, reels, flies and lines, has advanced by leaps and bounds, in the past 20 years or so. However, no matter how technologically advanced or expensive your fishing equipment is. It is only as good as the knot’s you tie! The knot may be the weak link in the chain when the fish strike.
Tying strong and reliable knots will enhance your chances of actually landing that fish. There are many books and resources available on how to tie knots, how to splice lines and which knot to use in various situations. I cannot emphasize enough the need to learn as much as you can about knot tying. It should be noted too, that practicing the tying of a variety of knots, greatly increases your chances for success.
Some anglers prefer to tie their knots the old fashioned way by hand. There is nothing wrong with that, as they say whatever floats your boat (if you’ll pardon the pun). If that isn’t for you there are a variety of tying tools you can get from virtually any angling store. These tools are very good especially for beginners. Knot tying tools can also be a real asset to anyone suffering from arthritis, or other debilitating condition.
Knot tying tools in many cases will allow you to tie stronger knots faster than you could by hand. Tying stronger knots increases your success rate. The least time spent tying knots, means you spend more time fishing and that’s what it’s all about.
www.karscot.com/tailknot.html
About the Author:
Owner of distribution company wholesale and retail angling tools the Tailknott'r Tying tool and more
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/technology-versus-knot-tying-737566.html

image from : carp-fishing-tactics.com

The Right Leaders for Your Sea Fishing Tackle

Author: ian nicol
Leaders are necessary parts of sea fishing tackle. They protect the line from getting cut.

Anglers are rather divided when it comes to the question of whether a leader should form part of what is considered to be good sea fishing tackle or not. Many fishermen would rather not use leaders when they go out to fish, whilst just as many prefer not to leave out their leaders from their sea fishing tackle.

The thing is, a lot of fishermen, even the veteran ones, underestimate the importance of having a good leader in one’s sea fishing tackle. Its main function is to protect the line from being cut, frayed or tangled by fish with sharp teeth or gills. Out at sea, most fish to be caught have either sharp teeth or sharp gills, if not both. A secondary function of a leader is to make it easier for the fisherman to change hooks and lures whenever it is necessary to do so.

Before we go into a detailed discussion on leaders as part of good sea fishing tackle, we should define first what a leader is. A fishing leader is a thin piece of metal that has an eye on one end and a pin catch on the other. The fishing line is attached to the eye by threading the line through it and then knotting it securely, whilst the hooks and the lures are held in the pin catch.

There are three major types of leaders available in the market, you can either make your own or buy them from a sea fishing tackle shop. The three major types of leaders are:

1. Monofilament. Monofilament leaders are basic leaders. They are metal threads that that perform the base function of leaders – to protect the line from being cut.

2. Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon leaders are transparent, and this quality makes it ideal for them to be used in waters that are clear and full of wary fish. Fluorocarbon leaders are practically invisible in clear water.

3. Steel. Steel leaders are very strong. They are great for use when fishing in waters infested with fish with really sharp teeth such as barracuda, bluefish and mackerel.

There are also hybrid leaders, created from a combination of monofilament and fluorocarbon or any other material, such as plastic.

Leaders should be made part of any sea fishing tackle set because it can spell the difference between going home from a fishing trip with an empty icebox and a full one. Really, the game fish at sea can be wily and they can cut a naked line that is not protected by a leader. It would be a shame to lose a catch that way, especially when you have almost succeeded in landing it in the boat.

To make your leader more effective, you should keep the whole assembly as simple as possible. Just attach your hook and your lure to the leader and tie the whole thing to your line. If you hang any more stuff on it, you will only end up scaring the fish away.

A good leader is an essential part of your sea fishing tackle. Always have your leaders ready in your sea fishing tackle box before you sail out to sea.
About the Author:
For excellent sea fishing tackle why not visit our online fishing tackle shop
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/the-right-leaders-for-your-sea-fishing-tackle-749352.html

image from : mountainequipmentsportsblog.com

What Makes Up the Basic Sea Fishing Tackle?

Author: ian nicol
The term “sea fishing tackle” is a general term that covers all equipment used by fishermen when they go fishing at sea.

When we talk about sea fishing tackle, we are actually referring to all the equipment that fishermen use when they go out to the sea to fish. The term “sea fishing tackle” is a rather general term, since it is used on different kinds of fishing gear and equipment.

What exactly are we talking about when we speak of sea fishing tackle? Below is a rundown of what makes up the basic sea fishing tackle that anglers ought to have with them on their fishing trips.

1. Fishing rod and reel. Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind on the topic of sea fishing tackle is the fishing rod and the accompanying reel. This is the most basic item in a fisherman’s gear because one simply cannot fish without it. The rod and the reel can be bought separately from a local tackle store, but they often come as a set. The rods used for saltwater fishing are often six feet long or more.

2. Fishing line. The fishing line is the cord used to reel in the catch. It comes in different strengths or pound-tests. What pound-test fishing line you should buy depends on the kind of fish you are planning to catch and the bait you want to do it with. Typically, the more popular fishing lines have a pound-test of eight to 16.

3. Fishing net. The net is used not to catch the fish but to land them. However, it can be handy for catching bait, such as minnows and frogs.

4. Bait. Baits come in a wide variety of forms and colours. They are either live or artificial. Live bait can be earthworms, minnows, crab or shrimp. Artificial baits are often made of plastic.

5. Hooks. The hooks hold the fish that go for the bait. The size of the hook that you should use depends on the size of the fish you are going for.

6. Bobbers. The bobber is supposed to dangle the bait to the fish and to put a bit more weight to your cast. When it sinks, it means there is a catch at the end of the line.

7. Sinkers. Sinkers add weight to the line to prevent it from floating to the water’s surface. The good ones weigh only a pound and are free from lead.

8. Leaders. Leaders are bits of metal that you attach to your line to protect it from being cut by toothy or sharp-gilled fish.

9. Swivels. Swivels are attached to the line and are sometimes used to hold the bait, the leader and the hook instead of being tied directly to the line. A swivel keeps the line from tangling and makes it easier to remove leaders without cutting the line.

10. Utility knife. A knife is used for a variety of tasks when fishing. They can be used to cut tangled lines, clean fish and making fillets.

11. Tackle box. The tackle box is the container where you store all the small items that make up your sea fishing tackle. It is always best to keep the tackle box organised.

There are a lot of items that make up sea fishing tackle. All these items that are called sea fishing tackle are essential to having a fun and productive time of fishing at sea.
About the Author:
For excellent sea fishing tackle why not visit our online fishing tackle shop
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/what-makes-up-the-basic-sea-fishing-tackle-749364.html

image from : hatterasfishingcaptain.com

Salt Water Fishing Equipment - 20 Tips To Buy The Right Type

Author: Abhishek Agarwal
Angling of different sorts in the fresh water lakes most oft requires simple equipments like rod, reel & bait. However, this angling is done using different methods of angling.



The saltwater fishing is quite a unique experience with a real feel & style. Though it is far less famous as compared to the fresh water fishing, salt water fishing as well is quite much fun & exciting means to fish.



Here are the key features of the equipments used in the salt water fishing as they are somewhat different from their fresh water options:



1. The saltwater fishing equipments are fundamentally just like those of their freshwater correspondents, but they out to be far stronger & durable.



2. Saltwater fishing equipments must be strong enough to handle the weight of the fish that are much heavier than their fresh water counterparts.



3. These equipments must also be able to take up the effects of salt of the waters.



4. Next, you must be sure as to which fish you wish to angle as this would effect the equipments you have shop or hire on rent.



5. The reels that are made to fish in saltwater are generally open faced rather than being closed.



6. These open reels are used in quite a different way as compared to the freshwater angling.



7. The reels meant for saltwater are generally made of the tough & durable metals.



8. These metals are specially treated so these can withstand the rust & other related ailments.



9. Their durability is such that even with that blue marlin, the reel would not shatter in to pieces.



10. Similarly the rods meant for salt water are also made very strong & durable.



11. The manufacturers use reinforced composite materials to create salt water rods that are strong enough to maintain the structural integrity of the equipment while reeling a 50 plus pound fish.



12. Actually as the salt water lakes & sea are full of the big fish, so the test of these fishing lines must also come out to be stronger.



13. Saltwater fishing actually requires line tests for a 100 pounds or more, as this is the minimum to catch just any thing in a sea.



14. The saltwater fishing equipments are much bigger in the size as well.



15. They are durable & reliable for all sorts of angling, absolutely down to the hooks.



16. The hooks that are used to catch the large salt water fish are about 10 times as compared to any normal fishing hooks.



17. These hooks must also have a good grip to catch the fish.



18. These are strong enough to handle the ferocious fight of the heavy fish as well.



19. The salt water hooks are made of very strong metal compound that is quite stronger that the metals used to make the hooks for fresh water fishing.



20. The salt water fishing hooks are generally baited with the minnows or the other small fish that are used to lure the hunt.



Saltwater fishing is a fun event that can give you memories to cherish for years together. Try it once and feel the experience!
About the Author:
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/salt-water-fishing-equipment-20-tips-to-buy-the-right-type-776027.html

image from : adventuresonly.com

Deep Sea Fishing - A 10 Point Article On The Exciting Pastime

Author: Abhishek Agarwal
There's nothing like deep sea fishing! First, there's the solitude and peace you find when you're out in the ocean with your best buds. Then there's the mental game, the strategy of finding, baiting, and winning the prize. It's a challenge where success can truly change the life of the fisherman. And failure is no failure at all - you've still had hours of peaceful, glorious communion with the mother of nature, the mysterious ocean.



If you're thinking of doing some deep sea fishing, there are a few things you should know before you go:



1. Grow sea legs!



The quickest way to spoil a deep sea fishing adventure is sea sickness. It's a form of motion sickness, dominated by nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. To avoid sea sickness, stay away from the boat fumes. Keep your eyes on the horizon as much as possible, and stay on deck. Below deck, the constant motion can overcome you. If it gets really bad, move to the center of the boat where rolling is at a minimum. Or lie down on your back and close your eyes until you have your bearings. Most of all, breathe lots of fresh air - a substance in abundance on the deck of the boat.



2. Read the sea signs



Birds like seagulls feast on small fishes, as do larger game fishes. So birds are a good indicator that your prey lies below. Watch for floating wood and debris. Small fish find shelter there, so the big guys won't be far away.



3. Snoop for Snook



The Snook is a big fish with a protruding lower jaw and large black stripes running from behind the gills to the tail. They're a strong fish that can grow up to 50 pounds. Ranging in the Western Atlantic from South Carolina to Brazil, snook are a thrill to catch. Live shrimp are the best bait to use when you're deep sea fishing for snook. Look around ledges, posts, and rocks to find this catch.



4. Moon the Crabs



Soft imitation crabs are a great bait during full moons. In nature, that's when they shed their shells, when they're a favorite treat for striped bass.



5. Find the dolphin, find the tuna



Yellowfin tuna often school with dolphins, porpoises, whales, and whale sharks. So if you spot a group of any of these, there are likely to be some tuna nearby. Found in tropical and sub-tropical waters, yellowfin are a prize catch due to their speed and strength. They're a challenging catch that's delicious too.



6. Burn the braid



Deep sea fishers use spiderwire because it's like a spider's web - it's easier to feel when a fish takes the bait. But sometimes, it's hard to cut. If you're having trouble cutting a spiderwire braid, try burning it with the flame of a lighter or match.



7. Seek the reef



The best place to find the best deep sea fish is near a reef. Many coastal cultures get up to 25% of their food from reefs.

Reefs are natural nurseries for many ocean species, and wherever the tiny ones live, the big ones search. Another plus is the great diversity of species you'll find near a reef.



8. The Circle Hook



Circle hooks are widely used by deep sea fishers. They're a type of fishing hook that is circular, sharply curved. The circle hook has a greater success rate at hooking fish, and it does less damage to gills and fins. So, if you want to catch and throw back, you're more likely to help your catch survive the adventure.



9. Don't be dragged down by your anchor



Eventually, most deep sea fishing will involve an anchor stuck at the ocean floor or on debris. There are several tricks you can try to retrieve that anchor. Try attaching a float to it, then wait until the tide flow changes direction. It may well float up with the tide. If you're worried about time, an anchor line that is straight up and down is more likely to loose the anchor than one at an angle. If it's really stuck, have everyone aboard move to one end of the boat. Changing the weight distribution may well pull that anchor loose or make it easier to pull up. Finally, it's a good idea to carry an extra anchor. If you have to cut one off to free yourself, you'll have a replacement at hand.



10. Catching bait is catching game



If you're intent on catching your own live bait, remember that you're likely to find game fish in the same area. After all, the big ones will be after the same bait you are.
About the Author:
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/deep-sea-fishing-a-10-point-article-on-the-exciting-pastime-776040.html

image from : coolchaser.com

History Of Fishing - We All Started In The Water!

Author: Abhishek Agarwal
When you are on your next fishing trip and drop your hook line and sinker into the water take some time to contemplate how this relaxing water sport came into being while you wait for the fish to bite. But beware not to drown too deep into history and miss a few good nibbles on the lure!



Like all things alive today, the sport of fishing started in the water too. Before man learnt to use a hook line and sinker he used to dive in and manually try to grab hold of a fish near the surface. This being quite a tedious task he decided to experiment and try to catch fish in different ways.



The sport of fishing is perhaps the oldest of sporting activities in the world. It has been taken up merely for the fun, sporting spirit and of course food the sport provides. Historical records show depictions of ancient deposits of bone, shell and paintings on the walls of caves depicting early man fishing in waters and catching fish. This activity was definitely indulged in for food rather than sport. However, the idea soon caught on and man began fishing for the fun of it all.



The waters of the ancient Nile are an angler's paradise and have been since time immemorial. The staple diet of the Egyptians was fish, fresh and dried. They have been responsible for developing the many methods of fishing that are still in vogue even today. The Egyptians were a very technically advanced civilization and they were known to use hooks, lines, traps and nets to catch their fish. Though they managed well enough to catch the fish they still resorted to the ancient method of clubbing the fish to death. The popular catches were catfish, eels and perch.



It is probably the Eskimos and red Indians who actually invented the modern fishing tactics. They were the ones who also discovered the methods of ice fishing and fishing out of boats. Meanwhile, the civilization of Greece is also known to have contributed to the history of fishing. Though they were not particularly fond of the activity they is evidence that the Greeks indulged in the sport of fishing as there is a cine cup from as far back as 500 BC depicting a boy near a stream with a fishing rod and tackle. There is also evidence of fishing from the Roman era. The Romans fished with nets and off the side of the boats using tridents.



The most recognizable form of fishing is using the fishing hook. The is no evidence to prove the theory but it is believed that prehistoric man discovered the use of the fishing hook over 40,000 years ago. This is perhaps the most exciting and easiest form of fishing ever developed. It is also, perhaps, the device that turned fishing into a sport.



With such a long standing relation with the water sport it is not wonder that over half the world's sports men are inclined to take to the sport of fishing if for nothing else but the relaxation of it all.
About the Author:
Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 116 Pages Ebook, "Fishing Mastery!" from his website http://www.Fishing-Masters.com/772/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fishing-articles/history-of-fishing-we-all-started-in-the-water-776071.html

* An Introduction to Fly Tying"

An Introduction to Fly Tying"
By Al Campbell

The normal evolution a fly fisher goes through usually includes fly tying sometime after the first year or two. Some take up fly tying to cut the costs of all the flies they seem to leave in bushes and trees everywhere they go. Others want to try it to increase their involvement in the finer details of the sport. No matter what your reasons are, tying flies seems to be an integrated part of the whole fly fishing picture.
There have been perhaps more volumes of books and articles written on the art of fly tying than any other aspect of fly fishing. If you subscribe to any of the fly fishing magazines, you have encountered articles that included fly patterns. In fact, a few magazines are dedicated to the art of fly tying. Those magazines will enhance the information you find here and I encourage you to consider subscribing to one or two.
Like I said earlier, there are a lot of books about fly tying on the market. I won't try to duplicate those efforts, but rather attempt to show you some of the basics. I won't try to show you specific patterns, but you'll learn a few in the course of this instruction. I will try to help you solve some of the most basic but troubling problems new fly tyers usually encounter.
As with any form of art, there are usually several ways to do the same thing that will produce the same outcome. In some cases, I'll try to show all the ways; in others, I'll attempt only the ones I've found to be the fastest and easiest to master.
There are some tools you can make yourself, and others you will need to purchase. When possible, I'll try to describe or show how to make the tools I think you can make for yourself without difficulty.
I'd like to encourage you to become a Friend of FAOL Your involvement as a "Friend of FAOL" will help support this and future courses this magazine wants to offer. In the long run, your involvement will ensure future courses of instruction that you and others will be able to use to enhance your pleasure and involvement in this fine sport.
Enough of that!
The first thing you need to know about tying your own flies is a little bit about the flies themselves. Some of you will probably know this information, but there are a few who don't; so I'll give you a refresher course.




Dry flies are simply flies that float. They usually represent adult insects that are emerging (breaking out of their nymphal shuck), drying their wings so they can fly away, or returning to the water to lay eggs.
Since dry flies are the most fun to use (you get to see the fish take the fly), more fly patterns have been designed as dry patterns than any of the rest. Although some folks separate emerger flies from dries, since they usually float, I'll include them with dries.





Wet flies are simply flies that don't float. They usually represent nymphs and pupae that are swimming toward the surface of the water or trying to break through the surface film to become adults. Since many insects become lunch menu items during this stage of their existence, it's useful to know how to tie wet flies.




Nymphs represent the nymphal or larva stage in an insect's life cycle. Since insects spend most of their life in the nymph or larva stage, this is an important stage in terms of fish forage.
I've heard that up to 95 percent of a stream fish's diet is nymphs and larva in some form. Need I say more about the importance of this type of fly?




Streamers are flies that represent minnows, crayfish, leaches and a variety of other life forms that swim under the surface of lakes and streams.Since fish often eat minnows, leaches and crayfish, this is an important type of fly to learn how to tie.

* Fly Tying Kit Becomes the Gift That Keeps on Giving

By Nick Simonson

I couldn’t even cast a fly rod last year at this time. In fact, my only experience with longrodding was a lame attempt a few summers ago on an Idaho stock pond near a hotel we stayed at while my dad attended a conference.
After awkwardly whipping the rod through the air for about 10 minutes, I gave up. I put some corn on the treble of a Worden’s Roostertail and proceeded to catch 12-inch rainbow and brown trout in the crystal waters of the small impoundment.
Thanks to last spring’s crash course instruction in fly casting by my Norwegian mentor, Einar, I am regretting not trying the sport sooner. However, I am trying to absorb every aspect of it, from the equipment and situational factors which are so different from conventional fishing, to the tiny flies tied to the tippet at the end of the florescent orange line.
Now I sit about a year later, hovering over nearly three dozen flies. Most of them are made with pheasant tail fibers and look like tiny crustaceans. A quartet of olive wooly buggers wiggle their tails in the updraft of the heat register in my room. And four LeTort hoppers lay frozen on their sides, like grasshoppers caught in a January chill.
But I didn’t receive these flies, which hopefully one day will catch trout on the Turtle River, as a typical Christmas gift. In fact, I made them myself as the result of a gift, and a little time online. My list to Santa this year had only one thing on it, “a fly tying kit.” Ok, it had two things on it, the kit request and the precise weblink where that kit could be found; even Santa needs a little help sometimes.



Yes, I have entered the world of fly tying. The mystical realm where art and angling meet entomology and the three are combined on a vise to form what will hopefully look like food to a hungry fish.
When I worked briefly one spring as part-time help (gruntwork) for a landscaper in Grand Forks, I was always proud after I laid a yard full of sod, or rocked and planted the edge of a house with young junipers and colorful plants. I could think back to the day or two before, when our crew would first arrive at the residence or business, and there before us was a canvas of dirt. What I saw when the job was done was artwork, a green lawn, reddish-purple shrubs, and golden mulch around silver-trunked ash trees. It always made me proud to be part of that creation of something, when there once was nothing.
So it is with fly tying. When I first tied the 6/0 black thread to that size eight streamer hook and began my first wooly bugger, the hook was bare, lifeless, an empty canvas ready to be painted with furs, feathers and string.



As my fingers tentatively wound a wrapping of wire to help weight the bugger’s body, I could see it sinking in front of a bass in the Sheyenne. When I made the first few tiedowns on the black marabou feathers in the tail area of the fly, I saw them trembling in front of a crappie or two in the small pool under Buck’s Mill, testing the resolve of those picky papermouths
As I wound the olive chenille around the body section of the fly that was taking shape, I recalled advice from the friendly folks on the nodakoutdoors.com forums, “you can catch ANY trout in North Dakota on an olive wooly bugger.”
Finally, as I palmered the grizzly saddle hackle in-between the twists of chenille, creating legs, gills, or whatever it was to represent, I thought of only the blank canvas I had brought to life. The plain hook now had a body, a tail and even a head of black string making it the most lifelike lure I had ever created. Well, alright, it was the first lure I had ever created.
As I struggled my way through my first whip-finish and added a drop of cement I paused to admire my first fly...for about three seconds.
Another hook was up on the vise and the string was already being wound about the shank of it. The steps came easier and easier. I engulfed the hook in a twister of chenille and hackle, and only slowed down to struggle through a second whip finish. Once I got the whip finish down, things started to go faster.
By this time, I didn’t need the book anymore. I closed the Orvis instruction manual and began repeating the same steps. This time four strands of crystal-flash went in with the marabou. The next bugger had a bright shiny bead head for extra weight and flash.I was primed. It was the same excitement of catching fish, except these were fish to come, on my creations, on my canvas brought to life.
The day after Christmas I logged on and downloaded some nymph patterns. Part of me wished I had skinned and plucked all of the feathers off of each of the pheasants I shot this year. All of those colors, yet I only had a few tail feathers with which to work. I started the new projects with great zeal.



I set to work on EZ pheasant nymphs and bead-head pheasant tail nymphs (referred to in the fly-fishing world simply as PTNs). I tied most of the morning and the next day. Soon the supply of nymph hooks that came with the kit was down to three. It was at that point I realized I was completely consumed.
The passion play that occurred on that little black vise was overwhelming, always a little tweaking, adjusting and creating made every fly different. I felt like I wanted to tie every one ever made.
It reminded me of a game a neighbor taught me as a child. Like the maneuvering of the black and white chips on an Othello board, fly tying was something that took only a short time to learn, but I know will take a lifetime to master. Though my patterns are still a bit rough, I feel that five days of creation have moved me far in a short time during the lifetime of lessons fly tying will teach. With the multitude of materials available for this new obsession, I knew that there was no limit to the combinations I could create in the days that lay ahead.
And no matter how many days the REAL creator has set out for me, I am sure that fly tying will be part of many of them as I plan out and duplicate His tiny creations in hopes of fooling the discriminating tastes of bass, bluegills and trout found in...our outdoors.

* Fly Fishing Reels

Because of modern day technology, I believe there is very little difference between middle of road reels and top end reels. Reels will run you from $15 to $1,000. If you find a reel for under $50 (and rod for that matter) it will probably catch fish, but it will be most effective as decoration. Mount it on the wall (as high to the ceiling as possible just in case someone sees it for what it is). There are a couple reels out there in the $100-$150 range that aren’t bad in my opinion. $200 on up your going to have to see what feels right, has the best warranty, reputation, etc.

The most important function of the reel is to hold your line. In many fishing conditions, it wont have to do anything else as long as you can wind the line back in. Remember, unlike other kinds of fishing, fly fishing entails stripping line off the reel and using the weight of the line to cast. You will never cast directly from the reel like a spinning rod. All reels will hold your line, but they will vary drastically by the material they are made from, how they are made, how fast they retrieve line, and finally, what kind of drag system they have.

Like the fly rod, having a lighter reel is an advantage, particularly if you fish long hours. You’ll notice they all have nice holes drilled in them. This has two functions. One, it allows the fly line to dry. And Two, It makes them lighter. Believe me, if your setup is heavy, you’ll feel it in your arm and shoulder at the end of the day. You may even notice your knuckles at the end of your casting arm dragging on the ground as you make your way back to your car at the end of the day. Lighter is better, in theory, but not all reels are made the same.

Reels today are made from plastic, aluminum, titanium, and some composite materials. Less expensive reels like the plastic and other composite reels are die cast, created from a mold. Some of the metal alloy reels are made that way too. The higher quality (and more expensive) reels will be machined from whole blocks of aircraft grade aluminum and titanium. With die cast parts, there are more imperfections, and anything that gets in the way of the reels function is bad. Also, try as you might to protect your reel, it is going to take a beating. Nothing is more frustrating than losing your footing in your felt wading boots, going down and watching your reel crash on the rocks. You want a reel that will be there for more than a season. So, again I suggest that saving money on a cheap system now, may cost you more down the road, not to mention, dampening your experience in the present.



So, there are a few different types of reels out there that give you options on how fast they bring the line in.

A single action reel turns the spool in direct ratio with you turning the handle. One crank is one turn. These are the simplest and most common reels. They are also the lightest because they have the fewest parts.

Another type of reel is the multiplying reel. It adds a few gears in there to crank more revolutions of the reel per turn of the handle. You bring your line in twice as fast, if not faster.

The automatic reel brings back your line with the push of a button. Sounds great… but it is heavy and has more moving parts to fail. The most recent addition to the fly reel family is the large arbor reel (Some manufactures have mid arbor as well). The arbor is the hub or center of the reel. This is still a single action reel, but the diameter is larger, so that you are actually retrieving more line each time you rotate the handle. It is slightly heavier than the standard reel, but you also have the added bonus of reducing line memory. This is when the line takes on the shape of the reel it was sitting on. Obviously, the less straight the line is on the water, the more slack there is.

Mid and large arbor reels help this quite a bit.Reels also have different drag systems. The idea is to smoothly slow down the speed of outgoing line when you have a fish on. Think of the reel like a bicycle wheel and the drag system the break. For about the last ten years or so, reel manufacturers have put most of their money into the design and marketing of the disc drag fly reel. Most reels today are this kind. Basically, the disc drag reel uses two pads that apply pressure to the reel creating friction and causing it to rotate slower, exactly like applying the brakes on my motorcycle. The other kind of reel that is much harder to find these days, but was your only choice not long ago, is the click and pawl reel. These reels had a gear in the spool. A piece of metal had constant pressure applied to it by a spring. When the reel would rotate, it would click as the teeth of the gear pushed past that tiny piece of metal. If we go back to the bicycle wheel analogy, think of a kid with a playing card in the spokes. This is the same concept. It is effective too because it creates even and consistent pressure. It becomes much more challenging though with larger fish. That’s when palming becomes necessary (and difficult on some of those big hogs.)

Those are the basics on fly reels. One last thing you need to consider is what rod it is going to be used on. Most reels are categorized by line weight just like rods. So, for example, you are going to want to put a 6 weight reel on your 6 weight rod. This insures you have the right amount of fly line and backing for the conditions you will be fishing. Too small a reel for your rod means not enough line, too large a reel filled to capacity means you have too much and your rig is going to be too heavy and unbalanced.
If you plan to use your reel in saltwater, it is best to have a reel made for it. Saltwater reels have special coating to protect its precious innards. Either way, rinse your reel very well after a day in the ocean. You may want to let it sit in fresh water for 30 minutes or so and then give it another rinse. If you do lube your reel, be sparing with your oil. I like using reel oil because it is reel oil. Remember though, oil and grease are magnets for dirt and dirt can wear your parts faster. Be very sparing with your oil.

Please Visit our sponors Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters and Riverbum if you'd like to browse some of the lates reels on the market.

Source Adopted From
www.dsflyfishing.com