Deep Sea Fishing -Knowing Your Tides
May 30, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
It can sound weird but a comprehensive knowledge on tides and their effect on your fishing area can actually pay big dividends. In fact, it is considered to be one key to being successful in the realm of deep sea fishing, by the experts. A lot of fishing guides and charter-boat captains know this secret. They even make close studies on currents, tides, and how they would affect fishing on their areas.
The Unknown Secret
However, sad to say, that a lot of informal deep sea anglers actually pay very little attention to such important details. In fact, some anglers don’t pay attention at all! And then they would wonder how come the other guy catches all the fish and they don’t. Nevertheless, there are still those who realize that somehow tides can affect their fishing. However, they do not know exactly how and why this happens.
These anglers usually waste their precious hours trolling, casting and sinker bouncing even when the tide is not right. However, the deep sea angler who knows his tides could pick in advanced the most favourable fishing periods and concentrate on his efforts during those times. This simply means you can have less of those wasted days and get more fish on your deep sea fishing trips.
Getting Started
You don’t have to delve into tide’s science here, except to point out that tides are due to the gravitational forces that are brought about the sun and moon. Since the moon is nearer earth, it has greater influence with tides than the sun.
Types Of Tides
Every time the tide is up, water would move toward land, which is also known as “flood tide”. On occasions that tides drop, moving its way back to sea, is called “ebb tide”. The period in which it doesn’t move either way is termed as the “slack tide”. It usually takes a period of 6 hours for it to rise, and 6 to get low. For every 24 hours these tides occur 50 minutes later than the last, approximately.
Variations
They also vary in regards to the degrees that they drop or rise. The highest tides occur when the sun and moon are situated on Earth’s same side, creating a direct line. Such kind of tide is called “spring tide”, which occur during new-moon and full-moon periods.
During these times, both low and high tides are higher than their usual state. However, during the last and first quarter phases of the moon, tides don’t fall or rise or fall that much. This is called as “neap tides”.
Which Is Which
So which of theses tides are helpful and which are not? To start off, most experts believe that moving tides or currents are most of the time more productive than having no currents or tides. Thus, a “slack” tide would rarely produce good catch.
Using The Tides At The Right Time
You can take advantage of tides even more by knowing when to go. The period in which an incoming tide starts is considered to be one of the productive periods for fishing, especially if you are targeting for gamesters like bluefish, striped bass, channel bass, and weakfish.
During the periods of slack water, the small bait fishes tend to scatter, and having a lack of strong currents they are able to swim faster and escape their predators.
However, when tides start moving, such small bait fishes are at the strong rips and current’s mercy. Thus, they are easier to catch and find by stripers and other kinds of game fish. When an outgoing tide starts is yet another good time do fish, simply for the same logic. In general, the popular change of tide, whether it be low or high, is actually the best time to do your fishing.
Deep Sea Fishing Guide To Miami Charters
May 26, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
If you’re going for a deep sea fishing trip, one great destination would be Miami. This city is filled to the brim with numerous thrilling entertainment opportunities. Starting from its immaculate white sand beaches up to its world class museums, Miami would never run out of activities to cater you.
Nevertheless, one of the most popular activities in Miami would be deep sea fishing. It is an exquisite spot for such an activity because of the “Gulf stream”, which is a river that is part of the Atlantic Ocean originating from the Gulf of Mexico’s warm currents.
The slightly warmer currents of this stream are actually utilized as a highway for different kinds of migrating fish. You can choose from a great variety of fishes, small or big. The most popular choice include: pan fishes, big game fishes, kingfish, and sailfish. These and many more are prevalent in Miami’s turquoise waters.
Although there’s a lot of deep sea fishing charters that are available coming from Ft. Lauderdale going to Miami, there are those that stand out, which have credible reputations for class, comfort and catch!
Reel Adventure Charters
First off is Reel Adventure Charters; in which you have “Spellbound”, a 56 ft charter fishing boat. It is considered to be the number 1 charter fishing boat around Miami Beach, for whatever kind of fishing activity you are into; whether it be light tackle fishing, deep sea charter to big game fishing.
From the docks of Reel Adventure Charters, you’ll be in the Gulf Stream in no time! In fact it only takes about 10 minutes travel time to go to the stream. This advantage in distance makes their record for big catches quite an impressive one.
Charters are very comfortable, usually with a maximum of 6 people. If you’ll be having a party of 2 or 3 only, you can then arrange for “split charters”. They provide you with everything you need, except for your drinks and food.
Sea Cross Sportfishing
If you want a charter with the best modern gadgets and comfort, then the Sea Cross would be perfect for you. Their Custom Rigged Hatteras Sportfishing Yacht would definitely amaze you with all their amenities, such as live well, outriggers, full air conditioning, top-of-the-line tackle and rods, and state of the art electronic gadgets. In fact, they are fully specked and ready to travel anywhere starting from the Florida Keys up to the Bahamas!
They can definitely make your fishing dreams true! They have specialist personnel that have the skills necessary for you to find exactly whatever it is you are looking for. They specialize in all kinds of fishing adventures, such as tarpon to sailfish. They also provide services like long range weekend trips, split charters, multi-boat charters, corporate charters, and night fishing.
Free Spool Sportfishing
Situated at Miami Beach’s north end, Haulover Bay, you can find Free Spool. Their captain, a premiere fishing guide in Miami area, has been helping people to fish since 1986. Whether you’re interested in fishing the reef, shallows, or off-shore, He could bring you there Keys and Bahamas trips can also be arranged. However, they do not have “split charters”, meaning once you book for the boat, you would have it all for yourself; no more fishing with strangers. They can arrange full or half day charters, for a maximum of 4 people. So if you are looking for a really exquisite adventure with an expert “old school” captain, try out Free Spool!
Deep Sea Fishing For Yellowtail
May 22, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · 1 Comment
One of the most popular fish targeted when deep sea fishing is Yellowtail. The California Yellowtail along with the Southern Yellowtail, which is its cousin, are Jack family members. Both are very tough customers for reel and rod.
Where To Find Them
The Yellowtail is to be found in central California and down south into the tropical waters. In fact, this fish have been a staple in the Pacific fishery for a lot of years already.
How To Fish
Just like with most other kinds of fish, you have a variety of ways to choose from in able to fish for yellowtail. A number of lures and baits would be needed such as squids, sardines, mackerels and the most preferred one, anchovy.
Jig Fishing Technique For Yellowtail
Jig fishing for this fish could be very fun and is considered to be very productive by most people. The Yo-Yo jig can be done by using a four to twelve ounce candy-bar type of jig. Once you have the jig, drop it to the bottom, which is usually not any deeper than 200 feet.
When you feel that you already hit the bottom, try to lift your jig off of it for four to five feet. Repeat this several times, then being followed by a very fast retrieve all the way up to the surface.
It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter how fast you are cranking, since the yellowtail would always be much faster than you. Once you feel that you’re bit, then there’s no mistaking it. Once this happens, don’t set the hook and just continue reeling. Once you feel that your catch is already swimming away from you, then that’s the time that you should set the hook.
Jig fishing enables you to fish using a much heavier line than your bait. A 30 to 50 lb. test usually works pretty well. When yellowtails are feeding on the surface or near it, they would sometimes take surface iron.
Surface irons are jigs weighing 4 ounces or less. They are retrieved with a much slower speed than the other kinds of jigs. Using a live squid is the much preferred bait with this kind of jig. In fact, when yellowtails feed on squid, they have the tendency to ignore all the other baits.
Using A Fishing Squid
Using a fishing squid is quite simple. All you have to do is either tie the hook directly to the line or make use of a sliding sinker which is right on the bait. However, the size of the weight you’ll be using is usually dictated by factors and conditions like currents and depth.
Find the pointed end of the squid and place the hook once through it. However, take note that when fishing with squid, even small yellowtails are able to swallow it quickly. That is why you should not let them swim far before you decide to set the hook.
Using Anchovies
If you’ll be using anchovy, then you should either hook through its nose or behind its gill, specifically on its bony collar. They are weak swimmers, which is why you would want to make use of smaller line and hooks.
Using Sardines
When you’ll be using sardines, you can make use of the same rig. However, this time around, you should put your hook through the sardine’s nose or on its bottom, just behind its vent. Your bait would tend to swim deeper, if you hook it on its bottom.
Basics For Saltwater Striped Bass Fishing With Light Tackle
May 18, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Striped Bass. Striper’s. Rock fish. Linesiders. There is a certain mystique about the striper that makes everyone want to catch them. It’s a beautiful fish, anyone who has seen one fresh out of the water with the sun shining off their silvery sides will agree. Catching them can be another matter entirely, though. There are a lot of “bottom fishermen” who may be switching to bass fishing in 2008 due to the possible regulations that could be applied to flounder, scup, and other species as a result of lawsuits by environmentalist groups. Fishing for bass is quite different from bottom fishing.
Bass are aggressive feeders at certain times of the day and also when large amounts of bait are around. This is usually pretty easy to spot, as bait will be jumping as the bass feed upon them. Its a matter of motoring up and slowing down before you get too close and casting an appropriate lure in among them. Don’t make the mistake of going right into or through the area of feeding fish, this is the quickest way to put an end to the fishing. Under these conditions a top water plug or soft plastic that matches the size and shape of the bait is a good choice. Cast in, and as soon as you hit the water, close up and begin a retrieve. Don’t move it too fast unless they are bluefish.
Early morning is normally a very good time for bass, they will feed in the shallows near some kind of structure (rocks, drop offs, humps), usually when there is a current to sweep helpless bait past them. At this time top water plugs can be very productive because of the low light conditions. If it’s going to be overcast or foggy that day, so much the better for the bass fishing. Top water plugs should be surface swimmers, poppers, or walkers in white. They should be worked as if they are injured, occasionally stopping them during the retrieve. It’s so cool when the fish smashes that surface plug, splashing, rolling, then running like hell. My favorite kind of bass fishing.
Once there is a good amount of light and the top water plugs stop producing, its time to switch to soft plastics and probably move into an area of structure in deeper water. Current is again important, the bass depend on this to sweep food past them and when the current is weak or non-existent you can normally expect that the bass won’t be aggressive, you have to bang them off the nose then to get a strike. When drifting with soft plastics, first you get up drift of the structure with the boat and position the boat so you will drift over it, then turn the motor off. Next, consider the depth the fish may be holding in. If the structure is in 30 feet of water, cast out, leave the bail open and count to 15 (one thousand one to one thousand fifteen), then close it up and start your retrieve. You should also vary your retrieve, try slow, try fast, try jigging and reeling, until you find what the fish like. If you get a hit and don’t hook up, work the bait very slowly with!
short jigs as if it is injured. This will normally bring on follow-up strikes. The tendency is to haul back and reel hard, but this will only result in another strike with a bluefish, if it’s a bass they most likely will not chase it. It’s also possible to have a bluefish hit and bite part of the plastic off and then as you work it as if injured a bass will take it. This is because bass love to pick up after the bluefish, who tend to be messy eaters and will chop up a bait without finishing it off, leaving the pieces to fall to the bottom.
What soft plastic do you use? Well, you try to ‘match the hatch’, as it were. If you know what their feeding on, use something that approximates that bait. For sand eels, use green/white zooms, sluggos, or fin-s on a jig head. If they are feeding on bunker, use a 4″, 5″ or 6″ Storm swim shad bait in bunker color. If they are feeding on herring, use a 6″ Storm swim shad in pearl.
Trolling is another way to fish for bass. The hard part is knowing what to do when your not catching them. Most trolling is done with weights, down riggers, or wire line rods. This is because bass go into the lower part of the water column once the sun is up, so you need a way to get your rig down to where the bass are. We fish an area along the RI south shore which has lots of boulders and is around 28 feet deep. When trolling, we use wire outfits with 200 feet of wire on them. This gets the rig down about 20 feet or so, which is close enough considering how shallow the area is, and how the boulders stick up. We troll umbrellas, tube and worm rigs, or parachute jigs. Usually though we’ll only resort to this method when we having trouble getting soft plastics down to the fish. It can be very productive. Speed can be anything from 2 knots to 6 knots, usually we vary it throughout the time we troll. Its not at all unusual to get hits right after changing speed. When!
its not working, your speed is wrong, your rig is at the wrong depth, or the fish are gone. However, I always make the first assumptions before assuming the fish are gone. If you go half an hour without a fish, its time to hang it up and move onward or try something different.
If you keep some of these tips in mind when you’re out there then success can be yours when fishing for Bass.
5 Useful Tips On Trout Fishing
May 14, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
In fishing, trout are one of the favorite “fishing friends” of most anglers. These crafty fish are abundant anywhere. The native habitat of these crafty fish depends on the type of trout.
For brook trout, the native habitat includes the territory from Labrador westward to the Saskatchewan, while the rainbow trout is a native of the Pacific slope from Alaska to California.
On the other hand, brown trout has found its way into the waters of every state in the United States except Florida, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. It has been reported in the waters of some of these states, but according to conservation officials, no authentic reports have been received. It is also found in many parts of Canada.
In trout fishing, there are some factors that need to be considered in order to have a successful catch.
1. For trout fishing, the leader should not be greased. It will not sink far enough to cause any difficulty when picking the line and lure from the water, but if it is allowed to float; it will cast a shadow on the bottom of the stream which may scare the trout.
2. The trout is one of the fishes that are usually secured through the use of the dry fly. For trout, the current as well as the pools should be fished. It may sometimes be a bit difficult to keep the fly from sinking or dragging because of the various conditions of the current, but this is a matter that the angler will have to figure out for himself.
3. It is not good practice when fishing for trout to fish directly upstream so the flies, line, and leader will float directly over fish. The fisherman should make the cast from one side of the stream so the fly will only float over the fish.
4. It is important to make the first cast the best. A feeding trout will usually strike the first lure presented if it is cast so that it will float over his private domain. The angler should never fail to fish the lower end of the pool first even if the trout are rising in the middle or upper end.
5. Trout are sometimes very moody or selective and will try the patience of any angler; hence, possibly a fly with less hackle will do the trick or it may be necessary to use a spent-wing fly or a fan wing.
Indeed, catching trout fishes can be lots of fun. The anglers just have to remember these tips in order to have a happy catch.
Angling Basics: What You Need To Know About Fishing Reels
May 11, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
No matter what level of experience you have as a fisherman, you will benefit greatly from having the right reel for the job. You can easily learn what you should be using though and improve your skill because of it. There are three different types that you need to consider. These are the casting reel, the fly casting reel and the spin casting reel.
The Bait Casting Reel
These are quite difficult. The line on them is pulled off the rod by the lure’s weight. It is then thrust forward in the motion of casting. They provide a device that lays the line evenly across the rotating cylinder that acts like the core of the reel. Without a smooth cast it will cause problems when the line is reeled in. The line can become tangled, too.
The Fly Fishing Reel
In a fly fishing real, you need to insure that it has a drag that is very responsive. Then, you’ll need to purchase a reel that can stand the tension and strain put on it by a large fish. These are more expensive reels than other types. Make sure to check to make sure there are no plastic parts on the reel. All metal reels are much more dependable and they make it worth the price.
The Spinning Reel
The closed faced reel is the inexpensive spinning reel. It is also fairly easy to control. This is probably the choice you would make for those who are learning to fish. They have a push button release for casting. They have an opening at the top where the line comes out when you cast. The reel will mount on your rod.
The open faced spinning rod is a more challenging option. It comes in many sizes to fit your needs. The lightest models are excellent for pan fish. Larger choices will help you with game fishing or ocean fishing. The line capacity on these is greater and is serviceable when you are after trout or even salmon. They offer a smooth drag. Although you can start with a closed face, you can improve your skills and move on to the open faced.
If you are only choosing one type of reel, go with a medium speed one. If two, then look for both a low speed and a high speed. Also, you should choose the right reel depending on if you are left handed or right handed. Also, remember that the lighter the line is, the smaller the reel. You’ll need to insure that the fishing line and the fishing reel will work together well.
You can get help with learning what type of reel to purchase from the salespeople at the fishing tackle shop.
Big Game Fishing – What You Need to Know
May 8, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Fishing is a favorite past time among older men. According to them, fishing provides peace and serenity. It takes their burden away and definitely eases the pressure this changing world offers to our everyday life. For those that are more adventurous and require extreme diversion, big game fishing is their preferred fly fishing technique.
Big game fishing is a type of fly fishing that aims to catch fishes of huge proportions such as tunas and blue marlins. This kind of fly fishing hobby is more like a sport since the effort of actually catching a single fish requires strength and agility.
This type of game fishing is usually done near ports and temperate coasts. Since big fishes are their target, the usual spot for fishing are located in deep coastal areas. As the location pertains, the boat should be seaworthiness. This means that the boat should be sufficient enough to carry several pieces of a four to five-footer fish. Normally boats required should be trailer able eighteen-foot minimum to about a hundred feet to be able to transport fishes to and from the fishing grounds.
There are two bait techniques effective for big game fishing. First is trolling. Trolling is putting bait behind the boat. Bait normally used is squid that are lined up in several rows. Another bait technique is known as chumming or chunking. This technique requires fishermen to throw several pieces of bait fish overboard. Consistent throwing or presentation of bait fish usually attracts large game fishes.
Baitcasting Reels
May 4, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
As with most fishing gear available on the market, baitcasting reels come in a dizzying array of options, quality, and components. There are several simple characteristics, however, that can be easily learned by the novice, and which will aid tremendously in correctly choosing a good baitcasting reel. The most important characteristics to pay attention to are body material and construction, bearing material and construction, and the turn ratio of the crank.
There is a general impression that baitcasting reels are for more advanced fisherman, but that is not necessarily the case anymore. Many of the reels available on the market today are of such high quality that even a novice fisherman can easily master the techniques and uses of a baitcasting reel. For more information, visit Fishing Reels Guide (see resource box below).
The body of a baitcasting reel is normally made of one of two types of material: aluminum or graphite. Graphite reels are lightweight and highly resistant to corrosion, which makes these reels particularly useful in a saltwater fishing environment due to the high salinity of the water. Graphite is, however not quite as strong or durable as aluminum. If you want to chase after those giant marlins or tuna, then you will probably want to opt for the aluminum reel because of their strength. On the other hand, if you are only after croppie or other panfish, then a graphite bodied reel may just be the right choice for you.
Another important consideration when looking for a baitcasting reel is the ball bearings or bushings inside the reel. These are the components of the reel that have the most direct impact on the smoothness and “feel” of the reel. As a general rule, stainless steel ball bearings are preferable to bushings. Also, the more ball bearings the unit contains, the smoother the cranking will be. Smooth cranking is essential for a good fishing reel of any type, so that you can feel the action of the line in the water and whether or not you have a fish on the line. Baitcasting rules come with a range of ball bearing counts, usually from two to six. Two bearings would be an absolute minimum, while the fisherman should purchase a reel with the most amount of bearings his budget will allow for. Obviously, the more bearings a reel contains, the more expensive the reel will be.
A further consideration for choosing a good baitcasting reel is the turn ratio of the crank. Baitcasting reels come with a variety of turn ratio’s raging from 2:1, all the way to 1:6. The first number refers to the number of turns of the crank, while the second number refers to the number of times the spool rotates. For example 1:6 means that for every turn of the crank the spool turns 6 times, which is obviously a very high cranking power. Trolling, bottom bouncing, and jig working are good application for high cranking power, while bank fishing and general line hanging are better suited to low cranking power. For a good middle of the road number, choose a 4:1 ratio.
Other factors that should be considered when choosing a baitcasting reel include the drag system, casting controls, and specialized reels for particular species of fish. For more information on these advanced characteristics be sure to visit the link mentioned above.
Snapper Fishing – A Quick Start Guide
May 2, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Fishing has acquired numerous enthusiasts as it provides pride and extreme satisfaction whenever a fish is caught. Among the selection of fish available for fly fishing, snapper fishing maintains its popularity among hobbyists. Snapper fish are bottom feeders. They are usually found on deep banks and reefs. Since snapper are bottom feeders, the bait used is usually squid and baitfish.
The perfect time for snapper fishing is between June and October. This is the time wherein they spawn. Also, it is during this period that they lay their eggs so snappers become an easy target.
Like most fish that are popular in fly fishing, the secret to having a perfect catch is to know the right location. Location is the key element in determining whether a fly fishing enthusiast is a veteran or not. Take time to study the structures where snappers are usually found. Anchor the boat accurately in the spot wherein the fish most commonly pass through. For fish enthusiasts who prefer snapper fishing, the usual location for these creatures is among wrecks and oil rigs.
Snappers are sneaky biters. Sometimes they could get your bait without being caught on your rod. In the event that a snapper gets stuck on your bait, they will usually try every possible way in order for them to escape. Snappers are great fighters so it is important to be ready when resistance of this kind happens. To lure snappers, it is recommended to have still or slow moving bait. This could pose as an animal sleeping or resting. Snappers usually fall for this technique.