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.
Free Tips for Bass Fishing
April 30, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Fishing is a hobby that many Americans spend their free time doing. Besides investing valuable time and energy, money is also a factor with this beloved past time. Despite the constraints associated with fishing, lots of people are drawn to it because of the pleasure they get.
As a general rule, it is important to study about the type of fish you are interested in catching. Knowing the spots to find the particular fish and the temperature of water they usually hang out on is an advantage. Fishing requires a great amount of time before successfully catching one. Being familiar with fishes’ behavior cuts the time spent waiting and doubling the chances of having a good catch.
Besides knowing the behavior of the fish, it is important to have the right equipment for the water condition the fish prefers. Equipment used for salt fishing is different from what is being used in river fishing. Having the right equipment for a specific water condition determines the success of fishing per se. Listed below are tips for bass fishing.
When fishing for bass, the perfect location to spot several of these creatures is to the sites where water is cool. They usually hang out in areas where old trees are located. They shelter among the barks that have fallen to which they nurture smaller fishes. Ponds, lakes, and reservoir where water is slow to sluggish are the type of water that bass prefer.
Bass eats anything that fits into its mouth so any bait will do. However, bass can see well in clear water so it is important to have different kinds of baits. Determine which lures them and change one immediately if it does not attract any fishes.
Basic Carp Fishing Pointers
April 27, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Frustrating as it is, carp fishing is awesome. Carp are really good at sucking in and blowing out suspicious baits. It’s such an excitement to see the whole action in a fraction of a second as you hang on for dear life while the reel is trembling with a loud noise.
Carp happily devour on the surface as long as you keep the pellets, biscuits, chic peas, bread, and re-hydrated corn coming in, and these are inexpensive baits as well. Just attach them to the hooks, most preferably the bread. Have the biscuits softened by dipping it in the water for about 2 minutes, then, place them in a sealed sandwich bag for about an hour. Since different brands have different textures, just experiment to know which is firm enough to cast. Another way to hook baits is super gluing the pellet into the shank.
Once they get into feeding, let them feel comfortable around the bait. This gives more opportunity for the fisherman since they begin to not feel picky. This tactic can be useful for zig rigs.
As soon as they’re feeding, cast the bait but make sure not to drop the bait directly onto the feeding carp. Cast away from the feeding area then slowly draw it in position. While the bait is till hanging, keep the food coming in so as to keep the carp from going away.
How to Set-Up?
• Use a hair rig to increase your chance of catching. As carp taste food first, if they don’t like the taste, they won’t come near it.
• You may also use a Spider Line, 50 lbs test, then use a leader material that fits the situation.
• Thread the bait on the baiting needle and hook the hair loop. You may also use foam dipped in a flavor as this enhances the attractiveness of the bait.
• Also make a baiting needle by just straightening a long shank hook. Slide the bait on the shank, then slide the bait from the needle onto the hair.
• Using a float is also an advantage because it adds weight for further distancing and the location is easily identified.
• Don’t forget the controller float rig. A leader can be used which is attached to the swivel to its mainline of at least 3 feet length with a 10lbs Drennan double strength. A low diameter mono will do just as long as it floats well enough for visibility.
As experts say, it is not the bait that catches the carp but the method in which the bait is introduced. Pre-bait everyday, in one spot for a few days. This makes the carp think that there is a regular source of food for them and by “word of mouth” there’ll soon be a school of fish around. Just be patient and it will all work.
Catch Big Fish With Bait Casting Reels
April 22, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Bait casting reels are often used by advanced fishermen who enjoy catching big fish such as pike, salmon, and bass. While these reels are great for catching big fish, it does take time to learn to cast the line properly. Some of the advantages of using a bait caster, as opposed to a spin caster, are farther casting, more precise lure placement, and better leverage.
Bait casting reels usually sit on top of the rod. The reason it can be difficult to master is because it requires the use of your thumb to control the casting speed and placement. Most beginners who try to use this type of reel usually have problems with backlash. This is when the line gets tangled in the spool. It is sometimes referred to as a ‘bird’s nest’.
Bait casters are great for catching bigger fish because they are made for fishing with heavier lures and heavier lines. The heavier lures enable the angler to fish at higher speeds. You can take full advantage of baits such as spinner baits and crank baits. The heavier lines are great for fighting with the bigger fish such as bass. You are able to put more pressure on the line without the fear of it snapping.
Another advantage of this reel is more control and better lure placement. Often times, bass fishing requires you to place the lure in a precise spot. This precise placement can be difficult with spin cast reels due to lack of control. Once you get that big fish on the hook, you have a better chance of landing it due to the increase leverage since the reel sits closer to the rod.
The disadvantage of bait casting reels is the tougher learning curve. Most fishermen have used spin cast reels since they were kids. The spin cast reel controls the line. With the bait caster, your thumb is in touch with the line on the spool. This puts you in complete control while fishing. In order to get the benefits of the bait caster, you will need to practice casting or you will spend most of your fishing trip untangling bird’s nests.
There are many great spin cast reels that will get the job done. Many fishermen have been catching fish for years using the spin cast reels. These won’t become obsolete anytime soon. However, one of the biggest advantages of the bait caster is your accuracy. You’ll be able to place the lure in its precise spot. Bait casting reels are the way to go if you don’t want to risk losing your trophy fish on the line. With its advantages, it will be worth the time it takes to learn the bait caster.
Bait casting reels have many advantages over spin cast reels. Many fishermen are hesitant to use the bait caster because it can be frustrating to master. Once you learn the proper technique, you can enjoy its many benefits. You can visit this article about Bait Casting Reels to get more information.
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Fly Fishing Basics – Everything You Need to Know
April 19, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Fly fishing is gaining its popularity as a sport more than merely a hobby. The effort required to perform the task is extensive that being able to acquire the biggest catch became the goal of every fly fishing enthusiasts. Knowing the fly fishing basics is having an in depth knowledge with fly flying, rods, reeds, flies and fish. It is learning the correct way of doing fly fishing.
The first factor that should be taken into consideration is the location to which you are interested in catching a fish. The location determines the type of fish you can catch and the equipment to invest on. If you live near the sea, you may want to try out sea fishing. This type of fly fishing is extensive and there are several fishes available for the sport. If you would want to remain low key, river fishing is the recommended fly fishing technique for you as it is mostly done inlands.
As these leads us to techniques, fly fishing styles will be greatly influenced by the location you prefer. Whatever location you choose, the techniques will eventually follow through. Practice definitely puts an edge in catching quality fish. Take time to master the correct techniques.
There are three basic techniques usually applied in fly flying. These are: (1) playing and landing, (2) pumping, and (3) netting. The first technique has a lot to do with reading the water and knowing how to present the bait properly. Pumping is a kind of reeling a fish when it tires from running away and Netting is done as the fish is exhausted from escaping.
How To Catch Your First Catfish
April 4, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Every year more and more waters are being stocked with catfish as anglers appear to be going crazy for moggies. Many predict that they will eventually take over from carp as the anglers’ most popular quarry. I doubt this but only time will tell.
However one fact we can’t ignore is that they’re out there within the grasp of most anglers. Even the River Thames has got catfish, as was demonstrated at the start of a match at Canberry Gardens at Kingston where the match was delayed as the competitors stood round to see a pleasure angler land a twenty pound plus moggy.
My first catfish came out of RMC Angling’s Split Lake at Yateley when their assistant angling manager and close friend, Adrian Ellis, took us to fish for catfish. Although a good all rounder, Adrian does like his predator fishing and was at the time well into his moggy fishing.
The rod had to be powerful so I opted for two 12ft 31b test curve Masterline Ecusima carp rods. These would have the power to handle cats and to push the heavy casting weights out.
I used two Ryobi Techno 4000ZF fixed spool reels. These are very large spooled reels that hold plenty of the heavy line required. I was going to fish with an open bail arm so there was no need for bait runners. The main line was 15lb bs Big Game which is a tough and reliable line.
The trace is most important as cats have pads of rather abrasive mini teeth that cut through most braids on the market. The universally accepted line according to most catfish anglers is one of 45lb bs. Yes, no mistake, 45lb breaking strain Kryston Quick-Silver. I was surprised but after catching my first cat I soon realised this was essential.
The hooks were Cox and Rawle uptide extra strong.
We arrived a couple of hours before dark when Adrian produced a wheelbarrow from his estate car and loaded it with all his tackle and camping gear. I followed him to the lake with my rods and some of my tackle. When we arrived at the swim Adrian pointed out the swim to fish.
We left some of our gear in the swim and borrowed Adrian’s wheelbarrow to transport our bivvy and remaining gear from our car to the swim. Naturally Virginia had to have a go with the wheelbarrow and had some interesting offers from some of the long stay carpers that we passed. For the record, Virginia is not a haulage contractor nor has a younger sister good with a wheelbarrow!
We then erected our bivvy for the first time in years and soon had everything set up for a comfortable night. I then proceeded to set up my rod pod with two optonic heads. The rods were then set up in the rod pod waiting for Adrian to come along to tie the terminal rigs. Adrian then arrived to help me set up the livebait rigs for the cats.
First I had to put two plastic line stops on the line and thread them up so they were together. This made the stop more effective. This was followed by a 3oz, free running sliding bomb. I then put on a free running bead and a strong swivel followed by a Quick-Silver trace. A largish polystyrene ball was secured on the trace by plastic line stops placed either side of the ball. This was about 14 inches from the swivel. The ball was about 1/2 inch diameter. About four inches from the polystyrene ball was the 0/1 uptide extra strong hook. This completed the rather complex rig designed to allow you to fish the livebait at any depth. All you had to do was to adjust the back stops to alter how far the ball floated up in the water.
The next step was to set up our 9m whips with pole rigs already attached. We fed with pinkies to fish two pinkies on a size 20 hook. It did not take long before we were catching a mixture of small roach, rudd and a few little tench. This took just over an hour and we were then ready to start fishing for moggies as it started to get dark.
By the time I had cast out it was approaching 9.30pm. Time to cook my tea, a lovely large beefburger from my local butcher. Virginia was halfway through cooking it when I saw the first flash of lightning. As it was cooked, the first spots of rain began to fall. I retired to the bivvy listening to the thunder and watching the lightning. It was the worst storm for years. At one stage the noise of the thunder was so loud I was thinking of putting in ear plugs. I’d never have heard the alarms go off if I’d got a run! The rain was terrific – as I looked out from the bivvy and the whole lake was illuminated by flashes of lightning. Certainly a storm not to be forgotten but I was perfectly dry in my bivvy.
At 2 am the rain ceased, leaving me cursing my luck as I was convinced the rain had cooled the water down so much the cats wouldn’t feed. They are very much warm water feeders. Then, at just gone 3am the bite alarm went off. It was the fastest run I’d ever seen. I slammed the bail arm over and lent into the fish to hear my clutch scream. By this time Adrian was standing beside me.
“You’re in” he said.
“Yes, certainly a cat” I replied
First mistake! Off went Luther, Adrian’s dog, searching the banks for a cat.
“Never use the word C.A.T. when Luther is around as he responds immediately” Adrian explained.
The catfish fought exceptionally well and appeared to go equally as fast in reverse as forward. It changed direction with remarkable ease and speed. It was a long hard fight but after a good ten minutes I saw it’s shape. Adrian then got hold of the very large landing net and waited until I brought the fish over it. He netted it first attempt to take it over to the very large unhooking mat we had placed out before fishing. As he shone his small light to unhook it for me, I saw it clearly for the first time. It was much smaller than I expected but I was happy – a catfish on my first attempt!
I noticed Adrian kept well away from the gills. He then showed me why, as there are very nasty teeth nearby so I quickly learnt that you can not treat moggies like pike. You must keep well away from the gills.
The fish was then placed in a catfish tube. One end was closed, the fish placed in head first from the other end and the far end then secured. The fish in the tube was then pegged out lengthways in the swim. Adrian explained that sacks were banned as cats can panic in them and die.
The fish was left in the tube until daylight when we could photograph it. When there was sufficient light Adrian took the fish, still in the tube to the unhooking mat. The end nearest the fish’s head was released and the catfish removed. He showed me the pads of small teeth in front of the fish’s mouth, explaining the reason for the Kryston 45lb bs Quick-Silver trace. It is in his opinion essential for catfish fishing.
He then showed we how to hold and control the fish for the trophy shot before weighing it at 12lb 8oz. The fish was then returned quickly having been out of the water only a few minutes.
Two weeks later, we returned to the venue to try for another catfish and some tench. This time we were going to use swan mussels that we were going to catch from the lake. Adrian cut a small twig from a tree and sharpened one end with a pair of scissors. He then looked around close in at the bottom of the lake where he saw some swan mussels with their shells open. Adrian told me they were a typical clam and as such would close on any foreign object. He put his stick into the gap between the two halves of the complete shell and the swan mussel immediately clamped on to the stick. He pulled the stick up with the mussel. As we were only going to use swan mussel on one rod, we took only eight swan mussels. On the other rod we were going to use frozen Richworth 6mm Tutti Fruiti boilies – two, hair rigged on a size 10 hook. The swan mussels were kept in a bucket of water and only one prepared at a time. This was legered on a running rig but with a 451b Kryston trace.
As it got dark we had plenty of activity on the boilie rod, regularly catching tench between 4 1/21b and 61b. The swan mussel rod was slower but yielding fewer tench with a slightly higher average size. In the early hours I had a terrific run on my swan mussel rod that again ripped off yards of line. I knew it was a cat and after a long fight landed my second catfish. This was heavier than the first weighing a fraction over 15lb.
Since then we have noticed that the catfish have grown every year, often by as much as 6lb. No doubt, given time and plenty of food, Split Lake will see its first forty pounder.
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