Some Tips On Deep Sea Fishing At Night
June 30, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Deep sea fishing is an enjoyed activity by many. The sun, sea and the adrenaline of adventure makes a perfect day for such kind of activity. However, for very experienced fishermen, they would advice you that if you really want to get a good catch, it would be best for you to start fishing 2 hours after sunset or 2 hours even before sunrise.
This is why most experienced fishermen would rather have a night trip than a day trip. However, due to the difference of environment during night fishing, if you are new to this kind of setting, then there are certain things that you should know to make your night trip a successful one.
Getting Started
Although it may seem difficult, waking up in the wee hours of the day is still possible. Additionally, you can always get the help of an alarm clock to be your wake-up call. There are some other preparations too that should be done other than being able to wake up, like preparing your bait.
It would be the best if you have already set up everything you need and have some wet-bait ready even half an hour before sun rise. It is important to remember that anchoring and cooking the bait should be finished by the time sunset arrives. This is due to the reason that cooking through your night fishing could be very dangerous. Plus, your bait should beable to cool off before you can use it.
The Logic Behind It
The logic behind all these waking up early and preparations is that fish usually feed shallower around times like this. Thus, they are easier to catch, since they’re only about 30 feet below the water’s surface. In fact, according to experts, twilight minutes are very productive especially if you’re fishing for a living.
Where’s The Light At?
If you really want to have good results at the fastest time possible, whether it be you are fishing in fresh or salt water, try fishing around piers, which have some lights. This is because fish are very attracted to light beams that pass through the water surface in different sea depths. In general, fishing excursions usually have a very happy ending when held around lights on piers or buoys.
Use Something Large
It is also important that you use very large dry or wet flies, nymphs, and oversized streamers, if you are really interested in getting a lot of catch of those active feeders out there.
In fact, night-feeding can be easier for you when your bait is that large enough for the fish to locate. Additionally, you should remember to draw your baits gradually along the surface of the water with a jerking motion. Doing this would help attract some trout. Nevertheless, you should also bring some extra live bait and always keep the lure inside your water or boat, safely contained.
See The Signs
During night fishing, you should always try to be on guard for some signs that feeding fish are in the area. Take note that at this time, you’ll be able to hear them feeding themselves even before you see their splashes or swirls in the water. Don’t forget to chuck in your lure, as soon as possible and once you hear them breaking the surface, into the spot that you think they are in.
Additionally, you should try making repeated casts anywhere that you think they may be circulating, since fish have some trouble in locating lures during the night.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Deep Sea Fishing Trip
June 25, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Deep Sea Fishing is one amazing experience that can be a very memorable one for you and your fishing mates. However, it is an activity that is often not maximized. What most people don’t know is that there is much more to deep sea fishing than fishing itself. It’s really sad that trips like these are often not maximized.
To not commit such a common mistake, here are some of the ways that you can maximize your deep sea fishing trip to make it an even more momentous and enjoyable one!
Understand The Signs
Enjoying the sea itself and the wildlife around you is often overlooked by deep sea trippers. Try to be watchful of what nature around you is telling you. If you can see birds, like gulls or other sea birds that are hovering over a specific area of water, then heed on it.
There is a big probability that there are smaller fishes usually used by fishermen as bait somewhere in that area. This could imply that there is yet another big probability that there would be bigger fishes beneath that area of water. Try following these simple hints and indications and for sure you’d be having a catch in no time!
Be Watchful
You may also want to be on the watch for snooks during your trip. Try to look under ledges since this is one of their favourite hiding places. In fact, they have a similar behaviours and habits with bass.
If It’s A Full Moon, Do It The Crab Way
During full moons, crabs usually shed off their skins. So if you’ll be deep sea fishing on a full moon night, you could try making use of soft crab imitations as your bait. Doing this would definitely entice the stripers from their hiding places to go look out for the crabs.
Want Some Tuna? Get A Dolphin!
If you’ll be fishing out for tuna, especially yellowfins, one good way to locate them is follow where the dolphins are. Tuna usually school with dolphins, which is why if ever you see dolphins there is a really big probability that some tuna school would not be that far away.
However, it is vital to take note that you should be careful not to land on a dolphin even by accident, because dolphins are protected species, which should be treated with some respect.
Don’t Go Solo
Let’s face it, going solo with any kind of activity is not that always fun. This is just the same with deep sea fishing. So, if you really want to make something out of your trip, such as priceless memories and enjoyable moments, then you should try spending the trip with some friends or family.
Battle Sea Sickness
If you have sea sickness or motion sickness, then a fishing trip can be a not so enjoyable activity for you. However, you should not let this hamper you from enjoying such great experience. That is why you should battle it.
If this is your problem, try looking at the horizon. It might sound ironic and silly, but you should try to stay up on deck as long as you can; doing this can make it easier for you to adjust with the boat’s motion. Additionally, staying away from fumes is advisable, since they could make you feel even worse.
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.
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.
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.
For everything you need to go CatFishing just remember this website www.bigfishtackleshop.com
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First Time Carp Fishing Tips
March 11, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Carp fishing is a unique style of fishing that may require you to talk to an expert to get specific tips. However we will list a few things you can keep in mind if you are considering carp fishing as a hobby sport.
Carp fishing requires equipment that is different than other types of fishing. For starters you will use a specialized small tent to sit in while you are waiting for the fish to bite.
The tent offers you protection from the outside weather because carp fishing is often done in the winter months. It should be large enough to let you to move around in comfortably as well.
The fishing equipment for carp fishing is unique and best to be purchased at a specialized carp fishing store. This will include purchasing a rod, hook and bait that you will use to fish with.
Fishing for carp will require that you purchase quality equipment that will hold up to the requirements of this special sport. Other equipment that is handy to have includes:
- sharp scissors
- bait needle
- binoculors
- foreceps
- super glue
- degorgers
- bait drill
- gardiner loop tying device
- sink tubing
- imitation bait
- cork balls
- splicing needle
You can Google search these words for a complete explanation on what each does and the reason for them.
Carp fishing is a sport that requires a certain mind set, but as a hobby can be a fun relaxing way to spend your free time. It is easy to set up for and can be done anywhere carp are found.
Summary: Carp fishing is a unique style of fishing that may require you to talk to an expert to get specific tips. However we will list a few things you can keep in mind if you are considering carp fishing as a hobby sport.
Slide-Bait Fishing – Angling From The Cliffs!
March 11, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
The subject during a recent conversation was extreme fishing.” It started with one’s comment about these “wild men,” somewhere along the Mississippi, who would stick their hands in submerged traps to let a catfish try and swallow their hands then pull the greedy catfish up and flip in into a boat.
Then, of course, the conversation turned to Fishing in Hawaii; kayak fishing in the deep blue… free-dive spear fishing for big tuna and wahoo in open ocean… trying to tag a bill-thrashing marlin alongside the boat. In this congenial arena of fishing tales one-upsmanship all of the well-known fishing venues for which Hawaii has been noted were discussed except one.
For all of the fishing Hawaii offers, few are so uniquely tied to the islands as slide-baiting. Ask any local fisherman to name a single prized fish here in Hawaii and many of the responses will come back, the ulua (oo loo’ ah).” The Hawaiian name for a trevally weighing over ten pounds, the ulua is one the largest of all Hawaiian fishes caught from the shore. Growing well in excess of a hundred pounds, ulua are fierce fighters and popular table fare as well.
Among the most popular environs for ulua are the deep drops that lie off of many of the islands’ rocky coasts. And while the underwater topography might be perfect for fish, the anglers wanting to fish these domains are faced with some precarious fishing spots often characterized by precarious ledges, sharp rocks, and threatening waves.
The volcanic origin of the islands in which lava flows added to the coastline over the years in which the islands were formed created a miles of shorelines which end abruptly with a drop into the ocean. In these areas, it’s not uncommon to find immediate water depths of sixty feet or more within an easy casting distance. These areas, often ten feet or more above the water, are the haunts of Hawaii’s slide-bait fishermen!
As a youngster, I was always fascinated by a white marker on an overlook along a highway on Oahu’s east side. I had learned that it memorialized a fisherman who had drowned after being washed off the ledge by large waves. Looking over the rocky coast which jutted anywhere from three to ten feet above the water, it was easy to see that getting back on to land after falling into the water was pretty close to impossible on a calm day let alone at night (the preferred time for this type of fishing) and when there are any waves to speak of.
Yet despite the obvious risks, slide-baiting is the venue of choice for many of Hawaii’s top shore fishermen many of whom have achieved membership in the 100# club, an elite group of anglers who have caught an ulua of a hundred pounds or more.
Slide-baiting starts off with the largest shore fishing tackle you will come across. The poles are heavy-duty twelve to fourteen-foot casting poles equipped with conventional reels like the Penn 4-0′s and 6-0′s loaded with 50# – 75# test line. The rig is comprised of weights between 8-10 ounces connected to the main line with a large ring and weaker line intended to break away when the fish is hooked or when the line needs to be retrieved. Generally, a slide baiter will cast his line out once at the beginning of the session. Since each member of a group might have three to four poles making for a pretty crowded fishing perch, the only time lines are reeled back in is when a fish hits or when it’s time to leave.
During the session, the fishermen slide their chosen bait down the line with a special leader. A hook is fastened to a stiff wire leader with a pigtail swivel on the other end allowing it to be attached to the main line. The bait slides down as far as the ring at the end of the main line preventing the bait from touching the bottom. Baits are slid down throughout the session without the fishermen ever having to worry about checking their bait or risking entanglement with other lines.
When a fish is caught, the prospect of bringing it up on the rocks from waters some ten feet or more below can be pretty tricky. A special gaff hook with an open ring and rope is slid down the main line down to the fish which is gaffed by jerking up from under the fish then pulling it up with the rope. It’s a pretty slick technique that takes a bit of practice especially with a fish that weighs in at fifty to a hundred pounds and more.
Most of us will never experience fighting a hundred pound ulua from a rocky ledge but a look at any of the trophies these skilled anglers have brought up might convince you that this is a pretty extreme form of fishing. It’s a form of fishing you’ll seldom hear about but is going on in Hawaii at some awfully precarious spots on almost any moonless night!
The author, Richard Young, is the creator of http://www.HawaiiBeachcombers.com, a site which includes Hawaii fishing adventures and other ocean recreational activities popular among island residents.
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How To Enjoy Fishing As A Hobby
January 27, 2010 by Lyle Holmes · Leave a Comment
Fishing is an excellent hobby for people who are looking for things to do outdoors. Going to a local lake is a great way to unwind from the stresses of your daily life.
Enjoying fishing as a hobby is easy to do. However there are a few things you can do to make it more enjoyable.
For example many people choose to fish with friends or family members. Some parents like to fish with their children as it’s a great way to spend quality time together.
If you are unsure what is involved in fishing you can utilize the Internet to learn more about it. Also you will find your local division of wildlife has many resources available in the form of pamphlets and brochures that can provide you useful information on fishing where you live.
You will have to decide how you are going to get out on the water when you fish. Many of your friends may have boats but it’s worth investing in a boat or raft of your own so you are not tied down to their available schedule when you want to go.
You do not have to spend a lot of money to enjoy fishing as a hobby.
However going to your local sports shop can get you the necessary supplies that you will need such as a fishing rod, tackle, bait, and so on. This is also a good place to get some additional information from people who work there and deal with fishing on a daily basis.
If money is an issue you can purchase supplies at national sporting goods stores as well. You will be able to save money on a fishing pole at a national store, and as your skill level improves you can buy a more expensive product at a specialty fishing store.
Summary: Fishing is an excellent hobby for people who are looking for things to do outdoors. Enjoying fishing as a hobby is easy to do. However there are a few things you can do to make it more enjoyable.