Thoughts on Crappie Lures

If you want to really rev up your fishing you will usually catch more and larger fish using artificial baits rather than using live bait. Of course this statement is based on knowing what artificial lures to use. When you are fishing for pan fish smaller is better. Artificial baits last longer and you don't have to change them out as often.  Look for lures in the 1/4oz down to 1/16oz size.
List of pan fish fishing lures to use:

    * Curly Tail Jigs
    * Marabou Jigs
    * Weedless Spinners, (they have a jig attached) smallest you can find
    * Willow Leaf Blades: Silver Colorado Or Gold Blades
    * Micro Jigs (1/64th to 1/32 ounce jigs usually with marabou tied on and in as many colors as you can find.) 

The above listed lures can be bought at any sporting goods store, bait shop, or online . Most of these artificial baits can be purchased for very little. Make sure when comparing prices that you compare prices for artificial baits in the 1/4oz or smaller range.

Suggested ways to use these crappie fishing lures:
When fishing a curly tail Jig, use a uniquely designed jig head with screw lock. It takes your bait to the bottom where the big ones are. It allows you to thread the head of a  plastic tube, or split tail onto the corkscrew and hook it through the tail. A new, innovative flat-bottom jig head helps the hook stand up at a 60deg angle.
Your hooked bait stands up off the bottom and the curly tail will attract attention.

You can also use these on a safety pin type lure such as a Johnson's Beetle Spin and slowly fish it around rocks, stumps or over grass beds.  Use bright colors for murkey water and olive/brown for clear water.

When fishing Marabou jigs use the 1/8oz or 1/4oz size. A good way to fish this lure is use a slip bobber , place a tiny split shot on the line then run the line through the bobber and them tie on the bait so that the jig falls to a set depth and the split shot stops it.

When fishing Weedless Spinner baits use the 1/16oz to 1/8oz size. Use this bait when fishing low water visibility such as  muddy or murky water. 

When fishing the Willow Leaf Blade jigs, fish the lure very slow, again I repeat slow. If you use the 1/16oz jig, the hook will bend before you loose your jig, you can use over and over again. The larger sizes work well but they break the line when snagging. Also , use a plastic curly split tail 2" in length.

When fishing micro jigs fish them with a very small bobber about 3 feet above the jig.  Cast the rig out
underneath overhanging trees,  into shadows an and swim it back or just over stumps, rocks or submerged grass.

I can't guarantee that you will catch crappie with the lures shown above, but if you stick with purchasing small crappie fishing lures you up your chances of catching a good mess of crappie.

Well, good luck and have fun!

The Best Kind of Bait for Catfishing

Image via Wikipedia

Here is another good article for you to read.  I have always considered catfish a panfish because the larger ones don't taste as good to me.  A 10 to 12 inch channel cat is good eating anytime.  Here is some good advice on what to use to catch a  mess of them.

By John Garrett

There are many types of catfish bait that works well for many from homemade bait recipes to the mass produced products. Catfish are typical scavengers who eat a wide variety of food including animals and plants. They have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their sense of smell for hunting food. Because these species are so diverse in what they eat, finding the best kind of bait for catfishing often poses a challenge. For the bigger and hardest catfishes, it is often best to stick with their natural food sources.

Here are the five most popular baits used for catfishing:

Worms
Catfish don't distinguish between night crawlers, garden worms, and small wrigglers. With their poor eyesight, it's the smell that matters. Pair them with the appropriate gear and a good location and you're good to go.

Worms are good starter baits since they are readily available in just about any garden or soil. They are more easily found during winter and early spring, when drainage ditches are emptied.

Minnows
Minnows are a favorite of blue and channel catfish, whether dead or alive. However, live ones are preferred by the bigger flathead catfish. When fishing in shallow waters during the summer, the minnow is usually used with bobbers. They are sold in bait shops alive and transported to the fishing site in bait buckets.

Chicken liver
A common bait for nearly all types of fishers, the chicken liver nonetheless presents two problems: 1. how to keep it on the hook, and 2. how to attract bigger fish which usually ignore it. Both problems can be solved by using a pantyhose to hold the liver. Not only does it allow a stable "platform" to dangle the bait; it allows more liver to be used on a single hook, to entice larger species of catfish.

Freshly caught baits
Oftentimes, the best kind of bait for catfishing is the one you see in the pond. Baits that are caught near or in any body of water are natural forage for the catfishes. These can include frogs, crawfish, grasshoppers, catalpa worms and the small fishes in the pond. Fresh cut and live baits are favored by catching the flathead, blue, and channel catfishes. Take your local chub, shad, carp, bluegill or baitfish with you. Cut off its tail and put the rest of it on the hook. With fresh cut baits, you may experience a significant increase in the size of catfishes you are catching

About the Author:

Looking to find out what areThe Best Kind of Catfishing Baits?, then visit www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com to find the best advice on Catfishing Baits.

Just remember to take a bottle of hand cleaner with you to get rid of the smell of any stink bait you use.  It will make home life much easier also remember to clean your own catch.

The Pan Fishing Maniac

Best Baits for Panfish

Image by zimpenfish via FlickrThe best bait is the one that catches the most fish, that said I will list some of the ones that work well for me in the mid-west.  These are not the only lures and baits by a long shot.  There are numerous very good baits out there.  These baits, artificial or live come in a large variety of styles, sizes and colors.  Sometimes pan fish seem to be picky as to the color of the artificial bait you may use, so you have to experiment and see which one they prefer.

The number one pan fish bait is live minnows followed by worms, these are effective with all pan fish almost all the time.  You can use them with jigs or on a #6 to #10 "J" style hook.  Just hook the minnows through both lips to keep them lively longer.  The worms can be threaded onto the hook with a bit of the tail hanging off to get the fish's interest.

Next is corn.  Just hook 2 or 3 pieces of corn in a small hook and suspend it with a bobber.  Use a small split sinker about a foot above the corn to get the hook into the zone the fish are in.  Buy it in small cans, it keeps you wife or mother from getting too upset - I speak from experience.

Use light 4 pound test line in clear water and up to 8 pound test in stained water.  The deeper you have to fish the stronger the line should be to hold the walleye, bass and catfish you certainly will hook.  I like to fish using a small bobber and allowed the rig to drift in the wind.  Just experiment with depth until you start catching fish, usually somewhere between 2 and 10 feet.  You can use 2 hooks about 2 feet apart to determine depth faster.

Next is Marabou jigs.  These are the ones that look sort of furry and have feathery tails and resemble something alive in the water.  The slightest movement makes the body pulsate like something living.  With these jigs you sometimes have to change colors until you find the color the pan fish want. They can be fished under a bobber or jigged vertically.  The bobber will give all the movement you need.

You can also tip the hook with live worms or minnows as extra enticement for the fish.

Next are the small grub type lures.  They look like very short worms with a short flat curved tail.  They are fished on a jig head or a Johnson Beetle Spin and are a great lure.  I usually fish them with the tail down, I don't get hung up as much that way.  Just cast them out and experiment with the retrieve.  Remember that most of the fish you are trying to catch are looking up to see what fell into the water.

Again color may be important and you can use one color on the jig head a different color on the grub.  I have had the best luck with an olive/ brown with red flakes grub on a dull red jig head.  That color seems to appeal to the local fish best, it is the same color as most of the minnows around here.

One trick I learned a long time ago is to set a bobber about 5 feet up the line from the Johnson Beetle Spin - grub combo.   Use this in cold water and very slowly reel it in.  You can catch some large fish this way in the winter.

The last one is the tube jig.  These look like a small squid in the water.  The tube can be hollow or solid followed by a number of arms.  They are fished on a jig head.

These come in a variety of colors and sized to target your fish.  One trick to try is hook them up backwards, have the hook come out the solid end of the tube.  This will make the arms flare when you pull it toward you.

You can use the hollow bodies on Carolina rigs by stuffing the hollow body with foam or a small dowel so it rides above the weed or brush.  I would advise 8 pound test for this as you will catch bass, walleye and catfish on this rig in the summer.  You can tip these with a minnow or worm or a Berkley Crappie Nibble and have luck.  These are best jigged vertically or under a bobber.

Good Fishing
The Pan Fishing Maniac

Easy Pan Fishing

A buddy of mine introduced this method to me when we were helping his Cub Scout pack learn to fish.  This works well on high pressured lakes because you are using a method the fish haven't been exposed to yet.

We started with an eight foot cane pole and 6 feet of 4 pound line.  Next we tied on a 3 foot piece of 2 pound test line to the end of the 4 pound line.  Next tie a small dry fly to the 2 pound leader, mine resembled a red ant.  Put a the smallest split sinker you can find just about a foot above the dry fly - you want it to sink slowly.

Then place a small bobber 1 to 3 feet up the line from the small dry fly.  You may have to experiment to find the correct distance.

The bobber serves two functions.  It is a weight for tossing the fly into the water and it signals when a fish has taken the fly.  If you use a small 1/2 inch bobber so you don't scare the fish, the splash just gets their interest.  If the fish don't bite as soon as the fly hits the water just start a slow pull-and-pause retrieve.

Now we all know that Bluegill and other small sunfish are the easiest to learn to catch.  They live near the shore along the weed lines or around rocks and boulders.  They love the weedy, warm water, that is where their food is.  They also live under the drip line of trees that hang out over the water, the small insects fall off the leaves into the water, it is just like a buffet for the pan fish.

Cast the line just past the visible water plants if possible or into holes in the water plants or lily pads.  Use a swing out type cast, the kids will want to wind up and cast just like you do - over the shoulder. You can also cast under overhanging trees, brush piles, or rip rap areas close to the shore.

When the bobber goes under or moves through the water you have a fish.

This works well in late spring and early summer as the insect hatches occur.  After that I tie on a Woolly Bugger on a #12 hook to the end of the line and fish the same way using a pull-and-pause retrieve to resemble young of the year minnows, Bluegill or Crappie.  You can also use a nymph or a streamer later on the in the year.  Around where I fish the Bluegill seem to like black or an olive-brown color.

If they are not interested in the minnows I cast overhanging trees using a 1/100 oz. jig with either a black body and black marabou or a black body and green marabou.  You just cast under the trees and allow the jig to slowly drop down.  Here also you may have to experiment with just a bit of weight about half way between the jig and the bobber.

This method imitates an insect that has fallen off the tree above the water.  The pan fish are use to seeing and eating these.   If you use a streamer type fly it resembles a minnow trying to get to the bottom after eating an insect.

Just be warned this kind of fishing is addictive as you can catch a lot of fish and you will occasionally get a small channel cat or a small bass as a surprise.

Good Fishing
The Pan Fishing Maniac.

Fishing From Shore

Image via WikipediaFishing from the bank is the reason many of us love fishing. It's the simplest, most cost-effective way to have a maximum amount of fun. It's recreation in its purest form -- no muss, no fuss. Just you, a simple pole or rod and reel, a bobber, a sinker, a hook, some bait or simple lures, the sky and the water, a warm day and fish.

When we think of bank-fishing, we often remember childhood fishing trips with friends or relatives, dunking worms or crickets in a farm pond, and thrilling to the pulse of scrappy sunfish dashing to and fro at the end of the line. We conjure up memories of days on the lakeshore as crappie were pulled one after another from a shallow-water brushpile. We think back to that just-right summer afternoon when the catfish in our favorite fishing hole snatched up every bait thrown their way.

Of course, it's never too late for making memories. Fishing from a quiet shore clears the mind and soothes the soul. It's a great way to introduce kids to the joys of fishing. And the fish you catch will provide the makings for many delicious meals.

Recapture that feeling. Leave your boat at home, and go bank-fishing again. The following recipes for success will give you some options to consider.

CRAPPIE
Many bank-fishermen consider crappie special prizes --not because they fight especially hard, nor because they're particularly challenging to catch, but because they're abundant in many of our waters and, when rolled in cornmeal and deep-fried, incredibly delicious. Fortunately, in spring, when water temperatures are moderate, crappie invade shallow cover in ponds, lakes and reservoirs, thus putting them within reach of bank-fishing enthusiasts.

It helps to know one special quirk of crappie. They like food (live minnows and small jigs are unbeatable) that's doing nothing at all, just hanging there, immobile. Making a presentation in this fashion takes patience and practice, but do it right and watch your catch increase.

Use a thin, sensitive bobber to detect delicate pickups. It also helps to use a bobber with a brightly colored tip, and keep your eyes locked on its messages. If the float tilts left, a crappie has taken the lure from the right side. Vice versa if it tilts right. And if it rises the slightest bit, a crappie has inhaled the lure from above. Set the hook on any of these -- even on suspicion!

Small crappie are good practice subjects, but if you start catching runts and you'd rather be landing slabs, relocate to another bank-fishing area. The little guys are fun, but big ones aren't likely to be among them.


Most anglers fish deeper water when big crappie don't turn up in the shallows. Deep water holds mystique; we believe it's where the lunkers live. But when it comes to crappie, more often than not you'll find Mr. Big in shallower water, not deeper -- and that's a boon for shore-bound anglers.

Search for bank-fishing locales with access to the backs of out-of-the-way coves, the shoreline reaches of flooded willows and other shallow water. Or simply get repositioned so that you can cast your bait toward the bank instead of away from it. Wall hanger crappie may be in water barely deep enough to cover them.

Remember the precise locations where you catch, lose or see big crappie -- the specific stump, the particular bush, whatever. A return visit could turn up the barn door slab you missed, another trophy that moved in or a crappie that grew bigger after release.

BLUEGILLS
No species of fish is more tailor-made for bank-fishermen than the bluegill. These sunfish frequent shallow water most of the year and provide exciting fish-a-minute action for shorebound anglers of all ages. Many of us cut our angling teeth while bank-fishing for these bantam prizes.

Spring is the "good luck" season for bank-fishing bluegill fans. During the days just before spawning activity begins, bluegills go on a feeding frenzy to offset their reproductive growth spurt. They're feeding more, and so this is a great time to catch them.

Another fact in the angler's favor is the concentration of fish during the spawn. There may be a dozen nests in an area the size of a car, and there may be several beds of that size along a 100-yard stretch of shoreline. Because bluegills are holed up in the shallows, they're simple to find and easy to catch.

Offerings of small earthworms and crickets are rarely ignored. Wear polarized sunglasses so you can better see the clusters of dish-shaped nests, and then approach stealthily and cast your offering to the bed with just a single split shot to weight it. Keep your line tight, and when you feel the fish move off, set the hook with a gentle flick of the wrist.

Boat docks are hotspots for post-spawn bluegills. These structures provide shade, security and a smorgasbord of foods. Savvy bank-fishermen use a short, light spinning or spincasting outfit to skip, flip or ricochet a bait or lure into even the tightest areas. Use unweighted crickets or slow-falling artificials such as curlytail jigs to mimic falling insects. Flip these under the dock, and prepare for a strike as the bait falls.

If catching trophy-class bluegills is your goal, focus your bank-fishing efforts on ponds. Many anglers shy away from ponds, believing these diminutive waters aren't big enough to support numbers of jumbo sunfish. But if you examine state-record listings, you'll learn that idea doesn't hold water. Nearly half of all state-record bluegills were caught in ponds, including many weighing 2 and 3 pounds. Some poorly managed ponds are inhabited by tiny, stunted bluegills, but those with balanced populations of predator and prey fish provide some of the best fishing available for heavyweight sunfish.

CATFISH
When bank-fishing comes to mind, we often picture the humble catfish angler sitting at night by his campfire with several poles propped on forked sticks. This is bank-fishing unadulterated -- just the right fish, just the right place and just the right time for relaxing good-times angling.

Certainly, many of our finny favorites are more challenging, prettier, even "fancier." But because the catfish loves the shallows of ponds, small lakes and little streams, because it takes a variety of baits without a hint of caution, and because it is as good in the frying pan as any fish that swims, it will always be a favorite of those angling from shore.

Despite the idea of the catfisherman working his shoreline honeyholes at night, you can fish whenever you like, from high noon to midnight, and expect to catch a mess in prime waters. Fish with a cane pole or an ultralight outfit or your favorite bass tackle; catfish don't care. Carry plenty of hooks and sinkers, though, because chances are good that you'll lose quite a few. The bottom-feeding cats lurk around weedbeds and other tackle-grabbing cover.

A stop at the grocery store or bait shop will turn up plenty of good cat baits. Fresh chicken liver is first rate, as are worms, hickory-smoked bacon and commercial stink baits. For the ultimate in simplicity, though, buy cheap chicken hot dogs and slice them into one-inch pieces. Place in a quart container and add two packages of strawberry Kool-Aid (unsweetened) and two tablespoons minced garlic. Fill the container with water, and allow the franks to marinate overnight. These make great cat baits (or midnight snacks).

Fish on the bottom, using a split shot or a small slip-sinker to carry your bait down. Or use a bobber to float the bait slightly above the bottom. You need not fish deep or far from shore.

To ensure landing more catfish, always use an extra-sharp hook, and let the fish start moving off before you set it. When tight lining, you should feel the fish yank at the bait before it swims off. When the cat starts moving away, count to three, and then set the hook with a quick upward snap. When working baits beneath a bobber, wait until the float disappears or starts to move slowly across the water. That's usually when the fish has the bait in its mouth.

With luck, the cats will bite. They usually do. Your rod will bounce, you'll set the hook, and you'll savor the fight again and again and again.

Boat Auctions: The Hidden Savings Nobody Cares About?

Image by JimNtexas via Flickr

Here is another great idea for those of us wanting to buy a boat but are a bit leery of spending $20,000 at the moment for a new Bass Boat.  I use to go to farm auctions with my dad when I was a kid and we got almost new equipment for a very good price.

By Leonard M. Genworth

Although other types of auctions have gained public attention and attendance, boat auctions have surprisingly gone unnoticed. Many auction attendees will quietly walk away with bargains leaving others in the dark. Boats aren't always easy to find at auctions as they tend to be scattered. But boats and even marine equipment will pop up for sale at these auctions and the potential for saving can be substantial. These sales are typically organized boat liquidation houses or by private auction houses. Boat auction houses will work with many lenders to re-market their repo boats.

Vessels that may be salvaged are quiet frequently seen at auctions and bankruptcy sales and may be of interest to the person capable of repairing their own boat. Some salvaged vessels can be in almost perfect condition while others may need a lot more work. Boat lovers who are seeking parts for antique vessels that may be hard to locate, may find that these sales offer that hard to find boat or parts for it.

For the new bidder at auctions there are a few guidelines that can help make a boat sale a pleasurable and possibly a very profitable experience. Knowing who has sponsored the sale and the history of the vessel can help match the buyer with the vessel for sale. An individual who hopes to buy a yacht or speed boat at a discount may be looking for a specific type of vessel. The same guidelines can help the buyer looking for antique boat parts or the individual who wants a part time fix it up project.

Every type of sale and the sponsoring agency has a different set of rules and requirements for bidders as well as those who are putting boats up for sale. Online auctions usually require registering with a site in order to place bids. Government sales may require the purchaser to be present at the sale. Boats that have been repossessed by financial institutions may also find their way into an auction.

Any vessel for sale should have a professional appraisal. Some sales will routinely offer an appraisal and this can be convenient for those who are shopping for a craft that might need some repairs. It is also possible to have an independent appraisal arranged, this can be a great idea for a craft that is being sold without a warranty as to its condition.

Anytime a boat, pwc or piece of equipment goes up for auction it also needs to be accompanied by documentation verifying ownership of the vessel. Specifically the title doc's. The condition of any craft up for sale can vary extremely so it is wisest to research the vessel before bidding. It may take some time to find the perfect boat but is usually worth the time invested.

The golden rule for any bidder is generally to know what the vessel is worth, to know what their budget can tolerate and to stick by those. Professional appraisals as well as a complete history of the vessel are only one part of the research but an important one. Not everyone can afford the time to attend an auction in person but most sales make arrangements for bidding online or by mail.

The excitement of an auction can cause new bidders to overbid and spend more than they can afford. This type of sale is fun and features a certain amount of competition in the bidding process. Boat auctions can be very enjoyable and cost effective if the bidder is wise.

About the Author:

Boat auctions are a preferred option amongst buyers hoping for a reduced cost. Find an inventory of repo boats by looking online.

I did run into a guy at the lake that told me about this article from Leonard.  The guy had followed the advice and had a 2 year old boat with a 150 horse engine and it only cost him $3,000.  He was really happy not only did he have a new (to him) boat but a 9 lb. bass he had just caught from it.

Bank Repossessed Boats: How Where to Save on Boats

Image via Wikipedia

How to save BIG on your next boat

Almost everyone I know would like to have a boat.  Also almost all my fishing buddies are a bit reluctant to invest in a boat in this economy.  Hayward here has a great idea and a method that just might be worth while checking into.  I never really though about repossessed boats.

By Hayward Maybry

When a bank repossesses a boat, an opportunity exists really for the right person in the right place at the right time. Hard work is how you get lucky. But tools exist to shift the burden of the load on someone else very inexpensively. People just don't realize that this is a wonderful opportunity to buy a repo boat through auction. Especially, in this economy, there have been a lot of exciting boat acquisitions that are totally worth bidding on. If someone is out there, looking to buy a boat, this is the best option.

Primarily, it will help to understand how this occurs. When the US economy was better, the majority of boats repossessed were junkers or clunkers: ones that had been abandoned in an old backyard, left forgotten underneath a tarp, rotting, resting, and in the worst shape. Nowadays, boat dealers and owners are going under bankruptcy or offering short sales. When a boat repossession occurs, banks are free to repossess these often brand-new boats, and individuals can now buy them at auction for surprisingly cheap.

It is a great sight to behold these auctions. Beautiful, shiny boats in a variety of sizes and shapes are lined up. It is a beautiful sight to see -- excellent boats in great condition. It is not hard to imagine oneself driving or riding in any of these great machines. Some are yachts, some are speedboats, and others are houseboats, there are even some sailboat. Of course, the occasional clunker will still be in the mix, but the majority of boat available are in good shape.

One thing that should definitely be taken into consideration is how to locate these bank repo boats auctions. By doing the needful online research, several bank repo auctions will be found, especially in cities of considerable size. To look online is all that a body needs to do. From time to time, sites will ask for registration, offering to tell you the locations of these magical auctions in exchange for a nominal fee.

If you're pretty serious, the fee is nothing compared to your overall investment. Other options could include telephoning the banks or credit unions themselves, talking to person after person until someone knows about where and when these auctions take place. This might be a more difficult road to take, especially if one has social anxiety when making phone calls. It may be more worth just paying a small fee to get information about these bank auctions.

Bank repo auctions are not the only ones available. Police auctions Many times have treasures untold. Several of these Online places might offer Great insight into that other realm, too. The primary thing to consider is caution when choosing a site to get this information. Many places are perfectly upright, but there are also scammers out there, taking advantage of anyone who will let them. Be sure to do careful research. It feels horrible to be taken advantage of.

Bobby, a Canadian-American who now lives in Southern California, has successfully purchased a boat using these bank repo boat auctions. He says that it has always been one of his dreams to own a nice sailboat so he could travel the world. Currently, he is still saving up to make his dream a reality, but he is mostly very happy to have saved so much money on the actual sailboat. The sailboat was in brand-new condition, and he paid pennies on the dollar for it.

When thinking about buying a boat, bank repo boats auctions are a great way to go. After gathering information from online, thereby locating these auctions, people can now go and bid on the beautiful boats of their wildest dreams, able to afford to make their dreams come true. Be sure to use ultimate caution when selecting an auction site, always being wary of scammers.

About the Author:

Find out here how to bid on how to find bank repo boats in your area. These repo boats up for liquidation will enable you to pinpoint and bid on discounted boats, yachts, and fishing boats up for liquidation.

Thanks Hayward a great idea and very well put!

How To Fish

Image via WikipediaNice article on beginning ocean fishing,  I really agree with the seasickness medication part.   I have seen people get queasy on a small lake on still water just because they were on a boat the first time. 

By Owen Jones

So, you have decided that you want to learn how to fish. There are a few ways of learning, the hardest being trial and error. The best way is to find an instructor for one-to-one lessons.

1. Get seasickness medication: If you're going to fish on the water, nothing is worse than having your fishing trip ruined by seasickness. Most seasickness medicine is appropriate (e.g. Bonine). Even seasoned fishermen take some on rough-weather days. Take one tablet before you go to sleep, another when you wake up and a third one before you go on board.

2. Buy a reference book: There are a lot of good books available at your local bookstores and online. The book ought to give you instructions as well as terms and definitions. There are some things you may not immediately understand but that you have to know anyway. For example, learn how to tie different kinds of knots. This knowledge will also be invaluable for other reasons throughout your life.

3. Get on a party boat: There are party boats that carry from five to as many as sixty fishermen. The boat will usually provide you with everything you need from bait, lures, rod, reel, sinkers to hooks. They will show you how to fish and even take the fish off the hook for you as well. You will make plenty of new fishing pals on board and they will assist and advise you. Party boats will usually cost between $25 - $70 a day per person and the fish you catch are yours to eat. A party boat is a bargain for novices.

4. Pick your pier: After you have already learned the skills to use a rod and reel, you ought to look for a fishing pier. The majority of coastal cities have a public pier or pay-to-fish pier. You can rent tackle and buy bait on these piers. If you do have problems, there are many pier anglers around to help and give you tips.

5. To do party or pier?: You should try either step three or four times each or both at the same time at this juncture. The best thing to do is to practise them both ways a few times to really learn how to do each method.

6. The reel deal: The conventional reel is probably what you've been using up to this point. The conventional reel is designed for loads of wear and tear. However, maybe you now ought to consider other types or / and makes of reels. Ideally you have already met other fishermen and perhaps made a friend or two who can assist you in choosing a reel. You could even ask a fishing equipment store owner for tips.

Firstly, you ought to learn the mechanism of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait is not really all that difficult. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish. Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and clever fishermen know these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are likely to be located.

About the Author:

If you are keen on fishing and would like to learn more more, please go along to our website called Gone Fishing. This article, How To Fish is released under a creative commons attribution license.

A Beginners Guide to Angling

Image via Wikipedia

 This is a good article out of England but the thoughts and feelings are applicable world wide.

By Darren Hodgkins

Fishing is the fastest rising hobby in Europe. Keen fishermen will tell you that angling is all about that feeling you get from being close to nature in addition to the fish you are seeking to catch. To start your angling experience, you will need to acquire the essential equipment but doesn't suggest you have to fork out on all the luxurious bits of fishing tackle. This piece of writing will tell you about a necessary set-up used with course fishing which is generally recognized to be associated with the smaller, silver fish or match fishing, great for learners. The main fishing equipment required is a rod, reel, line, hooks, float, weights, net, bait and don't forget you're fishing licence!

Course Fishing Rods - The phrase angling came from the days of the Middle Ages when fishing rods were know as angles. For course fishing all you'll require is a good quality carbon fibre rod. A fishing rod allows you to fairly accurately place or cast you're bait into a lake anywhere you believe the fish to be. The length of course rods vary from nine to fifteen foot. As a beginner you won't need a rod much over 9 foot, as it's not the length of the rod that matters!

Course Fishing Reels - The original fishing reels were brought to the UK around 1650. Fishing reels are used to deploy and retrieve the line from the spool. A basic match reel should cost you around 20.

Line - Monofilament line is the most common and maybe the best fishing line to try because it comes in different strengths. The strength of the monofilament line will start at around a 2lb to a 50lb test line. The strength of the line is noticeably shown on the front of the box which points out approximately just how much pressure the line can take just before it brakes. This means that a 5lb test line will be able to keep the strain of a 10lb plus fish on the line without braking when the fish is in the water. For just about any newbie doing a bit of coarse angling only something like a 6lb test line would be needed.

Hooks - Fishing hook sizes may vary somewhat between manufacturers as there isn't any recognized international standards regulation. If you're looking at doing a bit of course fishing then only a smallish hook is needed, something like 12 to 16 will be perfect. You ought to possibly stash a variety of fishing hooks as part of your fishing equipment since you don't want to be caught short if there's larger fish to catch.

Weights and Floats - There is two reasons why floats are used for angling. It helps you limit the depth of which you desire your bait to sink to and also to perform as a indicator to tell you if there is a fish taking bites out of you're bait. A float known as a waggler is a safe bet to go for as a beginner. Waggler floats commonly need to be held in place on the line with little weights know as split shots. Selection boxes are available for the split shots so you get a variety of different sizes. Your float could have an imprint on the side of it fairly accurately what seized weights you may want for your float to be placed perfectly in the water.

Landing net - Nets are a vital bit in you're fishing gear. A net helps you carefully catch and land a fish without bringing it to too much harm or distress.

Fresh bait - You will find a huge choice of hook baits and lures aimed purposely at different species of fish. Some of the best baits to try to start with are worms, maggots, bread, sweet corn and luncheon meat. All of these baits are easy to use and cheap to buy. Worms and maggots still to this day are proven to be a effective natural hook bait for all freshwater fish.

Permit - Inside the UK, for those above the age of 12 you will be required to buy a angling permit from the Environment Agency if you should intend to fish for salmon, trout, freshwater fish, smelt or eel. To buy a course fishing permit for the season it will cost you 27 for everyone who is sixteen and above. If you are below 16 it is only 5 and for those aged 65 and over its 18. Licenses are often purchased from the Environment Agencies or from you're local post office.

About the Author:

This enthusiastic fisherman has been stalking the lakes and rivers of the British countryside for several years. To keep up with the writers website and his fishing adventures you could go to Darren's Fishing World. For fishing equipment you could possibly wish to visit the The Fishing Box for sea and fresh water tackle.

Angling secrets meant for newbies

Image via Wikipedia

Here is an excellent article by Paul Stephen on some beginners fishing videos.  These should help you not make the mistakes that most of us did learning to fish.

By Paul Stephen

If you are considering taking up fishing as a activity, next you're going to require some angling equipment. It will probably be incredibly baffling when you initially begin searching in the shops, it may be tricky to work out which kind of angling rod you need. For newbies I would recommend starting with float fishing, almost certainly the most common way to get going. For this you will want a match & coarse fishing rod and reel, and then just a few bits of fishing tackle like hooks, shot and floats.

A great way to learn several points would be to watch some fishing videos, specialized fishermen might explain the basics of setting up fishing tackle, which bait to use and everything else linked. A handful of people to find would be Matt Hayes, Terry Hearn and for some actual angling classics go back and watch Passion for angling.

Now you have your angler gear and have watched a couple of guides, it is time to get over to the fishing lake and net a few carp. But which fishing lake will you visit? You could browse the internet and look for a few testimonials, since certain fishing lakes tend to be more tricky than others. Many of the day time permit fishing lakes are likely to have quite a few smaller carp that might come out often, whilst other lakes might have superior fish there's a lesser amount of possibility you can actually net much.

As you arrive at the fishing lake, you can talk to several of the fishermen or the lake bailiff to learn what works well, what style of bait everyone else is using along with what spots on the water are popular. All through the summer the fishing lakes could get pretty busy, to find a great position you perhaps have to reach your destination first thing.

I would also confirm the weather ahead of leaving if you don't own a fishing umbrella, angling is not a great deal of fun while your wet. The last bit of advice would be to carry a digital camera, you will need evidence when telling your buddys about the massive fish you netted.

About the Author:

Check out some of the most popular fishing videos

How To Use A Clouser Minnow

By Timothy Powers

People who never fly fished before tend to label the activity under just one massive umbrella. If it makes use of a fly fishing rod, then its flyfishing, simply.

Yet, the situation is not too simple. Very much like regular sport fishing, approaches and techniques will change generally depending upon the types of fish you are targeting. You would not operate the identical strategies you choose to catch perch in North carolina had you been sportfishing for walleye in Mn.

Flyfishing isn't any different. When the majority of people think of the activity, many people think of trout angling. Sure, this can be a fine species to target and also pursue, however, there is far more to it than that. Believe it or not, bass angling on a fly fishing rod is an overall blast, once you know just what exactly you are doing and you have the suitable stuff.

So now, that can be a major "if," due to the fact if you have only ever before fished for trout, then you're going to need some new products. Let us check the equipment you'll need, and let's play specific close focus to your Clouser Minnow, as it's a great alternative for catching striped bass!

The Tackle You Absolutely Need

Initially, in all probability you'll wish to change your fly fishing rod in addition to fly fishing reel. Hooking bass, whether largemouth or smallmouth, will require some pretty major equipment. I might suggest at the least a 6 weight rod, with a 7 weight in all likelihood being very best.

This will offer ample back bone to help tangle with some major fish, and give you enough gumption to fire flies for very long yardage, which happens to be at times pretty important.

I also have a tendency to like a fly line using a sinking tip. It is actually correct that bass do go after the top of water regularly, yet I have obtained far better good luck getting deep when using the Clouser Minnow.

How You Can Fish With The Clouser Minnow

Having got your setup proper, you need to get to work when using the Clouser. If perhaps this will be your first time sportfishing having it, we can move bit by bit to be able to help you get the feet wet.

To start with, locate a undercut bank on your own preferred stream, if possible one which includes a tree hanging over it in to the river. At present, toss up-stream and permit the fly to move underneath the bank together with the tree. Have patience here! It's very important to not ever start your retrieve ahead of time.

When the fly gets itself beneath the bank, it is time to begin stripping the fishing line. Offer it two good strips repeatedly, then temporarily halt for one instant, then give several more strips. Repeat this routine right up until you're ready to cast the fly again.

Although it would seem very easy, the toughest element shall be watching for the fly to get deep enough. This is a very basic run down of fishing for bass using the Clouser Minnow.

About the Author:

Looking to find the best deal on the clouser minnow, then visit ManVersusFish.com to find it and lot's more helpful tackle reviews today.

Pflueger President

Image via Wikipedia

By Timothy Powers

The Pflueger President spinning fishing reel is one of those unforgettable pieces of sportfishing gear which has been useful for a long time, and will keep on being useful for many years to come. It is really quite adaptable and sturdy, it's going to last you for several years of rough sport fishing.

Additionally, it's a affordable option for the high quality it offers. Gear like that coming from another supplier can cost hundreds of dollars, nonetheless the President collection is offered without breaking your bank. The point that a reel with this high-quality can be purchased for under $100 also causes it to become a superb choice for whoever has multiple rod that needs a fishing reel, or perhaps anyone who is acquiring a reel and rod for children and teenagers.

Let us take a close look at several of the popular features of the Pflueger President.

Sizes

Dependant upon the version you acquire, the President collection will range between 6-8 oz ., and also have a line capacity of 100-120 yards. The smaller types usually are certainly excellent youngsters simply just getting started.

They will be straightforward for them to handle, which will have a lesser amount of of a likelihood of getting all garbled up.

Bearings

Bearings are needed since they definitely will determine precisely how efficiently a fishing reel in fact reels. The greater bearings there is, the smoother the retrieve is going to be,

The President collection ranges from 8 bearings to 10 bearings based on the model you pick out. Simply because certain models have fewer bearings, it doesn't seem to disrupt the actual retrieval motion in the least. It just helps to make the fishing reel lighter in weight and easier to deal with, yet again, turning it into a wonderful option for kids.

Changing The Drag

Similar to most spinning fishing reels, the Pflueger President provides it's drag button just over the actual spool. The real difference is in the drag system itself. It is well constructed, so that it is quite smooth. Irrespective of how heavy, as well as how light you set your current drag, you simply won't stumbled upon a problem when you find yourself doing some fishing.

It is easy to really lock down this kind of drag and horse quite a few fish out of huge cover. Or, you might place it comparatively light, and permit the largemouth bass to display off their fighting skills somewhat more. The choice is yours, however it is the flexibility of your fishing reel that makes this all possible.

2 Different Models

The President currently is made available in two different models, or "incarnations" if you will. There is the traditional President, and today, the XT.

In the less heavy styles, the XT shall be lighter compared to the Old classic, nevertheless that weight edge ends with the bigger sizes. The XT is basically upgrading in bearings and also pieces that can help the fishing reel stay longer and also fish tougher.

Each of those are really terrific choices for almost any anglers who wants a great, very affordable spinning reel solution.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6409330

About the Author:

Want to find out more about the Pflueger President? Then visit this helpful site for more great tackle reviews for fishing your needs.

The Art of Cooking Freshly Caught Fish

By Jo Hammons

A freshly caught fish can be cooked in a hundred and one ways. Any fisherman worth his salt has his own special way of cooking a freshly caught trout, salmon or whatever fish he caught. So fisherman all across the country have been handed down methods of cooking fish. Here are some tips to get the best out of your fish.

1.Frying: Breading and frying a freshly caught fish is as good as it gets. The smell of butter coming from the frying pan and the flair a fisherman puts in flipping his catch is worth its weight in gold, almost. For the novice fisherman, make sure that the butter is extra hot but not yet burning. Also, make sure that the fish is well coated in batter. Season your batter to your heart's content, salt and pepper never goes wrong. You may want to try other herbs and spices with the batter for a more delicious fish.

2.Grilling: At first thought, grilling would seem to be the easiest way to handle your fish. A newbie might assume that grilling fish is the same as grilling steaks or burgers. Unlike fowl or cattle, fish tends to secrete most of its own juices when cooked. On a grill, the delicious juice drips into the coals.

To prevent losing the moisture, first coat the fish with oil. The oil will seal a part of the moisture inside. Second, keep an eye on the fillets and turn them as soon as a cut would reveal that the fresh fish is cooked halfway through. After being flipped, watch the fish carefully. Remove the fish as soon as it is cooked through.

An option to basting the fish with oil is to wrap it in aluminum foil. The aluminum foil will keep the moisture and marinate the fish in its own moisture. Placing herbs and spices inside the foil with the fish enhances the grilling process and the fish itself.

3.Baking: Baking is the best option for the fisherman who does not want to watch over the fish during cooking. The fisherman can prepare the marinade and pre-heat the oven, then pop the fish into the oven for a predetermined amount of time. You may want to check on the fish from the time to time, making sure that you don't overcook the fish.

Whatever fish you caught, a good recipe and proper cooking will for sure enhance the catch. Take time to prepare for cooking, a badly cooked fish will no doubt spoil your day. Remember the first rule of cooking, don't overcook your fish.

Once you become confident with your cooking of fish, share the recipes, and samples, with your family and friends.

About the Author:

Ms. Hammons is a veteran educator as well as an entrepreneur involved in superb natural vitamins and supplements from a well-known and growing national company.