Jun 7, 2009

Fishing Waders - Boot Foot Or Stocking Foot Which Do I Need?

I've been fishing in rivers and streams for over 25 years, and I remember when I didn't know what the difference between waders with a "boot foot" and waders with "stocking foot" was. I actually didn't used to understand what these terms meant, and more importantly how they related to me. In this article I'm going to explain the difference between these two options when it comes to choosing a pair of waders.

If you're reading this article you either are thinking about buying a pair of waders or you need a new pair and don't know which option will serve you best. This article will explain the good and bad points of each wader option so that you can make a more informed decision.

When it comes to waders there are two main types of material that you want to concern yourself with; breathable material and/or neoprene. Any of the fishing waders that you might purchase need to be made from one of these two materials. If the fishing waders that you are considering are made out of anything other than breathable material or neoprene, you need to reconsider. These two materials are the most effective materials for fishing waders to be manufactured from.

  1. Boot Foot Waders - "Boot foot" fishing waders means that the waders have the boot manufactured into them. In other words the boots are part of the waders. This makes transporting your waders and keeping tabs on your boots easy, but boot foot waders can be much less comfortable to move from fishing spot to fishing spot in. Boot foot waders are fine for the person who doesn't move from fishing spot to fishing spot very often, and doesn't have to hike into fishing area's, although these waders could be carried in a back pack. In my opinion if you are a first time wader buyer, boot foot waders are a great place to start, you simply by them in your shoe size and you're good to go.
  2. Stocking Foot Waders - "Stocking Foot" waders have a neoprene sock sewn into them, and wading boots have to be purchased separately. Although purchasing your boots separately adds an additional cost, stocking foot waders are much more comfortable to move around in. If you are anything like me and like to cover a couple of miles, crossing the river several times when fishing, these waders are the way to go. Stocking foot waders are incredibly comfortable. As a matter of fact, once suited up, these waders feel like you're wearing a pair of khaki pants! When it comes to fishing waders, more experienced wade fishermen tend to go with this type. Although a little more expensive, because of the fact that your boots have to be purchased separately, these fishing waders are the much more comfortable option.

Now you know the difference between "boot foot" and "stocking foot" waders. Think about the time you spend fishing in waders and make your decision accordingly. The both have there good and bad points, but at least now you know the difference.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

Affordable Fishing Waders & Accesories - http://www.jrwfishing.com/essentials.html

Trevor Kugler - EzineArticles Expert Author

Why Build Your Own Fly Rod?

Ever thought of building your own Fly rod? This could be just one of the hobbies that sprout out of the wonderful sport of Fly Fishing, your own customized rods. Difficult option I hear you say, but with a little research, practice and a good amount of patience, you will be able to build a rod that can be the envy of your friends.

There are also a lot of benefits to building and designing your own rod. First and foremost it can save you a lot of money, as it is often cheaper to build a rod according to your own specifications. This includes the color of the wrapping, the casting action, length and the various components to add to the finished product. Secondly you will find it very rewarding when you start catching your first fish with the fly rod you have designed and built by yourself.

Prior to buying your rod blank, you have to research what blank you want to use for the new rod. You got to look at the various characteristics of each blank like the rod action which comes in slow, intermediate or fast, this naturally will all depend on your casting style.

Then you must choose what rod components you want. Depending on the size of your hand, you got to look at the various custom cork grips available on the market today. You can buy the raw grip and shape it yourself, or just order the finished product that comes in different shapes like full wells, reverse-half wells, cigar and super fine.

Now we got to look at the reel seat to complete the grip arrangement. Again there are countless options available to pick from. These reel seats are manufactured from different exotic woods, metals and other synthetic materials. They come in configurations like down-locking, up-locking and also sliding rings for the very light rods.

This is followed by the stripping guide, a set of guides (where the fly line winds through) and a correctly sized tip top to fit the rod tip thickness. You can choose between single foot or snake guides depending if you going to fish for light or heavy fish. The guides come in light wire, ceramic or titanium coated versions. The light wire snake guides are the best option for your very light rods. You can also opt for a hook keeper to keep the fly in place when not casting.

To complete and fit all the components to your new customized rod you will need wrapping thread in the color of your choice and rod wrapping finish to coat the thread. Look for good rod builders' epoxy to assemble the rod seat and bonding the reel seat and cork grip to the rod blank. Optionally you can also buy some color preserver to preserve the look of your wrapping tread and cork seal that strengthens the grip and preventing it from deteriorating from continues use over time.

Building your own Fly rod is an excellent idea to pass time on weekends, especially in the winter when the fish is scarce. You can also turn this hobby into a profitable venture by building and selling customized rods to other fly fisherman.

For more Fly Fishing Info and to get more expert advice and tips on what you will need to start fishing on the fly. Visit us at http://www.flyfishinginformation.net We provide you with the latest fishing news, books on how to Flyfish and articles about catching your first fish on your fly rod.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Fick

Backtrolling For More Walleyes

When it comes to Walleye, backtrolling may be one of the most effective methods to a successful fishing trip.

Walleye may be actively feeding at times, but many times the fish will just lay or suspend in the water waiting for a quick and easy meal to come swimming by.

This is when this tactic can be the most effective, because it slows down the speed some and makes it easier to place the bait right where you want it.

Walleye love to hang out around structure under the water, many times at the bottom or close to it between rocks, in any indents in the bottom, and other small protected areas.

A fish finder with a depth function can help you determine exactly what depth is the most effective, because you will be able to see where the Walleye are in the water column.

One trolling technique that can catch more Walleyes is to locate underwater structure.

Start with a jig, and slowly backtroll while trying to keep at the same depth.

Look at the depth finder, and when the bottom rises up or drops back then head back in the other direction.

Start slow, around a quarter of a mile an hour. If this is not effective and you are not getting any bites, try speeding up a little, to around a half mile an hour.

If adjusting and varying your speed does not work and you have tried different jigs, try switching to a live bait harness, and slowly troll along the structure contours, making sure the bait and harness bounce slightly.

This technique is very effective, especially if you have a fish finder and have located the Walleye in the water.

Another tactic that many pros and experienced Walleye anglers use is to use a fat crawler or a live or artificial minnow, and to set the bait depth right above the underwater structure.

Keep the weight used to the minimum necessary to ideally position the bait on the structure. This will keep the weight from dragging down the bait below the depth you want it at.

Once you have the bait positioned at the right depth, slowly pull the rod upwards slightly, and then let it fall back down.

Do this while backtrolling around the underwater structure, making sure to cover the entire structure.

If fifteen minutes or more passes without a bite, move on to the next structure. If wind becomes a problem, tying a drift sock to the bow of the boat can help you slow down the speed even more.

This is very effective when the Walleye are feeling lazy and will only bite at bait that moves very slowly.

Give these tips a go next time you're out on the water!

Andrew Martinsen's multimedia Walleye Fishing Secrets Guide is all about you catching more walleye and bigger walleye. Sign up at his site for free walleye fishing tips.

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Using Fishfinders to Find Swarms of Walleye

Understanding the specific features and functions of these electronic items can help you get the most out of your fish finder and help you bring in not only more Walleye, but also bigger Walleye.

Fish finders are used to locate where the fish are underneath the water, and to help outline the geography and structures present as well. These electronics have a number of features and functions that can help put you on the fish more effectively if you know how to use them.

The first decision to make is whether you will be using a side pointing model, one that points downward, or a fish finder that offers both with multiple devices on one system.

Side pointed models do not show the bottom structure of the water, and only fish and underwater structures which are off the bottom will appear. many professionals suggest using a fish finder which offers a liquid crystal display unit, instead of the older cathode ray tube models.

LCD displays offer smaller display units and better graphics. Before using the fishfinder to fish with, spend a day on the water without fishing at all. Get comfortable with the fish finder you have purchased, and map out spots where you see good fish activity.

Resolution and contrast are also important, because these will determine how clearly the fish are marked on the display.

Choose a model that offers high pixel numbers both vertically and per square inch.
This will allow you to locate fish even when they are grouped close together or located next to underwater structure or the bottom.

Digital displays will allow you to determine the exact depth of the fish, so that you have a good understanding of the depth needed when fishing to get right on the Walleye.

Using a fish finder that has the ability to display the water temperature can also be a great way to locate the Walleye.

These fish prefer cooler waters, and the temperature display will allow you to determine where water temperature is ideal for the Walleye.

This can improve your success rate significantly, just by alerting you to water that may seem ideal for Walleye, but that in reality is too warm in the current conditions.

This feature can have a big impact on locating and catching the Walleye.

It will also help you catch more fish in the future when you log the temperature in your fishing log.

These pieces of equipment can be an important weapon in the arsenal of any Walleye angler, but they do not work very well in shallow waters. This means that fishing along the shore where the water is not deep, such as when the Walleye are spawning, is not the best time to get the most out of a fish finder.

Side pointing models are better than bottom pointing devices in this situation though, because the side pointing units may show the fish suspended in the shallow waters while bottom pointing units will normally not show these fish.

A fish finder will not help you catch more Walleye, but it can help you locate them so that you are more productive and successful while fishing because you are guided right to where the Walleye are.

For a limited time only, you can grab a free copy of the Secret Walleye Bait Sauce Recipe by signing up on Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Secrets website at this page:

Walleye Fishing Report.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Martinsen

Shark Surf Fishing Tournament Guide

Become part of the growing interest to participate in a shark surf fishing tournament. It's the ultimate surf fishing tournament experience. Shark fishing from the surf is a team sport for the most adrenalin rush you'll ever get. This surf fishing sport is generating the interest of surf anglers all over.

In the past few years new shark fishing tournaments have been established to satisfy the enthusiasm expressed by avid surf anglers. The requirements to enter a shark fishing tournament are much the same as a regular fishing tournament with a few differences. This article will introduce you to how a shark surf fishing tournament is conducted.

First of all shark tournaments are a team involvement primarily because of the process to land, handle and release the sharks. Most shark tournaments are now conducted under the catch and release practice for good conservation measures.

Team Entries

Team entries are the norm, starting with a minimum of three members and up to five or six on a team. This is not the type of tournament for the inexperienced shark angler. Due to the dangers involved at least one member must be 18 years old. If you land a shark it's important to know how to safely handle and release it back to the surf. Team entries follow typical surf tournament conventions to participate in the event. Some tournament entry fees are based on a team fee and some have a fee for each individual member of the team.

Tournament Time Frames

Shark tournaments are usually conducted over several days and weeks. Generally they will start during the spring and summer months. Lots of tournaments will run for 30 days or more.

Tournament Fishing Boundaries

The interesting thing about shark surf fishing tournaments that you will find is that the tournament boundaries often take in an entire state. For example, if the tournament was organized in Pensacola, FL, you could fish out of Miami and submit your entry for that tournament. There are even tournaments that take in more than one state with the caveat that the anglers comply with all the local fishing regulations for their state.

Multiple Categories of Sharks

Shark tournaments will include categories for different shark species. Winning entries can be based on different things. It's pretty common to have a point system for different sharks landed with bonus points added if you can provide other criteria. There are a lot of opportunities to build your score for a winning entry. They make it easy to compete as long as you can land sharks. Even if you don't win with you're entry you'll still have bragging rights to your friends for the sharks you landed. That alone is worth a lot right there.

Prize Money Awarded

Prize money awarded for winning entries is significant. These tournaments take in a lot of money because they encompass such a large area to fish and have so many team entries. It's not unusual for a $50 per person entry fee or $400 per team. The entry fees collected add up quickly. Payouts are huge compared to other fishing tournaments an amateur angler can enter.

Tournament Rules

Tournament rules are very important. Be sure to read, understand and comply with all the tournament rules. Failure to follow the rules will easily get you disqualified. It would be a shame to have a winning entry and then be disqualified on a technicality. The rules aren't hard to follow. Just be sure you have a complete understanding of all the specifics.

Shark Surf Fishing Tournament Tips

If you plan on trying you're luck and want to improve your chances for a winning entry. Find a tournament you can enter where you can fish out of Ormond Beach Florida or New Smyrna Florida. These two locations have a reputation for high shark activity in the surf. Lots of sharks are caught from these two locations.

Before entering a shark fishing tournament do some reconnaissance at the beach during a tournament to gather techniques and ideas to improve your skills. You'll have a chance to see some sharks landed and how other anglers approach this sport. A small investment of your time will yield good results. It's pretty exciting just to see a shark landed.

When scouting out a shark tournament look for the most effective bait anglers are using. Find out what the bigger sharks are caught on. Bigger sharks score higher and get your rankings up quicker.

If you are gathering data to fish a tournament be sure to learn what part of the surf the sharks are being taken from. Sharks can be anywhere in the surf, though they seem to like the water that is 8' to 10' deep out past the sand bar.

The Internet has created a new surge of interest in surf fishing, shark fishing and the tournaments available for this type of fishing. Information and resources are easily accessed through this medium. Surf fishing in general has to be one of the most exciting experiences you will ever encounter. Don't forget that surf fishing is easy and inexpensive to get into. The equipment needed is affordable and you don't need a boat or expensive electronics to get started.

Randy Meyers is a surf angler who has been fishing the surf for over 30 years. He is the author of Surf Fishing - The quick Start Guide To This Exciting Sport. Randy owns and operates the surf fishing website Surf-Fishanybeach.com. Sign up at his site for the free surf fishing mini-course. Look for Randy's soon to be published new book "The Complete Guide to Shark Fishing From The Surf". The book will be available as a download from his site..

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randy_Meyers

Fishing For Crappie - What is the Best Bait For Crappie?

A person came up to me the other day and asked what the best bait for fishing for Crappie was and it made me think, that would be something to write an article about. So, that's exactly what I'm going to do. In this article I'm going to list some of the best baits to use when fishing for Crappie. These baits have all been successful for me at various times and any one of them makes a great choice when fishing for these tasty fish.

Let's start with the obvious. Crappie love minnows and in reality there is little need to look much farther than minnows when you're talking about fishing for Crappie. Jigs are also a great crappie fishing bait, and what do you suppose these lures imitate? Yep a minnow. The bottom line is some manifestation of a minnow is without question, the best bait for Crappie.

The main issue with minnows is which works best? Jigs by themselves, live minnows, a combination of the two, or synthetic minnows? Below I will list some tips and techniques for each of these baits, and you can figure out your favorite through trial and error.

  1. Jigs - Jigs, either a lead head jig with a twister tail or a marabou jig are both great baits for crappie. Remember that Crappie have fairly large mouths for their size, so fairly large jigs can be used in some instances. I like to start with a 1/8 ounce jig head and work my way up to ¼ ounce. The heavier your jig head, the faster you can get in front of the crappie, especially when they are suspended. The color is determined by experimentation, but some great colors to start with are chartreuse, black, and white. Different colors will work in different situations. Many crappie fishermen like to tip their jig heads with a live or synthetic minnow. This technique is very effective.
  2. Live Minnows - Live minnows are probably the best known and most effective bait for crappie fishing. A live minnow fished under a slip bobber is an extremely effective crappie fishing technique. A slip bobber enables you to be able to easily adjust the depth of your minnow. Another great crappie fishing tip is to rig your live minnow on a set of pre-tied gang hooks. Gang hooks are attached to your line using a small barrel swivel (to prevent line twist as the minnow swims around) and have an extra hook for more hook sets. The minnow is hooked through the lips with the top hook for a completely natural presentation.
  3. Synthetic Minnows - Berkley "Gulp Alive" minnows are probably the most effective synthetic minnows on the market. Many crappie anglers say that Gulp minnows out fish live minnows. I've found that these minnows are just as effective as live minnows for tipping a jig, but not fishing them by themselves. Synthetic minnows certainly have their place among effective crappie fishing bait, and their convenience is unsurpassed.

The bottom line is that when it comes to fishing for Crappie, the above baits are your best options. Experiment with colors and sizes to find out which bait or technique works best for you, but the bottom line is that the minnow is king when it comes to the best bait for Crappie fishing.

Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 20 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his six year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country.....Montana!

Get Fishing Tips & Techniques Twice A Month For FREE - http://www.jrwfishing.com/signup.html

Trevor Kugler - EzineArticles Expert Author

Planing Your Fish Mount

If you're planning on taking your prize catch to get mounted by a fish taxidermist, you need to do a little work beforehand. Your trophy will look its best if you take a few precautions before, during, and after your trip. Make sure your fish is in the best shape possible when you take it to the taxidermist by following a few simple guidelines.

First, understand that fish lose their color after they've been dead for a while, so getting your fish to the taxidermist quickly is important. The taxidermist needs to see the natural colors of the fish to get the most accurate reproduction. Your trophy will end up looking better if you take good care of it before you take it in. Here are some tips for making sure your fish is in good shape when you to get it mounted.

  • When you catch a fish you'd like to mount, record the time, date, location, type of lure used, and take a picture of the fish. The taxidermist can use this information to make your fish mount as accurate as possible. Plus, you can put this information on your trophy for everybody to see.
  • Treat the fish gently. You want the fish to look great after it's mounted, so handle the fish with care. Blemishes take time for a taxidermist to repair and may show up in the final mount.
  • Put the fish in plastic, pack it in ice, and freeze it as soon as possible. This preserves the fish and also helps keep its color. Again, the goal is to get the fish to the taxidermist in good shape.
  • If it's not possible to freeze the fish immediately, put the fish in the bottom of your cooler or somewhere else cold.
If you treat your catch with care the taxidermist will have a much easier time making you the most realistic trophy possible. Plus, it'll come out looking as natural as it did right after you caught it. Happy fishing!

If You Want to Catch More Fish, Learn to Think Like One

Yes, you can leave your fish catching success to chance, but if you want to catch more fish, you must learn how to think like the fish you are trying to catch. Consistent success and fishing enjoyment is more than just baiting up your hook, casting it out and waiting for the fish to bite. This one basic premise will improve your fish catching ability and will set you apart from the fishing novices. How do you think the fishing pros are able to consistently catch fish when other fishermen do nothing but drown their bait? They use the same fishing tackle, rods and reels, fishing lures and live bait as everyone else, but they always catch more fish.

You will catch more fish!

That little teaser should have caught your attention. However, learning how to put this technique into practice takes time, patience and persistence.

Let us start at the beginning. How do you learn to think like a fish? For starters, pick one of your favorite target fish species and begin to learn everything you can about that fish. It is important to understand things like, how it feeds, how it moves around each day, what are its migratory and breeding patterns, what kind of habitat it prefers, what type of fish or food source it feeds on, just to name a few. Also important to understand is how the current, tides and moon phases effect your target fish species' activities and habits.

One way to start learning how to catch more fish, is to learn how to find your target fish species under any circumstances. Visit your local fishing tackle and bait stores. Get to know these people, because often they will have a broad knowledge of the fishing in that area. They can be a great source of fishing knowledge and how-to tips of not only learning where to fish, but also the why and how of locating fish. Instead of just asking them where the best fishing spots are, also ask questions about your targeted fish species. Try to learn what makes the fish tick, and what are it basics habits and tendencies. You will be amazed at how willing most of these folks are to share their expertise, especially if you are returning the favor and patronizing their store.

The next thing to do is to go fishing. Prepare yourself ahead of time with the proper fishing tackle, lures, bait and a notepad. Start in an area known to hold your targeted fish, and make notes about the current conditions; including, the date, time, wind direction and speed, temperature, tidal flow, water conditions and any other specific notes you feel like making. The most important thing is to start thinking like the fish you want to catch. Ask yourself, where would you be hiding and moving to. For example, if it is a real hot summer day, and the current is slack, and a low tide, the fish may not be up on the shallow flats. They may be looking for cooler water, so they may have moved to some deeper pot holes, or slid off a ridge or shallow bank and eased into deeper waters. Keep looking and when you find the fish, make more notes. The old saying that practice makes perfect is certainly true when it comes to catching more fish consistently.

To help you along, learn your local fishing waters and fishing grounds. Locate the 'fishy' areas and mark them on your GPS unit. If you do not have a GPS, then buy a nautical chart, or fishing chart. Locate shoreline points, eddys, potholes, sandbars, oyster bars, rock piles and submerged structures, and over time you will learn which places to go to depending upon the current conditions you are faced with, and that will make all the difference in your fishing world.

Learning how to think like a fish will make you a more complete and competent fisherman and angler, and will make your fishing outings with friends and family a lot more enjoyable.

Greg Smith is a life long fisherman and the publisher of http://www.floridafishingspots.com/

Your source for free Florida fishing information, on artificial reefs, charters and guides, tackle, lures, secrets, fly, saltwater, electronics, boats and more.

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Homemade Carp and Catfish Bait Recipes - Ingredients For More Big Fish!

Everyone would like cheaper bait at the moment and not too many angler care if it is highly nutritionally attractive or not for long-term success; they just want to know they can be sure to be able to get bites and hook fish on the very first cast. So here is a bait recipe that will hook you big carp for pennies and get you started on the road to making exceptional homemade baits that save you a fortune - read on right now!

The first point of reference you need to understand is this; how carp senses and adapted behaviours work in direct response to your hook baits in particular! This point will surprise most carp anglers who simply do not know or even care how carp end up on their hooks no matter what bait is used! But this part about bait is one of the most awesomely powerful secret keys to carp and catfish fishing success so you had better find out as much as you can to stay ahead of the fish and your angling competition using exorbitantly expensive ready made baits!

Carp and catfish have evolved to be extremely sensitive to substances leaching out from their natural foods in very low levels and this is especially indicative of the amines like the betaine and amino acids, salts, ammonia and organic acids (rather like butyric acid etc) secreted by all kinds of natural aquatic carp food items. Think about it - just how many carbohydrate foods can you think of that are found in a lake apart from plants supplying attractive sucrose and forms of essential soluble fiber for instance? On the part of catfish, fish are obviously the source of many natural feeding triggers such as those above and fish being what they eat contain stimulatory betaine just like us humans too!

Think of a bait that replicates some of the natural aspects of natural carp food perhaps in size and certain physical characteristics. You might use mussels, or shrimps or snails or bloodworm, or caddis fly larvae for instance. Sweetcorn is not notably rich in amino acids being a predominantly starch based seed, but it does contain two very sweet substances attractive to carp; sugar and betaine and it supplies soluble fiber, live enzymes and other things besides!

Many of you are familiar with sweetcorn as a carp bait so before going into a list which will literally produce a bait that is pretty much fully digestible protein (a high proportion of it being water soluble too,) I will begin in this piece with a simple and highly effective sweetcorn bait. (You can find more about protein baits and much more in my unique bait ebooks.)

Because I have made so many versions of this kind of bait I rarely repeat the same one twice - when I make instant baits I do not care if a fish have never experienced it before because that is the point. Big fish will often come very easily to new unfamiliar baits and beginners luck for those using unusual baits is definitely no coincidence!

Start off by getting a half a kilogram of very fresh or quality fresh frozen sweetcorn. If you cannot get either of these then get the sweetest strain of sweetcorn with the highest sugar content you can find. Tinned is OK and has added sugar and salt but the taste is not as good compared to fresh stuff so do experiment with a few brands until you find one you find the sweetest! This point is very important and very worthwhile!

There are obviously lots of things you can add to a simple cheap bait to improve performance but I will keep this very basic and as cheap as possible here. Next get a food liquidizer and put some cheap cordial in natural fruit flavours in to the liquidizer so you have a layer about 1 centimeter deep of juice in there and add your sweetcorn. You might add half a banana or some fresh strawberries or blueberries etc and add some water so they mix OK so you have a truly natural bait rich in natural esters and bioactive components etc, bit this adds to the cost; it is your choice. You can be sure your bait will certainly be different!

Next liquidize your mixture and if it is too thick to liquidize well just add some water - preferably mineral water or filtered water and not chlorine and fluorine poisoned tap water! Carry on mixing until you have a nice thick flowing liquid! You can of course add eggs instead of water if you want less water soluble and more resilient pastes or dough baits or wish to make boilies or pellets etc. For a higher protein bait or for catfish try adding the cheapest fresh or tinned fish you can find including pilchards or sardines in brine or oil or even tomato source!

All you need now is some powder of some sort to bind your liquid into a paste. I have used the cheapest possible including white wheat flour and maize meal and these together work fine. I go for the yellow form of maize meal just like the yellow full fat semolina instead of the pretty much valueless while stuff.

To mix just put your liquid in a big container and gradually add your powder until l you have a paste. You might use a food mixer if you are making lots to save time. One mixed into a firm dough your bait is ready to fish with or you can make it into dough or paste balls, or air dry them or go on and boil them to make boilies etc; the choice is yours!

This bait is rich in both natural feeding triggers attractors and will prove when you use it that big fish can be caught on very cheap baits! There are very many more options and variations to choose from that vary a lot from more standard fish meal type approaches for instance. Also the choices to cut the corners that seriously speed bait-making up and will save you a fortune are fantastic and will ensure your baits are well differentiated from the normal baits carp usually experience and will keep on hooking big fish. Your cheap homemade baits can be made to be completely unique and very different and this point is so very significant in getting around carp conditioning and defensive behaviours!

So why not go fishing, fish intelligently, and get your simple bait that is made for pennies in front of feeding carp and you will catch them!

If you would like much more about making protein-based digestible long-term HNV baits or want instant attractor type baits preferably designed with ingredients and components chosen to specifically highly stimulate various carp sensory systems then you will find an incredible amount of rare research and catch-proven details in my original and unique bait secrets ebooks at my site Baitbigfish; so why not visit and save yourself a fortune on bait for life?!
By Tim Richardson.
Now why not seize this moment to improve your catches for life with these unique fishing bibles: "BIG CARP FLAVOURS FEEDING TRIGGERS AND CARP SENSES EXPLOITATION SECRETS!" "BIG CARP AND CATFISH BAIT (AND VITAL FREE BAITS DESIGN AND APPLICATION SECRETS!)" And "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" For these and much more now visit: http://www.baitbigfish.com the home of world-wide proven ready made and homemade bait success secrets Ebooks!

Tim F. Richardson - EzineArticles Expert Author

Northern Pike Fishing Today

In May, when one goes fishing for northern pike, pike move into shallow waters to spawn. It is now pikes are at their heaviest, making the really big ones easiest to find and catch. A large female pike weighing 22 lbs or more may have as much as 2.2 - 4.4 lbs of eggs, however, we recommend that big pike must be released to maintain a sustainable high pike stock.

Which pike lures one chooses is a personal choice, but I prefer a northern fly, shallow moving wobbler or shallow moving fishing spoons. If you are interested in northern fly fishing and want a visual marker when you fish, try a pike popper.

After spawning, pike move to deeper water, and this is when you can really have fun when catching pike because they use a lot of energy and lose a lot of body mass during spawning and are very hungry. In this period anything from pike angling, throwing wobblers, trolling and fly fishing will do to catch a pike.

Jerk bait is extremely effective for pike and it will raise your pike fishing to a higher level - guaranteed! With jerk bait you can fish in any depth of water, whether shallow, deep or in between. Fishing with it will often lead to hard attacks and spectacular fights.

Fishing with topwater lures as so-called pike poppers is really exciting as they move forward on the surface and are preferable for use near weed lines and/ or underwater vegetation. Pike attacks these with deadly force and huge splashes. Extremely fascinating!

In June and July, pike prefer to enter deeper water (10-30 feet) and are harder to get in find. Pike trolling and pike bait fishing during this time of year will be the most effective way because it will be the easiest methods to enter these depths. With trolling ; cannon downriggers are among the best in the market.

A useful thing to take advantage of is to invest in a fish finder. I recommend a good one among lowrance fish finders. In the summer months pike can be harder to find because when fishing for big northern pike you have to fish in deeper waters.

With no wind it can be a challenging task to find pike so it is best to fish in the evening and the morning, since windy and grey weather often makes pike more active than in the middle of the day.

When it comes to fishing techniques during the summer you may want to fish fast and vary your technique -in other words, combine fast and slow winding.

Big bait often attracts big pike, especially after the spawning period when the pike need a lot of food.
When the water becomes colder in September and October the pike come into shallow waters again (6 - 18 feet) which allow the use of most fishing methods. Autumn and Spring are considered as the best seasons for fishing for large pike and as the water is usually colder it may be an advantage to fish a bit slower.

Never forget to invest in fishing pliers and a digital fishing scale as we all want to know the exact weight of especially the bigger ones.

I hope you have gotten some useful tips for choosing Pike Lures when out pike fishing.

Harald Hoel, expert of pike fishing.
Pike Fishing


Sport Fishing - Fishing For Trout

Trout is the most common freshwater fish. What used to be done primarily for survival is now being done for sport and recreation. Here are a few tips on sport fishing for trout to help it be more exciting and interesting to you.

Trout are plentiful in many rivers and streams where they live. Today catch and release is a popular way to trout fish which does help keep the numbers high.

There are various species of trout but the most popular trout fish is the brown trout. It provides plenty of excitement for fishermen because of the skills it takes to catch them.

Brown trout feed on the surface which is challenging for an angler. They are cold water fish that live in lakes and streams and jump around when water temperature is perfect for them. They vary in size and the world record brown trout was 40 pounds taken in Arkansas back in 1992.

Another trout is the Brook trout which lives in cooler streams in northeastern parts of the United States. It is a relative of the lake trout. Also referred to as the "Brookie" it is found only in wilderness areas. This makes it a fantastic fish to catch because it is in the water that is pure and unspoiled.

One of the most glamorized trout fish is not even a trout at all. The rainbow trout is actually a smaller cousin of the Pacific salmon. Other trout species include the red trout which is a deep water lake trout.

A few basic supplies when it comes to fishing for trout. You need to properly be prepared with the right clothing and equipment depending on the area you are going to be fishing. This will include having the right rods, line, hooks reel, spoon and a backpack.

Other tips to keep in mind include...

1. The fish is near the rapid as possible.
2. Keep your real properly oiled.
3. Choose where you're going to go based on your budget and the type of season you're available.
4. Get the necessary fishing permits in advance.
5. Patience is a key when trout fishing.
6. You should be as quiet as possible.
7. If you have health issues do not fish at high altitudes.
8. Bring along rubber shoes and suntan lotion.
9. Be prepared in advance for potential weather changes.

In summary current laws control the population and protect trout requiring anglers to release catches based on certain sizes. With continued use of these programs via trout will continue to survive in the future.

William Hutchinson invites you to visit his Hobby Fishing Tips website for many more how to fishing tips to help you improve your fishing techniques and become a better fisherman. Visit his website now: http://hobbyfishingtips.com

William Hutchinson - EzineArticles Expert Author

Shore Fishing Along a Midwest Hiking Trail

Shore Fishing is an adventure the entire family can enjoy. Many scenic trails wind along the edge of a river or along bodies of water. Adults as well as children often enjoy hiking the trails that lead to the water's edge. Hiking trails are abundant with wildlife, wildflowers and a variety of plush greenery. A trip that starts out as a shore fishing expedition has the potential to quickly become an educational experience children will remember for years to come. Take along a camera so that pictures can become a part of the story.

After reviewing the trail systems and public water accesses in your area, you may find you are minutes from a great pan fishing location. State maps and Department of Natural Resource websites provide a large amount of information about public water. Information they provide assists the fishing and hiking enthusiast alike. Public water shores provide the opportunity for a vast variety of potential species to be caught. In the Midwest, it is not uncommon to catch sunnies, perch, northern and even walleye while shore fishing. Taking a moment to review signage that is often located in parking areas surrounding lakes or rivers can be helpful to a shore fishing individual.

The DNR constructed signage will typically list species known to inhabit the water in that area. From the information provided, one can determine the best choice of bait to use for the type of fish available. The signs may also provide information on catch and release programs. Some bodies of water may be actively practicing catch and release while other bodies of water may not be active with catch and release. Catch and release is a program that is designed to protect and encourage growth of individual species in certain areas, thereby guaranteeing many years of future fishing enjoyment for many families.

Written By:
Katherine Barnhardt
Joehank@brainerd.net

Through my writing I choose to deliver with passion and knowledge applicable information that provides both the positive and negative surrounding a specific topic or issue. It is that information being given to the reader in an understandable format that will develop interest and create discussion or action on the topic.

Kathy Barnhardt - EzineArticles Expert Author

Pike Fishing Tactics

Many people think of the northern pike as a aggressive fish that attacks game fish and is seen as a monster. Well, this may be true, but the pike is often a target of just being the big fish in the lake. Yes, they eat other fish, what is so bad about that? The trout and other game fish people get upset with the northern pike, but I feel every fish for themselves. I am here to offer some advice to catch the monster water wolf.

Northern Pike fishing starts soon after ice out. You should use slightly smaller lures than you would in the summer, but still use larger baits that will get their attention. The key here is to start in the back bays that warm the fastest. Here you should be able to catch a few if you take my advice. Occasionally, you will see a trophy just sunning in the warm shallow water. Be careful, as they spook easily, and cast past the pike and reel toward him. Hopefully you will get a quick strike. Also, live large minnows or other bait fish work great early in the year when the pikes are not as active. I have caught a few big ones this way.

While this fish may not be appreciated as much as trout, bass, or crappie, it is still a great species in many peoples eyes. Give it a chance and instead of walleye fishing next time take a few casts for a big northern.

Check out the following site for more information about Northern Pike fishing.

Also, you may want to consider taking a Canadian Fishing Trip for Pike


Fishing Tips For Northern Pike

Many people tend to over complicate things when they go fishing. They want to have a expensive boat, electronics that can find a sunken boat in 500 feet of water, and line that costs $89. All of these things are nice, but they are not needed to catch fish, including Northern pike. While I would like to have all that, most fisherman cannot afford it. But that is okay, as sometimes simple is better.

Starting off, just make sure your rod and reel can handle a few hundred yards of line. Normally at least 10 pound line for pike. More may be better if you think there are some trophies around. Rods should be about 7 foot long and able to handle a huge fish. Make sure it is flexible enough to cast a long distance too though. Normally, this would be a medium-heavy action rod. Not rocket science here, just plain old fishing sense.

Another simple tip I can add is that to make sure you have fresh line on the reel. Nothing makes me more annoyed than some guy with 2 year old line and it breaks on the hook set. That is just plain dumb. Do not be lazy and these fish will be caught. These ideas are not new, just basic tips that people often overlook.

Your pike lures should be flashy and able to be retrieved quickly. If allowed, I like treble hooks since they always seem to hook good. Just be careful not to maul the fish when releasing him, these fish grow slowly, especially north in Canada.

Again, sometimes simple is best, and do not forget the little things, and you will catch more northern pike.

This information may help you next time you go Pike fishing.
Pike Lures


Danger in the Bering Sea - Crab Fishing

King crab is renowned for its rich, succulent taste and soft, tender texture. It's prized by hordes of seafood connoisseurs around the world as a delicacy. Lately, with the popularity of the reality TV show, 'Deadliest Catch' the extreme dangers of crab harvesting have captured the public's imagination. This is one tough job. King crab season lasts a few very short months, and many crab catchers are limited to fleeting windows of time, some as short as four days, in which they can actually try and make a catch. The price for such fine tasting seafood is a high one, but it's quite rewarding. This article takes a look at the art of catching king crab.

King crab fishing is carried out during the winter months off the coast of Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. The commercial harvest is actually done within a very limited time period and from there the catch is shipped all over the world. The most popular king crab season occurs between the months of October and January; in fact, technically, there are several king crab seasons in Alaska, but the largest is the one that takes place in Bristol Bay. Here, fishers target the red king crab variety, which is regarded as the top of them all amongst the three commercially harvested species within the state. The other two species are blue king crab, found in the waters off St. Matthew Island and the Pribilof Islands, and the golden king crab, which is caught off the shores of the Aleutian island chain. There is a fourth variety, the scarlet king crab, but it is too rare and small for commercial fishing. There are strict size requirements; only certain types of crab can be fished during specific periods of the year. Crabbers are imposed stiff quotas, which if violated, mean heavy fines.

During king crab season, fishermen face an extremely difficult task. They have to venture out in dangerous, cold and often turbulent waters; they work 20-hour shifts, and have to contend with flaring tempers, and life threatening situations. Alaskan crab fishing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. In fact, US Coast Guard rescue squads are stationed near the crab fishing grabs and often have to rescue crabbers who have fallen into the sea due to harsh weather conditions during king crab season.

Crabs are actually caught in 'pots' which look like large cages. These are dropped into the sea one after another in a line covering dozens of miles. Each pot is connected to a colored buoy, which marks the drop off point. As the pots weigh at least 800 pounds, one of the most dangerous aspects of the job is hauling them back in after a period of about 24-48 hours. King crab season is a hectic time for these crabbers, but the payoff is worth it.

Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.

From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research. Or, simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaska seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.

Are you are looking for a meal that is low in saturated fat, filled with nutrients and packed with good heart healthy Omega-3s oils? Then you should start with Alaska Seafood.

http://www.alaskaseafood.org

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allie_Moxley

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