Salmon Fishing Tips - How To Choose The Perfect Salmon Fishing Rod

Choosing the right type of fishing rod is important, and it largely depends on the types of fishing that you intend to take part in. In the case of fishing for salmon, there are basically two types of fishing rods: the fly rod and a spinner, and the bait rod. Both of these are different from each other in terms of the types of reel that they utilize. Of course, if you see in the market today, there are many rods being advertised as being the dual purpose rods. These could be suitable for some anglers, but take it from the experienced enthusiasts, having two specialized rods is much better and more advisable than having one dual purpose rod.

The Fly Rods

A typical fly salmon fishing rod is longer and more flexible than the bait rod. It is also lighter through the butt and the handle. For salmon fishing, opt for the double handed fly rod. This will enable you to cast with both hands or with either hand. This is also a better solution for the heavier lines and reels that you will use when you are angling for the bigger and heavier salmon.

The length of your average fly salmon fishing rods could be anywhere from ten to fifteen feet. This will provide an additional height to your casting action especially when you are in deeper waters or if you opt for fishing from a boat. For women and children as well as shorter men, there is the option of the under 12-feet rods, while taller men and anglers who wish to fish in large waterways should go for the rods which are fourteen to fifteen feet in length. However, regardless of the length, the rod has to be flexible and able to bend the length of the rod and quickly snap back into place, which in turn makes your casting more accurate. In choosing a rod, remember to keep it slender to get rid of wind resistance, but keep it heavy enough to withstand the battle with a 10 - 30 pound salmon.

The Bait Rods

To have maximum control over the salmon as it fights in the water, a bait salmon rod is built in such a way that it has a tough butt end. For larger fish, do choose rods which are medium to heavy, and for salmon especially, choose heavy rods. More so if you plan on using downriggers and go trolling in your fishing boat.

Even though bait rods should be heavy, choose one that is sensitive enough so you can "feel" the fish as it is at the end of the bait. Do remember that bait rods will be heavier if you go for longer bait or spinner rods, especially those seven to ten foot salmon bait rod. However there is generally no hard and fuss rule, as it will all in the end depend on you.

Typically, graphite is utilized for making salmon fishing rods. However, other materials such as e-glass may also be used in order to increase the flexibility of the rods while at the same time, not compromising on the strength of the rods.

Besides that, take into consideration the handle of the rod. The handle has to be comfortable to grip, more so in the cold water that usually goes hand-in-hand with salmon fishing seasons. Ideally, the guides should be centered and smooth and made from rust proof materials such as aluminum oxide. Do keep in mind that the pressure from the pulling of the fish will be directly on the guides, so the construction of this vital part of the rod is critical to getting the salmon.

By: juzaily

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/

Florida Fishing With Sand Fleas!

Every fisherman who has ever thrown his bait into the Gulf of Mexico likes to fish for Pompano. They're the best tasting fish in the gulf, bar none. They're also fairly easy to catch from June until the middle of December. Winter and spring months are only fair because they are scattered and generally smaller than the one's caught in the summer and fall. The Pompano were running up and down the Gulf of Mexico this fine Fourth of July weekend. This is a fish that truly loves warmer water, with their preferred water temperature being between 82 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Walking along the beach just after first light with the smell of the ocean and the spray from the surf leaving the taste of salt on your lips is an absolutely wonderful way to start the day. The sun, just peeking through the mist, will soon burn away any lingering wisps of fog remaining on the beach. Seabirds fighting over remnants of a mysterious sea object that has washed ashore, reminds me to protect the shrimp I had stored in a bucket next to my beach chair. A solitary pelican has just crept within 15 yards of me and is staring at the bait bucket as though he can see inside. He must have heard the shrimp moving around.

This beautiful morning I was fishing off the beautiful sugar white sand of Mexico Beach, just east of Port St. Jo and just down the road from Panama City, Florida. One of the few areas that is not overly populated, either by local fishermen or by tourists, it was a surprise to find myself relatively alone. Looking up and down the beach you could only see an occasional beach walker searching the sand to see what secrets the sea had washed ashore on the early morning tide.

Pompano are not fish eaters so the first thing you have to do when fishing is to secure your bait. Besides the shrimp I had already bought, I had to have sand fleas. They're on any Pompano's menu and they're usually plentiful along most beaches. The easiest and cheapest way to obtain these them is to catch them yourself! They're found at the waters edge as it recedes back into the sea. As the water rushes back from the beach, you'll see small holes appear at the water's edge. Those holes are where a sand flea is burrowing. Immediately dig down and you'll find them.

For my sand flea hunting I simply use a sturdy bucket that I've drilled many holes in the bottom and sides. This allows the water to flush out of its container and leave the sand fleas on the bottom when I dig for them. There are several types of sand flea rakes you could buy, but making your own is more fun. I've even seen kids on the beach digging for them with a stiff toy beach bucket. Just use whatever is handy. After you catch a dozen or more, put them into your bait bucket with a little sand and water and you're ready to start fishing. You can always catch more fleas when you run out of the ones you've already caught.

Pompano run in schools. Where you find one, you will usually find many, so remember that when you're catching sand fleas. Pompano also eat shrimp with live ones being the better bait but dead ones will work if your bait shrimp is not alive.

I use a weight 5' rod and a light reel with 8 to 10 lb test line. I use this because I know that most pompano are between 1 pound and 3 pounds. I also keep a 7' surf rod and surf reel with 15 lb test line in the other line holder just in case I hang a bigger fish.

The rig that has worked well for me starts with a barrel swivel on the end of my line. I'll then tie a 3' to 4' foot of 30 lb leader to the swivel. After that comes the two 8" lengths of leader on which I will tie 1/0 circle hooks. I'll tie those about 12" apart. After that, all that remains is tying a 2 ounce egg sinker to the bottom of the leader. Then all I have to so is bait my hooks and throw the rig as far out on the gulf as I can. That's usually about 30 to 40 yards.

There are other more sophisticated and expensive ways to catch both pompano and sand fleas, but I choose to keep it simple and as cheap as I can. Vacations are costly enough without spending a lot of money on bait and the fish you will catch with them. Most of us, if we add up the cost of a fishing trip and divide that into the amount of fish we catch, would be much better off going to a good restaurant. I figure that counting the gas for the trip to the beach, lodging, food, bait and a few souvenirs, each fish I caught that day cost me approximately $438.00 each.

By: sharecropperbob

Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/