When you first take up a new hobby the sheer amount of information can be overwhelming
at first. Taking up fishing is no different. There are just so many kinds of fishing
equipments in stores and online. The are thousands of books and even more websites all
giving the 'best' advise. The truth is that you can probably learn something very usefull
from each one of these resources. The challenge however is that when you are so
overwhelmed you tend to never really take any of the advise in.
To make it all simple, here are the basic things you need to know for your first
fishing adventure. If you need any additional information and lnow-how, it's better to add
on. Start simple. Start with the basics and grow your knowlege and expertise.
1) Fishing with bait:
- Tackle To plunk the bait, you should purchase lead weights. The weight of the lead
would vary depending on the current of the environment. Anglers commonly use and recommend
bank sinkers with a number-two hook. To avoid sinkers to slide, you would need a swivel to
act as a stop. To protect the knot, you could use plastic beads between the swivel and
weight. Using two appropriate swivels could allow you to rig the sliding sinkers.
- Bait The commonly used bait for all kinds of fishes is worms. Another popular bait is
chicken liver. Remember to buy fresh bait and keep them cold to avoid them from getting
soft and allowing the bait to stay within your hooks. Some of the commonly used baits are
cut-baits which include skin from fried chicken, fish entrails, grasshoppers, salmon eggs,
shrimps and crayfish tails.
2) Fishing Methods:
- Plunking - It is the most common method used. Use a suitable amount of weight for you
to be able to take hold of the bait in a position which is against any current. An option
in plunking is to use minimal weight for the bait to move along with the water current.
- Back bouncing - It is done by lifting the bait out the bottom and raising the tip of
the rod for one to two feet. Allowing the bait to walk with the current, you should free
the back reel or spool. Repeat the steps when the lure settles down on the bottom. Back
bouncing is effective in deeper water like fishing in a boat.
- Drift-fishing - It is a simple method wherein you cast upstream or downstream. This
may vary depending on the current's amount. You should count the appropriate depth and
start reeling.
3) Fishing From a boat:
It is important to determine in which location you would perform your fishing. Deeper
water needs heavier jigheads compared when fishing on shore.
- With heavy weight which keeps your bait near the bottom of the water and the line
straight down from your boat, you are able to drift the boat along with any current. A
good technique of fishing on boats is trolling slowly with a fishing device called
bottom-walker.
Fishing is a skill that most people can pick up quite easily. You don't need to be a
world champion to enjoy fishing. Remember that the real purpose of fishing is to have fun
and to enjoy the experience of being close to nature. Why not bring some of your family
and friends along and make your first time fishing a memorable one.
Whether you are fishing out in the
sea or in a river, there are always challenges to get round. It is necessary to have
patience and try your utmost to catch the fish when they finally turn up.
First of all, you will need to get a fishing license from your local government and the
laws regarding fishing are different depending on what state you live in.For salt water
fishing you will have to get a boat. Depending on how many people join you, the vessel
size would vary from a row boat to a yacht.
In shore fishing can be done on a fifteen foot sailboat with a cuddy forward to shelter
passengers from the rain. The boat needs to be sturdy so that waves or bumps along the
beach and rocks don't affect it but it shouldn't be too heavy.
Start by throwing your line out at the edges not the middle so that it doesn't scare
the fish away. You will encourage the fish in the middle by sticking to the edges. A cod
line will be a benefit to a person who wants to go "down below". You can use a
perch line as well. If it is mackerel fishing season, you can benefit from a mackerel jig
too.
The best time to start fishing is on ebb tide. That is early in the morning because
that would make your day more productive and if the wind is light or fair, it would help
you on your journey home. Try to find a spot where the locals go fishing. That is your
best bet for a successful day.
Don't be too impatient, many anglers would move from one spot onto the next and this
motion may reduce your chances that day. Start from the shallowest spot to the deepest,
throwing your line out a few times without changing your bait.
Another thing that may affect your fishing chances are sharks. If you have one
following you, pour fish blood onto a newspaper or a paper towel. Roll it into a ball and
throw it overboard. The sharks will follow the current and the fish will return thereby
increasing your likelihood of obtaining fish.
Contemporary fishing rods do not
resemble the primitive cane poles and which can easily retrieve the fish caught in its
bait with the aid of the reels in its rod.
Some of the fishing rods sport sophisticated movable shafts that can move except handle
and can make it easier to catch a struggling fish caught on snare bait.
The basic design of a fishing rod has remained unchanged. It is thick at the handle
(bottom) and tapered and thinner at the tip to make it flexible and provide it handling
stability.
Fishing rods are normally 6 and 16 feet (2 and 5m) and have variable capacity to
tolerate fishing activity strains. Length of the pole determines the withstanding power of
a rod and also decides upon the angling rod's performance.
One of the smallest and less sophisticated fishing gadgets are the Cane poles, which
has a basic fly line attached to it and are either made of bamboo or other flexible
materials. A cane pole lacks a reel used for applying or for retrieving a baited fish.
Spinning rods are normally used for fishes like trout, walleye and bass fish but are
also good for catching any heavyweight or lightweight fish. Measuring 5 and 7 (1.5 and
2.5m) they are the most popular rods presently. Being very flexible and stress resistant
they are used in bass fish competition. To prevent line tangles during unfolding of fold
lines they accommodate bigger and tougher fly lines.
For heavy catches around 180 to 200 feet under the ocean's surface the jigging rods are
the best. Being made of fine, solid material they are heavy and can catch fish even in
alternating currents. Often erratic undersea current disturb the fly line and consequently
the lure. So to avoid confusion the fly lines of jigging rods are made long and heavy.
Such rods are best suited for halibuts and cods that normally dwell at the bottom of the sea.
The development of different types
of lures, meant for catching various species of fish owes its origin to the evolution of
fishing gear, accessories and the progression of the bass fishing industry
A wide range of different types or classes of lures has flooded the market. All of them
depend on the particular species of fish for which they have been made. Most of them are
aimed at specific types excepting a few which can be used for a wide number of species.
A list of typical lures used for fishing is given below.
Casting lures of light standard
This particular type can usually lure a wide range of Piscean varieties from crappies,
oho, Bonita, bluefish to albacore, and certain species of bass fish. These lures are at
their functional best if you retrieve them from water at low or moderate speed and can
pass through water with the help of undetectable synthetic material.
Weighing between 1/16 oz. - 3 oz., they are ideal for lightweight fish and a variety of
other freshwater species.
A hand painted eye is capable of enticing a school of fish and increases the chances of
entrapping one of your targets in the water.
Heavy standard lures for casting
As is evident from the name, these lures are most suitable for the heavier varieties
like bass and walleye. The advantage of heavy lures is that they provide more reliable
fishing output and can catch more fish than diamond or lightweight counterparts; although
the latter is more frequently used.
Jigging/long casting lures
It is however the long, tapered jigging lures which top the popularity chart. Fishermen
in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida usually opt for this type of lure.
If you want to catch trout or pike then the best option would be the long casting
lures, according to recent findings. They can effectively trap tuna, walleye, bluefish and
stripers in a jiffy.
Jigging lures will not produce good fish-catch output up to 180-200 feet under water,
as opposed to heavy standard lures. Check to see if your lure color, bait and related
accessories are matching or not, in order to maximize performance.
Lethal diamond lures
One of the smallest in size and ranging from 1/8 to 1 oz., these lures are capable of
seamlessly attracting attention among fish. They can also form a school of fish extremely
quickly.
This is because of its cut and structural surface formation. It is cut like a diamond
at the top and reflects the light falling on its surface. These can effectively catch
stripers, crappie, bass fish varieties as well as the smaller species of fish.
We can successfully catch catfish
by following some of the fundamental methods. It should be clear that each and every rule
or method couldn't be applied to water of all types. The reason is that, techniques and
baiting mixtures vary from one target to the other.
List of simple yet effective methods:
Rigging - Loop the bait holder or the treble hook from the beginning of a line towards
the end, to a distance of choice ideally between 18" to 24". The choice of
distance should be according to the bait that is being used. You must use a weight to keep
the rig still because any movement of bait is not advisable. You can also use slipweight
to keep the bait stable. The purpose of the weight is to just be able to slide in the
line. This way the weight will not be felt by the fish and by the time it would sense that
the bait is not real, it would be too late. Through multibait technique multiple catches
can be made at the same time. Just place three- way swivel along the line, simple. The
more it strikes the more are the chances of catching catfish in huge quantity.
Bait - Chicken livers or medium sized shrimps from the groceries are the ideal choice
of experts. Body of the shrimp should be large enough to slide up in a no.6 hook. Its tail
and skin should be taken off. Here it becomes easier, unlike in the case of chicken where
use of pantyhose is essential. To the treble hook, a diameter of a quarter, wrapped in a
piece of pantyhose with a tag end is attached. The following can also be considered good
baits: blood worms, minnows, catfish paste, night crawlers, snails, living or dead small
fish and dough baits. Natural baits are best.
Chumming - Through this method the fishermen are able to catch more catfish. Just throw
in the fishing area, balls made up of a combination of natural recipes. In this way more
and more catfish get lured. Remember to throw enough mixture so that the catfish can feed
completely. The same recipe should be attached to the hook, which will be used for
fishing. Use of a pleasant smelling flavor in the mixture will do wonders.
Tackling - Through this method a great amount of catfish get attracted. The tackle
should have a spinning real and it should be about 6 feet long. Use of heavier lines mean
longer time to catch the fish. Cost should not be the concern as experience drawn from
both cheap and costly tackle is the same. Always try to remove the hooks with the pliers
after the catch is over. Ensure that the grip is secure. Some fins are poisonous so
completely get rid of them. Simply slide your hand up to the fish's stomach from its tail.
Place your fingers on one side and your thumb on the other. Then remove the catfish from
the hook without hurting yourself. All the best for successful catfishing.
If you're trolling the market for
a fishing boat, you already know it's a big investment. The last thing you want is to be
all washed up in a holey mess because you bought a poor quality boat.
Fishing boats come in all sizes, from small motorboats for inland lake fishing, to
small whalers, to yachts designed for cruising the deep seas. If you want to prove
yourself as a hardcore fisherman, or fisherwoman, one of the best ways is by investing in
a fishing boat. Be sure before you buy, and make the right investment in your new vessel.
Owning a boat can be great fun, but there are hidden costs to consider before you buy.
Basic upkeep fees can net a lot of cash. You need to keep your boat clean and fueled.
Unless you have your own marina or garage, you'll have to pay for parking and storage.
Dry-docking your boat during the off-season will cost more than a nominal fee. Even if you
plan to moor the boat under a tarp in the backyard, there is the transportation to
consider. The boat will have to be towed home in the winter, and back to the water in
spring. To do it yourself you'll need a pickup truck or van, a boat trailer, or a really
good buddy who has both.
If you've decided that your budget allows, you can start comparing fishing boats. Shop
around and research your options well, before making your final decision. It seems there
are as many makes and models of fishing boats on the market as there are cars and SUVs, so
you'll be up to your neck in options. With so much to choose from, you should be able to
find the boat to suit your needs perfectly.
Bass Pro Shops is one brand-name boat model that offers good quality at a decent price.
The famous angling supply store introduced their first "fish ready" Tracker boat
way back in 1978. Since then, they've mastered the design and technology of boats, rigging
all of them as if they're meant for pros. Bass Pro Shops boats come packaged with a motor
and a trailer. Marine gear packages are optional.
Charger boats are another big name in crafts known for their performance and quality.
Like Bass Pro Shops, Charger boats are built by a no-nonsense company that believes in
providing effective and innovative fishing boats.
Spend money on a poor quality boat, and you can find yourself waist-deep in problems.
Fishing boats are a big investment, but if you shop around and buy the right one, it will
be nothing but smooth sailing ahead.
If you have a GPS device, then you
already know the many advantages of this technology. If fishing is your hobby or if you
know someone who is an avid fishermen, why not get them a GPS handheld unit as a holiday
gift? They will find this device easy to use and a great way to track hot spots and map
out new ones.
While there are many types of GPS units out there on the market today, you should look
for one that will give you depth measurements and basic coordinates. This will be helpful
when you are fishing before daybreak in unfamiliar waters. Other options such as a color
screen, detailed maps, and database of restaurants, motels, and hospitals are also very
useful. Depending on the types of fish you are looking for, knowing the depth of different
parts of the lake will help you find more fish. For example, some types of trout like to
hide at the bottom of the lake.
GPS technology can also be used when fishing in waters that contain old ships, building
foundations, fallen trees, and other large objects. By writing down coordinates and water
depth, you will have able to fish along the edges of these objects and not have to worry
about getting your lure caught. There is nothing worse than trying to get your line free
from a tree branch or root when it is under the water.
You will also be able to monitor the movement of fish that are lurking underneath the
water. This will help you find hot spots every time. You will be able to distinguish
movement in order to determine if a fish is present or if it is a log or tree branch.
Before you begin your fishing excursion, you should enter in the coordinates where you
place your boat in the water as your first waypoint. Not only will this give a point of
reference for future trips, it will also help you in case there is fog or a sudden
rainstorm and you cannot find your way back to shore. Waypoints can also be used for hot
spots that you find during the day. Going back to these spots will probably yield you more
fish.
Most GPS units can hold up to one thousand way points. This means that you can take
several fishing trips in different areas and not have to erase your collected data. Some
fishermen will keep a log of their coordinates and the places they have fished so that
they can refer to it easily on their next trip. Log your coordinates the next time you go
on a fishing trip. You will be amazed by the number of fish you will catch.
Some people will map out these coordinates and use them each time they fish. You can do
this or you can make a list of coordinates you have visited already so that you can find
other hot spots and not repeat the same ones. With a GPS tracking device, you will not
become a better fisherman, but you will have more control over your surroundings in terms
of finding those places where fish like to hide.
There is such an assortment of bait that it is difficult to recommend any particular
color, size, or type as the best. There are more than a thousand good baits on the market.
All will catch fish at some time or another.
Fishing baits usually weigh from ¼ to an ounce to three ounces. The most popular weight
preferred by the majority of bait casters is the 5/8-ounce bait, while the average is
between ½ and 3 quarters of an ounce. Baits can either be used as a whole or cut into
chunks. Anglers can also use dead or live baits.
The Different Types of Bait
There is a wide array of organisms being used as fishing baits. Among the different types
used in fishing, the commonly used are the small fish. These consist of widely used
fishing baits such as herring, anchovies, menhaden, and some others that are inborn to
certain local waters. Larger fish are usually used as chunk baits.
Fishing baits can be used whole, chunk, and strips, based on the activities of the type of
fishes being chased. The size of the fishing bait is usually well matched with the size of
the fish being hunted. Other common organisms used for bait fishing are crabs, worms,
shrimps, clams, sand fleas, eels, and squid. Among all of the organisms mentioned, the
crabs and the shrimp are the well-liked organisms to be used as fishing baits.
Shrimp are favorably used as fishing bait and are considered to be very valuable bait for
a huge number of saltwater fish, especially those that are considered “inshore
fish” like redfish, speckled trout, shook, and a lot more.
Whereas, various crab species, especially the fiddler crab, sand flea, and the blue crab,
are perfect fishing baits for many varieties of “inshore fish” and “bottom
fish.” These crabs are usually clasped through their shell, usually on either the
right or left of the head.
How to Acquire Fishing Bait?
Fishermen can acquire fishing bait either buying them in bait shops or simply by capturing
it themselves.
The advantage of buying fishing bait is convenience, while catching live fishing bait is
less expensive and can be more effective in luring fish. Digging for earthworms is another
activity. Earthworms make an excellent bait.
Indeed, when it comes to bait fishing, using the proper fishing bait are important and
imperative to the success of fishing. Hence, anglers should know the basics of choosing
fishing baits in order to save time and money.
The obvious answer is fish and preferably fish that are biting your bait. While fish
that are biting is the key element in a good fishing trip there are several other elements
that help to enhance your fishing experience.
One of the elements is a wide comfortable space, a location where you can securely
place all the items you will need and reach them comfortably. This is particularly
important if you are fishing from a high rock ledge. You do not want to reach for
something and have it slip into the water, or worse you slip into the water. When fishing
from rocks in the ocean it is also important to pay attention to the high tide mark on the
rock. You need to ensure that your location is above the high tide mark and above the
height of the spray from the waves, so that you are not washed off the rock. You should
also verify that you have a route off the rock that does not involve wading through water
at high tide. The strength of the water can be deceptive at high tide.
Good company is important. It is pleasant to have someone to chat with during those
periods when the fish do not seem to be biting. Good company however is not necessarily
someone who talks incessantly as that can cause you to miss the feel of the nibble on the
line. Having a friend along is also important in the event that something bad happens. In
such a situation there would be someone to provide help or get help.
We are in the Caribbean so liquid refreshment is necessary, especially if you are
fishing in the daytime. If your refreshment is of the stronger kind, limit consumption so
that you do not miss the nibbles of the fish on the line. Also remember that you usually
have to drive home after fishing and you need to be able to concentrate on the road.
Having extra of everything is important. You will want to have extra hooks, line and
sinkers so that if your fishing line becomes entangled or stuck on a rock, you can easily
replace it and continue fishing. You should carry different size hooks because although
you planned to catch really big fish, it may be that only small fish are around. Having
different sized hooks allows you to switch sizes to suit the size of the fish that are
biting. It is also a good idea to have different weight sinkers to suit the strength of
the currents that may be in that area.
If you are fishing at night have a flashlight or lantern with spare batteries. A knife
is important as you may need to cut your line, slice your bait, prepare snacks and many
other tasks.
Having a cellular phone with you is very useful, as you may want to call someone to
share the excitement or call someone in case of trouble. Carry a Zip Lock plastic bag to
place the phone in, so that it does not get wet.
Having bait to attract the fish is vital and equally important is having the right type
of bait. To ensure that you have the right type of bait, try to find out what type of fish
is biting in the area and what they are feeding on. To learn what the fish are feeding on
you can ask the residents in the area. If the area you plan to fish does not have any
residents or is far from where you live, carry an assortment of bait.
Choose the correct time to go fishing. Early morning and early evening are usually good
times to go fishing. While fish can be caught at all times with the right bait and being
in the right location, many species feed at dawn and dusk and then hide during the rest of
the day. The changing of the tides is also a good time for fishing. Larger fish tend to
come closer inshore at the high tide.
Following the above tips should ensure that you have an enjoyable fishing trip. Now all
you need is for the fish to bite.
So often we read or hear about proper care of fishing reels, yet
what good is a well maintained fishing reel if you do not have a good fishing rod for that
reel to be used with? No matter how much or little you have spent on your fishing rods,
you can help your rods have long and productive lives by following some basic maintenance
tips.
1. Rinsing your fishing rod is an important part of rod maintenance. This step may seem
a bit of a pain, but really only takes a few minutes. Fishing in salt waters is a given,
with the salt residue being an issue on your rod. Yet many freshwater fishermen do not
realize that algae from the water can also end up harming your rod. By rinsing your rod
with fresh, clean water you can remove dirt and residue that can be attached to guides and
blanks. If your rod is a little dirtier than a rinse can handle, try using a small soft
brush to get the deposits. Don't forget to wipe dry with a cloth.
2. Check your cork handles. It is amazing how many fishermen will treat their guides
and blanks with care, while forgetting that essential piece of the rod. Using a mild
dishwashing soap and a plastic sponge will keep you cork handle looking good and help stop
corrosion due to dirt, water, and other elements.
3. Another way that rods can be damaged is most commonly done when putting in boats or
vehicles, yet this can result in the guides being broken off completely or bent.
Transporting your rods all bundled up can also see the blanks themselves can being rubbed
excessively and they are wide open to other damage like breaks or cuts. Of course the best
way to avoid this problem is by carrying your fishing rod in a protective sleeve, case or
just carrying them about separately.
4. I must confess that this step has been the hardest for me to follow. Storing a
fishing rod with the fishing hook or lure is a wrong method of rod maintenance. The guides
can really take a beating from the hooks and have chips, cracks or even breaks.
5. One of the most overlooked ways of caring for your fishing rod comes at the end of
your fishing season. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, just when you will be
putting your rods away for a long period of time. When this time comes you should slack
the reel seat. By releasing this pressure, you can avoid problems with proper fitting of
the reel seat and reel foot.
6. Avoid the possibility of developing a permanent bow in the rod, by releasing any
tension that the fishing line may be under.
7. Proper storage of your fishing rod is the paramount. After all, if not stored
properly your rod will be exposed to many opportunities that could damage or break your
rod. It would be best to keep your rods stored in a vertical, upright position. Seek out
some sort of rod rack for this. The goal is to support the rods on both ends. Also try to
have them up against a solid surface, like a wall or cabinet so they do not have an
unnatural "bend" during the time the rods are in storage.
8. Like most materials, your fishing rod is not made to handle hot temperatures. Avoid
areas, like your boat or automobiles trunk that have prolonged exposure to the sun.
Speaking of heat, I am sure you realize that storing your fishing rod in the sunlight for
long periods of time can result in the breaking down or corroding of rod parts. So avoid
outdoor walls as an option.
All photographs (unless otherwise stated) are the property of Brian Ramsey. None
of the photographs may be reproduced without the express written consent of Outdoor Business Group Limited and Brian Ramsey.
