Boat Fishing Tips
Boat Fishing Tips and Tricks
By Steve Dolan
Boat Fishing
If you're keen to find a fun family activity, then give boat fishing a try. There's nothing better than heading off on your boat with the wife and kids, talking about the fish you plan to catch that day.
It's important to realize, though, that there are lots of different types of boat fishing, and each one has specialized boat requirements. You can do everything from dangle some bait on a string over the side of a canoe, right through to high-tech rods and a powerful cabin cruiser. It just needs to be seaworthy - the rest is up to you! But if you're keen to buy a boat, you need to do some homework first. It can be very confusing walking into a boat show or dealership and seeing so many choices. You need to think about what you're planning to do with the boat before you can decide which one to buy. Here are some popular boat fishing choices.
Freshwater Boats
If you enjoy fishing in freshwater lakes, rivers or streams, then you don't need a massive boat. Instead, choose an aluminum or fiberglass boat. Make sure it's easy to transport and lightweight. Popular choices include bow riders, runabouts or walley boats, with either a small or dual console. These boats are fine for family freshwater boat fishing outings.
Offshore Saltwater Boats
Fishing out on the open sea is the most common thing people think of when you mention boat fishing. Most people enjoy fishing offshore because they get the chance to catch huge fish and use heavy tackle. It's important to have a dependable, heavy boat for this type of fishing. You'll encounter plenty of different weather and situations on the open sea, so you need to be able to rely on your boat. You can choose twin or single outboard motors, and you definitely need a cuddy cabin or a center console. If you want to spend a bit more, you can start to look at the more luxurious boats, including a bluewater or convertible with luxury quarters, and maybe even an elegant living area. Bigger boats generally have powerful inboard diesel engines as standard.
Inshore Saltwater Boats
If your tastes run to tarpin, snook, trout, bonefish or redfish, then you will want a boat suitable for inshore saltwater fishing. It's best to have a light boat that is smaller than a 25-footer. All you need is a single outboard motor. You're likely to be in shallow water at least some of the time, so something like a flat or baby boat works well. These have a spacious deck you can use for casting, and are still float well in shallow water.
Bass Boats
This type of boat is generally suitable for tournament and sport fishing. They're colorful, fast, and ride low in the water. It's preferable if the bass boat has a trolling motor mounted on the bow. Generally they have a platform at both the bow and stern ends, which makes casting much easier. You can choose from aluminum or fiberglass.
Float Tubes
These don't really qualify as boats, but fly anglers find them very handy for fishing in mountain streams, ponds and lakes. A float tube is simply a flotation device containing a seat. The angler is partially submerged when seated in the float tube, and uses fins on his feet to navigate around on the water. They're tricky to handle, and fly-casting requires lots of practice. You can choose between round float tubes, which are similar to an inner tube, and pontoon float tubes, which have an air chamber either side of the fisherman. The pontoons are slightly eiasier to maneuver, as their v-shaped design reduces the amount of water resistance.
It's always a good idea to speak to experienced anglers who either have their own boat or use one regularly. They can give you lots of help in deciding which type of boat is right for you. Read magazines, guides, and talk to your local boat charter service. Fishermen generally love to talk about boats, and you can learn a lot to help you select the perfect fishing boat for your needs.
Steve Dolan is an experienced and keen fisherman, who enjoys the outdoors almost as much as catching the fish! Click on Boat Fishing and Boat Fishing Trips to find more articles and information
Boat Fishing Tips
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Ultralight Revolution
Ultralight Revolution
Fishing Joins the Ultralight Revolution -- How Fishing Caught Up with Hiking
By Jeffrey Gray
The image of a boy with his cane pole and a can of worms heading down a dirt path toward the "old fishing hole" has been burned into our minds by the likes of Norman Rockwell. That image, of the most basic of fishing tools, may warm our hearts but it is as far removed from the reality of fishing today as Neanderthal's spear is from a modern rocket launcher.
The keyword in modern fishing is specialization; the boy with the cane pole could catch all the sunfish and catfish he wanted, but his chances at a wild mountain Brookie or a Yellowstone Cutthroat were probably not that good. As a matter of fact, until recently to get at those remote fishing venues where you could find a Cutthroat or an Apache trout required a near expedition. Equipment, by modern standards, was heavy and bulky. To carry enough food, shelter, fishing gear, etc., required herculean efforts. An outdoorsman could hike, or he could fish. Doing both was problematic.
One of the biggest problems facing the hiker/fisherman was solved in the 1990s. A new class of hiking gear utilizing space-age polymers, ultra-light fabrics and metals and a new set of strategies for camping made long distance hiking a far more enjoyable experience than it had ever been. Using freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, tiny alcohol stoves, sil-nylon tents and internal frame packs the hiker could now roam far and free with a surpisingly light pack-load. Five to seven days in the wilderness can now be accomplished with under thirty-five pounds of equipment. Micro-filters treat water on the spot; new fabrics repel water and protect from weather extremes like those old wools and cottons never could. All these factors lead to the best of results: Extra space in your backpack!
What to do with that extra space? Once again it's technology to the rescue. For under 2 pounds the fisherman can now carry a variety of "Pack rods". Pack rods are usually made of graphite and appear at first to be impossibly thin and light. Don't let appearance fool you! Once assembled from their 4 to 6 component parts these pack rods are sturdy enough for most uses in the back country. Armed with open spin reels and 2 to 4 pound test line they open up a world of possibilities with very little space and weight impact.
Whatever your target, back-country etiquette should always be observed. Pack out what you pack in, practice leave no trace camping at all times. Also, when targeting wild (unstocked) trout it's best to catch and release at all times (and required by law in most places). Camp away from water sources and limit burning as much as possible. Tight lines!
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999. http://www.troutworld.com/ -- bringing you great fishing gear deals, trout fishing news and a world of information. http://www.magnascreen.com/ -- Turn your SUV into a tent. Email -- grayjj@troutworld.com
Ultralight Revolution
Fishing Joins the Ultralight Revolution -- How Fishing Caught Up with Hiking
By Jeffrey Gray
The image of a boy with his cane pole and a can of worms heading down a dirt path toward the "old fishing hole" has been burned into our minds by the likes of Norman Rockwell. That image, of the most basic of fishing tools, may warm our hearts but it is as far removed from the reality of fishing today as Neanderthal's spear is from a modern rocket launcher.
The keyword in modern fishing is specialization; the boy with the cane pole could catch all the sunfish and catfish he wanted, but his chances at a wild mountain Brookie or a Yellowstone Cutthroat were probably not that good. As a matter of fact, until recently to get at those remote fishing venues where you could find a Cutthroat or an Apache trout required a near expedition. Equipment, by modern standards, was heavy and bulky. To carry enough food, shelter, fishing gear, etc., required herculean efforts. An outdoorsman could hike, or he could fish. Doing both was problematic.
One of the biggest problems facing the hiker/fisherman was solved in the 1990s. A new class of hiking gear utilizing space-age polymers, ultra-light fabrics and metals and a new set of strategies for camping made long distance hiking a far more enjoyable experience than it had ever been. Using freeze-dried and dehydrated foods, tiny alcohol stoves, sil-nylon tents and internal frame packs the hiker could now roam far and free with a surpisingly light pack-load. Five to seven days in the wilderness can now be accomplished with under thirty-five pounds of equipment. Micro-filters treat water on the spot; new fabrics repel water and protect from weather extremes like those old wools and cottons never could. All these factors lead to the best of results: Extra space in your backpack!
What to do with that extra space? Once again it's technology to the rescue. For under 2 pounds the fisherman can now carry a variety of "Pack rods". Pack rods are usually made of graphite and appear at first to be impossibly thin and light. Don't let appearance fool you! Once assembled from their 4 to 6 component parts these pack rods are sturdy enough for most uses in the back country. Armed with open spin reels and 2 to 4 pound test line they open up a world of possibilities with very little space and weight impact.
Whatever your target, back-country etiquette should always be observed. Pack out what you pack in, practice leave no trace camping at all times. Also, when targeting wild (unstocked) trout it's best to catch and release at all times (and required by law in most places). Camp away from water sources and limit burning as much as possible. Tight lines!
Jeffrey Gray, founder of TroutWorld.com, has been helping trout fishermen find their way to new and different fishing venues via the internet since 1999. http://www.troutworld.com/ -- bringing you great fishing gear deals, trout fishing news and a world of information. http://www.magnascreen.com/ -- Turn your SUV into a tent. Email -- grayjj@troutworld.com
Ultralight Revolution
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Bass Fishing Techniques
Bass Fishing Techniques
Bass Fishing Techniques For Winter
By: D Fraser
People like bass fishing when the water is warm during the spring. But I like bass fishing during winter. Although you might not get a lot of bass during that season you will get real beautiful bass if you adopt the right bass fishing techniques. With less than half the effort you put in other season you can get bass during winter.
Smallmouth Bass – Catching them in winter waters
It is usually a challenge to catch smallmouth bass. And that too in the winter the odds are double. I get a lot of thrill and joy while catching smallmouth bass in winter than in any other time. If you want to catch elusive smallmouth bass during winter you can apply some bass fishing techniques. Patience is the most important technique that you should know. You should understand the structures beneath the water, the depth of the water and the have proper insulated clothing.
Some of the Bass Fishing Techniques for Outstanding Results
Apart from having the right equipments and baits you should know the right techniques to get outstanding results of bass fishing. Everybody knows that bass have a voracious appetite. Only a few people know that they are attracted to jigs. The bait and the type used are not important to catch smallmouth bass. You should know how to use jigs to have a good catch of smallmouth bass.
The importance of right location
Do you know that smallmouth loves depth? Yes, it is true. Although they love depth, during winter they do not go below 30 feet. You should find the structures that are 20 to 40 feet deep in the waters. These could be the places for the smallmouth bass. Anchor your boat at a place that is at some distance from such an area so that you can cast a line easily and freely. Now you can cast your jig here. You should also know the strike by a weed and a rock and also that of a fish. If you know this you can become an expert in catching smallmouth bass.
Lot of Practice is what counts
It is an art to cast your jig and retrieve it. You need a lot of practice and patience to learn this technique thoroughly. Once you learn it you will come to know that whether your line strikes a fish or a rock. Your practice should be in such a way that you should recognize it instantly. Otherwise you will be losing the fish.
Article Source: http://www.articlemotron.com
For more bass fishing articles and out door recreation tips and ideas visit our website at Outdoor Recreation.
Bass Fishing Techniques
Bass Fishing Techniques For Winter
By: D Fraser
People like bass fishing when the water is warm during the spring. But I like bass fishing during winter. Although you might not get a lot of bass during that season you will get real beautiful bass if you adopt the right bass fishing techniques. With less than half the effort you put in other season you can get bass during winter.
Smallmouth Bass – Catching them in winter waters
It is usually a challenge to catch smallmouth bass. And that too in the winter the odds are double. I get a lot of thrill and joy while catching smallmouth bass in winter than in any other time. If you want to catch elusive smallmouth bass during winter you can apply some bass fishing techniques. Patience is the most important technique that you should know. You should understand the structures beneath the water, the depth of the water and the have proper insulated clothing.
Some of the Bass Fishing Techniques for Outstanding Results
Apart from having the right equipments and baits you should know the right techniques to get outstanding results of bass fishing. Everybody knows that bass have a voracious appetite. Only a few people know that they are attracted to jigs. The bait and the type used are not important to catch smallmouth bass. You should know how to use jigs to have a good catch of smallmouth bass.
The importance of right location
Do you know that smallmouth loves depth? Yes, it is true. Although they love depth, during winter they do not go below 30 feet. You should find the structures that are 20 to 40 feet deep in the waters. These could be the places for the smallmouth bass. Anchor your boat at a place that is at some distance from such an area so that you can cast a line easily and freely. Now you can cast your jig here. You should also know the strike by a weed and a rock and also that of a fish. If you know this you can become an expert in catching smallmouth bass.
Lot of Practice is what counts
It is an art to cast your jig and retrieve it. You need a lot of practice and patience to learn this technique thoroughly. Once you learn it you will come to know that whether your line strikes a fish or a rock. Your practice should be in such a way that you should recognize it instantly. Otherwise you will be losing the fish.
Article Source: http://www.articlemotron.com
For more bass fishing articles and out door recreation tips and ideas visit our website at Outdoor Recreation.
Bass Fishing Techniques
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)