The Beginner’s Guide To Purchasing A 1st Fishing Rod

Posted on July 2, 2009
Filed Under Fly Fishing | Leave a Comment

by Paul Mancini

Not too many activities can come close to the serenity that a person can enjoy while sitting out on a lake in a little boat, rod in hand, waiting for a fish to take the bait. It’s an almost curative experience, so it certainly doesn’t come as a surprise that fishing is one of the most popular sports in the USA.

A few ardent fishing enthusiasts will tell you that how you perform on the water can only be as good as your fishing equipment so it’s important to buy a good fishing rod. Unfortunately when you’re new to the sport you probably won’t be able to demarcate the good from the average, so here are a few tidbits that will help you in choosing a rod of your choice that will serve you for a lifetime.

When buying a fishing rod you’ll be blown away by the sheer range of choices staring you in the face. One method of choosing would be to go into the local tackle shop and pick the first rod that you lay your eyes on but this may not be a very successful strategy. The next would be to carefully consider the pros and cons of each fishing rod.

Rod Weight - Gone is the era when rods were all manufactured out of bamboo. Technological innovations have reached the fishing pole industry and today most rods are manufactured from synthetic composite materials. Most rods fall into 1 of four basic weight categories: light action, medium light action, medium heavy action and heavy action. Weight categories are usually printed right onto the rod itself. The differing weights are used to catch different types of fish, so before you select a pole you’ll need to make a decision as to what types of fish you want to catch with it. As a general rule, if you are fishing for bass or small mouth, use a light action fishing rod. The medium and the medium heavy action fishing rods are more suitable for catching small pike and musky while the really heavy action fishing rods will be most suitable for large Musky and for trolling. I am sure by now you can see a pattern emerging, that is the weight of the rod should correlate with the weight of the fish that you go after with it.

Rod Length - The length is the next variable that you need to look at with respect to your purchase. The length of rod that you select will depend on the place where you intend to fish. A more lengthy fishing pole can be expected to put more pressure on the fish after it’s hooked. So if you intend to fish in a river you probably want to go for a longer rod. Of course because the rod is longer you’ll want to choose an ultra light or a light action fishing rod for your convenience. A 5 foot rod is usually good for normal water conditions while a six foot fishing pole is what you’d select for high water.

Finally you will also have to decide on the amount of money you wish to spend on the fishing rod. Most fishing enthusiasts will tell you to not exceed a seventy five dollar limit. Usually fishing rods that fall in this range are extremely sturdy and you’ll find a number of wonderful rods under this price.

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Where To Find The Pike

Posted on July 1, 2009
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by Jonny Edvardsen

A pike is a fish that is usually very easy to catch. There are however a few things you need to know. To illustrate these points we will use an example.

Wolves and lions have just about the same object in life. They hunt for a prey to eat. Both often kill their prey with raw power. There is however one thing that they don’t have in common when we talk about catching a prey.

The wolf is a predator that can chase a prey for days. Just following it and tiring it until it falls down. This is a tactic that is commonly used by another fish, the salmon. It too chases its prey around in the water until it catches up.

The pike on the other hand can be better compared to a lion. The lion lies in the grass hiding and waiting for its prey to come by. It then uses its fantastic pace over short distances to get the animal. The pike is in a way working in the same manner. It lies on the bottom waiting for fish to swim by.

How can this information be used to catch more pike? Actually this can be the most important information we have about the pike. This enables us to fish at the right spots. Find spots that looks like good hiding spots for the pike, and you will probably catch one.

The second thing we learn is that the pike likes to be close to the bottom of the lake. This is because this is where the best hiding places usually are.

Does this tell us anything about what bait to use then? It actually does. We should use something that looks like a fish and can be fished close to the bottom. The first thing you should think of is a sinking wobbler. This bait resembles an injured fish and will be the perfect target for a pike. Another thing you can consider is live bait.

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Learn More About Aluminum Boats

Posted on June 30, 2009
Filed Under Fishing Boats | Leave a Comment

by Ferdinand Emy

Today many individuals are choosing aluminium boats over other sorts of boats, such as steel or fiberglass fishing boats.

Also, aluminum boats are common because they’re not that difficult to fix in the event that repairs are demanded. Whether you like the idea of going out on the water on your own, aluminum boats are an ideal choice because in the event of damage, or an error, an individual can handle it. Along with the fact that you don’t have to supply the same level of maintenance to these boats that you would with a fiberglass boat, Suchlike waxing, it’s easy to see why many people are choosing to invest in aluminum boats instead of fiberglass boats or other types of boats. The reason that aluminum boats have become so common is that they’re oftentimes considered to be more resistant to corrosion than other types of fishing boats. The solid construction of these boats makes them more resistant to dings than other types of boats.

While aluminum boats are often associated with fishing, they may likewise be employed for recreational activities in addition. Aluminum boats are also less costly to operate because of the fact that they don’t need as much fuel as a more fascinating boat. Such boats are much more comfortable to load onto a vehicle than other types of boats. While aluminum boats are distinctively considered to be comparatively simple, Whether or not you want to upgrade your boat, its a simple thing to add more features to your boat. Buying a used boat may aid you to stick with your budget and purchase the boat that you want without spending a ton of cash.

Whether you’re looking to spend an afternoon on the move with your family or you’re fascinated in doing a great deal of bass fishing, aluminum boats are a good choice. As a matter of fact, you will find that a lot of of the modern aluminum boats on the market place today include a couple of desirable features. Overall, aluminum boats supply a durability that merely is not oftentimes available with other types of boat. they’re likewise more comfortable to get into the water than more spectacular fiberglass boats.

Whether or not you’re looking to buy an aluminum boat, you can look through the classifieds or even check with your local boat seller so as to find a good deal on a used boat.

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Secondhand Or Brand New Boat Which One Should I Purchase?

Posted on June 26, 2009
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by Ferdinand Emy

When you are in the market for a utilized boat you may wonder where the better place would be to find a nice used boat. In numerous instances, the optimal place to search for a secondhand boat would be the boat classified advertisements segment of your newspaper. Oftentimes when people no longer want their boat or choose to upgrade to a newer or bigger boat they will number their current boat in the boat classified advertisements. This can demonstrate to be a good opportunity if you are in the market to purchase a utilized boat.

When buying a utilized boat from the boat classified ads there are various things that you need to bear in mind so as to make sure that you buy the optimal boat for your demands. To start with, make sure that you consider more than just the cost. If you are on a budget then it can be quite seductive to only look for a boat in the boat classifieds according to the price. A reduced price is not the only factor that should be considered when purchasing a utilized boat. While there are many used boats that are in great condition, if you need to make sure that you keep problems to a minimum later on, you need to consider the real condition of the boat.

Call the number that is listed in the boat classified advertisements and ask a few questions about the boat that is listed for sale. First, find out the age of the boat and the type of boat that is for sale. You should also ask about the sort of water that the boat was secondhand in previously. In addition, enquire how often the boat has been utilized. Keep in mind that the age of the boat and how much it has been used is not the same thing. Even a relatively new boat could have seen quite a bit of use.

When considering buying a boat from the boat classified advertisements you also want to ask the seller what type of upkeep and remedies the boat has had. If feasible, ask the seller to present you the maintenance log for the boat.

Lastly, do not forget that you should never purchase a boat sight unseen from the boat classified ads. You should always make a point to scrutinise the boat in person and when possible you should have a mechanic scrutinize the boat to insure that it is in great condition.

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Are You Sure You Are Not Missing Anything In Your Fishing Gear?

Posted on June 24, 2009
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by Ferdinand Emy

One of the most vital purchases that you will make when starting to build up fishing gear is the acquisition of your fishing poles. Although the quality of your fishing pole does not necessarily determine the kind of fish you are capable of catching, but having well built fishing pole can make a great difference in how comfortable you are while fishing.

. Even though you can make a big catch on children’s pole, or an affordable pole, normally the serious fishers will buy a better quality pole, as these poles are less likely to break under strain.

. Best quality fishing poles are built with good material that are capable of bending and in most instance, what prevents the pole from the snapping under strain is its ability to bend.

For instance, children’s rods are usually designed to handle smaller fish. Notwithstanding, the poles are capable of handling some species of larger fish because the pole is able to bend, this is because the poles are normally highly supple to account for the tendency of children to roughly pull on the pole. For most river fishing, this is the kind of pole that typically works best.

As an exception, open ocean fishing poles tend to be a lot less flexible, able to hold its shape under the pull of a fish weighing hundreds of pounds. Notwithstanding while dealing with tuna and other large fish, poles that easily bend will break, because the pressure from exceedingly larger fish will ofcourse go beyond the basic strenght of the pole.

If you need multi functional fishing poles, it is recommended to go with a pole that has more strength and slightly less flexibleness, as this type of pole can be employed in most fishing circumstances. As you progress with your fishing skills, you will end up with a variety of fishing poles designed for different purposes so that you can savor the full spectrum of fishing and have the proper gear to do so.

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How To Select An Appropriate Fly Rod And How To Care For It

Posted on June 23, 2009
Filed Under Fly Fishing | Leave a Comment

by Paul Mancini

No fisherman can win with talent alone. No matter how talented a fisherman is, if his rod is not good enough, his chances of landing a big haul of fish remains slim. That is because his equipment will hinder rather than help his game. Just as a tennis player needs a great racket, the same goes for a fly fisherman and his fishing rod.

Fly Fishing is a sport that many people find enjoyable. It is always a huge challenge to get an elusive rainbow trout to strike the bait, but casting for hours while wading in a cool stream, even in the absence of a strike, can be very soothing. But regardless of the challenge and the relaxation that fly fishing offers, the ultimate goal of fishing is still to catch some fish. Barring some bad luck and circumstances that are really unfavorable for catching a fish, a reasonable fishing rod is a necessity for a large catch.

If you are a mere beginner at fishing, it is perfectly all right to use a simple fishing rod and reel - nothing stylish and nothing too elaborate. If you are just getting your feet wet with fishing, you might consider employing a fishing guide to give you a few pointers. You might also pick up a tip or two on which pole to buy.

A simple fly fishing rod is good for beginners. Once you have gained some experience with this form of angling, you might want to consider a better fishing pole that is designed for advanced users, a fly pole that will really get your game going. In this case, how does one choose a fly pole that is right for one’s needs? In order for you to make this determination, you will need to know what type of fish you will be going after. Different types of fish require different length poles and different weights of line.

Flexibility is also a necessary trait to consider when selecting a fishing pole. It is important that your fly rod is flexible, something that can withstand heavyweight fish and something that will not snap at your face when you cast it. When shopping for a fly fishing pole, do not hesitate to hold it in your hand and make a few false casts to see how it performs under your control.

Once you’ve found the fly rod that you think is right for you, go ahead and buy it. A good fly fishing pole is an investment, and if you choose well, it can last you a lifetime if you maintain it properly.

If you are still not sure just what kind of fly fishing rod you should purchase then go ahead and buy a couple of secondhand fishing rods. Once you have settled on the right fly pole to ultimately purchase, you can always sell your secondhand rods or give them away.

As we’ve already alluded to, a good fly rod is a good investment that will give you a lifetime of angling enjoyment. But that will only happen if you take care of it properly. Maintaining your fly rod is simple - it only requires regular cleaning and oiling.

To clean your fishing rod, you start by removing the reel from the rod and soaking the reel in warm water and drying it thoroughly. Following that, unscrew the reel plate so you could get a good look at the inside the reel.

Once you have accomplished this, carefully clean all the debris you find inside the reel with a few cotton swabs. Be very certain that you have removed all the dirt out. Only then, once the reel is clean, oil the mechanism inside the reel and replace the reel plate.

Fly fishing is a truly enjoyable sport, but to get the most out of it, you should use a fly fishing pole that works well for you. When you have already invested in a good fly rod, protect your investment by maintaining it regularly.

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Boat Evaluation Guidelines for Newbies

Posted on June 5, 2009
Filed Under Fishing Tips | Leave a Comment

by John Howard

Establishing the monetary value for a boat is one of the most important and sometimes the most difficult aspects of dealing with pleasure boats, from the perspective of the seller but of course also for other parties such as buyers, brokers, insurers and marine surveyors

If you are selling, the proceeds that you will get on your motorboat, sailing yacht or fishing pontoon will either determine how much you will have in your pocket if you are moving away from marine life, or if you are upgrading, it will settle on the size of your next vessel.

At first glance buyers may think that the subject is less crucial for them as there is a lot of choice of similar boats with clear prices, but make no mistake - don’t become complacent and forget that not getting the best deal may mean losing tens of thousands of dollars.

This is, unfortunately, harder than it seems. Boat prices fluctuate a lot due to a series of sometimes obscure circumstances, such as the place you are in and the season of the year, and these are all things you need to be aware of. Otherwise you may strike what seems a great deal, but in hindsight you may then notice that the transaction left you worse off by thousands or tens of thousands of dollars.

Which is why boat evaluation cannot just be an afterthought or a given, but must be considered with care. First of all, the prospective buyer or seller needs to decide whether to go solo, or whether to hire a boat evaluation pro. Marine brokers can help to sort out the issue for you.

In fact, as there is a lot of information available on the subject for those who are willing to spend some time educating themselves, you can do this yourself if you prefer not to be dependent on someone else’s opinion.

To become your own appraiser for boat values, you need to look at as many resources as possible - and there are plenty of books and websites on the subject. Your aim should be to come up with realistic minimum and maximum process for the kind of boat you want or are about to sell.

Online or paper trade magazines are a very popular source to compare the min-max values of your boat with comparable objects - check out classifieds, journals, various yards and boat traders. You will find plenty of listings with prices, and if you look at various ads over time (in different issues) you will get an idea of how fast objects are selling, that is if the asking price was right.

Also good are boating festivals, which are usually organized by boating clubs and yachting marinas. These shows are excellent to pick up more info on boat values, plus people who come to the shows are experts in this industry and know what they are talking about. Don’t underestimate the value of a chat with the right person to accurately pinpoint the possible value of a boat - and you may even find a buyer!

New boat exhibitions are good to gauge current fashions. Fashionable items demand a better price, and you can increase the value of your marine transaction by finding out what features and accessories are currently over- or undervalued.

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Fly-fishing Rules Of Thumb for Leader Length and Tippet Sizes

Posted on May 30, 2009
Filed Under Trout Fishing | Leave a Comment

by Tom Loder

Using the correct tapered leader length and tippet size for the type of fishing you are about to do is critical to catching and landing fish. An undersized tippet can result in the angler breaking off their fish or an oversized tippet may result in a poor presentation and spooky fish. Here are some outlined rules of thumb for selection of leader lengths and sizes of tippets. These rules will give you the basic information needed to determine proper choice of leader lengths and tippet sizes.

By definition a rule of thumb when it applies to fly-fishing means; having wide application but not intended to be strictly reliable in every situation. Accordingly here are some rules of thumb.

Rule of thumb on selecting leader length and tippet size is to use the strongest test leader you can for the size of fish you are pursuing, in conjunction with the smallest diameter size tippet adjusted to fishing conditions of wind, water and fly size so your fly presentation will be natural and not spook the fish.

When fishing clear water with also the possibility shallow water where fish are holding use as long a leader as you can properly cast. In windy conditions or on small streams where fish will be holding closer use a shorter leader for better turnover and presentation of the fly.

The following conditions can be a guide in leader length selection:

A 6 foot leader for trout is used on very small brushy streams or with sinking fly lines.

A 7.5 foot leader for trout is used on creeks that are less than 20 feet wide and in lakes when using intermediate or sink tip lines and when fish are not overly spooky.

A 9 foot leader for trout is used on rivers that are wider than 20 feet where the water flow is mostly riffled and where the fish are not overly spooky.

A 12 foot leader for trout in streams with flies smaller than size 16 when the water is very clear, depths are low and water is flat without riffles. This length is also suggested for trout in lakes when using floating lines.

A 15 foot leader length for weary trout in very clear water including spring creeks, lakes and streams.

Rule of Thumb for selecting which size X tippet to use is dependent on the size of fish you are going after and the size of fly you want to use.

A tippet is given an X number which is determined by its diameter in thousandths such as 1X, 2X, and 3X etc. The X diameter can be determined quickly by taking the number 11 minus X equals the diameter in thousands. As an example for a 6 X tippet it would be 11- 6 = 5 and equates to a 6X tippet which is .005 thousands in diameter.

Rule of Thumb most tippet sizes will support three to four fly sizes before they affect leader turnover and a lifelike presentation

Simply divide the hook size you are using by 3 or 4 . For example a size 12 fly divided by 3 equals a 4 X size tippet or a size 12 fly divided by 4 would equate to a 3X tippet. Now let the conditions of wind, water and size of fish dictate which leader length and tippet size you choose. If you have chosen to light of a tippet you may experience poor turnover of the leader, or the fly will spin and the leader will twist, fly’s may break off while casting or hooking and trying to land the fish. These are indications of to light of a tippet for the fly size. Conversely with to heavy of a tippet lifelike presentations will suffer and fish may be spooked.

Here is a chart of common X leader sizes and corresponding diameters, strengths and recommended fly sizes

X Size Diameter Strength Fly Size OX .011″ 15.5 lbs 1/ 0-4

1X .010″ 13.5 lbs 2-6

2X .009″ 11.5.lbs 4-8

3X .008″ 8.5 lbs 6-10

4X .007″ 6.0 lbs 12-16

5X .006″ 4.75 lbs 14-18

6X .005″ 3.5 lbs 16-22

7X .004″ 2.5 lbs 18-24

8X .003″ 1.75 lbs 22-28

Fisherman should always be prepared with a good assortment of tapered leaders and varied sizes of tippet material. There are many situations that will require switching leader sizes.

In conclusion, leader length size and strength have everything to do with fly presentation and catching and landing fish once hooked. When it comes to leader length, and tippet size remember conditions of wind, water, size of fish and fly size dictate. Then use the strongest test leader you can for the size of fish you are seeking in conjunction with the smallest leader diameter size matched to the fly. If adjusted to these conditions fly presentations will be natural and your chances of hooking and landing fish increased.

Have Fun Fishing

Tom Loder

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A Family Guide to Deep Sea Fishing

Posted on May 29, 2009
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by Mike Adams

Deep sea fishing is a healthy activity that a lot of families enjoy. Deep sea fishing is a sport that can give you and your family unforgettable experiences and unforgettable memories that can last for a lifetime. The amount of family bonding in a natural environment is simply indescribable.

If youre a novice to this sport, then there are some things that you should consider before you commence with your deep sea fishing trip. It really is just one big adventure for you and your family, however, you should consider a few things first of all to make sure that your trip is successful. Other than not forgetting to take your (waterproof) camera for those thrilling photos, here are some things that you should think about before making any plans at all.

Reckoning Time: Are They Really Capable? First of all, you should take an honest look at the abilities and age of your family. Lets be honest about it: you won’t be able to get the most out of a deep sea fishing trip, if your children are infants or toddlers. If youre trying to decide what kind of excursion to make, these factors is very important, because the sea is a dangerous place.

This is an important factor, even if you were thinking of using the services of a charter fishing boat, since most skippers have set age limits. Generally speaking, the typical lower age limit starts at around eight years of age. You should realize that companies make these rules so that they can better ensure your safety.

Furthermore, you should bear in mind how long you want to stay at sea. Most inexperienced fishermen prefer a half-day trip, because they are less tiring and yet still great fun for the whole family. On the other hand, experienced anglers would often rather an overnight trip.

However, regardless how long you have been fishing, you should still remember that your familys physical comfort could affect the overall enjoyment of everyone on the trip. Factors such as attitude and age are important factors in how your family are able to adjust to a sojourn on a boat at sea, where the weather can change rapidly.

Be Aware of Distance: another important factor is how far away your target fishing ground is from your home. The fishing packages available do vary greatly, depending on the charter company.

This means that the provisions that they will offer you on the boat will also differ. If you are travelling a large distance just to go fishing, you might be more interested in buying a package that is ‘all inclusive’, because it will provide you with everything youll need for the fishing trip.

All inclusive packages like these are usually quite hard to find, and of course, they are way more expensive than normal day trip charter packages. An average charter package usually provides the bait and tackle and if you need a license, some packages include it, whilst some may charge extra for it.

Get to Know The Terms and Conditions: In general, charter boat owners require you to bring your own hats, sunglasses, coats, sun tan lotion, medications for motion sickness and anything else that you consider is important to take. Ensure that you are clothed appropriately with a series of warm layers, since it is far colder on the water than on land and you can always take something off.

Also, most of the day charter trip packages ask you to bring your own food. If this is the case, you should plan accordingly. Try to pack items of food that are easy on your stomach, just in case the seas are a bit rough.

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Should I Take the Family Deep Sea Fishing?

Posted on May 21, 2009
Filed Under Deep-Sea Fishing | Leave a Comment

by Mike Adams

Deep sea fishing is a well-known great sport that many families experience together. Deep sea fishing is a sport that will create for you and your family unforgettable experiences and unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime. The amount of family bonding in such a natural environment is just wonderful.

If youre new to this wonderful pastime, there are a few things that you should know before you commence with your deep sea fishing trip. It is indeed just one big adventure for you and your family, however, you should consider some things first to make sure your trip is a successful one. Other than not forgetting to take your camera for those thrilling snapshots, here are some things that you have to think about before making any plans at all.

Reckoning Time: Are They Capable? First off, you must take a realistic look at your familys abilities and age. Lets face it, you cant really get the most out of a deep sea fishing trip if your kids are too young. If youre trying to decide what kind of excursion to make, these factors is important too.

This is an important factor, even if you were thinking of using the services of a charter fishing boat, since most skippers have set age limits. Generally speaking, the typical lower age limit starts at around eight years old. You should realize that firms make these rules so that they can better ensure your safety.

Furthermore, you should bear in mind how long you want to stay at sea. Most inexperienced fishermen prefer a half-day trip, because they are less stressful and yet still great fun for the whole family. On the other hand, experienced anglers would often rather an overnight trip.

Nevertheless, no matter how long you have been fishing, you should still remember that your familys physical comfort could affect the overall enjoyment of everyone on the trip. Factors such as attitude and age are important factors in how your family are able to adjust to a sojourn on a boat at sea, where the weather can change rapidly.

Be Conscious of Distance: another important consideration is how far away your preferred fishing location is from your home. The fishing packages available can vary greatly, depending on the charter company.

This means that the conditions and provisions that they will give you on the boat will also differ. If you are travelling a large distance just to go fishing, you might be better off buying a package that is ‘all inclusive’, because it will provide you with everything youll need for the fishing trip.

All inclusive packages like these are usually quite hard to find, and naturally, they are way more costly than normal day trip charter packages. An average charter package usually provides the bait and tackle and if you need a license, some packages include it, while some may charge extra for it.

Know The Terms: Generally, boat skippers ask you to bring your own hats, sunglasses, clothing, sun block, medications for travel sickness and everything else that you consider is important to bring. Make sure that you are clothed appropriately with a series of warm layers, since it is colder on the water than on the land.

Also, most of the day charter trip packages require you to take your own food. If this is the case, you should act accordingly. Try to take items of food that are easy on your stomach, just in case the sea gets a bit rough, which can happen very quickly at sea.

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