Archive for the 'fishing' Category

Shore Bound Tautog

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Anglers in the northeast rave about boat fishing for blackfish. Also known as tautogs, this fish is known for putting up quite a fight and straining fishing rods so they are nearly bent in half from pulling.  These fish have one goal and that is to pull your line into the rocks in the hopes of freeing themselves from captivity.  For those without a boat, there is no need for you to miss out on the fun and adventure of these feisty fish. Though not often talked about, there are opportunities for shore fishing for blackfish and for those who either have no access to a boat or simply prefer shore bound fishing.

Areas where shoreline waters are in the 50 to 65 degree range are perfect spots to find tautogs as long as they have rocky areas.  Remember the blackfish prefers cooler waters and they will be found in these more shallow waters in both the spring and fall.  In the springtime, tautogs will be seeking out shallow water rock piles to feed and  they will also head to these areas for spawning before they move out to deeper, cooler waters.

Blackfish tend to move towards the shoreline in the fall in the hopes of getting fattened up in time for the winter months that lie ahead of them.  They can be found in waters as shallow as 6 feet during these times, again in shallow rock piles.  You’ll likely find them feasting on mussels, crabs and barnacles in these areas and if you’re interested in shoreline fishing, this is a great opportunity to get in some fun fishing for blackfish.

A good chart will help you locate the ideal spots for landing blackfish. If you find the right one, they will allow you to easily identify rock piles that are in the general area of beaches and jetties, which are good areas to start.  If possible, the chart should also have depth contours which should help you identify the right areas.  Rocky formations that extend into the water are also great places, and sometimes you’ll find them easier to spot under breaking waves as the tide changes. These areas can contain tautogs.

Locating the best fishing area may be the least of your concerns if you’re after blackfish. Remember these fish are fighters – they not only don’t want to be caught, but their unique shape with their broom-like tail and stout body mean that they can quickly get the upper hand on you with their strength.  The tautog wastes no time at all – their entire purpose once they are on your line is to see if they can get the best of you by dragging your line to the rocks. This need not be problematic if you have the right tackle.  A stout rod with a strong drag system will help you ensure that the fish doesn’t win.  Your reel can be whichever you feel you have the most control over – conventional or spinning – whichever you choose make sure that you have complete control.  Remember that speed matters when you are fighting a blackfish – they are going to hit and run faster than you might think.  In general a 10 to 11 foot rod is the best choice for blackfish even though most surf anglers will use an 8 foot rod.  The longer rod will give you the additional leverage you need for blackfish.

Line is a concern when blackfish are the game you are after. These fish will do their utmost to snap off your line at on every boulder that they encounter. While braided line is quickly becoming a favorite, because it does not stretch and because it is very sensitive to a bite, it’s problematic with tautogs. Braided line does not have the abrasion resistance that is available in monofilament and fluorocarbon line and therefore it’s likely to break if a blackfish drags it across the rocks. You can probably work around this by using a one and a half or two foot fluorocarbon or mono leader with a thirty to fifty pound braided line.

Rocky holes are the favorite hiding spots of tautogs.  These blackfish are going to head straight towards any rocky hole that is available when they find they’re attached to your line.  What winds up happening is that you are quickly going to discover that your line is being dragged over every rock that is in their path – monofilament line between 17 and 30 lb weight is probably the best possible choice for blackfish.

The best bait rig for the blackfish could very well be the simple slider rig.  It’s easy to create with a 2-4 ounce slider sinker which you thread onto your line.  The barrel should be rated for up to 50 lbs and you can add a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader (1 ½  – 2 feet) which has an octopus hook (2/0 size).  This allows your sinker to stay along the bottom because there is little doubt that the blackfish is going to do his very best to take your bait and make a run for it.  This type of rig will allow your line to pass through the sinker and the blackfish will not feel the resistance.

Typically bait for a blackfish will be clams, crabs or sandworms and you may even consider mussels.  Just toss it into the rocky area and hang onto your rod. It’s not recommended that you sit your rod in a sand spike because any delay and you could lose the blackfish – they are prone to snatching up your bait and they could very well spit it out before you get a chance to hook them.  Have fun landing these aggressive blackfish in the northeast waters.

When you are getting prepared for a saltwater fishing adventure, having the proper equipment is essential. Some of the most popular products on the market include okuma reels and van staal fishing reels.

Fly Fishing Equipment Synopsis: The Greys GRXi+ Fly Fishing Reel

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

Being a passionate fly fly fish angler, I’m at all times eager on attempting current fly fishing gear. In any case, having the best equipment can make all the difference when you are fishing a speedily-running stream. Not all my funds has been wisely invested, nevertheless. Like me, I’m sure you have odd reels and rods hanging about that you almost never, if ever, implement. Well, one piece of fishing equipment that will never be relinquished to the bottom of my equipment kit is my Greys GRXi+ fly fishing reel. Look further to find out how come.

 Summary: Greys GRXi+ Fly Reel

 This reel comes with a die-cast main cage and a die-cast face plate as well. This creates great toughness and force. For added power, the reel contains tri-pillar assembly. To cut down weight and boost long-wearing robustness, the GRXi reel contains high-impact GV4H metal replacement polymer mouldings. The top disc drag system has Rulon, a plastic bearing material with a minimal friction coefficient, exceptional abrasion resistance and excellent corrosion resistance. Rulon is applied widely in bearings and gears because it won’t need lubrication.

 Characteristics of the Greys GRXi+ Fly Reel

 With a remarkably trustworthy and well-constructed twin drag interference system, this fishing reel is an exceptional choice for fishing still waters and for lough fishing. I think, it’s a great value for the outlay, which is about £62.00. An added characteristic of the fishing reel that you’re positive to be grateful for is that it has three spare spools and a rugged carry case also. The case is amply padded and contains resourceful compartments for both the reel and spare spools. There also are two netting pockets that are convenient for storing leaders. The case has a carry handle in addition, which makes it extremely convenient to take along with additional gear.

 Additional Information About the Greys GRXi+ Fly Fishing Reel

  The fishing reel itself is quite rugged, long-lasting and not given to collapsing. The frame is manufactured from die-cast metal, however the spools are polymer, which facilitates to maintain the weight of the fishing reel minimal. The cassette-type spools are straightforward to take out for fast line changes. It’s straightforward to operate the drag adjustment via a huge knob that’s situated on one side of the reel, in the heart. When wrestling a fish, I’ve discovered the drag to be smooth and more than satisfactory, even though it does feel kind of soft or spongy. I did notice that the drag adjustment knob, other than seeming squishy or spongy, can rock backward and forward, which is a bit unsettling whenever you have a fish snagged.

 On Greys

 Greys is a part of Hardy of England and provides a premier array of fly reels that are developed and created through the Hardy and Greys staff in the UK. All goods are methodically tested and remade as needed prior to being offered for sale. Greys reels offer a lifetime guarantee. For the most effective in sensibly-priced fly fishing equipment, be certain to inspect the reels made by Greys.

 For additional details about fly fishing equipment like the Greys GRXi+ reel, please contact Keen’s Tackle and Guns on 01656 722448. Or visit them online at www.keenstackleandguns.co.uk.

Enjoy Fishing for Striped Bass

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Striped bass are fun fish and they can be found in areas that are populated with shipwrecks, boulder piles and reefs.  These areas in particular seem to be favored haunts of the striped bass.  Those who have had the pleasure of fishing Long Island, particularly the Connecticut side are well aware of some of the well known reefs that can be found in that area.  Don’t get too focused on the height of a reef when you’re scoping out ideal spots however, you want to pay attention instead to the steepness of the hill.  Schools of striped bass can be found in as little as ten feet of water and as deep as eighty feet, there’s no norm.  The main reason that reefs are popular is their unique funnel formations that allow them to feed at the crest of the peaks found there.  To land stripers in these areas, you will want to spread your bait across the water column and let it be carried down to the crest of the peak.  The more pronounced the funnel shape, the more success you’ll have locating striped bass.  The reef line will help you find the crest.

Cruise up-tide from the reef once you have located the top.  You can use your fish-finder to assist you.  Remember that even if you do not see any hits on the fish finder does not mean that there are not striped bass in the area – they typically cling fairly close to the structures making them difficult for even the most advanced fish-finders to track.  As a rule, you should most likely start off in waters that are about 20 feet deeper than where your reef crested.  With your boat out of gear, drop your rig all the way to the bottom.  If you have difficulty reaching bottom, consider adding some additional weight.  Remember, that you will want to be fishing approximately three to six feet above the bottom so you do need to know where it is. As your boat drifts, you will soon grow accustomed to where the bottom is in different areas. As you feel the sinker hitting the bottom, simply crank your reel handle to bring it back up. It is best if you attempt to keep your line as vertical as possible as it will help you manage your line better.  It’s important to bear in mind that as you drift uphill you are going to contact the bottom more frequently so make sure you keep an eye on your line.

If you are not entirely familiar with the body of water you are fishing in make sure that you are not only minding your fish-finder and GPS but that you’re paying attention to landmarks as well. This will help you map the area when you get a hit or you land a fish. Remember, if you have found one fish in an area, it’s a pretty good guess that you are going to find more than one.  Keep an eye out for unusual formations as it’s not unusual for stripers to seek out sharp drops, boulders and formations that are different than those in the area.

While in most cases, stripers are found on the up-side of a hill, it is not all that uncommon to find them at the crest of the hill or even on the down-hill side.  It will require some experimentation on your part to find out exactly where they are feeding.  Do not forget to keep your line in the proper depth so that your bait is three to six feet of the bottom at all times. You may find that even a properly placed rod in your rod holder will land the occasional fish or two.

If you are looking for a more secure way of catching stripers, you should be considering a 5/0 or 6/0 circle hook when you are using eels for bait.  These circle hooks do not require a hook to be set, you simply need to let out the slack and reel it up or lift the tip.  Most anglers agree that there is little (if any at all) downside to the circle hook. If you are using menhaden, hickory shad or scup for bait, you will want to switch to the 8/0 circle hook.

When you are getting prepared for a saltwater fishing adventure, having the proper equipment is essential. Some of the most popular products on the market include okuma reels and van staal fishing reels.

Great Tips For A Splendid And Thrilling White River Trout Fishing Experience!

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010

Catching your priced trophy in white river trout fishing just isn’t an easy thing at all. It is because of this that this sport attracts not solely fishing lovers in North America but also lots of people around the globe.

Finding the sort of trout you may have been aiming for is a difficult task. It requires perseverance and it is advisable to be keen and observant. Half the fun is in finding your trout; the other half is in catching it. Catching your priced trophy is tough but it’s well worth all the effort. Many famous anglers gained status in catching probably the most peculiar and beautiful trout.

Trout fishing is a really challenging sport. I might suggest you to try Arkansas if you’re up for the challenge. This is likely one of the hottest spot for this fishing adventure. The clear, cold water provide a variety of trout species like rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout and cutthroat trout. The tailwaters present a wonderful site.

Bull Shoals, the most important dam and one of the state’s major tourist locations, is an ample source of rainbows and browns that don’t appear to differentiate bait. Right here you can find the widespread 9-inch trout and the unique 20-inch rainbows. However warn you, these fish are aggressive, clever and are hard to catch.

Be ready and prepared for the battle when you determine to go on a white river trout fishing expedition. Trout are different from each other however you’ll be able to catch them all using the identical kind of techniques. If you find yourself fishing for trout it is best to bear in mind the following:

1.    Trout are likely to stay away from the dam. Most of the big ones conceal off the current. It’s simpler to catch huge trout within the pockets of water. Keep in mind that an even bigger trout is a wiser trout.

2.     You will get a much better catch you probably have the suitable equipment. Ensure that your gear is in great form and likewise clean.

3.    You will need to prepare a heavier gear if you need to catch a brown trout. But for many conditions, you only want extremely light or light bait and gear.

4.    Go together with a size ten hook when you are fishing with live bait. Select only small lures and use spinners or spoons that are not bigger than one one fourth ounce.

5.    You aren’t going to a celebration but what you wear matters too. Don’t ever put on clothes with loud colors. Additionally avoid from sporting white. You do not want the fish to see you. Put on uninteresting coloured clothing like gray or brown to camouflage you.

6.    All trout have a very delicate sense of smell and sniff their bait earlier than they bite it. Grab some weeds and filth and rub your fingers collectively, it will erase the unnatural smells in your hands. There’s a big likelihood you will not get any bites if the bait you’re using smells unnatural.

7.    As I mentioned earlier, trout are very clever species so see to it that the bait you utilize appears natural especially should you plan to make use of live bait. Pre-tied gang hooks are likely to present the live bait in a natural way. Presentation is essential when you’re fishing for trout in a river.

So if you are up for the challenge, prepare yourself and be ready for the battle. Apply what you have got to learned here so that your journey won’t become a complete disaster however splendid white river trout fishing experience.

The Perfect Marina To Acquire Some Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charters

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

 

One day out on the water can give you solitude or competition; relaxation or excitement.  Hire Chesapeake Bay fishing charter from Kent Island Marina and fish all day or tour the bay.  The boat captain is at your disposal, so, go ahead and make use of the many years of combined experience waiting to provide you with a magical venture on the water.

Take the entire household including children. Some charters both permit and strongly encourage family trips.  These trips provide an awesome venue for family reunions or building closeness. Make lifelong memories as sea spray sprinkles the boat deck and prize fish wiggle in your nets. Accomplish the task alongside one another and  feel like the team a family really should be.

Hunt for the boat capable of accomodating everybody in comfort for a half day or full day of marine recreation. Charter boats range from forty to over fifty feet with seating for six to twenty-five. In the event that your family is bigger than that, arrange for two boats and see who catches more fish. Present gift certificates at Christmas to make sure that everyone can afford to come.

Not only family units, but also employees reap benefits from team building activities. Arrange a competition on-board a fishing charter by which your staff has got to cooperate to bring in a big catch.  Large groups can be broken down into smaller intimate teams on separate boats organized for one employer.

Whatever your type of business, the captains of these charter boats know theirs. Allow them to look after rods, reels and tackle. They will take you to the most effective locations for catching flounder, rock fish, croaker and much more with modern GPS and fish finding technologies.  Do let your employees relax a little while during their trip, however.

Charter companies also accept bookings for tournaments.  A quick search of on-line websites reveals photographic proof of how advantageous fishing charters are to the sport fisherman. Explore their customer feedback for some amazing reading.  If you come from out of town and are not knowledgeable about a particular charter company, look them up online and discover information about years of service, character and community participation. Many sites even help you locate a good place to stay plus restaurants to try.

Opt for pick-up and drop-off service if you do not want the anxiety of finding the marina, especially when you have travelled from out of town. Quite a few companies provide food and drinks.  With a bit of luck, you might haul up a blue crab to eat while drinking coffee or tea at a cabin table. Cook and dine on your crab right there on board. With mostChesapeake Bay fishing charter companies services such as fish cleaning are included. If they didn’t, you might reek of sea trout on your wedding day.

Get The Best Deals When You Buy Fly Fishing Tackles From The Best Fly Fishing Outfitters

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Before  you get too excited about the family fishing or angling activity, make sure that you already have the perfect place in mind to cast your fly fishing reels – would you like to go salt water fly fishing or fresh water fly fishing? Even more important is to check whether or not those old fly fishing rods or reels are still suitable for the family activity. You need to take care of these things and more (such as getting the appropriate state fishing license if at all necessary) in order to enjoy and successfully carry out the activity.

The perfect time to go fly fishing is when you and your family are ready for it. Take an inventory of your fly fishing gears – the reels and the rods and what have you, to see if there’s anything you might need to purchase before scheduling a day of fishing.

If you think you might need to upgrade your fly fishing equipment, or for some reason, you might need to additionally buy fly fishing reels, fly fishing rods and other supplies for salt water fishing or fresh water fishing, check out the many fly fishing outfitters out there to shop for all the things that you might need. Don’t forget to make the necessary comparison – read about customer reviews, their various offerings, bargains and deals.

Try to get as many choices and options as you need before purchasing the perfect fly fishing supplies you have in mind. You might deem it important to choose nothing else but those Orvis fly fishing reels and other fishing equipment. Other anglers also recommend any of the following: Loop fly fishing reels, Lamson fly fishing reels, Hardy Uniqua fly reels, Ross fly fishing reels. This is just to name a few but there may be even more of those fly fishing supplies that you might want to check out online. Remember to check out what those fly fishing outfitters have anything for you.

NZ Trout Fishing

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Low Angler Pressure – On many rivers you will be unlikely to see another angler. Certain places can get quite crowded such as the Tongariro during the spawning runs or the Rotorua lakes around opening day. But it’s always possible to find rivers and lakes that see few anglers. This is particularly true if you’re able to fish during the week days.

inexpensive Access – Aoteraroa has a license system in which anyone can fish in any lake or river. You just have to pay for a license which costs about $90 in theTaupo area and $90 for the rest of New Zealand . Most of the time farmers allow access across their land for people to go fishing. Many good rivers lie inside reserves like National parks or Forest Parks. So there are no exorbitant fees being charged for access to the best water. This means better Trout Fishing.


There are also lakes and rivers that are hard to access but this is due to instinctive barriers. removed streams that flow through mountainous regions offer some of the best and most scenic fishing, getting to these places often requires either a long hike or a helicopter trip. Rafts are also used on some rivers. Trips to these areas add a whole exceptional dimension to the experience of fishing . Wilderness areas are just amazing places to be.

Good Water Quality – Most New Zealand rivers have very nice water quality in the middle and upper reaches . A bit further on downstream some rivers become quite dirty due to cow dung . Rivers up in the mountains in areas with a lot of rock and tussock are particularly clear. I’ve had quite a surprise on some occasions when I’ve stepped into water up to my chest when it only looked to be thigh deep. This clear water is a blessing as it makes it easy to spot fish but it’s also a curse as the fish can be easily excited by a poor approach or misplaced cast.

Large Trout – In most rivers and lakes you’ll find the trout tend to fall into the 2-6 pound array. There are many places where that elusive 10 pounder is on the cards. The Rangitikei and Ruakituri are two rivers that are renowned for trophy trout. The Rotorua lakes also offer a very good chance, they contain a different strain of trout that breed later than most and so grow to larger sizes.

An abundance of rivers and lakes – New Zealand Outdoors receives quite a high rain fall, particularly in the mountains and hills where most rivers outset. This fact cooperative with the often complex topography means that there are a large number of lakes and rivers for the size of the country. So with a few exceptions you’ll have many choices close at hand no matter where you are in the country. Some of the best areas in the North Island are the king country, Rotorua, Taupo, Kaimanawas and Ureweras. In the second island Kahurangi National Park, the whole west coast, fiordland and south land are good places to start.

If I Cod Be With You In Florida

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

Individuals who discover the Florida Keys will uncover a tropical Caribbean paradise in their own back yard. In spite of being only 90 miles from Cuba and a brief plane ride from any one of the Caribbean resort islands, the Florida Keys are part of the United States and joined by highway to the mainland. No boats or planes required.

The Keys are essentially a string of islands that open with Key Largo in the north and end with the written about Key West in the south, home to Hemingway and Tennessee Williams. Between, there are literally hundreds of islands, some of which remain unoccupied. Because of the Keys’ distinctive geographical place in the warm waters between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, and because of the many coral reefs and sand bars that make up the island succession, the Keys are home to some of the best salt water fishing in the United States and have colorful beach rentals to grill up your catch in.

Beginning in the north with Key Largo and the islands in its vicinity, Islamorada is a chief vacation destination for sport fishermen. Islamorada is its own key, but it is in near enough proximity to Key Largo and the mainland that it sees a sizeable amount of passage from those two places. Lodging in a vacation rental at Key Largo and fishing at Islamorada is a definite opportunity, while Key West, a two hour drive down U.S. Highway 1, is a bit out of reach.

Each fishing season brings tournaments and competitions to Key Largo and Islamorada. Bonefish are a usual catch near the island, while deep sea fishing for sailfish is a frequent pastime. If you plan on fishing, keep in mind that a fishing license is required in Florida waters, no matter what sort of fish you intend to catch or what season of the year. A license is available from bait shops, marinas, and is frequently provided as part of the fee for a charter vessel.

Speaking of charters, there are seemingly endless opportunities to hire charter fishing vessels in the Florida Keys. Many motels, hotels, and vacation rentals maintain their own charter vessel or fleet, and the number of private charters that can literally be seen from the freeway may prove unbelievable to somebody from different parts of the United States.

At the other end of the island chain, the fishing in Key West is as varied as it is spectacular. The clear backcountry waters off Key West present an occasion for angling. An experienced guide into the backcountry is an absolute necessity for folks interested in fly fishing or merely exploring the unspoiled wilderness of Florida Keys.

For some authentic fishing excitement, stay in one of many gorgeous bed and breakfasts and charter some deep sea fishing off Key West.  Its the finest in the country. Placing yourself in the shoes of Ernest Hemingway, a charter vessel will transport you out into the Gulf Stream to search for marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo, and dolphin. All of these cherished game fish can easily be located in the waters between the keys and Cuba.