Entries Tagged 'Tips and Tricks' ↓
November 20th, 2008 — Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks, hooks
Believe it or not, the type of hook that you are using can have a big impact on your success rate with catching fish. While we all understand that big fish need bigger and stronger hooks, there are many different styles that can be used. Certain species of fish, such as large mouth bass, will need a very specific type of hook if you want to successfully catch one. Let's take a look at the different types of hooks that you can use and their intended uses.
Circle Hooks -
These are very popular in some circles and when used properly, they can be very effective. While they are not the easiest to bait, they are perfect for fish with large mouths. Instead of being able to grab your bait and run, that circle will impale their mouths and make it much harder for them to get away. This is a great type of hook to use on bass, as well as some trout. When you do get a nibble, don't immediately pull back on the line, since this will yank the hook right out of the fish's mouth. Let them do the work for you and you'll have a live one on the line.
Artificial Bait Hooks -
If you have been using your regular hooks with artificial bait, you may end up pretty frustrated at the end of the day. That is because artificial bait requires a specific type of hook in order to work effectively. The hooks for this type of bait are normally on the larger size and the point of the hook will be spaced further away from the body of the rest of the hook. You can usually find these located in the same section as artificial bait in most tackle stores.
Saltwater Bendbacks -
These are essential for saltwater fishing and can help you increase your success rate exponentially. This type of hook will have the point that bends out a little from the rest of the body and the shape is usually a little warped. This is ideal for larger fish that will have of course, larger mouths. By using a bendback, you should be able to hook your saltwater fish with a lot less effort.
These are just a few examples of the different types of hooks that are available. There are thousands more, but this should get you started. Remember, there is no such thing as "one size fits all" when it comes to hooks. Each different type of fish may require a different type of hook. Read up on the different species you're after and find out ahead of time which hooks will be able to get the job done for you. This step can save you hours of frustration and you'll be much more likely to reach your take limit in a lot less time. Try out several different types of hooks to see which ones will work best for you and the fish.
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October 17th, 2008 — Book Review, Fishing, Tips and Tricks, bass
Larry Larsen has built up a reputation as one of the most talented bass fisherman in the world and now he’s going to share all of his secrets. That sounded pretty good and sure piqued our interest in this book. Bass fishing can be tricky, and it’s always great to pick up some new tips. We were actually pleasantly surprised by this book and the quality of the advice and information. If you are looking for a solid book that will help you improve your bass fishing success, this is the one to get.
The book starts out with a little introduction on Larry and his tactics, and goes over some of the best surefire methods of catching bass. It’s easy to read and the tips are very easy to implement. Larry’s got a great writing style that is engaging and informative without being too complicated. From the introduction, you get right into the tips on several different kinds of bass fishing.
First discussed are floating plant strategies as well as how to find bass under intense vegetation growths. Larry provides some great advice on how to get around these masses of foliage and still manage to catch fish and if you’ve ever struggled with this out on the lake, this section will truly come in handy.
The next few sections cover how to catch deep water bass, even when it’s cold, and this should definitely have an impact on how well you fish in winter. Strategies for handling clear water fishing are also discussed as well as how to catch bass when you in are in a very small lake.
Overall, we have not seen a bass fishing resource that is this comprehensive anywhere else. If you love bass fishing but haven’t managed to reach that point where you can consistently catch them, these tips should provide you with that little extra push that you need. The book is perfect for beginners or pros and even if you already know quite a lot about bass fishing, you should be able to pick up some new pointers.
We highly recommend this book to anyone interested in bass fishing and it would also make the perfect gift for any fisherman on your list. The second part of the book is meant for those who fish bass competitively, and offers some truly amazing tips at how to win these competitions and take home the trophy.
The latest edition also includes “Short Strikes” which are little tips like how to watch bird activity to find the big bass, as well as how to handle high temperatures. The little section on rigging for developmental waters was worth the cost of the book alone and offered some advice we have not found before. Overall, a great read and a truly terrific book on fishing. We really can’t say enough nice things about this book and would recommend it to all. You may like it so much it ends up being a permanent fixture in your boat.
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October 3rd, 2008 — Book Review, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
The practice of fishing has been around for millennia, but we as humans still don’t have it down pat. There are thousands of books out there on techniques, can’t miss hints and basic fishing principles. However, if you read only one book about fishing, this one should be highly considered.
Baron’s guide is more than just a fish tail, it is full of real information that you can take out on the water with you and that will really improve your techniques. We found the writing to be enjoyable, the tips really useful and we even managed to learn quite a bit about fishing.
The first three chapters cover essential techniques and information on how to find fish. You’ll learn more about how fish think and how to easily target areas of water where you will be most likely to find them. If you have ever sat out on a lake for hours with nary a nibble, these three chapters will solve your problems.
The next grouping of chapters goes into what to do when you’ve actually located fish in the water. From sound techniques on popular fish, to discussions on different types of bait and equipment, you’ll be learning a lot about what works and more importantly, what doesn’t.
However, our favorite chapter was the one on fishing etiquette. This is something you don’t see a lot of any more, and let’s face it, spend a day on a lake and you’ll find ten people who could benefit from reading this. While we wish everyone would read this chapter, it probably won’t happen. At least you’ll be prepared to fish responsibly.
The tips and tricks chapter contains some fantastic advice for catching specific types of fish and should be reread often. You’ll learn a lot of insider tips that will definitely impact the way you fish and the way that you go after the “big ones.” We found that the advice was sound, reasonable and quite honestly, refreshing.
If you’re sick of books that are hyped and contain nothing but a few crazy tips that will only work on the second Tuesday of May, this is the book for you. It covers basically everything you could ever want or need to know about fishing and how to be more successful while you’re at it. Whether you are frustrated with your success rate, or you just want to be able to take your fishing to the next level, this book will definitely help you get there.
Overall, this is a great book for anyone that is interested in catching freshwater fish. Whether you are just starting out or you are an old pro, you’ll be able to learn something here. This book would make a fantastic gift for anyone that loves fishing, especially for young adults or teens that are starting to get really interested in the sport. We highly recommend this book for all fisherman.
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September 22nd, 2008 — Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
Saltwater fishing can be a lot of fun, but it isn’t right for everyone. Before you head out on the ocean and discover you are miserable, there are a few things you should think about before getting started. Here are some great tips to help you determine if saltwater fishing is right for you.
1. You can purchase the necessary equipment.
While it is possible to rent saltwater fishing gear, you should have the basics on hand. Rods, reels, lines and baits are just more expensive for saltwater fishing, since they are usually much stronger and will be larger in size. If you’re on a minimum budget, you may be better of sticking with freshwater fishing that doesn’t require as much specialized equipment. (For the best prices on saltwater fishing gear check out our ebay store.)
2. You have trouble with motion sickness.
Even though there are medications that you can take to help with motion sickness, there are few that will completely remove the symptoms. If you know that sea sickness is an issue for you, you may want to go out on a guided tour first, to determine whether or not saltwater fishing will trigger your symptoms. Remember, the ocean can be very choppy and it’s nothing like fishing in a regular lake. You’ll need to have good sea legs and the ability to keep your wits about you.
3. You are a complete beginner.
While there is nothing wrong with starting somewhere, saltwater fishing does require a good bit of skill, the right equipment and the ability to withstand harsh conditions. It’s best to start off with freshwater fishing to get indoctrinated into how fishing works, instead of just rushing out to give saltwater fishing a try. Always make use of a guided fishing trip before going out on your own. You’ll be able to learn a lot and if there is a storm or trouble, you won’t be the one having to get out of it.
4. Big fish scare you.
It may sound funny at first, but you will be dealing with fish that may weigh in excess of 150 pounds and they may be bigger than you are. This can be a bit intimidating, especially when you’re dealing with a type of fish that is a known fighter. If you don’t have the right equipment and physical strength to go up against a fish like that, you may want to rethink your position. It’s always a good idea to read The Old Man and The Sea
for an illustration of this point. It’s one thing to want to catch a big fish, it’s quite another to get out there and do it.
Saltwater fishing is fun and challenging, but there are more risks involved then when you go out in a little boat on a quiet lake. Take the time to really investigate saltwater fishing before investing in a lot of gear, buying a boat or getting excited. You may find that it is the sport you’ve always wanted to try, or you may end up absolutely hating it.
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September 17th, 2008 — Bait, Bluegill, Fishing, Tips and Tricks, crappie
When it comes to fish that are easy to catch, fun to find and plentiful, there is nothing quite like crappie and bluegill. Normally found together in lakes, you can use a lot of similar techniques to land them. In fact, with the right tips, you can even bring in as many as ten or more an hour. Let’s get started!
1. Pick the right temperature.
Crappie and bluegill tend to like weather that is a little cooler. In California, you’ll have your best results during the winter months, or whenever the temperature drops to around 55 degrees. Any colder than that and they’ll be a little harder to find, but we’ll cover where to look for them later in this article. If you are fishing on a very hot day, your luck may not be as good with crappie or bluegill, unless you know where to look.
2. Use the right bait.
By far, the best bait to use to land crappie or bluegill is live bait. Many people prefer to use live minnows since they are just about the right size for these smaller fish, and they have a lot of movement. You may also want to consider the use of lures, and jigs to further entire crappie and bluegill to take the bait. Anything lively will work, and even some spinner baits will work well in some situations.
3. Wait for spawning season.
If you really want to increase your take, wait for the spawning season when you’ll literally be tripping over crappie and bluegill. Lake management and park management officials can help you gauge when this season occurs, since it is temperature dependent instead of date based. Keep an eye on conditions and when the temps are just right, you’ll be able to catch a ton of these fish.
4. Look in the right places.
During the day, crappie and bluegill will commonly be found underneath docks, especially if it is hot out that day. These are usually shallow water fish, so if you’re in water that is deeper than eight feet, you may not have as much luck catching them. In spawning season, the crappie and bluegill will be in the shallows, and you can even see them right from shore since they will typically be in water that is only two feet deep or less.
5. Use the right gear.
These are smaller fish, so you can leave the heavy equipment at home. Forget about heavy weight test line and super duty rods, all you need is a basic line, and a rod and reel. In fact, that’s what makes fishing for crappie and bluegill so much fun. Anyone can do it, and there is very little expensive equipment to buy.
6. Have fun.
Fishing for crappie and bluegill should be fun. These little fish can be pretty feisty and even though they may not be as big as a King Salmon, you can still have plenty of fun testing your skills.
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September 15th, 2008 — Bait, Bluegill, Fishing, Salmon, Tips and Tricks, bass, crappie
Although many people associate fishing with spring, summer and fall, there are many fish that are actually easier to catch during the winter months. This is particularly true in California, where temperatures regularly drop just a little below 50 in most areas. This climate makes it a lot easier to withstand winter fishing and many fish will be more than ready to take your bait. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your winter fishing.
1. Look for the right fish.
Bass are excellent winter fish, as are crappie and bluegill. Every once in awhile you may also come across some salmon, but these three will be the most likely catches. In fact, many bass fisherman prefer to fish in the winter simply because it is a lot easier to increase your take. If you have other fish in mind, make sure you do a little research into their winter habits before heading out.
2. Use the right bait.
Fish are much hungrier during the winter months, so you won’t have to worry too much about them being picky. However, live bait usually works best in this situation and will increase your chances of getting a successful catch. Minnows are an excellent choice, or another type of small fish. Worms will be a little harder for the fish to spot, which brings us to our next tip.
3. Use a bright or reflective lure.
Winter months are usually overcast, so you’ll need to take advantage of a bright or reflective lure in order to get the attention of the fish. Keep in mind that it’s going to be pretty dark down there, and the more you are able to draw their attention upward, the better your chances are of landing some great fish.
4. Slow it down.
Bass fishing in particular requires a little more patience in the winter months. The fish are a bit more sluggish due to the colder temperatures, so this can work in two ways. First, they are of course easier to catch, but second, they will take longer to get to your bait. Make sure you set up a good spot and then wait awhile before trying a new one.
5. Look in the right places.
Bass and crappie will tend to be near the edges of the lake during the warmest parts of the day, but you can also find them under outcroppings and piers.
6. Dress appropriately.
Even in California it is possible to get way too cold. Make sure that you bring plenty of warm clothing and consider bringing a thermos with a hot beverage. It will help you stay out longer. If you plan on camping through the night, you will need to bring extra gear in order to stay warm, particularly if you will be fishing in the mountains where nighttime temperatures can fall into the thirties. No one likes being miserably cold, but it’s easy enough to prevent this with the right gear.
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September 10th, 2008 — Boating, Tips and Tricks
If you are thinking about buying a new boat, there are a few considerations that go beyond what the boat can actually do. Many people fail to think about these small points before their purchase and end up with boats that are either too expensive to store, or simply too much to handle. Let’s go over these points to help you decide which size boat is right for you.
1. Where do you plan to keep your boat?
If you are planning on keeping it in a garage, or in your driveway, you’ll need to do some measuring first. Don’t forget to measure the space above where the boat will be kept, as well as the regular measurements. Many new boat owners think that their boat will fit in the garage, only to find out too late that the clearance isn’t high enough.
If you can’t keep it at home, this means that you will need to find a marina that is willing to let you either dry dock the boat, or keep it in a slip. These marinas will typically charge by the foot, so size does matter. If money is not a problem, this is less of a concern, but keep in mind that a few feet may mean an extra $200 or more a month.
2. Can you handle the engine size?
It’s easy to get drawn in by a shiny new boat and think “that’s the one for me.” However, if you have never actually driven a boat before, you may want to start with a smaller model, and one that may not have all the latest bells and whistles. First, it’s a lot less heartbreaking when you do something to a cheap boat, than it is if you do it to an expensive one.
Second, it’s much safer to learn basic boating safety skills on a smaller boat, and then upgrade when you are ready to take on the next challenge.
3. How much does the boat weigh?
This is a factor that will determine both the size of the trailer you will need, as well as the type of vehicle that will be required to pull it. For those that will have their boat taken directly to the harbor after purchasing it, this is not a big problem. However, if you will be hauling your boat on your own, you need to make sure that your vehicle can handle the load.
Ask your dealer how much the gross total weight is for your boat and then refer to the owner’s manual for your vehicle. You don’t want to exceed the recommended amount for safety reasons.
Every sailor has to start somewhere, and it’s much easier to get a smaller, less expensive boat right off the bat and learn all that you can with that model. Then, when you are ready, you can trade it in on the boat you really want when you feel that you have learned all you can about boating.
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September 8th, 2008 — Bait, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
Ice fishing is a sport that you either love or hate, and it is generally dependant on how much you like cold weather. While the days of freezing over an open hole on the lake have been superceded by cozy little portable cabins, there is still an element to this type of fishing that is very rough. If you are interested in trying ice fishing, or you need to find a few ways to improve your take, here are some great hints to get you started.
1. Bait is key.
Since the water is going to be dark under the ice, you have a slight advantage with your hole since the bait will be more visible. The best bet is to go with slightly larger chunks of dead bait, so that you can ensure the fish will be able to spot it. They will be hungrier and they are much more likely to go for something that looks like a decent meal.
2. Colorful lures.
The brighter and flashier your lures are, the greater your chances are of catching fish under ice. They’ll be naturally drawn by the light from the hole you’ve drilled glinting off the lure and you’ll get a lot more attention in less time.
3. The line matters.
You can’t use the same kind of line for ice fishing that you would for normal fishing. Mono line is usually the best, but you may need to experiment a little to see what works in your area, or on a specific day.
4. Patience is vital.
Ice fishing is not for the faint hearted and you will need to be very patient. It takes time and you may not be successful for a few hours. Make sure that you bring plenty of warm clothing, particularly if the day is very cold out. It is not much fun if you’re freezing to death.
5. Fish finders help.
Although many ice fisherman are against fish finders, this is the easiest way to locate fish under ice. If you don’t have a lot of free time on your hands, or you just want to speed up the process, a fish finder is incredibly valuable. Try to find one that uses sonar since this will be most effective under ice. You’ll need to drill small holes so that you can drop the sensors down under the ice, so make sure to bring a smaller auger with you.
6. Always check the ice before heading out.
A lake may look completely frozen, but there may be cracks that are not visible. If there has been any sort of a thaw, tread cautiously. If possible, check with lake management or other ice fishers before you head out. It is all too easy to get trapped under ice if it gives way underneath you.
Ice fishing may not be for everyone, but those that do give it a shot are generally hooked. This is a different kind of fishing, but with practice, you can be successful.
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September 3rd, 2008 — Bait, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
This is a question that haunts many fisherman. If you had waited five minutes longer – would you have caught that fish? Invariably, the instant you move from position a fish will pop out of the water behind you and this is probably the most frustrating aspect about fishing. However, there are a few good rules of thumb that you can follow to help you determine how long you should be sitting around waiting, and when to take action.
Patience is more than just a virtue when it comes to fishing. It is vital and for many of us, it is also nearly impossible. You can wait for hours and come up with nothing, or some days, you’ll get nibbles immediately. You can choose to sit there with the same bait, or try something new, but how do you know when to give up and make the switch?
First, it is important to make sure that you have the right bait for the right fish. If you’re not using the right bait, then it won’t matter how long you wait – the fish just aren’t going to be interested. However, if you are using bait that is tried and tested, or that has worked for you in the past, it may just mean that for that particular day it won’t work and you need to try something else.
You can figure out when to switch by taking a look around. If there are visible fish and they are simply not interested, switching is the best idea. If there are no fish that are visible, they may simply be lower than your bait and you’re not drawing them upward. If you can’t see any fish, give it about fifteen minutes. If you still don’t have anything, it’s time to try something else, or possibly change your location. For visible fish, ten minutes without a nibble generally means that something is off, so switching is best after about that amount of time.
Other factors will determine how long you should stay in one location. For example, the same fish that you are getting in the morning won’t be in that same spot in the afternoon. Some fish prefer to go deep when it gets hot out, others will head for vegetation or an outcropping. Study the habits of the fish you are after and make adjustments as necessary as the day goes on.
The weather can also have a big impact on your success rates and how long you should stay in one specific area. On cloudy days, there will usually be more fish near the surface, while on sunny days, you may need to go deeper. The best method is to target the fish you’re after, learn about their habits and keep a log of the time you spend and how fruitful it is.
There is no one answer to this problem, but by employing the above techniques you can stop wasting time and start catching fish – on your schedule.
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August 27th, 2008 — Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
If you have been fishing on shore, and are ready to take it to the next level, or if you have been fishing by boat for years but would like to get better at it, there are quite a few tips that will help make your outings more fun and more profitable in terms of how many fish you can catch. While there are a few variables that cannot be helped, such as weather, lake conditions and fish behavior, these tips should help make quite a difference in just how lucky you are out on the water.
Take everything with you –
This sounds very simple, but it is all too easy to get out on the lake and realize you left something important back on shore. The less movement you can make through the water, the better off you will be. Make a checklist of all that you plan to take with you and then go through it before you pull out from shore. This small tip can make a bigger difference in your success rate and it can help cut down on frustrations.
Remember that noise is a factor –
Fish don’t like a lot of noise, and a boat will definitely disturb them. Pick out the place you want to try on the lake, and then once you reach it, turn off everything and sit as quietly as possible. You may need to give it a little while before fish return to that area. Don’t bring a radio with you and learn to love the quiet. Once you get this down, it will be a lot easier to find the fish you’re after.
Consider chumming –
Although this may not be allowed on some lakes, chumming the bottom of your boat will definitely help get more fish interested in hanging around you. Take your bait of choice and rub it along the bottom and sides of your boat before you get it into the water. The scent will remain and will serve to attract fish. This is a good tactic to try if you normally have a lot of trouble finding any fish out on the lake.
Be open to change –
You may need to change up your bait and lures to see what is biting that day if you are not after a specific type of fish. Take a wide variety of different baits and lures, both natural and synthetic and see which ones work the best. It’s also helpful to make a log of your findings for next time. You may also want to test out different line weights to see which ones are most effective for you.
Try different times of the day and different spots on the lake – If it is midday and hot, chances are the middle of the lake where it is deepest will be the best spot to find fish. Conversely, you can also luck out when it is cooler by hanging around near the edges. Once again, you’ll need to experiment to see which position works best for you.
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