Entries Tagged 'Boating' ↓
August 19th, 2008 — Boating, Camping, Fishing, Fort Bragg, Fuel Dock, Guest Berths, Restaurant, tuna
Dolphin Isle Marina is located in: Fort Bragg, CA
Phone: 707.964.4113

Average Water Depth: The average water depth here is around 14 feet, but this is subject to change due to weather conditions. We recommend calling ahead to check the current levels before you arrive.
Marine Standby Channel: Yes, the marina monitors marine channel 66.
Is there a pumpout station?
No, the marina does not offer this service at this time. However, there are a few other marinas in the area that do. Please ask the harbormaster for more information if you require this service.
Is there a fuel dock?
Yes, the marina offers regular and diesel fuel at their onsite fuel dock. In addition, they also supply propane.
What kind of services are offered?
This is a fun marina that offers plenty of services for boaters. You’ll find an onsite deli that is absolutely fantastic, but there is no grocery store on site. However, there is one located within one mile of the marina location. They do offer a small mini-mart for basic items. Showers and restrooms are provided but there is no laundry service at this time.
Are any guest services provided?
Guests can use the docks, slips as well as electricity and water services. There may be a fee if you stay beyond a certain amount of time or if you do require electricity while you are there.
What you need to know:
This is a great marina, especially if you are planning to stay for awhile, or if you would like to camp off of your boat. The RV camping areas are very well maintained and the docks are very professional and clean. We found the staff to be extremely friendly and helpful and overall this was a great place to stay. If you love to fish, bring your rod - there are some incredible fish just waiting to take your bait here. The size of the tuna and albacore is simply shocking.
Is there a boat launch? No, there is no boat ramp at this facility. However, as above, there are a few in the area that you will be able to use during your stay.
Fees:
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No year-round RV spaces available. |
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Daily Rate
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Weekly Rate
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Monthly Rate
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RV Sites |
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Water, electric, sewer, ?Cable TV, Wireless Internet |
$35
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$200
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$600
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tent camp - electric and water |
$25
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Boat Slips |
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Short-term |
$18
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$50
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$145
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Annual rate $3.50 per foot |
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Trailer storage |
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$35
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How to Get There:
View Larger Map
From Highway 101 take Highway 20 West
From Highway 1 take Highway 20 East
Turn on South Harbor Drive
Turn right at the bottom of the hill and go past Noyo Boat Basin all the way to Dolphin Isle Marina.
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August 18th, 2008 — Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks, tuna
If you eat tuna, then chances are you’ve already sampled this delicious variety of the popular fish. While blue fin tuna are also popular, yellow fin tuna are by far the most commonly caught variety and the one that is commonly used in commercial foods. While you may not have the same equipment as a commercial fisherman, that doesn’t mean that you can’t go out and catch your own Yellow Fin tuna. With the right gear and the right techniques, you can sample a fresh caught tuna and see just how delicious this fish can be.
To get started, you’re going to need to make sure that you have the proper equipment. This is a very large fish with a lot of fight and your standard rod and reel will not cut it. You’re going to need to need at least a 50 pound class trolling reel at your disposal, and a line that can stand up to this fish. Most weigh north of fifty pounds, with fully mature fish getting close to 150 pounds, so keep this in mind when you are shopping for your gear.
The right kind of line is also vital for catching a yellow fin tuna. They can be pretty fierce, and they are usually found only in very deep water. We recommend using a 50 pound test line, especially for deep water fishing. It is not uncommon to have to go to a depth of 600 feet to catch a Yellow Fin tuna, so you’ll want to make sure that your line can stand up to this kind of struggle and depth.
The hook is also key to successfully landing a Yellow Fin tuna. This fish has a very large mouth and they are very adept at slipping hooks. Go for the biggest hooks you can find, usually in the range of a Number 10. It should be at least three inches long, and preferably, a little bit longer than that.
For bait, your options are pretty open here. A Yellow Fin tuna will bite on dead or live bait, but we have found that live bait works pretty well. Go for larger chunks of bait to ensure that they will catch the hook. Otherwise, they can bleed you dry pretty quickly. This is a smart fish, so you’ll need to be pretty wily in your own right to get one.
Squid works very well for catching Yellow Fin tuna, and is pretty easy to find. If all else fails, you can use smaller fish as bait, such as mackerels. You may need to check for any restrictions on using this type of live bait before you get started. Some areas will not allow live baiting, while others do not care.
To find your Yellow Fin tuna, look for large disturbances in the water. They like to travel in big groups and it is not uncommon for them to make quite a bit of noise, which attracts sea birds and other creatures. Spotting them is not terribly difficult but these tips will make catching one a lot less difficult.
Photo Credits: 1
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August 15th, 2008 — Boating, Book Review, Fishing
Captain Jeffrey Caso’s book may not have made the best seller list or be all that well known, but it is certainly a book that every beginning boater needs to read at least once. While those that are already accomplished sea-farers may find it a bit elementary, it is really a terrific read for those that are just starting out, or even maybe only thinking about starting out. Caso’s main premise is that no matter if you are on a dinky little fishing book or a hundred foot yacht, you need to know everything about that vessel before you set one oar on the water. We agree wholeheartedly with that, and honestly, if more beginning boaters read this book, there would probably be fewer accidents every year.
For us, the best part of this book is that it does not read like an instructional manual - and as such - it does not bore you to tears. We found the prose engaging and it read very much like an interesting novel. Don’t let that style fool you though, Caso has some serious information to share. We liked the fact that he didn’t try to overshoot his target audience. By keeping it very friendly and easy to understand, any new boater will be able to get quite a lot out of this book.
Caso starts with the bare basics - understanding what makes each type of boat unique and what you need to know about them. For those that haven’t bought a boat yet, this is a great guide on matching up what you want to do with the right craft. Next, he goes into the actual shapes of boats and how this can cause some instability on the water, especially in bad conditions. This was very useful, especially for those that are trying to figure out which boat is right for them.
After this, he goes out on the water and tells you how to avoid some common beginner mistakes as well as how to handle yourself in all sorts of maritime situations. By sharing some great true stories of what not to do, the reader can easily pick up on the lesson and take the information to heart. We also liked the fact that Caso went into proper boating etiquette, trailering advice and general seamanship, rounding out the book into a perfect read and teaching tool.
Overall, although it may be a little simplistic at times, especially for those who are advanced boaters, it is a very good read and one that we highly recommend. Everything you could ever need to know about boating is right here, in one place. Read it, bring it on board and then reread it every chance you get. Each time you do, you’ll get something new that you can put to use right away. This is easily one of the most entertaining and informative reads we’ve come across in a very long time.
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August 14th, 2008 — Boat Ramp, Boat Repair, Boating, Camping, Fuel Dock, Lake Shasta, Marina, Pump Out Station, Rentals, Restaurant
Holiday Harbor is located on Lake Shasta
Phone: 530.238.2383

Average Water Depth: The marina did not have a current report and this can change with the weather. Please call ahead for lake levels before you arrive.
Is there a marine standby channel? No, not at this time.
Is there a pumpout station?
Yes, the marina provides this service.
Is there a fuel dock?
Yes, the marina provides regular fuel.
What kind of services are provided?
This is a great marina that has campsites on location. It is a favorite among boaters that like to bring their own boat but prefer to camp on land. Restrooms are provided, as well as showers, but no laundry facilities are provided at this time. The marina does have certified mechanics on site if you have trouble with your boat. A general store is located at the marina for stocking up on snacks and there is also a restaurant right there as well. The restaurant is open after Memorial Day and serves some of the best food you’ll find on the lake. Please note that the restaurant does close at four, so you’ll be limited to breakfast and lunch. At the store you’ll also find a gift shop that is great for stocking up on souvenirs or to find special gifts for the folks back home.
What you need to know:
If you’re looking for a marina that is friendly for the whole family, this is a great place to stop. There are plenty of activities in the surrounding area and Lake Shasta is always a great place to spend your vacation. The staff here at the marina are incredibly friendly and you’ll find just about everything you could ever need right here.
If you prefer not to bring your own boat to the lake, they do rent houseboats as well as fishing boats, jetskis and other watercraft. The rates are all very reasonable and all the equipment you’ll need is usually included.
What kind of guest services are provided?
Guests can access the dock, but no slips or moorings are available. Please note that electricity is not available for guest use.
Is there a boat ramp? Yes, there is a boat ramp located at this location.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Marina Rates:
Monthly Seasonal Annual
8 X 20 $165 $150 $140
9 X 20 $200 $170 $150
10 X 20 $220 $190 $165
Campsite Rates
Day Week Month
Site
5/22 - 9/1 $36.00 NA NA
4/1 - 5/21
9/2 - 10/31 $22.75 $150.00 $425.00
Extra Person
5/22 - 9/1 $6.00 NA NA
4/1 - 5/21
9/2 - 10/31 $5.75 $27.75 $95.00
Boat Moorage
5/22 - 9/1 $12.50 NA NA
4/1 - 5/21
9/2 - 10/31 $7.75 $54.25 $160.00
Extra Vehicle
5/22- 9/1 $6.00 NA NA
4/1 - 5/21
9/2 - 10/31 $4.50 $24.00 $60.00
How to Get There:
Holiday Harbor is located 18 miles north of Redding at the O’Brien / Shasta Caverns Rd. Exit #695. Turn East on Shasta Caverns Rd. follow the double yellow line downhill exactly 1 mile. We are located on the McCloud arm of Lake Shasta next to Shasta Caverns.
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August 13th, 2008 — Boating, Fishing, Ling Cod, Tips and Tricks
If you have never heard of the Ling Cod before, this is a fun fish to try to catch that can be found anywhere along the California coast, as far south as Baja. This is a popular fish that gives a lot of sport and the size is well worth the fight. It’s a little different from other types of cod, so you’ll need to use a few special techniques in order to successfully land this fish. Here are some tips to get you started.
First, you’ll need to make sure that you are looking in the right place. If you’re sitting by the shore hoping for the best, you’ll probably be disappointed unless by some fluke of nature, a Ling Cod happens to swim by. This fish loves the depths and will commonly be found on rocky bottoms, and in very deep locations. The best depth to try is around 300 feet, but they can actually go much deeper than that.
Since you’ll be fishing so deep, you’ll need to make sure that you have the right equipment with you. This is especially important since this fish can weigh more than twenty five pounds. You’ll need to make sure that you have an appropriate type of line for deep fishing and one that is strong enough to hold up to the hearty fighter. We recommend a 25 to 30# test line, which should be sufficient.
For a rod, you’ll also want to make sure that it is sturdy or you may end up with a snapped rod for your troubles. For reels, we highly recommend going with a 40 reel when you’re going after Ling Cod. The right combination of rod, reel and line will vastly improve your chances of successfully landing this fish.
Now, let’s talk about bait for a minute. The Ling Cod is definitely a fish that likes live bait, and they have a pretty large mouth. You’re going to want to use larger chunks so that there is a higher chance of hooking them properly. This fish has a particular fondness for shrimp and crab, so a bait consisting of crab meat is probably going to be your best bet.
For jigs, look for a heavier weight and a bright metallic color. This will be more visible on the bottom and the heavier jig will help keep your line deep enough to attract a Ling Cod. You’ll need to be pretty patient once you cast, and stay alert for a slight tub. The smaller Ling Cod may barely be felt when they are first nosing around.
Last but not least, once you have your Ling Cod, you’ll need to be a bit careful when you are gutting them. Stay away from the gills since they contain some very sharp teeth-like projections that can cut you if you are not paying attention. The meat of the Ling Cod can also look a little disturbingly blue, but this is completely normal and to be expected.
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August 12th, 2008 — Boat Ramp, Boating, Fishing, Fuel Dock, Lake Shasta, Pump Out Station, Rentals
Digger Bay Marina is located on Lake Shasta.
Phone: 530.275.3021

Average Water Depth: This varies according to the seasons. Please contact the harbor for lake levels before you arrive.
Is there a marine standby channel? No, not at this time.
Is there a pumpout station?
Yes, the marina provides this service. There may be a fee for guests or full time residents.
Is there a fuel dock?
Yes, the marina provides regular fuel. Diesel fuel may be able at other locations around the lake if you require this type of fuel for your boat.
What kind of services are provided?
This is a very nice marina that is located within a resort. You’ll get all the best amenities and the prices are very reasonable. Showers, restrooms and laundry facilities are provided. There is an on-site restaurant and a store if you are running low on supplies. In addition to their docking services this location also offers houseboat rentals.
What you need to know:
This is one of the nicest marinas on the lake and you’ll find that the service is unparalleled. If you are looking to take a long vacation at Lake Shasta but don’t want to bring your own boat, they do offer houseboat rentals that can be reserved by the week. Prices range from $1500 to $2000 for a weeklong stay and most can sleep up to twelve people. Lake Shasta is really all about the houseboats and this is a terrific way to spend any vacation. The houseboats come with everything you could ever need for your week on the water, but please be advised that they are very popular and limited. If you wish to rent one, you will need to reserve it in advance.
The marina also rents fishing equipment as well as waterskiing equipment. A boat repair shop is also located on site if you experience any problems while you’re on the lake.
What kind of guest services are provided?
Guests can use the docks and slips. Please note that electricity is not provided but guests will have access to moorings. The marina does not specify if fresh water is provided but there are plenty of locations nearby if you do need fresh water.
Is there a boat ramp? Yes, this marina has a four lane boat ramp on site.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Covered Storage Rates
9 x 22
$8.00 per ft.
Min. $176/mo
10 x 22 $8.46 per ft.
Min. $186/mo
10 x 28 w/ power
$7.75 per ft.
Min. $217/mo
Open Slips
Bow Tie $254/mo
Houseboat Slip
w/ power (subject to change after power/water improvements) + meter charge $349/mo
End Tie Slips $344/mo
End Tie Slips w/ Power $409/mo
Miscellaneous Rates
Parking & Launching $15 per day
Transient Moorage
(must have insurance) $25 per day
Prior to the boat entering the slip you must have the following:
Moorage application, a picture of the boat, current certificate of insurance with a minimum
$300, 000 liability limit listing Digger Bay Marina as additional insured, current vessel and trailer registration.
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August 11th, 2008 — Bait, Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
Go into any bait and tackle shop and you’ll be astounded by the sheer amount of selection that is available. Do you really need all of this stuff? Depending on the type of fish you are looking for the answer is both yes and no. The key is finding the right mix of equipment that is essential. Not only will you save money, but you will be able to enjoy a higher success rate on your fishing trips. Let’s go over the essential fishing equipment that you really can’t do without.
1. A quality rod.
Buy a cheap rod and you’ll probably regret it, especially if you are going after bigger fish. Your main investment should be in a really good rod that will last for several seasons. The material is completely up to you, but most prefer a composite rod that will hold up to the stress of a big fish, but not completely overwhelm the smaller species. Check out these quality rods: Fly Fishing Rods, Freshwater Rods, Saltwater Rods, and even Vintage Rods.
2. A great reel.
If you have ever hooked a fish only to end up helpless snared in loose line and knots, you know how important a good real can be. A great reel however will never let you down. You may need to test quite a few before you find the one that fits your technique the best. Again, this is an area where it is ok to spend a little more money, since you’ll be ending up with a reel that will last for several years. Check out these quality reels: Saltwater Reels, Freshwater Reels, Fly Fishing Reels, and even Vintage Reels.
3. Colorful lures that mimic nature.
While you can spend loads of money stocking up on all of the latest lures, it is often the old standbys that will outperform them. Look for lures that are bright and do a good job of mimicking either real bait or a real insect. The brighter the better, especially if you are going after fish that prefer deep waters. Check out these quality lures: Fly Fishing Flies, Freshwater Lures, Saltwater Lures, Big Game Lures, and even Vintage Lures
4. Get the right bait.
This will depend largely on the type of fish you are seeking and it pays to do your research before you head out. At the end of the day however, you can pretty much guarantee that a freshwater fish will be happy to get a nightcrawler. Worms may not be expensive but they do get the job done, especially when compared to the more expensive bait that never seems to work.
5. A good net.
No matter how good you are, you’ll still need to have a good net at your disposal. Look for one with a smaller weave so that you can use it for any kind of fish and make sure that it can hold a heavier fish as well. If you’re noticing a few rips or tears in your net, get it replaced before you end up missing out on the catch of a lifetime.
6. A GPS system.
A fish finder with a GPS system can help you determine the terrain at the bottom of a lake and point out where you will be most likely to find the kind of fish that you are looking for.
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August 8th, 2008 — Boating, Book Review
If you’ve been considering making that transition towards living aboard, this is the go-to resource for everything you’ll ever need to know. We highly recommend this book since it does go into such detail that all of your questions should be answered. It was nice to find a resource that was so complete, thought provoking and useful.
You’ll start out the book by going through an exercise to find out what kind of live aboard candidate you are. This is actually an important step before you go any further with your decision. He’s broken it down into several types to help you decide what kind of boat you’re going to need and what you need to be aware of before you make that transition. This one chapter alone is worth the cost of the book since it can help you make that tough decision before it is too late.
Next up, he goes through all of the different kinds of boats that you can live, their strengths and their weaknesses. Once you familiar with that, you’ll move onto the process of buying your boat. The author includes some great tips to make your purchase easier and to make sure that you are getting everything you need in a boat. Once again, it’s chapters like these that make the whole purchase worthwhile.
Once you’ve purchased your boat, you’re going to need to find a place to put it. There is an enormous section on how to find the right marina and what you need to know about living aboard in a marina. Every aspect is covered and there are some great tips on how to get the best living arrangements. The author also included a section on safety and security for living at a marina and this is a very useful read for anyone about to make this leap.
Now that all of that is out of the way, the author shows you how to calculate how much it is going to cost you to live aboard. Every thing from your monthly costs, start up costs and how much overall you’ll need to budget is included. This is very useful if you are trying to save money by moving aboard your boat.
The next chapter covers mental preparedness for life on a boat as well as some other considerations that you will need to keep in mind. The section on living on a boat with family and your pets is incredibly useful and really breaks everything down. The last few sections cover amenities, how to handle the climate while living onboard as well as important safety and sanitary information.
We highly recommend this incredible resource that contains literally everything you could ever need to know about living aboard a boat. It deserves a place on any boater’s shelf, and particularly for those that are on the fence about living aboard, this could save you a lot of money and a lot of heartache if it isn’t right for you.
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August 7th, 2008 — Boating, Fuel Dock, Guest Berths, Marina, Pump Out Station, channel islands
Ventura Isle Marina is located in the Channel Islands, CA
Phone: 805.644.5858

Average water depth: The marina did not report their average depth. We highly recommend calling ahead before you arrive.
Is there a marine standby channel? They do monitor several channels. We recommend calling the harbormaster to get information on which channels they are currently monitoring.
Is there a pumpout station?
Yes, this service is provided on site. There may be a fee for guest use.
Is there a fuel dock?
Yes, both regular fuel and diesel fuel are provided on site.
What kind of services are offered?
This is truly a great marina that really works to provide everything you could ever need on site. If you can’t find it right there, restaurants and stores are just a few steps away.
They following services are offered:
- Guest Slips
- Concrete Docks
- Lockable Dock Boxes
- Fresh Water
- Telephone and TV Hookups
- Wireless Internet
- Metered Electricity
- a Laundry
- Pump-out Station
- Clean Restrooms
- Showers
- Security
- Lots of Parking
- Sponsored events thru-out the year
What you need to know:
This is an incredibly popular marina and with good reason. They really do go that extra mile to make sure that you have everything you need. We enjoy the friendly staff and the great location, two elements that really make for the perfect marina experience. This is part of a larger chain of marinas and the attention to detail is appreciated by anyone who visits. Truly a great place to stop by for a weekend, or even longer, especially during the busy season.
View Larger Map
Fees:
Effective May 1, 2007
Guest Berths: $1.50 per foot Min. $45.00
Guest Key Deposit: $25.00 (refundable)
Waiting List Deposit: $150.00 non-refundable
(applied to customer account)
Dock - Slip Special Rate Schedule (END Ties):
| Slip Size:25′30′38′
50′
58′
73′
83′
88′
93′ |
Basic* Monthly Rate
$282.00
$339.00
$581.00
$843.00
$1,027.00
$1,448.00
$1,733.00
$1,933.00
$2,156.00
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Inside Tie $8.99 per ft. Min 25 ft.
| Standard Slip Rate Schedule:Ventura Isle Marina at Ventura Harbor: |
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Size:
25′
30′
35′
40′
45′
50′
55′
60′
65′
70′
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Monthly Rate*
$301
$393
$504
$622
$731
$844
$958
$1,074
$1,247
$1,371
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| * Other fees and optional services may apply.Please contact our office for more information.(805) 644-5858.The BASIC rate (RENT): Rate is for the berth based on size of the slip indicated, including up to 3′ permitted overhang.
PERFORMANCE FEE: Equal to one month basic slip rate + $50.00 up to 30′, $100.00 for 35′ & 40′, and $150.00 for 45′ and up.
CARD KEY LICENSE FEE: The FIRST gold and the FIRST blue key cards are free - ALL others are $25.00 each, no exceptions and the fee is non-refundable.
LIVEABOARD CHARGES: Available only on 35′ boats and larger. No Pets.
2 person maximum. $310 + Posted Slip Rate
TRANSFER FEE: $50.00 1st One is Free
RESERVATION: One (1) Month BASIC rent.
Ventura Isle offers dingy storage
as well as bike lockers. |
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August 6th, 2008 — Bluegill, Boating, Fishing, Tips and Tricks
Bluegill are a fun fish to catch and since they are in larger supply than a lot of fish, chances are you’ll have plenty of opportunities to test your skills. Here are some can’t miss techniques to improve your chances of catching that bluegill.
The average bluegill weighs less than a pound and although they are not a physically imposing fish, they do have quite a bit of fight in them considering their size. Depending on where you are located, bluegill may also be called panfish.
1. Get the right equipment.
Bluegill really don’t require anything fancy, but you’ll want to make sure that you are using a lighter pole and the right sized hook. Remember, they are a little small, so a big hook will be out of place. We find that a small number 6 hook usually works best, but some people will go to a number 10.
2. Find the right kind of bait.
Although you can use lures to attract a bluegill, you will want to make sure that you are using the right kind of bait to reel them in. Bluegill prefer live bait and worms usually work the best. However, tiny minnows can also work very well. Just remember that your bait is going to need to be on the small size in order to allow the fish to get completely hooked.
3. Get a bobber.
Since you may not feel the actual bite happen, you will need to use a bobber to make sure that you can tell when you have one on the line. A small red and white bobber will work just fine, you don’t need to have anything fancy to catch a bluegill.
4. Perfect your technique.
Since you’re dealing with a small fish, you’ll have to change your technique a little bit. If you are overly aggressive when you’re reeling one in, you’ll just rip the hook right out of their mouth. Go a little bit to the side when you feel a bite and then gently start to reel them in. The key is slow and gentle movements.
However, all these tips won’t help if you’re not looking in the right place for bluegill. We find that they generally are found in shallow water, usually near the edge of a body of water. Look for small stands of foliage and you’ll most likely find at least a few bluegill in the area.
Chumming is a bit controversial when it comes to catching bluegill and not all lakes or rivers will allow it. However, if you are in an area where it is permissible, you can try this technique, especially if you will be fishing for a few days. Drop your chum in the water and keep doing it several times a day. You’ll be training the bluegill to come to you and you should have pretty good results.
Above all, enjoy yourself. Fishing for bluegill is fun and it is perfect for young fisherman that are just starting out.
Photo Credits: 1
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