Sunday, April 30, 2006

Colorado Fly Fishing - Bait Huckin' vs. Fly Fishin'

Author: Rick Chapo

Article: It was one of those fishing trips. You know, everyone catches fish but you, you loose six or eight of your most expensive streamers, it rains buckets, and you sink the boat. That’s right; I got skunked at Steamboat Lake over Memorial weekend.

I was determined to show those meat huckers (worms and power bait) that a well chosen and strategically placed fly was as effective as anything a conventional fisherman could load on a hook and hang under a bobber. Well, no such luck, I got stomped.

The fish were rising like mad on a midge hatch, and I threw everything in the box at them. I could swear I saw a hefty rainbow nudge my fly to the side to eat the natural laying only centimeters from my damn near perfect replica. As we watched the group of 12 year olds add another 18” fish to their stringer (full loaded, I might add) I decided it must be a lake thing. I don’t fish lakes often.

I usually have good luck with a streamer in faster moving water, so I head for one on the several tributaries hoping to get the boat up far enough to make a make a few good casts. No such luck, here comes the wind. Determined and frustrated, I proceed to lose several of my best streamers in the dense shrubbery surrounding the mouth of the creek (can’t retrieve them since the current is too strong to get the boat any further up the creek).

On the way back to camp we are passed by a couple of boats with stringers of fish crashing off the bows of their boats (hmmm, are they just rubbing it my face, or are they tenderizing the meat?)Questioning my decision to become a fly fisherman, I head over to the dock to pick up my 5 year-old son and a fresh styro of night crawlers. I'll let my son fish the meat before I crumble and load one up on the spinner myself. Surprising, no luck with the meat either, and hear comes the rain. I throw my arms up and ponder my karma activity of the past year.

We charge for shore as the lake turns to white caps. The rain and lightning moves in fast. Did I mention that we got the boat for free and have no clue what to do in the rain? We pull the boat up close to shore near our camp, outside of the no-wake zone. We leave all of our gear and head for the soggy camp.

Well, apparently it’s best to leave your boat in protected cove in the no wake zone. From what we could tell, our boat was hammered with 300 to 400 gallons of water from the waves and boat wakes from boaters rushing back to the dock. Yes, it sank in 18 inches of water. I didn’t realize a boat could sink in 18” of water! All of our gear is floating around the shore. The gas tank and gear which included an Orvis waste pack with hmmmm, some 500 plus flies. Every box any fly had to be opened and dried on the dashboards of our trucks.

We bail the boat, load the truck and haul our soggy gear and crippled egos back home.

Next memorial day, it’s back to the river!!!

About the author: Rick Chapo is with <a href=""http://nomadjournals.com"">Nomad Journals</a> - makers of writing journals for fly fishing anglers. See <a href="" http://www.nomadjournals.com/fly_fishing_equiptment.cfm "">Fly Fishing Journals</a> on our site.

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Make Your Own Fishing Decor from Fishing Gear

Author: Elly Kendall

Article: Decorating with old, used fishing gear is fun, creative and inexpensive. It's pretty easy to find unique fishing gear to use as decorating items for your log cabin or home. Here are a few fun ideas for your fishing decor projects.

First you will need fishing gear. My husband is not the fisherman in our family, I am. So it's easy for me to save old fishing lures that the hooks have dulled and gives me a great excuse to buy more too! Bobbers have a tendency to stop floating after a few whacks on the rocks along the shoreline, rendering them useless to the fisherman but a great find for the decorator. If you confiscate gear from hubby's tackle box remember you now know what to get him for the next holiday or special occasion!

Yard sales and estate sales are great for purchasing inexpensive, used fishing equipment for your decorating projects. Yard sales are less risky than hubby's tackle box too. Keep an eye out for used fishing nets, poles, lures, bobbers, metal stringers and other gear.

The last thing you want is your fishing decor to smell fishy. Be sure to clean everything very carefully and thoroughly. I use alcohol for lures, bobbers and such. Good detergent and bleach for nets. Vinegar and lemon juice work well too.

What type of decorating can you do with your accumulated treasures? This is where the fun really begins, let your imagination shine. Here are just a few ideas to get you started. Minnow buckets make good catch all containers for bedrooms, kid’s rooms and bathrooms for items like crayons, hair do-dads, brushes and combs etc. If you are really crafty they can be turned into lamps. Buy lamp fixtures at the hardware store or inexpensive narrow based lamps that fit into the top opening of the minnow bucket.

Make your own fishing swag from long pliable twigs, boat line or saining nets. Make sure you either remove the hooks from lures and replace with twisted wire shaped like hooks or snip the points off with heavy wire cutters. I have put chunks of cork on the ends of each point, these look like baited hooks! From the twigs I randomly tie bobbers and lures with mono filament (fishing line). I like to use cafe curtains with curtain clips on these swags because they hang below the bobbers and lures. Curtains with the long tabs work great as well.

Old fishing poles from yard sales are very cheap and make great curtain rods. I especially like the cane poles because they are easy to cut to size.

Another idea is to hot glue bobbers and lures all over an old lamp base. I think the more the better on this project, totally covering the base. Of course the lamp size and your taste make a difference. If it's a very large lamp or you just don't have enough lures and bobbers you can hot glue solid bands, about 2 inches wide, of hemp rope or twine to fill in larger areas.

A mobile like you see in babies rooms are fun and add an interesting art form to your fishing decor. I prefer to hang the fishing gear at different levels instead of all one length. Again I use twigs or sticks for this project's ""cross"" to hang the lures, bobbers etc. from and fishing line to tie it all together.

Old wooden picture frames with the glass removed make inexpensive picture boxes. Line a piece of thin cardboard with brown, tan or dark green felt. You can also use fishing print fabric. Put this covered cardboard in the frame like you would a picture and hot glue your treasures on the felt. A good trick is to use sets of three. Three lures, one under the other in a corner, three bobbers side by side for a top row, three hand reels in a row at the bottom for weight and one old metal stringer above the reels.

Things I haven't tried yet but are on my list to create include fishing lures with the hooks removed as cabinet handles, bobbers or lures for light pulls, fishing net swag around the bathroom mirror and drift wood with fishing gear as a conversation piece.

Creating your own fishing decor is fun, inexpensive and most of all you have unique decorating items for your home or cabin. Start collecting old fishing gear and let your imagination go.

About the author: Elly writes for <a href=""http://www.cabinfevergifts.com"">Log Cabin Fever Gifts & Decor</a> We have more <a href=""http://www.cabinfevergifts.com/articles.html"">Cabin Decorating and Gift articles and products</a>.

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Care And Repair Of Fishing Lures

Author: Keith Lee

Article: After buying or making the fishing lures there is still the responsibility of taking care of and repairing them so that they are always in good condition. This requires some effort and time but is usually easy for the angler who makes his own fishing lures.

Since he makes them and puts them together, he also knows how to take them apart and repair them. He also has the tools and fishing lure parts necessary for such work. All the tools required to assemble the parts and make the lures are explained on this page about <a href=""http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com/hand-tools.html"" >hand tools</a>.

Fishing lures in general do not require much care when storing them in a home or shop. The best idea is to put them into cabinet drawers or individual boxes so that they can be found easily and can be kept dry. In humid climates or near the seashore it is important not to expose the metal parts to the air; otherwise, hooks will rust and other metals will corrode.

Fishing lures that have feathers or hair should be kept in airtight containers so that moths and other insects or small animals will not get to them. This also applies to new fishing lures that haven't yet been used. Lures which have been used require considerable care if you want to get the maximum use from them. Freshwater fishing lures usually require less care and repair than saltwater ones.

In general, when examining any fishing lure you have made or bought it's a wise policy to repair it if you are the least bit doubtful about its condition. Repairing usually means sandpapering the part of the lure body that is slightly chipped and then touching up with a small brush, using enamels or lacquers.

Replace the hooks with new ones if they are badly rusted. When doing this it is important to use the same size and weight as the old ones so that the action of the fishing lure is not changed in any way. If the damage is too bad and the lure cannot be repaired, throw it away after salvaging any usable parts.

It doesn't pay to take chances with a fishing lure that is weak in any way. You may hook a record fish but lose it if the lure is not dependable. Many anglers who buy their fishing lures in tackle stores often use them until they fall apart, before buying new ones. But if you make your own fishing lures you can afford to use only those that are still in good condition.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

About the author: Keith Lee is a practical, do-it-yourself angler and owns Make-Your-Own-Fishing-Lures.com , an info-packed website on making fishing lures. Learn how to make fishing lures at <a href=""http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com"">Make Your Own Fishing Lures</a> and use it as your trusted guide on home made fishing lures.

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Fly fishing trips for the uninitiated

Author: Dale East

Article: If you have never taken a fly fishing trip before and you are planning on heading for the wilderness, take along a buddy. At worst you'll have someone to compete with during the telling of one that got away stories. At best you'll have someone to help if trouble strikes.

Go prepared for all weathers and conditions. You'll be miserable if you spend several hours in freezing weather dressed only in shorts and t-shirt.

Remember that the more remote the stream you are fishing, the more easily spooked the fish will be. Approach the water carefully and think for a while before you wade in.

Packing your gear for your fly fishing trip

Try out your gear before you leave on your fly fishing trip. Broken tackle in remote areas is not easy to replace. Carry some extras for emergency repairs.

Avid anglers will often take a small fly tying kit with them so they can whip up a fly to match whatever is hatching on the water. Others use scissors or clippers to trim a ready prepared fly into an ""almost matches the hatch"" one.

Remember to take a current license with you. Murphy's law states that the only time you leave it behind is the time the ranger will want to see it.

Before you leave, have a look at the fishing reports for the area you are intending to fish. You'll get good information about what's going on, including river levels, hatches and other details.

When you arrive or get close to your destination, wander into the local tackle store and speak with the sales people. They'll usually know what's going on and have a few tips for you.

Guided or self-guided fly fishing trips

A guided fishing trip is a good idea if you are fishing unfamiliar waters. Even a couple of hours with an expert will give you hints and tips that apply to that particular spot. You'll spend more time in productive fishing.

Guided trips can cost you dearly. You'll pay by the hour, by the day, or by whatever the guide decrees. Some guided trips will include tackle, some will not. The price will vary accordingly.

If you are an experienced angler and expert at reading any water then you'll be able to get away without paying for a guide. Sometimes peace and solitude is well worth a couple of hours of getting used to the stream.

For me, the hike into the backcountry enhances the trip. I take time to soak in the fresh air and admire the scenery. The fishing is the climax, but the journey is well worth the time.

Fly fishing is more than just a sport, it is like painting with many brushes. An extended fly fishing trip will enable you to practice your artistry. If you return with nothing more than a greater appreciation of the beauty of a trout, then you will have returned a greater artist.

About the author: Dale East is a long time outdoorsman and fly fisher and publisher of <a href=""http://www.fly-fishing-wyoming.com""target=""blank_"">Fly Fishing Wyoming</a>

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Fly Fishing Vacations for your sanity

Author: Dale East

Article: Fly fishing vacations are advertised all over the Internet, in magazines, and wherever fishing related activities are taking place. Your choices are limited only by your budget.

<b>Fly fishing vacations on a budget</b>

Speaking of budgets, if your wallet isn't amenable to spending big bucks on a fly fishing vacation, you'll have to look carefully at the options available. Most professionally run fishing vacations will cost you dear, but there are a few bargains out there.

Decide firstly what you want from your vacation. If you expect the professional to supply all your gear, you will pay for it either in hidden costs or as an added extra.

A boating trip will cost more than a simple wading trip. A camping trip will be less than one where you stay in cabins or hotels.

If you hire a guide to show you the ropes, be prepared to pay for him or her. The upfront costs will usually not include gratuities. The advantage of a guide is having someone who knows the waters and who can direct you to spots where fish are found. (No guarantees).

<b>Getting the best out of fly fishing vacations</b>

If you are paying money for your fly fishing vacation, you should have certain expectations. Do some homework before you commit so that you won't be disappointed.

Check out exactly what you will be getting for your bucks. Are there hidden costs involved? Don't plan on catching your dinner every night; the fish might not cooperate.

There are vacations suitable for families with young children. Others are aimed at target groups. Women only fly fishing vacations are offered regularly, as are those targeting youth groups.

A vacation for the novice fisherman is not likely to excite the experienced pro. Likewise the novice will soon be disillusioned if signed up for a vacation where instruction is beyond his or her capabilities.

<b>What's available in fly fishing vacations?</b>

Fly fishing vacations are available throughout the States and internationally also. Prices range from the hundreds of dollars per night to the thousands of dollars for multi-night stays.

Your fly fishing vacation might include a full day seminar followed by a day or two on the river to practice what you've learned. Other vacations are purely the get out and fish type. Some vacations are float trips where you'll have the opportunity to cook your catch in the evenings over a campfire and talk about the ones that got away. Other trips are catch and release only, so you'll need a camera to record your successes.

Fly fishing vacations are sometimes offered at ranches where there is private water. This might be a privately owned portion of a river or stream or it could be a large lake or pond that has been stocked with trout. Often these privately owned waters have a catch and release provision.

<b>What you should know before you leave on your fly fishing vacation</b>

Before you leave on your fly fishing vacation, make sure that you have a confirmed list of the inclusions offered in your itinerary. If possible, find out what others have said about the operators of the program.

If you are taking your own tackle, make sure that it is suitable for the waters you will be fishing. Find out if you can purchase anything you might need at the site.

A fly fishing vacation might not be paradise personified, but it is sure darned close. If you have done your homework and everything falls into place you'll have your office colleagues wondering about the smile on your face when your return to work.

About the author: Dale East is a long time outdoorsman and fly fisher and publisher of <a href=""http://www.fly-fishing-wyoming.com""target=""blank_"">Fly Fishing Wyoming</a>

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Saturday, April 29, 2006

Surf Fishing the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Author: Elizabeth Edwards

Article: My first experience surf fishing was with my father on Wrightsville Beach, NC in the 60's. He parked our shiny black Ford Fairlane in a gravel parking lot off the beach and we hiked over the dunes to the surf, carrying rods, buckets, tackle box and various other fishing paraphernalia. I remember him catching bluefish, croakers, puppy drum and flounder as I played in the tidal pools nearby. Later, my grandmother would fry the filleted fish to a golden brown and we would eat them with hushpuppies and coleslaw.

Years later, in the mid-eighties, I remember an early winter fishing expedition near Oregon Inlet, south of Nags Head, this time with my husband, 8-month old daughter and a Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppy. My husband had come in from duck hunting and had heard the big blues were hitting the beach! We parked our 4-wheel drive truck nearby on the hard sand and with the baby playing contentedly in her car seat and the puppy chewing on anything he could find, we lined up along the surf with a few dozen other fishermen, casting the heavy silver spoon lures into the churning waters of the big blue blitz. Cast after cast we were rewarded with huge bluefish, twelve to sixteen pounds, filling up a wheelbarrow in a pyramid of large fish. Later we filleted, boiled and ate the fish in casseroles made with mashed potatoes. Needless to say, we were eating bluefish casseroles all winter long.

Surf fishing is exciting, rewarding and accessible to all. Most locations can be reached either by car or ferry. With a basic understanding of seasons, conditions, equipment and regulations, an angler can get lucky just about any time of the year, but typically the very best times to surf fish are spring and fall.

Popular and prolific sport fish species you may catch surf fishing along the North Carolina coast include:

Channel bass (red drum, puppy drum) The spring season generally begins in April. This run will peak by mid May and taper off in early June. Average size in spring is 35 to 50 pounds. In September the smaller drum will enter the surf. These fish will range between 2 and 15 pounds. They are more plentiful than the larger variety and can be found in most sloughs. In late October the bigger drum (40-70 pounds) return and remain until late November. Bait of choice is fresh mullet; rods are 9 to 11 feet with medium to heavy action tips. Size allowed is between 18"" and 27"" with a daily bag limit of 1 per person.

Bluefish Blues are available in a variety of sizes from April to December to surf fishermen and boaters as well. Large size blues (8-12 pounds) arrive in May and remain until November. Their departure is generally hastened by the arrival of the fall run of 15-20 pound giant blues. These later fall visitors are plentiful and powerful. They'll take bait (mullet, spot, or menhaden) or almost any type of lure. Fishing rods 9 to 11 feet are preferred. Bag limit of 15 per day per person. Only 5 allowed over 24"" total length (from tip of snout to tip of compressed tail).

Spanish mackerel This fish is somewhat of a tourist, arriving in June and staying until later September. The Spanish is delicious, averages 1 to 3 pounds and presents a real challenge to any angler. Spanish mackerel are usually taken on fast moving metal lures. Fishing rod of choice is a 9 foot light action. Minimum size allowed is 12"" fork length (from tip of snout to middle of fork in tail). Bag limit of 15 per day per person

Striped bass Recently during the winter months striped bass have returned to NC waters in great numbers. October, November and December are the best times for fishing, with fish still showing up as late as February. In Atlantic waters, size limit is over 27"" total length with bag limit of 2 per day. For sounds and other areas, consult the NC Marine Fisheries website.

Flounder (summer, southern) Flounder begin biting in May as the water warms. By June, the fishing is going strong, with both summer and southern flounder being caught. Southern flounder dominate the catch in inshore and southern NC waters, while summer flounder dominate the catch in offshore waters north of Cape Hatteras. Many flounder are caught using cut baits and some are caught using jigs. When jigs are used, they work best when tipped with fish, shrimp or a mullet minnow.

Other species available to North Carolina surf fishermen are pompano, croaker, trout, spot, hogfish and whiting (sea mullet).

Be advised that there is a proposed recreational saltwater fishing license which is scheduled to take effect January 2006. The license is still being debated by the North Carolina General Assembly and you should check the NC Marine Fisheries website (http://www.ncfisheries.net) to determine if a license is required before fishing the NC coast after that date.

Also, the size regulations and limits given above are accurate at the time of this writing (summer 2005) but are subject to change, so check the NC Marine Fisheries website to confirm these regulations before your fishing expedition.

Whether beginning angler or old salt, surf fishing is a popular and fun activity with minimal expense, no boat required, easy access to great fishing conditions and plenty of action. With a minimum of effort and expense, you can catch a variety of excellent eating fish, have a great time and start making your own memories.

About the author: Elizabeth Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info>fishing</a> and <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info/index.htm>fishing gear</a> on www.fishing-rod-guide.info.

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Purpose Of Fishing Rod Holders

Author: Travis Clemens

Article: Fishing is a sport designed for relaxation. It is where fish lovers pride themselves of the fish caught while celebrating it with friends and family.

The rod holder is a fishing tool that allows fishermen to multi-task easily. It was invented because fishing requires the use of both hands in the whole process of luring, hook clearing and removing the fish from the hooks. With all these tasks, letting go of the pole is difficult. The fishing rod holder was intended for anglers to be able to make use of both hands.

The first design of fishing rod holders had two parts. The first is a pole-binding device with a strap placed on the railing to tie up to the fishing pole. The second part is a Velcro strap that could be tied on your limb, arms or waist.

The first designs needed improvement because when the straps were placed on the waist, it is wedged into anything you hit. Therefore, a new design of rod holder was invented which has four parts - two pole clips and two straps.

Depending on what fishing position you are in, the short strap is used to be wrapped around your wrist or forearm and the long strap is wrapped around your ankle or leg.

There are also rod holders which come with a remedial solution for seasickness. This curative fishing rod is capable of providing the user with an acupressure stimulator. Providing that the strap of the holder be worn all throughout the trip, it would remain efficient since the pressure is exerted continuously.

The rod holder is best for fly-fishing. Fly fishing is done in locations with rocky rivers and it is impossible to use your other hand for any purpose other than the fishing tasks. Because of the clips wrapped around your lower leg, you have a choice of putting the rear of the fishing pole into the clip so that no water could go inside it.

The upper pole clips could rotate to 360 degrees. It allows the user to do any movement since the pole is more flexible. The fishing rod holder could be used in any location whether in boats, on land, or at the dock. It prevents the fishing rod to slip from your hands and it allows you to release the rod easily.

The best fishing rod holders are those done homemade. However, many fishing stores offer high quality rod holders that would best suit your kind of fishing.

About the author: Travis Clemens is a life time fisherman and he knows the ins and outs of gettinem on the hook! You too can gettem on the hook with Travis as your guide! http://www.best-fishing-tips.com

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Women and Fishing -- Not Just a Man's Sport

Author: Elizabeth Edwards

Article: More and more women are learning to enjoy fishing each and every day. And, why not? Fishing is a sport that doesn't require exceptional strength, stamina or height - quite the contrary, fishing is a sport of agility, finesse and patience, skills many women already possess. So why don't more women fish?

Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing gear, tackle, and an understanding of the quarry. Fish have a variety of feeding habits, behavioral patterns, etc. and these characteristics influence how to go about fishing for them.

Traditionally, men learned how to fish when they were boys from fathers and grandfathers. Even if this training was lacking, it's no big deal for a guy to hang out with other guys who enjoy fishing and learn the ropes from them.

For a woman, though, the process is apt to be somewhat more difficult. In my family of all girls, we learned the thrill of fishing as children from our father. Fortunately for us, our dad was an ""equal-opportunity"" fisherman...and he was a very patient man.

We learned to bait our own hooks, remove fish from the line, and clean the fish as well. We were rewarded with many an enjoyable Sunday on the lake competing for top family fishing honors of who caught the most and the biggest fish.

For women who weren't brought up fishing as I was, all is certainly not lost. Although learning from a boyfriend or spouse is not out of the question, a significant other may not be the best place to get your first fishing pointers.

Your honey may not have the patience that you will need to learn proper fishing technique and he may be a bit condescending as well…not exactly conducive to an enjoyable learning experience.

Try instead local women's fishing clubs. Check online for groups in your area that are specifically organized by and for women. Many groups are primarily centered on fly-fishing but not all are.

Also see if your community college or local university offers any fishing courses. Often fishing classes are offered in the adult education, physical education or recreation departments.

Of course, you can also start at your local library, checking out books on fishing and learning a few basic techniques that way.

Your local fishing outfitter or marina may have more information as well and would also be a good place for information and to network with other fishing women.

Another option is to go online and search for websites catering to women and the outdoors or, more specifically, women and fishing. One such website is www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Founded by Betty Bauman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1997, LLGF ""promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members.""

Other groups, both national and state, promote fishing for women. There are seminars, fishing adventures and special fishing events scheduled year-round in many areas of the country which are organized especially for women anglers.

Yet another reason fishing is a great hobby for women is because beginning your fishing experiences need not be prohibitively expensive. Especially when compared to other hobbies, start-up costs for spin or bait-casting fishing equipment are not tremendously high. Generally speaking, $200 or less can buy more than enough basic quality fishing gear for a beginner to get started. To start up a fly-fishing hobby will cost a bit more as the gear tends to be more expensive.

This, of course, doesn't include a boat! But, many fishing locations can be reached without a boat. Again, do your research to find areas accessible by car.

More women should consider fishing for an enjoyable and challenging hobby. Learning the basics of fishing is easy but perfecting those angling skills can take many hours of sometimes peaceful and sometimes extremely exciting time at the other end of a line.

About the author: Elizabeth Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info>fishing</a> and <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info/index.htm>fishing gear</a> on www.fishing-rod-guide.info.

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The Fishing Guides Center -Florida Feature

Author: Bernard Scala

Article: Fishing Guides - Florida

This article is brought to you By The Fishing Guides Center

http://www.FishingGuidesCenter.info

Champion Pro Guide Services is one of the busiest professional guide and

charter service located in Central Florida just minutes from Disney

World and Orlando. We are a complete guide service in Central Florida

offering you more choices for your next Florida fishing adventure. We

offer Trophy Bass Fishing, Peacock Bass Fishing, Fly Fishing, Flats

Fishing, Offshore Fishing Charters, and Camping Trips.

No other fishing guide service in Central Florida will work as hard to

provide you with a great Florida fishing adventure no matter if you are

going bass fishing looking for a trophy bass, or fly fishing for

largemouth bass, redfish or tarpon, saltwater flats fishing for redfish,

and snook or offshore on a deep sea charter looking for dolphin, cobia

or sailfish.

There are many guide and charter services in Florida, and Many right

here in the Orlando area. Do not be fooled by other guide service who

imitate us. Browse our website and see for yourself why we are the

busiest, and the best guide and charter service in Central Florida.

We cover the whole Central Florida area. Orlando, Kissimmee, Disney

area, Okeechobee, Port Canaveral, Titusville, Melbourne, Cocoa Beach,

Vero Beach, Sebastian, Felsmere and other great fishing areas.

Central Florida Bass Fishing

Fish Some of Florida's Best Bass Fishing Lakes. In Central Florida and

Orlando we fish Lake Tohopekaliga (Toho), Kissimmee Chain, Lake Conway,

Walk-in-Water for largemouth bass. In South Florida we fish Stick Marsh

and Lake Okeechobee and the Florida Everglades for Largemouth Bass. We

fish for Peacock Bass in Miami.

Central Florida Flats Fishing

Our Saltwater Flats fishing adventures could take you to world famous

Mosquito Lagoon, Indian River and Banana River around Titusville and

Kennedy Space Center for Exciting Redfish, Trout and Tarpon Action. We

also fish the south end of Indian River around Vero Beach and Sebastian

Inlet and Sebastian River for Snook, Tarpon and huge Redfish. Flats

Fishing is also a great Fly Fishing adventure.

Florida Offshore Charters

Offshore Fishing Charters out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Deep Sea

fishing trips for Sailfish, Cobia, Dolphin, Kings, Wahoo, and world

class Tarpon. This exciting sport fishing adventure is only one hour

from Orlando and the Disney Area, so make your reservation now to enjoy

some great offshore fishing. We also fish out of Sebastian Inlet for our

offshore trips too!

Visit our site http://www.championbass.com/

About the author: Bernard Scala is the owner of the Fishing Guides Center - a web site devoted to Fishing and Fishing Venues throughout the USA and Europe http://www.FishingGuidesCenter.info

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Make A Small Fortune In The Fishing Industry...

Author: A.J. Klott

Article: Make Small Fortune In Fishing Industry...

....now there is a headline you don't see very often.In fact, I have never seen it.

Unless you start out with a large fortune and slowly pitter it away while in pursuit of our friends who live beneath the waves, most people don't enter the exciting world of the fishing industry to seek fame and fortune. There are rarely any recruiters from Salmon canneries knocking on your door as you bask in the glory of graduation from college, nor do you pick up a copy of Entrepeneur Magazine and find"" fisherman"" as a hot start-up franchise. Guys wearing lots of ""bling"" and chest waders rarely come sloshing into your business and hand you a business card and brochure claiming that: ""for a $10,000 investment I can help you triple your income in thirty days...GUARANTEED!!""

In fact, I even googled ""Make Money Fishing"" and came away with 313 responses and the disheartening notion that if you choose fishing as a way of life--you are pretty much destined for a life of relaxed mediocrity. There of course are some exceptions, like tournament bass fisherman, or guys selling fishing adventures to Mars--but for the most part --if you have some startling epiphany that ""I want to make my fortune in fishing""- you are barking up the wrong riffle.

Some other samples from the make money fishing offerings:

1.Russ Roy-- Offers up a slightly ""tongue in cheek"" article, stating that we fisherman can earn extra cash slathering stinky fish attractants and fish ""sputem"" on our jeans and then resell them on perhaps ebay as ""designer fisher wear"". Complete with fish hook holes. I only say slightly ""tongue in cheek""--because they probably would sell -- especially in some posh Beverly Hills boutique on Rodeo drive.

""Oh dahling, those salmon roe encrusted Jordaches make your tush look devine!!""

Heck, throw in a ""roostertail"" 1/4 ounce zipper and I might buy a pair myself.

2. A New England commercial fisherman is selling his fishing operation--He is ""grossing"" about $80K per year and claims a ""cash flow"" of $53k. Asking price $105k. The ""hook"" here is the benefit of leaving the rat race for the ""open seas"". I have to ask myself,"" does this mean he wants to re-enter the rat race??"" Health issues force sale?? Wear funky woolen sweaters!

NO THANKS!

Oh and by the way-- it is a one man operation--so have fun running around that boat and giving orders to yourself, or you can hire someone and pretty much watch your $53k disappear.

No fortune there.

3. Make your own fishing lures-- This might give you some self satisfaction, or relieve some tension--which in itself might be a nice benefit for the rest of society- and I suppose if you can get $3.00 a lure you can actually triple your income as a current fly tier...However, I doubt you are going to make a fortune, unless you can break into a already saturated market of fishing lure producers or you live to be 116 and can sell them on ebay as ""antiques"".

I really couldn't find any bonafide ""get rich in fishing"" schemes, except for the tournament fisherman offerings, which pretty much isn't considered fishing at that point.

Not even an MLM scheme-- ""You see, you buy 12 fish and send them to each of the Kingfishers in your UPLINE-- and then you move up from carp level!!"" --""When you move to the top of the ""pyramid anchor""and become a ""Marlin"" you will then receive 64,000 FISH in your mailbox!""

Are you in?

So I guess we fishermen will have to retreat to the ""zen-minimalist"" philosophy of : less is more, if we want to consider ourselves ""wealthy"" or ""rich"".

At least by fishing standards, we can consider ourselves rich in outdoor experiences, or having a wealth of fishing knowledge. Not to mention, that the Toyota Chinook camper is paid for!!

According to my good friend""Webster"" fortune is defined as :prosperity attained partly through luck... AND who knows more about luck than a fisherman!!!

So, keep trying to sell those Rolex imatations, cheap pharmaceuticals, and""secrets"" to success on ebay.

The competition is a lot less in:"" the road to fishing riches"" market. Which can only lead to a lot of ""downtime"", which can certainly be filled with..... FISHING!

Besides, I have never heard it said that: ""the time spent selling cialis on the internet is not deducted from one's life""--have you?

About the author: A.J. is a writer,blogger, and sometime peddler of ""fly tacks""-- the greatest invention since the runcible spoon!! His first book is due out in December.Visit his website at: http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

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Friday, April 28, 2006

Saltwater Fly Fishing -- The Tide Runs Through It

Author: E. A. Edwards

Article: Saltwater fly fishing is all the rage these days. This excitement is quite understandable because there’s hardly anything more thrilling to a saltwater fly rodder than a bluefish blitz, a tailing red drum off the coast of NC, or a bonefish battle on the flats of south Florida waters.

If you are just getting started in saltwater fly-fishing, there are a few tips that will make your conversion from freshwater easier and more productive.

Get some gear just for fishing saltwater You’re best bet is to get another fly rod and reel for your saltwater fishing adventures. Your freshwater gear is undoubtedly going to be lighter than may be necessary to deliver that big fly in a stiff offshore breeze, and you’re better off leaving your high-dollar equipment out of the punishing salt air.

Get a good 10 weight rod There are a number of reasons you need to use heavier tackle. One is because you will need to make longer casts with larger flies in typically windy conditions. Another is because when you see that fish you need to deliver the fly IMMEDIATELY. Doing that will be considerably easier with heavier equipment.

Put your money in the rod If you have to make a choice between spending money on rod or reel, choose rod. You can get away with a less expensive reel but you will not get the control you need with a cheap rod because it will flex more when you try to cast. The rod is more important than the reel.

Buy a reel made for fishing saltwater You will still have to clean it after use but it will hold up better than one designed for freshwater.

Buy the best fly line you can afford More expensive fly lines last longer and perform better than cheaper lines, it’s as simple as that. Your lines are the one place you can’t afford to pinch pennies. Also be sure to keep your lines clean and dressed with a good line dressing if you expect top performance from your lines.

Keep direct contact between your rod tip and fly. Beginning saltwater anglers often do not realize the lighting speed at which a marine game fish is apt to strike. Every little bit of slack from our rod to the fly means a greater chance your hook-up will be unsuccessful.

Keep your rod tip pointed toward the water Your best chance of hooking a saltwater game fish is by not lifting your rod from the water and setting the hook by stripping the line, keeping the rod pointed down before lifting it. Eliminate as much slack as possible between your rod and the fly and you will find your attempts will be more successful.

Try the shooting head system Because of the heavy head section, a good caster can achieve a good 80 to 90 feet of distance with only one false cast. You may often find yourself in a situation where an 80 foot cast is sometimes not enough for open water fishing so a long cast with a shooting head is what is needed.

Fabulous flies Keep in mind what your game fish eats and mimic it (most of the time). Sometimes the fish will only bite the bizarre, but usually you’re better off with flies that look like minnows, shrimp, crabs, worms, and various other small saltwater creatures.

Whether you are just getting started and testing your fly-fishing “wings” or are a veteran who simply loves the sport, give saltwater fly-fishing a try this fall or spring. You’ll be hard pressed to find a more exciting fly fishing adventure than a saltwater one.

About the author: E. A. Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about <a href=http://www.fly-fishing-guide.info>fly-fishing</a> and <a href=http://www.fly-fishing-guide.info>fly-fishing gear</a> on www.fly-fishing-guide.info.

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Women and Fishing -- Not Just A Man's Sport

Author: E. A. Edwards

Article: More and more women are learning to enjoy fishing each and every day. And, why not? Fishing is a sport that doesn’t require exceptional strength, stamina or height – quite the contrary, fishing is a sport of agility, finesse and patience, skills many women already possess. So why don’t more women fish?

Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing gear, tackle, and an understanding of the quarry. Fish have a variety of feeding habits, behavioral patterns, etc. and these characteristics influence how to go about fishing for them.

Traditionally, men learned how to fish when they were boys from fathers and grandfathers. Even if this training was lacking, it’s no big deal for a guy to hang out with other guys who enjoy fishing and learn the ropes from them.

For a woman, though, the process is apt to be somewhat more difficult. In my family of all girls, we learned the thrill of fishing as children from our father. Fortunately for us, our dad was an “equal-opportunity” fisherman...and he was a very patient man.

We learned to bait our own hooks, remove fish from the line, and clean the fish as well. We were rewarded with many an enjoyable Sunday on the lake competing for top family fishing honors of who caught the most and the biggest fish.

For women who weren’t brought up fishing as I was, all is certainly not lost. Although learning from a boyfriend or spouse is not out of the question, a significant other may not be the best place to get your first fishing pointers.

Your honey may not have the patience that you will need to learn proper fishing technique and he may be a bit condescending as well…not exactly conducive to an enjoyable learning experience.

Try instead local women’s fishing clubs. Check online for groups in your area that are specifically organized by and for women. Many groups are primarily centered on fly-fishing but not all are.

Also see if your community college or local university offers any fishing courses. Often fishing classes are offered in the adult education, physical education or recreation departments.

Of course, you can also start at your local library, checking out books on fishing and learning a few basic techniques that way.

Your local fishing outfitter or marina may have more information as well and would also be a good place for information and to network with other fishing women.

Another option is to go online and search for websites catering to women and the outdoors or, more specifically, women and fishing. One such website is www.ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Founded by Betty Bauman of Ft. Lauderdale, FL in 1997, LLGF “promotes networking among women anglers and emphasizes mentorship between novice and experienced members.”

Other groups, both national and state, promote fishing for women. There are seminars, fishing adventures and special fishing events scheduled year-round in many areas of the country which are organized especially for women anglers.

Yet another reason fishing is a great hobby for women is because beginning your fishing experiences need not be prohibitively expensive. Especially when compared to other hobbies, start-up costs for spin or bait-casting fishing equipment are not tremendously high. Generally speaking, $200 or less can buy more than enough basic quality fishing gear for a beginner to get started. To start up a fly-fishing hobby will cost a bit more as the gear tends to be more expensive.

This, of course, doesn’t include a boat! But, many fishing locations can be reached without a boat. Again, do your research to find areas accessible by car.

More women should consider fishing for an enjoyable and challenging hobby. Learning the basics of fishing is easy but perfecting those angling skills can take many hours of sometimes peaceful and sometimes extremely exciting time at the other end of a line.

About the author: E. A. Edwards is a free-lance writer with a variety of professional and personal interests. You will find more information about <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info>fishing</a> and <a href=http://www.fishing-rod-guide.info/index.htm>fishing gear</a> on www.fishing-rod-guide.info.

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Fly Fishing with Streamers

Author: Cameron Larsen

Article: Fly fishing streamers is often over looked by fly anglers, especially trout anglers. Streamers is a category of flies fly fisherman have given to loosely mean food other than insects. Generally, being smaller fish, it could also be crayfish, leeches, and crustaceans. Bass and salt water anglers, are more familiar with the theory that big fish eat littler fish. However, as our sport is dominated by trout anglers we think insect first and many times that is as far as our thought process goes. However, big fish eat little fish, always have and always will. Fish are indiscriminate feeders and will eat what is presented to them. They don't have preferences, they take what they are given. And the nice thing about little fish is they are always present.

In most rivers and lakes there will be almost always be fish fry of one kind or another present. With the predominant season for fish fry being the spring, they easily will be present until late fall, and often year around. But even if fry are not around, minnows are present year around, sculpins, silversides, alewives, smelt, the list is endless. And even if you say there are no minnows available where you fish, well, trout are cannibalistic, if your fishing waters have big trout, then it also has little trout. In short, the 'hatch' is always on when you are fishing streamers.

Besides year around availability, another advantage of fishing streamers, is your average catch is going to be larger. Fish are masters of energy conservation and expenditure. They will not pursue food if it costs more energy to catch then they will receive from its consumption. That is why in the winter they will not chase food, you literally have to hit them in the nose with it. This fact, helps us to understand the feeding habits of large trout. A large trout holed down deep, not particularly interested in eating, will consume a minnow, if given the opportunity, no matter what. They might not rise up to devour size 22 Tricos, unless they are in a feeding mode, but given a minnow that they only have to lunge for, is an opportunity they won't turn down very often. That is a lot of energy consumed without a lot of energy exerted.

Techniques for fishing streamers vary from nymphs somewhat. A little action imparted by your rod tip, can help convince your targeted prey that the minnow is injured, thereby increasing strike potential. If casting into a river, the current will help you greatly in imparting 'swimming' action onto your streamer. Raisng and then lowering your rod tip, can also aid in the action. Vary the tempo until you find something that works. If fishing in lakes and ponds or from a boat on a river, you will need to retrieve. Again vary the tempo, using short bursts followed by a count or two of idleness. Allow your streamer to fall, often times the strikes happen when your fly is falling.

Favorite trout streamers include Woolly Buggers, both beadhead and non-beadhead. Mickey Finns, Jannsen's Minnows, and of course the veritable Muddler Minnow and its cast of imitators. Bass fisherman have also used the same patterns for years and years. Saltwater patterns all virtually fall under the streamer category with perennial favorites being the Lefty's Deceivers, Clouser Minnows, and Crazy Charlies. As well as various crab and shrimp patterns.

Trout fisherman might have to bulk up their gear a little, depending on what they are used to fishing with. 6 wt rods are usually preferable, with enough stoutness to cast the bigger fly, and fight those sure to come bigger fish.

About the author: Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier and fly fishing guide. He now operates The Big Y Fly Company. http://www.bigyflyco.com/flyfishinghome.html He can be reached at info@bigyflyco.com. This article will appear in the Big Y Fly Fishing E-Zine at Http://www.bigyflyco.com/Bigyflyfishingezine.html

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Fly Fishing Journals - Keep Track of Your Trips

Author: Rick Chapo

Article: Fly fishing is addictive. Once you start, you'll never stop. Whether you are going to the local water hole or to Alaska, you should use a fly fishing journal to keep track of your sessions.

Fly Fishing Journals

Fly fishing is more than just fishing, it’s a peaceful, surreal activity. For many, there is almost a meditative quality to casting. For avid fly fisherman, fly fishing trips to locations such as the Battenkill River in Vermont, Green River in Utah and Letort in Pennsylvania are a must. Of course, the possibility of trips to Argentina, Alaska and other exotic locations can make ones eyes glassy. For many, however, past fly fishing experiences fade from the memory with time. If you had keep a fly fishing journal, this doesn’t have to be the case.

There are famous instances of people keeping journals throughout time. Of course, Anne Frank’s Diary is the best example. In her diary, Anne kept a running commentary of the two years her family spent hiding from the Nazis. While your fly fishing sessions will hopefully be more lighthearted, keeping a journal will let you remember them as the years pass.

A good fly fishing journal combines a number of characteristics. First, it should be compact. Second, it should have a water-resistant pages and a case to protect it from the elements. Third, the journal should contain blank areas to write your notes. Fourth, the journal should contain cue spaces to remind you to keep notes on specific things. Cues should include:

1. Who you went fishing with,

2. The weather conditions,

3. The fishing conditions,

4. The flies you used, what worked and what didn’t,

5. What you caught, and

6. Lodging and places to eat,

As time passes, your fly fishing journal can be used as:

1. A guide for you or friends that return the same location,

2. Information on gear and flies to take,

3. Memories to reflect upon years later, and

4. Something to pass on to your children and grandchildren.

Keeping a fly fishing journal only requires a few minutes of writing. You can fill it out on the ride home or during a break. As time passes, your journal will become a collection of incredibly valuable fly fishing information. Imagine the look on a friend’s face after they mention going on a trip and you whip out your journal for the spot!

About the author: Rick Chapo is with <a href=""http://www.nomadjournals.com"">Nomad Journals</a> - Makers of fly fishing journals.

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Explore the UK fishing mark of Mablethorpe on the east coast of England

Author: Suzanne Hodnett

Article: MABLETHORPE, is a beach resort on the East coast of England. The beach is a long stretch of clean sands with some great fishing. The clean and flat ground is excellent for Flounder and the catch here is often flatfish. However, Smoothounds are also a regular visitor to the beach and offer great sport and exciting fishing. Both the Smoothounds and the summer Bass can be found at a distance of only 30 - 40 metres or so and a cast of this length can bring you some large fish. Other species to be found here are Eels, Dabs, Sole (late summer and mainly at night) and both Codling and Whiting come close in at the end of the year (October onwards).

Best baits would be crab without a doubt! Crab is the best for Smoothounds and Flounder although Lugworm and Ragworm are also good especially for Bass and for enhancing the appeal of a spoon rig for the Flatties.

The tackle should be light and the ideal rig would be a 2 or 3 boom paternoster. Use 12lb mono line as the main body of your rig with 15lb to 20lb mono hook lengths ending in a Kamasan Aberdeen or Mustad 3261BLN Aberdeen for worm baits. A Cox and Rawle Crab Hook or the popular wide gape circle hooks are well suited for crab baits. You'll also obviously need a grip lead to keep anchored against the surf!

About the author: SeaFishingSupplies.co.uk is a secure online tackle shop specific to UK sea fishing. Our shop is VAT Free and delivery starts from 99p. <a href=""www.SeaFishingSupplies.co.uk"">sea fishing tackle - VAT Free</a>

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Thursday, April 27, 2006

BANK FISHING & RAMPS EAST OF CINCINNATI

Author: NLCATFISH

Article:

You have permission to publish this article in its entirety either; electronically or in print, free of charge. As long as bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication; or notice of your use of my article would be greatly appreciated! Thank You.

FACT FINDING TRIP

Around eleven o’clock Sunday morning I started out on a fact finding trip. I wanted to checkout some of the boat ramps and bank fishing area around them. These ramps are east of Cincinnati all the way up to the Meldahl dam. I also wanted to finally get to the Aberdean Power Plant’s creek that I heard so much about.

I took Ohio route 52 all the way to Abredean and back. Checked out how much the fees were to launch a boat. My first stop was at Sweetwine marina just east of River Downs race track. The area around the ramp is more mud than gravel, but does have a dock to tie up your boat. The fee is $5 which is cheaper than the Cincinnati park ramp fee.

The second spot is Steamboat Bend Campgrounds which is about 3 miles up river from the 1st spot. There is a very nice dock and cement ramp. The fee is $5 per day or $25 per year to launch your boat. You also have to get a Hamilton county park sticker which is $1 a day or $5 a year. The only down side is the river has to be lest than 28.5 to drive your trailer down to the ramp. It is a good spot to use your casting net to gather Shad and Skipjacks.

Next stop was the public ramp at New Richmond. Big advantage here is you can launch for FREE. There is a good area to park your trailer. No dock so it is tricky to launch a boat by yourself. There are large areas to bank fish above and below the ramp. The bank is sand and gravel.

The mouth of Big Indian Creek at the rest stop in Point Pleasant was my next stop. There is a small trail from the parking lot to the bank. Not much area to bank fish for the water is shallow and has a number to dead trees to snag your line. The Creek did seem to hold bait fish so might be a good spot to use a casting net for bait.

Moscow public ramp is also FREE. It has a wooden dock that enables you to tie up your boat as you park the trailer. There is a good around of area to bank fish around the ramp. The black top road is a little tricky to see in the dark and or fog. This is another place the Skipjacks can be caught with a casting net.

The State of Ohio built a very nice ramp at Neville last fall. The parking lot is black topped and large. There is NO Sign along route 52 about the ramp!. You have to go down MORGAN Street one way to the ramp. Then leave out on Coffee which is one way to the highway. There a re 2 new docks that allows for securing your boat. This is also A FREE launch set up and it is just below the Meldahl Dam.

The Ohio side of the Meldahl Dam is a dirt or muddy bank all along the Lock wall. You can fish it, however it is not the easiest area to walk around. There is a small parking area that has a tricky path down to the water. I did not see any skipjacks at all on that side of the dam. I got there just after a shower turned the area into a steam bath. So I did not stay there very long at all.

The Aberdean Power Plant has their hot water discharge into a small creek. In the late fall and winter this creek is where the Skipjacks thrive. There is a parking lot right at the Adams county border on route 52. Pull into the lot and then walk down a long narrow path to the bank of the Ohio River. There is also a very narrow path that goes along the creek bank. From what; I saw that path would be muddy and hard to walk with the trees that have blown down across the path. There is an Iron semi dam at the mouth of the creek with another section up stream in the creek that makes getting a boat in there risky. I have been told guys really load up their coolers with big skipjacks over the winter. I would say if you live east of the Meldahl dam then go to Aberdean. All else get all the skipjacks you can in the fall at Meldahl or anywhere else. Put them in your freezer over the winter. Save the gas money and time of driving all the way up there.

I hope this information will be of some use to get a few more cats your reels sing.

nlcatfish@fuse.net webmaster for Cincinnati Catfishing www.cincinnaticatfishing.com

SHOP WITHOUT DROPPING www.cincinnaticatfishing.com/Shop1.html LINKS 4 FISHING INFORMATION AND SUPPLIES www.cincinnaticatfishing.com/links4fishing.html

About the author: Have been catfishing around the Downtown Cincinnati area of the Ohio River for over 40 years. Gone fishing at Lockport 5 times over the past 10 years. Locport,MANITOBA, is the greastest place to catch lots of huge CHANNEL catsfish in North America!! For the past 6 years have passed catfishing information for the Cincinnati part of the Ohio river on my web site ""CINCINNATI CATFISHING"".

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Fishing In Jamaica

Author: Ryan Larson

Article: Fishing in Jamaica is part of a dream vacation for many. There are many excellent fishing spots, as is evidenced by Jamaica’s international popularity as a fishing destination and tournament site. Deep-sea fishing trips are easily chartered, as are fishing tours of the region. As an island nation, fishing is important to the local economy, a part of the local culture. Thus, the savvy visitor may be able to arrange to do his fishing outside of the usual tourist spots, and instead enjoy a few of the places known and loved by local fishers.

Suzie-Q Deep Sea Fishing Charters operates out of Falmouth, which is close to Montego Bay, offers both 8-hour and 4-hour charters for up to 12 people. There are a wide variety of fish available in the fishing region, including blue marlin, white marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo, black-finned tuna, yellow-finned tuna, skipjack, kingfish, mackerel, and sailfish. Reservation must be made 48 hours in advance, and rates are $500 for 4 hours with up to 8 people, $900 for 8 hours. $30 per extra person, up to a total of 14, will be charged.

Jamaica Deep Sea Adventures, found at the Port Antonio marina, prides itself on the fine equipment it provides for its fishers. One of the special items is a chair designed specifically for supporting the fisher while he is struggling with large fish. Fishers can expect to be dropping their lines up to 6,000 feet into the beautiful salt waters that are home to numerous species of fish, including barracuda, tuna, and marlin.

Montego Bay is home to No Problem Fishing Charters. They offer half day charters for $360 and full day charters for $690. Also in Montego Bay are Pier One Marina, where chartered fishing excursions can be arranged, and North Coast Marine Charters, which operates out of Half Moon Hotel and Wynham Rose Hall Hotel.

Families will enjoy using Salty Angler Fishing Charters of Montego Bay, because children are welcomed and beginner’s lessons are readily available. It should be noted, however, that this is catch and release fishing only. They have a variety of fishing experiences available, including open water fishing, coastal fishing, night fishing, fly fishing and light tackle fishing.

At the Lost Beach Resort, located in Negril, a different sort of fishing trip can be arranged. For a fee, a trip with a local fisherman can be set up. Fishers will accompany the local fisherman in his wooden skiff and fish by line or by pot. It is a fascinating experience and a wonderful way to learn a bit about the local culture.

Near Treasure Beach and also around Port Antonio, small wooden boats can be chartered or rented for hand-line fishing. As with most fishing expeditions in Jamaica, the local hotels can help to locate and arrange the most suitable fishing experience.

Jamaica has a broad range of fishing opportunities, from adventurous and exciting to relaxing and peaceful. Tours and charters are not only for the sports fisherman, but also can be enjoyed safely by families. Jamaican waters draw fishers from all over the world, and for good reason. Each fishing day has the potential to be a one-of-a-kind experience.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of <A HREF=http://www.fishing-vacation-guide.com>http://www.fishing-vac ation-guide.com</A>

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Florida Keys Fly Fishing

Author: Loren Rea

Article: Fly Fishing in saltwater has become so popular in the last twenty five years in the Florida Keys that the Bonefish census board determined each fish is ""worth"" about 3,000.00. This is mostly due to the overwhelming amount of tourist who visit the Florida Keys each year to go fishing.

Fly fishing in saltwater has always been a known sport amoung its enthusasts but not until the last few decades has it sparked an interest in many more anglers. It provides the ultimate challenge to many, the cast must be perfected, take into account the wind, the moving fish, the moving boat, and you have your perfect saltwater fly fishing scenario.

Many fly rodders flock to the Florida Keys each year for the annual Tarpon migration. Depending on the temperatures, tarpon can start showing up in the lower Keys as early as February and tarpon fishing will last well into the summer months. For a fly fisherman the first few seconds of a tarpon hookup is the most exhilarating. The hook set on one of these prehistoric silver monsters has to be strong and often you will strike two to three times to get the hook in the tarpon's cinder block mouth. Once he's hooked you will know it and most likely he'll take you on the ride of your life. Don't be disappointed if after a few jumps he gets off, that's tarpon fishing and it should be enjoyed for what it is... a great display of gamefishing.

Other fly fishing target species here in the Florida Keys include the bonefish and the elusive permit. Permit are considered the ultimate gamefish taken on fly tackle. Some purists will even venture to say it has been the pinnacle of their saltwater fly fishing. Permit are nervous all the time. In my opinion they are a deep water fish who just do time on the flats to get food. A bandit of bait. They feed on blue crabs about the size of a silver dollar and shrimp. Therefore fly fisherman tie up many forms of crab patterns including the classic Merkin crab fly. This pattern in its many shapes and forms works best for fly fishing for permit here in the Keys.

Some of the largest bonefish in the world live here in the Florida Keys. Large bonefish cruise the flats from Biscayne Bay down to the Marquesas Keys west of Key West. The most concintration of large bonefish is in Islamorada. Many think this is because Islamorada hosts so many release bonefish tournaments and these fish are relocated after they are released at the tournament weigh station to grow up in ""downtown Islamorada"" as many of the guides call it. Bonefish in the Keys range from 4lbs. to over 10lbs. and are not easy to catch on fly but it can be done.

Advice to the Florida Keys visiting flyrodder, practice your casting as often as you can. Many visitors come to the Keys to try fly fishing for the very first time. It is a great way to either fall in love with the sport or become completely frustrated. There are casting clinics held at various fly shops in the Keys and Sandy Moret holds a fly fishing school a few times a year.

Loren Rea is an avid fly rodder and lives and works in the Florida Keys. She writes a report weekly at <a href=""http://www.flyfishingthekeys.com"">www.flyfishingthekeys.com </a>

About the author: Loren Rea lives and works in the Florida Keys and has been heavily involved in the fishing community.

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Fishing Kayak

Author: Peter Lenkefi

Article: There’s a good chance that if you’re reading this article then you are already a fan of kayak fishing, or if not you are keen to learn and already know the basics of kayak fishing. The advent of the Internet has brought with it the biggest resource in the world on any topic you might be trying to research and the fishing kayak or the sport of kayak fishing is by no means an exception to this rule.

Don’t throw away your fishing gear.

The first important thing to point out is that if you are already a keen fisher or you have fishing gear in your house, don’t throw it away; virtually any fishing gear can be quite easily adapted to work in a fishing kayak. Obviously, though, you will need to buy a fishing kayak and one of the first things you’ll learn on your travel through the Internet is that fishing kayak owners are very proud of their respective fishing kayak.

Pick your specialty.

Just because you’re looking for a fishing kayak doesn’t mean you are the same as every other kayak fisherman out there and one of the first things you will need to decide is whether you are going to sit on or sit in your fishing kayak. My personal preference is to sit on the kayak; this way you can add or carry accessories or equipment and you can easily hop out to wade the shallower waters.

Give it a go.

There’s more than likely a shop somewhere in your area that sells kayaks and you should take this opportunity to get down to those shops and give the different types of kayak a go. You won’t necessarily know exactly what you want from your fishing kayak immediately and by sitting in (or on) your next fishing kayak you will get a much better idea for the feel of it and whether it is indeed the kayak for you.

Also, this gives you the opportunity to talk to someone who should know quite a lot about the sport and while kayak fishing is a relatively new sport there are already some intensively keen advocates of the kayak fishing pastime. If you’re a beginner, tell them; like I say it’s a new sport so there’s no shame in admitting you don’t really have a clue about what you’re looking for. If you tell them your skill level and what you are looking for they should be able to point you in the right direction and more than likely give you some good advice not only about the fishing kayak you are interested in but they may even give you some useful gems on the actual sport.

About the author: For more more information about fishing kayaks please visit http://www.buy-sea-kayaks.com

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Care And Repair Of Fishing Lures

Author: Keith Lee

Article: Making fishing lures may be easy for the seasoned do-it-yourself angler. But the maintenance of these lures is just as important to ensure a tip-top condition.

After buying or making the fishing lures there is still the responsibility of taking care of and repairing them so that they are always in good condition. This requires some effort and time but is usually easy for the angler who makes his own fishing lures.

Since he makes them and puts them together, he also knows how to take them apart and repair them. He also has the tools and fishing lure parts necessary for such work. All the tools required to assemble the parts and make the lures are explained on this page at http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com/hand-tools.html .

Fishing lures in general do not require much care when storing them in a home or shop. The best idea is to put them into cabinet drawers or individual boxes so that they can be found easily and can be kept dry. In humid climates or near the seashore it is important not to expose the metal parts to the air; otherwise, hooks will rust and other metals will corrode.

Fishing lures that have feathers or hair should be kept in airtight containers so that moths and other insects or small animals will not get to them. This also applies to new fishing lures that haven't yet been used. Lures which have been used require considerable care if you want to get the maximum use from them. Freshwater fishing lures usually require less care and repair than saltwater ones.

In general, when examining any fishing lure you have made or bought it's a wise policy to repair it if you are the least bit doubtful about its condition. Repairing usually means sandpapering the part of the lure body that is slightly chipped and then touching up with a small brush, using enamels or lacquers.

Replace the hooks with new ones if they are badly rusted. When doing this it is important to use the same size and weight as the old ones so that the action of the fishing lure is not changed in any way. If the damage is too bad and the lure cannot be repaired, throw it away after salvaging any usable parts.

It doesn't pay to take chances with a fishing lure that is weak in any way. You may hook a record fish but lose it if the lure is not dependable. Many anglers who buy their fishing lures in tackle stores often use them until they fall apart, before buying new ones. But if you make your own fishing lures you can afford to use only those that are still in good condition.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

About the author: Keith Lee is a practical, do-it-yourself angler and owns Make-Your-Own-Fishing-Lures.com , an info-packed website on making fishing lures. Learn how to make high-quality fishing lures at http://www.make-your-own-fishing-lures.com and use it as your trusted guide on home made fishing lures.

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Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Why Should You Buy a Custom Fishing Rod?

Author: Steve Broadwell

Article: Well, perhaps you shouldn’t. If you have just started fishing, and occasionally dunk a worm for panfish, you can easily get by with a cheap rod from a discount store. But, if you have progressed in the art of fishing to the point where you get a kick out of your equipment, and have learned to appreciate the benefits of a sensitive rod, the custom rod may be for you.

There are some concrete benefits to the custom rod. Above all else, the custom rod can be much more sensitive than any rod you can buy over the counter. Sensitivity is a function of two things – the actual characteristics of the blank and weight. When you go the custom route, your rodmaker can help you select a blank that is ideal for what you require. Bass fishing with a dropshot or splitshot rig? In this case, you need a very sensitive tip to feel the bite, but enough butt to get in the big ones. Every type situation can be optimally handled with a specific blank.

Weight is the other component of sensitivity. The lighter the total rod weight, the better you will be able to feel those light bites. As a plus, the lighter the weight, the less tired you will get over a long day’s fishing.

When you go the custom route, you can tailor each part of the rod to reduce weight. Since a good rodmaker will do both static and dynamic testing, you will have fewer guides. Fewer guides towards the tip is a particularly good thing, as weight here really reduces sensitivity. Also, you can choose extremely lightweight guides to further reduce overall weight.

The handle is another area where weight can be saved. Today’s hot handle is the split grip, where there is a small butt, then the bare blank, then the reel seat. This not only saves weight, but can be customized to fit your hand and forearm. Of course, you can have your choice of handle materials, from the normal cork, to EVA foam, to exotic woods. There really is no limit to customization in the handle.

There are many other unique things you can have in a custom rod – spiral wrapping, your favorite colors (even your school colors), special lengths, etc. If you really want the ultimate fishing experience, a custom rod may be for you.

How much should you pay for a custom rod? There is a wide range of prices. If you go with a top line branded blank, with a lot of custom art, you can easily pay well over $1,000. However, a function rod, customized to your needs, can also be obtained for not much more than $100. It really depends on what you want.

If you decide a custom rod may be for you, you need to contact a local rod builder. He can help you decide if you can justify the price, and walk you through the selection process.

About the author: Steve Broadwell is a life-long fisherman who has been interested in rod building and repair for many years. He has just opened a home-based business with the goal of offering custom rods at affordable prices. Visit http://www.bcrods.com to learn more.

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Drizzle Fishing in Saltwater or Freshwater

Author: Greg Smith

Article: ( Great fish catching opportunity after a rain storm. )

What the heck is that you might ask? Well, let me tell you. Drizzle fishing is all about taking a break and getting side-tracked from your normal daily activities towards the end of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm, even if only for a brief period of time. Just after the storm moves through, grab your fishing rod and head for your nearest canal, seawall or beachfront and make a few casts with your favorite fishing lure.

Keep it simple. Do not make an ordeal out of it. Get to the nearest body of water you can reach. It could be saltwater fishing off of a dock, beach or jetties for snapper, trout, redfish, flounder, tarpon or snook; or a fresh water river, pond or canal for bass. Just take a spinning rod and reel, and a couple of easy fishing lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs.

This type of fishing is pleasurable, relaxing and productive. On many occasions such as this my work day will suddenly stop! I then get up out of my chair which is perched in front of my work computer, immediately grab my fishing rod and head off down to the fresh water canal behind the house and start throwing a soft plastic lure or worm. I often concentrate my casts around the storm drains since noticing that the bass will often times congregate around these after a storm, possibly waiting for their next meal to wash out of the drain.

Depending on when you make it to the water after the rain storm, you may find yourself standing and fishing in a rain drizzle. That is ok. Just relax, cast, take long deep breaths and enjoy the moment. Just be careful not to be out during any remaining lightning.

Fishing this way is not only therapeutic, you will catch fish too! Not being a scientist, I can not tell you why, maybe it's the change in pressure, but you will probably notice that many times after a storm moves through the bite will turn on during the calm period. Take advantage of this fishing opportunity time when you can. You will be glad you did. It will enable you to clear your mind of the strains and tensions that your normal work day puts you through, sometimes catch a few fish, then get back to your day feeling just a little bit better.

The inspiration for this modest writing came from my own recent drizzle fishing experience and yes, was even lucky enough to catch six bass in a short period of time. After the bite was over, I quickly returned back to my computer and typed these thoughts. Give it a try yourself.

This article may be freely reprinted as long as the author's resource box and url links remain intact.

About the author: Greg Smith is a lifelong fisherman and publisher of the <a href=""http://www.floridafishingspots.com/"">Florida Fishing Spots</a> website. Visit <a href=""http://www.floridafishingspots.com/"">http://www.floridafish ingspots.com/</a>. Your source for free fishing information on artificial reefs, charters and guides, tackle, lures, secrets, fly, saltwater, electronics, boats, kayaks and more.

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About Buying Fly Fishing Flies Online

Author: Steve Clark

Article:

By Steve Clark

<a href=""http://www.totalflyfishing.com/"" target=new>www.totalflyfishing.com</a></p>

For many fly-fisherman, fly-tying is a serious hobby. Given that tying your own flies provides so much satisfaction, why buy flies online? </p>

For many fly-fisherman, fly-tying is a serious hobby. Not only is fly-tying economical, it is enjoyable. Nothing beats the thrill of mastering a new fly pattern, or creating specialized flies for ones' unique fishing situations. Also, one cannot underestimate the sense of adventure that accompanies the fly-fisher on the prowl for the perfect materials, whether browsing the local fly shop, ransacking a craft store, or even salvaging road kill. </p>

Given that tying your own flies provides so much satisfaction, why buy flies online?</p>

<strong>Obtain local fly patterns</strong>

The first reason is that as your fly fishing experience grows, your desire to test new and foreign waters increases. As a result, your need for localized patterns becomes more important. Sure, you want to do the research and tie your own variations of the Club Sandwich before you hit the Snake River for the first time, but there's something to be said about fishing the tried and true local patterns on your initial outings to foreign waters. With that idea established, you can either buy these flies from a local shop or purchase them online. I recommend doing both.</p>

Say you live in New Jersey and you're planning your first trip to Colorado. You and your buddies plan to hit a few a rivers within 10 days. Before you go, do research on the internet - find out what's hatching on these rivers when you plan to visit them, and what patterns work best. Then, based on your research, purchase enough flies online to cover you while fishing these waters. Now you have a safety net - you won't have to worry about not having enough flies for the rivers you'll fish at the end of your trip.</p>

Next, research local shops on the internet - find out who the proprietors are and when they are open for business. Now this idea might seem obvious to many of you, but make it a point to stop at these shops before you fish. When you arrive, ask them about recent fishing activity and what flies they would recommend. Tell them about your trip, let them know you found their site on the internet, and ask for their advice. Tell them what flies you already have and ask about what else you may need. If your budget allows, purchase as many of the flies they recommend. </p>

<strong>Save time while supplementing your current collection</strong>

There comes a time in which your energy is better focused on fishing than tying flies. A typical North American fly-fisher and fly-tyer spends the ""off"" months tying flies for the season ahead. Many fisherman focus the bulk of their tying efforts on the winter months to prepare for spring, summer, and fall fishing. If you are one of those anglers who feel like they never have enough flies, purchasing your ""basic"" flies online can leave you time to focus on the more specialized, region-specific flies that you might not find on the web. For example, why not buy your attractor flies such as Adams or Stimulators, so that you can concentrate on the special mayfly flies that you know will require special attention to detail? The same idea applies to those ""hard-to-tie"" flies - if you dislike tying size 24 Tricos, why not buy those items online so you have more time to crank out the flies you prefer to tie?</p>

Also, consider how much your time is worth. Think about your fly-tying time as if you were a professional fly-tyer. How much is an hour of your fly-tying time worth? If it takes you two hours to tie twelve size 26 BWO emergers, you might be better off spending $10 on a dozen of the same fly so that you can use those two hours to tie 18 Rusty Spinners. </p>

<strong>Variety</strong>

No matter what you want to purchase, nothing beats the internet for window shopping. I have seen the same fly pattern tied three different ways on three different sites. This variety allows you to find the best pattern that matches your intended fishing location. For example, if you plan to fish faster moving water, your parachute patterns might need a bit more hackle, or even a brighter post. On the other hand, if you plan to fish tailwaters, your mayfly patterns might need to sit lower on the water. By the same token, if you intend to fish mostly in the spring, your mayfly patterns might need to be a lighter color than if you intend to fish in the fall. </p>

By browsing different sites for the same patterns, you will be able to compare patterns and ascertain the right fly for you. The best way to do this is to open two or three browser windows at a time on your computer. Then go to different sites in each browser and compare the patterns you are interested in. </p>

<strong>Save money</strong>

Quite simply, buying flies online can save you money. Not only can you find discounts for large orders, the actual cost of individual flies can be lower than if you purchased flies from some of the larger fly fishing retailers. The best online merchants often charge as little as 65 cents (sometimes, even 50 cents for fly patterns). One disadvantage is that you don't get to inspect the flies before you purchase them, unlike in a store. I recommend buying a few different patterns your first time so that you can determine not only the quality of the flies, but the consistency of the quality across different patterns. For example, a good initial purchase might include a stonefly nymph, a caddis pattern, a mayfly emerger, a mayfly dun, and an attractor pattern. This way you could check the various elements of typical flies such as tails, dubbing, hackle, deer-hair, and hook strength. </p>

<strong>Types of web sites</strong>

There are hundreds of web sites that sell flies online. These sites fall into two categories: companies that only sell flies, and fly shop owners who run web sites for their businesses. </p>

Businesses whose sole purpose is to sell flies online usually have a greater amount of flies available. One advantage these sites offer is that they are more likely to offer discounts on larger purchases. Also, their web sites tend to be more user-friendly (though not always). Many of these sites typically include advanced functionality that make selecting and purchasing flies easier on the user. The best of these sites allow you to set up personal accounts or use ""shopping carts"" to store your selections before purchasing. In this manner, the purchase experience is more convenient. Shopping carts tend to be ""persistent"" - in that a visitor may select items to the cart one day and return to the site at later time to find that the shopping cart still contains the previous selections. This allows you to select items you are interested in, leave the site and do more research, then alter or add to your selections later.</p>

Fly shop web sites, on the other hand, typically present the user with flies specifically relevant to the area that the fly shop services. You have a better chance of purchasing flies that are most effective to the area you want to fish if you purchase them from local fly shops. Furthermore, you are supporting the local economy of the area in which you desire to fish. Many fly shop web sites also include online hatch charts which can inform you of flies you most likely need.</p>

<strong>The authors experience</strong>

In the spring, and summer I do a lot of fishing on the Delaware River in the Catskills Mountains of New York. Throughout the winter I will tie a decent amount of the flies I actually need. As spring approaches, I have found that supplementing my collection with web-bought flies ensures that I am ready to meet the various hatches encountered in the spring. Any Delaware River fly fisherman will tell you that hatch-matching is a critical part of success on this river. In my limited experience, I have encountered days in which four or five different hatches took place. On top of that, the hatches change from week to week. I have ensured a decent modicum of success by checking local hatch charts ahead of time and then purchasing a dozen flies from week to week.</p>

Hopefully, these tips will help you increase the amount of flies you own, and enhance your fly-fishing experience.</p>

Article courtesy of Steve Clark of TotalFlyFishing.com at <a href=""http://www.totalflyfishing.com"" target=new>www.totalflyfishing.com</a> This article cannot be reproduced anywhere else without his consent.</p>

About the author: Steve Clark runs TotalFlyFishing.com, an internet resource guide for fly fishing.

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Fly Fishing Rods - Getting The Bends

Author: Rick Chapo

Article: Picking a fly fishing rod is a tricky endeavor. Do you go with your ego, expected fishing environment or something else? While length is a factor, the bend or action of the rod is a key factor.

Flexibility

Fly fishing rods are often defined by their flexibility. In laymen’s terms, flexibility means how far the rods will bend when the same casting effort is used.

Minimal Bend

A fly fishing rod that has minimum bend is often called a “fast” rod. The lack of bend lets the angler get lots of speed on the cast. This speed allows you to cast very accurately and farther away than rods with more bends. While these benefits may sound great at first glance, a fast rod can be frustrating. There is no room for error when using the rod. If you are going to use one of these rods, you need excellent motion and timing. Generally, only anglers with a lot of experience should have a go at using fast rods.

Moderate Bend

The next step down from a fast rod is one with medium flexibility. These rods tend to have good flexibility, but the bend is restricted to the top half of the rod. The rod requires less perfection of motion and timing, but is fairly accurate. If you’ve been angling for a while and have the basic techniques down, a moderately flexible rod is worth a try.

Slinky Bend

If you are just taking up fly fishing, you should use a rod with maximum flexibility. While others suggest a moderate bend is better for beginners, a “slinky bend” rod gives you a lot of leeway when it comes to learning to cast.

Fly fishing is relaxing and enjoyable. Pick the wrong rod, however, and it can quickly become frustrating and stressful. If you use your brain, not your ego, when picking a rod, you will have a blast.

About the author: Rick Chapo is with <a href=""http://www.nomadjournals.com"">Nomad Journals</a> - makers of writing journals for fly fishing anglers. See <a href=""http://www.nomadjournals.com/fly_fishing_equiptment.cfm"">Fl y Fishing Journals</a> on our site.

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