What Makes a Great Site for a Fishing Guide?

Author: Dan Mccart

Back in high school we used to write book reports, essays and other things in order to learn the process of conveying information to others. That same skill applies to creating web sites. You are writing an essay on why a fisherman should use your service. There are both positive and negative aspects of this new medium. You have many more tools at your disposal. These tools can assist in conveying your message or if you are not careful these tools can distract your visitors from the message you want to present. Here are five basic ideas that a good fishing guide or fishing charter website should incorporate to convey a positive, easily understood message to potential clients.

Your site is a reflection of you. First impressions are never forgotten. If your site is cluttered, poorly designed, sloppy, slow, uninformative or unfocused these qualities will reflect on your business. Just as forming a good essay back in high school was important so is forming a well-structured, informative website. Know who you are and know who your customers are. Structure and design your website to fit your customer's needs and to reflect on you as a professional fishing guide. First know yourself and the customer you wish to attract. Does your site look like you?

If I can't read it, I leave it. Your site may have a great background and may look really cool... but make sure the graphics don't distract from the message. There are reasons newspapers are black and white. Help your readers read. A nice blue background is great, and graphics on the side are fine, but don't make your visitors strain to read your message and don't distract them from the professional image you are trying to portray.

Do you want to sell your guide services or is that just a side line? Many sites I see are not clear on what exactly they are trying to accomplish. What is the purpose of the site? Be an insurance salesman or be a professional fishing guide, but not both at the same time. Keep your content focused. Valid extras to put on your site are recommended lodges, restaurants, marinas and yes, even advertising is fine when it relates to your fishing message. Try not to mix unrelated content with your website, it just confuses the user and distracts them from your core message.

Don't make me search for basic information. I want to clearly see your name, address, phone number and email address. Be straight with me. What lakes do you fish? What style do you use to catch fish? Being vague might help you get a customer, but it won't help you keep a customer. If you are a catch and release, tell them that. A lure man, tell them that. Give them the message... ""This is what I do and I do it very well"".

One of the best pieces of information you can tell a prospective client is your latest fishing report. Why hide it on page 3 at the bottom. Put it on your main page of your site. This is the best understanding your customer can get of your service and success. Also, the search engines will rank your site higher if you have information like this on your front page, especially if it is changing each week or so.

I would love to say that that is all there is to this. I could actually cover another 20 topics that are just as important. I will leave you with just a few other issues to keep in mind when building and maintaining your website. Color, eye control, pictures, logos, maps, awards, sponsors, links, clear pricing are all issues to consider and to carefully analyze. Please just remember two things, (1) your site is who you are and (2) your goal and message is to sell your professional guiding services.

About the author:

Dan Mccart is the co-owner of Blue Sport Fishing – http://www.BlueSportFishin g.com , Over 10,000 listings of Fishing Charters and Fishing Guides .

4 Tips For Buying The Perfect Fishing Boat

Author: Dana Goldberg

The sun is about to rise and the weather is crisp. You pack your tackle box, grab your pole and buy some worms. You make your way to the fishing dock dreaming you had the perfect fishing boat so you were landlocked no more. Now that dream can become reality with these 4 easy tips for finding and purchasing the perfect fishing boat!

Have a clear understanding of the purpose of the fishing boat. Obviously the boat is going to be used for fishing, but is it going to be used on oceans or in lakes? For day time trips or overnight stays? If you play to stay in your boat overnight, be sure to choose a boat with a hull which will allow you to ride the waves much better than a boat without one.

Make sure to have a clear understanding of your budget. Boats are very expensive items. You should be well acquainted with your finances before you take on the extra burden of a boat purchase. Boats with hulls for overnight stays and rough waters are obviously more expensive than small boats for small lakes. Know your limitations.

Read and understand the warranties fully before making a purchase. A warranty can be your best friend. Make sure the dealer you buy the boat from offers you the proper coverage in case there is any defect or problem with your boat. You don't want to end up having to pay huge amounts to fix your boat because you forgot to check out the warranties!

Make sure the boat has proper certification .The NMMA, or the National Marine Manufacturer's Association is an organization that tests boats that are manufactured by different companies. They only certify those boats that pass their rigorous testing. Any boat certified by the NMMA is one that you would feel safe owning.

Also, just like cars, boats must be registered. Be prepared to register your boat just like your vehicle (i.e. paying money). On top of that expense, you must now stock your boat with life jackets, brand new fishing gear, food and a cooler so you can get fishing!

About the author: Dana Goldberg is the owner of The Boats Blog . On her blog you will find tips and advice on buying or selling a boat.

Alaska Salmon Fishing

Author: William Berg

Alaska has a well developed tourism sector that welcomes thousands of anglers from all over the world each year. Since Alaska is such a huge land area with a long coast line and numerous streams and rivers, you can still enjoy secluded wildlife fishing without having to venture into crowds of other fishermen.

Sport fishers that travel to Alaska will typically purchase an all-inclusive trip since this means that they can focus entirely on fishing and waste no time looking for accommodations, worrying about logistics and searching for restaurants while being far away from any town. Since many parts of Alaska is inaccessible by ordinary cars, finding a fishing trip arranger that can provide you with small catered airplanes, off-road vehicles and fishing boats is a very good idea. Having someone else taking care of the meal arrangements when you are off in the wilderness is also appreciated by many sport fishers.

When you begin to shop around for a trip adviser you should ideally compare many different trip arrangers before you select one. Take advantage of the Internet and compare prices and services online, and don't hesitate to send e-mails or call different companies to find out about details that are important to you. When you look around for a trip arranger, it can be useful to keep in mind that Alaska is divided into six regions: Southwest Alaska, Southeast Alaska, Alaska Interior, South Central, the Kenai Peninsula, and the Kodiak region. Southwest Alaska is where you will find the large Bristol Bay; an area very popular among sport fishers. Southeast Alaska will contain fishing destinations such as the Price of Wales Island, while Alaska Interior is where you should go if you want to enjoy fishing in the Copper River. South Central is situated next to the Prince William Sound, and the Kenai Peninsula is of course the region in which you will find the Kenai River. Finally, the Kodiak region is where you can fish salmon in the famous River Kodiak.

If you really want to splash out during your Alaska salmon fishing your can choose one of the exclusive private islands where you will enjoy first-rate accommodation, supreme restaurants and even be pampered with saunas and steam rooms after a long day of fishing. Others prefer a more rough and traditional way of life during their fishing trip, and enjoy the quite life of a simple hut far away from any signs of civilization. Chop your own wood and create a cosy fire, cook the catch of the day on the old-fashion stove and spend the evening in candle light or watching the stars far away from any stressful urban dwellings.

When you research the different accommodation alternatives, it is important to find out how many people they can accommodate. Some private Alaskan trip organisers will only be able to receive a few individuals, which makes them a great alternative if you are travelling alone or with a small company, but less suitable if you are a part of a large group.

About the author: Read more about Alaska Salmon fishing and Alaska fishing lodges .

Fishing Tips for the New Angler - Where to Find the Big Bass!

Author: Buck Wilson

Ready to join the growing number of sportsmen who have set their sights on catching that big bass? Thousands of new anglers are gearing up to hit the lakes, streams and rivers in search of the largemouth bass. This magnificent game fish can be as elusive as that winning lottery ticket.

Bass are part of the sunfish family. Other members of this species include spotted bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed fish. These bass, including the largemouth, are identified as warm water bass or black bass. Because of its ""spirited"" nature on the line, the largemouth bass is a favorite game fish for the casual weekend angler, as well as, the tournament fisherman.

As a new angler, your greatest challenge will be locating the ""hideouts"" of the largemouth bass. What makes the bass such a great game fish is that they are hard to predict. They are sensitive to environmental and seasonal changes. As water temperatures or levels change, so will their resting places. Other factors affecting their location might be season, weather conditions, amount of daylight, and food availability.

So, where is the best place to find the big ""Kahuna"" of bass? Different bodies of water will yield different results. Let's take a look at each:

Ponds

Ponds can yield satisfactory results, but the bass tend to be small to medium in size. Weeds and reeds are the natural habitat of bass. When fishing ponds, look for areas of weed beds near the shore. Bass will tend to congregate near or in these weedy areas, but also like to hide around sunken logs, large rocks, or deep holes.

Lakes

Natural lakes must be divided into two categories - lakes in the Southern states and lakes in the Northern states. The lakes in the north tend to have a wide array of topography - rock bluffs, weed beds, holes, sunken logs, reefs, islands and reeds. Bass aren't as plentiful in these lakes because these waters do not contain the plankton and algae that they like to feed on.

On the other hand, Southern lakes, especially shallow ones, breed some of the largest bass in North America. In these lakes, the bass will congregate in the shallows around the weedy and reedy areas. It's around these areas that you have the greatest probability for a strike, so cast your bait or lure in that direction.

Streams

Streams are often overlooked as a source for good bass fishing. They can be a great place to also find smallmouth bass, which prefer cooler waters over the larger and warmer bodies of water. The same principles apply in streams as in ponds - look for the sunken structures and along the steep banks. Anywhere that the weed beds change into rocky areas is an excellent location to find bass. One note of caution: bass will not congregate in flowing water, so don't waste your time in the middle of the stream in the current flow. Cast your line where the current is blocked, like large rocks of downed trees. This is where the large bass will be hiding out.

For the new angler, practice makes perfect. You don't need to start your fishing career on the big lakes. Try the smaller ponds to get accustomed to your new gear and to start to master your casting and retrieval techniques. Try different baits and see how they feel on the end of your line. Determine whether a spinner, streamer, soft bait or crankbait works best for you.

Trust me - you will catch plenty of bass along the way. They may not all be trophy winners, but you will learn to get a ""feel"" for a bass on the line. To help you gain a better feel for the fish, try using an ultra light combination rod and reel. Even the one pounders feel like trophy fish, and the experience you gain will be priceless.

Article Source: http://collegefreak.net

About the author: Buck Wilson writes articles for sports publications and online newsletters. He is an avid sportsman and fisherman. For more information visit: www.go-fishing.net www.best-rifle-scopes.us

Fishing Resorts

Author: Michael Russell

There's nothing more relaxing than fishing at your favorite fishing spot. Whether one is a beginner or an adept at this ancient pass time, fishing can serve as an enjoyable hobby and sport. In fact, for those that love to fish, there are fishing resorts that one can visit and vacation at. Thus, there are prime spots for everyone to fish! Moreover, many fishing resorts are easily affordable, all you need to do is bring along your equipment!

For those who love to fish, resorts serve as a prime vacationing destination. There are resorts offering five star accommodation, full service restaurants, and a number or outdoor recreational activities to take part in along with any fishing expedition one may want to take. Water skiing, rafting, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, cycling and more can all be had at different resorts in addition to your beloved pastime.

Moreover, if you enjoy hunting, in addition to being an avid fisherman, you can go hunting for deer, caribou, moose, bear, rams, and more when you visit many of the resorts and lodges designed specifically for such purposes.

There are many resorts and lodges to choose from when you want to fish. In fact, as an example, the state of Michigan has numerous sites one can visit and fish at. Ackeley Park Rapids, Cass Lake, Crane Lake, Detroit Lake, the Gunflint Trail Area, Hackensack, the Lake of the Woods, Lake Winnibigoshish, Lake Kabetogama, Lake Ely, Lake Mille Lacs, Leech Lake, Rainy Lake, Lake Vermillion, and the Upper Red Lake all offer fine opportunities to fish in the state of Michigan. Now imagine just as many offerings in other states and you can see the number of opportunities one can find to vacation and fish!

Some resorts offer hotels, while others offer cabins and a campground for quite relaxation. You can spend time on the beach or when you are not about to fish, you can spend time touring all the local hot spots and attractions. Cabins can be rustic or modern and will provide visitors with the ultimate sense of ""living in the wilderness"" and many of the cabins are large enough to handle big groups of people. Some cabins have a porch where one can sit and see the scenic views as the sun sets and twilight settles in. Cabins that are fully furnished with most everything one would require for comfort can be easily rented for a week or more and give the entire family a vacation worth remembering.

Some resorts and lodges also supply extra curricular activities to engage in when you are not fishing the waters. Volleyball, horseshoes, tennis, golf courses and hiking trails are just a few of the many alternatives such vacationing destinations supply. So, if you are planning to fish this vacation, your best bet is to visit a resort or lodge and get all of your entertainment needs met at one location. Moreover, your accommodatios will be waiting and ready for you and you will find yourself wanting to visit such resorts each and every year.

About the author: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Fishing

The Risks of Ice Fishing

Author: Robbie Darmona

Ice fishing is perhaps the most dangerous type of fishing. It contains many risks for the fisherman due to the weather conditions. If you are heading for this eskimo sport anyway, you'd better read carefully through the following tips.

First of all, ice fishing is extremely dependent on weather. This means that before going on the open ice, you need to have supplied yourself with many useful cold-protecting materials. Of highest importance is to have a properly constructed ice shack. The shack can become your only rescue place from the cold outside: ice fishing leads to health problems such as hypothermia if you don't have a warm and cosy shack.

The second thing you need to have in mind before going ice fishing is to carefully check the weather conditions. Walking on thin ice is a beautiful metaphor that can easily become a brutal reality if you don't consult with the weather prognosis. Bear in mind the condition of the ice. Be careful where you put your ice shack, and double check the ice surface before going too far. Ice fishing is dangerous because sometimes winter conditions change too fast. You have to be aware that a winter blizzard would be a lethal possibility. Your shack is not a perfect rescue from all weather conditions, a blizzard may cut your way and you may get stuck in the middle of nowhere in the dreadful cold. When ice fishing, you need to pay special attention to the stove or the other heating device within the shack. Make sure you have enough wood. Take even more than enough to reduce the risk of freezing to death in an unpredicted blizzard. The other rule for stoves when ice fishing is to make sure the heat doesn't thaw the ice underneath. Put your stove on a proper place where no dangers of heating the ice surface exist. Don't stay too long in the open when ice fishing: you have to go into the shack periodically and check if everything is under control. The health risks that ice fishing puts fishermen into, can also be reduced by regularly warming yourself.

If still not dissuaded by these strict safety regulations, you may try ice fishing and discover how enjoyable it can be. It is really fun and exhilarating as long as you have in mind and prevent the things which may go wrong. For more information click Ice Fishing

About the author: Article by Robbie Darmona - an article author who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Ice Fishing

Ontario Is A Fishing Paradise

Author: Ben Franklin

With a huge variety of fish running its streams and rivers and residing in its lakes, Ontario is a favorite destination for fishing enthusiasts the world over. Known for playing host to the ""big one,"" this Canadian province welcomes tourists to enjoy the natural splendor its boundaries have to offer.

Before diving into a fishing trip in Ontario, however, there are some things a non-resident might need to pay attention to. Fishing in this province generally requires a permit and some areas might demand more than one. Camping in Ontario's Crown lands, for example, might require a specialized permit for those who come to not only fish, but enjoy the great outdoors on their stay.

Getting solid information about where you're going and what you intend to fish and comparing it to what licenses or permits you might need can be a little tricky. The best place to seek answers and avoid any unfortunate circumstance is directly from the government itself. The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources is perhaps the best location to find all the information a fishing expedition will require before it pulls out. That site can be accessed here: http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/index.html.

Those who choose to fish Ontario do so for the massive variety of fish they can encounter. Although not all species are found in every location during certain times of the year, here are some general rules of thumb for where to find what kinds of fish:

Warm water fish found in Ontario include: pumpkinseed, bluegill, goldeye, largemouth bass, white perch and more.

Cooler waters will play hose to black crappie, walleye, rock bass, northern pike, white sucker and even redhorse suckers.

The cold waters of Ontario are home to rainbow trout, Atlantic salmon, Chinook salmon, Cisco, smelt and more.

The diverse landscapes found in Ontario offer up all kinds of fishing and outdoor possibilities for residents and tourists alike. So prevalent are fishing opportunities in this Northern haven that urban fishing is also quite popular. Keep in mind, however, that licensing regulations may apply even in small urban streams and creeks, so check out the laws before you cast.

Whether you're planning to fish in different parts of Ontario or have a favorite spot picked out, don't forget to check local rules and regulations. This province is welcoming to tourists and outdoor lovers, but its authorities aren't friendly to those who don't play by the rules. Ignorance isn't a good defense. Check it out before you drop a line.

While enjoying all that Ontario's fishing scene has to offer, don't forget to check out some of the scenery as well. This province is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundance of wildlife and more. To truly experience Ontario in all its glory, camping trips are often recommended. While Toronto has the allure of the city, the wilds of Ontario are really where the action is.

When preparing for a trip to Ontario, remember the climate here can be a little harsh. Even in the summer months, the temperatures will be cooler than those from some locales might expect. Pack accordingly.

About the author: #1 Resource

Ontario, Canada fishing guide.

http://www.canadafishingsite.com

http://www.salmonfishingworld.com

Fly Fishing For Trout

Author: Wayne Smith

Fly Fishing is such a traditional sport many refer to as an art form, and compared to other modes of fishing, incorporates so much to learn in terms of casting technique, and more particularly the study of the trout's diet, and their imitations, that it can distract anglers from focussing sufficiently on their quarry's habits and behaviour. If you want to catch more Trout, and particularly larger Trout, you need to know more about the Trout than you do about casting and their diet.

The deeper I looked, the more things just didn't make sense. I reared both Brown and Rainbow Trout in my lounge room aquarium and studied them closely. From atop steep banks of clear pools on the stream, I experimented and studied them.

There was finally but one conclusion I could make. We, as fly fishermen, to a large degree, have been kidding ourselves for a very long time. Looking realistically at many of the trout flies, it seemed that the trout must either be half blind, or quite stupid, to accept many of them as the insects being imitated. Either way, it detracted from the achievement of having deceived them.

The more I critically analyzed the whole routine of fly fishing, the more assumptions I recognised as having been made to compensate for our lack of understanding. At best, some of the assumptions may have been correct to some degree, but could never be proven or confirmed. At worst, some were just blatantly wrong.

These assumptions have been cycled for so long they have just been accepted as fact. The Trout have been considered 'Unpredictable' because their behaviour or actions didn't always fit what we would have expected when fly fishing. No-one, it seems, had ever thought about the possibility of their actions not matching our expectations because our beliefs could be flawed.

I started evaluating alternative possibilities. Gradually I put the puzzle together. Eventually, those long standing questions had answers. The trout behaviour then became extremely predictable. I started taking advantage of these findings. Having realized I didn't need to imitate anything to induce takes, I was able to construct flies which could do specific jobs for me rather than imitating anything.

With each of the situations I encountered on the water mastered, the results just automatically followed. I had seemingly mastered the sport of fly fishing.

About the author: Wayne Smith Author of the acclaimed 'Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution' which can be found here: Fly Fishing See similar articles here: Fly Fishing

Take the Best Fly Fishing Trip - Lake Taneycomo

Author: Robbie Darmona

If you decide to take a fly fishing trip, you may get astonished how readily the trout will peck, having in mind a few tips. Many enthusiastic anglers, no matter how inexperienced they are, soon come to realise that fly fishing can be extremely easy. You just need to learn a few things about casting, presentation, retrieving and fighting the fish. But these can be easily picked up, if you have good instructor. Going on a fly fishing trip is great on Lake Taneycomo, and many novices have learnt their first fly fishing lessons there.

Lake Taneycomo is famous for the midge hatch. That is why many anglers take a fly fishing trip to its coasts. Midge hatch is the only hatch that occurs there every day of the year. What are midges? They are small bugs, their colors differ from brown and cream to olive or black. Midges are just like most bugs, and they begin their existence on the bottom of the lake. The warm mud helps the eggs grow and get prepared to hatch. They hatch as larvae and start feeding mainly with rotten plants until they are strong enough to leave the muddy bed and swim up looking for better water conditions. Trout feast on their migration, making the best of it. The larvae which survive soon begin the process of pupation. Pupas are mutating fast , and soon their wings are well-shaped. The legs and abdomens are also changed. The pupation process takes place near the surface of the water, which is called ""film"". Pupas swim to the surface, where they start crawling out of their skin, finally emerging out of the water as full- grown adult midges, with heads and wings. You need to know these details about midges before starting your fly fishing trip, as the success depends mainly on them, because they are trout's basic food. For more information click Fly Fishing Trip

Trout use the pupation for gorging up with young midges. They catch the moment when the pupas are swimming up their way to the surface, as they are too slow to escape from the fast swimming fish. Trout are easy to be seen on the surface or near the film, where they are having their meal. They even spring out of the water to swallow the new born midge. When feeding, trout are the easiest catch. So, if you plan to take a fly fishing trip, you had better put a dozen of targeting flies that imitate midges. There are several types of different flies, such as Zebra, Brassie, Midge Pupa, Miracle, Thread Midge, Loop Wing, Crackleback, Renegade, Griffin's Gnat, Emerger, Krystal Pupa, RS2 and WD40. They can be used as soft hackle, either on the surface or the film.

As you have understood, fly fishing is easier than it may seem. Going on a fly fishing trip is really a nice way to spend your holiday. Even the most inexperienced novice can learn to catch a trout if he or she comply with the trout's meal hours. Another advantage of going on a fly fishing trip to Lake Taneycomo is that hatching and pupation are in progress all the year round. Every day there are hungry trout to be caught by a cunning angler. So, you'd better try it. Get you bags packed and start on an adventurous fly fishing trip!

About the author: Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Fly Fishing Trip

Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution

Author: Wayne Smith

In a new, innovative and well researched approach to fly fishing, Wayne Smith explores the feeding behaviour of both Brown and Rainbow trout -

The feeding behaviour of trout is the sum of two factors:

Firstly, through the fry and fingerling stages, identification of 'Food Recognition Keys' is ingrained as a result of the repetitive feeding pattern of their natural survival instincts.

Secondly, as they get larger, they can manage larger diet items. Supplementary behaviour is learned as a reactive response to the local fauna of the area in which they are hatched or released. Local knowledge is normally of benefit here and this is what we traditionally focus on when fly fishing.

Rather than studying potentially thousands of insects and the flies imitating them, I've found I need only a few patterns, each designed to do a job in the different circumstances encountered on the water.

Trout Flies induce takes by the use of food 'Recognition Keys,' rather than imitation, hence some patterns are given the label 'Exciter pattern', because quite simply, they resemble nothing. Some of the most well known flies world wide bear no similarity to any insect whatsoever.

Trout behavioural patterns vary significantly between species, size and circumstances. Trout habits change during different times of the day. Feeding habits and behaviour change between fast and slow waters.

As in most modes of angling, there is not just one single, simple answer. If there was, it would have been discovered, and been made common knowledge, long ago.

There are many pieces to the puzzle. The more pieces you have to put together, the more the multiplication factor sees your results soar.

The more time you have spent fishing with incorrect or insufficient knowledge, the more time you have spent developing the mindset that the trout is a vastly superior, cunning and unpredictable adversary, and results like mine become seemingly unattainable. Assumedly, they just do not exist.

Of course, when you lack the very intimate knowledge of these fish necessary for such results, the practical reality remains precisely that.

That's not putting anyone down, it takes years of studying these fish, trial and error with different fly patterns, different fishing techniques, different innovative designs and methods with the right focus to get to a place where you understand these creatures adequately for such results.

However, you can vastly short-cut that time by years and even decades, if you were to carry on using the same methods for long enough, just by finding a good mentor with sufficient time to pass on the finer points of stalking trout.

Unfortunately, there are very few experienced anglers with time and resources available to offer that sort of tuition, let alone those who have the skills to even make them eligible to do so.

Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution, focuses largely on the instinctively learned 'Food Recognition Keys.' They enable anglers to catch trout in any location or situation in which they exist. Local knowledge becomes relatively irrelevant.

This also means flies do not need to imitate anything to catch trout. What!?! Say that again.- Flies do NOT need to imitate anything to catch trout (This is not going to make me popular in some circles, but my results speak for themselves and are online for all to see).

Flies can then be tied to counter stream or water conditions, or to counter, and or take advantage of, various aspects of trout behaviour.

That approach has been enhanced by the use of innovative strategies, tactics and trout fly construction, which have dramatically raised the bar on fly fishing success rates.

That experience and knowledge is now being shared in this groundbreaking new publication, specifically designed to give you the edge in your fly fishing.

About the author: Wayne Smith Author of the acclaimed 'Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution' which can be found here: Fly Fishing See similar articles here: Fly Fishing

Stay Prepared With These Bass Fishing Tips

Author: Will M

Whether you are on a new lake, or on one that you call home, the main purpose is to locate and catch as many fish as possible. Each body of water has an endless supply of different forms of structure and cover in a variety of depths and water conditions. You can use many types of fishing equipments to be able to get a lot of fish in a proper and legal way, so we need to take good care of our equipments used for catching fish. Here are some bass fishing equipment tips to be remembered:

Keeping your feet dry. Seal skin sox, a waterproof pair of shoe that can be worn in any shoe. It will help you a lot in putting your boat in a low lake that calls for a need for you to step in the water too push off, by doing this your feet will be dry all day.

Keeping your rods good as new. It is nice to look at, especially when you always keep your rod clean. Just use a simple prep pad in cleaning the cork handles on the rod. If the cork of your fishing rods is very untidy then it makes your rods look like hundred years older than it really is. Take a very light grade sand paper and sand the cork handles, you will find out that all the dirt will go away leaving you with a brand new looking fishing rod. Plus it will make your rod last longer.

Hi- tech basin. Handheld computer and organizers such as the palm pilot can be very helpful to the bass angler. You may be able to log conditions, creating your own checklist to avoid forgetting stuffs, and store the numbers of your new friends you've met along the way. You can also download map for your destinations and when you reach home you can easily access all the information to your home computer for future purposes.

Being prepared. Always carry equipment and parts in the boat just in case some failures or problems occur.

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About the author: Discover the tips that will teach you about what rod and reel to use and when the best time to go bass fishing is plus much more in the free 5 part report. Claim this report by going now to

Bass Fishing

Take a Trip to Alaska: Halibut Fishing

Author: Robbie Darmona

Halibut fishing is the most popular sporting activity in Alaska. If you have plans of going on a halibut chase, you need to have an experienced angler by your side. That is mainly because Alaska halibut fishing can be an exasperating activity for the novice. If you haven't tried it before, you should know that halibuts are extremely cunning creatures. To drag them onboard, you must have several things in mind.

First and foremost, you'd better not sail in deep sea without a guide. You need someone who knows these waters thoroughly. ProFish-n-Sea has specialized in educating Alaska fishing guides and charter captains who can take you whenever you like. The best person to take onboard is ProFish-n-Sea himself- namely, Steve Zernia. Mr Zernia is a second- generation Alaska Charter Fishing Captain. He is the one with the greatest halibut fishing experience, and he also knows by heart the best sea routes. If you are really eager to thrill to the real Alaska halibut fishing, you'd better find Steve. He is available both for experienced anglers and novices. His main aim will be to make you feel to the bones everything about halibut fishing. He will help you on your first halibut trip and will guide you with priceless advice.

The second thing you need to have in mind is that Alaska can offer you a tremendous abundance of different species of fish. They are all eager to peck at your bait. The only thing you need to know is how to catch them after they are hooked. To most fishermen from other places on Earth a successful fishing trip is measured by the number of bites, hookups or fish landed onboard. The thing that strikes most on an Alaska halibut fishing trip, is that measures are changed. Success is determined by pounds of halibut meat. Alaska halibut fishing is your way to feel the immense bounty of Alaska's fishery. A six-passenger Alaska halibut fishing boat can catch as much fish as a commercial long-liner. With a pinch of luck and appropriate conditions, every hooked up halibut will eventually end up onboard. For more information click Alaska Halibut Fishing

Alaska halibut fishing requires the angler to have the strength and patience to pull the rod until the fish is out of the water. And that could be a difficult task for the inexperienced. The halibut having taken the bait doesn't necessary ensure the catching of the fish. The tackle should be strong enough to endure the pressure. That is why you need a guide to show you how to do it properly and not turn the catch into a failure. Steve has a lifetime of experience in Alaska halibut fishing and can show you everything you need to know about it. When hooked, a sly Alaska halibut would dive straight down and a novice can easily be pulled to the rail or even worse: let go of the fishing rod. You must have the energy to keep the rod until the fish are exhausted and give it up. And that, as Steve Zernia would teach you, is the real chore. A guide will help you develop the basic fishing techniques necessary for a successful catch. Steve will give everything to teach you so that your first Alaska halibut fishing brings you satisfaction and doesn't turn into a nightmare.

About the author: Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Alaska Halibut Fishing

Fishing and Kids - A Winning Combination

Author: Charles Kassotis

If you think taking kids fishing is simply too much trouble, you've never seen the incredible look of joy on a child's face when he or she pulls in that ""pumpkin seed"" perch. It doesn't have to take an entire weekend, it doesn't have to be expensive, and it doesn't have to end with trophy fish for the wall. All it does have to be is fun. Take a look at a few ideas to make a fun fishing trip with the youngsters in your life.

Start by taking the age of your kids into consideration. Plan a trip that's age appropriate. You can't expect your five year old to stand in water and cast a fly rod for several hours, but you probably can't expect your fifteen year old to be content on a creek bank pulling in baby perch, either.

What to buy - If you're going to have to buy fishing gear, you're probably going to want to keep it really simple for the younger fishermen. There are some great child-sized rods and reels available that are perfect for little hands. While a larger rod may be easier to cast, those little arms are going to grow tired quickly when trying to balance that longer pole.

Where to go - Especially for younger fishermen, a creek, river or lake bank is fine. It's less restrictive than a boat and there's more opportunity to explore and play if fishing becomes tiresome. Keep time restraints in mind. If you have a very limited amount of time, keep it as close to home as possible.

What to take - Safety should be a priority. If you have youngsters or non-swimmers, take along lifejackets, even if you're only going to fish from a shoreline. Make sure they're worn when it's appropriate. Don't forget to take along something to drink and a snack if you're planning to stay more than a hour or two.

What to fish with - The younger the fishermen, the more you need age appropriate gear. Bobbers are a good idea in some cases. It's a way for you to help them tell if they're getting a bite without constantly holding their fishing rods, and it's a sure sign for them as well.

What to expect - The answer to this one is ""not much."" Remember that you might be ready to sit in a boat all afternoon and never catch a single fish, but your little fisherman may not get that same joy. Catching a few small fish will mean the trip is a success for the youngsters, making them anxious to come back soon.

What to fish with - There's absolutely nothing wrong with fishing with worms, and this may be the best solution for a fishing trip with a youngster. Worms tend to resist being torn from the hook with a single strike, meaning the kids have more chances to catch the fish that's biting.

A fishing trip with the kids is likely to be anything but productive. You're probably not going to be able to sit quietly in a boat waiting for the big one to hit, but the benefits are many - including an opportunity to spend quality time talking to your child and giving him or her an important memory.

About the author: For more information on fishing for kids and adults, visit The Fish Directory

The Best Alaska Fishing Lodges

Author: Robbie Darmona

Alaska is considered to be the perfect place for fishing. The wildlife is various and there are a lot of water areas where great diversity of fish species lives together. Alaska is famous as a region, where salmon fishing can be practiced. Salmon fishing is unique and it can be done mainly on the shores of Alaska, which attract many enthusiasts to try their luck. For the convenience of the anglers, Alaska offers great tourist overnight accommodations, called fishing lodges. Alaska fishing lodges can be the perfect place for your holiday, and very affordable too. Here are the most popular Alaska fishing lodges where many fishermen come to stay a couple of weeks.

Alaska Fishing Lodge- Custom Adventures. The website for more information available runs as: www.wildernessplacelodge.com Wilderness Place Lodge is situated on five private acres right on Lake Creek, its location being 70 miles northwest of Anchorage. Their lodge offers the best relaxing activities and great opportunities for adventurous salmon fishing, as well as courses in fly-fishing, world class fishing, personal and professional fishing guides. Let alone the gourmet 5-course meals, the hotel's amenities and the luxurious accommodations at the meanest price- this fishing lodge offers you also the biggest opportunity to overreach your fishing standards as it is located only minutes from the best fishing place in southcentral Alaska. Their lodge also features some of the best spin and fly fishing in Alaska. In addition, you can get your adventure packages for all kinds of Alaska salmon (King, Silver, Pink, Chum and Sockeye), and also tickets for rainbow trout.

The second Alaska fishing lodge on offer is www.alaska-adventures.net . Their Alaska fishing lodge can be found 40 miles away from the town King Salmon Alaska, which is world famous for the great fishing there. Alaska Adventures Fishing Lodge is situated in the centre of Katmai National park. It offers bountiful fishing opportunities for all the 5 salmon species, including rainbow trout, arctic char and grayling. The place for fishing stands only 40 yards from the hotel, and you have the chance of going on a trip before breakfast and after dinner. You can spend 20 hours a day fishing, if you like, and it is not necessary to fight for the water with other anglers, as there are no other fishing lodges within 34 river miles and no landing place within 20 miles. And that can ensure your big catch. Their Alaska Adventures Fishing Lodge can host 20 guests, each fishing lodge cabin accommodating from 2 to 4 people. The hotel amenities consist of dining and serving room, recreation area, the hotel offers Alaska traditional wood sauna, also hot showers and flush toilets, as well as TV, DVD and satellite phone.

The third Alaska fishing lodge to be presented here is World-Class Trophy Alaska- Salmon Fishing and Arctic Char. The site for additional information is www.alaska-salmon-fishing.net This fantastic place is reachable only on boat. The quietness and serenity offered are immense- there are no roads and airports in the district. Another way for getting there is by using the Austin's tours. For more information click Alaska Fishing Lodges

Their lodge is situated on the banks of the Golsovia River, only 300 yards from the river mouth. The river itself is located on Norton Sound on the shores of the Bering Sea. The waters teem with King, Silver, Chum and Pink Salmon. Arctic Char can also be easily run against, when passing by your lure, just having swum from the pure ocean. The striking situation of the lodge -its nearness to the ocean- offers immense opportunities for a real big catch. Daily quantity exceeds 30-40 during the summer (June till August being the peak time). But the owners are also trying to preserve the wildlife, and after the reaching of limits, the catch-and-release technique is practised.

About the author: Article by Robbie Darmona - an article writer who writes on a wide variety of subjects. For more information click Alaska Fishing Lodges

Fishing the Points

Author: Michael Russell

Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming. Do you fish deep? Fish the banks? Are they out in open water? What?

This will depend on the lake, the time of year, the time of day and many other factors such as air and water temperature. There is no short answer; no hard and fast rule. But mostly, to put yourself on fish, you are going to be looking for cover and structure.

Cover is vegetation and things like that where bass can hide. Structure is things like drop offs, road beds, creeks, stumps and such.

There is a good way to combine these and that is to look for points on the lake; especially points near quick drop offs and creek channels.

Points are areas of the shore that come to a 'point' in the lake. Often these will be on the outside of, or the entrance to, coves, but not always. That's just to give you an idea of how one might look. It simply sticks out from the rest of the shoreline.

Quick drop offs are important because bass will hang around these points and depend on the drop offs as an escape route in case trouble comes calling. So if you see a point in just a few feet of water, and see that not too far from the point the water quickly gets deep, this point might be a good prospect for holding fish.

The point itself should be fished thoroughly, but you should also seek bass along the sides of points, especially if there is cover like grass, weeds, reeds, etc. If the point is off of a cove, very early morning or the evening might be a good time to fish the cove. But, as the day progresses hit the points.

If you don't find the bass on the point, try the deeper water next to the point. They may have retreated to it as the daylight and the heat came. Bass try to avoid sunlight because it hurts their eyes.

I prefer to use plastics on points; worms, crawfish and lizards. I like to Texas Rig these to be weedless. I also like to use a Carolina Rig which helps to keep the bait in the strike zone longer and gives it a little more action. You could also do well using a spinnerbait or crankbait.

So, very early in the morning hit the coves. As the bite slows, you will want to move out to the points where the fish have gone. Then, as that bite slows, try fishing plastics in the deeper waters next to the points. As evening comes on, you will reverse this process, heading back to the points, then into the coves.

It's important to understand the movement of the fish and keep up with them. Certainly, you will find a lone drifter now and then, but using this method you will be much more likely to be consistent in your catch.

After all, you are out there to catch bass, right? Good luck.

About the author: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Fishing

Bass Fishing In Florida

Author: Jeff Miles

The state of Florida is known for its exceptional bass fishing.

Its popularity has yielded a million dollar industry for this state.

A lot of boats on the market are designed specifically for bass fishing and generates revenues as well for the boat owners.

There are lots of beautiful species found underneath which captivate fishermen as well as tourists out for some snorkeling or swimming.

For people who specialize in fishing, it is a dream come true to capture such wonderful species. It is a thrilling experience one can never forget.

Good freshwater fishing can be found not only in lakes but also in ponds, creeks and canals.

Largemouth Bass, Redfish, Black Crappie and Trout are some of the fascinating sea creatures targeted by expert fishermen in the many inland lakes of Florida. Fishing guides are very courteous and friendly.

This allows the customer to take full advantage of the knowledge and expertise in the migratory patterns of baitfish and the predatory fish that pursue them throughout the different seasons of the year.

St. John River is the longest river in Florida. Its clear copper-colored waters and floating hyacinth islands are bold and enchanting. The area contains marshy wetlands as well as citrus groves which are irrigated by zigzag canals linking the reservoirs, swamps, lakes, palm trees, flat-water marshes and cypress stands.

Large numbers of the best and the biggest trophy black bass are caught in regular basis. Wetland-dependent species thrive here including blue herons, limpkins, pelicans, turkey, alligators, bald eagles, rabbits, wild hogs, tortoise, deer, wood storks, populous and ospreys.

The river itself is great for fishing and catching enormous sizes of fish. In order to fish bass from rivers, it is best to seek out breaks in the current, perhaps from a fallen tree, a stump, or rocks. The fish that bass feed upon will normally school below a dam, thereby making these spots ideal for bass fishing. There are numerous techniques available to pursue the sport of bass fishing.

For a beginner, it is advised to gather more basic tools to get started. Also it is suggested to start with artificial bait until the angler has a better understanding of the unique characteristics of the bass fish. Both amateur and seasoned anglers use Spinner bait.

Ditches and dikes were constructed in the St. John's River headwaters in order to serve agricultural pursuits. To expose rich soils to grow citrus, row crops, and to raise beef cattle, the marshes were drained.

However, channeling the St. John's headwaters for groves, farms and ranches eliminated hundreds of thousands of acres of marshes, upset the fragile wetlands ecology that was the foraging, nesting and nursery habitat for wildlife, and made the area susceptible to damage from floods from hurricanes.

In the year 1988, the Management District and the US Army Corps of Engineers began a project to restore the drained marshes, construct reservoirs, levees, canals, spillways and water control structures to provide flood protection to the area. The project also created some fantastic trophy bass fisheries. Since then more than 150,000 acres of marshes are being restored and enhanced in the Upper St. John's River headwaters reclamation project.

The space Coast of Brevard County is considered among many fishermen to be the ""Redfish Capital of the world"". It is almost an entirely closed system were in, the Big Bull Redfish do not migrate to the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, therefore increasing the opportunity to catch the fish of a lifetime. It is not rare to catch Redfish.

The brawl of this game fish is both unmistakable and unforgettable. It pulls hard on the drag and can coil your line in a matter of seconds. It is really an amazing experience catching enormous sizes of these sea creatures!

Central Florida also offers visiting anglers the opportunity to catch Trophy Largemouth Bass and Black Crappie from one of its many Inland Lakes.

There are plenty of wonderful and popular lakes in Central Florida such as Lake Toho, Kissimmee Chain, Lake George, Harris Chain, Lake Conway, Butler Chain and the St. Johns River. People all over the world come and visit Florida not just because of its natural beauty but because of its spectacular bass fishing.

About the author: It doesn't matter if you've never fished a day in your life, or you're the best fisherman in the world... The free Bass Fishing guide will help you not land more Bass, but make you feel more like the PRO that you really are! Visit this link for details: http://www.bass-fishing-tips-trips.com

Alaska Fishing Can Be A One-Of-A-Kind Experienece

Author: Ray La Foy

There's a lot of reasons why avid fishermen say Alaska is the place to be for an excursion that will result in a lifetime of memories. Whether it's a weekend trip or a full-blown two-week excursion, Alaska fishing is like nothing else an outdoors type will experience. Offering a huge variety of fishing opportunities along with some great sights, this state is a favorite for tourists all over the world.

With a backdrop that's incredible, those on Alaskan fishing excursions will find that although the fishing is fantastic there's a lot more to see and do as well. The state offers a variety of fishing experiences, too, with oceans, rivers, lakes and streams all available for casting a line. Fish common here include salmon, rainbow trout, halibut and more.

The state offers a variety of fishing expeditions, too, with a number of different regions to choose from. Those who want to take an Alaskan fishing trip will find there are dedicated fishing lodges, camping areas, guided tours, charters, fly-ins and more all waiting to be explored.

The regions available for fishing include the south central, southeast, southwest, interior and the far north. Each area has its own distinct draws, but rest assured there's some spectacular fishing in all.

The Kenai Peninsula, for example, is the place to be for king salmon, silver salmon, trout or even halibut. The Kenai River is prime for fishing in the summer months, from May to July, and this area has a number of different charter, camping and lodge possibilities going for it.

Fishing lodges are often the route many Alaskan visitors go with for some serious casting. By providing a warm, comfortable base camp for fishing action and some good guides and advice on where to go, these places can serve not only as the background for a great fishing trip, they also work well for family vacations.

Make no mistake, there's more to do in Alaska than just cast a line. For those who might want to go along for the ride, the scenery is breathtaking. Depending on the part of the state that's chosen for the excursion, there are parks to explore, animals to spot, trails to hike, glaciers to check out and a native culture that's amazing. This is where a good lodge can come into play for others along on a trip that don't want to actually fish. Lodges can help accommodate a number of sight-seeing possibilities for family members while making sure the angler or fly fishermen get their share of excitement, too.

The Alaskan countryside offers some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere in the world. With mountain landscapes, glaciers and wildlife that includes bears, moose, whales and more (depending on where in the state a visitor goes) the vistas prove to be amazing.

To plan an Alaskan trip, it's wise to check out what's available, look at the different options and go with what will pack in the most fun. If it's straight fishing a vacationer wants, there are lodges to accommodate. If some side sightseeing is in order, too, that possibility is more than available.

About the author: #1 Resource

Fishing Alaska.

http://www.fishinglodgelink.com

The Bass Fishing Areas

Author: Gordon Lee

How is it that in an age of technology and electronics, something as 'primitive' as bass fishing is luring in new avid anglers year after year. So much so that as soon as they hear something new and fancy that catches their interests, they will dive into it and try to get as much out of it as possible.

One common theme running through bass anglers (tournament or recreational) is ""Where are the what...? Where are the bass!""

Even for the experts. When they are fishing in a body of water that they have never fished before, after dropping the boat into the water, they will start to wonder, where is the best place to fish?

I will try to unravel the mysteries of finding areas best for bass fishing. Locating bass and understanding the water would be the top questions among many bass anglers today. This is closely followed by the question, ""Which is the best bait to catch a ""big"" bass?""

Actually, Bass Fishing can be simplified into 2 main areas. Once you know them, you will definitely be a better angler. The 2 must know things are:

1. How to locate bass?

2. How to catch bass using all the different techniques, presentations, and baits?

Learning how to locate bass can be somewhat of a challenge to most anglers as there are so many different factors. Here are some 'Do You Knows' for you to consider:

1. Do you Know how to read a map? This is a fundamental skill that you should try to learn because with a map, it is easier for you to zoom in on the location that is good for bass fishing.

2. Do you Know that the most practical place to look for Active Bass is just after the cold fronts and during early spring and late fall? This means you must take into consideration weather conditions as well.

3. Do you Understand water depth? This is an important element because the depth or the hollowness of the water tells you if it is a good location.

4. Do you know what Water clarity of the location?

5. Do you know the Water temperatures of the location?

6. Do you know that seasonal patterns has a direct relationship with whether it is bass fishing season or not.

But that is not all! Bass tournaments are so competitive and exciting because the winners are not necessarily the good and consistent bass anglers who knows how to get into boat, hitting the water, and casting their baits. No, more often than not, it is those who know how to locate the bass more quickly that has won half the battle already.

So how do you know what is the best location? Start by looking at a lake map.

There are two general types of lake maps that most anglers will use. They are referred to as the ""Hot Spot"" and ""Topographical"" maps. The difference between the two is that a ""Topo"" map shows more detail, and the ""Hot Spots"" map shows what the name implies, more fishing spots (well, at least we all hope they do).

Here's a secret about how you can best use a lake map. Sector it. That's right. Sector the map by first studying it for a moment (look for areas where the fish would most likely to be). Next, use a highlighter to divide the map into sections based on how much time we can pre-fish before a tournament or how many days we have to just fish for fun.

The other secret is to always check the actual situation versus what is stated on the maps. The size of the sections will vary depending on contours, structure, and number of places to be checked out during the course of the day based on what the map shows. Don't just cast your bait into the water and work on it for five minutes and leave. Try an assortment of baits to see signs of fish in any given area. This will help you understand their working pattern.

A good bass fisherman will know how to keep notes or markings on his maps. This will be his source of best bass fishing locations for his enjoyment for years to come.

About the author: Gordon Lee is an aspiring copywriting who has taken an interest in Bass Fishing recently and this has led him to host a Bass Fishing portal for beginners at

http://www.bass-fishing-101.com

Bass Fishing Tournaments To Watch Out For

Author: Jeff Miles

Many places in the world have an activity of bass fishing tournaments for them to be known and to record the biggest bass existing on earth.

The tournaments are about luck, only God can say who can catch the largest bass present in the battlefield.

Flexibility is needed in the competition for carrying, and long stamina should be acquired by the players so that they can last the natures test.

And the most important things that the players should have are the skills and experience in bass fishing. These two are the key of success by each ""players"". This will help them on how they will act and set up strategies on the tournaments.

There are many active tournaments like in Northwestern Ontario. There are huge tournaments to participate in, like the Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship on Rainy Lake or the KBI on Lake of the Woods, and some bass fishing tournaments in Sunset Country.

Shoal Lake Bass Classic Tournament occurs in the 1st weekend in July held on Shoal Lake, Ontario. This is the primary fishery in the region with schools of Smallmouths that have never seen a lure before. Smallmouths usually win this tournament, but big Largemouths can be a factor. The winning weight for this two day tournament is usually in the 32-34 pound range!

English River Bass Challenge also occurred in Mid July, Tournament held on the English River System in Grassy Narrows, Ontario. It is a First Nation sponsored bass tournament on the mighty English River in Northwestern Ontario.

Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is help every 3rd week in July. This is Canada's Largest Live Release Cash Bass Tournament, with a total of $172,500.00 in cash prizes.

With a $50,000 first prize, this event on Rainy Lake attracts many of the best bass fishermen from all over North America.. The winning weight for this three day event is usually in the 55 pound range. The tournament first ran in 1995 and has been growing in size and recognition ever since.

Kenora Bass International (KBI) happened every 2nd week in August. This event on Lake of the Woods offers a $30,000 first prize. Anglers here have the opportunity to fish for largemeouths or smallmouths. Largemouths have won the tournament more than smallmouths over the last few years. If the water is high, largest will win, if it is low, smallmouths will be more of a factor. The winning weight for this three day event will be in the 45-50 pound range.

Ding Wang Ford Bass Tournaments is held every 2nd Sunday in August. This a one day Bass Fishing Tournament that welcomes anglers of all ages. The tournament is held in Dryden on the Wabigoon Chain of Lakes (excluding Dinorwic Chain). The smallmouth bass fishing tournament held on Dashawa, Crowrock and Turtle Lakes near Atikokan, Ontario. This chain of pristine northern waters has an abundance of big scrappy smallies.

Anyone who likes fishing can enter the competition. The Atikokan Bass Classic is known as the ""funniest bass tourney in the Northwest"".

There are lots of tournaments that are presently existing all around the globe, like Crow Lake Classic, Last Chance Bass, Other Fishing Tournaments and Derby's, LOWS Annual Live Release Fish Tournament, Stratton Fish Derby, Agimak Lake Fishing Tournament, Whitefish Bay Fishing Derby and Crow Lake Classic.

About the author: It doesn't matter if you've never fished a day in your life, or you're the best fisherman in the world... The free Bass Fishing guide will help you not land more Bass, but make you feel more like the PRO that you really are! Visit this link for details: http://www.bass-fishing-tips-trips.com

Fly Fishing - The Feeding Behaviour of Trout

Author: Wayne Smith

Fly fishing, in all it's variations and sub-areas (casting, fly tying, etc), centres around a single goal - To successfully tempt a fish (Most commonly a trout) to take an artificial fly as a food item. Sighting, hooking, playing and landing the fish are also important parts of the successful fishing experience, not to mention being able to get the fly to the fish in the first place, by the unique casting methods utilized solely in fly fishing.

However, along with all that work, and the practice of the skills involved in bringing it all together at that crucial moment, comes that pivotal element of convincing the fish that what they are considering is indeed food-like in nature. Without this key element, we can forget the rest, and this is the one step of the exercise which is dependant upon the decision of the fish, rather than ourselves.

In this, fly fishermen spend untold amounts of time researching, studying, and imitating countless insect types in aid of presenting a believable decoy to their quarry. We tie our flies, the fish takes it, our efforts paid off, right?

But is everything as it seems? Did we deceive the fish for exactly the reasons we thought?

Although there are many factors involved in getting that fly to a timid fish, and fly fishing itself was obviously designed around overcoming all of those obstacles, considering it's significance, understanding the 'Feeding behaviour' of the trout has probably taken somewhat of a back seat, compared to some of the other areas or skills of fly fishing, we fishermen often seem to focus our efforts on.

The feeding behaviour of trout is the sum of two main factors:

Firstly, through the fry and fingerling stages of development, the identification of specific 'Food Recognition Keys' are ingrained resulting from the repetitive feeding pattern of their natural survival instincts.

Secondly, as they get larger, they can manage larger diet articles. Supplementary behaviour is then learned out of a reactive response to the local fauna they find in the area where they are hatched or released. Local knowledge is naturally beneficial here and this is normally what we focus on when fly fishing.

The behavioural patterns of trout vary significantly between the species, the size and the circumstances in which they are found. Trout habits also change through different times of the day, and again depending on weather conditions. Feeding habits and behaviours also change between faster and slower waters, and so on.

As in most types of fishing, there is not just one single or simple answer. If there was, it would have been made common knowledge, a long time ago. What this does tell us, is that to increase our odds of convincing the trout of the validity of our fly, it's going to be far more beneficial to concentrate on presenting specific 'Recognition keys', which remain consistent, rather than the far more subjective; 'Circumstance-specific learned behaviour' which will often vary greatly from fish to fish, and particularly from place to place.

There are many pieces to this puzzle. The more pieces you can find, understand and put together, the more it multiplies your fly fishing results. What this methodology does do for us especially, is simplify and sharpen our learning curve by quite an incredible degree.

Therefore, instead of studying dozens, even hundreds or more, of insects and the flies designed to imitate them, I've found that in nearly all circumstances, you need only a few fly patterns, each designed to do a specific job in the varying circumstances found on the stretch of water you're fishing.

Trout Flies then induce fish 'Takes' by the use of food 'Recognition Keys,' rather than by intended imitation. For this method then, local knowledge becomes relatively irrelevant.

This means flies do not need to imitate anything to catch trout. What!?! Say that again.- Flies do not need to imitate anything to catch trout. Certainly nothing specific anyway.

Flies can then be tied to counter stream or water conditions, or to counter, and or take advantage of, various aspects of trout behaviour. This, then (Not being restricted by specific imitation), opens up possibilities for us to incorporate the use of innovative strategies, tactics and trout fly construction, to give ourselves a far greater edge than previously thought possible.

The more time we have spent fishing with incorrect or insufficient knowledge, the more time you have spent developing the mindset that the trout is a vastly superior, cunning and unpredictable adversary, and results like mine become seemingly unattainable, and without such knowledge becoming available, the practical reality remains precisely that.

Normally it takes years of studying these fish, trial and error with different fly patterns, different fishing techniques, different innovative designs and methods with the right focus to get to a place where you understand these creatures adequately for the outstanding results we normally only see the Pro's achieving.

Fortunately, with the right focus, we can now be achieving much greater success in much shorter time frames by understanding and taking advantage of these 'Recognition keys', combined with other behavioural patterns of the trout species we are targeting and just some basic skills of fly fishing.

About the author: Wayne Smith, author of the acclaimed 'Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution' which can be found here: Fly Fishing Find Great Resources here: Fly Fishing

Catch and Release Practices for Ice Fishing

Author: Fishing Source

Why practice Catch and Release? The fish population, and the size of the fish caught, have been on a steady decline for a number of years. This is due to the advancement of ice fishing technologies. Gadgets and advancements to other ice fishing equipment are making it much easier to catch fish in everyday ice fishing spots. However, we are seeing more and more anglers returning the majority of their catch to the water. While no one can deny the fact that a nice hot fish dinner after an ice fishing trip is very rewarding, most fishers are enjoying fishing for the sport, not for the food.

Another common practice used in combination with catch and release is called 'selective harvest.' This is the practice of minimizing the waste of fish, and providing a diverse opportunity for fishing while preserving fish conservation. The easiest way to do this is to practice catch and release. Only keep what you will definitely use. While catching and keeping the fish as a prize can bring you great joy, so can the release of the fish. This ensures that there will be fish for you to catch in the future. Releasing smaller fish also helps ensure there will be large fish in the water for spawning. Using the catch and release techniques means the fish will be in peak physical condition, and size, when you decide to keep a catch for food in the future.

All fishermen should keep the conservation of fish at the tops of their minds. Whether you fish for food, pure recreation, or for sport, when the fish are gone, there's no more fishing. And with an increasing number of anglers reaching both highly accessible and more remote areas, conservation is becoming increasingly important.

There are also some more exact reasons to practice catch and release. Many water bodies now require you to catch and release. Also, as mentioned, physical conditions of the fish caught play a role. There is no reason to keep small fish, as these fish will grow, and ultimately produce more fish. There are also regulations in place for catch limits, zero catch limits and season restrictions which demand the use of catch and release.

Catch and release, and selective harvesting of fish guarantees the continued growth of fish populations and your continued enjoyment of fishing.

About the author: Fishing Source is an information resource site for

fishing .

Fishing Charters are Cheaper and More Fun!

Author: Dan Mccart

I used to have a boat. The first season I took it out almost every weekend. Then my Monday night job was to clean it up from the fun. My Friday night was to get it ready for the next weekend. That assumed I didn't break anything or I had to fit that into my Tuesday through Thursday schedule. Yes, boating and fishing was a lot of fun and a full time hobby.

The money wasn't a problem. I made a lot of money so the $367 monthly payment wasn't a big deal. The gas I burned every weekend around $100 wasn't a big deal. The maintenance and storage fees per year of about $1,600 wasn't a big deal either, assuming nothing really broke.

Then came the second season. Funny enough other things happened and it was more like every other weekend I went boating and fishing. But I have to admit it was more on just Saturday than the whole weekend. I also started going out a little later in the season and stopping at the first sign of cold. But for some reason my monthly payment was the same and my maintenance didn't seem much different either. Yes, I did save gas I told myself and gas is getting expensive.

The third year I sold my boat and like everyone else, took less for it than I had hoped. There were no more payments, maintenance, gas and feeling guilty because I wasn't out there. But now what was I to do?

Then I discovered the pure pleasure of Fishing Charters. I first had to justify the cost in my mind, which turned out to be very easy. Roughly I had spent over $8,000 a year to own my boat. Needless to say that did not include the many hours of cleanup and maintenance. So I thought... How many times a year could I go fishing for that money. The answer surprised me greatly. Generally, I was going to pay about $600 per trip. That meant I could go every other weekend for half the year and during the hot fishing season every weekend! Also most of the charters held 6 people and my boat only really held 4 so I could have friends go with me now and not feel bad about them paying their share.

So you know what I do now. I don't clean up on Mondays. I don't prepare on Fridays. I don't put the boat in or out. I just show up and fish. Also by the way the less I was out there, the less I knew where the fish were. The captains I work with do it all. They know the waters and the fish because they are out there everyday.

For me, I am happy just to go fishing every other weekend and not have a full time hobby. Soon my grandson will be old enough to go with us, and I like knowing he is going to learn how to fish and boat from a true expert. Oh yes, the fish I catch now are bigger, more plentiful and just much more fun. And what will I teach my grandson? Don't get a boat, get a charter! Grandpa is a little wiser now.

About the author: About the Author

Feel free to reprint this article in tact with all hyperlinks.

Dan Mccart is the co-owner of Blue Sport Fishing – http://www.BlueSportFishin g.com , Over 10,000 listings of Fishing Charters and Fishing Guides .

Origin Of Fly Fishing

Author: Michael Russell

Fishing. Take a rod and a line and throw it in some water. Splash it around a bit and wait until something tugs. If only it were that easy. The truth is, fishing as a sport is not as easy as most people think and is a lot more complicated than just throwing your line is some water. For starters there are several types of fishing depending on what kind of fish you want to catch.

In this article we're going to focus on fly fishing and it's origin.

Fly fishing goes all the way back to around 200 AD. The first reference to it was written by Aelian who was born around 170 AD. Early in his life he knew nothing of the sea. In his early writing ""On The Nature Of Animals"" he writes about a certain way of catching fish supposedly invented by the Macedonians. A particular fish that runs through the Astraeus River in Macedonia happens to feed on flies that are peculiar to that region. These flies are not found anywhere else. The natives of the land called this species of fly Hippouros. These flies seek their food over the river and are never very far away from the fish in the river below. Because of this it is relatively easy for the fish to jump out of the water, catching the flies in their mouths and eating them.

It is from seeing this that the Macedonian's got the idea to use these flies to catch the fish. However, because it is unclean for their people to touch this species of fly they had to develop a way to catch the fish without actually handling the flies. So what they did was fasten red wool around a hook. They then fixed onto the wool two feathers which grow under a cock's wattles. The rod they used was six feet long and the line was also the same length. They then threw the line in the direction of the flies. The fish seeing this line which is disguised to look like the fly think they are going to have a nice meal and instead are caught by the fisherman's trap. Fly fishing was developed.

It should be pointed out that according to accounts of what the fly looked like and what the actual ""bait"" looked like it would seem that the Macedonians didn't try to imitate the fly exactly, as the fly color was yellow and the bait color was red. Some speculation is that the fly changed color when near water but this was never proven.

For those interested, the story above was taken from Radcliffe's ""Fishing From The Earliest Times,"" which was published in 1921. This version of the story is the one most often printed with no credit given to the original author. Radcliffe himself states that he adapted this translation from ""Lambert's Angling Literature in England"" first published in 1881. Prior to this there was a Latin translation which was printed in 1558. This printing however wasn't discovered until 1834.

In a later article we'll cover modern day fly fishing.

About the author: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Fishing

Brief overview of Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels

Author: Kyle Schumacher

While saltwater fly fishing is all about getting good casts and the excitement of the fight, one of your most important purchases behind the rod, is the reel used in this exciting sport. Most reels used in this ""extreme"" fishing are single action reels and for good reason as their counterparts (Multiplier reels) aren't quite up to par. Multiplier reels are quite a bit more expensive and has many more moving parts. As anyone similar with fly fishing or saltwater can't tell you, the more moving parts something has the more trouble one can expect.

In single action reels, you have the choice between direct drive and anti-reverse reels. There difference is how the reel goes about releasing line from the spool. In the sport of fly fishing the most popular all-round is direct drive, where the handle spins backwards when line is released. This makes it easy for fly fisherman to tell how much line is going out and how much there retrieving but keep in mind most fly fisherman aren't trying to reel in line from a bonefish swimming at 20 mph which makes that spinning handle dangerous for your fingers, hands or anything else it could come in contact with. This is where anti-reverse reels come in for the rescue. The handle on an anti-reverse reel stays stationary as line is striped away from the reel. For lighter species the direct drive is a good choice. But for larger species both options have there pluses and minuses, because when the drag is set lightly on anti-reverse reels, they have a tendency to slip when reeling the line in.

It doesn't matter what type of reel you choose, an efficient drag system is one of the most important parts of the reel in saltwater fly fishing. Saltwater fish are much stronger and faster then most equivalent freshwater species and for that fact they require a better smoother drag for a fun fight. As technology increases, drags in these saltwater fly reels continue to get better and most quality name reels have able drag systems.

Saltwater fly reels come in a variety of sizes and like freshwater reels and rods they are sized according to what weight line they are made for. In saltwater fly fishing the reel size is crucial because large reels have a greater diameter of line on the spool, meaning the more line you're able to reel in per crank of the reel. This becomes important when you're fighting fish that may take out hundreds of yards of line. The size of the reel depends on the fish your targeting and how much line and backing you plan to use in fighting the fish. Fish such as speckled trout require much less line capacity compared to a tarpon or billfish. Also remember the heavier the weight line, the more reel capacity it takes up.

Saltwater fly reels unlike most freshwater reels are made of corrosion resistant materials to fight the harsh elements of saltwater. These stainless steels and anodized aluminum materials are still not tuff enough to fight against these elements. To make your investment last, you must clean your reel after every saltwater outing. Many anglers use an old toothbrush, to lightly scrub the reel inside and out with warm freshwater and a mild dish soap and re-lubricating the reel when necessary.

The saltwater fly reel is an important purchase to help enjoy this wonderful sport. Read reviews and research the product your about to spend your money on, you'd hate to lose the fish of a lifetime due to a poor decision when it comes to purchasing a saltwater fly reel.

About the author: To learn more about saltwater fly fishing check out the authors website and forums at http://saltwaterflyfishers. com

Local Bass Fishing

Author: Michael Russell

If you are like me, you love to fish at the drop of a hat. While I do plan fishing trips, I also like to go on a whim.

Sometimes the urge strikes out of nowhere and I get up and go right now. Or, maybe I want to stop on the way home from work (or go instead of work like any bass fisherman worth his salt would do).

But then again, living in the city, there are not many places I can get to quickly enough to accommodate this habit. Most of the lakes in my area are over an hour's drive away, which is reasonable unless you are in a hurry.

After being frustrated by this, I decided to start a campaign to help scratch the itch a little bit. Talking to people didn't help much because very few of them were privy to any local fishing holes. So I turned to the Internet.

Bingo. I discovered a bunch of local parks that had ponds in them stocked with largemouth bass and catfish. So with that information and the help of Yahoo maps, I set out to learn every fishing hole in every local park that I could find. I'm still working on it.

While this was a sacrifice from actually heading out to the lake, this did help scratch the itch somewhat. Some of the ponds I found in the local parks ranged from 3 to 7 acres and were absolutely beautiful. One of the best kept secrets in my city.

In fact, I actually met people IN those parks who either did not know the ponds were stocked, and some didn't even know the ponds were there because they were back off the beaten path.

Admittedly, the fishing can be slow, but it is fishing and I do catch fish from time to time. Just the other day I went to one beautiful little pond hidden in the back of a local park and landed myself a little 2 pound bass (I don't think the bass appreciated my hugs and kisses). Trust me, that was enough to keep the interest up for a few more trips!

Another thing I discovered was some of the local creeks. There are all kinds of fish in them, including bass, catfish, bream and carp (don't tell me about the carp - if you never caught a big one, you are really missing something).

A good addition to your local fishing is privately owned ponds. Sometimes, if you get to know the owners, they will let you fish in there ponds, as long as you respect their property. There are probably more of these privately owned ponds than you realize. Some are open to the public and charge admission and/or require you to be a member of a club to get in. Check into it - it could be well worth it.

So, don't let the fishing blues get you down. If you don't have time to make the trip out to your favorite lake, try one of the local ponds. Especially if you have kids. These parks are a great place to break in a young angler.

About the author: Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Fishing

Key West Fishing

Author: Loren Rea

The geographical layout and location of the Florida Keys provide anglers with many fishing opportunities. With the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Bay on the North side and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, it's no wonder so many fishing enthusiasts flock to the Keys each year to pursue a dream of a permit on fly or to catch some fresh fish for dinner.

The Florida Keys chain of islands flow south and west from the Miami area of Florida. The waters surrounding the islands provide many types of habitat for fish. Flats, or shallow water areas, surround many of the islands and extend into Florida Bay and the Everglades. To the west of Key West also lies one of the only atolls in North America, the Marquesas. This area of flats surrounding the Marquesas is 3 miles wide and has been referred to as ""the golden donut"" by famous author, Jeffrey Cardenas. The Marquesas is a magical place where tarpon, bonefish and permit feed daily on the flats. There is more life here at this atoll, just 22 miles from Key West Harbor, than in many of the other areas of the backcountry of the Lower Keys. Because it is separated from other points of land by 8 miles of brutally rough water, the Boca Grande Channel. This shallow but wide channel feeds water from the Atlantic to the Gulf and on any given day can be brutal to cross in a small boat. Anglers find this place to be most promising on days during the annual tarpon migration while slow summer days you may have the whole atoll to yourself.

The Keys not only attract saltwater fly fishing enthusiasts in search of their first permit on a flyrod but light tackle anglers in search of some arm burning fish to give them a run for their money. Many species call the shallow patch reefs and wrecks home in the Lower Keys. Grouper, mutton snapper, yellowtail snapper, porgy, cobia, grunts, and triggerfish should fill your vocabulary when talking about reef dwelling fish. Many of these species will eat a variety of bait including bucktail jigs, rubber DOA shrimp, live pilchards, squid or chunks of ballyhoo. Bottom fishing is always better during the cooler months here in the Keys. Fall is when many of the larger grouper will move from deeper water where they spent the summer back up onto the reef areas.

For the offshore enthusiast there are so many species to fish for. Challenge your angling ability with light tackle sport fishing for wahoo, sailfish, mahi mahi or tuna, or jump on board a sport fishing vessel and head further offshore for marlin, sharks, swordfish and deep drop for snowy grouper. Many of the species mentioned for light tackle and reef fishing may also be caught off an offshore trolling vessel. It highly depends on the conditions and the captain's abilities.

If you have heard someone talk about fishing the Dry Tortugas they probably had some big fish stories to tell about this fishing playground some 70 miles from Key West. Fort Jefferson is located in the Dry Tortugas National Park and is a tourist attraction not to be missed. This beautiful outpost was never actually used as a fort but served as a safe harbor for shrimp and fishing boats traveling to the mainland Florida, New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Today it still serves as a safe haven from the weather but there are many visitors by seaplane and boats from Key West daily. There are few fishing charters with the licensing to fish the grounds around the Dry Tortugas but if you get to go it will certainly be a big fish event.

About the author: Loren Rea lives and works in the Lower Keys and has been a part of the fishing community for nearly a decade there.

Saltwater fly fishing in the Florida Keys

Author: Loren Rea

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 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.

About the author: Loren Rea writes a weekly fishing report for the lower Florida Keys & Key West in Florida Fishing Weekly magazine. She has lived in Key West for nearly ten years and has been an active part of the fishing community.

Yellowstone Area Media Company Helps Protect Fly Fishing Waters

Author: Dan Staebler

In the past, most people have looked to the government to address various environmental issues. However, with the complexity and magnitude of these issues increasing exponentially, a different approach is needed.

The 'Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!' campaign has become a unifying communications vehicle to address the growing aquatic invasive species issue and it has attracted the interest, support and active involvement of the private sector. The national Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Task Force, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Coast Guard are the primary sponsors of this campaign. However, campaign organizers have realized the power of working with the private sector to increase exposure for the cause.

In order to tap into the popularity of Yellowstone, Wyoming, and Montana fly fishing as part of the travel agenda for many people visiting this environmentally sensitive region, the 'Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!' campaign enlisted the help of Vertical Media, based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

If you ""Google"" Wyoming or Montana Fly Fishing or Yellowstone Vacations, you are likely to come across one of Vertical Media's online travel guides. A banner ad at the top of each site displays the 'Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!' message, urging vacation planning visitors to click and learn how they can help protect the waters in and around Yellowstone National Park .

With Vertical Media's network of websites collectively attracting over 3 million people and generating over 2.4 million referrals annually, this is one example of how the 'Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!' outreach capacity is greatly increased by working closely with private and nonprofit interests. These organizations have a vested stake in promoting a unified conservation message to limit the spread of harmful aquatic invasive species.

For additional details of the 'Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers!' and Vertical Media campaign partnership, visit:

http://www.protectyourwaters.net/news/display.php?id=3937

About the author: Dan is a Publication Team member at Verticle Media . Visit their All Yellowstone site for park information.