Guide to Fly Lines, Rods and Reels

Buying your first fly fishing rod and reel is an exciting prospect. Knowing WHAT to buy, however, can be a bit daunting.

You need information to help you buy the right rod and reel and have the right line for the kind of fly fishing you want to do, where you want to do it, and what kind of fish you want to fish for. All of these things matter a great deal. There is no one-size-fits-all.

Fly fishing rods are specified as a length and an 'AFTM' number. The AFTM relates to the weight of fly line that the rod is designed to be used with.

Casting a line heavier than the rod is designed for can cause the rod to break, under loading it makes casting very difficult, since the light line will not flex the rod enough to make it cast properly.

It is vital that you purchase a rod that is suitable for your uses, and that you match that rod to the correct weight of fly line.

More Information:
http://www.landbigfish.com/affiliates/welcome.cfm?SiteID=1739&LinkID=2

The reel has to have the capacity to hold your fly line plus 50 feet of backing. That's all it does. It's simply a line carrier and it has no other use.

Some people try to play their fish on the reel, you'll see them, they're the ones that run backwards for 20 yards when they hook a fish in order to get a tight line between reel and fish.

Don't bother, it's much easier to hold on to the line that you were retrieving, and play the fish in, just dropping the spare line at your feet.Because you are only looking for a line carrier, you don't need to spend a lot of money on a fly reel.

More Information:
http://www.landbigfish.com/affiliates/welcome.cfm?SiteID=1739&LinkID=2

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About the Author:

Mick Hunt is a retired school teacher and an avid fisherman. After retirement he spends time on the river doing what he likes best…fishing. He also has created a rather significant income online to support his “habit.”
http://MickHunt.net


Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

Actually Fishing Is Fun

Fishing is a fun and tranquil sport that lets you spend quiet time with your friends, family and with Mother Nature.

Fresh water fishing is a sport involving the catching of fish in lakes, rivers and streams. It involves a lot of patience, challenge and a lot of acquired skill over time. Anyone can participate in this fun activity, including the kids.

To start, you have to check your State’s fishing requirements and make sure if a license is needed for you to fish. If it is required, you must acquire one by checking with a sporting goods store. They will help you how to get it, and some will even provide it for you.

During the time that you are in your favorite sporting goods store, you can look around and buy the right fishing equipment that you will be need for your trip. Considering that you are a beginner, make sure that you budget well the cost and your spending on the equipment, not deciding on expensive equipments; buy only the basic things you will need.

When in doubt as to what is needed, ask the help of the store keeper, but do keep in mind that you need to stick to a budget. Take your time and don’t hesitate to ask how to use each piece of equipment that is offered to you. Artificial lures for bait can be used or you can simply look for worms from your back yard.

An inexpensive fishing rod and reel will be enough along with a fishing line, hooks, weights, a bobber (this keeps your line afloat), fishing lures and net. A polarized sunglass is also essential, as it will help to see clearly through the water and lessen the glare.

Then if you don’t know the good locations to fish, ask about local “hot” spots, or check your State’s fishing regulations for information about fishing locations around your State.

The time will surely come when you will be a better fisherman; then you may decide on upgrading your equipment. In the meantime, keep things simple.

It is always advised that you avoid fishing alone. Always be with a friend, as when emergency strikes, there can be someone who can call for help.

It is wise to start fishing in shallow waters. Aim your cast in shady or rocky areas where the water is deep, as this is where the fish is expected to be found. Keep in mind that this is all practice first.

As your skill level develops and increases, you can then attempt into deeper waters. But before going, take the time to practice casting to familiarize yourself with your rod and your reel.

What better place to practice than your back yard. To do so, mark off an area using a rope and use this as your guide in aiming your cast. Rehearse and study your movements to discover a method that will work for you. Bear in mind, cast with your wrist, and not with your arm.

Fishing hooks are very sharp and needed to be handled with care to avoid injury. Before casting, it is important that you should look around you and stay unobstructed to avoid hurting other people with your hook.

When the right time has come and you go fishing for real, keep in mind to cast your line always ahead of the fish, making your bait land slowly, with as little splash as possible. The fish will see well at a close point, but cannot see behind.

If your casts are going in a disorganized manner, move closer to the water so you can gain better accuracy.

Watch the bobber closely for any movement. If and when a fish grabs the bait, the bobber will be pulled under water. This signals that you got a fish on the line. Don’t get too excited. Remain calm.

Keeping your line tight, slowly reel in your catch. Place the net near and use it to bring the fish out. Remove the hook from the fish with great care.

If you got an undersized fish (as noted in the state’s regulation book), quickly return it to the water. Likewise, if you have no intention in eating your catch, do not waste it and return it to the water. Releasing the fish will supply the water with more fish, giving future fishermen the thrill to experience a catch.

Lastly, look around you and feel the calm, restful and serene view of the river.

Have fun!

Thanks Dale

Time For A Story

Hey everyone

First I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by and visit my blog. For a while I never took my blogging seriously but now things have changed. I am posting almost everyday and enjoying the hell out of it.

I work out of town for usually three weeks at a time. The last time I was home my sons and I got to put my new canoe in the water. Believe it or not I am a first time canoer. Damn if we didnt almost tip in the first 30 seconds.

We decided to put it on a big lake with lots of boats and big waves. Boy was that a dumb thing to do. About 3 minutes later we were off the lake and I was discouraged as hell. The next week we decided to put it in a little river by home and that turned out a lot better.

We got comfortable very quickly and were catching fish shortly afetrwards. I guess all Im trying to say is be careful and take all the proper precautions. If we would have tipped we were in 40 feet of water and things could have gone bad in a hurry.

Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

Tips for Archery Fishing

Also known as Bow fishing, this is a sport wherein a fisherman uses archery equipment to fish.

A regular hunting bow can be used for fishing by simply attaching a reel to the front of the bow grip.

Archery fishing is especially favored by regular hunters when regular game like deer are off season. This way they can continuously hone their skills for whatever season it may be.

Before engaging in archery fishing, one must first take into consideration the following:

1. A fisherman must be duly licensed. Some states require that an individual have a state license to fish.

2. Equipment. Most states have a predetermined set of approved equipment for archery fishing.

3. Archery Safety Course. Still, some states require that an individual go through an approved safety course for archery fishing to ensure that the individual is well versed with the proper safety precautions and information regarding applicable laws in fishing.

4. Seasons. Bow fishing in some states can only be done in certain seasons. This is to allow the fish to spawn.

5. Species of fish. Some states have rules forbidding archery fishing for some species of fish.

The following skills are necessary for an individual to obtain and practice:

Knot tying. Though it may seem like a simple task, tying knots that will not slip (line for the arrow) are crucial in bow fishing.

Tuning. Tuning is making sure that the bow is at its best working condition. To ensure this, one has to continuously adjust the rest and calibrate the nock.

For a faster tuning process, one may shoot a regular bow-fishing arrow (without the tip) onto a target made of cardboard.

Marksmanship or targeting. Bow fishing and bow hunting, though similar on some aspects, really do differ on many things. Arrows for bow fishing are heavier, have larger arrow tips and, the most obvious one, has a string attached to the arrow.

And since fish are shot in the water, resistance differs as when compared to shooting in the air (for bow hunting of games)

There are various methods or ways of archery fishing. This includes the following:

1. Still hunting. A fisherman selects a place by the lake in which he would wait for passing fish to shoot its bow at.

2. Stalking. This can be done on foot or while on a boat. One is in constant motion in an attempt to locate fish.

3. Ambush. Fish that are best ambushed are the ones that are spawning since they tend to crowd thus increasing chances of target.

Dale

http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

Excellent Fishing Rods for that Perfect Fishing Experience

Today’s fishing rods have incorporated modern features that are not typical of the more primitive cane pole. Modern fishing rods contain reels, which aid in the retrieval of fish caught in its bait.

A much-sophisticated feature is the spinning rod where the entire shaft of the rod except the handle can move around on its axis to allow flexibility when fish caught on snare bait struggles through the water.

Like the classic cane fishing rods, the fishing gadget is thick at the handle (bottom) and is tapered and thinner at the tip. This very basic design allows handling stability and flexible movement of the entire length of the shaft.

Types of Fishing Rods and Specifications

A typical fishing rod measures 6 and 16 feet (2 and 5 m) and vary in capability to tolerate strain in fishing activity. The length has a lot to do with withstanding force exerted by the fish to the pole and determines for the most part the performance of rods used for angling.

Cane Poles

Cane poles are one of the smallest and less sophisticated gadgets in fishing. It is usually made of bamboo or other flexible wood material with the most basic fly line attached to it.

Unlike other more sophisticated fishing rods, cane poles do not usually contain reels or its equivalent to be used for reeling in or retrieving fish caught on bait. This very same action is known as angling.

Spinning Rods

These types of rods are the most popular today. They can be used either for heavyweight or lightweight fish although they were proven best for trout, walleye and bass fish. They vary in measurements from 5 and 7 feet (1.5 and 2.5 m).

Spinning poles are commonly used in bass fishing competition accounting for their flexibility and tolerance to stress. They accommodate bigger and tougher fly lines and stabilize them to avoid line tangles during uncoiling of float lines.

Jigging Rods

These rods are best for heavy lures and baits especially when reaching around 180 to 200 feet under the ocean’s surface. They are made of fine, solid materials which accounts to their heaviness. The use of jigging rods is specifically due to alternating currents during the fishing activity.

Some oceans have erratic undersea current. That is why the bait and fly lines should be kept in place. Lures are also disturbed and cause confusion among fish if the lines are not long and heavy enough to withstand and tolerate water currents under the sea.

These rods are best for target fishes usually found dwelling at the bottom of the sea such as halibut and cods.

Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

What Are Sunfish?

Sunfish are probably the most universally popular fish fished in the world. They are some of the easiest to catch for youngsters or a great challenge for experienced anglers to catch the big ones. And to top it all off there isn’t much that beats the sweet taste of sunfish.

Sunfish can be referred to as crappies, black bass, blue gill and pumpkinseeds. Sunfish are usually crossbred with other fish to make them worth catching. Without this true sunfish are usually of no interest to anglers because they are just too small.

In the spring is when sunfish begin spawning. It’s usually in water temperatures between upper 60s to low 70s. Nests are usually built very close together forming a breeding colony. The males usually build on a sand or gravel bottom in depths from 6 inches to 3 feet. The female will deposit more than 200 000 eggs and then she will abandon the nest. The male will guard the eggs and then later the fry. He is very aggressive, attacking anything that comes near the nest including fisherman’s bait.

Sunfish can spawn many times through out the summer and this usually takes place during a full moon. Larval, adult insects, crustaceans, mollusks and sometimes small fish build the diet of the sunfish. Sunfish rely heavily on their sight and smell to find their meals.

Sunfish over populate their habitats because they produce so many young. While fishing pressure is usually high the fish remain small because of the high competition for food.

The world record blue gill was caught in Ketona Lake, Alabama, in 1950. The fish weighed 4 pounds 12 ounces.

The world record Redear was caught in Diversion Canal, South Carolina in 1998. The fish weighed 5 pounds 7 ounces.

The world record Pumpkinseed was caught in Oswego Pond, New York in 1985. The fish weighed 1 pound 6 ounces.

Overall the sunfish is just an all round fun fish to catch. You can be sure that if you know where they are you won’t have a problem catching them. They can turn a slow fishing day into a very successful and fun day.

Dale Mazurek

Just remember that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work.

http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

Bamboo Fly Rods

A well built bamboo rod is one of the finest rods available. A classic bamboo fly rod is not a simple bamboo pole.

The rod is made from split sections of bamboo, planed into tapered sections that are then glued together to form a hollow, tapered rod.

The type of bamboo used for a bamboo fly rod is called Tonkin cane (Pseudosasa amabilis). This bamboo has very straight canes with high quality wood.

There are a number of books available on building the rod. The tools needed are probably more difficult to make than the actual rod.

Luckily, Yagers Flies sells bamboo rods. The bamboo fly rod is experiencing something of a revival as people look for a classic, handmade fly rod.

More Information:
http://www.yagersflies.com/elbaro.html

Each bamboo fly rod is a handmade artifact. In the early days rod builders were extremely secretive about how they built their rods.

There were no books available and information was very difficult to come by. The men who built these rods had to go through an apprenticeship and were naturally reluctant to see the knowledge of rod building become generally available.

With time this changed and today there is a lot of information on building, restoring, and collecting bamboo fly rods.

Up until the 1830's fly rods were made of wood. These were very long, over 10 feet. They were fairly easy to make but had problems with warping and breaking, especially near the tip. They were also heavy.

Some builders tried laminated wood for the tips and later, laminated bamboo strips. They used a type of cane from India called "Calcutta Cane".

This was an improvement and with time the entire rod came to be built with laminated bamboo. At first just two strips were used but eventually the six strips we see in today’s rods were used and by 1870 this was the accepted form used in most fly rods.

More Information:
http://www.historyofflyfishing.com/?hop=bunker1313

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About the Author:

Mick Hunt is a retired school teacher and an avid fisherman. After retirement he spends time on the river doing what he likes best…fishing. He also has created a rather significant income online to support his “habit.”
http://MickHunt.net

Baiting Tips

When you’re fishing in deep timber your main focus will be to not get your line tangled up. Use a plastic worm or a jigging spoon for the best results.

Make sure that you work the area that you’re fishing as thoroughly as possible. Try a few different lures if the first one doesn’t bring you success. You might want to think about returning again at a different time of day.

Make sure that you keep a constant eye on your lines particularly when you’re retrieving them.

Remember that when the weather is cold the bass can strike and completely miss the lures. The more noise that you make the less the bass will bite.

Night fishing is a great option in the summer months when the water temperature during the day is just too hot for bass to swim high in the water.

These are the best baits to use as recommended by fly fishing experts:

Fly Fishing with Grubs :

Grubs are small lures that are usually used to catch larger fish. Grubs are great for use in highland reservoirs where there is little cover for the fish.

The grub is much like a bare jig head that has a soft plastic body to attach to the hook. You’ll want to use them most often in clear water conditions.

Fly Fishing with Jigs:

Jigs are best used in water that is clear to murky and in water temperatures that are below 60 degrees.

The jig is considered to be a “presentation” lure and the ideal way to use them is by making them look as alive as you can. The jig is essentially lead-weighted bait that has one hook. You'll want to add a trailer to the end of the hook for the best results.

Fly Fishing with Plastic worms:

If you want to catch that trophy fish you'll probably want to use a plastic worm. This is because the plastic worm is one of the most effective lures for catching any type of big fish.

Plastic worms have a thin and long profile with a lifelike action that attracts them instantly to bass. You’ll have to learn how to use a plastic worm by touch, feel, and practice. The more that you practice that better results you’ll achieve.

The one thing that you need to keep in mind is that the fish needs to see the worm before it will hit it. Therefore, a plastic worm is best used in clear water.

Choose lures that are all black or all white. A mix of black and red also works quite well. There will be the odd time when fluorescent colors, such as bright yellow or green, will work well but you’ll need to experiment with this.

More Information:
http://www.landbigfish.com/affiliates/welcome.cfm?SiteID=1739&LinkID=2


Mick Hunt is a retired school teacher and an avid fisherman. After retirement he spends time on the river doing what he likes best…fishing. He also has created a rather significant income online to support his “habit.”
http://MickHunt.com


Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

Alaska Fishing Lodge - A Trip To Remember by Kevin McCarthy

When fishing in Alaska timing is everything. In other words each species of fish has a time when they are most available and when there is an abundance of that particular fish. When booking a reservation with one of the resorts, check to see if the fish you want to catch are available during your visit.

Besides seeing the sights and experiencing seasonal changes in weather there is just plain relaxing. Consider stopping at the nearest Alaska fishing lodge. There are so many packages available and so many offers that you surely will find one for your family.

A great Alaska fishing lodge is one that offers all the amenities with easy access to the water. Any package should include close proximity to the oceanfront lodging, great meals, guide services and fish processing. So you get everything you need all in one trip. There are many choices in fishing lodges. Alaska also offers a great variety and quantity of fish to be caught. They can be caught in different regions of the state and at various seasons. Alaska most popular fish is the salmon and the runner up is halibut. In the South central region there are various choices of fishing lodges. First, Alaska Tree Tops Fishing Lodge. Then there is Alaska Accommodations and Fishing Charters, Alaska Adventure Company, LLC Wilderness Place Lodge. In the southeast region there are several selections in lodges such as Alaskan Advantage and Shelter Cove Lodge and Salmon Falls Resort. The southwest offers the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. There are many more selections of Alaska fishing lodges that are available. By searching the web or logging onto cleverfishing.com you may find out which lodge is best to suit your needs and who offers the best package and pricing.

Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.

Moreover, some types of lodge also house a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.

Most fishing lodges offer valued deals on shelter, food, and fishing equipment rentals. How can you select what is best for you? Decide on what region has the fish you are looking to catch. Pricing varies on lodges, regions, seasons and packaging. A package can start from $75 and range up to thousands of dollars. Guides are included in these packages to show you the region and where the fish reside, how to catch them best and when is a good time to go fishing.

Alaska fishing lodges are fully staffed with professional fisherman who have been guiding on fishing subjects for many years. They love fish and will give the best fishing experience to maximize your chance for success. This should keep you coming back for more. Alaska fishing lodges offer stays from four to seven nights and offer a variety of options to meet the clients needs and desires. Most of the lodging are owned and operated by Alaskan residents.

Most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services. In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.

Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.

Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States. With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer. Staying in an Alaska Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.

FREE REPORT: The Clever Way To Plan and Budget the Fishing Trip of Your Dreams. EBOOK: Everything Clever You Ever Wanted To Know About Fishing


Thanks Dale
http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/
http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/

The Art Of Dry Flies

A fisherman that fly fishes knows the most fun comes from dry fly fishing. In this article I hope to enlighten all of you with some favourite techniques.

Watching the fly drift on the water, the flash of the trout grabbing it and then the bend in your fly rod. This is exactly what all fly fishermen hope to experience. Just to get this experience most fly fishermen will go to extreme measures to make this happen. Sure most guys don’t mind taking a big old rainbow or brown on a nymph but catching that brookie on a dry fly is usually always preferred.

When I first get to the stream I am going to fish I put on a nymph. The reason for this is that I can be catching fish while I am paying attention to what’s going on, on the top. When I finally see what’s going on than its time to switch to a dry fly and have lots of fun.

Your equipment choice is very important. I suggest using as long of a rod as possible. For some reason some fishermen like to use shorter rods but I can’t think of a better feeling than the fight of trout fighting on a long rod.

It is also best to use a large arbour reel. A large arbour reel keeps your fly line supple, without curls from tight diameter storage. A fine drag system or none at all is important to protect the tippet from breaking when the fish runs. Something else that’s important is good rod balance. The reel weight must make the fly rod by the cork grip balance. If you have the right balance casting will feel second nature. Once you have the right balance you will be able to feel your fly trailing on the leader.

Understanding these aspects of fly fishing really is not difficult. It does take time and practice. With the practice you will get to the point where you understand all aspects of your equipment and the details of your techniques. If you keep going after trout, especially with a fly rod then chances are you will never go back to spinning equipment.

It’s going to take hours and hours of practice. I remember practicing my casting at the local park so that I could just focus on casting instead of worrying about the water. Fly fishing when mastered is an art that really can be mastered by anyone.

Dale Mazurek

Dale is working on making a career on line. Himself and his partner have teamed up to help build the largest, honest and most profitable organization on the internet. You can check out how he and his partner are doing at http://unityblog1.blogspot.com/ or check out many of his other blogs at http://dalesblogs.blogspot.com/

Taking Pictures Of Your Fish

Taking great pictures of your catch may not seem that important but these are memories you want to show off forever. In this article I will try and give you some easy tips on taking great pictures of your fish.
There is nothing better than a few great looking pictures hanging in your den. The pictures of the big one that you just caught. They turn out to be great conversation pieces and in jest they even make your buddies a little jealous.
You see the pictures everyday on the internet and in magazines. You often wonder how such great pictures were snapped and you often think you have to be a professional to get pictures of that quality. While there are a lot of professionals taking pictures there are also a large amount of amateurs snapping professional looking pictures. It really is quite simple as long as you follow a couple small tips and techniques.
The most important part of your fish picture taking experience is that it is a must to use a wide angle lens. With the wide angle lens the photographer can get a closer shot of you and your prize catch. Another thing that a wide angle lens does is makes the fish look bigger than it really is. Something else to remember is to make sure the sun is behind the person that is taking the picture. This will ensure the shadows and glares are kept out of the pictures.
One last quick but very important point is to get the picture of your fish just as it gets out of the water. When you can do this it will give the picture much better quality because the water on the fish enhances the shine and brings out way better colors.
Okay I know it doesnt seem like much and it really isn’t. These couple of tips can make all the difference in the world between just a picture and a great picture. Remember when you are taking this picture it’s something you want to be able to share with your grand children and you want the picture to look as good twenty years from now as it does today.
Just remember that a bad day of fishing is always better than a good day at work.
Dale Mazurek
Dale is a self taught professional fisherman for the last 35 years. He is the successful author of his fishing blog at http://fishingtutor.blogspot.com/ you can also find two more of his very popular blogs at http://relationshiptidbits.blogspot.com/ or http://stcajo-readshortstories.blogspot.com/