Wednesday, December 26, 2012

These Tips Will Help You Be Better At Fishing

One of the best outdoor sports for all ages is fishing. Wherever you are, there are probably great spots to fish close by. Check out the fishing hints and tricks in this article and see if there is something new for you to try so that you can enjoy fishing even more.

It's crucial to know how one cleans a fish correctly. You need a cutting table and small knife. Slit the belly of the fish from under the jaw down to the tail. Remove the head and separate it from the organs by pulling each side in the opposite direction. You should end up with a clean and open fish.

If you are taking children on a fishing trip, ensure that they have equipment that is designed for their size. Don't think children can catch fish with rods bigger than they are!

Depending upon the kind of fish that you hope to land, you may need to use a different hook size than you are used to working with. Hooks are sized using a number system; larger hooks have smaller numbers and smaller hooks have larger numbers. Large hooks are good for fish like bass and walleye, and smaller hooks are perfect for perch.


Try casting techniques that can have your lure landing on the water without being too loud. If your lure makes a loud noise when it hits the surface of the water, it will actually scare fish away, rather than attract them. To ensure the lure is as quiet as possible, try using only your wrist when you cast the rod.

Learning about how different fish react to different temperatures is a great tip to use when fishing. Fish tend to thrive in various temperatures. If you are going to be fishing for specific fish, you need to keep this in mind. Plan your fishing trips for days when the water temperature will be conducive to your fish. This will greatly increase your success in fishing.

Before you set out on your next fishing trip, it is best to consult a forecast to ascertain expected weather conditions. Getting caught in a severe storm in open water can be dangerous. Always view the weather report prior to embarking on a fishing excursion.

Wet the line before tying a knot. This fortifies the knot and cuts down on friction caused by the process of tying the knot. Use a knot such as the double fisherman or clinch knot.

Use a different method when you fish at night than when you fish during the day. Fishing at night can prove to be extremely rewarding when done right. When fishing for certain species, such as small-mouthed bass, you should use heavier tackle in order to experience a sturdier feeling for where your lure is at in the water. You can use lures such as plastic worms or pork rinds are good choices when you are night fishing. Single lures can also be very helpful in minimizing tangles.

An awesome fishing tip is to ask locals what method is the best for catching fish. The joy of fishing is about sharing information with fellow fishermen, such as what bait is popular, or where the fish are biting because fishing techniques change throughout the season.

If you plan to fish from a boat, you should pack accordingly. Do not overlook important items like a flashlight, mobile device and first-aid kit. It is essential that you always exercise safety when fishing on open water. Under certain circumstances, one or all of these items could be the only thing ensuring your safe return.

Fishing is a most enjoyable activity that will give you back what you put into it, for the most part. Whether you want to make fishing a relaxing pastime or a competitive performance, there is a lot more advice for you waiting out there. Always remember to keep an eye out for new fishing techniques.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

How To Choose The Right Fishing Rod

Nothing is more important to a fisherman than his rod. However, for the beginner fisherman it can be difficult to determine what rod will work best for them. So I've taken the time to create this blog post to hopefully shine some light on fishing rods, and more importantly, how to choose the right one for you.

Fishing rods are almost always made from some type of carbon. These can be carbon-based plastics, carbon composites combined with Kevlar, or just high density carbon. Because carbon is relatively light and yet very strong it's a great material to use with fishing rods. This is because fishing rods need to be light. The lighter fishing rod, the easier it is to handle, controlling it is less tiring on the arm muscles, and they're also easier to cast.


Fishing rods also have rings made from chrome, silicon carbide, or ceramic. These rings let the fishing line pass through them, and they're made from these materials to give a friction free surface for the line. As to what type of rod you should get with what type of ring, the silicon-based rings are always going to be the best, but they're the most expensive. Ceramic rings are the second best, and chrome rings are a good alternative to pick if you can't find the other two.

When you're trying to figure out the length of the rod you want to use, you need to take into account the type of fishing that you are going to be engaging in. If you're going to be fishing far away from the boat or where you're standing, you should get a longer rod because this will give you better control when reeling in the fish. If you're going to be fishing in a small area you should get a smaller rod. A general rule of thumb for the best rod size for all types of fishing is about 13 feet.

Rod handles are to made either from foam or they are going to be made from cork. However, it doesn't really matter what type of handle you choose. It really comes down to a matter of personal preference. You should go to your local fishing shopping try handling both types of materials so you can see which one you like before actually purchasing a rod.

Action is the term used in fishing to describe how the rod will bend when it is placed under effort and strain from a fighting fish. Some fishermen like their rod to have a lot of action, while others prefer a stiffer rod. You won't really know which type you prefer until you get out there and actually begin to fish. So before purchasing a rod on your own, it is recommended that you tag along with the fishing buddy and try out various types of rods for yourself.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

There Are Some Hidden Benefits Of Fishing

Fishing is a great hobby that anyone can enjoy and that is appealing in many ways. Anyone can enjoy the peaceful distraction of fishing, and if you're a fan then you don't need to tell me how addictive it can be and how satisfying it is too reel in a big catch.

But then there are some other hidden benefits of fishing too that you might be less aware of. Fishing is good for you and your lifestyle in many ways, so let's look at some of the hidden advantages you're probably enjoying without even realizing it.

  
Health

Fishing is good for your health in more ways than one. Of course the fact that you're outside means that you're getting fresh air and lots of sun and this is obviously going to be good for you in a number of ways. Then there's the psychological advantage of getting some alone time with your thoughts and with no pressures or stresses - turning off your phone and just enjoying your surroundings is incredibly good for your psychological well-being and your blood pressure and it's something that many of us don't do enough.

Then though there's also the benefit of the fish - if you eat any of what you catch that is. Fish are filled with proteins, are low in fat and are high in essential fatty acids which makes them good for your joints, skin and even your brain.

Time

Fishing is brilliant because it doesn't require your full attention. Once you've set up the line you can then just sit by it and wait for the bite which of course means you have your hands and your attention free. That makes it the perfect opportunity to catch up on some reading if you need to, to call friends and manage your correspondence or to read the morning paper. If you struggle to get a moment to yourself, then fishing is the perfect excuse to be left alone with your thoughts.

Though that said, if you want to go with a partner or a friend then this is also a great way to get some quality time with them and to have a catch-up.

Scenery

If you're fishing then that means you'll be going to lots of scenic locations and enjoying a great view. Make sure that you don't squander this and just focus on the fish - drink in your surroundings and enjoy the fact that you're somewhere beautiful.

In fact you can also take this opportunity to engage in an artistic pursuit which could mean sketching or painting your surroundings, or maybe doing some photography. At the same time though, if you're someone who travels a lot, then fishing will give you a great way to experience the new destination and a great activity that you can enjoy in any country to get more from your holiday.

Conversation

When you meet a fellow fisher, you'll find that it's almost like being a member of an exclusive club and instantly you'll have loads to talk about and you'll find that you make fast friends. A great way to break the ice and get chatting to strangers.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

How To Buy The Best Fishing Rods

I hate when someone comes up to me and asks me what type of fishing rod should they buy? So many times I feel like screaming at them "how the hell should I know!" its kind of like a complete stranger asking you what food should they eat? Without knowledge of what they like, any allergies and how much they want to spend its very hard to answer this question. Buying a fishing rod is no different but it is very exact depending on your use for it. There are so many choices but this choice may not be all that difficult if you know what you are looking for. Remember that different types of fishing require different types of tackle and you would not use a fishing rod designed for Tuna when you are fishing for Trout.

If you are a beginning fisherman there are quite a few inexpensive choices you can make and most of them won't break the bank. Pretty much any tackle store or Walmart will have what you need, but if you are a tournament angler or somewhere in between your choices will need to include a few more factors. Do you travel to your fishing grounds? Do you fish from shore, a pier or do you own a boat? Basically, the more often you fish and the type of fishing you do should determine the quality of the rod you purchase. This fishing rod should also fit your fishing style, such as a rod that breaks down into 2 or more sections if you travel, a longer rod if you fish from piers or the surf or one with specialized guides if you troll from a boat.

Although there are some rods that can do double duty for several species of fish and are adequate for both fresh and saltwater it is quite often about the experience of the angler that determines how much wiggle room you have with your rod and reel. But this doesn't mean you can use a tuna stick for trout or visa versa.


Most fishing rods are designed to accommodate either a spinning reel, conventional reel or baitcasting reel and again the choice comes down to what you are planning on fishing for. If you are fishing for crappie on your local lake you may choose a spinning reel and matching rod for this type of fishing, taking into consideration that lighter line will give you a better feel for any bites and working a jig or lure. Match the rod to the reel to the line for the species and water conditions! For large offshore species you may need to sacrifice some sensitivity for a rod with backbone and a reel with a smooth drag and capable of holding a large quantity of quality fishing line. I will say it again and again, the key is to match all the equipment to the target species. Often the equipment used for a great many species will overlap and you can use the same tackle with only minor tweaking. For those on a budget this is an important consideration.

So now as you narrow down where you are most likely to fish and what types of fish you are most likely to target, you now need to consider what techniques you enjoy using to fish for them. My brother only uses live bait and I prefer to use artificial lures most of the time so we both have to tailor our tackle to these individual techniques. With live bait he needs a more sensitive rod to feel the bait or fish indicating an imminent strike, while I need a rod that allows me to cast repeatedly and work my lure with maximum action and efficiency.

Most rods will be made out of either fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass has been the tried and true material but will be a bit thicker in diameter for similar strength and reliability. Graphite is the overwhelming winner when more sensitivity is needed. Fiberglass is probably a bit heavier that graphite but the difference is not so great as to make it a deciding factor. Balance and action are the important factors. Rods are considered to have a fast, moderate-fast, moderate or slow-action, much of the action is dependant more on the taper and construction of the Fishing rod that the material used. A rod that flexes mostly near the tip is said to have an Xtra-Fast taper, while a rod which seems to flex over the entire length of the rod employs a Slow taper.

So now that you have a lot of the information you need to purchase a fishing rod, and keeping in mind that the wonderful people at your local tackle shop or outdoors superstore will be able to guide you in your choice, its time to make a choice. If price and durability is a factor than look towards the less expensive fiberglass, if you need increased sensitivity and can afford it, look into graphite. But again, it really comes down to a balanced outfit and what you are most comfortable with. Many rods will serve your purpose but only a few will really feel like a great fit.